In 2018, USDA introduced the ReConnect Program, which has invested over $1 billion to date to expand high-speed broadband infrastructure in unserved rural areas and tribal lands.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the Department is providing $759 million to bring high-speed internet access to people living and working across 24 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and Palau.

“People living in rural towns across the nation need high-speed internet to run their businesses, go to school and connect with their loved ones,” Vilsack said. “USDA partners with small towns, local utilities and cooperatives, and private companies to increase access to high-speed internet so people in rural America have the opportunity to build brighter futures.”

The $759 million in loans and grants include funding from the Infrastructure Law and come from the third funding round of the ReConnect Program. Projects funded by today’s announcement include:

USDA is making 49 awards in 24 states, and many of the awards will help rural people and businesses on Tribal lands.

To date in 2022, USDA has announced $1.6 billion in ReConnect funding for 101 projects. Previous announcements include:

To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, visit www.rd.usda.gov or contact the nearest USDA Rural Development state office.

Source: USDA