Governor says providers are ready to break ground on $13.1 million high-speed internet project; $7.1 million will support facility upgrades at Butler County Schools

BOWLING GREEN, KY - On September 16, 2024, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local leaders at the Barren River Area Development District (BRADD) to present more than $10.6 million in state budget and grant funding, primarily benefitting Butler and Warren counties.

The awards will support high-speed internet access, public education, cybersecurity, economic development, first responders, flood protection, traffic safety, road resurfacing, tourism and outdoor recreation.

“My administration will always put education first, and with today’s awards, we are improving school facilities while also getting more students connected to high-speed internet access at home so they can work on assignments online and not fall behind their peers,” said Gov. Beshear. “Today we’re also supporting our first responders, boosting tourism and economic development in this community and making sure folks have safe roads and are more protected from flooding.”

“BRADD is honored to host Gov. Beshear as he brings some exciting announcements for our region,” said BRADD Executive Director Eric Sexton. “Southcentral Kentucky is a great place to live and work. The support shown from leaders in our commonwealth, like Gov. Beshear, is a testament to the Kentucky spirit of helping communities rise to meet their fullest potential.”

Expanding High-Speed Internet Access in Four Counties
North Central Telephone Cooperative (NCTC) and Warren Rural Electric Cooperative (Warren RECC) are receiving $9,170,682 to connect 1,767 homes and businesses to high-speed internet in Butler, Edmonson, Grayson and Warren counties. Combined with $3,930,292 in matching funds, this project represents a $13,100,974 investment in this region.

“The best part is, NCTC and Warren RECC are ready to break ground on this broadband project now,” Gov. Beshear said. “Kentuckians need to get connected, and they are making sure that happens fast.”

“We’d like to thank Gov. Beshear and the Office of Broadband Development for choosing us to receive funding through the Kentucky Better Internet Program,” said Warren RECC President and CEO Dewayne McDonald. “These funds will allow us to continue expanding high-speed internet service to our members and help us fulfill our common mission to improve the quality of life in our rural areas.”

Butler County Awards
Gov. Beshear presented four awards benefitting Butler County:

- Gov. Beshear, in partnership with the General Assembly, secured $7,100,000 in the most recent state budget for building upgrades at Butler County Schools, including HVAC improvements and roof replacements.
- The Governor has selected the city of Morgantown in Butler County to receive $69,000 to construct a new trail at Riverside Park. This funding will also cover restrooms, signage, trash cans and parking lot to make sure visitors have everything they need on site to enjoy a great day outdoors. This grant will come from the Land and Water Conservation Fund and will go to the National Parks Service for final approval.
- He also presented the city of Morgantown with $300,679 from the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) to improve roads in the Morgantown Industrial Park.
- The Butler County Fiscal Court had previously received $169,755 to resurface Welcome Road, and the Governor announced that project is now complete.

“These renovations may be mostly behind the scenes, but they’re really important. Kentucky students deserve a world-class public education in top-notch facilities,” Gov. Beshear said. “Together, we’re building that better Kentucky we all want, where none of our kids and grandkids have to leave home to pursue their dreams, because they have every opportunity here.”

“Grants such as these improve not just the quality of education in communities such as Butler County but also the quality of life,” said Sen. Stephen Meredith, whose district includes Butler County. “As our state’s economy continues to grow and thrive, all of our communities throughout Kentucky should share in the benefits of our successes.”

“We are deeply grateful for the generous funding we have received, which represents a remarkable display of bipartisan support,” Butler County Schools Superintendent Robert Tuck said. “This funding underscores a shared commitment to advancing our community's well-being and addressing critical needs. We truly appreciate the collaborative efforts and dedication from Rep. Raymer and Sen. Meredith, the General Assembly and Gov. Beshear, demonstrating that progress can be achieved through unity and cooperation. Together, we will work diligently to ensure that this investment yields meaningful and positive outcomes for those we serve.”

“We are grateful to receive financial support from the governor and legislators,” said Butler County Judge/Executive Tim Flener. “Today’s funding will enhance the HVAC systems in the high school, an elementary school and middle school, ensuring a better environment for students and staff. Additionally, the roof replacements for three school structures will help maintain safety and functionality. Moreover, the county road improvements will benefit both rural residents and local industry, facilitating better access and support for the community's workforce, schools and citizens. This comprehensive approach to infrastructure and education highlights the commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Butler County.”

“I’m proud to see Morgantown receiving these awards, which represent significant steps toward enhancing both our community’s recreational and industrial infrastructure,” Morgantown Mayor Billy Phelps said. “The Riverside Park Trail project will provide much-needed outdoor amenities for our residents and visitors, encouraging healthy lifestyles and enjoyment of our city’s natural beauty. Additionally, the improvements at the Industrial Park are crucial for our continued economic growth. By improving accessibility and expanding our industrial footprint, we’re positioning Morgantown as a hub for new opportunities and ensuring a prosperous future for our city.”

Warren County Awards
The Governor presented $500,000 to the Inter-Modal Transport Authority for a project that extends utility service to 669 acres in the Kentucky Transpark. The funding comes from the Kentucky Product Development Initiative.

“This funding is already paying off. In January, we opened a new $355 million dollar Tyson Foods plant at the Transpark, which is creating 450 full-time jobs for our people here in Warren County and Western Kentucky,” Gov. Beshear said. “This is how we help every community prepare the infrastructure they need to attract the next Tyson, the next AESC, the next big opportunity to bring in great jobs close to home.

“This grant award for infrastructure was huge for our community as it helped bring over 600 acres of property to market in the Kentucky Transpark,” said Inter-Modal Transport Authority Chairman Brian Mefford. “Over the last several years, the county and city have made considerable investments which enabled us to land major projects such as Tyson Foods and the second largest economic development project in the history of Kentucky with AESC.”

“Today is a proud moment for our community as we celebrate projects that reflect the Senate Majority Caucus’ dedication to our commonwealth,” said Sen. Mike Wilson, whose district includes part of Warren County. “This investment is about securing our future, supporting our families, and fostering prosperity for generations ahead. Bringing high-speed internet to our underserved communities is creating opportunities, boosting our local economy and ensuring our community remains a vibrant place to live and work. I’m honored to be here today, knowing these projects will provide lasting benefits to the people we serve.”

The Governor also presented four awards for the city of Bowling Green:

- Gov. Beshear awarded $250,000 from the Community Development Block Grant program for the City of Bowling Green to construct a new emergency first responder live fire training center. This will help teach firefighters and emergency medical personnel the skills they need to stay safe and saves lives, like fire attack training, search and rescue operations and ventilation training.
- He awarded the city $1,322,000 to replace an undersized culvert under Whispering Hills Boulevard, which has caused flooding after significant rain. This project will also help update the FEMA flood plain map. Two homes that were destroyed during the tornado were not allowed to rebuild due to being in the current floodplain. This funding comes from the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery program.
- He presented $107,595 to the city from the Transportation Alternatives Program to construct pedestrian islands at the intersection of River Drive and College Street, and also at the intersection between Riverview Drive and Center Street. This will help keep walkers and drivers safe by helping traffic flow more smoothly in a heavily traveled area.
- Finally, he presented $328,598 dollars to the city so it could hire a new Cybersecurity System Engineer for at least three years. This role will help enhance cybersecurity protections for the city by identifying and resolving vulnerabilities.

The Governor has selected Warren County to receive $116,391 to add a state-of-the-art playground at Michael O. Buchanon Park. This funding will come from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and will go to the National Parks Service for final approval.

“Continuous improvements to our community like the new state-of-the-art playground at Michael O. Buchanon Park ensure that Warren County continues to be the greatest county in which to live, work and raise a family,” said Warren County Judge/Executive Doug Gorman. “We are so grateful for grant funds such as these that allow us to bring even more exceptional offerings to residents and visitors alike.”

“Today, we announced funding to make life better for the people of Bowling Green,” said Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott. “These projects will improve public infrastructure, benefit our parks and support all of our people.”

Improving Cybersecurity Across the BRADD Region
BRADD received $176,580 to develop and implement cyber incident response plans for all of the cities and counties in its region. Those counties include Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson and Warren.

“Local governments are not exempt from the dangers that exist in today’s online network,” Sexton said. “The cybersecurity grant from the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security will help our counties and cities develop and implement response plans in the event of a cyber incident. This funding opportunity is another example of the leadership in our state and region and their desire to create communities that are cyber safe.”

Tourism Marketing Funding
Gov. Beshear awarded $250,000 to the Horses, Horsepower and Hollers Campaign to support multicounty collaborative destination marketing. The project is a joint initiative across six counties promoting unique cultural, historical and adventurous tourist experiences in the commonwealth. The award is part of the $75 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding announced by the Governor to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy following the decline in visitors brought on by the pandemic.

“Being awarded ARPA funding for our cooperative Horses, Horsepower and Hollers initiative has given us a leg up in our ability to attract visitors to Kentucky. We are able to promote Kentucky’s diverse landscape through these three focused areas,” said Sherry Murphy, executive director, Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Kentucky is known for horses, but we are also about horsepower and have beautiful hills and hollers. Our purpose is to get visitors into one of these areas and then entice them to move around the state and experience the cultures and attractions of West, Central and Eastern Kentucky all within a few days.”

“This initiative to move travelers across the state of Kentucky to see our magnificent horses, industrious horsepower and breathtaking hollers will increase tourism in each of these six counties,” said Amy Ellis, executive director of Simpson County Tourism Commission. “The ARPA funding has enabled our convention visitor bureaus to launch a campaign that will encourage travelers to visit three unique regions in our state and visit our restaurants, small businesses and attractions along the way.”

“Being part of this project has been a thrilling journey for Shelby County, and we extend our deepest gratitude to Gov. Beshear for the invaluable ARPA funding. This support allowed us to shine a spotlight on our world-renowned Saddlebred horses and showcase the many unique attractions that make Shelby County a destination like no other,” said Janette Marson, president and CEO of Shelby County Tourism. “Collaborating with our neighboring counties on the Horses, Horsepower, and Hollers project has demonstrated the power of unity – together, we achieved something far greater than any of us could have imagined alone.”