USDA Opens Applications for Broadband Technical Assistance Grants

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently opened a window for qualifying entities to seek grants for technical assistance for broadband projects. According to the USDA, the "BTA provides financial assistance through cooperative agreements to eligible entities to receive or deliver broadband technical assistance and training and supports the development and expansion of broadband cooperatives."

Eligible applicants include:

• Federally-recognized Tribes and Tribal entities
• State or local governments, including agencies and subdivisions, among others
• Territories or possessions of the United States
• Institutions of higher education (including 1862 Land-Grant Institutions, 1890 Land-Grant Institutions, 1994 Land-Grant Institutions, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities)
• Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) IRS status
• Cooperatives or mutual organizations
• Corporations
• Limited Liability Companies or Limited Liability Partnerships

For this grant, eligible areas must meet be "rural areas", defined as communities of less than 20,000 in population and not adjacent to an urban area of 50,000 population or higher.

Nationwide, a total of $20 million is available for the grants. For all the details, visit the Broadband Technical Assistance grant page.