USDA Eyes Changes to Community Connect Broadband Grant Program

The Community Connect broadband grant program administered by the Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service could have a broader impact on local communities as the result of proposed changes to the program.

Traditionally that program has provided grants for small scale broadband network projects that also include two public computer terminals and wireless computer connectivity in communities that cannot get broadband today. Under proposed changes, funding recipients would be able to use their 15% matching funds toward the operating costs of broadband projects – something they can’t do today—and would be able to use grant funds for larger geographic areas rather than for a single community. In addition, the application process would be streamlined and funding applications would be prioritized based on a variety of factors.