News 8000 reports…

Minnesota Senator Tina Smith visited Rushford, Minnesota Thursday to tout funds that will go towards expanding broadband access in rural areas.

Senator Smith helped acquire 13.6 million dollars from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Office’s ReConnect Loan and Grant Program.

The funds will go towards the construction and improvement of facilities needed to give rural areas broadband access.

While touring Mienergy cooperative, the senator explained why it is important for everyone to have access to broadband.

“Broadband isn’t just nice to have, it’s necessary for your job, your education. Many people are working remotely. People want to live in this part of America, but they’ve got to have broadband to be connected.” said Senator Smith.