USDA Announces $325 Million Available For Economic Investment in Rural Communities

March 19, 2004

The U. S. Department of Agriculture announced that it is making $325 million in loans and grants available nationwide to rural communities to strengthen distance learning and telemedicine programs that serve rural America.

Telemedicine technology makes it possible for doctors to examine and direct the treatment of patients without being physically present. The distance learning program finances equipment to expand educational resources to students and educational institutions in isolated rural areas.

"I am very excited that this funding is being made available. In 2003, Colorado received one of only 52 Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants nationwide. The Haxtun/Holyoke School District Learning Consortium received $145,914 to help offer advanced courses to 960 students in two extremely rural areas of Colorado. The program allowed these local communities the opportunity to provide a competitive education that will prepare students for careers and enable the communities to better compete and attract new residents," said Gigi Dennis, State Director, USDA Rural Development.

Since the beginning of the Bush Administration, over $100 million has been invested in local distance learning and telemedicine programs, allowing 1,384 rural educational facilities to expand their access to modern telecommunications technology, and 658 health care institutions to develop technologies needed to enhance local medical care. "Bringing specialized health care and expanded educational programs to rural areas will save lives and improve the quality of health care for residents who live in more sparsely populated areas of the country," said Acting Under Secretary for Rural Development Gilbert Gonzalez.

Applications for $15 million in grants must be submitted by April 30, 2004 and will be scored and awarded on a competitive basis. Applications for the grant/loan combinations and loans can be submitted through out the fiscal year and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional information on the USDA Rural Development distance learning and telemedicine program for 2004 is available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/co/index.html.