ST. PAUL - Lt. Gov. Tina Smith and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development on Friday announced $11 million in grants for projects to expand broadband access in 15 rural Minnesota communities.
"We need border-to-border broadband Internet access to build an economy that works for all Minnesotans," Smith said in a release. "Broadband Internet access isn't just nice, it's necessary for Minnesota businesses to grow and our students to thrive. While these grants are a good start, significant need remains."
This broadband funding was awarded under DEED's Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program, which Gov. Mark Dayton signed into law in May 2014. This year, DEED received 44 applications, totaling more than $29 million in requests. The program's first round of funding awarded $19.4 million to 17 communities in February.
The latest round of broadband grants will improve access to high-speed broadband for 3,222 households, 786 businesses and nearly 90 community institutions throughout the state.
"By gaining access to broadband, these rural communities will increase economic development, improve living standards and enhance education and public services," said DEED Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben. "While we are pleased to assist in the development of these projects, there are many other communities waiting to receive access to high-speed Internet and additional resources urgently needed."
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Two Brainerd-area projects were on the list of recipients awarded funding in 2015:
Consolidated Telecommunications Co., Fort Ripley Phase II, $759,525
Broadband infrastructure will be built out in the Fort Ripley area to provide service to 272 households. Total project costs are $1.6 million. The remaining $839,475 (52 percent local match) will be provided by Consolidated Telecommunications and regional and local development agencies.
West Central Telephone Association, Highway 71 Wadena North Expansion Project, $193,515
The project will provide high-speed broadband service to 162 households, 43 businesses and three community anchor institutions. Project costs are $2.12 million. The remaining $1.93 million (91 percent local match) will be provided by the West Central Telephone Association and by local and regional organizations.
Minnesota Rep. Ron Kresha, R-Little Falls, hailed the grant awards in a written statement.
"These grants are a big help for residents of our area, and I look forward to building on our broadband investments next session," Kresha said. "It was our goal to focus state funding in unserved and underserved areas of Greater Minnesota, and I'm glad our communities will be able to take advantage of these grant opportunities. I plan to continue working with Todd County next year to ensure we're able to move broadband infrastructure forward in that area as well."
Rep. Josh Heintzeman, R-Nisswa, also weighed in an via emailed statement.
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"This grant will go a long ways in helping families and businesses in our area gain access to broadband," Heintzeman said. "Today's announcement is great news for communities in our area of the state. We still have a ways to go, but today's news is a great start to ensuring rural Minnesotans have access to broadband internet services."
