The Brainerd Dispatch reports...

On October 9, 2024, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced its recent Grant Round 10 funding awards. CTC was one of the 26 providers to receive a combined $51.9 million in funding support.

Of the almost $52 million, CTC received $2,127,530 in funding support for the “Wrenshall Community Broadband Project”. This funding will be combined with an equal amount in matching funds. The total project cost is approximately $4.3 million, and fiber-to-the-premises will be provided in 770 locations, of which 481 are unserved and 289 are underserved.

“With the support of the MN Border to Border Broadband Grant, CTC is proud to help bridge the digital divide in rural Carlton County, bringing high-speed fiber optic internet to communities that have long been underserved. This investment is more than just technology; it’s an investment in opportunity, education, and the future of our rural neighbors,” said CTC CEO/GM Kristi Westbrock.