Feds Kick Off Rural Distance-Learning/Telemedicine Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has opened a funding program to promote distance-learning and telemedicine initiatives in rural America.

State and local governments have until July 9 to apply for the funding, which totals more than $162 million in grants and loans. USDA's Rural Utilities Service www.usda.gov/rus/dlt/dlml.htm) will disburse the funding as follows: $100 million in loans, $55 million in combined grants and loans, and $7.5 million in grants.