Governor Kelly Announces $10.7M to Expand Internet Access to Devices and Public Wi-Fi

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that applications will open Thursday, Dec. 12, for a second round of the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology (ADOPT) program. The program will provide $10.7 million to organizations working to expand access to public wi-fi and connected devices.

“Our digital opportunity programs empower Kansans to reach their full potential in work, education, and entrepreneurship,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The ADOPT program provides resources for communities to thrive in a digitally connected economy.”

ADOPT is built around two key categories:

• Equipment Distribution: the maximum individual award is $500,000 and requires 2% match and 1% co-investment
• Public Wi-Fi: the maximum individual award is capped at $1 million and requires 5% match and 2% co-investment

“The ADOPT program has an immediate impact on Kansans. We are able to remove technological barriers and provide tools necessary to navigate today’s digital environment,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Through access to devices and public wi-fi, individuals can enhance job skills, participate in telehealth appointments, engage in online learning, and do remote work, furthering their ability to succeed in the future economy.”

The Kansas Office of Broadband Division (KOBD) continues to partner with entities that can procure, distribute, manage, and maintain devices for the Equipment Distribution component of the program. The devices will be provided to individuals who cannot connect to the internet. The program emphasizes long-term loans for computers, laptops, and tablets to ensure sustainable access for qualifying individuals.

The Public Wi-Fi component encourages organizations to form partnerships to deliver solutions in underserved and unserved public spaces, bringing affordable and reliable internet services to areas that lack access.

“KOBD continues to engage with our neighbors while being future-focused on our mission to ensure all Kansans can access digital tools needed to thrive,” Interim Director of Kansas Office of Broadband Development Joseph Le said. “We have been encouraged by the innovative ideas and partnerships developed in the first round of ADOPT, and we expect this second round to continue to propel Kansas forward.”

KOBD encourages local governments, community organizations, educational institutions, and other organizations to continue collaborating and enhancing Kansas communities through ADOPT. To learn more about the program guidelines and entities eligible to apply, click here.

KOBD will host a webinar at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, to discuss funding priorities and application guidelines. To register, click here.

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November Total Tax Collections at $675.5 Million; 3.6% Below the Estimate

TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends November 2024 with total tax collections at $675.5 million. That is $25.4 million, or 3.6%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are up 4.0% from November 2023.

Individual income tax collections were $335.2 million. That is $15.3 million, or 4.4% below the estimate. Individual income tax collections are up 14.9% from November 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $24.5 million. That is $5.9 million, or 19.4% below the estimate, and down 31.1% from November 2023.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $287.3 million, which is $2.0 million, or 0.7% below the estimate, and down $3.7 million, or 1.3%, from November 2023.

Click here to view the November 2024 revenue numbers.

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Governor Kelly Announces $32M Award to KDOT for Modernizing Construction Materials

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is receiving nearly $32 million to support using low-carbon construction materials in federally aided projects.

The Low Carbon Transportation Materials Program aims to modernize project practices and support the adoption of advanced construction materials across Kansas.

“KDOT’s program will be a model for how states can work with contractors to incorporate advanced materials while delivering projects that strengthen our local economies,” Governor Laura Kelly said.

The program will promote the use of construction materials with lower levels of human-generated greenhouse gas emissions as measured from cradle to gate instead of benchmarks established from current national averages. Those national benchmarks will be replaced by Kansas benchmarks as soon as enough local data becomes available. It will focus on concrete, cement, and asphalt and explore eligible glass and steel materials as the program develops.

“This is significant funding that will drive innovation in construction practices,” Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said. “By providing guidance and performance monitoring, KDOT can help contractors integrate cutting-edge materials into their projects and meet evolving industry standards.”

KDOT was one of 39 states awarded funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s discretionary grant program.

“KDOT can help enhance individual projects and pave the way for long-term advancement in the construction industry,” Kansas Transportation Deputy Secretary Greg Schieber said. “Our aim is to create a foundation for growth and continued success.”

Additional information about the Low-Carbon Transportation Materials Grants Program, made available through the Inflation Reduction Act, is available by clicking here.

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that more than $10 million in federal funding will be allocated to community-based organizations and local and state agencies providing services directly to crime victims and survivors. This funding comes from the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance grant program.

“These services are vital to the well-being of Kansans impacted by crime,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding gives organizations the ability to continue providing the assistance crime victims and survivors deserve as they stabilize their lives, navigate the criminal justice system, and regain a sense of safety and security.”

VOCA grants help organizations in delivering essential services, which include court advocacy and criminal justice support, provided by law enforcement and prosecutors. Other services involve crisis counseling offered by sexual assault and mental health centers, forensic interviews conducted by children’s advocacy centers, as well as shelter, transportation, and transitional housing provided by domestic violence programs.

A total of $10,289,285 was awarded to 65 agencies.  

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Application Period for Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission Big Game Hunting Permits Now Open

TOPEKA – Kansas-based chapters of nonprofit organizations focused on wildlife conservation and promoting the hunting and fishing heritage have a special fundraising opportunity thanks to the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission. Through the Commission Big Game Permit program, eligible organizations can enter a random drawing for one of seven special big game hunting permits, which may then be sold to fund conservation projects. The drawing will take place at the Commission’s meeting on January 30, 2025. Applicants do not need to be present to win.

Applications are due by Jan. 17, 2025. To submit an application:

1. Visit ksoutdoors.com/KDWP-Info/Commission
2. Click “Commissioner Permits” toward the bottom of the page
3. Download the file titled, “2025 Commissioner Permit Application fillable.”
4. Return the completed application by mail or email at the addresses listed on the application

Each year, the program offers up to seven Commission Big Game permits (no more than one elk and one antelope and up to seven deer permits), depending on applicants’ preferences. Deer permits are either-species/either-sex and are valid statewide during any season with the legal equipment for that season; and, they do not count against other big game permits the license holder may obtain.

Winning organizations keep 15 percent of their sale price of the Commission Big Game Permit to support their missions. The remaining 85 percent is held by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks until a mutually agreed upon conservation project is approved. (If Kansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry is drawn, they may keep 85 percent of their sale price in order to offset donated deer processing fees.) Organizations may not win a Commission Big Game Permit more than once in a three-year period.

For more information, contact Jake George, KDWP Wildlife Division Director, at [email protected].

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