USDA announces $25 million broadband grant for Michigan communities

Michigan Department of Agriculture Rural Development Announces $25 Million in Broadband Grant Funding Available Through BTA Program Today, Brandon Fewins, State Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture Rural Development, announced $25 million in broadband grant funding is available to communities and tribes through the Broadband Technical Assistance Program. The BTA program aims to expand affordable high-speed internet connections in rural communities. Fewins says the available funding represents an incredible opportunity to bring high-speed internet to Michigan’s rural residents and encourages community leaders to contact the Michigan Department of Agriculture office. The funding will help rural communities and tribal nations in Michigan determine feasibility, network design, hire staff and assist with application development.

$10 million of the $25 million will go to the technical assistance recipient category. The minimum grant in the TAR category is $500,000, capped at $5 million. USDA asks communities and organizations interested in applying for a grant to submit their materials by August 20. Those interested in learning more about the broadband grant funds available to rural and tribal communities in Michigan through the USDA Broadband Technical Assistance program can find more details here.