Country Messenger reports…

The push to expand broadband into rural parts of May Township continues.

Last week, officials for May Township met with Melissa Wolf, Government Relations Manager for Midcontinent Communications (MidCo), and agreed to write a letter of support for the internet provider’s Border-to-Border Broadband Development grant application.

If approved, the funds would expand broadband service to 575 homes and businesses in May Township that are currently unserved or underserved.

The project would expand broadband to areas including 1.) west of Marine on St. Croix along Old Guslander Trail to Morris Trail and north on Ostrum Trail north. 2.) west of Big Carnelian Lake along Square Lake Trail north, portions of Norell Avenue north and north on Manning Trail. 3.) south of Marine on St. Croix along Highway 95 to the township border and west on Square Lake Trail north.

According to Wolf, “Total project cost is approximately $3.4 million. Midco would cover $1.6 million and Washington County would cover $311,000.”

MidCo is also submitting a request to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to cover $1.5 million – or 45% of the cost.

“The only cost to residents would be the $100 installation fee and service tier they chose,” said Bobbi Hummel, clerk/treasurer for the Town of May.a