WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement regarding Google’s announcement today that they signed a development agreement to build their first ultra high-speed network in Kansas City, Kansas:

“Today’s announcement from Google is great news for Kansas. Increased Internet speeds will encourage business development, enhance the delivery of health care, and improve the ability of Kansas teachers to educate students,” Sen. Moran said. “Google’s fiber project will also create high-quality jobs, attract new talent to our state and improve the quality of life for Kansans.

“The future of Internet-based applications is limitless, and I am excited about Google’s decision to make Kansas home to a new fiber project,” Sen. Moran continued. “Congratulations to Kansas City for a successful application and to Google for selecting a worthy partner.”

Nearly 1,100 cities applied for Google’s “Fiber for Communities” project, which aims to provide a community with Internet access more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have today. In selecting a city, Google’s goal was to find locations where they could build efficiently, make an impact on the community and develop relationships with local government and community organizations. Pending approval from Kansas City’s Board of Commissioners, Google plans to offer service beginning in 2012.

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