Davids Celebrates Major Federal Investment to Help Close Kansas’ Digital Divide

Today, Representative Sharice Davids celebrated Kansas’ newly approved proposal to utilize nearly $452 million to deploy affordable, equitable, and reliable high-speed Internet service throughout the state. The federal investment, delivered through the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, will help ensure all Kansans have the capacity to thrive in our digital economy. Davids, who was the only member of the Kansas delegation to support the bipartisan infrastructure law, previously encouraged Kansans to fill out the National Broadband Map survey, which was the main source in determining state funding levels.

“Kansas’ current broadband system does not operate at the level folks need across our state to efficiently access crucial resources like employment opportunities, virtual learning, and health care,” said Davids. “One of my main priorities is ensuring the efficient implementation of the bipartisan infrastructure law. I applaud Kansas’ Office of Broadband Development for their work to make this proposal a reality.”

“The Kansas Office of Broadband Development is incredibly grateful for Representative Davids’ continued support to ensure every Kansan receives the connectivity they need to thrive in our digital society,” said Jade Piros de Carvalho, Broadband Director, Kansas Office of Broadband Development. “Her vote for the bipartisan infrastructure law has been a game changer for our state, and this historic investment will offer our best hope to date at closing the digital divide.”

In total, the bipartisan infrastructure law has provided more than $578 million to Kansas to improve access to high-speed Internet, build out the state’s broadband infrastructure, and make high-speed Internet more affordable. In December 2022, Kansas was awarded its first round of BEAD funds to develop a five-year action plan, identify unserved and underserved locations, and build capacity at the Kansas Office of Broadband Development. Kansas’ newly approved proposal outlines the state’s plans to use the $451.7 million award to provide high-speed Internet to areas lacking access.

The bipartisan infrastructure law, which is paid for through a combination of new revenues and savings, has been called the most fiscally responsible infrastructure bill in at least a decade by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In all, more than $3.2 billion in federal bipartisan infrastructure law funding has been announced for Kansas, with more than 376 specific projects identified — from lead pipe replacement in Olathe to safety initiatives in Kansas City, Kansas to long-overdue upgrades to K-68 in Miami County.