Notice of Funds Availability: RUS Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the second application window for fiscal year 2017 for the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program. Announcing a second application window within the current FY is a statutory requirement of the 2014 Farm Bill.

This new procedure amends previous announcements related to this application window and is designed to improve loan application processing, better manage work flow, and encourage infrastructure investment and job creation in rural communities in need of improved broadband service. In addition to announcing this application window, RUS revises the minimum and maximum amounts for broadband loans for the second window for FY 2017. The agency has $115.2 million available in FY 2017 appropriated and carryover funds, and of this amount the agency expects that at least $60 million is available to fund applications received in this window. Applications under this NOFA will be accepted immediately through September 30, 2017.