St. Paul, Minn. – At a press conference at the State Capitol today, Rep. Julie Sandstede (DFL – Hibbing) was joined by other legislators from Greater Minnesota to announce a push to provide $100 million toward broadband infrastructure over the next two years. Opportunities for economic growth in rural areas was the main reason highlighted for such an investment.
"I've promised to work towards diversifying the economy on the Range, and broadband is the infrastructure needed to provide alternate pathways to economic development," said Rep. Sandstede, chief author of the bill in the House. "To borrow from a line from a film, 'If we don't build it, they won't come.' We can't afford to put this off any longer if we want Minnesota to be a destination location for businesses of all types."
Under the bill, $100 million will be appropriated for the Border-to-Border Broadband program, a competitive grant program which provides matching grants for internet providers to expand access across the state. Since the program’s creation in 2014, Minnesota has invested $65 million in expansions, which has helped connect 10,000 homes and more than 1,000 businesses.
Roughly 22% of homes in Greater Minnesota lack Internet connectivity at basic speeds and reliability necessary for home-based business or telecommuting, learning opportunities or telemedicine.
Sen. Erik Simonson (DFL – Duluth) is the chief author of the proposal in the Minnesota Senate.