ST. PAUL, MN -- Representative Jeff Backer (R-Browns Valley) issued the following statement regarding today's announcement from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) that Holmes City is 1 of 71 communities in greater Minnesota to receive a state grant to expand broadband access.
According to a press release from DEED, the $700,674 grant will expand broadband infrastructure in Holmes City, providing access to 267 unserved households and 32 unserved businesses. The total eligible project cost is $1.4 million with a $700,674 local match.
“This is a much needed broadband expansion,” said Rep. Backer. “Greater access to broadband will allow for the people and businesses of Holmes City to compete with the surrounding area through improving economic and educational opportunities.”
Thanks to Republican-led efforts, $32 million of the $35 million in grants were targeted toward unserved areas of the state—ensuring that broadband grants are going to the communities that need it most. Additionally, because of policy reforms to the program, the Minnesota State Broadband fund leveraged Connect America Fund Phase II (CAF II) federal broadband funding to amplify connectivity into rural areas of the state. In total, Minnesota is expected to see half a billion dollars in combined state and federal broadband funding between 2015 and 2021.
The legislature approved a total of $45 million in broadband grants during the 2015 and 2016 legislative session. When combined with federal CAF II funds, Minnesota will see more than $100 million in broadband expansion this year alone.
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