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USDA Announces Funding Opportunity for Distance Learning and Telemedicine Projects

Name
Gayle Aubrey
City
Temple
Release Date

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Texas State Director, Paco Valentin, has announced that the agency is accepting applications for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program, which provides increased access to education, training and health care resources in rural areas.

“The Distance Learning and Telemedicine program can provide rural Texans with expanded educational and medical opportunities,” Valentin said.  “Rural schools and health care facilities have increasingly tighter budgets and DLT grants can provide vital assistance.”

The Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program finances telecommunications equipment, computer networks and advanced technologies for use by students, teachers, medical professionals and rural residents. Minimum grant amounts are $50,000; maximum amounts are $500,000 for fiscal year 2016.  Grants require matching contributions, in cash or kind, of at least 15% of the total amount of financial assistance requested.

Details of the DLT funding are on Page 1388 of the May 12 Federal Register (https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-01-12/pdf/2016-00405.pdf). Applications will be accepted from January 12 to March 14, 2016.

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.

USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of American values.  For information on this and other USDA Rural Development programs in Texas, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/tx.