Search Results for keywords:"CNMI Economic Vitality

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program for fiscal year 2021. This program provides federal financial assistance to important transportation projects, focusing on enhancing highway and freight infrastructure of national or regional importance. Key objectives for project selection include promoting economic growth, addressing climate change, advancing racial equity, and encouraging innovation. The deadline for submitting applications through the Grants.gov platform is March 19, 2021.

The Maritime Administration under the Department of Transportation has announced the availability of $19.6 million in grants through the Small Shipyard Grant Program. These grants aim to enhance efficiency and quality in small shipyard operations, focusing on capital improvements and training for workers in shipbuilding-related industries. Applications for these grants are open until February 25, 2021, with strict eligibility criteria, including the requirement for shipyards to have fewer than 1,200 production employees. The program encourages the use of U.S.-produced goods and supports projects that aid rural areas and opportunity zones.

The Census Bureau, part of the Commerce Department, is inviting public comments on the Manufacturers' Unfilled Orders Survey, as part of their efforts under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This notice allows for 60 days of public commentary before the information collection request is submitted for approval. The survey collects important data to benchmark the monthly Manufacturers' Shipments, Inventories, and Orders Survey, aiding in the analysis of business conditions. The information from this survey helps refine economic insights used by various governmental and business entities. Public comments help evaluate the survey's necessity, accuracy, and potential improvements while aiming to reduce the reporting burden.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is proposing a rule to exempt certain Whole Health well-being services from copayment requirements for Veterans. These services include education and skill-building programs, and complementary and integrative health services like yoga and meditation, provided within the VA Whole Health System of Care. By removing copayments, the aim is to encourage more Veterans to engage in these services, which focus on overall well-being rather than specific medical conditions. The public can submit their comments on this proposal by March 4, 2025.

The Office of Fossil Energy & Carbon Management of the Department of Energy (DOE) has released a study evaluating the effects of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports on the economy, environment, and energy security. This study includes detailed analyses of potential impacts on domestic energy prices, greenhouse gas emissions, and effects on local communities where gas production occurs. DOE encourages public comments on the study but does not plan to make revisions based on these comments, aiming instead to use them to guide decisions on LNG exports in countries without free trade agreements with the U.S. Those interested can provide their feedback electronically by February 18, 2025.

The Rural Housing Service has issued a final rule to update regulations for the Single Family Housing Direct Loan Program and the SFH Guaranteed Loan Program. This change aims to provide borrowers with more purchase options and enhance the overall experience of these programs. Key updates include allowing the purchase of existing manufactured homes according to safety standards and extending land-lease terms for new energy-efficient homes. The rule also revises definitions and removes some administrative requirements, reflecting public feedback to improve access to affordable housing in rural areas.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in collaboration with the Department of the Treasury, issued an interim final rule implementing amendments from the Economic Aid Act to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The rule extends the PPP, a program designed to provide financial aid to small businesses impacted by COVID-19, allowing them to apply for loans through March 31, 2021. It also includes updated guidelines for loan forgiveness, borrower and lender eligibility, and how loans can be used, with new rules for calculating maximum loan amounts and requirements for loan forgiveness applications. The Economic Aid Act amendments aim to streamline the application process and ensure fair access to the program for all eligible borrowers.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (collectively known as "the agencies") are reviewing regulations affecting insured depository institutions. This review, under the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996, aims to identify rules that are outdated, unnecessary, or too burdensome. The agencies are seeking public comments on specific categories of regulations, including Rules of Procedure, Safety and Soundness, and Securities, in hopes of reducing the regulatory impact, especially on community banks. Public comments are invited until March 11, 2025, and the agencies will use these to help decide if any regulations should be adjusted or removed.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issued a final rule to implement Amendment 111, which reauthorizes the Central Gulf of Alaska (CGOA) Rockfish Program. This rule aims to preserve the program's existing benefits in conservation, management, safety, and economics. Key changes include removing the expiration date for the Rockfish Program, simplifying reporting requirements for fishing participants, and adjusting regulations to improve the program's efficiency. These updates are intended to continue promoting the goals of sustainable fisheries management under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

The Executive Order 14272 directs the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to investigate the national security impact of importing processed critical minerals and their derivative products. These materials are crucial for the economy and defense because they are used in important sectors like transportation and technology. The investigation will assess risks including the reliance on foreign sources that might be unstable, and it will explore measures like tariffs and incentives for domestic production. This action aims to ensure a resilient and secure supply chain for these vital materials.