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6 | Page December 6 I ssueWith these four awards, the Build Kansas Fund has provided the required matching dollars for 31 other federal grant awards across Kansas. The combined total investment by the Build Kansas Fund in all projects is $29.04 million, which has resulted in federal grant awards of $45.99 million. For more information on the Kansas SS4A program, contact Vanessa Spartan, transportation safety bureau chief for the Kansas Department of Transportation, at vanessa.spartan@ks.gov.Governor Kelly Announces $10.7M to Expand Internet Access to Devices and Public Wi-FiTOPEKA (12.3.2024) - Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that applications will open Thursday, Dec. 12, for a second round of the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology (ADOPT) program. The program will provide $10.7 million to organizations working to expand access to public wi-fi and connected devices.%u201cOur digital opportunity programs empower Kansans to reach their full potential in work, education, and entrepreneurship,%u201d Governor Laura Kelly said. %u201cThe ADOPT program provides resources for communities to thrive in a digitally connected economy.%u201dADOPT is built around two key categories:%u2022 Equipment Distribution: the maximum individual award is $500,000 and requires 2% match and 1% coinvestment%u2022 Public Wi-Fi: the maximum individual award is capped at $1 million and requires 5% match and 2% coinvestment%u201cThe ADOPT program has an immediate impact on Kansans. We are able to remove technological barriers and provide tools necessary to navigate today%u2019s digital environment,%u201d Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. %u201cThrough access to devices and public wi-fi, individuals can enhance job skills, participate in telehealth appointments, engage in online learning, and do remote work, furthering their ability to succeed in the future economy.%u201dThe Kansas Office of Broadband Division (KOBD) continues to partner with entities that can procure, distribute, manage, and maintain devices for the Equipment Distribution component of the program. The devices will be provided to individuals who cannot connect to the internet. The program emphasizes long-term loans for computers, laptops, and tablets to ensure sustainable access for qualifying individuals.The Public Wi-Fi component encourages organizations to form partnerships to deliver solutions in underserved and unserved public spaces, bringing affordable and reliable internet services to areas that lack access.%u201cKOBD continues to engage with our neighbors while being future-focused on our mission to ensure all Kansans can access digital tools needed to thrive,%u201d Interim Director of Kansas Office of Broadband Development Joseph Le said. %u201cWe have been encouraged by the innovative ideas and