Search Results for agency_names:"Rural Utilities Service"

Rural Development (RD) within the USDA plans to adopt a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Sweetheart Lake Hydroelectric Project in Alaska, originally prepared by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in 2016. This hydroelectric project, located on federal and state lands near Juneau, aims to generate significant energy annually and may be supported by RD's Electric Infrastructure Loan Program. RD requests public comments on this adoption decision, ensuring the environmental analysis remains relevant and aligned with regulatory standards. Comments can be submitted until May 28, 2025.

The United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development (RD) division is changing its funding opportunities to remove references to the previous Administration's key priorities and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) criteria. This update follows an Executive Order titled "Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing," issued in January 2025. Programs affected by this change will no longer consider these previous criteria for application scoring. Additionally, the Rural Energy for America Program's funding notice is corrected to include $50 million from the 2018 Farm Bill that was previously omitted.

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, 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 US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has re-authorized the Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) priority through the 2018 Farm Bill. For FY 2021, the agency is reserving funds from certain development programs to prioritize projects that support multi-jurisdictional and multi-sectoral strategic community investment plans. Applicants for these funds need to submit specific forms and meet eligibility requirements, with an emphasis on projects in rural areas. The notice also encourages projects that improve life in rural America, including areas designated as Opportunity Zones and efforts to combat substance use disorders.

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has announced a revision to the list of eligible countries for its Telecommunications and Electric Program purchases. Japan has been added to this list, and the update aligns with the November 2023 list issued by the U.S. Trade Representative. This list defines which countries can be treated similarly to U.S. products under the "Buy American" provision of the Rural Electrification Act. The new eligibility list is available through a specified USTR link, and further details can be obtained by contacting designated RUS officials.

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), 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.

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.