EXCERPT: “Minnesota is awarding more than $23 million in grants to 30 projects throughout the state to help bring high-quality broadband access to underserved and unserved parts of the state, Gov. Tim Walz announced Tuesday. ‘Fast, reliable broadband access is a critical economic development tool that improves quality of life and makes businesses in Greater Minnesota more competitive,’ Walz said in a statement. ‘These grants help us get closer to our goal to ensure that every Minnesotan has high-speed internet access by 2022.’ The governor’s office said the projects, which will be funded by the Department of Employment and Economic Development and local matching funds, will provide fast, reliable internet access to more than 10,900 businesses, homes, and community institutions. Gaining high-speed service has long been a priority for communities throughout rural America. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which runs rural development programs across the country, will start taking applications Jan. 31 for $550 million in broadband aid this year.” FULL STORY: https://cbsloc.al/2NPAWvc
