Joco Today

Representative Sharice Davids announced the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded Kansas with $452 million in bipartisan infrastructure law funding to deploy affordable, equitable, and reliable high-speed Internet service throughout the state. Delivered through the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, this federal investment will help ensure all Kansans have the capacity to thrive in our digital economy. Davids, who was the only member of the Kansas delegation to support the bipartisan infrastructure law, previously encouraged Kansans to fill out the National Broadband Map survey, which was the main source in determining state funding levels.

“Kansas’ current broadband system does not operate at the needed level for folks across our state to efficiently access crucial resources such as employment opportunities, virtual learning, and health care,” said Davids. “This new federal investment is a huge step forward in closing the digital gap and keeping our communities connected. I am proud to have voted for the bipartisan infrastructure law that continues to make a positive impact on the lives of Kansas families."

“My administration is committed to ensuring every Kansan, regardless of their zip code, has access to fast and reliable internet connectivity, bringing additional economic growth, educational opportunities, and telehealth services,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “This funding advances our progress toward being a top 10 state for broadband access by 2030.”

“The Kansas Office of Broadband Development applauds Representative Davids’ efforts to ensure Kansans have the critical broadband access they need,” said Jade Piros de Carvalho, Broadband Director, Kansas Office of Broadband Development. “This historic investment will offer our best hope to date at ending the digital divide. “

In total, the bipartisan infrastructure law has provided more than $500 million to Kansas to improve access to high-speed internet, build out the state’s broadband infrastructure, and make high-speed internet more affordable. In December 2022, Kansas was awarded its first round of BEAD funds to develop a five-year action plan, identify unserved and underserved locations, and build capacity at the Kansas Office of Broadband Development.

The bipartisan infrastructure law, which is paid for through a combination of new revenues and savings, has been called the most fiscally responsible infrastructure bill in at least a decade by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Davids previously announced Kansas received federal investments to close Kansas’ digital gapand to expand middle-mile high-speed internet infrastructure. Also, about 85,000 households in Kansas are enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which ensures families can afford broadband needed for work, school, and health care.

More information on the bipartisan infrastructure law’s federal investments to help close Kansas’ digital divide can be found here.

Original source can be found here.