Bill Eckles, president and CEO of Bevcomm, attended the Faribault County Economic Development Board meeting in Frost on Tuesday, April 16 to update the board on the latest broadband grant news.

“First of all, thank you for the last grant you gave us to help us secure the grant to get fiber optic to the Minnesota Lake area,” Eckles said. “Construction should begin soon on that project.”

He also had news regarding the next grant program.

“We were somewhat surprised when the state opened up another round of broadband grants this soon,” Eckles admitted. “Things are changing at the state which will make things more difficult in the future.”

Eckles went on to explain Bevcomm’s plans.

“They have 550 homes in the rural Blue Earth and Wells area that still do not have fiber,” he said. “It is a $7.1 million project to do the work to serve these homes. This is the last round of grants under the current rules and Bevcomm will be applying for a grant which would cover 25 percent of the cost with Bevcomm covering the remainder.”

Eckles told board members the process of seeking the grant is similar to the previous times Bevcomm applied for grants.

“That is why I’m here to see if the EDA would be willing to contribute a $5,000 grant to Bevcomm. We do this because it gives us points on our application when we show the community supporting us,” Eckles commented. “Of course, if we do not get the grant from the state then we do not get the money from the EDA.”

Eckles also informed the board that Bevcomm could have applied for a state broadband grant which would have covered 50 percent of the cost of the $7.1 million project.

“We have a better chance of getting approved by only asking for a 25 percent grant,” he offered. “The grant will not be awarded until later summer or fall and it is a two-year program to get all of the work done to bring fiber to the homes.”

The EDA Board also received news on two properties having delinquent loans.

“A Sheriff’s foreclosure sale for the Miller’s Corner property has been scheduled for May 7, at 10 a.m.” EDA specialist Celia Simpson said. “It will be held in Blue Earth at 320 Dr. H. Russ Street.”

Simpson said Murphey’s Oil, located in Minnesota Lake, has been keeping up on their payments until recently.

“Ryan Murphey has a sale pending with an expected closing date by the end of this month,” Simpson reported. “A loan payoff is expected at that point. Faribault County EDA has shared collateral on the equipment, inventory, and accounts receivables with Region 9 and Minnesota Lake EDA.”

EDA specialist Jennifer Howard reported the Blue Earth and Faribault County EDAs are joining forces with the University of Minnesota to present a VetCamp on June 26, in Blue Earth.

“The university will provide an interactive educational program tailored for middle and high school students in grades 6-12 who are keen on exploring veterinary medicine as a potential career path,” Howard said. “The program integrates hands-on learning experiences developed and led by students from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and will include small and large animal activities.”

The program is supported by the Minnesota Veterinary Medical Foundation and there is no cost to the university to host this program.

“The Blue Earth EDA received a grant from Compeer, in the amount of $2,000, which will be used to assist with expenses for this event including transportation fees, lunch and a commemorative T-shirt.”

In other business:

• The board received an update on a joint meeting of EDA staff, area Chamber directors and city administrators from Blue Earth, Fairmont, Wells and Winnebago.

Ideas were shared about different projects individuals have taken on. Discussion was also held on fighting community fatigue, building stronger community ties with youth, the need for childcare, finding affordable senior housing and the age of housing in the communities.

• Bethany Walker will be covering Jennifer Howard’s contracted days while Howard is gone, beginning in June.

• EDA staff and the County Board were holding a work session on April 17 to discuss the Local Housing Trust Fund.

• The board approved their annual payment to the Southern Minnesota Tourism Association in the amount of $696.05.