The US Government has announced applications are being accepted for grants to finance broadband deployment in remote, rural areas. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says it remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. The announcement is one part of the Department’s efforts to strengthen the rural economy, as, according to a statement, the Obama Administration believes that reliable infrastructure is critical to rural economic opportunity. Broadband service expands educational, medical and health services for rural residents and also is important because it supports employment opportunities and makes income growth possible in rural areas, the USDA said. Through this notice, USDA Rural Development may award up to $21 million in grants through the Community Connect Grant program. It serves rural communities where broadband service is not available, but where it can make a tremendous difference in the quality of life for citizens. For example, last year USDA provided a grant to the isolated Alaska Native Community of Saint Paul. Located in Alaska’s Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea, the town of about 500 is installing a modern system, and the Native-owned firm that will operate it estimates that in the next five years Internet access will result in saving or creating jobs.
