Logan County could see expansion of broadband in the near future

RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. – Logan County Fiscal Court is partnering with the Russellville Electric Plant Board to apply for a grant to help expand fiber optic accessibility for locals.

Around 31% of Logan County is not served by broadband accessibility.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is offering grants of up to $288 million in funding to support broadband infrastructure deployment to areas lacking broadband, especially rural areas.

These federal funds, if given by the NTIA to Russellville EPB, will allow fiber optics to run across much of U.S. 68 Ky. 80 in Logan County to help provide internet capabilities to surrounding areas, according to information from both representatives of the plant.

The goal of the expansion is to bridge internet accessibility gap in the areas including a portion of road entering Lewisburg, according to Judge-Executive Logan Chick.

“We went through a COVID year and children was at home trying to do their lessons or traveling to hotspots that were established here in Logan County to do their schoolwork. And of course, they’re the future of the county and it’s all about protecting our future and being able to do their work at home,” said Chick.

The county and plant will know more information about whether they will receive this grant around November.