We’ve been telling you about some of the 66 new state broadband projects that were announced last week as part of the national broadband stimulus. The various efforts are focused on everything from building up broadband infrastructure, to increasing access, providing education opportunities and creating thousands of new jobs. Here is a look at a few more of those projects getting underway:

Illinois: Sen. Dick Durbin announced a $7.4 million project with the Shawnee Telephone Company that will be used to expand broadband access in underserved and low-income areas. “Durbin's office says the company provides services in Gallatin, Hardin, Johnson, and Pope counties. The project is expected to create about 100 jobs and benefit 3,100 residents, 438 businesses, and 35 community institutions, like libraries and police departments.” Read more here.

Kansas: Three projects totaling $11 million will be used to expand high-speed Internet access in rural parts of the state: “The biggest award is $6.6 million to H&B Communications Inc. to provide high-speed broadband service to rural communities around Claflin and Ellinwood in central Kansas. In northeastern Kansas, a Holton telephone company is getting $3.3 million to put fiber lines for broadband in six towns. And South Central Wireless Inc. will get $1.1 million to build the infrastructure for voice and high-speed services to residents and businesses in the town of Attica.” Read more here.