Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program

The Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program is administered by the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation agency in the State of Minnesota. This program is designed to support infrastructure projects that expand broadband access and improve service speeds to meet or exceed the state’s broadband speed goals. Funding for this program is sourced from the Taconite Environmental Protection Fund, reflecting the state’s commitment to economic development and connectivity within its designated service area. The program prioritizes projects that deliver measurable improvements in broadband service to households and businesses, particularly in underserved or unserved communities. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund infrastructure, engineering, and electronic components necessary for broadband delivery. Eligible costs include construction-related infrastructure and associated engineering services, though architectural and engineering fees exceeding ten percent of total project costs are not reimbursable. The program requires a one-to-one matching contribution from applicants, and explicitly excludes in-kind labor or materials from qualifying as match contributions. Applicants are encouraged to leverage additional funding sources, including federal, state, or private financing, to strengthen their proposals and improve competitiveness. Eligibility for the program includes cities, townships, nonprofit organizations, Tribal governments, and other governmental entities established under Minnesota statutes, provided they are located within the agency’s service area. Collaboration among multiple organizations is encouraged and considered beneficial during the evaluation process. The program aims to support regional economic development by expanding broadband access to households, businesses, and educational institutions, thereby enhancing connectivity and workforce opportunities. The application process requires submission through the FLUXX grants portal. Applicants must first complete a pre-application to determine project eligibility before gaining access to the full application. Required application materials include a project narrative addressing evaluation criteria, preliminary design and cost estimates, authorization resolutions, and verification of funding sources. Additional documentation requirements vary depending on applicant type and funding request size, including financial statements, IRS forms, and organizational charts. Applications should be submitted within nine months of the project’s construction start date. Applications are evaluated through a competitive review process using a 100-point scoring system. Evaluation criteria include anticipated broadband service improvements, regional and community benefits, non-applicant funding sources, diversity and inclusion considerations, and job impact. The highest weight is given to the expected improvement in broadband service levels, followed by community impact and funding leverage. Projects that demonstrate strong partnerships, serve diverse populations, and contribute to workforce development receive additional consideration. The grant cycle for Fiscal Year 2027 opens on July 1, 2026, and closes on May 28, 2027, or earlier if funds are substantially committed. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis within this window, and award decisions are typically communicated within 60 days after review. Successful applicants must comply with reporting, monitoring, and compliance requirements, including progress reports, financial documentation, and adherence to state contracting and labor regulations. The program operates on an annual cycle, with recurring funding opportunities expected in future fiscal years.

Focus on demonstrating measurable broadband speed improvements and strong partnerships; leverage additional funding sources to strengthen competitiveness; clearly quantify households and businesses served