By Becky Killian, Staff Writer

Officials heard about an incentive that could lead to more broadband service in underserved and unserved areas of the county. The discussion happened during the Tuesday, Dec. 3, meeting of the Washington County Board of Commissioners.

Representatives from Mainstream Media said they have already invested $5 million to install broadband in the county. To help continue their investment, they asked commissioners to consider declaring portions of the county as an Infrastructure Development Zone. If implemented, any provider that provides broadband within that zone will be exempt from personal property tax on the fiber and equipment that is installed in the ground.

The area proposed for the zone is in the west and southwest portions of the county, including Hardinsburg and Palmyra.

Commissioner Todd Ewen said the county currently has about 75 percent broadband coverage thanks to tax abatements county officials approved for broadband providers like Jackson Connect and Orange County Telemedia.

Ewen advised the Mainstream Media representatives to approach the County Council about the request to establish the Infrastructure Development Zone.