PHOENIX, Oct. 29, 2004 - Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced that $8.8 million in broadband community connect grants will be awarded to 16 communities in 10 states to connect essential community facilities in rural towns and communities where no broadband service exists.

"Technology is key to the ability of rural businesses and rural economies to compete in the global marketplace," said Veneman. "Extending broadband technology to allow more families and communities to access business, education, public safety and heath services is part of the Bush Administration's effort to expand economic opportunity and improve the quality of life in rural America."

One of today's grants will go to the Havasupai Tribal Council to provide wireless broadband internet service to the community of Supai, Havasupai Reservation in Arizona. Located in the southwest corner of Grand Canyon National Park, the Supai community will connect all critical facilities, including public safety and health service, public schools and homes in the community that has a population of 503. Other grants range from the North Slope Borough of Nuiqsut, Alaska to Benoit, Mississippi.

Communities selected for the Broadband Community Connect program (List located at www.rurdev.usda.gov) do not have access to broadband connectivity for the essential services of police and fire protection, hospitals, local government, libraries and schools. The program is in its third year and including today's announcement has invested $30.1 million in grant funds.

Today's announcement will bring the total number of communities connected to high- speed telecommunications through this program to 90. In return, the communities will make at least 10 computers available to the public with set hours and instruction available for use on the internet. The grant program supplements USDA Rural Development's standard high-speed telecommunications loan program.

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. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at www.rurdev.usda.gov .