Kansas receiving $8.2 million from Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Kansas is receiving $8.2 million from the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program.

The funding helps increase access to affordable high-speed internet services under the Digital Equity Act in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Kansas will use this funding to implement its digital equity plan, which assists individuals and communities with the tools and skills to access affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service.

“Quality, affordable, high-speed Internet allows families and businesses to thrive in our modern economy. Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is connecting everyone across the country to quality, affordable, high-speed Internet and providing the resources they need to make the most of that Internet connection,” says U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “We look forward to working with the states to ensure all residents have the tools and skills to take advantage of quality, affordable high-speed Internet – whether it’s for work, education, health care, or any other essential service.” 

“For the first time, every state in the nation has a digital equity plan in place to promote widespread adoption of high-speed Internet services. These states now can request access to the funds to put their digital equity plans into action,” says Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All initiative will ensure everyone can thrive online through access to devices and digital skills.”

Kansas will receive a total of $8,229,246, which will be used to fund a long-term affordability program for Kansans and also create a dashboard to help state agencies, organizations, and the public see the progress in closing the gap in digital access and digital literacy in Kansas.

“This new grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which I proudly voted to pass, will help ensure every Kansan has the tools they need to succeed in today’s digital world,” says Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3). “Whether it’s helping students with homework, supporting small businesses, or connecting rural communities, improving Internet access will strengthen our state and create more opportunities for growth.”

Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia were also announced as grant recipients Thursday, with a total of $85.1 million being distributed between the five states.