Willmar Council to consider agreements for Willmar Connect initiative on March 16, 2026

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The West Central Tribune reports…

The Willmar City Council will consider two agreements for the Willmar Connect initiative during its meeting on Monday, March 16.

Other items on the agenda include approval of several capital improvement projects and two land agreements.

Willmar Connect is the city initiative to construct a more than $25 million city-wide, city-owned fiber optic network. Hometown Fiber has been contracted to manage the network and various internet service providers will pay fees to operate on the network. It is expected that the fees will pay the debt service and interest on the bonds issued by the city for construction of the network.

The council will consider an amendment to the Willmar Connect construction services contract with Bolton & Menk, expanding the existing agreement to address additional professional service needs as the project transitions into construction.

The council on Oct. 7, 2024, approved a professional services contract with Bolton & Menk for phase one of Willmar Connect and amended that contract April 21, 2025, to assist with right-of-way easements in specific areas. The total spent for those services was $503,000.

According to the March 16 agenda materials posted on the city website, the amended contract adds developing contract documents and revisions, construction services, GPS services as the project is constructed and recording the plans at a cost not to exceed approximately $520,000, for a total cost of a little more than $1 million.

The second agreement related to Willmar Connect is a professional services agreement with Hometown Fiber for construction oversight, technical consulting and Network Operations Center planning services for phase one of the project at a cost not to exceed $400,000.

According to the agenda materials, capital improvement projects to be considered by the council on Monday are replacement of the Blue Line Arena roof at the Willmar Civic Center at a cost of approximately $264,000, reconstruction of the Iverson Park lift station at a cost of approximately $549,000, approving plans and specifications for the reconstruction of Fourth Street Southwest and the purchase of a dump truck and snow removal equipment at a cost of approximately $298,000.

The council will also consider approving a professional services agreement with Donohue and Associates for the Jennie-O Turkey Store nutrient removal project in the amount of $99,755. The project includes the design of nutrient removal using biology to remove phosphorus in the industrial clarifier instead of chemicals. This is a more efficient process in the industrial treatment conducted by the Willmar Wastewater Treatment Plant and also provides long-term cost savings for the city.

Emily Thabes running for a seat in Minnesota House 2B – mentions broadband as an interest

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The Bemidji Pioneer reports…

Emily Thabes, Beltrami County Historical Society executive director, has announced her intent to run for the Minnesota House 2B seat in the upcoming midterm election, challenging incumbent Matt Bliss.

Broadband makes her top list of concerns…

Thabes listed child care, environmental hazards, poverty, broadband coverage and unemployment rates in greater Minnesota as some of the key topics of concern for the upcoming election. Thabes believes she will address these issues, pointing to her record as Beltrami County Historical Society executive director.

New MN Bill introduced: relating to modifying tax exemption for data centers HF4173

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I am going to try to at least track the bills that get introduced that are at all related to broadband and/or broadband use. I may not follow all closely. Click the bill number for more info and updates:

From the MN House:

Smith and Lee, K., introduced:

HF. No. 4173, A bill for an act relating to taxation; sales and use; maintaining certain defined terms for other purposes; modifying the exemption for data centers; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 216B.02, by adding a subdivision; Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, sections 216B.02, subdivision 12; 297A.68, subdivision 42.

The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Taxes.

New MN Bill introduced: relating to preapplication evaluations of water appropriations for certain data centers HF4153

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I am going to try to at least track the bills that get introduced that are at all related to broadband and/or broadband use. I may not follow all closely. Click the bill number for more info and updates:

From the MN House:

Mekeland, Swedzinski and Davis introduced:

HF. No. 4153, A bill for an act relating to data centers; modifying the criteria for preapplication evaluations of water appropriations for certain data centers; exempting certain data centers’ electricity sales in calculating a utility’s solar energy standard; exempting certain data centers from paying a fee; exempting certain data centers from paying sales tax on electricity purchases; amending Minnesota Statutes 2025 Supplement, sections 103G.265, subdivision 5; 216B.02, subdivision 12; 216B.1623; 216B.1691, subdivision 2f; 216B.72; 297A.68, subdivision 42.
The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Energy Finance and Policy.

Video: What Rural Communities Need to Know about Data Centers

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From The Rural Assembly…

“What Rural Communities Need to Know About Data Centers” is now available for replay on Rural Assembly’s Youtube channel.

Tune in to the replay to learn more about⁠ many facets of the data center issue, including:

• what data centers are and why companies are interested in building them in rural communities; ⁠

• the political landscape;⁠

• what’s disputed; ⁠

• and what communities can do. ⁠ ⁠

Thank you to Annie Contractor, who led the session, and to our partners at Radically Rural, and to the more than 250 of you who showed up to the webinar last week to learn together, ask questions, and share your own experiences. ⁠

 

New MN Bill introduced: authorize live broadcast meetings subject to the Open Meeting Law using social media HF3295

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I am going to try to at least track the bills that get introduced that are at all related to broadband and/or broadband use. I may not follow all closely. Click the bill number for more info and updates:

From the MN House:

More citizen engagement in government affairs is a good thing, right?

Rep. Jimmy Gordon (R-Isanti) thinks so. He sponsors HF3295 that would authorize a public body to live broadcast meetings subject to the Open Meeting Law using social media.

Current law allows state governmental units to hold official meetings by “interactive technology,” but Gordon says more clarity is needed on whether “interactive technology” includes social media streaming, and if it does, whether online comments during the meeting, if allowed, would be part of the official public record.

“HF3295 would clear all that up and hopefully lead to more public bodies live broadcasting meetings, which in turn would lead to a more engaged and informed electorate,” he said.

By a voice vote, the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee approved the bill Thursday and sent it to the House Elections Finance and Government Operations Committee.

Much of the debate focused on how to handle public comments on livestreamed meetings.

Concerns are emerging over unallocated of BEAD nondeployment funds

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Roll Call reports...

The Trump administration has asserted for months that its “bargain” version of the federal $42.5 billion grant program to expand access to broadband internet would save taxpayers money. That made states and their representatives in Congress nervous that funds left over after deployment proposals would be clawed back.

Under pressure from senators at an appropriations hearing, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick last month sought to calm fears when he said that so-called “non-deployment” funds under the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment, or BEAD, program would not be rescinded.

But with no guidance so far from the department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which was expected but delayed this week, lawmakers and others are pushing to have their voice heard on exactly how states will be able to use the $21 billion pot of money.

Concern over the unallocated funds has been bipartisan. Senators on both sides of the aisle pressed Lutnick at the Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Subcommittee hearing — which was overshadowed by questions on his interactions with deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein — mentioning connectivity needs in their states that could be filled by the funds in areas such as remote health care and farming.

Two providers are looking at expanding to Eagles Nest Township (St Louis County)

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The Timberjay reports on the Eagles Nest Township annual meeting…

[Supervisor Brian] Harrington also reported progress on broadband expansion, with two providers approved to bring new service to the township. IBT Group plans to install high-speed wireless service, described as approaching fiber speeds, that would cover the entire township rather than targeted areas. The service is not expected to be available until early 2027, pending regulatory approvals.
The second provider is Frontier, now operating as a Verizon company. Harrington was less optimistic about that option. He said customer service calls gave him no confidence that the company’s performance has improved, and that Frontier’s fiber deployment timeline ranges from 2027 to as late as 2030.

EVENT March 16: Center for Rural Policy and Development State of Rural update at MN House

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Not exclusively broadband, but I still thought the following might be of interest…

A meeting of the House Committee on Agriculture Finance and Policy has been posted for Monday, March 16, 2026. The committee meets from 1:00 to 2:45 p.m. in Room G3 of the Capitol building. Please see the agenda below.

Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee Meeting

Chair: Rep. Paul Anderson

Vice-Chair: Rep. Bobbie Harder

March 16, 2026

1:00 p.m.

G3 Capitol

AGENDA

  1. Call to Order
  2. Approval of minutes
  • HF 4085 (Anderson, P. H.) Biofuel sales volume incentive program established, rulemaking authorized, and money appropriated
  1. Center for Rural Policy and Development State of Rural update 
  2. Minnesota Department of Agriculture update on farm safety, mental health and farm advocates
  3. HF4134 (Hansen, R.) Provisions for importing, stocking, and transferring fish eggs in aquaculture modified
  • Adjourn

** Items may be added or removed from the agenda

If you wish to submit written testimony or testify in person, please send the written testimony or the request to testify to mark.nisley@house.mn.gov by 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2026. Written testimony is preferred and will be accepted after the deadline. In-person testimony may be limited due to committee time constraints.
This hearing may be viewed in person or via the House webcast schedule page.

An introduction to the Minnesota Broadband Charter from the Office of Broadband Development

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An introduction to the Minnesota Broadband Charter from the Office of Broadband Development…

Minnesota has a goal to achieve border-to-border high-speed internet access to the state. The Minnesota Office of Broadband Development (OBD) helps administer state and federal grants to achieve this goal. To deploy these linear infrastructure projects, broadband projects must navigate a complex range of permits, licenses and authorizations to ensure the project is achieved through timely, coordinated and sustainable methods.

The Minnesota Broadband Charter Group (the Charter) was created in the fall of 2024 by OBD in coordination with other Minnesota state government agencies, including:

  • Department of Transportation​
  • Department of Labor and Industry​
  • Department of Natural Resources​
  • State Historic Preservation Office​
  • Office of the State Archaeologist​
  • Indian Affairs Council​
  • Office of Pipeline Safety​
  • Department of Commerce
  • Gopher State One Call​

The Charter meets regularly to collaborate, streamline and prioritize environmental and land-use permitting and approvals to effectively and efficiently deploy broadband infrastructure to all Minnesotans.

Working closely with the Charter, OBD has developed clear process maps and created mechanisms to share timely information about upcoming state and federal broadband grants and their potential impact on permitting needs. The Charter also engages with federal agencies to review guidance related to the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act and other applicable federal laws, ensuring alignment and efficiency across all levels of government.

The Broadband Charter has become a vital forum for collaboration among state agencies, enabling streamlined permitting processes and improved communication while respecting each agency’s mission. By adding dedicated capacity and fostering partnerships at both state and federal levels, OBD and the Charter are ensuring that broadband infrastructure can be deployed efficiently and effectively – bringing reliable connectivity to every corner of the state.

To stay up to date on news and resources like this from the OBD, sign up for our biweekly newsletter.

New MN Bill introduced: Prohibiting municipalities from entering into​ nondisclosure agreements HF4077

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I am going to try to at least track the bills that get introduced that are at all related to broadband and/or broadband use. I may not follow all closely. Click the bill number for more info and updates:

From the MN House:

Elections Finance and Government Operations

Co-Chair: Rep. Mike Freiberg holds the gavel

Co-Chair: Rep. Duane Quam

Location: Capitol G23

Agenda:

HF4077 (Greenman) – Prohibiting municipalities from entering into​ nondisclosure agreements.

More info…

HF4077(Greenman)
Municipalities prohibited from entering into nondisclosure agreements.

MN lawmakers are proposing bills to regulate access to artificial intelligence

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Dakota News Network reports…

Minnesota state lawmakers are proposing bills to regulate access to artificial intelligence. One proposal is to ban children from using AI chatbots. It would also prohibit health insurers from using AI to determine if a procedure is medically necessary. A separate bill would ban the use of AI algorithms to set different prices for the same goods and services for different consumers. Both Republicans and Democrats alike at the Minnesota State Capitol believe that in the absence of federal regulations, states must create their own.

Fidium and Flexential partner up for data centers in MN and TX

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Light Reading reports…

Fidium will extend its reach within Flexential’s data centers in Dallas and Plano, Texas, and Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota. The agreement builds on Fidium’s expanding national data center footprint.

Fidium, a leading provider of high-capacity fiber network solutions, today announced an expanded relationship with Flexential, a premier provider of data center colocation and hybrid IT solutions. Through the Flexential Marketplace, part of the recently launched FlexAnywhere® platform, Fidium will extend its reach and visibility within Flexential’s data centers in Dallas and Plano, Texas and Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota, enabling enterprises, carriers, and hyperscalers to scale connectivity faster than ever before.

EVENT Mar 19: Where the Digital Divide Is Densest: Why Universal Internet Access Runs Through Apartment Buildings

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From the Institute for Local Self Reliance…

The American Association for Public Broadband (AAPB) and the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) Community Broadband Networks Initiative are continunig the year with another one of their increasingly popular and informative webinars.

Slated for March 19th from 12 to 1:00 pm ET, the livestream event – “High-Density, High Impact: Connecting Apartment Buildings, Public Housing and Multi-Dwelling Units” – will be live on YouTube and feature an eye-opening conversation on Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs) and the real challenges/opportunities on connecting a significant portion of the population.

The webinar will feature guest appearances by DigitalC CEO Joshua Edmonds, Principal with HR&A Advisors Anna Read, and REVInternet CEO and Founder Brendan Kelly.

Register to attend for free above.

The webinar is open to community leaders, policymakers, broadband practitioners, and advocates nationwide

MN Office of Broadband Development Updates: Save the date! April 29, Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit

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From the Office of Broadband Development…

Broadband Matters: Office of Broadband Development Updates

  • Save the date! April 29, Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit
  • Register now, 2026 Broadband Development Training Series
  • Line Extension Connection Program
  • Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) in Minnesota

Save the date! April 29, Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Office of Broadband Development is hosting the Connecting One: Minnesota 2026 Broadband Summit on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. This in-person event will bring together national leaders, internet service providers, federal, state, tribal, and local government partners, and broadband advocates from across Minnesota. Connecting people to resources, information, and each other is critical to Minnesota’s economic stability and digital opportunity.

The summit will be held at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center (6155 Earle Brown Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN 55434). Free parking will be available at the venue.

Registration will open in early spring. A $20 registration fee helps offset catering and conference costs.

We are committed to providing equal access to this conference for all participants. If you need alternative formats or other reasonable accommodations, please contact mndeedevents@state.mn.us by the close of business on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Register now, 2026 Broadband Development Training Series

OBD has been working alongside other state agencies on streamlining environmental reviews and permitting efforts for broadband infrastructure projects across Minnesota. Originally held in 2024, this April, OBD and state agency partners will offer four new webinar sessions through a revised Broadband Development Training Series: Navigating PLUS (Permitting, Land Use, and State Systems).

2026 sessions will feature a combination of updates from previous presenters and new information from partner agencies with resources for broadband program grantees. Sessions will be recorded and shared on the OBD Webinars and Recorded Events webpage.

Line Extension Connection Program

Registration remains open for residents and businesses for future rounds of the Line Extension Connection Program. More information and the registration page are available on the Line Extension Connection Program webpage.

For assistance completing the application or to request a paper form to complete, please call 651-259-7610 or email DEED.broadband@state.mn.us.

Outreach materials on registration will be mailed to over 61,000 locations in the coming weeks. OBD expects to run a fifth round of Line Extension with state project funds in Spring 2026 and is currently in the process of rolling out awards and getting confirmation of award acceptance from providers for Round 4. Preliminary awards have been published to the Line Extension Connection Program webpage.

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) in Minnesota

OBD continues to update the OBD BEAD webpage as resources are made available.

On December 19, 2025, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Minnesota’s BEAD Final Proposal, advancing the state’s plan to expand high‑speed internet with federal funding. Following extensive engagement, restructuring, and over 18 rounds of curing, Minnesota has been initially approved for:

  • $378.9 million in BEAD subgrants across 94 projects. These projects are supported by nearly $190 million in matching funds, representing a total anticipated investment of more than $568.8 million
  • Funds will connect 74,739 locations

On Monday February 9, 2026 OBD received its BEAD Notice of Award (NoA) from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Next steps will include contracting with subgrantees, which must be completed within 6 months of receipt of the NoA.

BEAD in the news: