USDA Encouraging Communities to Apply for Rural Broadband ReConnect Program Funds

What are the best ways to bring high speed internet access to rural areas? USDA is now accepting funding applications for pilot project proposals to find out the best ways.

It’s called the Rural ReConnect Broadband Loan and Grant Program.

According to the  USDA Website, in 2018 Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (the Act), which established a new broadband loan and grant pilot program, now called the Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect Program).

The Act appropriated a budget authority of $600,000,000 to be used on an expedited basis.

For that reason, the USDA determined it is in the public interest to move forward with developing procedures for the ReConnect Program within a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) instead of rulemaking to meet the statutory mandate to implement the new program.

Now USDA Commissioner Sonny Perdue is encouraging rural communities who need rural broadband or better access to it to apply for the funding program.

The first round of applicants have three separate funding categories to choose from: 100 percent (%) loan, 50% loan / 50% grant, or 100% grant. Given the varying closing dates for each funding type, applicants will be limited to one application for this FOA.

To apply for the Program or get more information, you can go to https://www.usda.gov/reconnect