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Murray County approves letter of support and $36,000 match for Lismore broadband grant

Murray County Board of Commissioners · March 1, 2026

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Summary

The board voted to back a Minnesota Broadband Line Extension Grant application from Lismore Cooperative Telephone and Finley Engineering and to commit $36,000 in matching funds if the grant is awarded, aiming to extend fiber to parts of Fulda and other underserved areas.

The Murray County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 18 approved a letter of support and a $36,000 contingent local match for a Minnesota Broadband Line Extension Grant application from Lismore Cooperative Telephone and Finley Engineering.

Representatives from Lismore Cooperative Telephone and Finley Engineering told the board that only two providers currently offer fiber broadband in parts of Murray County and that several communities — including Fulda, Avoca, Lake Wilson, Currie and Dovray — lack fiber access. Nobles County has pledged a $136,000 matching contribution and sent a letter of support; the cities of Fulda, Rushmore and Ellsworth also indicated support for the project. Presenters said the grant would initially connect two addresses in Fulda while establishing fiber infrastructure for future development. Grants are due Nov. 25, 2025, and the line‑extension awards carry a one‑year construction window.

Commissioner Dennis Welgraven moved to provide a letter of support and to commit $36,000 in matching funds if the state grant is approved; Commissioner Roger Zins seconded the motion, which the board passed. The county’s commitment is contingent on grant award and available funds.

The county did not set a timeline for disbursing local match dollars if the grant is approved. The presenters noted that project costs typically rise over time, and they asked for any level of county assistance the board could offer. The board’s action records the county’s support and a conditional funding commitment; formal allocation of matching funds will occur only after grant award.