Susan McAvoy (202) 720-4623
susan.mcavoy@usda.gov
Claiborne Crain (202) 720-1255
ccrain@rus.usda.gov

USDA TO PROVIDE $325 MILLION TO HELP BRIDGE DIGITAL DIVIDE

WASHINGTON, Nov.6, 2000--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today announced that USDA is accepting applications for $325 million in loans and grants for telecommunications projects that will bring improved education and medical services to rural areas. The funds are being made available through USDA's Rural Development Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program.

"As a part of the technological innovation legacy of this administration, the DLT program is giving us a clear view to a better future for rural education and health care service," said Glickman. "With $102 million invested in more than 383 projects since 1993, this program has improved the educational opportunities for thousands of students and provided better quality health care to rural citizens served by more than 1,000 hospitals and rural health care clinics."

The Rural Utilities Service of USDA Rural Development is accepting applications for the following funds: $15 million in grants, $200 million in loans, and $110 million for grant/loan combinations. The later will include $10 million in grants and $100 million in loans.

With distance learning, students in isolated rural schools can participate in virtual field trips or take college preparatory and foreign language classes. Telemedicine projects enable rural patients to be examined by doctors in distant locations, bringing better health care service to remote communities and saving time, money and even lives.

Applications for grants must be postmarked no later than March 2, 2001. Applications for loans or loan/grant applications will be accepted until Sept. 30, 2001.

Additional details, along with regulations and application guide are available on the web at: http://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/dlt/dltpublications.htm. The telephone contact is (202) 690-4493 and the fax number is (202)720-1051. Applications are to be submitted to the USDA Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 1550, Washington, D.C. 20250-1550. Indicate attention to the Director, Advanced Services Division, Telecommunications Program.

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