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Kentucky Launches Public-Private Broadband Initiative

January 9, 2015 /

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Bear Paw Development Corporation is a private non-profit organization created for the purpose of administering programs to help improve regional economic conditions in Hill, Blaine, Liberty, Chouteau and Phillips Counties and the Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy's Indian Reservations.

A new public-private partnership will develop a robust, reliable, fiber "backbone" infrastructure to bring high-speed Internet connectivity to every corner of the Commonwealth – with the critical first components scheduled to be operational in less than two years.

Governor Steve Beshear and U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers announced the partnership with Macquarie Capital today.

"We are on an aggressive timeline and believe that the Macquarie team’s technical capabilities and history of innovative solutions are the best fit for this important project," said Gov. Beshear. "Kentucky’s Internet speed and accessibility have lagged behind the rest of the nation far too long. This partnership puts us on the path to propel the Commonwealth forward in education, economic development, health care, public safety and much more."

http://migration.kentucky.gov/Newsroom/governor/20141223broadband.htm