FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – As part of his commitment to connect every home and business in Kentucky to high-speed internet, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Friday that the state has opened the Broadband Grants Management Portal for user registration.

Registering is the first step in applying for funds from Kentucky’s $1.1 billion allocation from the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Internet service providers, local governments and nonprofits are all eligible.

The second step – the pre-qualification phase – will open Aug. 14 and close on Sept. 13. Managerial, technical and operational information from prospective applicants will be collected during this step. The third step will be the submission of applications for BEAD funding, which is expected to open in November.