Faso Announces USDA Grant Process for Broadband Infrastructure in Unserved Rural Areas

Statement

Congressman John Faso (R-Kinderhook) today announced the opening of the application process for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Community Connect Program. The grants are available to state and local governments, federally-recognized tribes, nonprofits, and for-profit corporations to fund broadband infrastructure projects in unserved rural communities.

"Access to broadband is a necessity in a rapidly evolving world," said Faso. "Many rural communities in Upstate New York still lack access to broadband, and that puts students, emergency responders, businesses, and others in those communities at a disadvantage. This grant program is a great opportunity for stakeholders at the local and state levels to gain access to funding for improving broadband infrastructure in order to bridge the digital divide."

The USDA's Community Connect Program helps fund broadband investment in rural communities where it is not currently viable for private providers to deliver service. More information is available here: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-connect-grants

Interested parties can contact New York 19's Kinderhook Office at (518) 610-8133 for more information or assistance. The deadline for applications is May 14th.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements, business development, high-speed internet access in rural areas, and more. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

Source