Washington, DC: Today Congressman Bob Goodlatte announced the release of $4 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help spur broadband deployment through federal loans and grants.  Much of this money will be allocated for broadband deployment in rural areas. 

Two federal agencies, the National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA) – managed by the Department of Commerce – and the Rural Utility Service (RUS) – managed by the Department of Agriculture – will each operate a program to disburse these broadband funds.  The agencies will begin accepting applications on July 14, 2009, and will continue to accept applications until August 13, 2009 (NTIA) and August 14, 2009 (RUS).

“The Internet is an information superhighway that allows consumers and businesses in rural communities to have the same access to opportunities as those in urban areas,” said Goodlatte.  “However, if rural communities do not have the necessary high-speed “on-ramps” to the Internet, these opportunities will be lost.  I have been working hard to bring broadband to the most rural areas, like many in the 6th Congressional District, and I am very pleased that the federal government has made this significant commitment to the effort.”

Earlier this week, Congressman Goodlatte sent a letter to NTIA urging it to issue technology-neutral rules that would allow all types of broadband technologies, including mobile technologies, to be eligible for the federal funds.  “I am pleased that the final rules were technology-neutral,” commented Goodlatte.  “This will ensure that even more broadband options will be available to consumers and businesses in the 6th District.”

Private companies, non-profit organizations, as well as state and local governments may apply for these broadband funds.  Interested applicants may visit www.broadbandusa.gov for more detailed information about program eligibility, requirements and application guidelines.