The Broadband Acceleration Grant Program is critical in Kansas’ plan to address broadband gaps statewide. Funds will be targeted to areas that are unlikely to receive broadband service without state or federal funding support.
“These grants will continue my administration’s push to improve connectivity throughout our state,” Governor Kelly said. “Kansans need high-speed internet to access healthcare, education, commerce and so much more. This funding is critical in our bold push to adequately connect and equip every part of Kansas for prosperity and growth, and to ensure that our state can compete economically.”
Governor Laura Kelly
Broadband Acceleration Grant Opportunity Year 2
Launched in 2020, the program is poised to invest $85 million over 10 years toward bridging the digital divide in Kansas, thanks to broadband modernization funding provided through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE). The program was created as a direct result of broadband modernization funding provided through swift, bipartisan action of the 2020 legislative session.
The competitive grant opportunity will invest an additional $5 million in grant awards for FY2022 with an additional $5 million in matching investment from awardees, equating to a $10 million total investment in broadband infrastructure projects across Kansas.
Grant awards of up to $1 million dollars with a required 50% match will be invested in the construction of high-quality, reliable broadband infrastructure throughout Kansas with priority given to applications that address:
In addition, this second round encourages partnership projects that accelerate broadband infrastructure through collective investments such as:
“The Broadband Acceleration Grant Program is one of the key building blocks we have put in place at the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) to accelerate broadband expansion across the state and build upon the work we completed as part of the pandemic response programs,” KOBD Director Stanley Adams said. “We’ve long known of the significant digital divide in Kansas, and the pandemic reinforced what we need to do. We are prepared to seize the opportunity to connect every Kansan with the broadband access they need and deserve.”
The Intent to Apply is open and potential applicants are encouraged to submit. The Intent to Apply informs KOBD of the interest in the program to more effectively scope the evaluation and review process associated with the program. Submitting an Intent to Apply does not commit an applicant, nor does failing to submit the Intent eliminate applicants from applying.
To submit an Intent to Apply: Click here!
Dec 15, 2021 Opportunity Announced, Guidelines
Dec 15, 2021 Intent to Apply Opens – Submit here!
Dec 16, 2021 Broadband Acceleration Grant Webinar – Register here! 1pm CST
Jan 11, 2022 Submission Portal Opens: Apply Here
Jan 13, 2022 Broadband Acceleration Grant Webinar from 11:30 – 12:30pm: Watch Here
Jan 14, 2022 Intent to Apply Deadline (Intent to Apply Closed)
Feb 11, 2022 Application Window Closes (12 p.m. CST)
Feb 12 – April 13, 2022 Grant Application Evaluation
Feb 16 — March 22, 2022 Public Comment & Applicant Response Window
April 12 – 15, 2022 Applicant Interviews May 18, 2022 Awards Announced
Proposed Project Period: May 18, 2022 – Oct 31, 2023 (18 months)
BROADBAND ACCELERATION GRANT YEAR 2 FAQ’s VIEW PDF
Year 2 TECHNICAL PLANNING GUIDE VIEW PDF
Year 2 IN-KIND MATCH GUIDANCE VIEW PDF
PROJECT PROPOSAL TEMPLATE [For PUBLIC Consumption] View
TECHNICAL PROJECT SUMMARY TEMPLATE View
TECHNICAL PROJECT PLAN & MILESTONES TEMPLATE View
BUDGET TEMPLATE – FIBER Download
BUDGET TEMPLATE – Wireless Download
Map of Kansas Broadband Investments 2021 – Download the Map File here
This map represents areas the State of Kansas has made broadband investments in for the Connectivity Emergency Response Grant and the Broadband Acceleration Grant Program as of 12/31/2021. It should serve as a guide for prospective applicants of where investments have been made to date. This is not intended to be an explicit representation, a conclusive source for address-level data, or an indication of the quality of access within shaded wireless areas.
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