USDA looks to fund broadband in unserved rural areas
Grants may be used to provide broadband service in unserved, lower income and rural areas.
USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Lisa Mensah announced Wednesday that the agency is accepting applications for the Community Connect Grant Program and Broadband Program for FY 2017.
José Otero-García, USDA Rural Development State Director for Puerto Rico, said grants may be used to provide broadband service in unserved, lower income and rural areas. Loans may be used to construct, improve and acquire facilities and equipment to provide high speed broadband to eligible rural areas.
The grants provide financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants that will provide service at the broadband grant speed to all premises in current unserved lower income and extremely rural area. The agent will give priority to rural areas that demonstrate the greatest need for broadband services.
The agency will host webinars focused on the broadband program Jan. 26 from 3 p.m. to 4 pm. For the Community Connect Grant Program the webinars will be held Jan. 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Jan. 24 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Due to the limited amount of room available for each session participants must register HERE or call Deborah Anderson or Gayle Bucker at (202) 720-0800.
