KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Missouri will receive nearly $1.74 billion and Kansas will receive more than $451.7 million in the ongoing effort to build out high-speed internet from coast to coast.
The latest tranche of cash comes from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which announced more than $42 billion in grants Monday for high-speed internet programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories.
Only Texas ($3.31 billion) and California ($1.86 billion) received more grant money than Missouri, which has been allocated $1,736,302,708.39.
“This significant allocation will greatly assist our ongoing investments in Missouri's broadband infrastructure and build upon our recent $400 million investment," Missouri Gov. Mike Parson said Monday in a statement. "We're excited to be among the top five states in BEAD funding as we work to ensure every Missourian has access to a quality internet connection.”
The program is part of the White House’s “Internet for All” initiative and is funded through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program that was part of President Biden’s signature infrastructure bill.
“My administration is committed to ensuring every Kansan, regardless of their zip code, has access to fast and reliable internet connectivity, bringing additional economic growth, educational opportunities, and telehealth services,” Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement. “This funding advances our progress toward being a top 10 state for broadband access by 2030.”
The Kansas Office of Broadband Development has a speed test and survey online, hoping to connect all Kansans to high-speed internet within the next few years.
“This is a watershed moment for the millions of people across the country who lack access to a high-speed Internet connection who will soon have this necessary service to learn, work and play,” Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communication and Information Alan Davidson said in a statement announcing the grants. “States can now plan their grant programs with confidence and engage with their communities to ensure they spend this money where it is most needed.”
The money can "be used to deploy or upgrade broadband networks" and after those goals are met "can be used on broadband adoption, training, and workforce development efforts, among other eligible uses," the National Telecommunications and Information Administration said in a statement.
Grant recipients must submit proposals for how they will use the money from July 1 until the end of the year before the allocation will be distributed.
The Biden Administration touted another nearly $50 billion in high-speed internet investments, including a $930 million announcement from mid-June that included nearly $70 million for Kansas and Missouri.
The FCC, Department of Agriculture and Treasury Department are among the government organizations that have announced broadband grants to states in recent years.
States also have allocated money from federal COVID-19 stimulus packages to broadband projects, including at least $50 million in Missouri.
—
