Lt. Gov. Tina Smith teamed up with the Department of Employment and Economic Development to announce funding of $34 million that will be given to 42 different projects across Minnesota.

The broadband extensions project will help connect rural Minnesotan businesses and households, giving them the same technology access and opportunities that urban residents enjoy. For example, the St. Cloud Airport will receive upgrades from Palmer Wireless, a local telecommunications provider. The company was given $179,400 to invest in business connectivity.  

The funding aims to improve services that encourage education, health care, job growth, and business expansion throughout the state.