The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced recipients of the 2017 Border-to-Border Broadband grant program this past Tuesday, which included funding for three projects serving Otter Tail County. 

The projects will help serve residents, businesses, and community institutions across northwestern Minnesota, providing critical access to high-speed internet connectivity. Funding for all 39 broadband projects was secured in this year’s Jobs and Economic Development Bill, which Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria) supported during the 2017 legislative session.

Arvig, Otter Tail Telcom, and West Central Telephone Association will receive a combined total of $1,681,906 for their broadband expansion project in Senate District 8, allowing them to serve 771 underserved households, 74 underserved businesses.

 “Expanded access to broadband services is critical for continued growth and development in Greater Minnesota,” said Senator Ingebrigtsen. “For far too long communities in the northern part of our state have lagged behind in their access. With funding provided through the 2017 Border-to-Border Broadband grant program, our state is continuing to address this divide and increase economic, health and education opportunities outside of the metro.”

Full project details can be found below:

 Arvig will receive $633,642 to assist 546 unserved households and 60 unserved businesses in the city of Pelican Rapids in Otter Tail County. These investments will improve quality of life and business development opportunities. The total eligible project cost is $1,624,725, with a $991,083 local match.

Otter Tail Telcom will receive $173,683 to serve 36 unserved households 4 unserved businesses north of the city of Fergus Falls in Otter Tail County. The total eligible cost is $347,366, with a$173,683 local match.

 West Central Telephone Association will receive $874,581 to help serve 189 unserved households and 13 unserved businesses within Compton Township in Otter Tail County as well as portions of Wadena Township in Wadena County and in the Stowe Prairie Township in Todd County. The total eligible cost is $1,822,044, with a $947,463 local match.