Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is investing $23.4 million in 75 projects across 31 states and the Western Pacific, including more than $200,000 in Oregon, to expand distance learning and telemedicine opportunities in rural areas.
“Rural communities often lack access to specialized medical care or advanced educational opportunities necessary for stronger rural economies,” Vilsack said. “These grants will help increase access to health care and many other essential services.”
The grants are being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program. They may be used to purchase equipment to provide educational and telemedicine services to rural communities.
In Oregon, Klamath Community College is receiving a $202,600 grant to provide distance learning services to four Klamath County high schools in the towns of Bonanza, Chiloquin, Gilchrest, and Lost River. Additionally, Klamath Community College is collaborating with the Southern Oregon Education Service District to implement distance learning services with the help of this grant at Butte Falls Charter School and Prospect Charter School in Jackson County. These services will make it possible for students to access educational resources that are currently unavailable or have limited availability in their rural communities. This grant was preceded by a $194,000 USDA grant to Klamath Community College in 2014 to provide college courses using telecommunications technology to rural residents of Lake County.
Funding of each award under this announcement is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of their grant agreement.
Since 2009, USDA has provided more than $213 million in loans and grants for 634 distance learning and telemedicine projects in rural areas nationwide.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses, and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way—strengthening America’s economy, small towns, and rural communities.