Please click link: http://www.usda.gov/Newsroom/0316.04.html Release No. 0316.04 Alisa Harrison (202) 720-4623 Claiborn Crain (202) 720-1263 USDA AWARDS $11.2 MILLION BROADBAND LOAN TO BRING HIGH-SPEED SERVICE TO FIVE NORTHERN STATES WASHINGTON, July 30, 2004-Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced, as a part of the Bush Administration's effort to expand the availability of broadband technology in rural areas, the approval of an $11.2 million loan to provide wireless broadband service to North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming South Dakota, and Nebraska. The loan will be used to construct a network of 94 sites to serve 91 communities in the five states. "This loan will extend high speed telecommunications to many rural areas in the heart of our country," said Veneman. "This is part of President Bush's goal to extend broadband access to all Americans." The loan is to Extend America, Inc., a North Dakota start-up corporation that also provides mobile cellular service. "Much of the area to be served does not have broadband service," said Veneman. "The capability for high speed telecommunications enables these communities to connect to the global, digital economy as well as have improved education and health care opportunities." Funding of this application is contingent upon meeting the conditions of the loan agreement. USDA provides a number of other important tools to advance broadband service in rural America. Included is the Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant and loan program with funding of $25 million a year during the Bush Administration. USDA has also used a broadband grant program called Community Connect as well as community facilities programs to build connectivity for rural homes and businesses. USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. Rural Development provides investment and Technical Assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov . # USDA News oc.news@xxxxxxxx 202 720-4623 ---------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send email to oc.news@xxxxxxxx and reference your email address.
