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37 | Page January 3 1 I ssueThe Department is making up to $26 million in grants available under the Community Connect Program. This program provides funds to establish high-speed internet networks that will foster economic growth and deliver enhanced educational, health care and public safety benefits. To learn more, read the full Stakeholder Announcement.USDA RUS Distance Learning GrantsUSDA is making approximately $40 million in funding available under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program. This program funds distance learning and telemedicine equipment, like audio and video equipment. These funds will help digitally connect people to education, training and health care resources that are otherwise unavailable or limited in remote parts of the country.DLT funding can be used to help:%u2022 Students to participate in classes that may be in locations too far to access in person.%u2022 Teachers to provide their expertise, trainings and educational services to students across the country.%u2022 Patients to seek specialized care and treatment from medical professionals without needing to leave their homes or communities.Eligible applicants include state and local governmental entities, federally recognized Tribes, nonprofits and for-profit businesses. Applications must be submitted electronically through grants.gov no later than March 6, 2025. USDOT Rural and Tribal Planning GrantsThe U.S. Department of Transportation's Build America Bureau recently announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program. Established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the program offers $27 million in technical assistance grants for rural and tribal transportation project planning and design. No local funding match is required. Grants can be used to hire staff or consultants for conducting feasibility studies, preliminary engineering and design, environmental reviews, revenue forecasting, financial feasibility analyses, statutory and regulatory assessments, and the drafting and negotiation of agreements. In a previous NOFO, the Bureau awarded $3.4 million in grants for 13 projects covering initiatives such as studies on transit service feasibility, bicycle and pedestrian trail connections, and roadway safety improvements.Eligible applicants include:%u2022 Local governments or political subdivisions in rural areas%u2022 Urbanized areas with populations under 150,000 (per the 2020 Census)%u2022 State governments applying on behalf of a rural project%u2022 Federally recognized Indian Tribes%u2022 The Department of Hawaiian Home LandsApplications will be accepted starting Tuesday, March 4 and are due by April 3.