USDA Seeking Applications to Fund Broadband in Remote Areas
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The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that applications are being accepted for grants to finance broadband deployment in remote, rural areas. Through this notice, USDA Rural Development may award up to $21 million in grants through the Community Connect Grant program. The purpose of the grant is to serve rural communities where broadband service is not available, but where it can make a tremendous difference in the quality of life for citizens. For more information, see page 34979 of the June 11, 2013 Federal Register, or click here. The deadline for submitting applications is July 11.
In addition, the USDA recently announced new rules to better target Community Connect broadband grants to areas where they are needed the most. Since its inception, the Community Connect program has funded 229 projects with USDA investments of $122 million. In 2012, USDA assistance led to improved broadband service nationwide for nearly 65,000 rural households, businesses and community institutions. To view the rules, click here.
