Thomson board considers Covid money for internet

Finding ways to create better internet connectivity was front and center during the Thomson Township Board of Supervisors meeting last week, along with determining how to spend the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act money received from the federal government.

Problems with virtual attendance at township meetings — which often cut out during transmission — brought internet issues to the forefront as a way to spend the $20,000 in funds.

“Most of it has been on the internet improvements we are making here [in the town hall], in the garage, and the fire hall,” said township clerk/treasurer Rhonda Peleski at the Sept. 17 board meeting. The township is expecting to see the improvements to the internet connectivity carried out by Northeast Service Cooperative within the next two to three weeks.

The board also would like to put some of the funding toward learning more about potential internet options for the area.

Supervisor Ruth Janke has been looking into different internet provider options for the township. She had reached out to Mediacom, AirFiber and Genesis Wireless to get rough estimates.

“Engineering may be three years out, but it’s not going to be any cheaper,” Janke said, referencing the cost of bringing a stronger internet connection to local residents. Costs for each provider vary; some require cable while others use a tower to provide service. Genesis is working with the Calrton County in conjunction with Lake Country Power to provide rural service.

Janke pushed for residents to check internet speeds by going to mnruralbroadbandcoalition.com/speedtest.

“Everyone should get on the Carlton County site and do the download speed [test] so they can collect the data,” she said.

Township officials have not checked with Carlton County about working together on providing better internet, but they plan to look into the option as other rural townships face similar problems with connectivity and highlighted during the pandemic and online meetings.

The board also discussed the possibility of giving a remainder of their CARES money to Carlton County so that it could be disbursed back with more research on area broadband options. They will make this decision at a later date.

The board ultimately approved the short list of CARES Act projects, allowing things to move forward, including the addition of showers and changing areas in the Esko Fire Hall.