Congresswoman Angie Craig Advances $3.21 Million in Federal Funding for Goodhue County to Expand Broadband Access

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Craig announced that her submission for Goodhue County to receive federal support for its efforts to expand high-speed broadband access to rural and underserved communities was officially approved by the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. The project, which was awarded $3.21 million, is now officially included in the Subcommittee's Fiscal Year 2022 funding bill, which will soon head to the full Appropriations Committee for approval.

Craig submitted her request for Community Project Funding (CPF) for the Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations process, through which Members of Congress are able to request funding for up to 10 specific projects in their districts which would serve the public good.

"I couldn't be happier to announce that Goodhue County will be receiving millions of dollars in federal funds to support its efforts to expand broadband access to rural and underserved communities," said Representative Craig. "Expanding broadband access in Greater Minnesota is one of my top priorities as a Member of Congress and I am honored to be leading the charge for this vital project to receive the support it deserves in Congress."

The proposed project, sponsored by Goodhue County, targets rural areas that continue to be unserved or underserved due to geography, remoteness, low population density, or other factors that have slowed the availability of fiber or that prevent easy access to fixed wireless antennae. Completion of these fiber-based projects would provide high-speed internet to more than 500 homes and more than 1,100 individuals, as well as many farms and businesses. The Fixed Wireless portion could potentially provide increased bandwidth to nearly 800 homes, 1,800 individuals, more than 1,300 farms and agricultural parcels, and as many as 60 schools, churches, public safety, and other municipal and public service locations.

The House Appropriations Committee intends to fund community projects on a limited basis in the FY22 Appropriations bills. Therefore, CPF requests that address the most significant needs of local communities or provide a significant public good were more likely to be included. The new CPF program is being implemented with accountability measures to ensure a responsible and transparent process.