San Juan, Puerto Rico - April 9, 2024 – Maximiliano J. Trujillo-Ortega, USDA Rural Development State Director for Puerto Rico is a Keynote speaker in the Convention. He will speak about: “Connectivity and Broadband for economic and social growth and development of Puerto Rico.”
Trujillo-Ortega indicated during the convention they will discuss important topics for the economic development of the island. These are opportunities for digital inclusion and funding for broadband programs, telecommunications and the use of broadband equity access and deployment.
Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants support the use of telecommunications-enable information, audio and video equipment, and related advance technologies by students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents. The grants are intended to increase rural access to education, training, and health care resources that are otherwise unavailable or limited in scope throughout rural and remote areas.
“There is still time to apply” said Trujillo-Ortega. Eligible applicants include public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. To be eligible, applicants must establish distance learning or telemedicine networks in rural areas that have fewer than 20,000 residents. Awards range from $50,000 to $1 million. A minimum of 15 % match is required, and matching funds cannot originate from another federal source. Due day to apply is April 29, 2024, 11:59 pm Eastern.
The Reconnect Loan and Grant Program is another program that furnishes loans and grants to provide funds for the construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. Although a last mile-oriented program, reconnect may fund middle mile networks if these are included as part of an application to deliver last mile service. The maximum loan award amount is $50 million, and the interest rate is set at a fixed 2%.
During Fiscal Year 2022, USDA Rural Development awarded VPNet, Inc. nearly $8.8 million in ReConnect grant funding to deploy highspeed broadband in remote rural areas of the municipality of Patillas and connect approximately 1,200 households and 7 public schools. Due day to apply to the Program is May 21,2024, 11:59 pm Eastern.
USDA Rural Development is the perfect partner because it provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements, business development, housing, community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care, and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/pr.
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