Biden-Harris Administration Now Accepting Applications for $1 Billion Rural High-Speed Internet Program

$1 Billion Increase in USDA ReConnect Program Round 4 Funding through the Historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law The following was issued by the USDA on September 9, 2022 WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is now accepting applications for ReConnect Program loans and grants to expand access to high-speed internet for millions of …

USDA begins accepting applications for $1.15 billion in loans and grants to help people living in rural communities get access to high-speed internet

Includes up to $350 million for grants in Tribal and socially vulnerable communities The following was issued by the USDA on November 24, 2021 WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2021 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the Department has begun accepting applications for up to $1.15 billion in loans and grants to help people in rural areas get …

USDA to Make Up to $1.15 Billion Available to Help People Living in Rural Communities Access High-Speed Internet

The following press release was issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on October 22, 2021. Department Also Invests $50 Million to Improve Access to Telemedicine, Distance Learning for 7.6 Million People in Rural Areas GENESEO, Ill., Oct. 22, 2021 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a significant expansion of access to high-speed internet, health …

USDA Reviewing Applications From 41 States to Expand Rural Broadband in Second Round of ReConnect Pilot Program

The following was a stakeholder announcement issued by the USDA on April 22, 2020 WASHINGTON, April 22, 2020 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today announced that USDA has received 172 applications requesting $1.57 billion in the second round of the ReConnect Pilot Program. The applications seek funding to provide or upgrade rural broadband serviceacross 41 …

USDA Extends ReConnect Application Deadline to March 31

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2020 – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand announced USDA has extended the deadline (PDF, 245 KB) for ReConnect Pilot Program applications to March 31. “By extending the ReConnect Program application deadline, we are helping even more qualified organizations access the essential funding to make high-speed broadband connectivity a …

USDA Invests $19 Million in Broadband for Rural Texas Communities

The following press release was issued by the USDA on February 28, 2020 ELMENDORF, Texas, Feb. 28, 2020 – Today, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced a $19 million investment in three, high-speed broadband infrastructure projects that will create or improve rural e-Connectivity for almost 7,000 rural households, 46 farms, 32 pre-subscribed businesses, 19 critical community facilities and 15 educational facilities in …

VIDEO: Navigating and Applying for Funding Earmarked for Rural Broadband Expansion 

Athens, OH (February 25, 2020) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking applications for the second round of funding for rural broadband expansion through its $550 million ReConnect Program. Ohio University and Connected Nation Ohio hosted a webinar yesterday to help you understand how this program can help connect more residents, businesses, and communities in your area. It features a …

USDA Officials Explain Federal Funding for Rural Broadband, Will Answer Questions from Public, Local Organizations

Athens, OH (February 20, 2020) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now taking applications for the second round of $550 million in ReConnect Program loan and grant funding for rural broadband expansion.  That window closes March 16. Ohio University and Connected Nation Ohio (CN Ohio) are working in partnership to help communities understand how to leverage this program to connect more …

VIDEO: The USDA Answers Your Questions on Funding for Rural Broadband

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has begun taking applications for the second round of $550 million in ReConnect Program in grants and loans for rural broadband expansion.  But there have been questions from state and local leaders, small internet service providers, and community stakeholders about how to apply and who would qualify for this funding. That’s why Connected Nation recently …

USDA Invests $55.3 Million in Broadband for Rural Kentucky and Tennessee Communities

Published by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) PRESS RELEASE: USDA Invests $55.3 Million in Broadband for Rural Kentucky and Tennessee Communities COLUMBIA, Ky., Jan. 29, 2020 – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy announced USDA has invested $55.3 million in four, high-speed broadband infrastructure projects in rural Kentucky. These projects, part …