Advancements were made this week in multiple efforts to increase broadband access among unserved and underserved Kentuckians. On Tuesday, Scott County and Spectrum announced a $21 million partnership, while State Budget Director John Hicks announced that a new Request for Proposals (RFP) would be released next week.
During the 2021 legislative session, state legislators dedicated $300 million to bring broadband to more areas across the Commonwealth using funds the state received from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act.
The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA) has been tasked with awarding $50 million of these funds before April 1, 2022.
Hicks spoke to the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue this week, informing committee members that the RFP to distribute these funds is nearly ready and will be released by KIA sometime next week.
Early stages of funding will be focused on supporting unserved areas, which state officials have begun mapping. Though Hicks points out that the maps are “not great” just yet, they will offer guidance as the process begins.
After the RFP is released, applicants will have two and a half months to submit materials, followed soon after by a one-month challenge process. Both the process and timelines for evaluation and awards are still being determined.
Watch the Aug. 4 meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue, featuring State Budget Director John Hicks, HERE.
