USDA Announces Funding To Increase Educational and Health Care Access in Rural Communities

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that 106 projects in 38 states and one territory have been selected to receive more than $34.7 million in grants to fund educational projects and expand access to health care services in rural areas through USDA's Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program.

"Too many rural areas cannot take full advantage of the opportunities afforded by broadband for improved education and health care. These funds will help communities enhance their educational and training programs and deliver improved health care services for their residents," Sec Vilsack said. The Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program provides access to education, training and health care resources in rural areas. For example, an award of $350,232 to the Alaska Gateway School District Project in Tok will bring distance learning to 11 schools in rural villages in the interior of Alaska. These funds will allow the school district to expand class availability and to purchase computers, interactive videoconferencing equipment, and whiteboards.