Broadband reconnect congressionally directed spending - grants

County of Salem received a $3.75 million Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants program (CFDA 10.855) on September 23, 2025. This award, with a completion date of September 23, 2027, supports the deployment of telecommunications-enabled equipment and infrastructure to deliver educational and medical services in underserved rural areas throughout Salem County, New Jersey. The three-year project aligns with the federal program's objective to improve access to distance learning and telemedicine services for residents in rural communities.

Under this congressionally directed spending award, the County of Salem will implement telecommunications infrastructure and related advanced technologies to enable educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and other eligible entities within its jurisdiction to provide distance learning and telemedicine services to rural residents. The funding supports the deployment of equipment, broadband connectivity, and systems infrastructure necessary to bridge the geographic and service delivery gaps that limit rural populations' access to specialized medical expertise and educational resources.