Gov. Walz announces $52 million in funding to expand broadband

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced $52 million in grant funding to go to broadband access for Minnesota homes and businesses on Wednesday October 9th.

According to the Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, the funding is estimated to affect 7,700 homes and businesses.

The funding comes as a part of two DEED programs, the first being the Border-to-Border Broadband Program which reimburses grantees up to half the eligible cost of deploying BroadBand.

The second being the Low Population Density Program, offering grants to providers building broadband service to low population areas.

The new legislation applies to 24 Minnesota counties including St. Louis, Aitkin, Carlton, Kennebec, Mille Lacs and more.

This is one of multiple broadband funding legislative moves from Gov. Walz, including $50 million earlier this year and $100 in 2023.