Rural Utilities Service

Description

DLT grants are designed to provide access to education, training, and health care resources for rural Americans. The DLT Program is authorized by 7 U.S.C. 950aaa and provides financial assistance to encourage and improve telemedicine and distance learning services in rural areas through the use of telecommunications, computer networks, and related advanced technologies that students, teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents can use. The regulation for the DLT Program can be found at 7 CFR part 1703 (Subparts D through E). The grants, which are awarded through a competitive process, may be used to fund telecommunications-enabled information, audio and video equipment, and related advanced technologies which extend educational and medical applications into rural areas. Grants are intended to benefit end users in rural areas, who are often not in the same location as the source of the educational or health care service. Of the funds made available, $1,600,000.00 will be prioritized to provide for communication upgrades between ambulances, emergency transportation vehicles and medical facilities.

Who can apply

• County governments
• City or township governments
• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• For-profit organizations other than small businesses

Contact

Shawn Arner <br/>Deputy Assistant Administrator, Telecommunications Programs <br/>Phone 202-720-0800
shawn.arner@wdc.usda.gov