Commerce Announces $23M in Funding Available for Broadband Investments
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $23 million is available to improve broadband infrastructure through the Broadband Acceleration Grant (BAG) program. Grants up to $1 million will be awarded to offset the capital expenses providers need to deploy service in unserved areas of Kansas.
In its fifth year through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), the Broadband Acceleration Grant program aims to provide high-quality, reliable broadband access throughout the state, prioritizing unserved areas, economically distressed communities and areas of compelling need.
“Ensuring that every Kansan has access to high-speed internet is not just about connectivity — it’s about economic mobility and community growth,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These grants provide long-term, sustainable benefits by fostering innovation, attracting businesses, and supporting and retaining the workforce across the state.”
During the first four years of this program, high-speed internet has been delivered to more than 11,000 homes and businesses in 35 counties. The cumulative $25 million generated another $31 million in matching funds.
“The Broadband Acceleration Grant program is an important part of KDOT’s commitment to modernizing Kansas’ infrastructure,” Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said. “Just as transportation infrastructure connects communities to opportunity, reliable broadband access is essential to building a stronger, more connected Kansas.”
Broadband enables small businesses to grow, agriculture to be more efficient, families to connect and communities to prosper.
“By continuing to invest in broadband we are not just investing in critical infrastructure, we are investing in the future of every Kansan,” Director of Broadband Development Bill Abston said. “The Broadband Acceleration Grant program is a critical tool to ensuring that all Kansans, no matter where they live, can access their high-speed digital future.”
The grant application period will run from 3 p.m. Friday, October 3, to 3 p.m. Friday, October 31. The Office of Broadband Development has scheduled a kickoff webinar at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 3. To register for the webinar, click here. For more information about the program or to apply for the Broadband Acceleration Grant Program, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About the Kansas Office of Broadband Development:
Established in 2020 by Governor Laura Kelly through Executive Order, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) is committed to ensuring all Kansans have the opportunity to live, work, learn and compete in a digital economy. KOBD accomplishes this by administering state and federal funding to support critical broadband infrastructure and expand access to high-speed internet. These efforts help enhance workforce readiness, education, digital opportunities and economic development across the state.
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