Faster and more reliable internet for residents and businesses in northern Paola soon could be available, if the City and KwiKom Communications are able to obtain a State Grant. Acting Interim City Manager, Randi Shannon, said KwiKom Communications has identified Paola as an ideal community for the Kansas Office of Broadband Development Acceleration Grant. The 50-50 State Grant allows for up to a 50% co-investment of the matching funding. KwiKom asked the City of Paola for a co-investment commitment of $250,000, which is 25% of the project’s $1 million total. KwiKom’s plan is to deliver scalable, 10 gigabit capable fiber to more that 500 homes and businesses within the northern city limits and around Lake Miola. The project would also provide the necessary infrastructure to eventually complete the entire city which Shannon says was in important emphasis of City leaders.
If the Paola project is accepted, Shannon said the City would likely use COVID 19 Stimulus Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act for the City’s $250,000 co-investment. Shannon says the City should know by May whether the Paola Project was chosen.
