Four more states have launched broadband access projects, deploying thousands of miles of high-speed fiber to rural communities. Here is a look at the new projects being announced:

Massachusetts: The state announces its plans to apply for an additional $45.4 million in broadband stimulus funds to expand high-speed Internet access to Western Massachusetts. If approved, the state plans to provide $26.2 million in matching funds. The project would build 1,330 miles of new fiber lines. “MassBroadband 123 offers an enduring, cost-effective solution to one of our most urgent, long-standing problems and will lay the foundation for sustainable prosperity to a region covering over a third of our state,” Gov. Deval Patrick said in a statement. Read the full story here.

Minnesota: The Commerce Department has awarded the Blandin Foundation a $4.7 million grant to expand broadband access to rural state communities. The Minnesota Intelligent Rural Communities coalition will provide $1.3 million in matching funds to the project. Read the full Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal story here.

Ohio: Case Western Reserve University announced plans to launch an “ultra high-speed Internet” experiment in the local community to measure how residents would make use of connections at up 200 times the national average. Read the full Cleveland Plain Dealer story here.

Virginia: Rep. Tom Perriello announced that Nelson County received a $1.8 million grant to expand broadband access to local schools, the Blue Ridge Medical Center and county operation centers. The project will build out 31 miles of new fiber, including four new wireless towers, bringing 1,500 home and 250 businesses high-speed Internet access. “We’re very excited and appreciative of the award,” said Count Administrator Steve Carter said, calling the grant “the fruition of a lot of hard work and a lot of effort on a lot of people’s parts.” Read the full story here.  The Commerce Department also announced a $1.6 million broadband infrastructure grant to the Page County Broadband Authority to deploy a 39-mile fiber network that will serve the four principal towns in Page County, Virginia. The network expects to directly connect 29 anchor institutions including, 11 K-12 schools, three libraries, six healthcare facilities, Lord Fairfax Community College, and eight public safety institutions.