Repeal of Regulations Concerning the Rural Telephone Bank, the Public Television Station Digital Transition Grant Program, and the Local Television Loan Guarantee Program, 59919-59923 [2019-24310]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Rural Utilities Service

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 216 (Thursday, November 7, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59919-59923]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-24310]



========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 216 / Thursday, November 7, 2019 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 59919]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Parts 1600, 1610, 1700, 1735, 1737, 1740, 1744, 1751, 2003, 
2200 and 2201

[Docket No. RUS-19-Telecom-0026]
RIN 0572-AC38


Repeal of Regulations Concerning the Rural Telephone Bank, the 
Public Television Station Digital Transition Grant Program, and the 
Local Television Loan Guarantee Program

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This final rule informs the public that the Rural Utilities 
Service (RUS or Agency) is repealing the Rural Telephone Bank, Public 
Television Station Digital Transition Grant Program and the Local 
Television Loan Guarantee Program from the Code of Federal Regulations 
(CFR). This action removes expired and terminated programs from the CFR 
as repealed by the 2018 Agricultural Improvement Act (2018 Farm Bill). 
The statutory changes result from the 2018 Farm Bill. Additionally, 
conforming changes are being made to other regulations as a result of 
the aforementioned statutory changes.

DATES: This final rule will be effective January 6, 2020.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas P. Dickson, Rural Development 
Innovation Center--Regulatory Team 2, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue 
SW, STOP 1522, South Building, Washington, DC 20250-1522. Telephone: 
(202) 690-4492. Email to [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The purpose of the Rural Telephone Bank (RTB) was to make loans for 
telecommunications infrastructure purposes. On October 1, 2005, the RTB 
ceased all business operations and began dissolution of equity to its 
stockholders, and in November 2007, the RTB was completely liquidated. 
For over a decade, the RTB statute remained, although the bank had 
ceased to exist. The 2018 Farm Bill repealed the provisions of the 
Rural Electrification Act of 1936 that created the RTB.
    The purpose of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Public Television 
Station Digital Transition Grant Program (Grant Program) was to enable 
public television stations serving rural areas to transition from 
broadcasting in analog to digital, as required under the Federal 
Communications Commission (FCC) rules, by awarding grants through a 
competitive process. While stations were required to broadcast their 
main transmitter signal in digital, many rural stations had not 
completed the transition of all their equipment, especially 
translators. In 2011, the FCC adopted a final deadline to convert all 
translators by September 1, 2015. The RUS program was expired in 2015.
    The purpose of the Local Television Loan Guarantee Program was to 
facilitate access, on a technology neutral basis by December 31, 2006, 
to signals of local television stations for households located in non-
served areas and underserved areas. Although regulations and a notice 
were published, this program did not receive viable applications. As a 
result, the program was never funded.
    The 2018 Farm Bill repealed all programs mentioned above and so RUS 
is adjusting the CFR accordingly to remove these programs. Along with 
the removal of these programs, several rules needed to be modified as 
well, since they mention the repealed programs. These include 7 CFR 
parts 1700, 1735, 1737, 1744, 1751, and 2003. Accordingly, the 
corresponding provisions in the above-referenced regulations are being 
amended to remove any reference to the programs mentioned above.

Executive Order 12866 and 13563

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulations are necessary, to select regulatory approaches that 
maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, 
public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). 
Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both 
costs and benefits, reducing costs, harmonizing rules, and promoting 
flexibility. This rule has been determined not to be significant for 
purposes of Executive Order 13563. Accordingly, the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) has waived the review process.

Congressional Review Act

    Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 
the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs designated this rule 
as not a major rule, as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).

Executive Order 12372

    This final rule is excluded from the scope of Executive Order 
12372, Intergovernmental Consultation, which may require consultation 
with State and local officials. See the final rule related notice 
entitled, ``Department Programs and Activities Excluded from Executive 
Order 12372'' (50 FR 47034).

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
chapter 35), it has been determined that this rule will not change the 
information collection and recordkeeping requirements previously 
approved and will not impose additional reporting or recordkeeping 
burden on users.
    The Agency will request the current information collection and 
recordkeeping requirements for 7 CFR 1740, approved by OMB under 47 
U.S.C. 1101 and assigned OMB Control Number 0572-0134 to be retired 
with this final rule.
    The information collection and recordkeeping requirements of 7 CFR 
parts 2200 and 2201 were approved by OMB under 47 U.S.C. 1101 and was 
assigned OMB Control Number 0572-0135. This information collection was 
retired by OMB on December 31, 2006.

Executive Order 12988

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil 
Justice Reform. This rule is not intended to have retroactive effect. 
There are no civil justice implications associated with this direct 
final rule.

[[Page 59920]]

Civil Rights Review

    RUS has considered the potential civil rights implications of this 
rule on minorities, women, or persons with disabilities to ensure that 
no person or group shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, 
color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual 
orientation, marital or family status, political beliefs, parental 
status, or protected genetic information. This rule does not require 
affected entities to relocate or alter their operations in ways that 
could adversely affect such persons or groups. Further, this rule will 
not deny any persons or groups the benefits of a program or subject any 
persons or groups to discrimination.

Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, which directs agencies to construe, in regulations and 
otherwise, a Federal statue to preempt state law only when the statue 
contains an express preemption provision. There are no federalism 
implications associated with this rule.

List of Subjects

7 CFR Part 1600

    Sunshine Act.

7 CFR Part 1610

    Loan programs-communications, Rural areas, Telephone.

7 CFR Part 1700

    Administrative practice and procedure, Authority delegations 
(Government agencies), Electric power, Grant programs-energy, Loan 
programs-energy, Organization and functions (Government agencies).

7 CFR Part 1735

    Loan programs-communications, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Rural areas, Telephone.

7 CFR Part 1737

    Loan programs-communications, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Rural areas, Telephone.

7 CFR Part 1740

    Communications, Grant programs, Rural areas, Television.

7 CFR Part 1744

    Accounting, Loan programs-communications, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Rural areas, Telephone.

7 CFR Part 1751

    Communications equipment, Loan programs-communications, Rural 
areas, Telephone.

7 CFR Part 2003

    Organization and functions (Government agencies), Freedom of 
information, Rural areas, Volunteers.

7 CFR Parts 2200 and 2201

    Loan programs-communications, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Rural areas, Telecommunications, Television.

    Therefore, chapters XVI, XVII, XVIII, and XX of title 7 of the Code 
of Regulations are amended as follows:

Subtitle B--Regulations of the Department of Agriculture

Chapter XVI [Removed and Reserved]

0
1. Under the authority of section 6602, Public Law 115-334, 132 Stat. 
4490 7 CFR chapter XVI, consisting of parts 1600 through 1699, is 
removed and reserved.

Chapter XVII--Rural Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture

PART 1700--GENERAL INFORMATION

0
2. The authority citation for part 1700 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 552; 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 1921 et 
seq., 6941 et seq.; 7 CFR 2.7.

Subpart A--General

0
3. Amend Sec.  1700.1 by revising paragraph (b) and removing paragraph 
(c).
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  1700.1  General.

* * * * *
    (b) The Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) established the Rural 
Utilities Service (RUS) on October 20, 1994, pursuant to the Department 
of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, (7 U.S.C. 6941 et. seq.). 
RUS was assigned responsibility for administering electric and 
telecommunications loan and loan guarantee programs previously 
administered by REA, including water and waste loans and grants 
previously administered by the Rural Development Administration, along 
with other functions as the Secretary determined appropriate. The 
rights, interests, obligations, duties, and contracts previously vested 
in REA were transferred to, and vested in RUS.

Subpart B--Agency Organization and Functions

0
4. Amend Sec.  1700.25 by revising the first two sentences to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1700.25  Office of the Administrator.

    The Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is appointed 
by the President. The Under Secretary, Rural Development delegated to 
the Administrator, in 7 CFR part 2, responsibility for administering 
the programs and activities of RUS. * * *

0
5. Amend Sec.  1700.29 by revising the introductory text to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1700.29  Telecommunications Program.

    RUS, through the Telecommunications Program, make loans and loan 
guarantees to furnish and improve telecommunications service in rural 
areas.
* * * * *

PART 1735--GENERAL POLICIES, TYPES OF LOANS, LOAN REQUIREMENTS--
TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM

0
6. The authority citation for part 1735 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 1921 et seq., and 6941 et seq.

Subpart A--General

0
7. Amend Sec.  1 735.2 by revising the definitions of ``economic life'' 
and ``RUS cost-of-money loan'' and removing the definition of ``RTB 
loan''.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  1735.2  Definitions

* * * * *
    Economic life as applied to facilities financed by loan funds, 
means the number of years resulting from dividing 100 percent by the 
depreciation rate (expressed as a percent) approved by the regulatory 
body with jurisdiction over the telephone service provided by the 
borrower for the class of facility involved or, if no approved rate 
exists, by the median depreciation rate expressed as a percent as 
published by RUS in its Statistical Report, Rural Telephone Borrowers 
for all RUS borrowers for that class of facility.
* * * * *
    RUS cost-of-money loan means a loan made under section 305(d)(2) of 
the RE Act bearing an interest rate as determined under Sec.  
1735.31(c).
* * * * *

[[Page 59921]]

Subpart B--Loan Purpose and Basic Policy

0
8. Amend Sec.  1735.10 by revising paragraphs (b) and (e) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1735.10  General.

* * * * *
    (b) RUS will not make hardship loans or RUS cost-of-money loans for 
any wireline local exchange service or similar fixed-station voice 
service that, in RUS' opinion, is inconsistent with the borrower 
achieving the requirements stated in the State's telecommunication 
modernization plan within the time frame stated in the plan (see 7 CFR 
part 1751, subpart B), unless RUS has determined that achieving the 
requirements as stated in such plan is not technically or economically 
feasible.
* * * * *
    (e) No fees or charges are assessed for any type of loan or 
guarantee provided by RUS.
* * * * *

0
9. Amend Sec.  1735.17 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  1735.17  Facilities financed.

* * * * *
    (b) RUS makes RUS cost-of-money to finance the improvement, 
expansion, construction, and acquisition of systems or facilities 
(excluding station apparatus owned by the borrower, headquarters 
facilities, and vehicles not used primarily in construction) to furnish 
and improve telephone service in rural areas, except as noted under 
paragraph (c) of this section.
* * * * *

Subpart C--Types of Loans

0
10. Amend Sec.  1735.30 by revising paragraphs (b)(2), (f), and (g) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  1735.30  Hardship loans.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (2) Those facilities may, however, be financed with a RUS cost-of-
money loans or a guaranteed loan if the borrower is eligible for such 
financing.
* * * * *
    (f) On request of any borrower who is eligible for a hardship loan 
for which funds are not available, the borrower shall be considered to 
have applied for a RUS cost-of-money loans under sections 305 of the RE 
Act.
    (g) Hardship loans may be made simultaneously with a RUS cost-of-
money loans or guaranteed loans.
0
11. Amend Sec.  1735.31 by revising the section heading, paragraphs (a) 
introductory text, (b), (c) introductory text, and (d) through (f) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  1735.31  RUS cost-of-money.

    (a) RUS makes cost-of-money loans, under section 305(d)(2) of the 
RE Act. To qualify for cost-of-money loans, a borrower must meet each 
of the following requirements:
* * * * *
    (b) To determine the RUS cost-of-money, the total loan amount will 
be multiplied by the ratio of RUS cost-of-money funds appropriated for 
the fiscal year to the sum of RUS cost-of-money funds appropriated for 
the fiscal year in which the loan is approved. If during the fiscal 
year the amount of funds appropriated changes, the ratio will be 
adjusted accordingly and applied only to those loans approved 
afterwards.
    (c) The RUS cost-of-money loan shall bear interest as described in 
paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section.
* * * * *
    (d) Generally, no more than 10 percent of lending authority from 
appropriations in any fiscal year for RUS cost-of-money loans may be 
loaned to a single borrower. RUS will publish by notice in the Federal 
Register the dollar limit that may be loaned to a single borrower in 
that particular fiscal year based on approved RUS lending authority.
    (e) On request of any borrower who is eligible for RUS cost-of-
money loans for which funds are not available, the borrower shall be 
considered to have applied for a loan guarantee under section 306 of 
the RE Act.
    (f) RUS cost-of-money loans may be made simultaneously with 
hardship loans or guaranteed loans.

0
12. Amend Sec.  1735.32 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  1735.32   Guaranteed loans.

    (a) General. Loan guarantees under this section will be considered 
for only those borrowers specifically requesting a guarantee. Borrowers 
may also specify that the loan to be guaranteed shall be made by the 
Federal Financing Bank (FFB). RUS provides loan guarantees pursuant to 
section 306 of the RE Act. Guaranteed loans may be made simultaneously 
with hardship loans or RUS cost-of-money loans. No fees or charges are 
assessed for any guarantee of a loan provided by RUS. In view of the 
Government's guarantee, RUS generally obtains a first lien on all 
assets of the borrower (see Sec.  1735.46).
* * * * *

Subpart D--Terms of Loans

0
13. Amend Sec.  1735.43 by revising paragraphs (b) through (e) and 
removing paragraph (f).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  1735.43  Payments on Loans.

* * * * *
    (b) Borrowers that have demonstrated to the satisfaction of the 
Administrator an inability to maintain the funded reserve or net plant 
to secured debt ratio requirements, if any, contained in their 
mortgage, may elect to replace notes with an original maturity that 
exceeded the composite economic life of the facilities financed with 
notes bearing a shorter maturity approximating the expected composite 
economic life of the facilities financed, if this will result in a 
shorter maturity for the loan. The principal balance of the notes 
(hereinafter in this section called the ``refunding notes'') issued to 
refund and substitute for the original notes would be the unpaid 
principal balance of the original notes. The refunding notes would 
mature at a date no later than the remaining economic life of the 
facilities financed by the loan, plus three years, as determined by the 
original feasibility study prepared in connection with the loan. 
Interest on the original note must continue to be paid through the 
closing date. All other payment terms, including the rate of interest 
on the refunding notes, would remain unchanged. Disposition of funds in 
the funded reserve will be determined by RUS at the closing date. RUS 
will notify the borrower in writing of the amendment of loan payment 
requirements and the terms and conditions thereof.
    (c) A borrower qualifying under paragraph (b) of this section shall 
not be required to pay a prepayment premium on such portion of the 
payments under its new notes as exceeds the payments required under the 
notes being replaced.
    (d) To apply for refunding notes, borrowers must send to the Area 
Office the following:
    (1) A certified copy of a board resolution requesting an amendment 
of loan payment requirements and that certain notes be replaced;
    (2) If applicable, evidence of approval by the regulatory body with 
jurisdiction over the telecommunications service provided by the 
borrower to issue refunding notes; and
    (3) Such other documents as may be required by the RUS.
    (e) Principal and interest will be repaid in accordance with the 
terms of the notes. Generally, interest is payable each month as it 
accrues. Principal

[[Page 59922]]

payments on each note generally are scheduled to begin 2 years after 
the date of the note. After this deferral period, interest and 
principal payments on all funds advanced during this 2-year period are 
scheduled in equal monthly installments. Principal payments on funds 
advanced 2 years or more after the date of the note will begin with the 
first billing after the advance. The interest and principal payments on 
each of these advances will be scheduled in equal monthly installments. 
This CFR part supersedes those portions of RUS Bulletin 320-12, ``Loan 
Payments and Statements'' with which it is in conflict.

0
14. Revise Sec.  1735.44 to read as follows:


Sec.  1735.44   Prepayment premiums.

    The loan documents normally provide that RUS insured loans may be 
repaid in full at any time without prepayment premiums. Depending upon 
the lender, there may be prepayment premiums on loans guaranteed by 
RUS. See RUS Bulletin 320-12 for additional information. This CFR part 
supersedes those portions of RUS Bulletin 320-12, ``Loan Payments and 
Statements,'' with which it is in conflict.

0
15. Amend Sec.  1735.46 by revising paragraph (f) to read as follows:


Sec.  1735.46   Loan security documents.

* * * * *
    (f) This section does not limit the rights of any parties to the 
mortgage other than RUS.

0
16. Amend Sec.  1735.47 by revising paragraph (a)(2) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1735.47   Rescissions of loans.

    (a) * * *
    (2) Sufficient funds are available from sources other than RUS or 
FFB to complete the purposes of the loan being rescinded; or
* * * * *

PART 1737--PRE-LOAN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES COMMON TO INSURED AND 
GUARANTEED TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOANS

0
17. The authority citation for part 1737 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 1921 et seq.; Pub. L. 103-354, 
108 Stat. 3178 (7 U.S.C. 6941 et. seq.).

Subpart A--General

0
18. Amend Sec.  1737.2 by revising the definition of ``RUS cost-of-
money loan'' and removing the definition of ``RTB loan''.
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  1737.2  Definitions.

* * * * *
    RUS cost-of-money loan means a loan made under section 305(d)(2) of 
the RE Act bearing an interest rate as determined under 7 CFR 
1735.31(c).
* * * * *

Subpart B--Preapplication Stage

0
19. Amend Sec.  1737.11 by revising paragraph (i) to read as follows:


Sec.  1737.11   Preapplication determinations.

* * * * *
    (i) Telecommunications modernization plan. A borrower applying for 
hardship or concurrent RUS cost-of-money loans should refer to 7 CFR 
part 1751, subpart B.

Subpart G--Project Cost Estimation Procedures

0
20. Amend Sec.  1737.60 by revising the last sentence in paragraph (a) 
introductory text and paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) to read as follows:


Sec.  1737.60  Telephone loan budget.

    (a) * * * The amount of funds included in any loan shall be limited 
for certain items:
    (1) Operating funds for working capital or current operating 
deficiencies shall be included only in cases of financial hardship as 
determined by the Administrator.
    (2) Contingencies shall not exceed 3 percent of the total amount of 
loan funds to be used for construction, engineering, operating 
equipment and operating funds.
* * * * *

Subpart H--Feasibility Determination Procedures

0
21. Amend Sec.  1737.71 by revising the first sentence of paragraph (a) 
to read as follows:


Sec.  1737.71  Interest rate to be considered for the purpose of 
assessing feasibility for loans

    (a) For purposes of determining the creditworthiness of a borrower 
for RUS cost-of-money, the Administrator shall assume that the loan, if 
made, would bear interest at the Treasury rate on the date of 
determination as described in paragraph (b) of this section. * * *
* * * * *

PART 1740--[REMOVED AND RESERVED]

0
22. Under the authority of section 6602, Pub. L. 115-334, 132 Stat. 
4490, part 1740 is removed and reserved.

PART 1744--POST-LOAN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES COMMON TO GUARANTEED 
AND INSURED TELEPHONE LOANS

0
23. The authority citation for part 1744 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 1921 et seq., and 6941 et seq.

Subpart B--Lien Accommodations and Subordination Policy

0
24. Amend Sec.  1744.21 by revising the definitions of 
``Administrator'', ``Advance'', ``RE Act (Act)'', and ``RUS'' to read 
as follows:


Sec.  1744.21   Definitions.

* * * * *
    Administrator means the Administrator of RUS.
    Advance means transferring funds from RUS or a lender guaranteed by 
RUS to the borrower's construction fund.
* * * * *
    RE Act (Act) means the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 
901 et. seq.).
    RUS means the Rural Utilities Service, and includes its 
predecessor, the Rural Electrification Administration.
* * * * *

Subpart C--Advance and Disbursement of Funds

0
25. Amend Sec.  1744.67 by revising the paragraph (a)(2) introductory 
text to read as follows:


Sec.  1744.67  Temporary excess construction funds.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (2) With RUS cost-of-money or FFB loan funds, the following apply:
* * * * *

0
26. Amend Sec.  1744.68 by revising paragraphs (a) introductory text 
and (a)(1), and the first sentence of paragraph (d) to read as follows:


Sec.  1744.68   Order and method of advances of telephone loan funds.

    (a) Borrowers may specify the sequence of advances of funds under 
any combination of approved telephone loans from RUS or FFB, except 
that for all loans approved on or after November 1, 1993, the borrower 
may use loan funds:
    (1) Only for purposes for which that type of loan (i.e. Hardship, 
RUS cost-of-money, or FFB) may be made; and
* * * * *
    (d) Borrowers of RUS funds may request advances by wire service 
only

[[Page 59923]]

for amounts greater than $500,000 or for advances to borrowers outside 
the Continental United States. * * *
* * * * *

Subpart E--Borrower Investments


Sec.  1744.200  [Amended]

0
27. Amend Sec.  1744.200 by removing paragraph (b).

0
28. Amend Sec.  1744.201 by revising the definitions of 
``Administrator'' and ``Borrower'' and removing the definition of 
``RTB''.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  1744.201   Definitions.

* * * * *
    Administrator means the Administrator of the Rural Utilities 
Service (RUS).
* * * * *
    Borrower means any organization which has an outstanding loan made 
by RUS or guaranteed by RUS, or which is seeking such financing.
* * * * *

PART 1751--TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM PLANNING AND DESIGN CRITERIA, 
AND PROCEDURES

0
29. The authority citation for part 1751 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., 1921 et seq.; Pub. L. 103-354, 
108 Stat. 3178 (7 U.S.C. 6941 et seq.).

0
30. Amend Sec.  1751.100 by revising the definitions of ``Borrower'' 
and ``RUS cost-of-money loan'' and removing the definition of ``RTB 
loan''.
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  1751.100  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Borrower. Any organization that has received a RUS loan designation 
number and which has an outstanding telephone loan made by RUS or 
guaranteed by RUS, or which has a completed loan application with RUS.
* * * * *
    RUS cost-of-money loan. A loan made under section 305(d)(2) of the 
RE Act bearing interest as determined under 7 CFR 1735.31(c).
* * * * *

0
31. Amend Sec.  1751.103 by revising the second sentence in paragraph 
(a) introductory text to read as follows:


Sec.  1751.103  Loan and loan advance requirements.

    (a) * * *. In particular, beginning February 13, 1996, RUS will 
make RUS hardship and RUS cost-of-money loans for facilities and other 
RE Act purposes in a State only if:
* * * * *
    Chapter XVIII--Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service, Rural Utilities Service, and Farm Service Agency, Department 
of Agriculture

Subchapter I--Administrative Regulations

PART 2003--ORGANIZATION

0
32. The authority citation for part 2003 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 6941; and 7 CFR 2.17.


Sec.  2003.1  [Amended]

0
33. Amend Sec.  2003.1 by removing the definition of ``RTB''.

0
34. Amend Sec.  2003.22 by revising paragraphs (b) introductory text, 
(b)(3) introductory text, and (b)(3)(iii) to read as follows:


Sec.  2003.22  - Functional organization of RUS.

* * * * *
    (b) Office of the Administrator. According to 7 CFR 2.47, the 
Administrator has responsibility for managing and administering the 
programs and support functions of RUS to provide financial and 
technical support for rural infrastructure to include electrification, 
clean drinking water, telecommunications, and water disposal systems, 
pursuant to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended 
(7 U.S.C. 1921 et. seq.), and the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as 
amended (7 U.S.C. 901 et. seq.). The office develops and implements 
strategic plans concerning the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as 
amended.
* * * * *
    (3) Office of Assistant Administrator--Telecommunications Program. 
Headed by the Assistant Administrator--Telecommunications Program, this 
office is responsible to the Administrator for directing and 
coordinating the National Rural Telecommunications, Distance Learning, 
and Telemedicine programs of RUS. The Assistant Administrator, 
Telecommunications Program, is responsible for developing, maintaining, 
and implementing regulations and program procedures on the processing 
and approval of grants, loans, and loan-related activities for all 
rural telecommunications borrowers and grant recipients. The office 
directs the following three divisions:
* * * * *
    (iii) Telecommunications Area Offices. Headed by area directors, 
these four offices are responsible for administering the 
Telecommunications, Distance Learning, and Telemedicine programs for 
specific geographic areas, and serving as the single point of contact 
for all program applicants and borrowers within their respective areas. 
The offices provide guidance to applicants and borrowers on RUS loan 
policies and procedures and make recommendations to the Administrator 
on applications for loans, guarantees, and grants. The offices assure 
that borrower systems and facilities are designed and constructed in 
accordance with the terms of the loan, acceptable engineering practices 
and specifications, and acceptable loan security standards.
* * * * *

Chapter XX--[Removed and Reserved]

0
35. Under the authority of section 6602, Pub. L. 115-334, 132 Stat. 
4490, 7 CFR chapter XX, consisting of parts 2200 through 2299, is 
removed and reserved.

Chad Rupe,
Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-24310 Filed 11-6-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-15-P