1. USDA Rural Development Broadband Programs

2. Rural Development Offices
Rural Business- Cooperative Service
Rural Housing Service
Rural Utilities Service
At the national level, programs and services are delivered through three agencies. 1 of 7

3. Rural Development Offices
4 Regions
47 State Offices
400 Area Offices
1 National Office in DC
At the local level, programs and services are delivered by USDA Rural Development staff in 4 regions, 47 State Offices, 400 area offices and local service centers and offices across rural America. Most of our employees live and work in rural communities.

4. Rural Development’s Programs
Housing; Community Facilities
Business; Cooperative; Economic Development
Utilities—Water/Wastewater; Broadband; Electric; Telephone

5. Rural Housing Service (RHS)
Multi-Family Housing
Farm Labor Direct Loans & Grants
Housing Preservation & Revitalization Demonstration Loans & Grants
Housing Preservation Grants
Multi-Family Housing Direct Loans
Multi-Family Housing Loan Guarantees
Multi-Family Housing Rental Assistance
Single-Family Housing
Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants
Single-Family Housing Direct Home Loans
Single-Family Housing Home Loan Guarantees
Single-Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants
Community Facilities
Community Facilities Direct Loans & Grants
Community Facilities Loan Guarantees
Economic Impact Initiative Grants
Rural Community Development Initiative Grants
Tribal College Initiative Grants
Direct loans or loan guarantees to help low- and moderate-income rural Americans buy safe, affordable housing in rural areas. Funds may be used to buy or refinance an existing home, build a new one, or buy and prepare a lot for new construction. Add banding info for low and moderate-low income housing.

6. Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS)
Business Programs
Business & Industry Loan Guarantees
Intermediary Relending Program
Rural Business Development Grants
Rural Business Investment Program
Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program
Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
Energy Programs
Advanced Biofuel Payment Program
Repowering Assistance Program
Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Energy Audits & Renewable Energy Development Grants
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)
Cooperative Programs
Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grants
Value Added Producer Grants
Delta Health Care Services Grants
Rural Cooperative Development Grants
Strategic Economic and Community Development
Cooperative Training and Technical Assistance
Community Economic Development Initiatives
Business loans for for-profit businesses, nonprofits and cooperatives, Federally recognized Tribes, public bodies and individuals.
This program bolsters the existing private credit structure through the guaranteeing of loans for rural businesses, allowing private lenders to extend more credit than they would typically be able to do. This is a “banks-to- business applicant” process

7. Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
Electric Programs
Denali Commission High Energy Cost Grants
Distributed Generation Project Financing
Electric Infrastructure Loan & Loan Guarantee Program
Energy Efficiency & Conservation Loans
Energy High Energy Cost Grants
State Bulk Fuel Revolving Loan Fund
Telecommunications Programs
Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans & Guarantees
Farm Bill Broadband Loans & Loan Guarantees
Community Connect Grants
Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grants
ReConnect
Water & Environmental Programs
Circuit Rider Program
Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants
Grants for Rural and Native Alaskan Villages
Household Water Well System Grants
Individual Water & Wastewater Grants
SEARCH - Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households
Solid Waste Management Grants
Water & Waste Disposal Grants to Alleviate Health Risks on Tribal Lands and Colonias
Water & Waste Disposal Loans & Grants
Water & Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees
Water & Waste Disposal Predevelopment Planning Grants
Water & Waste Disposal Revolving Loan Funds
Water & Waste Disposal Technical Assistance & Training Grants
These programs are run by General Field Representatives (GFRs) regionally. They are run out of DC.The Electric Program provides capital and leadership to maintain, expand, upgrade and modernize America’s vast rural electric infrastructure. The loans and loan guarantees finance the construction or improvement of electric distribution, transmission and generation facilities in rural areas.
The Electric Program also provides funding to support demand-side management, energy efficiency and conservation programs, and on-and off-grid renewable energy systems.

8. RUS Telecommunications Programs History
From electricity to broadband…
1935
Rural Electrification Administration (REA) created and
began providing financing to promote rural electrification
1949
REA received authority to finance telephone service in rural communities
1995
Evolving from the REA, the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) required all financed telecommunications networks have the capacity to deliver broadband
2010 to present
RUS has provided $6.2 billion in loans and grants to build out broadband infrastructure in rural areas

9. Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity
Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Report
Calls to Action:
Achieving e-connectivity for Rural America
Improving Quality of Life
Supporting a Rural Work Force
Harnessing Technological Innovation
Developing the Rural Economy
More information
Objectives & Recommended Actions:
Establish Executive Leadership to Expand E-connectivity Across Rural America
Assess State of Rural E-connectivity
Reduce Regulatory Barriers to Infrastructure Deployment
Assess Efficacy of Current Programs
Incentivize Private Capital Investment

10. Telecommunications Infrastructure Program
Available Funding
Program Updates
FY 2016
$690 million available in FY 2016
FY 2017
$690 million available in FY 2017
FY 2018
$690 million available in FY 2018
Loans finance new & improved telecommunications infrastructure, primarily for the benefit of rural populations of 5,000 or less <Typically>
Loans may serve non-rural subscribers in some cases
FY 2019
$TBD available in FY 2019
14 loans approved: $194.5 million
21 loans approved: $427.4 million
13 loans approved: $161.9 million
Budget Pending
7 loans in process: $129.6 million
Applications are accepted year round
RD Apply online application system
"Rural area" is defined as any area of the United States, its territories and insular possessions (including any areas within the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau) not included within the boundaries of any incorporated or unincorporated city, village, or borough having a population exceeding 5,000 inhabitants.
RUS loan funds may be approved for facilities to serve non-rural subscribers only if:
1. The principal purpose of the loan is to furnish and improve rural service; and
2. The use of loan funds to serve non-rural subscribers is necessary and incidental to the principal purpose of the loan.
Updated: 11/15/2018

11. Telecommunications Farm Bill Broadband Program
(aka Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program)
Available Funding
Program Updates
FY 2016
$64 million available in FY 2016
FY 2017
$27 million appropriated in FY 2017
FY 2018
$29.9 million available in FY 2018
FY 2019
$TBD available in FY 2019 *
* Additional Carry over funding is available from previous fiscal years
Loans finance the costs of constructing a broadband network
Amounts from $100,000 to $25 million
Broadband Service and Broadband Lending Speed is defined as 25 Mbps (download) and 3 Mbps (upload)
Serving rural communities of 20,000 or less <typically>
At least 15% of the proposed funded service area households in unserved
Cannot have 3 or more incumbent service providers
Service area cannot be in a RUS previously funded area
1 loan approved: $4.1 million
2 loans approved: $24.0 million
1 loan in approved: $19.9 million
Budget Pending
2 loans in process: $33.4 million
RD Apply online application system
NOSA Released on November, 15, 2018
RUS is accepting applications on a rolling basis
This will give RUS the ability to request additional information and modifications to a submitted application whenever necessary
Applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis
Every 90 days, RUS will conduct an evaluation of submitted applications, ranking them based on the percentage of unserved households that the applicant proposes to serve
RUS conducted least 2 evaluation periods for FY2019
Updated: 11/15/2018

12. Community Connect Program
Available Funding
Program Updates
FY 2016
$11.74 million available in FY 2016
FY 2017
$34.5 million available in FY 2017
FY 2018
$30.0 million available in FY 2018
FY 2019
$TBD available in FY 2019
* Carryover funding is sometimes available from previous fiscal years
General provisions as of the latest NOSA:
Grant funds for Broadband Service deployment
Population of 20,000 or less
Amounts from $100,000 to $3 million
Service Area must be entirely unserved
Minimum Broadband Service is defined as 10 Mbps (download) and 1 Mbps (upload)
Minimum Broadband Grant Speed is defined as 25 Mbps (download) and 3 Mbps (upload)
15% Matching Requirement
Over 70 applications processed: $120 million
9 grants approved: $15.6 million
States (x6): IN*, KY, OK, TN, VA, WV
48 Applications processed: $90.8 million
16 grants approved: $35.3 million
States (x11): AL, GA*, ID, ME, MN, NC, OK, TN, VA, WA, WY
124 Applications processed: $225.6 million
14 grants approved: $30.0 million
States (x9): KY*, MN, NC, ND, OK, NC, TN, VA*, UT
* HQ State, but grant benefited additional state(s)
Updated: 11/16/2018

13. Community Connect Program
Recorded webinar for 2019 Application Period:
APPLICATION DUE DATE: April 15, 2019.
Recent Local Example:
$2,346,378 grant to Hood Canal Telephone Co., Inc.
To extend facilities to the Upper Lake Cushman area of Mason County. It will provide advanced broadband services to businesses and residents in the area. It is unserved, with many homes unable to access the internet even with cellular devices or via satellite due to dense forestation and rugged terrain. The Upper Lake Cushman area will be connected using fiber optic technology in order to provide an ultimate infrastructure for the future without the need of ever replacing the core plant facilities due to obsolescence. A Community Center will be established in the service area, allowing residents to access broadband services free of charge for at least two years.
Other Funding: Applicant Contribution: $351,957.00

14. Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program
Available Funding
Program Updates
FY 2016
$23.4 million available in FY 2016
FY 2017
$23.6 million available in FY 2017
FY 2018
$29.0 million available in FY 2018
$20.0 million additional available in FY 2018 in rural areas to help address the opioid epidemic in rural America
Grants fund equipment needed to provide Distance Learning and Telemedicine services
15% Matching Requirement
Minimum Grant amount: $50,000
Maximum Grant Amount: $500,000
Only grants are available-no loans or combo loan/grants
FY 2019
$TBD available in FY 2019
182 applications received
98 applications approved: $27.7 million
35 States & Territories represented
208 applications received by July 17, 2017
86 applications approved: $27.7 million
46 distance learning & 40 telemedicine projects
30 States & Territories represented
224 applications received by June 4, 2018
132 applications approved for $40.8 million:
               DL                         TM                        Overall                                            
               67 awards           65 Awards           132 awards
               849 sites              758 sites              1,607 sites
               32 States             39 states             45 states & Territories represented
               $22.7 million      $18.1 million       $40.8 million
STEM & Opioid Special Consideration Point Projects                              
              63 STEM              51 Opioid            18 None awards
              $17.9 million      $18.6 million       $4.4 million         Tot: $40.8 million
Updated: 11/05/2018

15. Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program
There are two distinct grant opportunities available under the DLT Program for FY 2019—Regular and Opioid Response Focus.
DLT Recorded Webinar:
DLT—Opioid Response Focus:
APPLICATION DUE DATE: May 15, 2019.
Application Guide can be found at
Recent Local Example
$73,672 to Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue.
This grant will provide distance learning equipment in fire stations at six sites for emergency medical technicians and paramedics covering more than 28,444 residents. The equipment will enable first responders to remain locally, reducing response times to emergencies that occur during regular training. It will be used for medical training and certifications, and will enhance treatment and patient interaction training during opioid misuse responses.

16. ReConnect Program https://www.usda.gov/reconnect
Projects funded through this initiative must serve communities with fewer than 20,000 people with no broadband service or where service is slower than 10 megabits per second (mbps) download and 1 mbps upload.
The first round of applicants have three separate funding categories to choose from: 100 percent (%) loan, 50% loan / 50% grant, or 100% grant. Given the varying closing dates for each funding type, applicants will be limited to one application for this FOA.
To be eligible for a 100% loan or 50% loan / 50% grant, the proposed funded service area in an application must be in a rural area where 90% of the households do not have sufficient broadband access.
To be eligible for a 100% grant, the proposed funded service area in an application must be in a rural area where 100% of the households do not have sufficient broadband access.
No matter which funding type the applicant requests, the proposed network must be capable of providing service to every premise in the proposed funded service area at a speed of at minimum, 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream.
These programs are run by General Field Representatives (GFRs) regionally. They are run out of DC.The Electric Program provides capital and leadership to maintain, expand, upgrade and modernize America’s vast rural electric infrastructure. The loans and loan guarantees finance the construction or improvement of electric distribution, transmission and generation facilities in rural areas.
The Electric Program also provides funding to support demand-side management, energy efficiency and conservation programs, and on-and off-grid renewable energy systems.

17. ReConnect Program Funding Limits
Award amounts under this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) will be limited as follows:
100 Percent Grant. Up to $200,000,000 is available for grants. The maximum amount that can be requested in an application is $25,000,000. Applications are due to USDA by May 31, 2019.
50 Percent Loan / 50 Percent Grant. Up to $200,000,000 is available for loan/grant combinations. The maximum amount that can be requested in an application is $25,000,000 for the loan and $25,000,000 for the grant. Loan and grant amounts will always be equal. Applications are due to USDA by June 21, 2019.
100 Percent Loan. Up to $200,000,000 is available for loans. The maximum amount that can be requested in an application is $50,000,000. Applications are due to USDA by July 12, 2019, though USDA will evaluate and award loan-only projects on a first-come-first-serve basis, beginning in March 2019.
These programs are run by General Field Representatives (GFRs) regionally. They are run out of DC.The Electric Program provides capital and leadership to maintain, expand, upgrade and modernize America’s vast rural electric infrastructure. The loans and loan guarantees finance the construction or improvement of electric distribution, transmission and generation facilities in rural areas.
The Electric Program also provides funding to support demand-side management, energy efficiency and conservation programs, and on-and off-grid renewable energy systems.

18. Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
USDA Launches High-Speed Broadband e-Connectivity Resource Guide.
This e-Connectivity Toolkit features 27 USDA programs that support broadband deployment. The easy-to-use resource is a simple guide that allows customers to identify their type of e-Connectivity project and locate resources the federal government offers for planning, equipment, construction, research and other e-Connectivity projects. A resource matrix illustrates resources such as grants, loans and technical assistance are available from multiple Mission Areas at USDA, including Rural Development, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Forest Service. The toolkit also highlights examples of how e-Connectivity resources are being used to increase access to broadband services in rural communities.
Primary USDA Telecommunications Program Website (All telecommunications programs can be found at):
These programs are run by General Field Representatives (GFRs) regionally. They are run out of DC.The Electric Program provides capital and leadership to maintain, expand, upgrade and modernize America’s vast rural electric infrastructure. The loans and loan guarantees finance the construction or improvement of electric distribution, transmission and generation facilities in rural areas.
The Electric Program also provides funding to support demand-side management, energy efficiency and conservation programs, and on-and off-grid renewable energy systems.

19. Rural Utilities Service (RUS)
Program alerts, please sign up at: Grants.Gov alerts, please sign up at:
March 21, 2019 webinar for USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Webinar
These programs are run by General Field Representatives (GFRs) regionally. They are run out of DC.The Electric Program provides capital and leadership to maintain, expand, upgrade and modernize America’s vast rural electric infrastructure. The loans and loan guarantees finance the construction or improvement of electric distribution, transmission and generation facilities in rural areas.
The Electric Program also provides funding to support demand-side management, energy efficiency and conservation programs, and on-and off-grid renewable energy systems.

20. Broadband Information: Joe D. Bradley USDA Telecommunications Program,
Field Representative for ID, OR, WA Cell: Mountain Time Zone
Thanks for listening! You can get more details on all these programs using our handout, visiting our website, or reaching me at my address listed above.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

21. General Information:
Timothy W. O’Connell USDA Rural Development, West Region Coordinator, Innovation Center
AK, HI, WA, OR, CA, NV, ID, MT, CO, NM, UT, AZ, WY Cell: Pacific Time Zone
Thanks for listening! You can get more details on all these programs using our handout, visiting our website, or reaching me at my address listed above.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.