RUS posts second round stimulus application guidelines

Organizations planning to apply for second round broadband stimulus funds through the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) now have templates to work from, along with filing instructions. The materials are included in new application guidelines posted at the BroadbandUSA.gov Web site.

The RUS will begin accepting applications for second round funding on Feb. 16 and all applications must be received by March 15.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which is administering other portions of the program has not yet posted filing guidelines for the broadband stimulus funds it will be awarding in the second round, which has the same deadlines as the RUS program.

The NTIA is ahead of the RUS, however, in informing applicants who did not receive funding in the first round. Applicants rejected in the first round can apply again in the second round and many are expected to do so.

Announcements of awards granted in the first round have been trickling out from the RUS and the NTIA in recent weeks. The RUS last week said it would soon be accelerating the awards announcement process.

Guidelines for the second round have been changed to put greater emphasis on “middle mile” projects that connect anchor institutions such as libraries and public safety agencies.

Anyone who is still confused still has the opportunity to attend an RUS/NTIA workshop about second round funding changes.