WDIO reports on broadband expansion in Northern Minnesota. Funding comes from CARES Act and local funding…

Broadening broadband called for a golden shovel moment on the Range on Tuesday.

The Northeast Service Cooperative is proud to be adding 136 route miles of fiber to their network.

They’ve been working on this project for years. It will mean expanded fiber to places like Kanabec and Pine County, and upgrades to Hibbing and Virginia.

Money for the $4.25 million dollar project is coming from the CARES Act and matching local money.

Lake States Construction is the contractor. Work could take two years, but weather permitting much of it can be done this year.