Webinar: Breaking Down the ReConnect Round 3 Funding Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has announced the application window for Round 3 of its Rural eConnectivity Program (ReConnect), which will provide $1.15 billion in grants, loans, and grant-loan combinations for broadband buildout projects in rural America. This third round of funding will consider areas where 90% of the households lack access to fixed broadband services with speeds of at least 100/20 Mbps. If you did not have qualifying areas for Round 2, you likely will for Round 3 due to this eligibility change. The program requires awardees to provide services with speeds of 100/100 Mbps to all premises in the proposed geographic area(s). RUS will begin accepting applications on November 24, 2021, and all applications must be received by February 22, 2022.

JSI recently hosted a webinar to help those interested in applying for the funds prepare for the 2022 program. Our experts, who have shepherded many companies through the process in Rounds 1 and 2, shared important information and strategies, including:

  • Program requirements and deadlines for grants, loans, and grant/loan combinations, including details on requirements for tribal governments and socially vulnerable communities
  • Differences between Round 3 and previous competitions
  • How to determine eligible areas and whether to apply
  • Details on RUS’s scoring criteria
  • Strategies for success based on JSI’s work with past ReConnect winners

Because of the program’s complexity and the funding options available, this webinar also will feature scenarios for each of the funding options: 100% loan, 50% loan 50% grant combinations, 100% grant, and 100% grant for tribal governments and socially vulnerable communities.

JSI-assisted applicants have been very successful in previous ReConnect competitions, with 93% of Round 2 applicants awarded funding through the program. We are ready to work with you on all aspects of a ReConnect application and broadband project.

For more information about the ReConnect program or to get started on an application, please contact Lans Chase at 770-569-2105 or Amanda Molina at 321-985-5709.

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If you were unable to attend this webinar, you can still purchase a recording of this program for $249 per company by contacting our Marketing Department, either by clicking the button below or by calling our Maryland office at 301-459-7590.

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