Meeker County-based Vibrant Broadband is one of two providers who will receive state funds to expand rural internet service in Kandiyohi County.
Kandiyohi County Economic Development announced Tuesday, March 5, that Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded $8.8 million to support broadband internet projects in rural Kandiyohi County. The funds were part of $33.3 million in funding from the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program.
The two Kandiyohi County projects identified for funding represent 26% of the total grants.
Grant applications were collaboratively prepared by the EDC’s Broadband and Advanced Technology Committee and grant recipients, Federated Telephone Cooperative, which is powered by ACIRA, a partnership between Farmers Mutual Telephone Cooperative and Federated Telephone, and Vibrant Broadband, owned by Meeker Cooperative Light and Power Association.
The Vibrant Broadband project, which received $590,709 and will start this year, will serve 124 rural sites, including businesses, farms and the Fahlun Township hall.
Tony McCleary, broadband operations manager for Meeker Cooperative Light and Power Association, said the cooperative appreciated the grant-seeking effort.
“The grant process and now these projects are being accomplished with great collaboration on the state, county, township and cooperative levels,” McCleary said.
The Federated Telephone Cooperative project will cover the largest area, serving nearly 1,300 locations throughout Lake Andrew, Colfax, Norway Lake, Dovre and St. John’s townships, including 831 underserved and 458 unserved properties. Among the service area are 58 farms, 49 businesses and four community anchor institutions.
Federated’s project carries a price tag of $16.4 million and received the bulk — $8.2 million — of grant funds. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025. Providers have approximately two years to complete the projects.
“These projects are life-changing for residents,” said Mark Boeschen, chairman of the KCED Broadband and Advanced Technology Committee. “They will now have access to reliable and fast-speed internet. This access supports telehealth, especially for older residents, access to education, including telelearning for children, teenagers, and those who want to pursue higher education. It supports telework and technology advancements in agriculture. It allows our local governments to connect to their residents and the state by accessing online training and handling communication from their town halls. This project will continue to elevate Kandiyohi County as a whole.”
Business Development Manager Michelle Marotzke, added, “This is an exciting announcement and continues to motivate the EDC’s ongoing work to bring broadband access to everyone in Kandiyohi County.”
