Brainerd, Minn. – On Tuesday, March 5, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced it has 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 funded with approximately $51 million in local funds, bringing the total investment to more than $104 million.
This funding, approved during the 2023 legislative session, will be used by broadband providers to build infrastructure and bring service to unserved and underserved locations. 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) was one of the grant recipients and received $2,292,790 in funding. This will be combined with matching funds from CTC, the Iron Range Resource and Rehabilitation Commission, and St. Louis County. If successful, the $4.6 million project will provide internet service at up to 1Gig speeds to more than 300 homes and businesses in parts of St. Louis, Morrison and Crow Wing counties. .
“CTC is thrilled to be partnering with CTC,” said Christy Westblock, CEO and general manager of CTC. “We are honored to receive this award as it helps us further our mission of connecting more communities, especially in rural areas.” We are confident that we will improve the lives of everyone who works and visits us.”
Once this project is complete, rural residents will be able to work and learn from home, access telehealth options, live safely at home longer, and increase communication. Access to reliable broadband is also proven to foster economic development, allowing businesses to enter new markets, acquire new customers, streamline operations, and perform basic functions more effectively and efficiently. Now you can run it.
Created in 2014, the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program supports investments by new and existing providers to build broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas of the state. Provides state resources to financially support. The grants were 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 technical advisory and full-service telecommunications cooperative based in Brainerd, Minnesota. Founded in 1952, CTC has grown to become a full-service communications provider providing telephone, high-speed Internet, digital television and IT services to businesses and individuals throughout central and northern Minnesota. For more information about CTC, please visit www.goctc.com.
