Kansas Launches $2 Million AIR KS Grant Program for UAS Test Ranges and BVLOS Operations
Why It MattersState-level money aimed at BVLOS infrastructure signals that drone corridor build-out is increasingly being funded regionally, a step toward the operating environment advanced air mobility depends on.
Kansas Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced the Air Innovation Range in Kansas (AIR KS) program, a one-time grant opportunity totaling $2 million to enhance and support Kansas-based Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) test ranges and Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations. The program is intended to strengthen testing and innovation by expanding infrastructure and operational capabilities, accelerating commercialization and spurring economic development.
The grant will support expanding BVLOS navigation infrastructure and operational capabilities, increasing commercial and public-sector research and industry utilization, and accelerating commercialization and investment in agriculture, rural healthcare, defense and emerging technologies. It will also strengthen public-private partnerships and the broader BVLOS ecosystem in Kansas, and support the long-term operations, maintenance and growth of UAS test ranges in the state. Funds may be used for navigation infrastructure, technology systems, operational capabilities and software enhancements.
Eligible applicants are airport authorities, airport sponsors, municipalities, counties, governmental entities, private companies, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, tribal governments, or partnerships among these organizations that have the technical, managerial and financial capabilities to carry out the project. Work must be completed within eight months of receiving the funds. Funding will be paid in two installments: half at the time of the award and the remainder once the project reaches at least 50% completion.
