Topeka ? A new task force has been formed to help expand broadband access in Kansas.

“Access to broadband services is essential in supporting our communities and furthering economic development,” Gov. Mark Parkinson said Thursday.

Parkinson said faster and more reliable Internet service is crucial for people searching for work, accessing health care technologies, or trying to further their education.

The Kansas Broadband Advisory Task Force will include 24 members and make recommendations on expanding broadband services.

The federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included $7.2 billion to help states expand broadband access to underserved communities. This includes approximately $174 million in grants and loans to expand broadband in Kansas.

The task force will work with the Connect Kansas initiative, which was unveiled last year by the Kansas Department of Commerce to map the state’s existing high-speed Internet availability, plan for improvements and help Kansas organizations win federal grants.