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USDA Announces $8.9 Million In Broadband Community Connect Grants


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Broadband Grant Program Tops $50 Million Investment Mark

WASHINGTON, September 15, 2006-Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner today announced the award of $8.9 million in broadband community connect grants. A total of 21 grants in eight states will be awarded today, elevating the program to $57.7 million invested to 129 awardees in its 5-year history.

“These funds will provide a critical link between essential community facilities in areas where no broadband service currently exists,” said Conner. “The goal is to improve public safety and also enable residents to pursue educational opportunities.”

The community connect program supplements USDA Rural Development’s standard high-speed telecommunications loan program. Under the terms of the grant requirements, each community is required to make at least 10 computers available to members of the public. These grants also enable small business owners to participate in the global marketplace and pursue additional educational opportunities.

A $209,891 grant will be provided to the community of Berry, Ky., to enable the Harrison County Fire Department to be connected to the Berry Fire Department, the post office and the city hall. New Mexico will receive six grants totaling $3.3 million to connect over 660 tribal residences and community centers in the towns of Paguate, Seama, Encinal, Mesita, Paraje and Laguna. Grants will also be provided to the communities of Ewing and Cleveland, Va., to provide broadband service to libraries, schools and other community buildings and a $529,340 grant will be provided to the community of Springdale, Wash., to connect the police department, medical center, school and community center. A complete list of grant recipients is available at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life in rural communities. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development has invested over $72 billion since the beginning of the Bush Administration to provide equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Over 1.2 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.



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