An option for faster and more reliable internet will soon be available to residents and businesses in Northern Paola after it was announced Friday, May 20, that KwiKom Communications and the City were able to obtain a state Grant. The 50-50 State Grant allows for up to a 50% co-investment of the matching funding and KwiKom asked the City of Paola for a co-investment commitment of $250,000, which is 25% of the project’s nearly one million dollar total. There has been great frustration in the City with AT&T and Sudden Link. Paola City Manager, Randi Shannon, says the City will likely use COVID 19 Stimulus Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act for the City’s $250,000 co-investment.
KwiKom’s plan is to deliver scalable, 10 gigabit capable fiber to more than 500 homes and businesses within the Northern City limits, north of Baptiste Drive and around Lake Miola. KwiKom officials said they are also seeking additional grants that would allow them to eventually complete the entire city, which Shannon said has been an important emphasis of City leaders.
