(KAIR)--The Prairie Band Pottawatomi Nation, located in Jackson County, is one of 12 Kansas entites selected to share in part of $28.5 million in grants awarded to the state to increase internet connectivity.

According to a release from the office of Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, the funding is made available through the Lasting Infrastructure and Network Connectivity program, commonly referred to as LINC. The program provides strategic funding for crucial aspects of broadband connectivity to reduce the cost of internet service, increase availability, and improve performance.

Kelly, in the release, calls LINC "another step forward in [the] promise to connect all Kansans, including in rural areas, to high-speed internet,” which, she says will continue "empowering communities with high-speed broadband infrastructure, unlocking greater economic growth, increased access to telemedicine, and expanded educational opportunities."

The Prairie Band Pottawatomi Nation has been awarded $3 million for the purpose of improving broadband infrastructure, with the release noting that a $571,150 service provider match is required to receive the grant funding.

According to the release, the total broadband investment in LINC is expected to surpass $33.9 million, when factoring in the matching funds from service providers.