USDA seeks to cut ReConnect rural broadband grant program - Broadband Communities

USDA seeks to cut ReConnect rural broadband grant program - Broadband Communities

News The Reconnect broadband grant program administered by the USDA has become the subject of new proposed cuts which could eliminate it. By Brad Randall, Broadband Communities A proposed 2027 budget by the USDA has a 19 percent decrease in discretionary spending and would eliminate the agency’s ReConnect grant program for rural broadband. In rural America, the ReConnect Loan and Grant Program has been a player on the broadband stage, awarding f…

The End of ReConnect?

USDA has proposed a budget for the next fiscal year, starting October 1, which contains drastic cuts for broadband. Overall, the agency is proposing to cut its overall discretionary funding by $4.9 billion, a 19% reduction. The cuts align with the proposed White House budget recommendations for the next fiscal year, that includes the following language: USDA’s Rural Development programs are streamlined to focus on programs that have demonstrated…