Ag Department makes $325 million in loans and grants available to rural communities to strengthen distance learning and telemedicine programs that serve rural America.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making $325 million in loans and grants available to rural communities to strengthen distance learning and telemedicine programs that serve rural America.

The Times-News

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"Bringing specialized health care and expanded educational programs to rural areas will save lives and improve the quality of health care for residents who live in more sparsely populated areas of the country," Acting Under Secretary for Rural Development Gilbert Gonzalez said in a statement.

Telemedicine technology makes it possible for doctors to examine and direct the treatment of patients without being physically present. The distance learning program finances equipment to expand educational resources to students and educational institutions in isolated rural areas.

Applications for $15 million in grants must be submitted by April 30 and will be scored and awarded on a competitive basis. Applications for the grant/loan combinations and loans can be submitted throughout the fiscal year and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Information on the USDA Rural Development distance learning and telemedicine program for 2004 is available online at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.