USDA https://www.usda.gov has begun accepting applications with the deadline for applications to be November 2 for the USDA ReConnect Program Round 4 Funding.
The funding will be up to $150 million in loans, up to $300 million in loan/grant combinations, and up to $700 million in grants to expand high speed internet.
USDA has made improvements to the ReConnect program for Round 4 such as:
- 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
To be eligible for ReConnect program funding, an applicant must serve an area where high speed internet service is not available at speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) (download) and 20 Mbps (upload).
The applicant must also commit to building facilities capable of providing high speed internet service at speeds of 10 Mbps (download and upload) to every location in their proposed service area.
Additionally, all awardees will be required to apply to participant in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP offers a discount of up to $30 per month towards internet service to qualifying low income households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal Lands.
Go to https://www.rd.usda.gov for more information.