I am just passing this on from an email we received…

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the availability of three funding opportunities: Community Connect, Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT), and Public Television Station Digital Transition Grant Programs. All three programs have a 45 day application window that began on Thursday, May 22nd and will close on Monday, July 7th.

 

Please find below information about the programs and links to the NOFAs:

 

– Community Connect Program: USDA plans to provide up to $13 million to fund broadband in unserved areas to support economic growth and deliver enhanced educational, health care and public safety services. Awardees must serve an area where broadband does not exist, provide a community center with broadband access, and offer broadband service to all residential and business customers. Details are on page 29405 of the Federal Register (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-05-22/pdf/2014-11704.pdf).

 

– DLT Grant Program: USDA is making available up to $19.3 million in Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) program grants to fund access to rural education, training and health care resources. The DLT program finances telecommunications-enabled equipment and advanced technologies for people who live and work in rural areas. Details are on page 29399 of the Federal Register (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-05-22/pdf/2014-11700.pdf).

 

– Public Television Station Digital Transition Grant Program: USDA will provide up to $2 million as part of the Department’s continued support of rural telecommunications and broadcast services. Funds can be used to acquire, lease or install equipment or software to complete the transition to digital broadcast signals. Details are on page 29409 of the Federal Register (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-05-22/pdf/2014-11703.pdf).