In a column in the Red Wood Falls Gazette, DEED Commissioner Steve Grove talks about the importance of farming and how Minnesota can support farming and all economic efforts…

One of the best ways to empower the growth of the Minnesota economy for our state’s farmers is to ensure that local rural communities have the resources they need to thrive. There is a strong demand for these communities to support farmers through both difficult and prosperous times. Without these communities, it’s all the more difficult for farmers to get the tools they need for their business.

That’s why we have a number of initiatives and programs at DEED working to support rural communities in Greater Minnesota.

The Border-to-Border Broadband Grant program has invested more than $85 million and helped connect more than 39,000 homes, businesses and farms to fast, reliable Internet access over the past five years. This year, we were able to pass an additional $40 million in grants for the program.

Then there’s the Greater Minnesota Public Infrastructure program, which helps rural communities fund infrastructure projects, such as street construction, water infrastructure and utility improvements.