Rural high-speed internet funding applications due March 9

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced the department is extending the application deadline to Wednesday, March 9, for funding to expand access to high-speed internet for millions of rural Americans nationwide. USDA is making funding available under the ReConnect Program.

“Helping ensure that everyone who lives and works in rural America has access to high-speed internet is one of the Biden-Harris administration’s top priorities,” said Torres Small. “Today’s extension of the ReConnect Program deadline will help ensure that all applicants have the time they need to secure this critical funding. I encourage all eligible parties to apply for this assistance.”

Through this funding opportunity, USDA is making available $200 million in ReConnect Program loans, $250 million in loan/grant combinations, $350 million in grants with a 25% matching requirement, and $350 million in grants with no matching requirement for tribes and projects in socially vulnerable communities.

USDA’s actions to help expand broadband access in rural areas are key components of the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to help America Build Back Better in its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the coming months, USDA plans to begin making available the additional $2 billion in rural broadband funding allocated to USDA by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

To review full details of the ReConnect funding opportunity, go to public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2022-03716.pdf.