MN SF4542

Commissioner of employment and economic development must submit a grant plan application to the U.S. Department of the Treasury requesting $110,703,000 of Minnesota's capital projects fund allocation under Public Law 117-2 by September 24, 2022.

Establishes a lower population density pilot program to provide broadband service to unserved and underserved areas where a 50 percent match formula is inadequate, allowing grants to fund up to 75 percent of project costs with a $5,000,000 cap per project.

Commissioner may use up to $15,000,000 from appropriations for the lower population density pilot program.

All federal funds awarded must be used for broadband grants satisfying purposes under Minnesota Statutes section 116J.395 and must be spent by December 31, 2026.

Commissioner may temporarily modify program standards to comply with federal standards for funding received under the bill.