The Rural eConnectivity Program

The Rural eConnectivity Program (ReConnect) Program provides loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas. In facilitating the expansion of broadband services and infrastructure, the program will fuel long-term economic development and opportunities in rural America. The ReConnect Program is authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-141), which directs the program to be conducted under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq ). The policies and procedures for the ReConnect Program are codified in a final rule, 7 CFR part 1740, that was published in the Federal Register on February 26, 2021 (86 FR 11603). The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), a Rural Development agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is issuing a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to announce that it is accepting applications for the ReConnect Program. In addition, the FOA defines requirements that are determined at the time a funding announcement is published, as outlined in the regulation. This FOA will use funds appropriated for ReConnect under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (Pub. L. 117-58). Beginning on September 6, 2022, applications can be submitted through the RUS on-line application portal until 11:59 a.m. Eastern on November 2, 2022. Applications will not be accepted after November 2, 2022 until a new application opportunity has been opened with the publication of an additional FOA in the Federal Register . The Agency encourages applicants to consider projects that will advance the following key priorities: Assisting Rural communities recover economically from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly disadvantaged communities. Ensuring all rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development programs and benefits from Rural Development funded projects. Reducing climate pollution and increasing resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities. All applicants should carefully review and prepare their applications according to instructions in the ReConnect Program Application Guide and program resources. This Application Guide and program resources can be found at https://www.usda.gov/reconnect/forms-and-resources. Applications must be submitted through the RUS on-line application system available on the program web site at https://www.usda.gov/reconnect/. Please submit any ReConnect questions or comments using our Contact Us Form.
Categories: Business and Commerce, Community Development, Regional Development, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).