Some Koochiching County homes and businesses are closer to getting high-speed internet thanks to a $2,562,916 grant recently announced by the State of Minnesota Office of Broadband Development. The Paul Bunyan Communications – North Central Minnesota Fiber Project will upgrade approximately 914 unserved and 439 under-served locations in parts of the Leech Lake Indian Reservation and rural portions of Cass, Itasca, Koochiching and St. Louis counties. “Service is expected to be available in all of these areas by the spring of 2022” says Steve Howard, Paul Bunyan Information Technology and Development Manager. In a funding partnership with the State of Minnesota, Minnesota Iron Range Resource & Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB), Koochiching… Read More
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KTI Allocates Funding for 12 New Community Technology Projects
Blandin Foundation Grants Totaling $75,000 Given to Kooch County Groups in Past Year Koochiching Technology Initiative (KTI) recently completed allocation of $75,000 in grants for local technology-related projects through the Blandin Broadband Community (BBC) program, funded by the Blandin Foundation. The group allocated almost $25,000 to 6 projects in May, 2019, and the remainder to 12 grantees in December. “Since its inception, KTI has had two goals: getting broadband internet to all of Koochiching County and allocating the grant funding we received as a Blandin Broadband Community,” says Ted Saxton, KTI steering committee member. “While we have made great progress on the first goal, I am particularly proud of our… Read More
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Past Projects Funded by KTI and BBC
Koochiching Technology Initiative (KTI) is accepting grant applications for digital technology projects until December 13. This is the second round of funding that encourages community vitality by addressing the six Intelligent Community pillars of: Broadband; Knowledge Workforce; Innovation; Digital Equality; Sustainability; and Advocacy. Funding is provided by the Blandin Foundation through their Blandin Broadband Community (BBC) program. The BBC program favors requests around $5,000 or less, with a limit of $25,000. The group’s steering committee is available to help project leaders bring their ideas to fruition by facilitating a strong application for BBC and other funding sources. Past projects which have already received KTI/BBC funding include: Public wifi in Smokey… Read More
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Informational Meetings Nov. 26
We’re looking for great ideas for using technology to make our community an even better place! EVERYONE is welcome to an informational meeting to find out more about applying for a grant through KTI in partnership with the Blandin Foundation. KTI members will be on-hand to answer questions and help develop ideas. Tuesday, November 26 at Noon and 6 p.m. Ballan’s i-Space 4th Street, Int’l Falls Click here for application information.
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Sample: Letter of Support
Paul Bunyan Communications Attn: Steve Howard, 1831 Anne St NW, Bemidji, MN 56601 email: showard@paulbunyan.net DATE To Whom it May Concern, I’m writing to express my support for the Paul Bunyan Communications grant application that would make it possible to offer broadband services in my area. My husband/wife/family and I live in ______________, in Koochiching County. While we love living here, lack of strong, reliable internet hampers our quality of life. We can’t do many of the things people in other areas may take for granted: checking email, sharing pictures with family, connecting through social media and much more. High speed internet would also make work-from-home opportunities possible in our area,… Read More
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Kabetogama Support Needed by August 21
Paul Bunyan Communications has announced it is seeking grant funding for a broadband project in Koochiching County. The first grant, through IRRRB, includes Kabetogama and is DUE AUGUST 21. You can help increase the application’s likelihood of success by writing letters of support to: Paul Bunyan Communications Attn: Steve Howard 1831 Anne St NW Bemidji, MN 56601 Or email showard@paulbunyan.net. The company is also applying for grants for other areas in the county through the Border-to-Border Broadband program. More information regarding the projects areas and what you can do to help will be available soon. Please share this information with your neighbors to help spread the word and get broadband access… Read More
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Fill Out the Survey
High Density + High Interest = Broadband Service In order for ISPs and grant funders to consider an area for broadband, there needs to be high population density AND high local interest in the service. Our five priority areas for broadband service (Rogers Corner, Ray, Kabetogama, Pelland Junction and Rainy Lake) have a high density of homes and business, now it’s up to residents to show high interest. Luckily, that’s easy to do through the online survey! Simply click the links below and share with friends! Ray Pelland Junction Rainy Lake Roger’s Corner Kabetogama
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