According to the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus…

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced recipients of 2017 Border-to-Border Broadband grant program recently. The announcement includes two projects for providers serving Kittson, Pennington, and Roseau counties.

The projects will help serve residents, businesses, and community institutions across northwestern Minnesota, by providing critical access to high speed internet connectivity. Funding for the projects was secured in this year’s Jobs and Economic Development Bill, which Senator Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) supported during the 2017 legislative session.

Sjober’s Inc and Wiktel NW MN Broadband will receive a total of $1,514,873 for their broadband expansion projects in Senate District 1, allowing their combined efforts to serve 400 unserved households, 34 unserved businesses, and 3 community anchor institutions.

“Although the standard for internet is high speed, many folks in northwestern Minnesota lack all but the most rudimentary connection,” said Senator Johnson. “With the 2017 Border-to-Boarder Broadband grant program, families and individuals will have increased access to educational, health, and economic opportunities.”