WILLMAR – Broadband internet service will be expanded in Kandiyohi County thanks to nearly $6 million in state grants that were announced this morning.
Consolidated Telecommunications Co. was awarded a $4.94 million grant to improve serves in New London, Spicer and Willmar and Frontier was awarded a grant of $1.02 million to improve service in rural Kandiyohi County.
The funding pays for up to 50 percent of the cost of developing broadband for improved high-speed internet in communities across the state.
In a news release, the Department of Employment and Economic Development said 42 projects from around the state were selected to share a total of $34 million to improve broadband services.
All told, the projects will provide 16,627 households, 2,240 businesses and 71 community institutions across that will help “level the playing field for households and businesses in Greater Minnesota by providing them access the same opportunities available to urban area residents,” according to the news release from DEED.
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According to the release, the $4.94 million grant to Consolidated Telecommunications Co. will serve 1,439 unserved households, 149 unserved businesses and four community anchor institutions in the New London, Spicer and Willmar areas.
Consolidated Telecommunications Co. will improve broadband service to advance community and economic development.
The total eligible project cost is $9.87 million, with a $4.94 million local match.
The $1.02 million grant to Frontier, Kandiyohi Initiative will serve 1,147 unserved households, seven unserved businesses and seven unserved community anchor institutions in rural Kandiyohi County.
The total eligible project cost is $2.03 million, with $1.01 million local match.
Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Smith secured the $34 million to expand high-speed internet access during the 2016 Legislative Session, after first proposing a $100 million investment.
