Millions in USDA Funding Delivered to Kansas to Expand Rural Broadband Access 

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program recently approved multiple investments in Kansas rural broadband connectivity.  

As part of the ReConnect Grant initiative, the USDA has awarded a $4.1 million grant to Totah Communication. This funding will help provide high-speed internet by deploying a fiber-to-the-premises network (FTTP). FTTP technology will provide increased high-speed connectivity to rural areas, bringing an enhanced broadband experience for Kansans. 213 Kansans, five businesses, and 33 farms in Chautauqua county will benefit from this investment. 

The USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program also approved a loan of $495,765 and a grant of $495,765 to Wave Wireless, L.L.C. This investment will also focus on increasing FTTP technology to provide rural communities with increased access to high-speed internet. Through this loan and grant funding, 228 Kansans, six businesses, and 39 farms in Labette and Montgomery counties will have additional access to high-speed internet. Like Totah Communications, Wave Wireless will participate in the F.C.C. Affordable Connectivity Program to make internet accessibility affordable. 

“Having reliable and affordable access to the internet is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for us to stay competitive,” Senator Roger Marshall said. “I am proud to see our Kansas communities getting the support and funding we need to deliver solid broadband infrastructure that is built to last. Our family farms, children in school, and small businesses rely on high-speed internet access now more than ever. We must make sure we are deploying high-speed internet to every community across the state, and I am glad to see these investments in Chautauqua, Labette, and Montgomery counties.”