The Office of Broadband Development’s recent newsletter mentioned a couple of opportunities for funding and an opportunity to express an interest in future funding. (You can sign up to get updates from them on their website.)
Border to Border Infrastructure Grant Program Application Available
Reminder–the application period is now open for the 2015 Border to Border Broadband Infrastructure grant program and runs until 4:00 p.m., September 15, 2015!
The application is available on our website at http://mn.gov/deed/programs-services/broadband/grant-program/index.jsp. We have also posted an FAQ document and information on the challenge process, both available on our website. If you have any additional questions, you can reach us at 651/259-7610 or at DEED.broadband@state.mn.us
NEW: Infrastructure Grant Program Expressions of Interest
We recognize that everyone in need of financial assistance for building out a broadband infrastructure project is not going to be in a position to apply by September 15. To better document the interest in continued grant funding for broadband, if you have a project in mind but cannot apply this round, please see the Expression of Interest form we have made available on our website at http://mn.gov/deed/programs-services/broadband/grant-program/index.jsp and consider submitting with any information you can about your project.
RUS Announces Rural Broadband Access Loans—Deadline September 30th
The Rural Utilities Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the opening of its application period for Rural Broadband Access Loans under the 2014 Farm Bill. Details were recently published in the Federal Register. According to the information posted there and on the RUS website, loans can be for a minimum of $100,000 and a maximum of $20 million. A total of $24.1 million has been appropriated for FY15 for the Farm Bill Broadband Loan & Loan Guarantee Program. Information included in the interim rules, also posted in the July 30 Federal Register, indicate that a minimum of two application periods annually (March and September deadlines) will be established for ranking applications.