U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Lisa Mensah announced today that USDA is inviting applications for the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee program (the Broadband Program). There will be two application windows for FY 2017.
Loans may be used to construct, improve and acquire facilities and equipment to provide high-speed broadband to eligible rural areas.
USDA is holding pre-application periods to help applicants submit complete applications and identify and correct deficiencies before applications are formally submitted.
The first pre-application window is now open and closes on midnight, Eastern Time, March 24, 2017. The second pre-application window opens July 1, 2017, and ends midnight, Eastern Time, September 22, 2017.
Once an application is formally submitted through the online system, USDA will be unable to provide additional assistance; nor can the applicant submit additional supporting information.
Applicants are encouraged to use the application guide that is available online at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/farm-bill-broadband-loans-loan-guarantees. More information is also available in the January 9, 2017 Federal Register.