Meeker County-based Vibrant Broadband is one of two providers who will receive state funds to expand rural internet service in Kandiyohi County.
Kandiyohi County Economic Development announced Tuesday, March 5, that Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded $8.8 million to support broadband internet projects in rural Kandiyohi County. The funds were part of $33.3 million in funding from the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program.
The two Kandiyohi County projects identified for funding represent 26% of the total grants.
Grant applications were collaboratively prepared by the EDC’s Broadband and Advanced Technology Committee and grant recipients, Federated Telephone Cooperative, which is powered by ACIRA, a partnership between Farmers Mutual Telephone Cooperative and Federated Telephone, and Vibrant Broadband, owned by Meeker Cooperative Light and Power Association.
The Vibrant Broadband project, which received $590,709 and will start this year, will serve 124 rural sites, including businesses, farms and the Fahlun Township hall.
More on Federated’s Project…
The Federated Telephone Cooperative project will cover the largest area, serving nearly 1,300 locations throughout Lake Andrew, Colfax, Norway Lake, Dovre and St. John’s townships, including 831 underserved and 458 unserved properties. Among the service area are 58 farms, 49 businesses and four community anchor institutions.
Federated’s project carries a price tag of $16.4 million and received the bulk — $8.2 million — of grant funds. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025. Providers have approximately two years to complete the projects.