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### ReConnect Program

The ReConnect Program offers loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in areas of rural America without sufficient access to broadband. To learn more about the ReConnect Program, please visit: https://www.usda.gov/reconnect.

                                        -          Telecom Announcements        - The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces the Self-Evaluation and Transition Plans (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) and all RUS Recipients, Grantees, and Borrowers are required to conduct Self-Evaluations of their facilities, policies, procedures, and practices for compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Read the  Memorandum dated August 25, 2021  for details.
- The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces the  Sub Contract Approval Waiver dated April 6, 2021  and the current requirements of 7 CFR 1753.9 are waived and RUS borrowers in the Telecom Infrastructure Program are no longer required to submit subcontracts for approval. 
- Access to broadband has become essential for the social and economic benefits it provides to American residents, businesses, governments and communities. Broadband is crucial for increased health, educational and economic opportunities, as well as for job and business creation and growth. Broadband can help close the digital divide between rural and urban communities.
- USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Programs provide a variety of loans and grants to build and expand broadband networks. Loans to build broadband networks and deliver service to rural households and businesses, provide capital for rural telecommunications companies and broadband providers. Grants are reserved for communities with the highest need.
 

## Telecom Programs

### Broadband Technical Assistance

BTA provides financial assistance through cooperative agreements to eligible entities to receive or deliver broadband technical assistance and training and supports the development and expansion of broadband cooperatives.

More Information

### Community Connect Grants

The purpose of the Community Connect Program is to provide financial assistance in the form of grants to eligible applicants that will provide, on a “community -oriented connectivity” basis, broadband service that fosters economic growth and delivers enhanced educational, health care, and public safety benefits.

More Information

### Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants

The Distance Learning and Telemedicine program helps rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density.

More Information

### Rural Broadband Loans, Loan/Grant Combinations, and Loan Guarantees

The Rural Broadband Loans, Loan/Grant Combinations, and Loan Guarantees (Farm Bill Broadband Program) furnishes loans and loan guarantees to provide funds for the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide service at the broadband lending speed in eligible rural areas

More Information

### Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees

This program provides financing for the construction, maintenance, improvement and expansion of telephone service and broadband in rural areas.

More Information

Eligible applicants include for-profit and non-profit entities, tribes, municipalities and cooperatives. USDA particularly encourages investments in tribal and economically disadvantaged areas.

Once funds are awarded, Rural Development monitors the projects to make sure they are completed, meet all program requirements and are making efficient use of Federal resources.

Each program has different applicant and project eligibility requirements and program objectives.

**Contact**: Laurel Leverrier,  Assistant Administrator, Telecom Program, at (202)720-9556

                                        -          Functional Structure is focused on Customer Service        
**The RUS Telecom Program is comprised of three divisions:**the Loan Origination and Approval Division (LOAD), Portfolio Management and Risk Assessment Division (PMRAD), and the  Policy and Outreach Division (POD).
 
                                        -          Where a Loan or Grant Application Starts, is Completed and Submitted        
LOAD is the primary contact for all telecom borrowers and grant applicants. It consists of a Financial Operations Branch, an Engineering Branch and two Field Staff Branches which supervise General Field Representatives (GFRs). The GFRs help borrowers develop and submit loan applications and support materials. The Financial Operations and Engineering Branches within LOAD provide guidance to borrowers for all financial and operational activities, as well as assistance with the development and approval of loan applications and environmental clearance. LOAD is also responsible for grant application review, scoring and award. Activities within LOAD continue through loan/grant approval and the obligation of funds.

**Contact**: Randall Millhiser, Deputy Assistant Administrator, LOAD, at (202) 720-0800
 
                                        -          General Field Representatives providing Customer Service to Our Borrowers        
The Telecom Program maintains a staff of General Field Representatives (GFRs) stationed around the country. GFRs are an integral part of our outreach delivery system. GFRs meet regularly with borrowers at the borrowers’ locations. GFRs serve as the local information conduit for the borrowers and headquarters staff. They keep borrowers current on issues that profoundly impact their business.
 
                                        -          Post-Loan Services Ensure Loan Funds are Advanced; Financial and Operational Performance Supports the Borrowers’ Ability to Repay        
The Portfolio Management and Risk Assessment Division (PMRAD) consist of four branches: two Post-Loan Servicing Engineering Branches, a Post-Loan Servicing  Financial Operations Branch, and a Portfolio Management Financial Operations Branch. All four of the branches provide post-loan and grant services to the loans and grants made by the Telecom Program, with the Engineering Branches primarily involved with the review and approval of contracts and approval of advances of loan and grant funds for approved projects. The Operations Branches review financial and operational performance of borrowers and grantees, monitor compliance and repayment, and address other issues pertaining to loan and grant legal requirements.

**Contact**: Peter Aimable, Deputy Assistant Administrator, PMRAD, at (202) 720-1025
 
                                        -          Being Responsive to Market Needs and Staying Ahead of Industry Trends        
The Policy and Outreach Division (POD) consists of a Policy and Outreach Branch (OPOB) and an Engineering Branch. The Policy and Outreach Branch reviews agency policies, revises them as needed and communicates them to our customers. POD also plans and coordinates outreach activities with borrowers, associations and other Telecom Program stakeholders. Outreach efforts provide valuable opportunities for customer engagement and provide important and timely feedback for the Telecom Program to update its products and services. The Engineering Branch develops and maintains engineering bulletins, regulations and related activities.

**Contact**:  Kenneth Kuchno, Deputy Assistant Administrator, POD, at (202) 720-0667