The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) recently announced its Community Connect Grant Program application process for 2017. The grants are to be used to provide broadband services in unserved, lower income, and/or extremely rural areas.
Grants, which range from $100,000 to $3,000,000, will be awarded to rural areas that demonstrate the greatest need for broadband services, based on requirements found in 7CFR part 1739. The broadband services to be provided must have a minimum transmission of 10 megabits downstream and 1 megabit upstream for both fixed and mobile customers.
Applications, both paper and electronic, must be submitted no later than March 13, 2017. Information on the application and submission process is available on page 2940 of the January 10, 2017 Federal Register. The application process is very detailed.
ICORE can assist you with any questions concerning this process, and can help with the application and submission of your grant request. Contact Chris Ulmer, 610-928-3903 or culmer@icorellc.com for assistance.
