Topeka ? Applications were sent Thursday to higher education institutions, including Kansas University, for a portion of $3.4 million to be spent curing the state nursing shortage.

“This funding moves us closer to ultimately solving an issue that, if unaddressed, will negatively impact every Kansan,” said Sen. Jim Barone, D-Frontenac, a key sponsor of the initiative approved by the 2006 Legislature.

The $3.4 million represents first-year funding in a proposed 10-year, $30 million plan to increase the number of nurses by 25 percent.

The Kansas Department of Labor has predicted 11,350 registered nurse positions will be needed by 2010 to care for the state’s aging population and replace retiring nurses.

The applications for funding will be reviewed by the Kansas Board of Regents. There are 21 nursing programs in the state higher education system, including one at the KU Medical Center.