Broadband connectivity is a big issue in rural and remote parts of Minnesota

Cook County (MN) — which takes in towns along Lake Superior's North Shore, the Gunflint Trail and part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness — is poised for a definitive decision about its broadband connectivity and its economic future. Voters are set to decide a referendum proposing a 1 percent sales tax that could be used to help fund several projects, including construction of a fiber optic network. The plan is to make high-speed Internet access, cable TV, and telephone service available to every home and business. The county has applied for a $33 million federal grant to help fund the project. In all, Minnesota has a stake in 77 different grant applications for a share of $7.2 billion in federal stimulus money dedicated to national broadband coverage. The first round of awards is expected to be announced in November.