08.c Email to MidCo on urgency of Washington Cty Grant 8-9-22
From: Robert Wilmers
Sent: Tuesday, August 9, 2022 10:47 AM
To: Melissa Wolf
Cc: Justin Forde
Subject: Scandia - MidCo / Washington County Grant for 2023 Project
Hi Melissa,
Justin told me last week that MidCo has decided not to apply for a Minnesota Broadband Grant for
Scandia for the current grant period. I understand MidCo must carefully choose which areas to apply
for state grants and Justin explained there are other MidCo projects much larger than Scandia’s with a
greater need for grant money from Minnesota.
However, I’m asking MidCo to work again with Washington County to help us leverage the $432,000
Scandia has set aside for an Internet expansion project in 2023.
Today I learned there’s only $640,000 left in the Washington County grant program out of the $2 million
they started with. My concern is that those funds will run out before MidCo can submit a plan for a
grant given the planning for next year may not be ready until the end of the year, as has happened in
the past.
Is there any way for MidCo to accelerate the planning process for Scandia’s 2023 project and get in line
with the county for a grant before the funds run out?
We’re grateful for all the past support MidCo has provided to Scandia and hope you’ll be able to help us
again to get, “the most band for our buck”.
Sincerely.
Bob Wilmers