Crookston Times recently ran an editorial that stressed that $10 million investment in rural broadband was a small slice of the $2 billion surplus and it’s an investment that might not be adequate…

To most people strolling down the sidewalk, getting handed $10.6 million would probably result in an immediate retirement and a permanent move to a tropical paradise. But with a big state dominated by widely varying geography and rural areas that seem to stretch forever – and let’s not forget that $2 billion surplus – $10.6 million barely qualifies as the proverbial drop in the bucket.

The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities figured the legislature could afford to invest at least $100 million in broadband, maybe more. It makes one wonder what the state might do if there was a budget deficit instead of all this surplus cash…maybe come into your home, unplug your modem and bolt out the door?

It’s not so bad here in Crookston. As local officials like to say, we have some competition for our broadband services, and the “fiber is in the ground.” But it’s that “last mile” of service, as it’s called – which refers to actually getting the high-quality broadband service to a home or business – that’s often the biggest challenge, and the greatest expense.

We hear these days about our mobile workforce and a global economy that makes it possible for people to conduct business and commerce from just about anywhere, even the most remote location. But that’s true only if you have access to good broadband service. The future prospects of all kinds of small towns in rural Minnesota would be greatly enhanced by improved broadband service, and our state legislators know this. With a multi-billion surplus, this $10.6 million available for broadband grants was their response.