(St. Paul, MN) – Friday, the Minnesota Senate passed the final version of legislation to distribute emergency broadband funding. In the wake of the spring COVID-19 wave, $27 million will be quickly available to increase vital broadband infrastructure in unserved areas of the state for education, remote work, and telemedicine. All of these areas have been heavily impacted by the lack of internet access in Greater MN, and this bill increases economic vitality and quality of life for Minnesotans without depleting a general fund that is already stretched thin.

Senator Jason Rarick (R- Pine City), an author of the bill, said, “Rural Minnesota has taken the economic and educational brunt of the peacetime emergency. This legislation is an opportunity to close gaps and take care of unserved areas, making sure that their recovery includes quality education options and an open business market.” 

This bill has had several iterations, but agreement on the federal dollars’ distribution was reached between the House and Senate on the last day of special session. $15 million will be designated in 2020 to a “distance learning broadband access grant program” for students lacking Internet access this fall. $2 million will go towards reimbursing licensed healthcare providers who invest in and install telemedicine equipment for COVID-19-related care.

The Border to Border Broadband Fund, which targets the development of broadband in unserved and underserved areas, is a significant recipient of the bill and will provide substantial help for businesses, telecommuting, and distance learning. The program will receive $10 million of the $27 million appropriation. All projects will be up and running by the end of 2020, meaning guaranteed fast access for outstate communities.