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U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  Rural Utilities Service (RUS)

Rural Development 
www.usda.gov/rus/ 
The Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in all of rural America. Through its programs, it touches rural America in many ways. Its financial programs support such essential public facilities and services as water and sewer systems, housing, health clinics, emergency service facilities and electric and telecommunications service. It promotes economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks and community-managed lending pools. It offers technical assistance and information to help agricultural and other cooperatives get started and improve the effectiveness of their member services. And it provides technical assistance to help communities undertake community empowerment programs. Rural Development has an $86 billion dollar portfolio of loans and administers nearly $16 billion in program loans, loan guarantees, and grants through it's programs. Rural Development achieves its mission by helping rural individuals, communities and businesses obtain the financial and technical assistance needed to address their diverse and unique needs. Rural Development works to make sure that rural citizens can participate fully in the global economy.

Telecommunications Program 
www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/index.htm 
The Telecommunications Program creates public - private partnerships to finance the construction of the telecommunications infrastructure in rural America. This program is also a vital source of technical assistance for rural telecommunication systems.

List of Materials
www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/materials/index_listomat.htm 
At this website you will find the Telecommunications Program approved list of materials that can be purchased by its program loan borrowers. The list includes materials needed for setting up telecommunications systems, such as wire and cable, housings, splice cases, and transmission and central office equipment.

Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant and Loan Program (DLT)
www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/dlt/dlt.htm 
The Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant and Loan Program is designed to specifically meet the educational and health care needs of rural America by making telecommunications affordable, which will encourage the use of computer networks and related technology to improve access to educational and medical services. 

American Indian and Alaska Native Program Information 
www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/aian/ 
Rural Development is committed to serving American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities and individuals. In each state that serves federally or state recognized tribes, Rural Development has designated an AI/AN Coordinator to assist tribal customers in understanding and accessing Rural Development’s many programs and resources. There is also an AI/AN Coordinator and Specialist in Washington DC to ensure tribes receive the best customer service on a national basis.