Servicing of Water Programs Loans and Grants, 55011-55019 [07-4756]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Rural Business-Cooperative Service
• Rural Housing Service
• Rural Utilities Service
• Farm Service Agency

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 188 (Friday, September 28, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55011-55019]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-4756]



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Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 188 / Friday, September 28, 2007 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 55011]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Part 1782

Rural Housing Service

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Rural Utilities Service

Farm Service Agency

7 CFR Parts 1951, 1955, and 1956

RIN 0572-AB59


Servicing of Water Programs Loans and Grants

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an Agency delivering the 
United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities 
Programs, hereinafter referred to as Rural Development, consolidates 
and amends the regulations utilized to service water and waste loan and 
grant programs. The rule will combine the water and waste loan and 
grant servicing regulations found in 7 CFR parts 1951, 1955, and 1956 
into one regulation. Unnecessary and burdensome requirements for water 
and waste loan and grant servicing under the program will be 
eliminated. The streamlining of the water and waste loan and grant 
servicing regulation will allow the Agency to provide better service to 
entities needing assistance in resolving financial and economic 
problems in their communities and, in general, improve the quality of 
life in rural areas. Additionally, this rule implements Section 6018 of 
the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1936a) for 
Rural Development's Business, Housing and Utilities programs.

EFFECTIVE DATE: October 29, 2007.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anita O'Brien, Loan Specialist, Water 
and Environmental Programs, USDA Rural Development, Room 2230 South 
Building, Stop 1570, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-
1570. Telephone: (202) 690-3789, FAX: (202) 690-0649, E-mail: 
anita.obrien@usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Classification

Executive Order 12866

    This rule has been determined to be not significant for purposes of 
Executive Order 12866 and, therefore, has not been reviewed by the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Executive Order 12988

    This rule has been reviewed in accordance with Executive Order 
12988, Civil Justice Reform. It has been determined that this final 
rule meets the applicable standards provided in section 3 of the 
Executive Order. In addition, all State and local laws and regulations 
that are in conflict with this rule will be preempted; no retroactive 
effect will be given to the rule; and in accordance with sec. 212(e) of 
the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 
6912(e)), appeal procedures must be exhausted before an action against 
the Department or its agencies may be initiated.

Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

    It has been determined that the Regulatory Flexibility Act is not 
applicable to this rule since Rural Development is not required by 5 
U.S.C. 551 et seq. or any other provision of law to publish a notice of 
final rulemaking with respect to the subject matter of this rule.

Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements

    The information collection and recordkeeping requirements contained 
in this rule are currently approved under OMB control number 0575-0066 
in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
Chapter 35). The Agency has submitted an information collection package 
to OMB to establish a new OMB control number, 0572-0137, for the 
information collection covered by this rule and will transfer the 
applicable burden from 0575-0066 to 0572-0137, when OMB approval is 
granted.

National Environmental Policy Act Certification

    The Administrator has determined that this rule will not 
significantly affect the quality of the human environment as defined by 
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). 
Therefore, this action does not require an environmental impact 
statement or assessment.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    The program described by this rule is listed in the Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance Programs under numbers (1) 10.760--Water 
and Waste Disposal System for Rural Communities, (2) 10.761--Technical 
Assistance and Training Grants, (3) 10.762--Solid Waste Management 
Grants (4) 10.763--Emergency Community Assistance Grants, and (5) 
10.770--section 306C Water and Waste Loans and Grants. This catalog is 
available on a subscription basis from the Superintendent of Documents, 
the United States Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-
9325, telephone number (202) 512-1800.

Executive Order 12372

    This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under numbers (1) 10.760--Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) 
System for Rural Communities, (2) 10.763--Emergency Community 
Assistance Grants, and (3) 10.770--Water and Waste Loans and Grants 
(section 306C) and is subject to the provisions of Executive Order 
12372 which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and 
local officials.

Unfunded Mandates

    This rule contains no Federal mandates (under the regulatory 
provision of title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995) for 
State, local, and tribal governments or the private sector. Therefore, 
this rule is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of 
the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act.

Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    The policies contained in this rule do not have any substantial 
direct effect on

[[Page 55012]]

States, on the relationship between the national Government and the 
States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the 
various levels of government. Nor does this rule impose substantial 
direct compliance costs on State and local governments. Therefore, 
consultation with States is not required.

Background

    The Rural Development water and waste program is administered by 
Water and Environmental Programs (WEP). The water and waste loan and 
grant programs are authorized by various sections of the Consolidated 
Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.), as amended. The 
regulations for these programs have not been completely reviewed for 
many years. The 1994 streamlining and reorganization of the Department 
of Agriculture provided an opportunity to review and rewrite the water 
and waste loan and grant servicing regulations. A task force was formed 
for that purpose. The aim of the task force was to make the regulations 
easier to understand, eliminate unnecessary requirements, and continue 
to protect the interest of the U.S. taxpayer. The program provides loan 
servicing options for communities facing financial problems. Servicing 
options should result in reasonable user costs for rural residents, 
rural businesses, and other rural users. Additionally, in order to 
provide uniformity, servicing provisions for grants are addressed in 
the Departmental Grant Regulations cited in 1782.7.
    Major changes are as follows:
    1. Servicing regulations found in 7 CFR parts 1951, 1955, and 1956 
are combined into one regulation.
    2. The field staff is provided with more authority to service water 
and waste loans and grants.
    3. The application process for servicing actions has been 
streamlined to reduce unnecessary paperwork and improve service to the 
rural communities. There will be fewer regulations, and the number of 
pages in the Code of Federal Regulations will be greatly reduced.
    4. The functions of the former Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) 
and the Rural Development Administration (RDA) relating to the water 
and waste loan and grant programs authorized by various sections of the 
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)), have 
been transferred to the Rural Development Utilities programs based on 
the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-
354). Therefore, in order to enhance the delivery of borrower services 
and better assist the public, Rural Development is simplifying and 
rewriting regulations originally published by FmHA and RDA. All parts 
pertaining to the water and waste loan program will be moved into 7 CFR 
part 1782. This action will have no effect on the RHS community 
facilities loan program, as this action makes no policy changes in the 
regulation with the exception of implementing Section 6018 of the Farm 
Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 1936a). The 
following programs are affected by these amendments: (1) Water and 
Waste Disposal Loans and Grants, (2) Watershed Loans and Advances, (3) 
Resource Conservation and Development Loans, (4) Technical Assistance 
and Training Grants, (5) Emergency Community Assistance Grants, (6) 
Solid Waste Management Grants, and (7) Section 306C Water and Waste 
Facility Loans and Grants to Alleviate Health Risks.
    5. Implement Sec. 6018 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment 
Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-171). This change will allow the borrower or 
grant recipient to use property (real and personal) purchased or 
improved with the loan or grant funds or proceeds from the sale of 
property (real and personal) purchased with such funds, for another 
project or activity. Rural Development has included language to 
implement this provision in 7 CFR 1782.23. These provisions will also 
be applicable to Rural Development's Business and Housing programs by 
adding Sec.  1951.218 to 7 CFR 1951, subpart E.

Comments

    Rural Development published a proposed rulemaking in the Federal 
Register on November 15, 2004, 69 FR 65546. One public comment was 
received; however, Rural Development did not receive any comments from 
outside Federal agencies. The one public comment received was in the 
form of a Web site entry. The comment pertained to the legislation 
authorizing the program, as follows: ``Why should only rural areas get 
this taxpayer money? Certainly urban districts have just as many 
financial issues. I find this kind of legislation extremely 
discriminatory. A survey is unnecessary and wasteful of taxpayer 
dollars. There are 50 years of history of data facts--there is no 
reason to survey. I would appreciate having sent to me a copy of the 
accomplishments of this little known agency for 2003.''
    Response: Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants are authorized 
by the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (TITLE III OF THE 
AGRICULTURAL ACT OF 1961) (Pub. L. 87-128; 75 Stat. 294). Rural 
Development makes water and wastewater loans and grants in accordance 
with 7 CFR 1780. The Agency has posted the most recent Annual Report 
for Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 at the following Web site address: https://
www.usda.gov/rus/water/. Please view this report for an overview of the 
Water and Environmental Program and its accomplishments. Rural 
Development did not receive enough information in the comment to 
respond to the issue of a particular survey. No changes were made to 
the final regulation based on the comment received. However, changes 
were made to the regulation in Sec.  1782.17. Review by the Agency of 
Circular No. A-129, issued by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB), led to the conclusion that subordination cannot be listed as a 
general option in its regulations. The Circular states that the 
Government's claim should generally not be subordinated to the claims 
of other creditors since subordination increases the risk of loss to 
the Government. In a special circumstance, the Agency might seek a 
waiver of this requirement from OMB, but this would be on a case-by-
case basis as dictated by the individual facts of the case. Therefore, 
subordination was removed as an option from Sec.  1782.17. Also, the 
Agency determined that Sec.  1782.17 lacked the criteria needed to make 
the determination that granting a parity lien is in the Government's 
interest. The Agency has added such criteria to Sec.  1782.17.

The Regulations

    Rural Development has completed a consolidation of regulations 
affecting WEP loans and grants. Prior to this rule becoming effective, 
WEP borrowers were affected, in part, by the following regulations:

7 CFR part 1951, subpart A--Account Servicing Policies
7 CFR part 1951, subpart D--Final Payment on Loans
7 CFR part 1951, subpart E--Servicing of Community and Direct Business 
Programs Loans and Grants
7 CFR part 1951, subpart F--Analyzing Credit Needs and Graduation of 
Borrowers
7 CFR part 1951, subpart O--Servicing Cases Where Unauthorized Loan(s) 
or Other Financial Assistance Was Received--Community and Insured 
Business Programs
7 CFR part 1955, subpart A--Liquidation of Loans Secured by Real

[[Page 55013]]

Estate and Acquisition of Real and Chattel Property
7 CFR part 1955, subpart B--Management of Property
7 CFR part 1955, subpart C--Disposal of Inventory Property
7 CFR part 1956, subpart C--Debt Settlement--Community and Business 
Programs

    All of the above-mentioned regulations include regulatory 
provisions of other programs of the former FmHA such as farm loans, 
business and industrial loans, single family housing, and multi-family 
housing. Rural Development is consolidating all regulatory actions in 
the above-mentioned regulations which affect WEP loan and grant 
servicing into one new regulation--7 CFR part 1782. This consolidated 
regulation will clarify for our borrowers and grantees the available 
servicing tools and the requirements to utilize these tools.
    Additionally, Rural Development is removing all administrative 
processes from the regulations, leaving only regulatory actions that 
impact the public. This streamlining will make the regulation more 
concise and much easier to read and understand. A Staff Instruction 
will be issued that will include the administrative portion, which 
outlines agency internal processing procedures. The Staff Instruction 
will be available to the public upon request at no cost.

Conclusion

    Rural Development believes the consolidation and streamlining of 
the regulations for this program will maximize the ability of the 
borrowers to use and understand the available servicing tools under 
this program. This consolidation is consistent with the 
Administration's efforts to streamline Government functions, improve 
the efficiency and effectiveness of Government activities, and strive 
to be more borrower-friendly. This effort will enable Rural Development 
to reduce regulations, streamline operations, and provide servicing 
assistance with fewer staff resources.

List of Subjects

7 CFR Part 1782

    Accounting, Appeal procedures, Auditing, Debts, Delinquency, Grant 
programs--Agriculture, Insurance, Loan programs--Agriculture.

7 CFR Part 1951

    Accounting, Credit, Grant programs--Agriculture, Loan Programs--
Agriculture, Low and moderate-income housing loans--Rent subsidies, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Rural areas.

7 CFR Part 1955

    Government property, Government property management, Surplus 
government property.

7 CFR Part 1956

    Accounting, Loan programs--Agriculture, Rural areas.

0
Therefore, chapters XVII and XVIII of title 7, Code of Federal 
Regulations, are amended as follows:

CHAPTER XVII--RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

0
1. Part 1782 is added to read as follows:

PART 1782--SERVICING OF WATER AND WASTE PROGRAMS

Sec.
1782.1 Purpose.
1782.2 Objectives.
1782.3 Definitions.
1782.4 Availability of forms and regulations.
1782.5 Nondiscrimination.
1782.6 [Reserved].
1782.7 Grants.
1782.8 Payments.
1782.9 Environmental requirements.
1782.10 Audit requirements.
1782.11 Refinancing requirements.
1782.12 Sale or exchange of security property.
1782.13 Transfer of security and assumption of loans.
1782.14 Protection of service areas--7 U.S.C. 1926(b).
1782.15 Mergers and consolidations.
1782.16 Defeasance of Agency indebtedness.
1782.17 Parity lien.
1782.18 [Reserved].
1782.19 Third party agreements.
1782.20 Debt settlement.
1782.21 [Reserved].
1782.22 Exception authority.
1782.23 Use of Rural Development loans and grants for other 
purposes.
1782.24-1782.99 [Reserved].
1782.100 OMB control number.

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1981; 16 U.S.C. 1005.


Sec.  1782.1  Purpose.

    This part outlines the Rural Utilities Service's (RUS), an agency 
delivering the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural 
Development Utilities Programs, hereinafter referred to as Rural 
Development and/or Agency, policies and procedures for servicing direct 
and insured Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) loans and grants; Watershed 
loans and advances; Resource Conservation and Development loans; 
Technical Assistance and Training grants; Emergency Community Water 
Assistance grants; Solid Waste Management grants; and section 306C WWD 
loans and grants.


Sec.  1782.2  Objectives.

    Loan and grant servicing is provided by Rural Development in order 
to assist recipients in complying with the established objectives and 
requirements for loans and grants, repaying loans on schedule, acting 
in accordance with any necessary agreements, and protecting Rural 
Development's financial interest. Servicing by Rural Development 
includes, but is not limited to, the review of budgets, management 
reports, audits, and financial statements; performing operational 
inspections; providing, arranging, or recommending technical 
assistance; evaluating environmental impacts of proposed actions by the 
borrower; and performing civil rights compliance and graduation 
reviews.


Sec.  1782.3  Definitions.

    The following definitions apply to this part:
    Acceleration. A written notice informing the borrower that the 
total unpaid principal and interest is due and payable immediately.
    Adjustment. Satisfaction of a debt, including release of liability, 
when acceptance by the Agency is conditioned upon completion of payment 
of the adjusted amount at a specific time or times, with or without the 
payment of any consideration when the adjustment offer is approved. An 
adjustment is not a final settlement until all payments under the 
adjustment agreement have been made.
    Administrator. Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service, an 
agency delivering the United States Department of Agriculture's 
Utilities Programs.
    Agency. The Rural Utilities Service, an Agency delivering the 
United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities 
Programs, or any employee acting on its behalf in accordance with 
appropriate delegations of authority.
    Assumption of debt. Agreement by one party to legally bind itself 
to pay the debt incurred by another.
    Borrower. Recipient of Agency or predecessor Agency loan 
assistance.
    Cancellation. Final discharge of debt with a release of liability.
    Charge-off. Write off of a debt and termination of servicing 
activity without release of liability. A charge-off is a decision by 
the Agency to remove debt from Agency receivables, however, future 
payments may be received.

[[Page 55014]]

    Compromise. Satisfaction of a debt including a release of liability 
by accepting a lump-sum payment of less than the total amount owed.
    Defeasance. Defeasance is the use of invested proceeds from a new 
bond issue to repay outstanding bonds in accordance with the repayment 
schedule of the outstanding bonds. The new issue supersedes the 
contractual agreements from the prior issue.
    Disposition of facility. Relinquishing control of a facility to 
another entity.
    False information. Information, known by the applicant to be 
incorrect, provided with the intent to obtain benefits which would not 
have been obtainable based on correct information.
    Government. The United States of America, acting through the 
Agency. USDA, Rural Development and Agency may be used interchangeably 
throughout this part.
    Grantee. Recipient of Agency or predecessor Agency grant 
assistance, technical assistance, or services.
    Letter of Conditions. A written document that describes the 
conditions which the borrower and/or grantee must meet for funds to be 
advanced and the loan and/or grant to be closed.
    Liquidation. Satisfaction of a debt through the sale of a 
borrower's assets and discharge of liabilities.
    Parity Lien. A lien having an equal lien position to another 
lender's lien on a borrower's asset.
    Reasonable rates and terms. The prevailing commercial rates and 
terms in the industry that borrowers are expected to pay when borrowing 
for similar purposes and periods of time.
    Rural Development. The mission area of the Under Secretary for 
Rural Development. Rural Development State and local offices administer 
the water and waste programs on behalf of the Agency.
    Rural Utilities Service (RUS). An Agency of the United States 
Department of Agriculture's Rural Development mission area established 
pursuant to section 232 of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization 
Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103-354).
    Servicing office. The USDA office which maintains the official file 
of the borrower or grantee and is responsible for the routine servicing 
of the loan and/or grant account.
    Servicing official. USDA official who has been delegated loan and 
grant approval and servicing authorities subject to any dollar 
limitations within applicable programs.
    Settlement. Compromise, adjustment, cancellation, or charge-off of 
a debt owed USDA. The term ``settlement'' is used for convenience in 
referring to compromise, adjustment, cancellation, or charge-off 
action, individually or collectively.
    Unliquidated obligations. Obligated loan or grant funds that have 
not been advanced.
    USDA. United States Department of Agriculture.
    Voluntary conveyance. A method by which title to security is 
voluntarily transferred to the Government.


Sec.  1782.4  Availability of forms and regulations.

    Information about the availability of forms, regulations, 
bulletins, and procedures referenced in this chapter are available in 
any office of Rural Development USDA, Washington, DC 20250-1500 or at 
the Web site https://www.usda.gov/rus/water.


Sec.  1782.5  Nondiscrimination.

    Each instrument of conveyance required for a transfer, assumption, 
sale of facility, or other servicing action under this subpart will 
comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Pub. L. 88-352), 
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Pub. L. 92-318), section 
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Pub. L. 93-112), and other 
Federal statutes and regulations issued pursuant thereto that prohibit 
discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, handicap, 
religion, age, or sex in programs or activities receiving Federal 
financial assistance. Such provisions apply for as long as the property 
continues to be used for the same or similar purposes for which the 
Federal assistance was extended, or for so long as the purchaser owns 
it, whichever is later.


Sec.  1782.6  [Reserved]


Sec.  1782.7  Grants.

    Servicing actions relating to Agency grants are governed by the 
provisions of several regulations and executive orders, including, but 
not limited to, 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, 3017, 3018, 3019, 3021, and 
3052 as applicable, and Executive Order (E.O.) 12803. Grantees remain 
responsible for property acquired with grant funds in accordance with 
terms of a grant agreement and applicable regulations.


Sec.  1782.8  Payments.

    Payments will be applied in accordance with the terms of the debt 
instrument. Information on nontypical payments can be obtained from the 
Servicing official or office. All new borrowers will use pre-authorized 
debits as required in their Letter of Conditions.


Sec.  1782.9  Environmental requirements.

    Servicing actions involving lease or sale of Agency-owned property 
will be reviewed for compliance with 7 CFR part 1794 as required in 
Sec.  1794.3. The appropriate environmental review will be completed 
prior to approval of the servicing action.


Sec.  1782.10  Audit requirements.

    Audits for loans will be required in accordance with Sec.  1780.47 
of this chapter. If the borrower becomes delinquent or is experiencing 
problems, the servicing official will require an audit or other 
documentation deemed necessary to resolve the delinquency. The 
provisions of 7 CFR 3052 address audit requirements for recipients of 
Federal grants.


Sec.  1782.11  Refinancing requirements.

    If at any time it appears to the Government that the borrower is 
able to refinance the amount of the indebtedness then outstanding, in 
whole or in part, by obtaining a loan for such purposes from 
responsible cooperative or private credit sources, at reasonable rates 
and terms, the borrower will, upon request of the Government, apply for 
and accept such loan in sufficient amount to repay the Government and 
will take all such actions as may be required in connection with such 
loan.


Sec.  1782.12  Sale or exchange of security property.

    A cash sale of all or a portion of a borrower's assets or an 
exchange of security property may be approved subject to the conditions 
set forth in this section.
    (a) Approval conditions. Approval may be given when the servicing 
official determines that:
    (1) The consideration is for the full amount of the debt or the 
present fair market value as determined by an appraisal completed by a 
qualified Rural Development employee or an independent appraiser as 
determined appropriate by the approval official;
    (2) The sale or exchange will not prevent carrying out the purpose 
of the loan;
    (3) The remaining property is adequate security for the loan and 
the transaction will not adversely affect the Agency's security 
position;
    (4) If the property to be sold or exchanged will be used for 
similar purposes that the loan was made, the purchaser will:
    (i) Execute Form RD 400-4, ``Assurance Agreement.'' The instrument 
of conveyance will contain the civil rights covenant referenced in 7 
CFR 1901.202(e); and

[[Page 55015]]

    (ii) Provide the Agency with a written agreement assuming all 
rights and obligations of the original borrower, and
    (5) Proceeds remaining after paying any reasonable and necessary 
selling expenses are to be used for one or more of the following 
purposes:
    (i) To pay Agency debt, pay on debts secured by a prior lien, and 
pay on debts secured by a parity or subsequent lien if it is to the 
Agency's advantage;
    (ii) To purchase or acquire property more suited to the borrower's 
needs, providing the Agency's security position is maintained; and
    (iii) To develop or enlarge the facility if necessary to improve 
the borrower's debt-paying ability, place the operation on a sounder 
financial basis, or further the loan objectives and purposes.
    (b) Sale of assets financed with Agency grants. The requirements 
for the sale or disposition of assets financed with Agency grants are 
determined by the terms of the grant agreement, 7 CFR parts 3015, 3016, 
and 3019, and E.O. 12803, as applicable.
    (c) Release from liability. If a borrower can no longer meet the 
objectives of the loan, the property may be sold. If the full amount of 
the borrower's debt is paid or assumed, the State Director may release 
the borrower from liability.


Sec.  1782.13  Transfer of security and assumption of loans.

    It is the Agency's policy to approve transfers and assumptions to 
transferees that will continue the original purpose of the loan. 
Assistant Administrator written concurrence is required when the 
transfer exceeds the State Director's loan approval authority. The 
transfer will be approved in accordance with the following 
requirements:
    (a) General requirements for transferees. The fulfillment of the 
following requirements for transfers will be determined by the approval 
official, in his or her discretion:
    (1) The transferees must meet the eligibility requirements of 7 CFR 
part 1780 and provide the same information required in 7 CFR part 1780, 
subpart B, for application processing.
    (2) The transfer will not be disadvantageous to the Government as 
determined by the approval official.
    (3) If the Agency debt(s) exceeds the present market value of the 
security as determined by an appraisal, the transferee will assume an 
amount at least equal to the present market value.
    (4) The Agency must concur in plans for disposition of funds in any 
reserve account, including project construction bank accounts. A 
reserve account may be considered as a transferable asset.
    (5) The transferee will assume all of the borrower's 
responsibilities regarding loans. The transferee will also agree to 
accept the original loan conditions plus any conditions set forth by 
the Agency with regard to the transfer.
    (6) A current appraisal will be completed to establish the present 
market value of the security when the full debt is not being assumed.
    (7) There must be no lien, judgement, or similar claims of other 
parties against the Agency security being transferred unless the 
transferee is willing to accept such claims. The Agency must also 
determine that the claims will not prevent the transferee from repaying 
the Agency debt, meeting all operating and maintenance costs, and 
maintaining required reserves. The written consent of any other 
lienholder will be obtained where required.
    (8) A letter of conditions establishing requirements to be met in 
connection with the transfer will be issued, and the transferee will be 
required to execute Form RD 1942-46, ``Letter of Intent to Meet 
Conditions,'' prior to closing of the transfer.
    (9) The transferee will obtain insurance according to Agency 
requirements.
    (10) The effective date of the transfer is the date the transfer is 
closed, which is the same date Form RD 1951-15, ``Community Programs 
Assumption Agreement,'' or other appropriate assumption agreement which 
is executed and delivered by all necessary parties.
    (11) Title to all assets will be conveyed from the transferor to 
the transferee unless all parties concerned, including the Agency, 
agree upon other arrangements. All instruments of conveyance will 
contain the necessary nondiscrimination covenant as referred to in 
Sec.  1782.5.
    (12) If the transfer and assumption is to one or more members of 
the borrower's organization, there must not be a loss to the 
Government.
    (13) The State Director is authorized to approve transfers to 
eligible transferees at the same interest rate as on the borrower's 
note(s) or bond(s). The maturity of the debt instrument for the assumed 
debt may not exceed the lesser of the repayment period authorized in 7 
CFR part 1780 for a ``new'' loan or the expected life of the facility.
    (14) Agency National Office concurrence is required for transfers 
not in compliance with paragraphs (a)(1) through (13) of this section.
    (b) Loan requirements for eligible transferees. If a loan is 
evidenced and secured by a note and lien on real or chattel property, 
Form RD 1951-15, or other appropriate assumption agreement will be 
executed by the transferee. If a bond secures a loan, transfer 
documents will be developed by bond counsel and approved by the Office 
of the General Counsel (OGC), USDA.
    (1) Loans being transferred and assumed may be combined when the 
security is the same, new terms are being provided, a new debt 
instrument will be issued, and the loans have the same interest rate 
and are for the same purpose. If applicable, 7 CFR part 1780 will 
govern the preparation of any new debt instruments required.
    (2) A loan may be made in connection with a transfer if the 
transferee meets all eligibility and other requirements for the kind of 
loan being made. Such a loan will be considered as a separate loan and 
must be evidenced by a separate debt instrument. However, it is 
permissible to have one authorizing loan resolution or ordinance if 
permitted by State statutes.
    (3) Any development funds remaining in a bank account that are not 
refunded to the Agency will be transferred to a bank account for the 
transferee. This will occur simultaneously with the closing of the 
transfer, and the funds will be used in completing planned development.
    (c) Release from liability. Transferors may be released from 
liability when their debt is paid in full or when the debt is settled 
in accordance with Sec.  1782.20 of this part.
    (d) Transfer of facility financed with Agency grants. The 
requirements for the sale or disposition of assets financed with Agency 
grants are determined by the terms of the grant agreement, 7 CFR parts 
3015, 3016, and 3019, and E.O. 12803, as applicable.


Sec.  1782.14  Protection of service areas--7 U.S.C. 1926(b).

    (a) 7 U.S.C. 1926(b) was enacted to protect the service area of 
Agency borrowers with outstanding loans, or those loans sold in the 
sale of assets authorized by the ``Joint Resolution Making Continuing 
Appropriations for the Fiscal Year 1987, Pub. L. 99-591, 100 Stat. 3341 
(1986),'' from loss of users due to actions or activities of other 
entities in the service area of the Agency financed system. Without 
this protection, other entities could extend service to users within 
the service area, and thereby undermine the purpose of the 
congressionally mandated water and waste loan and grant programs and 
jeopardize the borrower's ability to repay its Agency debt.
    (b) Responsibility for initiating action in response to those 
actions prohibited by 7 U.S.C. 1926(b) rests with the borrower.

[[Page 55016]]

Sec.  1782.15  Mergers and consolidations.

    Mergers and consolidations will be processed the same as a transfer 
and assumption, although approvals by the Agency will give 
consideration to the differences under the applicable law regarding the 
type of transaction under consideration and the unique facts involved 
in each transaction. Mergers occur when two or more entities combine in 
such a manner that only one remains in existence. Consolidations occur 
when two or more entities combine to form a new consolidated entity, 
and the original entities cease to exist. In both mergers and 
consolidations, the surviving or emerging entity acquires the assets 
and assumes the liabilities of the entity or entities that ceased to 
exist.


Sec.  1782.16  Defeasance of Agency indebtedness.

    Defeasance, or amending outstanding loan instruments and agreements 
to permit defeasance of Agency debt instruments, is prohibited.


Sec.  1782.17  Parity lien.

    In order for the Agency to agree to a parity lien position, the 
borrower must submit a written request to the servicing office.
    (a) The written request for parity must contain the following 
items:
    (1) An explanation of the purpose of the request for parity; amount 
of loan for which parity is requested; description of security 
property; type of security instrument; name and address of financial 
institution requesting the transaction; and other information 
determined necessary by the servicing official to evaluate the request.
    (2) Current financial statements or an audit, if available or 
determined necessary by the servicing official.
    (3) An annual operating budget which projects income and expenses 
for a typical year's operation. If construction is involved, the budget 
must be projected through the first full year of operation following 
completion of the planned improvements.
    (4) A copy of the proposed security instrument.
    (5) A certification from the borrower that the Agency debt cannot 
be refinanced at reasonable rates and terms.
    (6) An appraisal, when the primary security is real estate or 
determined necessary by the servicing official in order to determine 
the adequacy of loan security or repayment ability.
    (7) A certification that any development work will comply with 
subpart C of part 1780 of this chapter.
    (b) Requests for parity must comply with requirements of paragraph 
(a) of this section, requirements as specified in the bond or loan 
documents, the requirements as specified in 7 CFR part 1780, subpart D, 
and as provided in applicable State law.
    (c) If the borrower has met all of the requirements in paragraphs 
(a) and (b) of this section and the proposal is determined to be in the 
Government's interest, the Agency will then grant approval of the 
borrower's request for parity. The following factors will be considered 
in assessing whether the request is in the Government's interest:
    (1) The value of the added assets compared with the amount of new 
debt to be secured;
    (2) The value of the assets already pledged under the security 
documents, and any effects of the proposed transaction on the value of 
those assets;
    (3) The ratio of the total outstanding debt secured under the 
security documents to the value of all assets pledged as security under 
the security documents;
    (4) The borrower's ability to repay its debt owed to the 
Government;
    (5) The overall financial viability of the borrower;
    (6) The borrower's current relationship with the Agency (i.e. no 
defaults under the loan documents);
    (7) Such other factors that may be relevant in individual cases, as 
determined by the Agency.


Sec.  1782.18  [Reserved]


Sec.  1782.19  Third party agreements.

    The State Director may authorize third party operation, 
maintenance, and management of an Agency financed facility. The 
borrower's attorney must review the contract, management agreement, 
written lease, or other third party agreement and issue an opinion to 
the Agency as to their legal sufficiency. The borrower shall retain the 
legal authority necessary for owning, constructing, operating, and 
maintaining the facility.


Sec.  1782.20  Debt Settlement.

    Pursuant to 7 U.S.C. 1981, this section prescribes policies for 
debt settlement of Water and Waste Disposal loans; Watershed loans and 
advances; Resource Conservation and Development loans; and 306 (c) 
Water and Waste Facility loans. Within the Omnibus Consolidated 
Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-134) is the 
Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996. This law provides that any 
non-tax debt or claim owed to the United States that has been 
delinquent for a period of 180 days shall be turned over to the 
Secretary of the Treasury for appropriate action to collect or 
terminate collection actions on the debt or claim. Debt that is in 
litigation or foreclosure, with a collection agency or designated 
Federal debt collection center, or that will be disposed of under an 
asset sales program, is exempt from transfer to the Secretary.
    (a) General requirements for debt settlement. (1) The debt or any 
extension thereof on which settlement is requested must be due and 
payable. The debt will be due and payable either under the terms of the 
note or other instrument, or by acceleration, unless the debt is to be 
cancelled without application under paragraph (e)(2) of this section or 
charged off under paragraph (f) of this section.
    (2) Normally, all security will be disposed of prior to the date of 
application for debt settlement unless it is necessary to abandon 
security through the debt settlement process. In such cases, debt 
settlement may proceed if the servicing official determines that 
further collection efforts would be ineffective, uneconomical, and not 
in the best interests of the Government.
    (3) Debtors will not be permitted to sell security and use the 
proceeds as part or all of a compromise/adjustment debt settlement 
offer.
    (4) Requests for debt settlement will consist of Form RD 1956-1 
``Application For Settlement of Indebtedness,'' current financial 
information, description and estimated market value of collateral, and 
status of operation (i.e., number of users, compliance with 
environmental issues, etc.).
    (5) Office of General Counsel (OGC) advice on compliance with State 
or Federal statutes that may affect the debt settlement action must be 
requested.
    (b) Debts ineligible for settlement. Debts will not be settled if:
    (1) Referral to the Office of Inspector General and/or to OGC is 
contemplated or pending because of suspected criminal violation,
    (2) Civil action to protect the interest of the Government is 
contemplated or pending,
    (3) An investigation for suspected fiscal irregularity is 
contemplated or pending, or
    (4) The debtor requests settlement of a claim that has been 
referred to or a judgment obtained by the United States Attorney. The 
settlement offer and any related payment must be submitted directly to 
the United States Attorney for consideration.
    (c) Types of debt settlement. Typically, debt settlement will be 
accomplished through compromise/

[[Page 55017]]

adjustment, charge-off, or cancellation. Any debt remaining after the 
security has been liquidated, by sale or transfer, will be cancelled if 
there are no other assets from which to collect the debt. The servicing 
official will proceed with advice from OGC and the National Office, as 
required.
    (d) Compromise and adjustment. Debts may be compromised or adjusted 
and security retained by the debtor, provided:
    (1) The debtor is unable to pay the indebtedness in full,
    (2) The debtor has offered an amount equal to the present fair 
market value of all security or facility financed, and
    (3) The debtor has offered any additional amount that the debtor is 
able to pay.
    (e) Cancellation. Non-judgment debts, regardless of the amount, may 
be cancelled with or without application by the debtor.
    (1) With application by the debtor. Debts may be cancelled upon 
application of the debtor, subject to the following conditions:
    (i) The servicing official furnishes a favorable recommendation 
concerning the cancellation;
    (ii) There is no known security for the debt and the debtor has no 
other assets from which the debt could be collected;
    (iii) The debtor is unable to pay any part of the debt, and has no 
reasonable prospect of being able to do so; and
    (iv) The debt or any extension thereof is due and payable under the 
terms of the note or other instrument or due to acceleration by written 
notice prior to the date of application.
    (2) Without application by debtor. Debts may be cancelled upon a 
favorable recommendation of the servicing official in the following 
instances:
    (i) Debtors discharged in bankruptcy. If there is no security for 
the debt, debts discharged in bankruptcy shall be cancelled by the use 
of Form RD 1956-1. A copy of the Bankruptcy Court's Discharge Order 
must be attached.
    (ii) Impractical to obtain debtor's signature. Debts may be 
cancelled if it is impractical to obtain a signed application and the 
requirements of paragraphs (e)(1) of this section are met. Form RD 
1956-1 will document the specific reason(s) why it was impossible or 
impracticable to obtain the signature of the debtor. If the debtor 
refused to sign the application, the reason(s) should be documented.
    (f) Charge-off--(1) Judgment debts. Judgment debts, regardless of 
the amount, may be charged off without the debtor's signature upon a 
favorable recommendation of the servicing official provided:
    (i) The United States Attorney's file is closed, and
    (ii) The requirements of paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section, if 
applicable, have been met, or 2 years have elapsed since any 
collections were made on the judgment. The debtor must also have no 
equity in the property subject to the lien or upon which a lien can be 
obtained.
    (2) Non-judgment debts. Debts that cannot be settled under other 
sections of this part may be charged off without the debtor's signature 
upon a favorable recommendation of the servicing official in the 
following instances:
    (i) When OGC advises in writing that the claim is legally without 
merit or that evidence necessary to prove the claim in court cannot be 
provided; or
    (ii) When there is no known security for the debt, the debtor has 
no other assets from which the debt could be collected, and the debtor:
    (A) Is unable to pay any part of the debt and has no reasonable 
prospect of being able to do so; or
    (B) Is able to pay part or all of the debt but refuses to do so, 
and OGC provides an opinion to the effect that the Government cannot 
enforce collection of a significant amount from assets or income.


Sec.  1782.21  [Reserved]


Sec.  1782.22  Exception authority.

    The Administrator may, in individual cases, make an exception to 
any requirement or provision of this part which is not inconsistent 
with the authorizing statute or other applicable law and is determined 
to be in the Government's interest. Requests for exceptions must be 
made in writing by the State Director and supported with documentation 
to explain the adverse effect on the Government's interest, propose 
alternative course(s) of action, and show how the adverse affect will 
be eliminated or minimized if the exception is granted. The exception 
decision will be documented in writing, signed by the Administrator, 
and retained in the files.


Sec.  1782.23  Use of Rural Development loans and grants for other 
purposes.

    (a) If, after making a loan or a grant, the Administrator 
determines that the circumstances under which the loan or grant was 
made have sufficiently changed to make the project or activity for 
which the loan or grant was made available no longer appropriate, the 
Administrator may allow the borrower or grantee to use property (real 
and personal) purchased or improved with the loan or grant funds, or 
proceeds from the sale of property (real and personal) purchased with 
such funds, for another project or activity that:
    (1) Will be carried out in the same area as the original project or 
activity;
    (2) Meets the criteria for a loan or grant described in section 
381E(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (Pub. L. 87-
128), as amended; and
    (3) Satisfies such additional requirements as are established by 
the Administrator.
    (b) If the new use of the property is under the authority of 
another USDA Agency Administrator, the other Administrator will be 
consulted on whether the new use will meet the criteria of the other 
program. Since the new project or activity must be carried out in the 
same area as the original project or activity, a new rural area 
determination will not be necessary.
    (c) Borrowers and grantees that wish to use the proceeds for other 
purposes may make their request through the appropriate Rural 
Development State Office. Permission to use this option will be 
exercised on a case-by-case-basis on applications submitted through the 
State Office to the Administrator for consideration. If the proposal is 
approved, the Administrator will issue a memorandum to the State 
Director outlining the conditions necessary to complete the 
transaction.


Sec.  1782.24-1782.99  [Reserved]


Sec.  1782.100  OMB Control Number.

    The information collection requirements in this part are approved 
by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and assigned OMB Control 
Number 0572-0137.

CHAPTER XVIII--RURAL HOUSING SERVICE, RURAL BUSINESS--COOPERATIVE 
SERVICE, RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, AND FARM SERVICE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT 
OF AGRICULTURE

PART 1951--SERVICING AND COLLECTIONS

0
2. The authority citation for part 1951 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1932 Note, 7 U.S.C. 1989; 31 
U.S.C. 3716, 42 U.S.C. 1480.

Subpart A--Account Servicing Policies

0
3. Amend Sec.  1951.1 by adding the following sentence to the end of 
the section:


Sec.  1951.1  Purpose.

    * * * This subpart does not apply to Water and Waste Programs of 
the Rural Utilities Service, Watershed loans, or

[[Page 55018]]

Resource Conservation and Development loans, which are serviced under 
part 1782 of this title.

Subpart D--Final Payment on Loans

0
4. Revise Sec.  1951.151 to read as follows:


Sec.  1951.151  Purpose.

    This subpart prescribes authorizations, policies, and procedures of 
the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural 
Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), herein referred to as ``Agency,'' 
for processing final payment on all loans. This subpart does not apply 
to Direct Single Family Housing customers or to the Rural Rental 
Housing, Rural Cooperative Housing, or Farm Labor Housing Program of 
the RHS. This subpart does not apply to Water and Waste Programs of the 
Rural Utilities Service, Watershed loans, and Resource Conservation and 
Development loans, which are serviced under part 1782 of this title.

Subpart E--Servicing of Community and Direct Business Programs 
Loans and Grants

0
5. Revise Sec.  1951.201 to read as follows:


Sec.  1951.201  Purposes.

    This subpart prescribes the Rural Development mission area 
policies, authorizations, and procedures for servicing the following 
programs: Community Facility loans and grants, Rural Business 
Enterprise/Television Demonstration grants; loans for Grazing and other 
shift-in-land-use projects; Association Recreation loans; Association 
Irrigation and Drainage loans; Direct Business loans; Economic 
Opportunity Cooperative loans; Rural Renewal loans; Energy Impacted 
Area Development Assistance Program grants; National Nonprofit 
Corporation grants; System for Delivery of Certain Rural Development 
Programs panel grants; in part 4284 of this title, Rural and 
Cooperative Development Grants, Value-Added Producer Grants, and 
Agriculture Innovation Center Grants. Rural Development State Offices 
act on behalf of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service and the Farm 
Service Agency as to loan and grant programs formerly administered by 
the Farmers Home Administration and the Rural Development 
Administration. Loans sold without insurance to the private sector will 
be serviced in the private sector and will not be serviced under this 
subpart. The provisions of this subpart are not applicable to such 
loans. Future changes to this subpart will not be made applicable to 
such loans. This subpart does not apply to Water and Waste Programs of 
the Rural Utilities Service, Watershed loans, and Resource Conservation 
and Development Loans, which are serviced under part 1782 of this 
title.

0
6. Add Sec.  1951.218 to read as follows:


Sec.  1951.218  Use of Rural Development loans and grants for other 
purposes.

    (a) If, after making a loan or a grant, the Administrator 
determines that the circumstances under which the loan or grant was 
made have sufficiently changed to make the project or activity for 
which the loan or grant was made available no longer appropriate, the 
Administrator may allow the loan borrower or grant recipient to use 
property (real and personal) purchased or improved with the loan or 
grant funds, or proceeds from the sale of property (real and personal) 
purchased with such funds, for another project or activity that:
    (1) Will be carried out in the same area as the original project or 
activity;
    (2) Meets the criteria for a loan or grant described in section 
381E(d) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended; 
and
    (3) Satisfies such additional requirements as are established by 
the Administrator.
    (b) For the purpose of this section, Administrator means the 
Administrator of the Rural Housing Service or Rural Business-
Cooperative Service that has the delegated authority to administer the 
loan or grant program that covers the property or the proceeds from the 
sale of property proposed to be used in another way.
    (c) If the new use of the property is under the authority of 
another Administrator, the other Administrator will be consulted on 
whether the new use will meet the criteria of the other program. Since 
the new project or activity must be carried out in the same area as the 
original project or activity, a new rural area determination will not 
be necessary.
    (d) Borrowers and grantees that wish to take advantage of this 
option may make their request through the appropriate Rural Development 
State Office. Permission to use this option will be exercised on a 
case-by-case-basis on applications submitted through the State Office 
to the Administrator for consideration. If the proposal is approved, 
the Administrator will issue a memorandum to the State Director 
outlining the conditions necessary to complete the transaction.

Subpart F--Analyzing Credit Needs and Graduation of Borrowers

0
7. Revise Sec.  1951.251 to read as follows:


Sec.  1951.251  Purpose.

    This subpart prescribes the policies to be followed when analyzing 
a direct borrower's need for continued Agency supervision, further 
credit, and graduation. All loan accounts will be reviewed for 
graduation in accordance with this subpart, with the exception of 
Guaranteed, Rural Development Loan Funds, and Rural Rental Housing 
loans made to build or acquire new units pursuant to contracts entered 
into on or after December 15, 1989, and Intermediary Relending Program 
loans. The term ``Agency'' used in this subpart refers to the Farm 
Service Agency (FSA), Rural Housing Service (RHS), or Rural Business-
Cooperative Service (RBS), depending upon the loan program discussed 
herein. This subpart does not apply to RHS direct single family housing 
(SFH) customers. In addition, this subpart does not apply to Water and 
Waste Programs of the Rural Utilities Service, Watershed loans, 
Resource Conservation and Development loans, which are serviced under 
part 1782 of this title.

Subpart O--Servicing Cases Where Unauthorized Loan(s) or Other 
Financial Assistance Was Received--Community and Insured Business 
Programs

0
8. Revise Sec.  1951.701 to read as follows:


Sec.  1951.701  Purpose.

    This subpart prescribes the policies and procedures for servicing 
Community and Business Program loans and/or grants made by Rural 
Development when it is determined that the borrower or grantee was not 
eligible for all or part of the financial assistance received in the 
form of a loan, grant, or subsidy granted, or any other direct 
financial assistance. It does not apply to guaranteed loans. Loans sold 
without insurance by Rural Development to the private sector will be 
serviced in the private sector and will not be serviced under this 
subpart. The provisions of this subpart are not applicable to such 
loans. Future changes to this subpart will not be made applicable to 
such loans. This subpart does not apply to Water and Waste Programs of 
the Rural Utilities Service, Watershed loans, and Resource Conservation 
and Development Loans, which are serviced under part 1782 of this 
title.

[[Page 55019]]

PART 1955--PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

0
9. The authority citation for part 1955 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; and 42 U.S.C. 1480.

Subpart A--Liquidation of Loans Secured by Real Estate and 
Acquisition of Real and Chattel Property

0
10. Revise Sec.  1955.1 to read as follows:


Sec.  1955.1  Purpose.

    This subpart delegates authority and prescribes procedures for the 
liquidation of loans to individuals and to organizations as identified 
in Sec.  1955.3 of this subpart. It pertains to the Farm Credit 
programs of the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Multi-Family Housing (MFH) 
and Community Facility (CF) programs of the Rural Housing Service 
(RHS), and direct programs of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service 
(RBS). Guaranteed RBS loans are liquidated upon direction from the 
Deputy Administrator, Business Programs, RBS. This subpart does not 
apply to RHS single family housing loans, or to CF loans sold without 
insurance in the private sector. These CF loans will be serviced in the 
private sector, and future revisions to this subpart no longer apply to 
such loans. This subpart does not apply to the Rural Rental Housing, 
Rural Cooperative Housing, or Farm Labor Housing Programs of RHS. In 
addition, this subpart does not apply to Water and Waste Programs of 
the Rural Utilities Service, Watershed loans, and Resource Conservation 
and Development loans, which are serviced under part 1782 of this 
title.

Subpart B--Management of Property

0
11. Revise the introductory text of Sec.  1955.51 to read as follows:


Sec.  1955.51  Purpose.

    This subpart delegates authority and prescribes policies and 
procedures for the Rural Housing Service (RHS), Rural Business-
Cooperative Service (RBS), and Farm Service Agency (FSA), herein 
referred to as ``Agency.'' This subpart does not apply to RHS single 
family housing loans or community program loans sold without insurance 
to the private sector. These community program loans will be serviced 
by the private sector, and future revisions to this subpart no longer 
apply to such loans. This subpart does not apply to the Rural Rental 
Housing, Rural Cooperative Housing, or Farm Labor Housing Program of 
RHS. In addition, this subpart does not apply to Water and Waste 
Programs of the Rural Utilities Service, Watershed loans, and Resource 
Conservation and Development loans, which are serviced under part 1782 
of this title. This subpart covers:
* * * * *

Subpart C--Disposal of Inventory Property

0
12. Revise Sec.  1955.101 to read as follows:


Sec.  1955.101  Purpose.

    This subpart delegates program authority and prescribes policies 
and procedures for the sale of inventory property including real 
estate, related real estate rights, and chattels. It also covers the 
granting of easements and rights-of-way on inventory property. Credit 
sales of inventory property to ineligible (non-program (NP)) purchasers 
will be handled in accordance with Subpart J of Part 1951 of this 
chapter, except Community and Business Programs (C&BP) and Multi-Family 
Housing (MFH) which will be handled in accordance with this Subpart. In 
addition, credit sales of Single Family Housing (SFH) properties 
converted to MFH will be handled in accordance with this Subpart. This 
subpart does not apply to Single Family Housing (SFH) inventory 
property or to the Rural Rental Housing, Rural Cooperative Housing, and 
Farm Labor Housing Programs. In addition, this subpart does not apply 
to Water and Waste Programs of the Rural Utilities Service, Watershed 
loans, and Resource Conservation and Development loans, which are 
serviced under part 1782 of this title.

PART 1956--DEBT SETTLEMENT

0
13. The authority citation for part 1956 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1981; 31 U.S.C 3711; 42 U.S.C. 
1480.

Subpart C--Debt Settlement--Community and Business Programs

0
14. Revise Sec.  1956.101 to read as follows:


Sec.  1956.101  Purpose.

    This subpart delegates authority and prescribes policies and 
procedures for debt settlement of Community Facility loans; Association 
Recreation loans; Rural Renewal loans; direct Business and Industry 
loans; and Shift-in-land-use loans. Settlement of Economic Opportunity 
Cooperative loans, Claims Against Third Party Converters, Non-program 
loans, Rural Business Enterprise/Television Demonstration Grants, Rural 
Development Loan Fund loans, Intermediary Relending Program loans, 
Nonprofit National Corporations Loans and Grants, and 601 Energy Impact 
Assistance Grants, is not authorized under independent statutory 
authority, and settlement under these programs is handled pursuant to 
the Federal Claims Collection Joint Standards, 4 CFR parts 101-105, as 
described in Sec.  1956.147 of this subpart. In addition, this subpart 
does not apply to Water and Waste Programs of the Rural Utilities 
Service, Watershed loans, and Resource Conservation and Development 
loans, which are serviced under part 1782 of this title.

    Dated: September 12, 2007.
Thomas C. Dorr,
Under Secretary, Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 07-4756 Filed 9-27-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P