Office of Broadband Announces $16.3 Million in New Grant Funding

A large spool of orange cable is positioned on the edge of a cultivated field. A small black-roofed building is visible in the distance. The sky is clear.

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $16.3 million is available to improve broadband infrastructure through the Broadband Acceleration Grant (BAG) program. The program is designed to offset high costs that are required for building networks in places where distance and low population density make private investment difficult to attain.

“High-speed internet is an industry standard and should be available for use on a daily basis by individuals and businesses alike,” デビッド・トーランド副知事兼商務長官は次のように述べた。. “The BAG program supports the prosperous future we’re building for all Kansas residents which includes having reliable and affordable access to broadband infrastructure, regardless of zip code.”

In its sixth 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.

“Broadband directly affects every industry and every person — and that’s why KDOT is an essential partner of this grant program and why we are committed to bringing broadband access to all of Kansas,” Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said. “Working together, across agencies, we share the sentiment that this program is working to help our local leaders overcome challenges and make important infrastructure improvements that benefit communities and the state.”

Since the program was launched, Kansas has invested $31.3 million in broadband grants to communities and businesses across the state. Over the last five years, high-speed internet has been delivered to more than 12,000 homes and businesses in 37 counties. The effort leverages an additional $38 million in matching funds.

“The BAG program is more than just another grant opportunity — these grants are investments in people and places,” Director of Broadband Development Bill Abston said. “Strong infrastructure in Kansas — and specifically rural parts — help us remain a viable, competitive and connected place for new families and businesses — today and for future generations.”

The grant application period will begin at 3:00 p.m. Monday, April 27, and remain open until 5:00 p.m. Friday, June 12. To apply for the Broadband Acceleration Grant program, click これ.

The Office of Broadband Development will host a kickoff webinar at 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 27. To register, click これ.

About the Kansas Office of Broadband Development:

Established in 2020 by Governor Laura Kelly through Executive Order, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) is committed to ensuring all Kansans have the opportunity to live, work, learn and compete in a digital economy. KOBD accomplishes this by administering state and federal funding to support critical broadband infrastructure and expand access to high-speed internet. These efforts help enhance workforce readiness, education, digital opportunities and economic development across the state.

カンザス州商務省について:

カンザス州商務省は、州の主要経済開発機関として、個人、企業、地域社会がカンザス州の繁栄を達成できるよう支援することに努めている。カンザス州商務省は、カンザス州、米国、世界の企業、立地コンサルタント、利害関係者との関係を構築することで、その使命を果たしています。強力なパートナーシップにより、カンザス州の既存企業が成長できる環境を整え、新規企業にとって革新的で競争力のある環境を育成することができます。カンザス州は、コマースのプロジェクトの成功により、以下の賞を受賞しました。 エリア開発マガジンの 一流 ゴールド・シャベル賞 in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by サイトセレクション誌.