$95M available in broadband grant funding in St. Louis County

St. Louis County is reminding cities and townships that two sources of grant funding are still available, for planning and implementing broadband projects to improve access for residents and businesses.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) says they are seeking requests for proposals, awarding $95 million in broadband grants. This is part of the Border-to-Border Broadband Infrastructure grant program.

The funding comes from both state and federal sources, and can be used to reimburse for up to half the cost of the broadband infrastructure deployed. Funding for a single project is capped at $5 million.

The deadline to apply is August 4, and details can be found on the DEED website.

St. Louis County, meanwhile, still has more than $610,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to distribute for eligible broadband projects. This includes $175,000 for broadband project planning costs, and $438,000 for project implementation costs.

These funds are intended to increase broadband access in unserved and underserved communities in St. Louis County. More information on use of these funds can be found online. Any local jurisdiction interested in applying for these funds should contact Brad Gustafson, St. Louis County Community Development Manager, at gustafsonb@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-742-9563.