U.S. Senator Tina Smith has announced that over 5,000 Minnesotans, including 139 businesses and 368 farms, will gain access to high-speed internet through three grants from the USDA’s ReConnect Loan and Grant Program.
The funding recipients are:
Consolidated Telephone Company: Serving Crow Wing and Morrison counties, benefiting 2,831 people.
MiEnergy Cooperative: Serving Fillmore and Winona counties, benefiting 2,255 people.
Red River Rural Telephone Association: Serving Clay County, benefiting 482 people.
Senator Smith emphasized that internet access is essential in the 21st century, stating, “Investing in broadband infrastructure with the ReConnect Grant Program will help connect communities in every part of the country to high-speed internet.”
These investments aim to bridge the digital divide, enhancing connectivity for residents, businesses, and farms across rural Minnesota.