Statewide Broadband Tour Stops on Iron Range

EVELETH - Township representatives and businesses filled IRRRB’s board room. "This is our stop in the northeast region and we are excited to have a room full of people," DEED Executive Director of Broadband Development Danna MacKenzie said. They came for a roundtable of concerns, feedback and questions."When its gonna become available, what are the requirements?" Northeast Service Cooperative Technology Officer Lyle MacVey said. Questions about a hefty and competitive grant that will improve broadband within the state."Technology in Northeast Minnesota, it's one of those areas that you know is still needing to be expanded," said MacVey. The new Border- to-Border broadband grant program was signed into law this last legislative. Providing a total of $20 million to businesses and organizations in areas where high speed internet does not exist."Those areas of the state aren't able to participate in a lot of things that have to do with education, health care, government services," said MacKenzie."We have a lot of potential opportunities, but it does create that need for broadband connection," said MacVey. Eligible parties will first have to apply for the funding. If awarded they will be given up to $5 million to build out broadband infrastructure."I think it's a very good play for Minnesota in terms of expanding availability broadband and job creation," said MacVey. The application process will open late September and grants are expected to be awarded by the end of the year. The broadband tour will visit eight communities around the state between now and the end of August.