On May 22, US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is now accepting applications for the Community Connect Grant Program, the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program and the Public Television Station Digital Transition Grant Program. The funding will advance communications technology in rural communities.
Up to $13 million will be available through the Community Connect Grant Program, which funds broadband in underserved areas with the goal of supporting economic growth and delivering enhanced educational, health care and public safety services. Up to $19.3 million will be available through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program, which funds access to health care resources, training and rural education by financing advanced telecommunications equipment in rural areas. Up to $2 million will be available through the Public Television Station Digital Transition Grant Program to help rural stations complete the transition to digital broadcasting.
The deadline for applications is July 7.
For more information on funding availability and links to Federal Register postings, see the USDA News Release.
