Conexon is moving forward with plans for a fiber optic network that will deliver high speed internet service to underserved areas of Daviess County.
The company will work along existing right-of-way and utilize poles owned by Kenergy Corporation.
“Today, we are building and managing the construction of over 1,000 miles of fiber optic networks,” explained Jonathan Chambers, Partner. “We have contracts to build out about 10 percent of the country but this is our first project in Kentucky.”
The project is expected to serve 15,000 to 20,000 business and household locations within the next 18 months. Service will be available to all Kenergy members, outside the OMU service territory.
Daviess County Fiscal Court will provide $10 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for Conexon to build and maintain the network.
“We are going to start in the most un-served areas, looking at the border and fringes of the County,” Chambers told Fiscal Court. “Our commitment is to build it in 18 months, but we are going to start in areas that don’t have broadband service.”
Chambers said the first stage of work, the ‘make ready’ phase, is already underway with engineering and evaluation of existing poles for any clearance issues.
Once the poles are ready, main line construction will begin. Conexon is working with Ervin Cable Construction out of Sturgis, Kentucky to install fiber on Kenergy electric poles.
“What we are doing has some ancillary economic benefits to the entire region,” Chambers explained. “Ervin will be able to train folks from here to work here with jobs in the fiber construction business. The industry needs more trained construction workers.”
The fiber network will be owned by Kenergy members and leased to Conexon.
Chambers expects by late fall, Conexon will have broadband internet service available in some areas of Daviess County. There will be a website established for members to sign up.
Conexon will offer three tiers of symmetrical internet service, meaning customers will receive the same download and upload speeds.
The service plans start at $49.95 per month for 100 mbps. Customers could also choose 1 Gigabit service for $79.95 per month or 2 Gigabit service for $99.95 per month.
“By the end of the year, we expect to see some of our rural citizens with (broadband) internet,” Chambers said. “In the months ahead, we will let them know when they can sign up for service and also provide information on the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program.”
Other News
Prior to the Fiscal Court meeting, a public hearing was held on a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant application. The $250,000 grant would be utilized to extend the Greenbelt from the existing terminus on Daniels Lane near Owensboro Health to Yellow Creek Park’s south entrance on Reid Road.
Daviess County Fiscal Court approved the roadway resurfacing list for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. Approximately 17.5 miles will be repaved across all three districts. Click here to see the full list of roads and subdivisions.
Bids were awarded for a new boom mower, utility cab tractor, and flatbed equipment trailer for the Road Department.
Daviess County Fiscal Court had the first reading for the new budget in the 2022-2023 Fiscal Year. Final passage is expected in early June following review by the Department for Local Government.
Personnel
- Travis Bartley has been hired as a Seasonal Parks Attendant.
- Bryant Taylor will join the Department of Public Works as a Utility Laborer.
- Colton Lanham has been promoted as Senior Heavy Equipment Operator in the Department of Public Works.
