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Board backs sale of local broadband provider to Midco and supports state broadband program
Summary
Pine County approved letters of support for the sale of SCI/SEI Broadband to Midco as part of a federal ReConnect grant process and also endorsed the Minnesota Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, saying both steps facilitate rural broadband expansion.
The Pine County Board voted to send letters of support for two broadband matters: the planned sale of SEI Broadband (referred to as SCI in meeting materials) to Midco, and the Minnesota Department of Broadband’s administration of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.
Sale of SEI Broadband to Midco Economic development staff presented a request from SEI Broadband that Pine County provide a letter of support for the company’s sale to Midco as part of federal ReConnect grant paperwork. Economic development coordinator Leslie Sauter told commissioners that Midco had committed to honor grant obligations and to coordinate with SEI staff on project completion. The board approved a letter of support for the sale.
Letter supporting Minnesota BEAD administration The board also approved a separate letter of support for the Minnesota Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program and the department’s plan for administering federal broadband funds. Staff said the state sought partner letters across Minnesota to confirm local participation in planning the program’s implementation.
Why it matters Letters of support are a routine but necessary part of federal and state grant processes; county backing helps ensure continuity of service and local coordination on broadband projects that serve schools and rural households.
Speakers cited - Leslie Sauter — Economic Development Coordinator (presented the request and recommended support)
Next steps The county will forward letters of support to the relevant state and federal program administrators as part of the application and program planning processes.
