East Central Energy looked to acquire more financial support from Kanabec County regarding their broadband internet expansion project.
The county had already committed nearly $24,000 as a grant match for ECE to help obtain a Border to Border Broadband grant. After consideration, ECE looked to double that commitment amount to be on par with other surrounding counties seeking the grant as well.
Vice President and Chief Information Officer for East Central Energy Ty Houglum spoke during the board early July meeting and stated while any financial commitment is not a requirement, every contribution will help ECE obtain grant funding it needs in the application process.
The state had increased allocated money for broadband infrastructure from $30 million to $95 million. If approved for grants, almost 90% of the expansion in Kanabec County could be covered.
Under EDA consideration, The board approved of the increase in financial support for the project. ECE expects to hear on grant applications in the coming months.
