I N F R A S T R U C T U R E
Grants Boost Rural The Digital-Focused
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overnor Laura Kelly announced in March 2021 the Broadband Acceleration Grant Program, which will improve access to highspeed internet for homes and businesses in communities by M A R K statewide. “Broadband access has been an overlooked problem in Kansas and across the country for years — but my administration knows it’s a game-changer, particularly for rural and underserved areas of our state,” Governor Kelly said. “These grants use an aggressive timeline to support urgent broadband needs that came to light during the pandemic. We’re committed to ensuring every Kansan has access to the connection they need for telehealth, virtual school, and to
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KANSAS: TO THE STARS
ensure business can compete in an increasingly digital-focused economy.” The Broadband Acceleration Grant Program is critical in Kansas’ plan to address broadband gaps statewide. Funds will be targeted to areas AREND that are unlikely to receive broadband service without state or federal funding support. Launched in 2020, the program is poised to invest $85 million over 10 years to bridge the digital divide in Kansas, thanks to broadband modernization funding provided by the Kelly Administration’s bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE). Since the summer of 2020, Governor Kelly’s efforts have spurred more than $75 million of total investment in broadband infrastructure in
