Ag News
USDA accepting applications for rural broadband program
Posted on May 08, 2019 at 0:00 AM
The USDA is accepting online applications for funding through the new ReConnect Rural Broadband Pilot Program. These funds are a partnership between the federal government and the private sector and rural communities to build modern broadband infrastructure in areas with insufficient internet service. Insufficient service is defined as connection speeds of less than 10 megabits per second download and 1 megabit per second upload. Beginning today, ReConnect funding applications can be submitted at www.usda.gov/reconnect.
In this first round of funding, USDA is making available at least $600 million in rural broadband projects, through $200 million in grants, $200 million in loan and grant combinations, and $200 million in low-interest loans. The application deadlines for each of these funding packages are: May 31 for projects seeking federal funds from the grants-only package; June 21 for projects seeking a combination of federal loans and grants and July 12 for projects seeking low-interest federal loans.
Congress first appropriated funds for the new Rural e-Connectivity Pilot Program, known as ReConnect, in 2018. The program will be a proof-of-concept, enabling USDA to create and implement innovative options for rural connectivity by providing various financial packages to our customers.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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