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Harlan broadband signing

Harlan County Judge-Executive Dan Mosley, seated far right, signs a contract with Harlan Community Television, represented by Mark Lawrence, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, to provide high-speed internet service to unserved and underserved areas of Harlan County. Witnessing the signing are, from left, Cole Raines, Executive Director of One Harlan County; Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO of The Center for Rural Development; Richard Taylor, Executive Vice President; and Zach Ausmus, Telecommunications Project Manager.

CLAY COUNTY – The Center for Rural Development today announced it is awarding a $100,000 grant to Clay County Fiscal Court for a broadband expansion project that will serve 147 households in the Brutus community.

Lonnie Lawson Interviewd by WKYT

The Center for Rural Development in partnership with the Kentucky Office of Broadband Development delivered an Informational and Listening Session in Clay County

Meghan Sandfoss, Executive Director, Kentucky Office of Broadband Development

Scott Surber, Broadband Technology Liaison

Broadband 16 County Announcement

From left are Judge-Executive J. Woods Adams III, Lincoln County; Mayor Todd DePriest of Jenkins; Judge-Executive Terry Adams, Letcher County; Judge-Executive Howell Holbrook Jr, Rockcastle County; State Rep. Tom O’Dell Smith; Cloyd Bumgardner, Pulaski County Judge/Administrative Assistant; Lonnie Lawson, President and CEO of The Center for Rural Development, Judge-Executive Harry Clark, Rowan County; Judge-Executive Mike Mitchell, Knox County; Brad Kilbey, CEO of Accelecom; State Sen. Robert Stivers; TJ Scott, Vice President of Operations, Broadlinc; Jeremy Holbrook, Boyd County Commissioner, and Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. of Whitley County.

The Center for Rural Development today awarded Clay County Fiscal Court a $100,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the Kentucky Department for Local Government for a broadband expansion project that will serve 147 households in the Brutus community.

the Harlan County Fiscal Court, led by Judge-Executive Dan Mosley, took a significant step in bringing high-speed internet to underserved areas of the county.

Keith Gabbard, CEO, Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative

Closing the Digital Divide: The Center’s Broadband Efforts in Action

As the digital age continues to evolve, The Center for Rural Development is at the forefront of ensuring that rural communities in Southern and Eastern Kentucky are not left behind. With a commitment to closing the digital divide, The Center is actively working with city and county governments, fiber boards, Area Development Districts (ADDs), and other organizations to expand broadband access and connectivity across the region.

Useful Links

Key Benefits

Expand economic development
Advance educational achievement
Improve healthcare outcomes
Increase community safety
Lower cost and better access

Is my Community Ready?

A “Fiber Ready” Community fosters broadband adoption, realizing its impact on a community’s socioeconomic status. The Last Mile Action Team works to increase broadband access and adoption. This team can assist communities in becoming fiber-ready and is available through The Center for Rural Development.

For further information or inquiries, please contact Scott Surber, Broadband Technology Liaison at The Center, at [email protected] or 606-677-6000.

Technology Assistance Program (TAP)

The Center for Rural Development has launched a Technology Assistance Program (TAP) to help communities begin asset mapping, perform feasibility studies, and conduct pre-engineering analyses of community fiber projects or other activities that will extend the reach of the KentuckyWired fiber infrastructure. The initiative is funded by grant KY-18984-17 from the Appalachian Regional Commission and is administered by The Center for Rural Development. The Center has additional information about local, state, and federal funds that support the initiative to bring broadband access to rural areas.

The Center is dedicated to helping communities explore ways to become “fiber ready”, in order to make reliable high-speed, high-capacity internet available to as many people as possible. The mission of The Center is to positively impact the communities within 45 counties of southern and eastern Kentucky, through supporting the implementation of KentuckyWired infrastructure. The Center is working to bridge the digital divide. Communities interested in broadband training opportunities are encouraged to contact The Center at [email protected] or 606-677-6000.

TAP guide

TAP application

Cumberland Valley Broadband Information Session

Serving Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Rockcastle, Whitley counties Connecting communities starts here! The Center for Rural Development recently held an informational session in Cumberland Valley Area Development District in London, KY., sharing updates on broadband expansion and how it can enhance education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for local families.

Kentucky River ADD Broadband Session

Serving Breathitt, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry, and Wolfe counties

Gateway ADD Broadband Session

A future connected! At the Gateway Area Development District in Morehead, our team shared the latest updates on broadband initiatives and collaborated with regional leaders on innovative solutions for lasting digital connectivity. Every step brings us closer to transforming lives in rural Kentucky!

SOAR Summit 2024

Appalachia’s future is digital! The Center showcased its broadband initiatives at this year’s SOAR Summit, highlighting the impact of connectivity on education, telehealth, and job creation. It’s time to bridge the divide and empower our communities! Together, we’re moving Appalachia forward.

Meet the Funders Event – Corbin, KY

Funding the future of connectivity! At the Meet the Funders event in Corbin, The Center helped local leaders explore funding opportunities for broadband projects. These partnerships are essential for creating a digitally connected Appalachia!