Federal Backing Fuels High-Speed Internet Expansion in Kentucky: Narrowing the Digital Divide
In an effort to minimize the digital divide, Kentucky is set to receive over $1 billion for high-speed Internet access as part of the Biden-Harris administration’s ‘Investing in America’ campaign.
“What this announcement means for people across the country is that if you don’t have access to quality, affordable high-speed Internet service now – you will, thanks to President Biden and his commitment to investing in America,”
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.
Impact of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program in Kentucky
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, from which Kentucky’s allocation of $1,086,172,536.86 is sourced, empowers Kentucky to initiate local grant programs, priming the pump for potential job growth and sustainable economic development.
Boosting Kentucky’s Digital Transition and Economic Prosperity
The allocated funding is predicted to broaden participation in the digital economy, stimulate local fiber-optic cable manufacturing, and catalyze job creation in the construction of Internet infrastructure.
High-Speed Internet: A Critical Necessity in Kentucky
“High-speed Internet is a necessity in today’s society,” said Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator. This substantial investment by the Biden-Harris administration underscores their commitment to providing Internet access for all Kentucky residents.
Kentucky’s BEAD Funding Breakdown
Kentucky will receive $1,086,172,536.86 from the BEAD program. This significant funding will be used to deploy or upgrade broadband networks, ensuring reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet services for every Kentucky citizen.
Looking Ahead: Catalyzing Economic and Social Growth in Kentucky
Guided by the principles of long-termism, this investment is projected to stimulate economic and social advancement in Kentucky for years to come. Beyond immediate benefits, the initiative paves the way for a brighter, more digitally interconnected future for the Bluegrass State.
State allocations and funding details
In total $42.45 billion in funds will be allocated to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five territories.
A detailed list of funding allocations for each state, D.C., and the territories can be found on InternetForAll.Gov.
Here’s how it breaks down:
| State/Territory | Allocation Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,401,221,901.77 |
| Alaska | $1,017,139,672.42 |
| Arizona | $993,112,231.37 |
| Arkansas | $1,024,303,993.86 |
| California | $1,864,136,508.93 |
| Colorado | $826,522,650.41 |
| Connecticut | $144,180,792.71 |
| Delaware | $107,748,384.66 |
| District of Columbia | $100,694,786.93 |
| Florida | $1,169,947,392.70 |
| Georgia | $1,307,214,371.30 |
| Hawaii | $149,484,493.57 |
| Idaho | $583,256,249.88 |
| Illinois | $1,040,420,751.50 |
| Indiana | $868,109,929.79 |
| Iowa | $415,331,313.00 |
| Kansas | $451,725,998.15 |
| Kentucky | $1,086,172,536.86 |
| Louisiana | $1,355,554,552.94 |
| Maine | $271,977,723.07 |
| Maryland | $267,738,400.71 |
| Massachusetts | $147,422,464.39 |
| Michigan | $1,559,362,479.29 |
| Minnesota | $651,839,368.20 |
| Mississippi | $1,203,561,563.05 |
| Missouri | $1,736,302,708.39 |
| Montana | $628,973,798.59 |
| Nebraska | $405,281,070.41 |
| Nevada | $416,666,229.74 |
| New Hampshire | $196,560,278.97 |
| New Jersey | $263,689,548.65 |
| New Mexico | $675,372,311.86 |
| New York | $664,618,251.49 |
| North Carolina | $1,532,999,481.15 |
| North Dakota | $130,162,815.12 |
| Ohio | $793,688,107.63 |
| Oklahoma | $797,435,691.25 |
| Oregon | $688,914,932.17 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,161,778,272.41 |
| Rhode Island | $108,718,820.75 |
| South Carolina | $551,535,983.05 |
| South Dakota | $207,227,523.92 |
| Tennessee | $813,319,680.22 |
| Texas | $3,312,616,455.45 |
| Utah | $317,399,741.54 |
| Vermont | $228,913,019.08 |
| Virginia | $1,481,489,572.87 |
| Washington | $1,227,742,066.30 |
| West Virginia | $1,210,800,969.85 |
| Wisconsin | $1,055,823,573.71 |
| Wyoming | $347,877,921.27 |
| American Samoa | $37,564,827.53 |
| Guam | $156,831,733.59 |
| Northern Mariana Islands | $80,796,709.02 |
| Puerto Rico | $334,614,151.70 |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | $27,103,240.86 |
