 "Investing in broadband is essential for building vibrant rural
communities," said Colleen Callahan, Rural Development state
director. "These grants can help improve educational resources,
public safety, health care and ultimately opportunities for economic
growth in Illinois' rural towns."
Community Connect grants are made available to the most rural
unserved and economically challenged areas. The funds are used to
build broadband infrastructure. Awardees are also required to
establish community centers that offer free public access to
broadband.
A Community Connect grant to Bluford in southeastern Illinois was
used to provide wireless broadband service and 10 computers to the
community, which provided free broadband service for two years. The
town partnered with Mt.Vernon.Net to build the needed broadband
infrastructure. The company signed up 140 customers in the first two
years. Their customer base in eastern Jefferson County has since
grown to 200. Residents now are able to telecommute from their
homes; students can download class work from class websites; and
police, fire and emergency crews save lives and protect property
more efficiently.
Information on available funding and application requirements are
published on Page
26241 of the May 3
Federal Register. More information on
Community Connect grants, including the application guide, can
be viewed on the USDA Rural Development
website.
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USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has more than 40
programs that foster growth and economic stability in rural areas by
providing affordable financing and technical assistance. Support is
available for regional food systems, broadband and biofuel
infrastructure, homeownership, business development, and community
needs. More information on USDA Rural Development programs is
available at
www.rurdev.usda.gov/il.
[Text from file received from
USDA Rural Development, Illinois]
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