Kansas’ newly announced Lasting Infrastructure and Network Connectivity (LINC) program will provide $30 million in competitive funding opportunities to build the infrastructure needed for more homes and businesses to access broadband services.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said “this investment builds on my administration’s commitment to bring critical high-speed internet to every corner of the state.” She added that “these funds will ensure that reliable internet is available regardless of location so every Kansan can participate in the global economy.”
According to the governor’s office, the goal of the LINC program is to reduce the cost of internet service, increase its availability, and improve its performance for users.
LINC is focusing its funding on:
- Broadband infrastructure enabling end-user locations with a minimum of 100/20 Mbps speeds;
- Internet Exchange Point facilities to improve the overall internet access service quality for all Kansans; and
- Middle mile infrastructure to reduce overall costs in delivering broadband to end-users.
“This new program helps to deliver on our promise to connect all Kansans,” Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland said. “As we continue to lead the nation in business development, robust broadband becomes even more critical for attracting new businesses and workers to the state.”
Entities eligible to apply for the LINC program include internet service providers, political subdivisions, tribal governments, cooperatives, and non-profit organizations. The governor’s office said that projects in higher-cost, rural areas are eligible for greater public matches to encourage providers to build out service in otherwise financially unviable areas.
