More information on the broadband grants from West Central Tribune…

Federated Telephone Cooperative received $4.9 million to build fiber infrastructure in Swift County, bringing improved broadband service that meets state goals. The project will cover 600 households, 425 businesses and 75 community institutions in the eastern part of the county.

The economic development impact is anticipated to be 500-plus jobs related to home-based business startups, farming, commercial expansion and more. About half of the 800 farms in Swift County are located in the project area.

Swift County is contributing matching funds in the form of a $7.5 million matching loan. The total project costs are estimated at $12.4 million.

MVTV Wireless was the recipient of $808,080 to upgrade backhaul capacity between site locations within 20 southwestern Minnesota counties, including Chippewa, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Meeker, Redwood, Renville, Swift and Yellow Medicine.

The project will improve broadband access and speeds for more than 3,000 farm-based businesses and 6,000 rural residents across nearly 30,000 square miles.