Saying her administration will be “doing business differently” in terms of broadband access, Governor Laura Kelly announced the creation of a new state department Thursday.
Additionally, the department is charged with developing strategies to facilitate the construction of broadband infrastructure to ensure acceptable broadband access to all Kansas homes and businesses. Kelly says broadband access is an essential tool that can close the equity gap in communities and bridge the urban-rural divide across the state.
She says broadband access will also make the state more competitive economically as without a strong broadband network it is “nearly impossible” to both recruit new businesses and sustain existing businesses. Additionally, the governor stated that while telemedicine has become a major focus in recent months — due to the COVID-19 pandemic — it would be essentially unachievable without a strong and effective internet connection.
Residents in Chase and Wabaunsee counties will benefit from the first round of grants.
*IdeaTek is getting $3.6 million to add fiber in Cottonwood Falls and Strong City.
*Wabaunsee County is getting over $450,000 to enhance its technology operating the Citizens Broadband Radio Service set of frequencies.
The Office of Broadband Development will be located in the Kansas Department of Commerce and will be led by Stanley Adams. The new department is also being funded in part through the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) and SPARK funding.
Kelly concluded her statements Thursday saying she is looking forward to the work ahead in the coming months as her administration strives to end the digital divide and bring Kansas into the digital age.
