Kansas hosts its first “Infrastructure Summit” – Newstalk KZRG

Governor Laura Kelly right this moment welcomed Kansans to the first-ever Infrastructure Summit hosted by the newly fashioned Kansas Infrastructure Hub. On the Summit, which takes place July 13 and 14 in Wichita, greater than 650 folks from throughout the state are studying extra in regards to the grant alternatives out there beneath the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation (BIL), discussing methods for getting ready successful grant functions, and sharing enter on infrastructure priorities in Kansas.

“Native governments are on the frontlines offering the standard infrastructure that all of us depend on to fulfill our most simple wants and generate long-term prosperity,” stated Governor Kelly. “I’m grateful we might convey collectively infrastructure leaders from throughout the state to strategize how we are able to strengthen Kansas for years to come back.”

Below BIL, Kansas will obtain near $3.8 billion in direct funds over the following 5 years for transportation, water, power, and broadband initiatives. Kansas might probably obtain extra by making use of for aggressive grants.

“These {dollars} current an incredible alternative for Kansas, however with that chance additionally comes a duty to ship,” stated Kansas Division of Transportation Secretary Julie Lorenz. “Whether or not it’s workforce shortages, inflation, or pink tape, we all know there will probably be challenges to attain the enhancements taxpayers deserve, which is why collaboration in any respect ranges of presidency and the non-public sector will probably be essential. I’m so happy that Kansans from each area are right here to strategize how we are able to higher work collectively.”

Summit attendees are listening to from material specialists about assets out there for transportation, water methods, broadband, power, resilience, and cybersecurity and are studying apply for the varied grant packages that may turn into out there over the following 5 years. Throughout this summit, attendees are sharing how the State might higher help them in assembly their infrastructure wants and assist communities prioritize their wants at a regional stage.

Secretary Lorenz serves as a Chair of the Kansas Infrastructure Hub. In June, Governor Kelly introduced the launch of the Hub, a state company subcabinet working group comprised of representatives from the Kansas Departments of Administration, Agriculture, Commerce, Well being and Atmosphere, and Transportation; the Kansas Company Fee; and the Kansas Water Workplace. The Hub has an advisory group comprised of private and non-private sector leaders and stakeholders throughout the state that may assist decide funding priorities, determine obstacles to distributing funds, and talk the Hub’s work to neighborhood members.