USDA Seeking broadband Applications; Deadline June 19

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for grants to bring broadband service to rural areas. State and local governments, corporations and Indian tribes are eligible to apply for grants from $50,000 to $1 million through USDA's Community Connect Grant Program, which was created to help rural residents tap into the tremendous potential of the Internet. Community Connect grants will bring state-of-the-art broadband services to some of America's most isolated and economically challenged communities. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis and can be used to: 1) Construct, acquire or lease broadband transmission services; 2) Improve, expand or lease community centers that provide free access to broadband for at least two years before, during and after normal work hours and on Saturdays and Sundays; 3) Purchase computer equipment, and 4) Provide broadband to all critical community facilities - first responders, police, etc. - within the proposed Service Area. Applications are due by the close of business on June 19. The application guide for this grant program can be found at Broadband Grant Application Guide.