2 Years of Technical Reviews for Applications for the USDA Reconnect Program

Recently, we just did a training for some 60-odd USDA employees to provide them with an overview of how we tackled 350+ applications into the USDA for the Reconnect Program under the US Department of Agriculture. This program was designed to expand broadband access to large areas of rural America by offering grants and loans to companies, municipalities and tribal entities in an effort to close the digital divide. This has applications for precision agriculture, renewable and traditional fuel generation, mineral extraction and consumers who rely on connectivity for education, business and entertainment.

Over the past two years, I headed up a team that provided the technical and environmental reviews of over350 applications across all 50 states and it provided a unique insight in to the efforts being undertaken to ensure high-speed connectivity down to individual households through a combination of FTTP, fixed wireless and even satellite. Over the next 5 years, several thousand miles of fiber optic cable will be installed - often in remote areas - and consumers and production will be able to benefit from high speed connectivity. With improved connectivity, precision agriculture will enhance agricultural production and help the Nation achieve it’s goal of doubling food production in the US without adding acreage under cultivation or increasing water requirements. Solar, wind, oil and gas production can reduce wastage and maximize energy generation. With increased connectivity, students can thrive in on-line curriculums and stay connected to schools even when circumstances don’t allow for in-person participation.

It was a fun and educational couple of years and what’s really exciting, there is going to be a tremendous number of opportunities for veterans for careers with companies building this connectivity.