ST. PAUL, MN -- Representative Nick Zerwas (R-Elk River) issued the following statement regarding Wednesday’s announcement from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) that Big Lake 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 $90,988 grant will expand broadband infrastructure in Big Lake, improving access to 17 underserved businesses and 1 underserved community anchor institution in the Big Lake Industrial Park. The total eligible project cost is $211,600 with a $120,612 local match.
“This is very exciting news for the community of Big Lake,” said Rep. Zerwas. “Greater broadband accessibility for businesses in our area will provide for more opportunities of employment and better customer satisfaction for consumers.”
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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