Sometimes how news travels is as telling as the actual news itself. I have seen several local newspapers pick up on the press release from DEED on the Border to Border broadband grant applications. Here’s part of the article..
The agency’s Office of Broadband Development said it received requests for $29.06 million from 44 entities by the Sept. 15 application deadline. During the previous application period, the state received 40 applications. Funding for the agency’s Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program was approved during the 2015 legislative session.
“With grant requests nearly triple the available funding, it’s clear that the need for investment in rural broadband access is significant,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith in a news release.
And here are the places I’ve seen it posted – so far.
- Austin Herald
- Bellingham Herald
- Brainerd Dispatch
- CBS Local
- Faribault County Register
- KFGO (Fargo Moorhead)
- KTTC
- LaCrosse Tribune
- Mankato Free Press
- Marshall Independent
- Minneapolis Star Tribune
- Minnesota Public Radio
- New Ulm Journal
- Winona Daily
Outside of MN (and relevant):
- Government Technology
Between that and the recent slew of legislators talking about broadband in communities (I’m on my way to Big Lake for such a meeting as I type) I can see that the momentum is building for asking for increased legislative support next year. Proponents just need to make sure that they stay diligent.