The Brainerd Dispatch reports…

Rep. Ron Kresha, R-Little Falls, released the following statement praising the positive impact of the grants.

“Broadband is incredibly important to our rural communities across the state, and these grants will allow even more Greater Minnesota residents to access fast and reliable internet,” Kresha stated in a news release. “I look forward to seeing how these grants will improve the lives of those served and make it easier to do business in Greater Minnesota.”

The funds, divided over 30 projects, can provide up to half of a project’s infrastructure costs, and require a local match from recipients. The grants are enabled by the Border to Border Broadband Development Grant Program, created in 2014.