Governor announces $10 million for broadband projects, including Wilson and Philips Counties

Submitted

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that $10 million has been awarded to 12 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the latest round of Broadband Acceleration Grants. The awards will be combined with an additional $12.7 million in matching funds, resulting in an investment of nearly $22.7 million for high-speed broadband access projects in 14 rural Kansas counties.

“By connecting every region of the state to reliable, high-speed internet, we can ensure Kansans have the resources to invest in themselves and our state,” said Gov. Laura Kelly. “Broadband fuels innovation, unlocks potential and ensures that everyone can participate in services that are essential to economic, educational and industrial growth.”

Initiated in 2020, the Broadband Acceleration Grant is a 10-year, $85 million program designed to provide critical internet access to Kansas communities. This latest round of grants, administered by the Kansas Office of Broadband Development and funded through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), brings the program’s total investment in broadband infrastructure to more than $41.5 million.

“These awards target economically disadvantaged areas and are designed to meet the need for all Kansas residents to have access to high-speed internet,” said Lt. Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “By expanding opportunities for remote work, education, and full participation in the digital economy, broadband infrastructure projects align with our goal of making Kansas the best state to live, work, and raise a family.”

“Bringing broadband to rural Kansas is critical to the thriving of those communities,” said Senate Majority Leader Ty Masterson. “These additional grants serve as a stepping stone for all Kansas residents who need reliable digital access to succeed in whatever career path they choose.”

“Rural communities in Kansas need reliable broadband access to support and encourage economic growth, educational opportunities, healthcare infrastructure and innovation in their areas,” said House Speaker Dan Hawkins. “That’s why this initiative, as part of the Legislature’s focus on rural renewal, is included in the IKE Transportation Program. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these Broadband Acceleration Grants will have on these communities and Kansas as a whole.”

“Access to broadband is essential for Kansas communities to thrive,” said Calvin Reed, secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation. “Continued investments through the IKE Transportation Program and leveraging the state’s highway assets support the broadband infrastructure to close the digital divide in Kansas.”

Projects were selected after review by an executive committee and public comment. The public comment period ensures transparency. Comments and feedback from the community are taken into account during the selection process.

“High-speed internet is fundamental to thriving in the modern world. Through the Broadband Acceleration Grant, we continue to see increased need and community support for broadband deployment,” said Interim Broadband Director Joseph Le. “Our office will continue to work to connect and empower all Kansas residents, regardless of the region of the state they reside in.”

The recipients of the 2024 Broadband Acceleration Grant are:

Winner – Province – Award amount – Match – Connected areas

Clear speed

Wills

$474,114

$1,219,153

574

Cunningham Communications.

Cloud

$841,684

$855,860

82

GBT communication.

Stafford

$179,136

$179,136

92

IdeaTek

Butler

$900,000

$957,833

617

KanOkla Networks

Summer

$950,000

$1,649,335

148

KwiKom

All

$950,000

$1,053,069

159

KwiKom

Coffee-like

$950,000

$1,208,983

173

Middle class

Douglas

$840,000

$925,900

278

Middle class

To leave

$950,000

$1,540,708

370

Next-Tech

Phillips

$637,000

$596,000

190

Pioneer Communications.

Scholarship

$514,751

$504,751

50

Rainbow Communication.

Doniphan

$653,256

$800,150

99

TCW Broadband

Marion

$460,927

$459,427

85

WTC

Riley

$699,132

$772,724

89