EXCERPT: “Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to fund broadband infrastructure projects in unserved rural communities. ‘E-connectivity is essential to the economic vitality and quality of life in rural communities,’ Hazlett said. ‘Investing in broadband can strengthen rural economic growth and improve critical access to jobs, education, health care and social services.’ USDA is accepting applications through May 14 in the Community Connect program. Grants from $100,000 to $3 million are available to state and local governments, federally-recognized tribes, nonprofits and for-profit corporations. Applicants must be able to provide a 15 percent match on the desired grant amount.” FULLSTORY: http://bit.ly/2FRrndp
