The United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (“RUS”) has extended the ReConnect Phase 3 application deadline from February 22, 2022 to March 9, 2022. The ReConnect Phase 3 program provides RUS funding through loans, grants, and loan-grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in underserved rural areas. The funds can be used for construction or improvement costs, acquisition of facilitates and equipment for broadband services. The program offers funding in areas that already receive support from FCC programs, including the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, as long as the areas sought for funding are still without “sufficient access” to broadband.

If you need assistance navigating this program, applying for funds or assistance with a legal opinion as part of the application, please contact Clare Andonov at [email protected], or Hilary Rosenthal at [email protected].