Navigating the Wave to Secure USDA’s Reconnect America Grant
In the expansive rural landscapes of Monterey Bay and Santa Cruz Counties, residents frequently encounter the disparities of the digital divide, but a glimmer of optimism emerges in the form of the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) ReConnect Program. Crafted to confront the obstacles of extending high-speed internet to underserved regions, this initiative serves as a ray of hope for communities striving to overcome digital disparities. Surfnet Communications, our local forward-thinking provider, has set its sights on the USDA ReConnect Grant to continue its mission of connectivity for all.
The ReConnect Program, launched with the aim of funding the most challenging high-speed internet projects in the nation, is a comprehensive initiative that extends both loans and grants. These financial resources are slated for projects that focus on building, improving, or acquiring facilities and equipment essential for delivering high-speed internet services to underserved areas in eligible areas (eligible areas must be rural, and fifty percent of households in the area must lack sufficient access to broadband service).
Surfnet recognizes the transformative potential of this grant in its pursuit of connecting communities that have long been overlooked. They are committed to extending cutting-edge infrastructure that will not only enhance internet accessibility but also stimulate economic development, education, healthcare, and more in these underserved regions.
The USDA ReConnect Grant comes at a crucial time when the importance of reliable internet has been underscored by global events. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the necessity of robust digital infrastructure for remote work, telemedicine, and online education. Surfnet understands the urgency of addressing these challenges and sees the ReConnect Grant as a strategic opportunity to make a lasting impact on the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay communities it serves. As the grant application unfolds, Surfnet remains steadfast in its commitment to narrowing the digital divide and ushering in a new era of connectivity for all.