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Minnesota announces $50 million in broadband grants to expand access
Governor Tim Walz has announced over $50 million in grants to expand broadband access to approximately 8,900 homes and businesses across Minnesota. The grants, administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) Office of Broadband Development, will support 24 broadband expansion projects in 25 counties throughout the state.
The projects aim to deploy new broadband infrastructure, offering speeds of at least 100 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 20 Mbps upload. The funding comes from two DEED programs: the Border-to-Border Broadband Program and the Low Population Density Program.
DEED will open another $50 million grant round for broadband infrastructure development later this month. Additionally, DEED is implementing the Line Extension Program to connect individual homes and businesses without broadband access. The state has also finalized its draft Digital Opportunity Plan to address gaps in broadband access, digital technology ownership, and digital skills using federal grants.
To read more, click here.
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Legionnaires' disease in Grand Rapids
Last month, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed 14 cases of Legionnaires' disease since April 2023 in a geographically clustered area of Grand Rapids. The MDH investigation determined the only commonality among the cases was the public water supply, prompting a focus on the water distribution system. In December, two commercial buildings connected to the public water supply tested positive for Legionella bacteria; however, cultures from within the distribution system were absent of Legionella bacteria.
Legionella bacteria are common in aquatic environments and can be detected in low concentrations in any public water system. The bacteria pose a health risk when they proliferate in warm, stagnant water and the water is aerosolized by devices like showers, leading to inhalation of the small droplets. Infection may result in Legionnaires’ disease, a serious pneumonia-like illness. Legionnaires’ disease is not transmitted from person-to-person and people do not become infected from drinking the water. Officials stress that the city’s water remains safe to drink as they continue to collaborate with experts on expanded testing and disinfection plans within the city’s water system. Grand Rapids Public Utilities (GRPU) has created an online hub featuring regular updates of utility actions and providing customer education on properly maintaining plumbing systems to prevent waterborne germs.
Get involved. GRPU General Manager and MMUA Board President Julie Kennedy invites water utilities across the state to reach out if they have experience testing for Legionella in their public water supply. Specifically, they would like to hear lessons learned about testing sites/locations and decisions between in-house and outsourced laboratory testing. If you have direct experience with Legionella testing, please reach out to Julie via email.
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Growing demand for power puts strain on US electric grid
Last week, Washington Post published an extended look at the factors pressing the United States towards a power crisis as electricity demand surges. Several states are experiencing record-high demand, with projections indicating a significant increase in electricity use.
According to the piece, the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency mining is driving the demand for data centers, exacerbating strain on the aging power grid. Utilities and regulators are struggling to finance and implement upgrades to meet the increased demand, raising concerns about costs and grid reliability. This challenges the transition to cleaner energy sources, as utilities may delay retiring fossil fuel plants to meet demand. The piece also highlights the efforts taken by the US government to prioritize grid expansion but notes the political and regulatory complexities complicating the process.
To read more, click here.
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MMUA accepting topic proposals for the 2024 Summer Conference
MMUA seeks proposals for 2024 Summer Conference in Fargo/Moorhead. The theme of this year's conference is "Stronger Together." We will focus on topics involving communication, collaboration, and strengthening the municipal model. Members are encouraged to submit proposals for speakers and topics that fit within this framework. This request for proposals includes both those who wish to present (“I can share”) and those who would like to request certain topics (“I want to hear about [this]”).
To submit a proposal, please fill out this form. The form will be open until April 1, and multiple submissions are permissible. Registration for the conference will open in May, and the hotel block is already open. Make your reservation through this link. We look forward to seeing you in Fargo/Moorhead!
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Associate member PSE offers free
DER webinar
Power Systems Engineering (PSE) is offering a complimentary webinar on March 28 covering utility-scale Distributed Energy Resource (DER) projects. Industry experts will discuss topics from project site selection and initial obstacles through financing options, equipment selection, construction, and continuing operation and maintenance costs and concerns as a site operates and ages. To learn more and to register for the webinar, click here.
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Last chance for Conservation Partners Legacy grant program
The third round of Expedited Conservation Projects (ECP) grants recently closed, and a special fourth round is opening. The Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) is accepting applications for approximately $1,000,000 in available funds for special short-term projects. The application window is open until March 18, 2024.
This special round will be accepting applications for short-term projects only. Projects must have a project end date of June 30th, 2026 or earlier. The ECP grant cycle funds eligible activities that restore or enhance forests, wetlands, prairies, or habitat for fish, game, and wildlife on public lands/waters in Minnesota.
Grant requests may range from $5,000 to $50,000, with a maximum total project cost of $1,000,000. Nonprofit organizations and government entities are eligible to apply, and a 10 percent match of non-state funds is required. Apply online by 3:30 PM on March 18, 2024. Funding for the CPL program comes from the Outdoor Heritage Fund. Questions? Please email lscplgrants.dnr@state.mn.us for more information.
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Minnesota Public Power Walleye Tournament
June 1
Bladow Beach Resort (Ottertail)
Registration deadline: May 17
We are excited to announce registration is now open for the Minnesota Public Power Walleye Tournament. Last year's tournament raised $3,300 for post-secondary line work programs in Minnesota. We hope you can join and help us have another record-breaking year: the more we fish, the more we give!
"Public power" is inclusive of all Minnesota electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, and industry affiliates and suppliers. All are welcome to participate in this event, whether you have worked in the industry or not. This fun, friendly competition offers cash prizes for top-placing teams and the largest walleye.
For complete details about the event and to register, please click here.
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As always, thank you for your association with MMUA and your commitment to delivering excellent service through locally owned utility assets in your community. Have a great week!
Christian Glanville
Marketing and Member Relations Manager
Direct: 763.746.0727 / Cell: 612.655.0598
Fax: 763.551.0459
cglanville@mmua.org | www.mmua.org
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