WASHINGTON — The Department of the Treasury has awarded $68.4 million in federal funding to expand broadband access in Minnesota, U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith announced this week.

The funding, enabled by the Treasury Department’s Capital Projects Fund created through the American Rescue Plan, will provide $68.4 million in federal funding to Minnesota’s Border-to-Border (B2B) grant program, allowing broadband providers to service more than 23,000 homes and businesses across the state that lack high-speed internet.

“I think we all know this is not just about being able to email your grandma,” Klobuchar said. “It’s necessary to access…school, getting classes online and being able to get community college classes.”

Smith agreed, stressing that broadband access is a necessity in supporting the economy.

“Broadband is the infrastructure of the 21st century – it isn’t just nice, it’s necessary if we’re going to build an economy that works for everyone,” said Smith. “I’m proud to have helped secure this funding, which will expand access to affordable, high-speed internet to thousands of Minnesotans.”

These resources will support broadband infrastructure and are designed to deliver reliable internet service needed for a household with multiple users to simultaneously access the internet to telework and access education and health monitoring. The Treasury Department designed its guidance to prioritize connecting families and businesses in rural and remote areas.

Klobuchar’s legislation with House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) to expand high-speed internet nationwide, co-sponsored by Smith, served as the basis for major broadband funding included in the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act.

In May, Klobuchar introduced bipartisan legislation with Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WVa.) to strengthen broadband access for rural communities. The Rural Broadband Protection Act will ensure that providers applying for federal funding can reliably deliver broadband to underserved, rural communities.

In March, Klobuchar and Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) led a bipartisan group of colleagues, including Smith, in urging the FCC to provide rural communities with guidance on their broadband funding status. She and Smith also secured significant federal funding as part of the government funding package to expand broadband access for rural communities in Northeast Minnesota, and led successful efforts to resolve a dispute regarding Red River Communications, helping bring high-speed Internet access to rural communities in the Red River Valley.