USDA’s Community Connect Grant Program serves rural communities where broadband service is least likely to be available but where it can make a tremendous difference in the quality of life. On January 7, 2015, USDA posted a grants notice seeking applications from rural communities.
Grant funds may be used to provide broadband to rural economically-challenged communities where broadband does not currently exist. Funds may be used to also construct, acquire, or expand a community center to house up to ten computer access points and be equipped with free access to service to broadband.
An example of how the grant program can help a community, the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon have successfully brought broadband access to their reservation. About 10 years ago, the leadership realized that their community severely lacked telecommunication services.
A few years back, through USDA funding, a new tribally incorporated company was created on the reservation called the Warm Springs Telecommunications Company (WSTC). In 2010, WSTC received funds for $5.4 million to construct a hybrid fiber/wireless network throughout the reservation connecting critical facilities.
Broadband internet access has greatly improved the health and welfare for tribal members. Today, new telemedicine applications relying on broadband that allows for quick and easy consultations with medical professionals. Now tribal members are able to meet with psychological specialists at Oregon health Sciences University in Portland, and help diabetes connect to clinics in Bend Oregon for monitoring.
The estimated funding for the USDA Community Connect Grant program is $13,000,000 with $3,000,000 as the award ceiling. Applications are due February 17, 2015 with two webinars to be held to discuss the grant program on January 15th and January 21st from 1-3 pm EST.
Applicants eligible for funding include incorporated organizations, Indian Tribes or Tribal Organizations, state or local units of government, cooperatives, private corporations, or limited liability companies organized on a for-profit or not-for-profit basis.
For more information, email community.connect@wdc.usda.gov or call the Loan Origination and Approval Division, Telecommunications Program (202) 720-0800.