View as a webpage / Share [ [link removed] ]
Header
________________________________________________________________________
*For Immediate Release: *
November 29, 2023
*Contact: *
Grace Hoge
[email protected]
Governor Kelly Announces $28.5M for High-Speed Internet Infrastructure
*TOPEKA* – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $28.5 million in grants were awarded to 12 entities through the Lasting Infrastructure and Network Connectivity (LINC) program. The LINC program provides strategic funding for crucial aspects of broadband connectivity to reduce the cost of internet service, increase availability, and improve performance.
“LINC is another step forward in our promise to connect all Kansans, including in rural areas, to high-speed internet,” *Governor Laura Kelly said*. “We are empowering communities with high-speed broadband infrastructure, unlocking greater economic growth, increased access to telemedicine, and expanded educational opportunities. "
With matching funds from service providers, the total broadband investment in LINC is expected to surpass $33.9 million.
LINC will provide opportunities for increased internet adoption by focusing on funding for:
* Broadband Infrastructure, enabling end-user locations with a minimum of 100/20 Mbps speeds.
* Internet Exchange Point facilities to improve the overall internet access service quality for all Kansans.
* Middle Mile infrastructure to reduce overall costs in delivering broadband to end-users.
“As we continue to lead the nation in business development, robust broadband becomes even more critical for attracting new businesses and remote workers to the state,” *Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said*. “We will continue to work with partners across Kansas to ensure all communities have the high-speed broadband they need to compete and succeed.”
With $30 million in awards, the LINC program continues to push Kansas toward its goal of becoming a top 10 state for broadband, shaping a future where every Kansan can leverage the full potential of the digital landscape.
“This is another important investment in high-speed broadband infrastructure so robust economic growth can be fully realized by Kansans residing in every corner of our state,” *Senate President Ty Masterson said*. “Businesses now know Kansas is committed to digital success.”
“The Legislature is committed to ensuring all Kansas, across all districts, have access to the resources they need to thrive and grow,” *House Speaker Rep. Dan Hawkins said*. “Improving access to high-speed broadband through the LINC program will create endless opportunities, especially in our rural areas, for many families, schools and businesses and will help develop our Kansas workforce – another key legislative priority. I look forward to seeing the benefits this improved connectivity will bring long into the future for the communities that we serve.”
“LINC brings high-speed broadband to underserved households in every region of our state,”* Broadband Director Jade Piros de Carvalho said. *“This $30 million investment is an investment in opportunity for our communities and our future.”
LINC awardees include:
*Broadband Infrastructure*
*"Awardee"*
*"Location"*
*"Award Amount"*
*"Match"*
*"Premises Connected"*
Haviland Broadband
Kiowa
$2,487,809
$193,913
154
IdeaTek
Harvey
$3,880,706
$944,227
442
KanOklaNetworks
Harper
$1,764,081
$868,136
71
KwiKom
Osage
$4,177,724
$737,245
504
Mokan Dial
Miami
$2,962,845
$560,000
550
Nex-Tech
Norton
$548,800
$137,200
58
Nex-Tech
Rawlins
$886,160
$316,840
147
Prairie Band
Pottawatomi Nation
Jackson
$3,000,000
$571,150
107
Vyve
Anderson
$1,274,748
$205,461
119
WTC
Wabaunsee
$1,669,353
$898,882
155
*Middle Mile*
*"Awardee"*
*"Location"*
*"Award Amount"*
*"Match"*
*"Premises Connected"*
Cunningham Communication
Republic
$847,774
$273,972
N/A
*
Internet Exchange Point*
*"Awardee"*
*"Location"*
*"Award
Amount"*
*"Match"*
*"Premises
Connected "*
Connected Nation
Sedgwick
$5,000,000
$2,631,197
N/A
*###*
Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor: Facebook [ [link removed] ] Twitter [ [link removed] ] Visit our Website [ [link removed] ] GovDelivery Signup [ [link removed] ] SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Subscriptions [ [link removed] ] | Unsubscribe All [ [link removed] ] | Help [ [link removed] ]
body .abe-column-block { min-height: 0px; }
________________________________________________________________________
This email was sent to
[email protected] using govDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Kansas Office of the Governor · Capitol, 300 SW 10th Ave., Ste. 241S · Topeka, KS 66612-1590 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]
