News

The Reconnect grant program for rural broadband has had its funding for FY 2027 restored as Congress continues through the budget process.

By Brad Randall, Broadband Communities

Funding for the ReConnect Loan and Grant Program in FY 2027 has been restored thanks to movement from the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies.

To close out April, the subcommittee approved their appropriations act for 2027, which provided $40 million for the ReConnect program, as was highlighted in the subcommittee’s bill summary.

Previously, a proposed 2027 budget by the USDA had a 19 percent decrease in discretionary spending and would have eliminated the program, which is managed by the USDA.

The $40 million returned to the program’s budget by the subcommittee replenishes the totality of the program’s nearly-slashed budget and restores what had been proposed for cuts.

In rural America, the program has been a player on the broadband stage, awarding funds to cover the costs of construction, improvements, or acquisition of facilities and equipment in rural broadband deployments, which have been vital for economic development.

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