ST. PAUL –Spectrum, JTN and Nuvera Communications are set to receive nearly $2.65 million in grants from the state’s Border-to-Border Broadband Development Program for broadband access expansion in Eureka and Cedar Lake Townships and Northwest Dakota County (Lakeville).
Rep. Jon Koznick, GOP Lead on Economic Development Committee, R-Lakeville, issued the following statement reacting to the news.
“Access to reliable and fast internet is critical for businesses, healthcare providers, students, and Minnesotans no matter where they live,” said Rep. Koznick. “I am pleased to see these local projects receive this important funding so that additional broadband opportunities can be provided to residents in the area. I know that our neighbors in Eureka and Northwest Dakota County, as well as Cedar Lake in Scott County to the west, have been advocating for stronger investments in connectivity, and these matching funds will help to advance economic activity and better, more reliable service.”
These projects are among 61 broadband expansion projects around Minnesota set to receive a combined $99.6 million in grants. The funding primarily comes from two sources – half of a $50 million appropriation from the state Legislature and another $70 million in federal funding.
DEED soon will launch a new Border-to-Border Request for Proposals to award $67.6 million for broadband deployment ($25 million from the Legislature and $42.6 million in federal funding). Applications are slated to open later this month. Check the DEED website for more information as it becomes available.
Details on the projects can be found here.
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