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NEWS RELEASE 1303
SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka,
KS 66604-4040 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 12, 2004
Contact - Harold Alford (785) 271-2701
$9 MILLION IN BROADBAND GRANT FUNDS AVAILABLE FROM USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT
TOPEKA, KS – USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks announced that $9 million in grant funds is currently available nationwide for connecting essential community facilities in rural towns and communities where broadband service does not exists. State Director Banks is encouraging eligible Kansas communities to consider applying for these grant funds.
“This program can help open the door to today’s high speed, high technology for our unserved Kansas rural communities,” said State Director Banks. “In today’s highly competitive world, it is critical to connect basic community services to high speed telecommunications. This program can assist rural communities and families secure better educational, health care and business related services.”
USDA Rural Development’s Broadband Community Connect Program is in its third year, having already invested $21.3 million in grant funds to connect critically needed essential services, including first responder protection, local government, hospitals, libraries and schools to broadband service. To date, the program has connected 74 communities to high-speed telecommunications. In return, the communities will make at least 10 computers available to the public with set hours and instruction available for use on the internet.
“USDA Rural Development is playing a vital role in President Bush’s Broadband Initiative,” continued State Director Banks. “President Bush has challenged us to ‘have universal affordable access available for broadband technology by the year 2007,’ and this Agency is doing its share in helping connect the most remote rural communities.”
The notice of funding availability appeared in the July 28th Federal Register. Applications must be submitted electronically at http://www.grants.gov , following the instructions found on the web site. Completed paper applications are to be submitted to the Rural Utilities Service, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 5151, STOP 1590, Washington, DC 20250-1590. Applications should be marked “Attention: Assistant Administrator, Telecommunications Program. Applications must be submitted electronically or USPS postmarked by midnight, September 13th.
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs that support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. USDA Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure.
For additional information regarding USDA Rural Development programs, individuals may call 785-271-2702 or log onto the state’s Agency’s website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks
USDA Rural Development – Committed to the future of rural communities.
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