(Jackson, Mn.)– Efforts to bring broadband internet service to rural Jackson county have received a boost. Federated Rural Electric Association is the recipient of a $7 million grant to extend the service to the northwestern part of the county. Officials say they were notified of the grant Wednesday by the Minnesota Employment and Economic Development Office of Broadband Development.
Federated REA General Manager Scott Reimer says the grant gives them two years to complete the project. He says engineering is already underway and that they will soon begin to acquire materials and look for a contractor.
The project will extend broadband internet service to 480 households in the Heron Lake and Okabena areas as well as areas south, east and southwest of Lakefield. Reimer says the project will involve the installation of about 251 miles of fiber optic cable.
The project has a total cost of $10 million with Jackson county providing a $500,000 match. Reimer says the remainder of the funding will come through long-term loans.
You can see a map of the project area by clicking here.
