USDA Awards $750 Million for Rural Broadband Infrastructure
By Jason Cockerham
(UC) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing nearly $750 million in funding to help improve broadband infrastructure in rural areas across the country.
The financing is part of the USDA’s ReConnect Program which provides funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas.
The program began in October 2019 and so far, the department has awarded over $744 million to 82 projects in 34 states.
Projects submitted by utilities and broadband companies from areas around the country were funded through either a grant, a loan or a combination of the two.
Applicants were evaluated mainly based on population density of the area to be served and the number of different types of facilities that would be provided service beyond residential homes.
For a full list of those awarded, visit the USDA website.
The USDA will continue to evaluate applications and says more announcements will be made in the coming weeks.
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