The state is awarding over $23 million to 30 separate projects across Minnesota to expand broadband Internet access. Governor Walz wants $30 million from the budget surplus to further expand broadband Internet access in Greater Minnesota, over and above the $40 million that lawmakers approved last year. Republican leaders stated earlier their goal is to give back to taxpayers as much of the surplus as possible.

Southwestern Minnesota projects include:

An approximately $230,000 grant to Midco for the Renville project, to upgrade approximately 644 unserved households and 33 unserved businesses, farms and community anchor institutions in areas of the town of Renville in Renville County.

An approximatelyl $635,000 grant to MVTC for the Rural Lucan Fiber Project, to upgrade approximately 23 unserved households, 99 unserved farms, and three unserved businesses in portions of Vesta, Granite Rock, Johnsonville, Waterbury, Westline, and Vail Townships in Redwood County.

An approximately $385,000 grant to Nuvera Communications for the New Ulm Southwest project, to serve 51 unserved households, 13 unserved businesses, and 64 unserved farms in the New Ulm area in Brown County.