Gov. Mark Parkinson has created a 24-member

task force to help make highspeed Internet access available

throughout Kansas.

The group includes industry representatives, as well as members

of the public who use broadband connections in their work,

including public safety. Parkinson also asked the secretaries of

agriculture and commerce to serve, and legislative leaders will

appoint four members.

Parkinson named the group on Thursday.

Kansas has been awarded $174 million in federal stimulus grants

and loans to expand broadband connections. The state’s program,

called Connect Kansas, is currently mapping access statewide.