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State Representative Andrew Falk
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4228
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
NEWS COLUMN
ACT NOW TO ACCESS FEDERAL FUNDING FOR BROADBAND
Dear Neighbors,
I’m happy to announce that federal stimulus dollars will soon be available to expand high-speed Internet to underserved areas in Greater Minnesota. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the federal government has dedicated $7.2 billion to expand access to broadband throughout the United States, with the primary goal of bringing it to rural areas. The funds will be offered through federal grants and low-interest loans, available to municipalities, counties, school districts, local telephone/telecom providers, non-profits and others, including partnerships comprised by these entities.
For many people, access to high speed Internet is necessary to doing their jobs, continuing their education, and maintaining personal connections. Unfortunately, broadband is not available to all regions of our state, especially rural areas. This federal funding can help many of these regions get the services they need.
The deadline for applying for these grants/loans is August 14. Information can be found at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration website (ntia.doc.gov)
Additional information can be found by contacting the following:
• League of Minnesota Cities - Ann Higgins (651) 281-1257
• Association of Minnesota Counties - Ryan O'Connor (651) 789-4339
• Center for Rural Policy & Development - Brad Finstad (507) 934-7700
• MN Department of Commerce - Diane Wells (651) 284-4213
I encourage anyone interested in this federal funding to act quickly. It would be great if Minnesota applicants, including many in our district, were able to receive a big portion of the $7.2 billion that is available.
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