04.18.16

Hoeven Announces Nearly $12 Million in Available Funding for Rural Broadband Projects

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, who serves on the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee and Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making $11.7 million in funding available to establish broadband in unserved rural communities. The funds are made available through USDA’s Community Connect grant program, which provides funds to state, tribal and local governments, non-profit organizations and private industry to support the development of new broadband facilities, infrastructure and services in low-income and extremely rural areas.

“Fast and reliable internet service is vital for any business in our modern economy,” Hoeven said. “Further, telecommunications improve our residents’ access to a wide variety of services, including education and health care. This funding is one part of our larger efforts to support the growth and long-term vitality of our rural communities and continue strengthening North Dakota’s position as a technology leader.”

Applications for the Community Connect program are due no later than June 17, 2016. More information on this opportunity can be found here.

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