Project|Broadband and Data Centres
Next Generation Kentucky Information Highway
Torys acted as counsel to KentuckyWired Operations Co (Macquarie Capital/Ledcor/First Solutions) as the successful proponent for the US$391 million Next Generation Kentucky Information Highway PPP project to design, build, finance, operate and maintain a new fiber optic backbone system across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
The project will create a statewide middle-mile fiber optic network consisting of over 3,209 miles (5,164 km) of fiber optic cable with multiple redundant loops traversing all 120 Kentucky counties, initially connecting 1,098 government and public facilities, that will also allow for private sector access.
On September 3, 2015, KentuckyWired Operations Company—a consortium led by Macquarie and including Ledcor and First Solutions—reached financial close with the Commonwealth of Kentucky on the statewide project. The total project is projected to cost approximately US$391 million.
Further information on the project can be found on Marketwired's website and on moodys.com.
Torys acted as counsel with a team that included Tara Mackay, Scott Kraag, Josh Van Deurzen, Frazer House and Min Kim.
Torys also acted on the following in connection with this project:
| Province/State | Kentucky |
| Country | United States |
| Nature of Engagement | Project Finance, Public-Private Partnerships, Procurement |
| Government Level | State |
| Procurement Model | DBFOM - Design Build Finance Operate Maintain |
| Client | KentuckyWired Operations Co. (Macquarie Capital/Ledcor/First Solutions) |
| Client Role | Proponent |
| Value | $391,000,000 USD |