Kansas Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland has announced $10 million is available to enhance broadband infrastructure statewide through the Broadband Acceleration Grant program. Grants funded through this program are designed to offset the capital expenses needed to deploy in unserved areas.
In its fourth year through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), the Broadband Acceleration Grant program aims to provide high-quality, reliable broadband access throughout the state, prioritizing unserved areas, economically distressed communities, and areas of compelling need.
During the first three years of this program, high-speed internet has been delivered to 8,000 homes and businesses in 25 counties. The cumulative $15 million generated another $17.5 million in matching funds.
The Broadband Acceleration Grant program is action-oriented to connect all Kansans. Through this ongoing infrastructure investment, Kansas aspires to be a top 10 state for broadband, improving the lives of Kansans and fostering economic growth for all.
“It is important to focus taxpayer resources on projects that provide sustainable economic benefits that help to grow our state and will encourage people to live and do business in Kansas,” said Senate President Ty Masterson of Andover. “The IKE program and the Broadband Acceleration Grant accomplishes that by providing high-quality, reliable broadband access throughout the state, prioritizing the areas that need it the most.”
“Expanding access to quality broadband services not only helps to develop our Kansas workforce but provides more tools for small businesses as well, which is why we included it in the IKE Transportation program,” said House Speaker Dan Hawkins of Wichita. “After four years of this program, I’m looking forward to seeing the difference these grants make in our underserved communities.”