Broadband reconnect congressionally directed spending - grants

The City of Gustine, California received a $1.35M congressionally directed Project Grant from the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants program (CFDA 10.855), awarded June 4, 2025, with a completion date of June 4, 2027. This award supports the deployment of telecommunications-enabled equipment and infrastructure to extend distance learning and telemedicine services to the rural community of Gustine. The funding will facilitate the acquisition and installation of advanced telecommunications technologies, including audio, video, and information systems, designed to bridge the digital divide and improve access to educational and medical services for underserved rural residents.

The project aligns with the RUS Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants program's core mission to improve telecommunications access in rural areas and enhance the delivery of critical educational and healthcare services through distance delivery mechanisms. As a municipal government entity, the City of Gustine will serve as the implementing organization to ensure that telecommunications infrastructure improvements benefit rural residents and community facilities throughout the service area. The two-year project implementation period is consistent with standard RUS grant parameters for similar infrastructure and technology deployment initiatives.