USDA announces $190 million in high-speed internet loans

Rural Cooperatives, May-June, 2004 by Dan Campbell

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman in early May announced the approval of 20 rural broadband and telecommunication loans totaling $190 million to expand access to advanced technology in 19 states. The funding is part of the Bush administration's effort to expand the availability of broadband technology in rural areas.

"President Bush is committed to ensuring that every household in America has access to broadband by the year 2007," said Veneman. "This technology is important for families and businesses to succeed in a global environment."

Veneman announced in January 2003 that USDA would expand efforts to bring farmers, rural residents and businesses greater access to improved telecommunication technology through loans and loan guarantees to rural telecommunications providers. Funds for the program were authorized through the 2002 Farm Bill. To date, over $206 million in broadband loans have been approved in this program.

The rural broadband access program provides loans and loan guarantees for the construction, improvement, and acquisition of facilities and equipment for broadband service in eligible rural communities. Priority is given to applications that are proposing to serve areas where no residential broadband service currently exists.

dan.campbell@USDA.gov