U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to build community-oriented, high-speed internet networks for people in rural areas.

The Department is making up to $79 million in grants available under the Community Connect program. Recipients may use the funds to establish high-speed internet networks that will foster economic growth and deliver enhanced educational, health care and public safety benefits.

Grant recipients must agree to provide high-speed internet service at community-serving institutions free of charge for up to two years. These institutions include schools, libraries, fire stations and other public safety sites.

Eligible applicants are state and local governments, Federally recognized Tribes, nonprofits, for-profit corporations and limited liability companies. USDA does not provide funding directly to individuals under this program.

All applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 a.m. Eastern Time on June 20, 2023, to https://www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect.

This funding opportunity will also be posted to https://www.grants.gov.

For additional information, see page 16579 of the March 20, 2023, Federal Register.