Brainerd, Minn. – On Tuesday, March 5, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced that they have awarded more than $53 million in grants through the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program. The 24 projects awarded across the state will be matched by nearly $51 million in local funding, for a total investment of more than $104 million.
The funding, approved during the 2023 legislative session, will be used by broadband providers to build infrastructure and serve unserved and underserved areas. This round of funding will provide Internet access to more than 8,900 businesses, homes and community agencies across the state.
Consolidated Telephone Company (CTC) is one of the recipients, receiving $2,292,790 in funding. This will be combined with equal matching funds from CTC, the Iron Range Resource and Rehabilitation Commission and St. Louis County. Upon successful completion, the $4.6 million project will provide Internet service at speeds up to 1Gig to more than 300 homes and businesses in parts of St. Louis, Morrison and Crow Wing counties.
“It is an honor to receive this award as it helps further our mission of connecting more communities, especially in rural areas,” said Kristi Westbrock, CEO and General Manager of CTC. “We believe that better internet service will Improving the lives of everyone who lives, works and visits these areas.”
Once completed, the project will allow rural residents to work and learn from home, access telemedicine options, safely live in their homes for longer, and enhance communication. Access to reliable broadband is proven to boost economic development, allowing businesses to enter new markets, acquire new customers, streamline operations and complete essential functions more effectively and efficiently.
Created in 2014, the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant program provides state resources to help new and existing providers invest in building broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas of the state. Grants are awarded through a competitive application process. For more information about the program, visit https://mn.gov/deed/programs-services/broadband/grant-program/.
CTC is a technology consultant and full-service telecommunications cooperative headquartered in Brainerd, Minnesota. Founded in 1952, CTC has grown into a complete communications provider, providing telephone, high-speed Internet, digital television and IT services to businesses and individuals in central and northern Minnesota. For more information about CTC, please visit www.goctc.com.