Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting grant applications for funding through the new ReConnect Rural Broadband Pilot Program.
“Our local broadband providers are key partners in expanding our internet connectivity in rural areas of South and Central Texas,” Congressman Gonzalez said. “By combining the innovation of the private sector and the properly directed funding from the USDA, rural communities have a real chance to build modern broadband infrastructure in areas with insufficient internet service. It is my goal to notify communities throughout the district of all grant opportunities, so they can better serve their constituents.”
If a community is experiencing connection speeds of less than 10 megabits per second download and 1 megabit per second upload, they are considered as having insufficient service. In this first round of funding, USDA is making available at least $600 million in rural broadband projects, through $200 million in grants, $200 million in loan and grant combinations, and $200 million in low-interest loans. Beginning today, ReConnect funding applications can be submitted at https://reconnect.usda.gov
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