2025.04.21 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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14669 Fitzgerald Avenue North, Hugo, MN 55038 • (651) 762-6300 • www.ci.hugo.mn.us April 21, 2025 Bree Maki Executive Director, Minnesota Office of Broadband Development Minnesota Employment and Economic Development 180 E 5th Street, Suite 1200 Saint Paul, MN 55101 Dear Executive Director Maki: The Hugo City Council wants to express the City’s endorsement of Comcast’s application to implement funds allocated for Minnesota through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. We believe that Comcast’s proposal represents a critical opportunity to expand high-speed internet access to the unserved and underserved areas in our community and address a significant gap in connectivity that has long hindered our residents and local businesses. Access to reliable, high-speed internet is essential for economic growth, educational opportunities, healthcare access, and the overall quality of life in our communities. In recent years, the increasingly digital world has further underscored the necessity of broadband access for remote work, online learning, and telehealth services. Unfortunately, many areas in Washington County, including the City of Hugo, remain disconnected or inadequately served by current internet infrastructure, exacerbating the digital divide. We strongly believe that Comcast’s application, if approved, will provide the necessary resources to ensure that all residents of the City of Hugo can participate fully in today’s digital economy. This expansion will not only benefit individual households but also empower our local businesses, educational institutions, and healthcare providers by providing them with the connectivity they need to thrive. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue and for your continued leadership in advancing broadband access across Minnesota. Sincerely, Tom Weidt Mayor