The New Ulm Journal published more info on the NU-Telecom state funding broadband expansion…

NU-Telecom will receive $850,486 in grants for a $1,889,968 project to build fiber connections to homes and businesses in the rural areas of Hanska, Mazeppa and in and around Bellechester. In a press release, NU-Telecom President and CEO Bill Otis said the company expects the projects to begin in the spring.

“We’re very pleased that we were selected in the border-to-border grant process,” he said. “We appreciate the support form the local businesses and residents. The grant will be utilized to extend our network and bring broadband services to customers in these rural areas, including providing GB speeds via fiber to the home, which will exceed 2026 state speed goals.”

State Rep. Paul Torkelson (R-Hanska) said more than $1 million in broadband grants will be used to expand access to Hanska and Redwood and Renville counties.

“Broadband access is critical for folks who want to do business in Greater Minnesota, and these grants will allow this to happen,” Torkelson said. “I commend those who worked together and made these grants a reality.”