Search Results for agency_names:"Rural Housing Service"

The Rural Housing Service (RHS), a part of the United States Department of Agriculture, is inviting applications for Section 514 Off-Farm Labor Housing loans and Section 516 Off-Farm Labor Housing grants. These funds are aimed at building new housing for domestic farm laborers, including retired or disabled ones, to boost affordable housing availability. The process involves a pre-application and final application phase, and RHS encourages applications that offer benefits to rural communities, especially those in Opportunity Zones or persistent poverty areas. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and the deadline for submissions is outlined in the notice.

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 Housing Service (RHS) of the USDA has announced a new pilot program under the Section 504 Direct Single Family Housing Loans and Grants. This program aims to simplify the process for very low-income homeowners in rural areas who need to repair or renovate their homes. A key feature of the pilot is allowing funds to be used for construction materials payment before delivery, addressing common payment issues faced by contractors and applicants. The program is set to run from December 2, 2024, to December 2, 2026, with the possibility of extension, and it includes 25 states and U.S. territories.

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 Rural Housing Service (RHS), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, proposes changes to the Single-Family Housing Self-Help Technical Assistance Grant Program to improve flexibility, reduce regulatory burdens, and better serve rural communities by providing more decent, safe, and sanitary housing options. The proposed rule includes updates to outdated references, revises program objectives, and suggests changes to processes like grant application and approval, aiming to streamline various aspects for applicants and grant recipients. The RHS seeks public comments on these changes to ensure they align with the program’s mission and do not impose unnecessary burdens.

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 Housing Service (RHS), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, issued a rule to modify regulations on Special Servicing Options and the Mortgage Recovery Advance process. This final rule, initially set to take effect on February 11, 2025, has been postponed to April 14, 2025. A correction regarding this effective date was published in the Federal Register to reflect these changes. Christine Mechtly, the Acting Administrator of the Rural Housing Service, announced the update.

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.

The Rural Housing Service (RHS), a branch of the USDA, has extended its pilot program for simplifying transfers of certain rural rental housing properties. This program, which now includes Section 514 properties, aims to reduce application requirements, lower costs, and improve processing times for ownership changes. There are three transfer options focusing on expedited ownership change, rehabilitation, and future rehabilitation plans, each tailored to different property conditions and needs. The program will run until December 9, 2025, and any changes or termination will be publicly announced by the RHS.

The Rural Housing Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has introduced a final rule updating how credit reports are obtained for the eligibility and feasibility assessments in the Multifamily Housing Programs. Starting January 30, 2025, applicants will need to provide their own credit reports instead of paying a fee for the agency to do it, simplifying the process and aligning with industry practices. This update also includes adding definitions and specific requirements for credit reports, aiming to streamline and modernize the applications for housing loans and grants in rural areas.