ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
Modernization and expansion are very important for any state, and recently, the State of Kansas announced some efforts to help with just that.
Last Wednesday, Gov. Laura Kelly announced the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) is receiving nearly $32 million to support using low-carbon construction materials in federally aided projects.
The Low Carbon Transportation Materials Program aims to modernize project practices and support the adoption of advanced construction materials across Kansas, according to a release from the State of Kansas.
“KDOT’s program will be a model for how states can work with contractors to incorporate advanced materials while delivering projects that strengthen our local economies,” Gov. Kelly noted in the release. “The program will promote the use of construction materials with lower levels of human-generated greenhouse gas emissions as measured from cradle to gate instead of benchmarks established from current national averages. Those national benchmarks will be replaced by Kansas benchmarks as soon as enough local data becomes available. It will focus on concrete, cement, and asphalt and explore eligible glass and steel materials as the program develops.”
“This is significant funding that will drive innovation in construction practices,” Kansas Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed noted in the release. “By providing guidance and performance monitoring, KDOT can help contractors integrate cutting-edge materials into their projects and meet evolving industry standards.”
KDOT was one of 39 states awarded funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s discretionary grant program, the State of Kansas release noted
“KDOT can help enhance individual projects and pave the way for long-term advancement in the construction industry,” Kansas Transportation Deputy Secretary Greg Schieber noted in the release. “Our aim is to create a foundation for growth and continued success.”
Additional information about the Low-Carbon Transportation Materials Grants Program, made available through the Inflation Reduction Act, is available by visiting https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/lowcarbon/
Tuesday saw Gov. Kelly announce applications will open 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.
“Our digital opportunity programs empower Kansans to reach their full potential in work, education, and entrepreneurship,” Gov. Kelly noted in a release from the State of Kansas. “The ADOPT program provides resources for communities to thrive in a digitally connected economy.”
ADOPT is built around two key categories:
• Equipment Distribution: the maximum individual award is $500,000 and requires 2 percent match and 1 percent co-investment
• Public Wi-Fi: the maximum individual award is capped at $1 million and requires 5 percent match and 2 percent co-investment
“The ADOPT program has an immediate impact on Kansans. We are able to remove technological barriers and provide tools necessary to navigate today’s digital environment,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland noted in the State of Kansas release. “Through 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. The 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, the State of Kansas release continued
“KOBD continues to engage with our neighbors while being future-focused on our mission to ensure all Kansans can access digital tools needed to thrive,” Interim Director of Kansas Office of Broadband Development Joseph Le noted in the State of Kansas release. “We have been encouraged by the innovative ideas and partnerships developed in the first round of ADOPT, and we expect this second round to continue to propel Kansas forward. KOBD encourages local governments, community organizations, educational institutions, and other organizations to continue collaborating and enhancing Kansas communities through ADOPT.”
To learn more about the program guidelines and entities eligible to apply, visit https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/challenge/advancing-digital-opportunities-to-promote-technology-adopt-2-4/
KOBD will host a webinar at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, to discuss funding priorities and application guidelines. To register, visit https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/r6nmjnw/lp/9e3aa3c5-7e97-444e-8937-1724f76082f3
