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USDA is Seeking Applications for Grants to Increase Access to Broadband in Unserved Rural Areas

Name
Erin McDuff
Phone
City
Portland
Release Date

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications for grants to provide broadband service in unserved rural areas.

The Community Connect Program helps rural communities extend internet access where broadband service is least likely to be commercially available, but where it can make a tremendous difference in the quality of life for people and businesses. The projects funded by these grants help rural residents tap into the enormous potential of the internet for jobs, education, health care, public safety, and community development.

State and local governments, federally-recognized Tribes, nonprofits, and for-profit corporations are eligible to apply. Grants awarded through this program must be used to provide broadband service in rural, economically-challenged communities where access does not currently exist. USDA will give priority to projects proposing to serve rural areas that demonstrate the greatest need for broadband service based on requirements in 7 CFR Part 1739.

Grant recipients must provide a minimum rate-of-data transmission of 25 megabits (Mbps) downstream and 3 Mbps upstream to all premises in the proposed service area. Awardees must also use their USDA funding to offer free broadband service to all critical community facilities and a community center in their proposed service area for two years.

The minimum grant amount is $100,000 while the maximum amount is $3 million. Applicants must be able to provide a 15 percent match. Grants are awarded through a national competition.

Electronic applications must be received by 8:59 p.m. PST on December 23, 2020.

To discuss a potential application, contact John Holman, Telecommunications General Field Representative, (503) 310-7692.