[Libs-Or] USDA grants and loans for rural broadband

[Ross Fuqua]

Hello rural libraries,

The US Department of Agriculture is offering grants and loans to rural communities for broadband internet expansion, called ReConnect. I've pasted a bit more info from a recent communication from the Special Districts Association (below). There's also a 2-page fact sheet available (easy for sharing with stakeholders in your community!) from the USDA here: https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/ReConnect_Program-Factsheet.pdf
Please contact the USDA directly if you have questions:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is now accepting online applications for funding through the new Rural e-Connectivity Pilot Program, known as ReConnect, announced State Director John Huffman today. The ReConnect Program will provide up to $600 million nationwide in loans and grants to help build broadband infrastructure in rural America.
Beginning today, telecommunications companies, rural electric cooperatives and utilities, internet service providers, and rural communities can submit ReConnect funding applications at https://reconnect.usda.gov. The funds can be used to build modern broadband infrastructure in areas with a population of 20,000 or less that currently lack sufficient internet service. Insufficient internet service is defined as connection speeds of less than 10 megabits per second (mbps) download and 1 mbps upload.

Cheers,

Ross Fuqua
Data & Federal Programs Consultant
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