Does your Community need true high speed broadband?

Do you want to learn more about USDA’s new $600 million Broadband Grant/Loan program, ReConnect?

Meet Mr. Ken Kuchno, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Telecommunication at USDA! The man who literally wrote the rules for the ReConnect Program is coming to Kentucky from Washington DC. You can’t get a more accurate source than Mr. Kuchno. Ken has over 30 years experience in the agency and is a veteran of the USDA Rural Utilities Services.

Ken will explain the nuances of the Grant/Loan Program, specifics as to who qualifies for the program, the engineering and financial requirements and provide a look into how the applications will be reviewed and evaluated. You do not want to miss this unique opportunity!

Also, hear from the USDA General Field Representative Mr. James Wilson. James will explain the application process, and the evaluation criteria for the Community Connect Grant Program, a grant program for rural areas, with awards up to $3 million in GRANT dollars for severely under-served areas.

Also, Mr. Wilson will explain the application and competitive process for the USDA Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant (DLT). This DLT Grant has a fast approaching deadline, so check out this opportunity on this link, and bring your draft application to the meeting for discussion and clarification!

A unique opportunity, in Mayfield, will be presented by Mr. Trevor Bonnstetter, who will tell you how he was successful in receiving one of the largest broadband Loan/Grant Awards, and just this year a Community Connect Grant Award. It is always good to hear from someone who has been successful in the field. Mr. Bonnstetter is the General Manager for West KY Rural Telephone Cooperative.

At the Prestonsburg Workshop, Larry Combs, Broadband Implementation Manager at The Center for Rural Development, will be explaining the Technology Assistance Program, which just might be of help with grant funding for your community’s need for a broadband feasibility study!

Serving as moderator and co-presenter will be Hilda Legg, USDA Rural Development State Director for Kentucky with over 15 years experience working with rural broadband providers. In collaboration with the Tennessee Rural Development Director, Mr. Jim Tracy, USDA RD, we will continue to assist attendees who pursue this investment in rural infrastructure.

LOTS of Question and Answer Opportunities! Don’t miss this exclusive Workshop! Bring your ideas, your draft applications, your network area data, and your questions, and leave with answers from the experts!