USDA ReConnect Program Announces Upcoming Funding Round

Starting on September 6, applications for Round 4 of the USDA ReConnect Program will be accepted. The program received new funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (aka IIJA or Bipartisan Infrastructure Law). Applications for up to $150 million in loans, up to $300 million in loan/grant combinations, and up to $700 million in grants will be accepted. Round 4 increases the availability of funding for rural areas without access to affordable, high-speed internet by: (1) waiving matching fund requirements for some applicants, including Tribal Governments, projects that would service persistent poverty counties, and projects that would provide service in socially vulnerable communities; (2) adding a new funding category with no required matching funds for projects where 90% of households do not have sufficient access to high-speed internet; and (3) allowing applicants to serve areas where at least 50% of households lack sufficient access to high-speed internet.

Applications are due by November 2, 2022. For more information, see the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

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