Once the application window opens, applications must be submitted through USDA Rural Development’s online application system on the ReConnect webpage. is receiving a $199,015 grant to implement a distance learning system to improve mental health services for 8,000 people in the Choctaw and Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma.įor additional information on the upcoming ReConnect Program funding opportunity, see the Oct. USDA’s distance learning and telemedicine investment includes a $387,000 grant to OSF Healthcare System to help establish a telehealth network for 107,000 rural residents in central Illinois. This program helps fund distance learning and telemedicine services in rural areas to increase access to education, training and health care resources that are otherwise limited or unavailable.

These awards are being funded through USDA’s Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) program. Vilsack also announced today a $50 million investment in 105 rural distance learning and telemedicine (PDF, 345 KB) projects in 37 states and Puerto Rico. Background: Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants The Department plans to make available up to $200 million in ReConnect Program loans, up to $250 million in loan/grant combinations, up to $350 million in grants with a 25 percent matching requirement, and up to $350 million in grants with no matching requirement for projects in tribal and socially vulnerable communities. For example, ReConnect will now offer 100 percent grants for certain projects on tribal lands and in socially vulnerable communities. USDA has simplified the application process and has expanded the program significantly. In making funding decisions, the USDA will also consider, among other things, the economic needs of the community to be served the extent which a provider will offer affordable service options a project’s commitment to strong labor standards and whether a project is serving tribal lands or is submitted by a local government, Tribal Government, non-profit or cooperative.

In making funding decisions, USDA will prioritize projects that will serve low-density rural areas with locations lacking internet access services at speeds of at least 25 Mbps (download) and 3 Mbps (upload). To be eligible for ReConnect Program funding, an applicant must serve an area without broadband service at speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) (download) and 20 Mbps (upload), and commit to building facilities capable of providing broadband service at speeds of 100 Mbps (download and upload) to every location in its proposed service area. USDA is making the funding available through the ReConnect Program. He announced that on November 24 USDA will begin accepting applications for up to $1.15 billion in loans and grants to expand the availability of broadband in rural areas. The project was financed in part by a USDA loan. Secretary Vilsack spoke about USDA’s commitment to helping rural Americans get improved access to broadband and health care during a visit to the newly renovated emergency department at Hammond Henry Hospital. Rural people, businesses and communities must have affordable, reliable, high-speed internet so they can fully participate in modern society and the modern economy.” Background: ReConnect Program “As we build back better than we were before, the actions I am announcing today will go a long way toward ensuring that people who live or work in rural areas are able to tap into the benefits of broadband, including access to specialized health care, educational opportunities and the global marketplace.

“For too long, the ‘digital divide’ has left too many people living in rural communities behind: unable to compete in the global economy and unable to access the services and resources that all Americans need,” Vilsack said. Today’s announcement continues to move forward President Biden’s Build Back Better Agenda by prioritizing economic growth in rural America and investing in the backbone of our country – the middle class. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a significant expansion of access to high-speed internet, health care and educational services for millions of rural Americans nationwide.

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