USDA Taking Applications for Grants to Build Community-Oriented High-Speed Internet Network for People in Rural Areas

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development invites grant applications to build community-oriented, high-speed internet networks for people in rural areas. USDA Rural Development is making approximately $17 million available under the Community Connect Grant Program. The program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide broadband service in rural, economically challenged communities where service does not exist. Community Connect funds may be used for:

• The construction, acquisition, or leasing of facilities, spectrum, land or buildings used to deploy broadband service.
• The cost of providing broadband service free of charge to critical community facilities for two years.
• The improvement, expansion, construction or acquisition of a community center that provides public access to high-speed internet (up to 10% of the award amount or $150,000 may be used for this purpose).

Award recipients must agree to provide high-speed internet service at community-serving institutions free of charge for up to two years. These institutions include schools, libraries, fire stations and other public safety sites.