The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced $34,656,956 in grants to 15 Minnesota cities and counties across the state from the Small Cities Coronavirus Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG-CV).
As part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Minnesota received a special allocation to address community needs to prevent, prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Appleton received $3,699,000 for broadband improvement and commercial rehabilitation! The City of Madison, MN received $2,560,000 for broadband improvement!
“With the provision of broadband services we are hoping to attract new families and commerce that previously would not be able to work remotely for employers located in densely populated metro areas”
– Willie Morales
“The COVID-19 pandemic only widened the gap that a fiber optic network is needed to support the increased demands in broadband usage by our residents. The City of Madison has been waiting a long time for this opportunity, and we are excited for what this means for our future.” – Val Halvorson