LaMalfa Applauds USDA Announcement of $550 Million for Rural Broadband

(Washington, DC) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) announcement of $550 million in second round funding for the ReConnect Program, which provides funds to expand broadband internet infrastructure in rural America.

LaMalfa said: "I appreciate the Administration's commitment to improving broadband connectivity and closing the digital divide in our rural communities. The ReConnect Program has already made improvements in internet access for rural America and I look forward to this program's continued success. I will continue to work here in Washington to ensure that rural America has the same access to top technology and the infrastructure that our North State communities need to thrive."

Background: In March 2018, Congress provided $600 million to USDA to expand broadband infrastructure in rural America. In December 2018, Secretary Perdue announced the ReConnect Program, which provides grants and loans to build broadband infrastructure. To date, USDA has awarded $191 million through the ReConnect program. The application window for the second round of funding will open Jan. 31, 2020.