Governor Laura Kelly announces nearly $43 million to develop infrastructure key to expanding affordable high-speed internet to remote and underserved communities.

 The funds, awarded to the Kansas Office of Broadband Development, will connect local internet networks, primarily in rural areas, to major, high-capacity national and regional networks.

 The grant will fund a 682-mile fiber optic network to connect Liberal to Garden City, Pratt to Wichita, Kismet to Minneola, Wichita to Pittsburg, and Pittsburg to Overland Park.

 The grant will bring numerous benefits, including next-generation communications for public safety and transportation, dedicated fiber network for higher education institutions, public safety organizations, hospitals, and accelerated expansion to rural households and businesses.

 More information about the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program is available here.