The Red Wing Republican Eagle reports on the Minnesota State Broadband Grant awarded in Goodhue County…

Two communities in Goodhue County will benefit from this funding: Wanamingo and Goodhue/White Rock. Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development estimates that these two projects will improve access for 619 unserved households, 164 unserved businesses and four unserved community institutions.

Gigabit speed internet service has been available in Red Wing since 2012, thanks to a public-private partnership between the city and HBC.

“We’re very grateful that our city was forward thinking to implement broadband,” said Red Wing Ignite Executive Director Neela Mollgaard. “It provides infrastructure to keep our community globally competitive as we progress.”

Red Wing Ignite representatives were invited speak at the 2017 Minnesota Broadband Conference co-hosted by the Blandin Foundation and the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development last month to showcase the useful outcomes that broadband can have within a rural community.

Mollgaard explained to attendees how Red Wing’s broadband access has allowed their nonprofit to help foster innovation and help support students, entrepreneurs and businesses.

“Red Wing has a lot to be proud of,” said Dr. Kathleen Annette, president and CEO of the Blandin Foundation. “Local leaders are creating a broadband-enhanced future themselves when others wouldn’t do it for them. Their vision will propel the community forward.”

The Blandin Foundation estimates that the economic benefits of broadband in Red Wing will surpass the public’s initial investment within one to six years. Blandin officials also foresee an economic benefit for Goodhue County of more than $18.6 million over 15 years if broadband access and use improved.