News and Events

December 21, 2022 – Forest Lake, MN: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently announced that Midco has been awarded a $975,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) through the Office of Broadband Development’s Border-to-Border Broadband Program to bring high-speed and reliable broadband to unserved and underserved areas of Forest Lake, Minnesota.

This grant will cover a portion of the more than $1.9 million total project cost to improve connectivity to hundreds of homes, businesses and farms in the Forest Lake area.

Midco partnered with the City of Forest Lake, which contributed $50,000 for the project and received letters of support from Washington County, the Forest Lake Chamber of Commerce, and federal and local elected officials from the area. When complete, Midco will serve nearly all of the City of Forest Lake.

“Lack of connectivity remains pronounced in many urban communities, including portions of Forest Lake. The impact of improved and expanded broadband that Midco will be bringing through this grant opportunity cannot be overstated,” said Forest Lake City Administrator Patrick Casey. “As we continue to live in a post-pandemic, highly internet-based society, this grant and expansion will provide the essential connection, quality of life and an economy that works for everyone. Thank you to the State of Minnesota, Midco and the Forest Lake City Council for making this a reality.”

“Midco is thrilled to receive this grant from the State of Minnesota to continue expanding our robust fiber network and bring more Forest Lake residents a fast and reliable connection. Midco’s investment in the communities we serve is not something we take lightly. Partnerships like this ensure we are meeting our communities' needs and supporting their shared goals of growth and prosperity for all residents,” said Midco’s Government Relations Manager Melissa Wolf.

In addition to fiber internet, Midco also provides TV, phone, networking and advertising services. To find more information or preregister for services, visit Midco.com/ForestLake.