Governor Kelly Invites Public Input on Volume 2 of Kansas Broadband Plan

Governor Laura Kelly (D-KS) announced the release of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Initial Proposal Volume 2. As part of the planning process, the public is invited to submit comments on the planning document. Together with the BEAD 5-Year Action Plan, Volumes 1 and 2 will help identify areas of need for high-speed internet buildout across the state and outline requirements for applicants to access grant funding.  Volume 2 outlines defined objectives for broadband infrastructure projects, transparent subgrantee selection processes, and the active participation of eligible entities, all aimed at providing affordable broadband service options to residents. Additional components of Volume 2 include: 

• Plans for equipping the workforce with the necessary skills and resources to support broadband infrastructure development 
• Initiatives to promote the inclusion of Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) in broadband projects 
• Strategies for identifying and mitigating cost-related barriers to broadband deployment 
• Consideration of the environmental impact of broadband projects and efforts to minimize their carbon footprint 
• An outline of the regulatory approach to be taken by eligible entities in support of broadband infrastructure development 

Public comments on Volume 2 can be submitted online here until November 12, 2023.