USDA to Make $550 Million in Funding Available in 2020 to Deploy High-Speed Broadband Internet Infrastructure in Rural America

US Sec of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the availability of a second round of $550 million in US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Reconnect Pilot Program funding appropriated by Congress. The application window for this round of funding is set to open Jan 31, 2020. Sec Perdue made the announcement alongside Gov Kim Reynolds (R-IA) while congratulating the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company of Stanton (IA) for receiving $6.4 million in first-round Reconnect Pilot Program funding to connect 477 households, 35 farms and 21 businesses in Montgomery and Page counties. USDA will make available up to $200 million for grants, up to $200 million for 50/50 grant/loan combinations, and up to $200 million for low-interest loans. The application window will close no later than March 16, 2020.