MADISONVILLE, KY – The Delta Regional Authority has announced plans to invest more than $150,000 to improve broadband communications in Hopkins County.

The DRA announced the $155,500 grant award this morning. Hopkins County Fiscal Court will provide additional funds for a total project investment of more than $308,000. Plans are to use the money to install six broadband communication stations on existing utility towers in the northernmost areas of Hopkins County, thereby extending internet access to rural residents.

“It’s been a long, complicated process to get to this point,” said Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield, Jr., “and we are pleased to finally reach the starting gate on this project.”

Fiscal Court has been working for several months to explore various options for extending broadband access. In June 2019, the county entered into an agreement with ConnectGRADD to facilitate expanding broadband access. ConnectGRADD is a service provided by QWireless in partnership with the Green River Area Development District, which includes Webster, McLean, Henderson, Ohio, Daviess, Hancock, and Union counties.

Judge-Executive Whitfield said the grant became a reality thanks to the assistance of the Pennyrile Area Development District.

“PADD has worked with us from the beginning, assisting us with research and the grant application,” he said. “We could not have moved forward with this without their support. And we are grateful that the Delta Regional Authority recognized the need for this project.”

The Delta Regional Authority’s mission is to improve life for the 10 million people who reside in 252 Delta counties and parishes of eight states, according to their website. Established in 2000 by Congress, the Delta Regional Authority makes strategic investments of federal appropriations into the physical and human infrastructure of Delta communities. More information about the DRA can be found at dra.gov.

For more information, call (270) 821-8294.

At the September 24, 2019 Fiscal Court meeting, Carolyn Darnell of the County Clerk’s office was recognized for 25 years of service to Hopkins County. From left: Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield, Jr., Carolyn Darnell, and County Clerk Keenan Cloern.

Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield, Jr. signed a proclamation in September honoring the 20^th anniversary of the Pennyroyal Master Gardeners Association.

At the September 10, 2019 Fiscal Court meeting, Emergency Management Director Nick Bailey was honored for his 10 years of service to Hopkins County. Pictured, from left: Nick Bailey and Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield, Jr.

At the September 10, 2019 Fiscal Court meeting, two Hopkins County Jail employees were recognized for service anniversaries – Michelle Hayse, for 10 years of service, and Brooke Holt, for five years of service. Pictured, from left: Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield, Jr., Michelle Hayse, Brooke Holt, and Jailer Mike Lewis.

A proclamation honoring Constitution Week was read at the September 10, 2019 Fiscal Court meeting. Pictured, from left: Jeanne Sanders of the Captain Stephen Ashby Chapter of the Kentucky Daughters of the American Revolution, and Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield, Jr.

A joint proclamation in recognition of Relay for Life was read at the September 10, 2019 Fiscal Court meeting. Pictured, from left: Madisonville Mayor Kevin Cotton, Pat Vincent, and Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield, Jr.

A proclamation honoring Nebo Fall Festival Days was read at the September 10, 2019 Fiscal Court meeting. Pictured, from left: Magistrate Billy Parrish, Nebo Mayor Karen Lantrip, Judge-Executive Jack Whitfield, Jr.,  and Pat Vincent.