USDA Begins Accepting Applications for $1.15 Billion for the ReConnect Program

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has begun accepting applications for up to $1.15 billion in loans and grants to help people in rural areas get access to high-speed internet through the ReConnect Program. This announcement comes on the heels of the recently enacted Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides another nearly $2 billion in additional funding for the ReConnect program. USDA anticipates issuing a new Notice of Funding Opportunity to make the additional funds in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law available in 2022. Eligible applicants are state, local or territory governments; corporations; Native American Tribes; limited liability companies and cooperative organizations. Today's $1.15 in funding, which does not include the nearly $2 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is available for projects that serve rural areas where at least 90 percent of the households lack broadband service at speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) (download) and 20 Mbps (upload). USDA will give funding priority to projects that will serve people in low-density rural areas and areas lacking internet access services at speeds of at least 25 Mbps (download) and 3 Mbps (upload). Applications for funding must be submitted through USDA Rural Development’s online application system on the ReConnect webpage.