The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) administers the ReConnect Loan and Grant Program, which is a series of federally funded loans and grants for deploying broadband networks in unserved and underserved rural areas of the United States and territories.
This program has received significant, growing interest and could play a vital role in funding broadband deployment in rural areas for years to come.
Get information and answers to the following questions and topics:
- History of the USDA ReConnect program
- How much funding is available?
- What are the program requirements and qualifying criteria?
- How may ReConnect funds be used?
- What can applicants learn from previous rounds of the ReConnect program?
- How should applicants prepare for round five?
- What are the considerations of grants versus loans?
- Are there taxable income differences between grants and loans?
- Other important considerations for the ReConnect program
History of the USDA ReConnect program
The USDA's ReConnect Program was launched in December 2018, in response to the pressing need for improved rural broadband infrastructure in the United States. With an initial budget of $600 million, this program aimed to address the digital divide by providing funds for the expansion of high-speed internet access to underserved rural communities.
The information provided here is of a general nature and is not intended to address the specific circumstances of any individual or entity. In specific circumstances, the services of a professional should be sought. Tax information, if any, contained in this communication was not intended or written to be used by any person for the purpose of avoiding penalties, nor should such information be construed as an opinion upon which any person may rely. The intended recipients of this communication and any attachments are not subject to any limitation on the disclosure of the tax treatment or tax structure of any transaction or matter that is the subject of this communication and any attachments.






