Last week, the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) visited Crookston to discuss local government aid, economic development, job training, broadband and housing concerns. According to the Crookston Times, here’s what they said about broadband…

Only 45 percent of greater or rural Minnesota meets state needs of broadband or Internet connections. The state is ranked 23rd of all the United States in broadband coverage and speed.

“We would like to see cities in greater Minnesota submit any proposals they might have for broadband,” explained Peterson. “With government only approving $20 million, it’s not going to go too far. If the state sees a pile of proposals, maybe they will see the need and hopefully increase funding.

When asked what Crookston has planned for broadband, Stassen answered with, “The fiber is in the ground, but there’s still not a lot of options.”

A similar article showed up in the St Cloud Times…

Broadband

Better broadband access is desperately needed in outstate Minnesota. Last session, the Legislature responded by creating a $20 million broadband grant program. This is a start, but it’s only a drop in the bucket.

To truly show a commitment to making border-to-border broadband a reality, the governor and lawmakers should support the recommendation of the Governor’s Task Force on Broadband for $200 million for broadband funding in the next biennium.

There also is a question of how the money will be spent. It is imperative the state set the right tone by prioritizing projects that have the greatest impact on economic development. Rather than connecting isolated areas, funding should be driven toward communities where high-quality broadband access will benefit the most people and ignite economic activity.