USDA Accepting Broadband Development Applications

The Rural Utility Services (RUS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development office, will accept broadband development applications through its Community Connect Grant Program until May 14. Grants from $100,000 to $3 million are available to state and local governments, federally recognized tribes, nonprofits and for-profit corporations. Applicants must provide a 15 percent match. For more information, visit the Community Connect website. In addition, the USDA will accept applications for Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees on a rolling basis through September 30, 2018. Applications will be reviewed and processed every 90 days. Those interested are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible, especially for smaller projects. Applications must be submitted through the RD Apply web portal.