ST. PAUL, Minn., Nov 16, 2011 -- USDA Rural Development State Director Colleen Landkamer today announced that the Paul Bunyan Telephone Cooperative Association has been selected to receive a $20 million loan to extend its fiber-to-the-home network to Park Rapids and Trout Lake in North Central Minnesota.

“High-speed Internet improves healthcare and education opportunities and connects rural communities to the global marketplace,” Landkamer said. “Investing in broadband also creates short-term jobs during the construction period, and long-term jobs by expanded businesses and entrepreneurial opportunities in rural areas.”

The funding allows Paul Bunyan Telephone Cooperative to provide advanced telecommunications services to more than 45,710 homes, businesses and essential community facilities. Paul Bunyan has been in operation since 1952 and has been using Rural Development programs since 1953.

The Paul Bunyan loan was one of 21 loans totaling more than $407 million announced nationwide by USDA.

USDA Rural Development has invested over $2.5 billion throughout Minnesota since 2009. Including funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Rural Development has invested over $215 million to deliver high-speed Internet to rural Minnesota since 2009.

Click here to learn more about Rural Development programs. You can also contact the local office in Baxter at (218) 829-5965, ext. 4, or Detroit Lakes at (218) 847-9392, ext. 4.