$20 Million For Broadband Technology Granted To 17 States
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded grants of $20 million with over $8.2 million benefiting 13 Native American and Native Alaskan communities for broadband connectivity. The grants will enable communities to participate and take advantage of the high-speed telecommunications tools needed to be a part of the global digital community.
This investment in rural America goes to 40 communities in 17 states, selected from over 300 to submit requests. Communities selected do not have access to broadband connectivity for essential services of police, fire protection, hospitals, libraries and schools.
In return for receiving a grant, the communities will provide community residents with computer and Internet access. The grant program supplements USDA Rural Development’s standard high-speed telecommunications loan program.
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. Rural Development is Rural America’s Venture Capitalist. Providing equity, liquidity, and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure.