Mankato Free Press

By Tim Krohn

LE SUEUR — A project to expand broadband and implement a law enforcement records system in Le Sueur County, as well as funding to improve the community of Le Sueur’s water treatment facility got a boost from $2.5 million in federal funding.

The county’s broadband initiative will get $1 million to expand broadband access throughout the county.

The Sheriff’s Office will receive $500,000 for implementing a records management system, computer aided dispatch and a jail management software program.

The community of Le Sueur gets $959,752 to optimize and expand its existing water treatment plant.

The funding was announced Wednesday by Democrats Minnesota U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith and U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, who represents the 2nd District, which includes Le Sueur.

“From expanding access to broadband to bolstering law enforcement, these projects will make a big difference in Le Sueur County,” Klobuchar said in a press release.

“From building out affordable and accessible broadband access, to ensuring our water is clean and safe, and keeping our local law enforcement offices up to date, the funding heading to Le Sueur County is going to have a real, substantive impact in people’s lives,” Smith said.

“This federal funding will make a real difference for Le Sueur and help keep families healthy. I will continue to work on projects like this to help ensure that every Minnesotan has access to safe, clean drinking water,” Craig said.

Klobuchar and Smith said they work with local leaders to secure funding for projects across the state through a process called congressionally directed spending.

Projects are expected to receive funding over the next several months.