USDA - Rural Utilities Service - Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect)
Broadband Funding Guide
Department of Agriculture
Federal Agency
Rural Utilities Service
Agency Overview
USDA Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. The agency offers loans, grants and loan guarantees to help create jobs and support economic development and essential services such as housing, health care, first responder services and equipment, and water, electric and communications infrastructure.
Program Name
Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect)
Program Website
Program Overview
ReConnect offers three types of funding options for broadband infrastructure to connect rural families, businesses, farms, ranches, schools, libraries, and public safety facilities to modern, high-speed internet. A rural area is eligible if it currently does not have sufficient access to broadband. The ReConnect grants, grant and loan combinations, and low-interest loans can be used to construct, improve, and acquire facilities that provide internet services to customers’ premises, with reliable technologies that are suitable for the type of rural community and the type of high-speed internet use.
Program Purpose
- Broadband Infrastructure (e.g. construction)
Eligible Recipients
- State and Local Governments
- Tribal Entities
- Commercial/Internet Service Providers
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Small Businesses
- Rural Recipients
- Electric Utilities/Co-ops
- Financial Institutions
Agency Contact
Various by state. See agency website.
Funding Type
Grant and Loan
FY2018 Funding Amount
$600,000,000
FY2019 Funding Amount
$500,000,000
Additional Information
See Toolkit: https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/508_RDeConnectivityToolkit121918.pdf