1886 photo Franconia Train Depot, Franconia, Minnesota

 













 
Franconia Township Residents
 
In the early 1880’s, the residents of Franconia Township came together for the future of their community. Instead of continuing to receive their mail via horse and buggy or word of mouth, they instead chose to provide public infrastructure accessible via the proposed Franconia Depot at milepost 17 on the railway.
 
The investment would improve the lives of the residents and the business community by providing Franconia Township a depot for transport, a mail stop and access to a telegraph line.
 
Residents of Franconia Township have a similar opportunity today.
 
This past January 2019, a group of Franconia citizen pioneers was formed to put in motion the process to bring a 21st century fiber optic network to rural Franconia Township. Taking advantage of state-wide grants funding up to 45% of the infrastructure. Our 21st century pioneers are attempting to blaze a trail to provide reliable affordable internet with speeds up to 1000 up/1000 down, television and telephone services to all residents of Franconia Township.
 
We are asking for your help with this effort by taking the time to complete the broadband survey of citizen pioneers. Please note: you are NOT subscribing to services by completing this survey. The information you provide regarding the type of internet, phone, and TV service you would like will be used to create financial projections.
 
Thank you for your time and participation in this Township conversation!

Survey link here - https://www.goctc.com/franconia/
​
More current history...
Early in 2019 Franconia residents met with Nancy Hoffman of Chisago County HRA/EDA to discuss the potential of bringing Broad Band Fiber into the township.   A Brainard area electrical co-op, Consolidated Telephone Company (CTC) had expressed a willingness to work with the rural communities to improve their options for residential and business access to high-speed internet.   Franconia has been found to be one of the most "underserved" areas in Chisago County in a 2016 study done by the HRA/EDA and the residents were overwhelmingly supportive of finding a remedy.
___________________________________________________________________
Updates:

1/21/20 - 

I am sorry to have to report that Franconia/Chisago Lakes was not awarded Funding for the Border to Border Broad Band Grant through the State for 2019.

We will be looking at re-submittal for 2020 funding.

More details to follow as we know more.

This project has enjoyed overwhelming community support and we appreciate your contribution of energy and enthusiasm.  Here at FTCC we will keep fighting for your hope for Fiber to the Home in Franconia!



Tuesday 8/13/19  WE NEED YOU!! - Franconia Residents - we need you to show up at the Townhall meeting Tuesday night @ 7:00!!
The Franconia Township Communications Committee will present survey findings and make a recommendation to the Township Board of Supervisors regarding the Broadband Initiative.  We will be looking for a vote supporting a resolution to fund the Township's part of the project.  We need this commitment from the Supervisors in order for CTC to move forward with the State Grant process on our behalf.
Come out and let your voices be heard!!  We need to fill the Townhall to capacity to convince our elected officials that the residents need and want Broadband Fiber in Franconia!!


Friday 7/12/19 - FTCC and CTC launch a survey for the Township residents.  Postcards have been mailed to every property owner and request that a survey be completed to help us gather information about the needs/desires for more reliable and higher speed internet as well as Telephone and TV service.  

Survey Link also here:  www.goctc.com/franconia
*please remember - only one survey per household
​

Friday 4/12/19 - We are happy to announce that we were awarded the funding we were seeking for the feasibility/engineering study to explore the option of bringing Broadband Internet into our Township.

The cost for the study will be right around $6,000 with two different sources adding funding support to the referendum amount approved by the Township Board of Supervisors.

50% - Blandin Foundation Grant - https://blandinfoundation.org/
25% - Chisago County HRA/EDA - http://chisagocounty.org/
25% - Franconia Township Funds

This project also has inspired additional leadership within the Township and residents Starsha and Aaron Froberg have stepped up to the Resident Advocate position as we move this exciting project forward!  Starsha and Aaron will be assisted by other residents as we build this sub-committee and all motivated helpers are encouraged to lend a hand by joining us at the FTCC meetings as discussions and action items come up.  Stay Tuned!

---