USDA to open applications for high speed internet funding on Sept. 6 | News

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will open applications for funding for access to high speed internet on Sept. 6 with a deadline set for Nov. 6. 

The announcement was made by USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small, who said that funding is being administered by the ReConnect program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“High-speed internet connects people and businesses to new markets and helps people in rural America build brighter futures,” he said in an announcement. “For too long, too many rural communities have been left out of the digital economy.”

“This funding will help everyone in America – regardless of where they live – because rural people provide the everyday essentials our country depends on. Investments like the ones we are making through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help close the digital divide across rural America.”

This is Round 4 for the program in which up to $150 million in loans can be made, as well as up to $300 million in loan and grant combinations, and up to $700 million in grants.

Round 4 features several additions and “improvements” to funding for areas in need of high speed internet. From the announcement: 

• Allowing applicants to serve areas where at least 50% of households lack sufficient access to high-speed internet.
• Adding a funding category for projects where 90% of households lack sufficient access to high-speed internet. For applications submitted under this category, no matching funds will be required.
• Waiving the matching funds requirement for: (a) Alaska Native Corporations, (b) Tribal Governments, (c) projects proposing to provide service in colonies, (d) projects proposing to serve persistent poverty counties and (e) projects proposing to provide service in socially vulnerable communities.