The Globe reports on Federated’s recent MN State Broadband grant…

In a world of telemedicine, remote work and distance learning, reliable broadband service has become increasingly critical, and thanks to a $7 million state grant, around 480 households in rural Jackson County will get access to the service.

The Federated Rural Electric/Broadband project will cover northwest Jackson County, including rural Heron Lake and rural Okabena, as well as areas south, east and southwest of Lakefield, serving them with fiber that can deliver one gigabyte per second upload and down.

In addition to the grant from the Minnesota Employment and Economic Development’s Office of Broadband Development, Jackson County provided $500,000 toward the $10 million project. The remainder of the costs will be financed with long-term loans, in the same way Federated finances its electric distribution line system.

“We’re not done,” said Scott Reimer, Federated general manager. “Co-ops served rural America with electricity; we feel it’s… our place to do it with broadband nowadays. We’re approaching it with the same concept. It’s a long-term investment.”