Kentucky lawmakers are moving forward with a plan to restructure the state agency behind a troubled rural broadband effort. The Kentucky Rural Internet Project, known as KentuckyWired, has faced years of cost overruns and legal disputes. A new bill aims to change how the project is managed and overseen.
The proposal advanced this week through a Kentucky House committee focused on state government. Lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns about how the project has been handled. Rising expenses and contract disputes have fueled frustration across the legislature.
KentuckyWired was launched to bring high-speed internet to rural parts of the state. It also serves schools, local governments, and public safety agencies. The network was created in 2015 through an executive order by former Governor Steve Beshear. The order formed the Kentucky Communications Network Authority, also known as KCNA, to oversee the project.
At the time, leaders said the project would close the digital gap between rural and urban communities. Access to reliable internet was seen as key for education, health care, and economic growth. However, the Kentucky Rural Internet Project soon ran into serious challenges.
In 2018, a state audit revealed that the project’s cost had surged far beyond early estimates. The audit found that KentuckyWired could cost taxpayers nearly 1.5 billion dollars more than planned. That finding sparked sharp criticism from lawmakers and watchdog groups.
Since then, new problems have emerged. The state became locked in a legal dispute tied to a private contract linked to the network. The lawsuit has raised fears that internet service could be disrupted in some areas. These issues have added pressure on lawmakers to act.
Republican Representative Matt Lockett has been vocal about the need for reform. He said there is broad concern about how KCNA oversees the project. According to Lockett, the agency operates with too little accountability.
Lockett authored the bill now moving through the House. The measure would eliminate the director position at the Kentucky Communications Network Authority. It would also shift the agency out of the governor’s office. Under the bill, KCNA would move under the Office of Technology.
Supporters of the bill argue that the change would improve oversight. They say placing the agency under the Office of Technology would bring clearer lines of control and stronger financial review. Lawmakers have described the current setup as too independent for a project of this size and cost.
Critics of the current structure say it has allowed problems to grow unchecked. They point to ballooning expenses and contract disputes as signs of weak management. Some lawmakers believe the Kentucky Rural Internet Project needs closer supervision to avoid further losses.
The bill does not shut down KentuckyWired. Instead, it focuses on governance and leadership changes. Lawmakers say the goal is to stabilize the project and protect public funds while keeping the network running.
The proposal is scheduled for consideration on the House floor on Monday. Lawmakers may add amendments before a final vote. If it clears the House, it would move on for further legislative review.
The debate comes as rural broadband remains a top issue across Kentucky. Many rural communities still lack fast and reliable internet. Leaders say fixing the management of KentuckyWired is critical to meeting those needs.
As lawmakers weigh the bill, the future of the Kentucky Rural Internet Project remains under close watch. The outcome could shape how the state delivers internet access for years to come.