Christian County Judge-Executive Steve Tribble believes Tuesday morning’s fiscal court meeting will prove to be historic, as magistrates approved an agreement with Pennryile Electric and Hopkinsville Electric System to begin the process of expanding fiber broadband internet access to nearly every home and business in the county.
Magistrates gave unanimous approval to an agreement to initially commit up to $13 million for the project.
Magistrate Darrell Gustafson compared it to Pennyrile Electric bringing electricity to rural areas of Christian County over 80 years ago.
Judge-Executive Steve Tribble believes it could be the most important project the county has embarked on during his nearly 30 years in office.
PADD Associate Director Amy Frogue says Todd and Trigg counties are strongly considering similar agreements with Pennyrile and HES and Todd Fiscal Court heard a presentation from both entities at their final meeting of May.
All three counties can use their COVID relief funds to fund broadband expansion, but Judge Tribble says the county’s commitment Tuesday wasn’t necessarily tied to those funds, as they could explore grants or other means.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Jerry Gilliam serves on the selection committee tasked with choosing the next president and CEO of the Christian County Chamber of Commerce and he told fiscal court final interviews will happen soon.
In other action, contracts were approved to continue providing animal shelter services for Todd and Trigg counties.