The application period for the fall 2016 round of planning assistance from Cool & Connected closed on November 6, 2016. The information below is for reference only.

Through Cool & Connected, a planning program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and EPA's Office of Sustainable Communities, a team of experts will help community members develop strategies and an action plan for using broadband service to promote smart, sustainable community development. 

Broadband access can provide new opportunities for people and businesses. A growing number of communities have combined broadband service with other local assets such as cultural and recreational amenities to attract and retain investment and people, including young people. This can help diversify local economies. 

Such efforts typically require planning among community leaders, businesses, and internet service providers. The Cool & Connected program will provide assistance to this end, helping communities take advantage of broadband service to create walkable, connected, economically successful main streets and small-town neighborhoods. 

Eligibility 

• Any community representative is welcome to submit an application to participate in Cool & Connected. 
• Special consideration will be given to small towns and rural communities that face economic challenges. 
• Special consideration will be given to communities in places where USDA has provided loans or grants in support of broadband services.
• Your community should have existing or anticipated broadband service that can be leveraged for community development. If your community does not yet have broadband service, you may wish to consider other federal programs. See a list of USDA’s Rural Utilities Service programs. 

How to Apply

Download and complete the fillable PDF form at the bottom of this page. You must use the latest version of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software Exit to save the fillable form. Save the form and name your file with the name of your community and your last name. For example: Wensleydale TN Smithers  

Letters of support from partner organizations are not required, but you may submit them if you wish. Any letters of support must be emailed along with the original (not scanned) application form by the application due date. Please save all letters of support in a single file (separate from the application form) with the name of your community, your last name, and the letters "LOS." For example: Wensleydale TN Smithers LOS

Email your application and optional letter(s) of support to Fendley.Ed@epa.gov by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 6, 2016.

We will contact all applicant communities by early 2017.

What to include in your application

You should describe needs and challenges related to downtown revitalization or other place-based development, and any areas of interest related to how your community’s broadband service could contribute. As best possible, please address: 

• What is your community's demographic makeup and its economic condition?
• What challenges do you face in seeking to revitalize your community's downtown or centrally located neighborhoods?
• What actions has your community taken so far to overcome these challenges?
• What initial ideas do you have for using broadband to help make your downtown and centrally located neighborhoods places where people want to live, work, and visit? You do not have to have all the answers at this point, but we would like to hear about your aspirations.
• What other partners would be involved in creating and implementing your Cool & Connected action plan? These could include public agencies and institutions, local businesses, schools and colleges, nongovernmental organizations, and local broadband service providers. Would local elected officials be involved?

Questions?

Please contact Ed Fendley at Fendley.Ed@epa.gov with any questions.

• Cool & Connected 2016-2017 Application Form (PDF)(2 pp, 2 MB, 2016)