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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Dear colleagues,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service recently announced two grant opportunities in Broadband and Distance Learning and Telemedicine that could greatly benefit New Mexico communities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b>Community Connect Grant Program</b> is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide currently unserved areas on a “community-oriented connectivity” basis, with broadband transmission service that fosters economic growth and delivers enhanced educational, health care and public safety services. Applications for this program are due on <b>May 3, 2011</b>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b>Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program</b> provides financial assistance to encourage and improve telemedicine services and distance learning services in rural areas through the use of telecommunications, computer networks and related advanced technologies to be used by students, teachers, medical professionals and rural residents. Applications for this program are due on <b>April 25, 2011</b>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Details on eligibility, applications and funding for both grant opportunities are attached and can be located at <a href="http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RUSTelecomPrograms.html"><span style='color:windowtext'>http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RUSTelecomPrograms.html</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On <b>March 22<sup>nd</sup>, from 12:00-2:00pm MST</b>, the Rural Utilities Service will host a <b>Community Connect Application Workshop </b>to discuss the application process and provide time for questions and answers. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To join the workshop by phone dial 1-800-988-9407 and enter passcode: 4175260. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To join by computer: <span style='font-size:10.0pt'><a href="https://rurdev.webex.com/rurdev/k2/j.php?ED=151760247&UID=1198213427&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D"><span style='color:windowtext'>https://rurdev.webex.com/rurdev/k2/j.php?ED=151760247&UID=1198213427&RT=MiMxMQ%3D%3D</span></a>. </span>Enter your name and email address. Enter the session password: rus. Click “Join Now” and follow the instructions on your screen. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please let me know if you have any questions about the grant opportunities. We look forward to assisting interested applicants and working together to harness resources to improve the quality of life in rural New Mexico. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Additionally, please feel free to pass this information along to anyone who may be interested. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Many thanks,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Elizabeth <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>---<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Elizabeth Kistin, PhD<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Development Coordinator<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>USDA Rural Development-NM<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>6200 Jefferson NE, Room 255<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Albuquerque, NM 87109<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Office: (505) 761-4985<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cell: (505) 379-0287<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>