The Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announced availability of $4.8 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grants and loans to expand broadband access and adoption in America. This is the second funding round for the agencies’ broadband programs. The investment will help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, and create jobs.
NTIA and RUS also announced the rules for applying in this funding round, which have been modified to make the application process easier for applicants and better target program resources.
The agencies announced the rules for this funding round in two separate but complementary Notices of Funds Availability (NOFAs) that promote each agency’s distinct objectives. RUS Round 2 NOFA; NTIA Round 2 NOFA; BTOP Fact Sheet
Please click here to find information about the second series of public workshops connected to the application process for the second round of broadband grants and loans under the Recovery Act. There will be a workshop held in San Antonio, Texas on February 1, 2010.
The agencies plan to accept applications from February 16, 2010, to March 15, 2010, and announce all awards by September 30, 2010.
More information can be found at: http://www.broadbandusa.gov/
HillCo Partners can also be contacted for assistance in developing and submitting applications.