Broadband Committee

Broadband Grant Recipients

Wright County is excited to announce our grant recipients for our most recent broadband expansion project. We will be adding fiber opportunities to 1,620 total households across the county: 

Starting the week of July 4, 2022 we will also be looking into additional Request for Information (RFI) submissions in hopes of continued expansion of fiber internet throughout the county. 

Any questions please contact Zack Breyen. 

Broadband Grants Available

Wright County, Minnesota has allocated a portion of its American Rescue Plan – State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARP-SLFRF) to broadband projects. The purpose of the grant program is to support broadband projects that provide high-speed, reliable and affordable service to unserved and underserved households and businesses in Wright County.

To reach the largest amount of unserved and underserved areas, Wright County is considering fixed wireless as a possible option. This request for information is seeking one or more qualified Wireless Internet Service Providers to build and operate fiber optic fixed wireless within the county in partnership with the County. For more information, view the Wright County Fixed Wireless document.

The County is interested in allocating a portion of this funding for broadband fiber line expansion. Wright County has identified critical fiber runs that will reach large amounts of problem areas. This RFI is seeking one or more qualified Internet Service Providers (ISP) to install and operate broadband in partnership with the County using SLRF funds. For more information, view the Wright County Fiber Line document.

Applications for Fixed Wireless must be submitted by Friday, July 1, 2022 at 4:00 P.M. CDT

Applications for Direct Fiber Line approach must be submitted by Friday, July 15, 2022 at 4:00 P.M. CDT 

Questions about the application or application process shall be directed to Business Analyst Zachary Breyen.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to identify broadband needs in Wright County, identify delivery options within the county, oversee disbursement of state and federal American Rescue Plan funds, serve as a broadband granting organization and serve as a sponsoring agency for internet service providers. 
Wright County was awarded grant funds from the State of Minnesota as part of a Federal Coronavirus Relief Package titled the American Rescue Plan (ARP). With these funds, Counties are expanding infrastructure such as broadband, water/sewer, and ditches. The County would like to address some common questions received with the broadband survey responses regarding government involvement, cost, and provider options. 
View All FAQs

Wright County Broadband Feasibility Study

Wright County has contracted with Design Nine of Blacksburg, Virginia to complete a feasibility study, with an expected completion of December 2021. The study will provide information needed to analyze, select and implement the best solution(s) to improve broadband within Wright County.

• Survey Report 

• Broadband Service Provider Report

 • Wright County Broadband Feasibility and Assessment

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. For more information on the program visit https://www.fcc.gov/acp. 


Wright County Unserved and Underserved Areas

Resources

Broadband Committee Members & Staff

Name
Email Address
Phone Number
Darek Vetsch Darek.Vetsch@co.wright.mn.us (763)682-7687
Mark Daleiden Mark.Daleiden@co.wright.mn.us (763)682-7686
Lee Kelly, County Administrator  Lee.Kelly@co.wright.mn.us (763)682-7378
Elizabeth Karels, Project Administrator Elizabeth.Karels@co.wright.mn.us (763)684-8604
Matthew Fomby, IT Director Matthew.Fomby@co.wright.mn.us (763)682-7316
Lindsey Meyer, Finance Director Lindsey.Meyer@co.wright.mn.us (763)684-8602
Heather Lemieux, Assistant Finance Director Heather.Lemieux@co.wright.mn.us (763)682-7582
Greg Kryzer, Civil Division Chief Greg.Kryzer@co.wright.mn.us (763)682-7344
John Holler, Communications Specialist  John.Holler@co.wright.mn.us (763)684-4532