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Report: The role of broadband in rural economic growth and resilience [1]

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Date: 2024-11

In Beltrami County, collaboration is key. The local broadband cooperative extends its reach across the community, meeting today’s infrastructure needs and laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.

The city of Bemidji has long recognized the importance of balancing progress with the preservation of its unique Northwoods character. Central to this vision is the development of essential infrastructure that supports both the community’s daily life and its long-term aspirations. The city’s mission of “Responsible Growth with Northwoods Character, preserving our history and providing diverse opportunities for success” reflects its commitment to blending tradition with progress. This vision is well-supported by the region’s tradition of locally rooted utility cooperatives whose members share the benefits: the Beltrami Electric Cooperative and Paul Bunyan Communications.

The establishment of the Beltrami Electric Cooperative in 1940 was a response to the dire need for electrification in rural areas at a time when the quality of life gap between urban and rural communities was high — in 1935 less than 11% of American farms had access to electricity. Commercial power companies were often unwilling to invest in rural electrification, leading local farmers to band together to create their own cooperatives. This initiative not only brought electricity to the area, transforming the agricultural landscape by enhancing productivity and living standards, but also laid the groundwork for future community-driven initiatives.

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[1] Url: https://ruralinnovation.us/resources/reports/report-the-role-of-broadband-in-rural-economic-growth-and-resilience/

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