ST. PAUL, Minn. – Rural folks have their hopes raised for 39 broadband projects that the state Economic Development Department has funded. Among projects for which grants have been approved:
> Rural Peterson: $1.5 million to serve 261 households, 23 businesses, 88 farms and two anchor institutions in Fillmore and Winona counties, a project expected to total $5 million.
> Southern Fillmore County: $1.2 million to serve 231 locations and 26 households, a project expected to total $3.4 million.
> Rural Zumbrota: $532,000 to serve 148 locations in Goodhue, Zumbrota, Minneola and Belle Creek townships in Goodhue County and Chester Township in Wabasha County, a project expected to total $1.5 million.
> Marion Township south of Rochester: $28,950 to serve 41 households, a project expected to total $97,000.