State officials and officials with Kinetic by Windstream announced Thursday morning a new $20.4 million project that will see unserved and underserved parts of Lumpkin County and Dahlonega eligible for high-speed fiber internet for the first time.
The project will see a broadband build-out to 8,200 locations throughout the county, including homes, businesses and schools.
The project is the result of a public-private partnership between the county and Kinetic.
Governor Brian Kemp, state Senator Steve Gooch, state Representative Will Wade, Lumpkin County Development Authority Executive Director Rebecca Mincey, Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners Chairman Chris Dockery and Windstream Communications President and Chief Executive Officer Tony Thomas were all present for the announcement.
The county will use about $6.9 million in state grant money from the federal government. Kinetic will invest $13.5 million and cover any cost overruns.
Speaking at Thursday's event, Governor Kemp said high-speed internet is an essential tool.
“People want this so bad, and they’re so excited when it’s actually happening in their community,” Kemp said.
“I am very happy for the people who live and work in Lumpkin County," State Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega, said. "Access to rural broadband is essential, and I am very appreciative of Governor Kemp and his staff’s support to make this project a reality. Our children need it for online learning, our farmers and small businesses need it to run their operations, industry needs it to grow, and our residents need it for telemedicine, grocery shopping and to stay connected with the community.”
Michael Foor, president of field operations for Georgia with Kinetic by Windstream, said this is just one of many build-outs the company is currently working on.
"We are starting an infrastructure build across Georgia, that probably hasn't been seen for probably nearly 70 years ... just with the amount of fiber that we are beginning to build," Foor said. "It's a very exciting time to see the impact that we're making in the rural communities."
Foor said work is already underway on the broadband build-out in Lumpkin County, which is expected to be completed in 2024.
"Households and businesses may visit GoKinetic.com to find out if they are eligible for a speed upgrade and learn how Kinetic can meet their needs," a press release from Kinetic said. "They can also visit or call the Kinetic Connection Center retail store at Goldmine Village, 340 Walmart Way in Dahlonega. Its phone number is 706-867-3333."
