Reminder: USDA Broadband Facilities Applications Due May 21

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications for funding under the ReConnect Program. A total of $700 million is available via grants, loans, and grant/loan combinations through this program. Townships are eligible to apply through May 21, 2024, to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas that currently do not have sufficient access to broadband.    

Eligible projects include the construction or improvement of facilities required to provide fixed terrestrial broadband service, reasonable pre-application expenses, or acquisition of an existing system that does not currently provide sufficient access to broadband.   

Applications must be submitted electronically at usda.gov/reconnect. Questions can be directed to Laurel Leverrier, Rural Utilities Service, USDA at laurel.leverrier@usda.gov or to the ReConnect Program Staff at usda.gov/reconnect/contact-us. Interested townships are encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania state program specialist for guidance.