Search Results for agency_names:"Rural Utilities Service"

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Utilities Service within the USDA have issued corrections to a final rule for the OneRD Guarantee Loan Program originally published on September 30, 2024. These corrections address issues such as a misspelled subject heading, incorrect instructions, an incomplete definition of an "affiliate," and inaccuracies regarding protective advances. Key changes include clarifying rules about when agency approval is required for protective advances and updating specific sections of the regulation. This corrected rule aims to improve the management of agricultural and rural development loan programs.

Rural Development, part of the USDA, is adopting seven Categorical Exclusions (CEs) from the Department of Energy to use in their programs, under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These CEs will help streamline environmental reviews for projects improving infrastructure like electric power, water systems, and renewable energy in rural areas. The agency has consulted with the DOE to ensure appropriateness and plans to apply these CEs while considering environmental impact safeguards. This decision aims to enhance the efficiency of RD projects while maintaining environmental compliance.

The Rural Utilities Service, a part of the USDA, is inviting applications for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grants for fiscal year 2025. This program aims to fund projects that enhance education and healthcare services through technology in rural areas, with an estimated $40 million available. Applications must be submitted online by March 6, 2024. The grants require a 15% funding match, and successful projects could receive between $50,000 to $1,000,000, provided they meet certain eligibility and criteria.

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), part of the US Department of Agriculture, has announced its intention to request an extension of an existing information collection related to providing assistance to rural communities with high energy costs. Members of the public and affected agencies are invited to comment on various aspects of the proposed information collection, including its necessity, accuracy, and ways to minimize the burden on respondents. Comments must be submitted by March 12, 2021. The information collection is part of a program initiated under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, which was amended in 2000 to authorize financial assistance to these communities.

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Utilities Service in the Department of Agriculture announced a correction to a previous document about loan guarantee rates and fees for fiscal year 2021. The correction added missing details specific to Alaska and clarified when certain fee payments begin. The original notice was issued on September 1, 2020, and the correction updates it to include all necessary information.

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), a part of the USDA, is inviting public comments on a proposed information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This is related to a program offering loans and grants for water and waste projects in small rural communities. The public is encouraged to comment on aspects such as the necessity and accuracy of the information collected, methods to enhance the information's quality, and ways to reduce any burden it might cause. Comments are to be submitted by April 12, 2021, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal.

The United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is seeking public comments on the revision of an existing information collection as outlined in the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This pertains to assessing the necessity, accuracy, and utility of the collected information and ways to minimize the burden on respondents. The RUS uses this information, provided mainly through audited financial statements by borrowers, to make decisions about their creditworthiness and the appropriate use of loan funds. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their comments by April 12, 2021, which will be taken into account in the request for approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) of the USDA has issued a final rule for the Rural eConnectivity Program, which aims to improve broadband access in rural areas through loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations. The program outlines eligibility criteria, application processes, and funding requirements. RUS is also seeking comments on aspects of this rule to refine future implementations. The program is designed to support rural infrastructure development and economic opportunities by providing reliable high-speed internet to underserved areas.

The Rural Utilities Service of the USDA has announced that applications are open for the Community Connect Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2025. This program provides approximately $26 million to help construct broadband networks in rural areas lacking such services. Eligible entities like incorporated organizations, state or local governments, and Indian tribes can apply for grants ranging from $100,000 to $5,000,000 to ensure rural communities have access to affordable, high-speed internet. Applications must be submitted online between February 20, 2025, and April 21, 2025.

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), part of the USDA, has extended and reopened the application period for the Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Utility Infrastructure Purposes Program, also known as the 313A Program. This program is now accepting applications until January 31, 2025. The program supports loans used for utility infrastructure projects and refinancing, aimed at borrowers who have received or are eligible for loans under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. Applicants must submit their completed applications electronically to RUS.