USDA Broadband Technical Assistance Funding Available for Rural Communities

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its ability to deliver $20 million for broadband technical assistance resources for rural communities and to support development and expansion of broadband cooperatives.

Eligible entities for this funding, provided through the new Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) Program, include state or local governments, institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, cooperatives or mutual organizations, corporations, and Limited Liability Companies or Limited Liability Partnerships. This grant is an opportunity for entities who plan to apply for BEAD funding through the Office of Broadband Development to cover expenses such as feasibility studies, developing financial assistance applications, data collection, and reporting.

Highlights from the USDA’s announcement:

• BTA supports technical assistance projects such as conducting feasibility studies, completing network designs, and developing broadband financial assistance applications. Funding is also available to help organizations access federal resources and to conduct data collection and reporting.
• For a project to be eligible to receive federal funds from BTA, it must promote broadband expansion into a rural community.
• BTA does not have a cost share or matching requirement.

The deadline to apply is June 20, 2023. For questions regarding the Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) Program visit, usda.gov/reconnect/contact-us.