After much discussion, the Harvey County Commissioners approved a motion to commit $250,000 in matching grant money to partner with IdeaTek in applying for the Lasting Infrastructure and Network Connection (LINC) grant through the Kansas Department of Commerce. The motion also included providing a letter of support. It was approved by a 2-1 vote, with Commissioner Becky Reimer voting against. During the weekly commissioners meeting, Ethan Kaplan, a representative from IdeaTek, requested that the county partner with them in the application in order to enhance their chances of being successful. Kaplan told the commissioners that the total project, which includes three towers and 460 homes, will cost $5.25 million. The grant request is $4.6 million, and the required match is $460,000, but IdeaTek is including $650,000 in matching funds to improve the chances of their project being selected. The addition of the county’s pledge of $250,000 will bring total matching funds to $900,000 and give IdeaTek and Harvey County a strong chance at being successful in their application, according to Kaplan.
Source: Harvey County Now
