Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announces recipients of $10M rural broadband access grants

KEY QUOTE: "'We’re continuing to deliver on our bold and ambitious goal to make Kansas a top 10 state for broadband access by 2030,' Governor Kelly said. 'Affordable broadband is necessary for our communities to remain viable and competitive, and every Kansan deserves a reliable connection to the world. These grants accelerate our efforts to make that a reality.'"

$10+ million headed to rural Kansas communities for broadband improvement

KEY QUOTE: "Launched in 2020, Kelly said the grant program is a 10-year, $85 million program that will bring crucial broadband access to Kansas communities. She said the program is administered by the Kansas Office of Broadband Development and funded through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program."

State Broadband Grants Announced

KEY QUOTE: "The $5 million in grant funding for 2022 will be combined with an additional $5 million in matching funds, results in more than $10 million for broadband infrastructure in Kansas communities."

Kelly: Area entities receive Broadband Acceleration Grants

KEY QUOTE: "'Access to quality broadband is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity,' Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. 'Broadband connectivity improves quality of life and opens the door to new business and community growth all across Kansas. We’re grateful to the community leaders who are championing broadband access at the local level and making long-term, strategic investments in their communities.'"

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Recipients Of $10 Million Investment Expanding Broadband Access Across Rural Kansas

KEY QUOTE: "'Broadband infrastructure is as critical to the well-being of Kansans as are safe roads, bridges, and drinking water,' said Julie Lorenz, Transportation Secretary. 'These IKE-funded grants, when combined with broadband funding opportunities available through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), enable Kansas to strategically and efficiently expand quality broadband infrastructure throughout our state.'"

Rural broadband getting $10 million boost in Kansas

KEY QUOTE: "A broadband boost has been a long time coming for many in rural Kansas. 'We temper our internet usage. We don’t need all our kids streaming at the same time,' said rural Harper resident Leslie Gerber. 'But I think in the rural communities, we struggle with getting good internet service and being able to connect with people. We also learn to just manage with what we have.'"