According to a press release from Acting Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Douglas L. Faulkner, the USDA is accepting applications for grants through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program to provide access to education, training and healthcare resources in rural areas. Funding for the program is subject to Congressional appropriations.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents.

"These grants will increase the range of educational opportunities available to students in rural communities and improve access to healthcare for countless numbers of rural Americans," Faulkner said. "The DLT program provides increased economic opportunity by expanding telecommunications, educational resources and computer networks throughout rural America."

Completed applications must be received by March 24 to be eligible. Details about rules and application procedures can be obtained in the Dec. 24 issue of the Federal Register, page 79041, through the website a t usda.gov/rus/telecom/dlt/dlt. htm or by calling (202) 720- 0413.