Policy.

CFR · 2024-01-01 · US · Title 7

(a) The transmission of information is vital to the economic development, education, and health of rural Americans. To further this objective, the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) will provide financial assistance to distance learning and telemedicine projects that will improve the access for people residing in rural areas to educational, learning, training, and health care services. (b) In providing financial assistance, RUS will give priority to rural areas that it believes have the greatest need for distance learning and telemedicine services. RUS believes that generally the need is greatest in areas that are economically challenged, costly to serve, and experiencing outward migration. This program is consistent with the provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 that designate telecommunications service discounts for schools, libraries, and rural health care centers. RUS will take into consideration the community's involvement in the proposed project and the applicant's ability to leverage grant funds. (c) In administering this subpart, RUS will not favor or mandate the use of one particular technology over another. (d) Rural institutions are encouraged to cooperate with each other, with applicants, and with end-users to promote the program being implemented under this subpart. (e) RUS staff will make diligent efforts to inform potential applicants in rural areas of the programs being implemented under this subpart. (f) The Administrator may provide loans under this su

official document · source cfr-2024 · id 7:§ 1734.2