(MSC News)--Kansas is awarding more than 2-point-6 million dollars in broadband grants for projects in Atchison, Brown and Marshall counties.

Governor Laura Kelly announced Rainbow Communications will receive more than 614-thousand dollars to connect 104 businesses and homes in Atchison and Brown counties.

Blue Valley Technologies will receive nearly 1-point-8 million dollars to provide service to 154 businesses and homes in Marshall County.

The grants are part of 12-point-9 million dollars awarded statewide through the Kansas Broadband Acceleration Grant program. The funding will be matched with nearly 14 million dollars in private and local investments to expand high-speed internet access across 44 rural Kansas counties.

The program supports broadband infrastructure to improve access to remote work, telehealth, education and business opportunities.