Caldwell County Fiscal Court magistrates are delighted with the progress being made on the installation of fiber optic internet in the areas of the county serviced by Pennyrile Rural Electric.
At Tuesday morning’s fiscal court meeting, representatives from Pennyrile Rural Electric and Hopkinsville Energynet provided an update on their fiber buildout project in Caldwell County. Manager of Information Technologies Frances Henderson of Pennyrile Electric first shared the estimated costs for the fiber buildout project with District 4 Magistrate Jeff Simms pointing out that $1 million of that money came from ARPA funds.
click to download audioHenderson distributed a packet of information that included colored maps to magistrates and explained that sign-ups are now available in specific sections in Phase 1.
click to download audioTimothy Griffey with Hopkinsville Electric EnergyNet noted they have over 100 customers currently signed up for service with a waiting list.
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Simms stated that he has received positive feedback from the customers who have the service, and he believes this is the onset of the county’s economic development journey.
click to download audioHe also asked Henderson to provide information about the BEAD Program which she noted she would be attending a meeting Wednesday in Frankfort.
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In response to a question from District 2 Magistrate Jeff Boone about the possibility of providing internet service outside of their electric service area, Henderson stated it’s not an option for Pennyrile Rural Electric at this time due to TVA regulations. However, Griffey said it’s possible for Hopkinsville Electric EnergyNet.
click to download audioThey also discussed the new FCC map and those residents who have been designated as unserved or underserved and how to go about getting their designation changed.
Boone expressed his gratitude to the efforts of Pennyrile Electric and Hopkinsville Electric System EnergyNet after entering into this agreement roughly 18 months ago, along with Kenergy and Conexon.
click to download audioAfter the discussion, magistrates moved on to the next agenda item and unanimously approved the staff and inmate policies and procedures manual at the Caldwell County Jail.
