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County approves $2,000 match for local Digital Opportunity Plan to study broadband gaps
Summary
Kandiyohi County approved a $2,000 contribution to support a local Digital Opportunity Plan that would map broadband gaps, assess digital literacy and outline funding strategies; the county’s broadband committee recommended the contribution.
The Kandiyohi County Board agreed April 15 to provide $2,000 to support a local Digital Opportunity Plan to be developed by Kandiyohi County Economic Development and partners, building on Minnesota’s statewide model. KCED interim executive director Michelle Morozki said the county invested more than $6 million in broadband infrastructure over recent years and that the plan will use local cash and in-kind contributions along with a potential University of Minnesota graduate research assistant placement through the Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (RSDP).
The project budget increased slightly during planning, Morozki said, from an initial $226,800 to $227,600, reflecting a schedule change. The GRA — if RSDP awards it — would provide roughly 10 hours per week during the 2025–26 academic year. Confirmed cash partners include the Southwest Initiative Foundation, the Economic Development Association of Minnesota and KCED; in-kind partners include United Community Action Partnership, Wilmer Public Library and the Minnesota Office of Broadband Development.
Board action and context: The county’s broadband committee recommended the $2,000 match to strengthen the RSDP application and stretch those resources across more communities. Commissioners approved the motion by voice vote.
Why it matters: The plan aims to identify where residents and businesses lack reliable, high-speed connections and to map digital literacy gaps and funding options to meet Minnesota’s 100/20 Mbps goal.
Sources: Kandiyohi County Board meeting transcript, April 15, 2025.
