Technical Assistance Grants, 82482-82484 [2024-23512]

Download as PDF ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 82482 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 198 / Friday, October 11, 2024 / Rules and Regulations this section to the parent agency head, the head of the Recognized Statistical Agency or Unit, the Chief Statistician of the United States, and relevant congressional committees. For purposes of this review, the head of the Recognized Statistical Agency or Unit is considered a responsible official. The Inspector General shall include in the report a summary of major findings and, if deficiencies are identified during the review, a set of recommendations for improving compliance with this part. (d) Role of the Chief Statistician of the United States. The Chief Statistician of the United States will: (1) Engage with each Recognized Statistical Agency and Unit and parent agency to address any deficiencies identified in the report; (2) Publicly post a list of recommendations appropriate for public dissemination made to each agency and the status of the agency in addressing each recommendation on https:// www.StatsPolicy.gov or any successor website; (3) Make available appropriate materials, training, and other relevant resources to the Council for Inspector General Integrity and Efficiency regarding statistical laws and practices; and (4) Include standards for remedial actions for a Recognized Statistical Agency or Unit for persistent failures to comply with this part in the guidance to implement the Recognized Statistical Agency or Unit designation process required under 44 U.S.C. 3562(a). (e) Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency. Not later than December 10, 2026, the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, in consultation with the Chief Statistician of the United States and with consideration given to the available resources and independence of individual Offices of Inspectors General, must: (1) Develop and promulgate guidance that specifies procedures for the compliance review, and compliance determinations required under paragraph (a) of this section and a standardized format for reports required under paragraph (c) of this section to ensure consistency across agencies; (2) Establish a working group for Inspectors General responsible for conducting reviews under this section to assist the Inspectors General in developing the expertise in statistical laws and processes necessary to ensure the integrity of statistical agencies; and (3) Regularly consult with the Chief Statistician of the United States on the appropriate interpretation and VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:13 Oct 10, 2024 Jkt 265001 application of statistical laws and practices. Shalanda D. Young, Director, Office of Management and Budget. [FR Doc. 2024–23536 Filed 10–10–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3110–01–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service 7 CFR Parts 1775 [Docket Number: RUS–24–WATER–0031] Technical Assistance Grants Rural Utilities Service, USDA. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The Rural Utilities Services (RUS or Agency), an agency in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Mission area, is issuing a final rule to update the Water and Environmental Programs’ (WEP) Technical Assistance Grants regulation by updating the audit and financial statement language to align with the Office of Management and Budgets (OMB) 2024 revisions. DATES: Effective date: October 11, 2024. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michele Brooks, Assistant Administrator, Water and Environmental Programs, United States Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1548, Room 4121-South Building, Washington, DC 20250–1548. Telephone: (202) 692–0308. Email: michele.brooks@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: I. Background RD is a mission area within USDA comprised of the RUS, the Rural Business-Cooperative Service and Rural Housing Service that strives to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for all rural Americans. RD invests in rural America with loan, grant, and loan guarantee programs to help drive economic security and prosperity. Rural communities obtain the technical assistance and financing necessary to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems through RUS WEP. Safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal systems are vital not only to public health, but also to the economic vitality of rural America. RD is a leader in helping rural America improve the quality of life and increase the economic opportunities for rural people. PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 OMB revised several parts of OMB Guidance for Grants and Agreements which is now called OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance and is located in title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The revisions were published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2024, at 89 FR 30046. The revisions must be implemented by October 1, 2024, but can be implemented any time after June 21, 2024. This final rule is being published as a technical/administrative correction to ensure the Agency’s audit and financial statement requirements align with the OMB revisions made to 2 CFR part 200. II. Summary of Changes Section 1775.21(a) and (b) were updated to remove the $750,000 monetary amount in order to reference the current Single Audit threshold and to amend the audit submission deadline. The audit submission requirement was updated to be thirty (30) calendar days after the auditee receives the auditor’s report or nine (9) months after the end of the grantee’s fiscal year, whichever is earlier. These changes were made to align with the updates to 2 CFR part 200. III. Executive Orders Executive Order 12866—Classification This final rule is exempt from OMB review for purposes of Executive Order 12866 and, therefore, has not been reviewed by OMB. Congressional Review Act This rule is not subject to the Congressional Review Act (‘‘CRA’’) (5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), as the CRA provides an exemption for any rule relating to agency management or personnel and for rules relating to agency organization, procedure, or practice that does not substantially affect the rights or obligations of non-agency parties. Assistance Listing Number (Formally Known as the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance) The Assistance Listing Numbers assigned to the programs affected by this final rule are 10.761—Technical Assistance and Training Grants and 10.762—Solid Waste Management Systems Grants. The Assistance Listings are available at SAM.gov. Executive Order 12372— Intergovernmental Consultation The Assistance Listing Numbers are 10.761 and 10.762 for these programs and are subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372 which requires E:\FR\FM\11OCR1.SGM 11OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 198 / Friday, October 11, 2024 / Rules and Regulations intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials Paperwork Reduction Act This final rule contains no reporting or recordkeeping provisions under OMB Control Number 0572–0112 requiring OMB approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35). National Environmental Policy Act In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, Public Law 91–190, this final rule has been reviewed in accordance with 7 CFR part 1970 (‘‘Environmental Policies and Procedures’’). The Agency has determined that: (i) This action meets the criteria established in 7 CFR 1970.53(f); (ii) No extraordinary circumstances exist; and (iii) The action is not ‘‘connected’’ to other actions with potentially significant impacts, is not considered a ‘‘cumulative action’’ and is not precluded by 40 CFR 1506.1. Therefore, the Agency has determined that the action does not have a significant effect on the human environment, and therefore neither an Environmental Assessment nor an Environmental Impact Statement is required. Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification RUS certifies that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, as defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). The RUS Water and Waste loan and grant programs provide loans to borrowers at interest rates and terms that are more favorable than those generally available from the private sector. RUS borrowers, as a result of obtaining Federal financing, receive economic benefits that exceed any direct economic costs associated with complying with RUS regulations and requirements. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 Administrative Pay-As-You-Go-Act of 2023 Section 270 of the Administrative Pay-As-You-Go-Act of 2023 (Pub. L. 118–5, div. B, title III, 137 Stat 31) amended 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(2)(A) to require U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess agency compliance with the Act, which establishes requirements for administrative actions that affect direct spending, in GAO’s major rule reports. The Act does not apply to this rule because it does not increase direct spending. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:13 Oct 10, 2024 Jkt 265001 Executive Order 12988—Civil Justice Reform This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988. In accordance with this rule: (1) unless otherwise specifically provided, all State and local laws that conflict with this rule will be preempted; (2) no retroactive effect will be given to this rule except as specifically prescribed in the rule; and (3) administrative proceedings of the National Appeals Division of the Department of Agriculture (7 CFR part 11) must be exhausted before bringing suit in court that challenges action taken under this rule. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act This final rule contains no Federal Mandates (under the regulatory provision of title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. chapter 25) for State, local, and Tribal governments, or the private sector. Thus, this final rule is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. Executive Order 13132—Federalism The policies contained in this rule do not have any substantial direct effect on 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 the States is not required. Executive Order 13175—Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments This Executive order imposes requirements on RUS in the development of regulatory policies that have Tribal implications or preempt Tribal laws. The Agency has determined that the final rule does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribe(s) or on either the relationship or the distribution of powers and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus, this final rule is not subject to the requirements of Executive Order 13175. If Tribal leaders are interested in consulting with the Agencies on this final rule, they are encouraged to contact USDA’s Office of Tribal Relations or RD’s Native American Coordinator at: AIAN@usda.gov to request such a consultation. E-Government Act Compliance RD is committed to the E-Government Act, which requires Government PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 82483 agencies in general to provide the public the option of submitting information or transacting business electronically to the maximum extent possible and to promote the use of the internet and other information technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen access to Government information and services, and for other purposes. Civil Rights Impact Analysis RD has reviewed this final rule in accordance with USDA Regulation 4300–4, Civil Rights Impact Analysis, to identify any major civil rights impacts the rule might have on program participants on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex, disability, marital or familial status. Based on the review and analysis of the rule and all available data, issuance of this final rule is not likely to negatively impact low and moderate-income populations, minority populations, women, Indian tribes or persons with disability, by virtue of their age, race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or marital or familial status. No major civil rights impact is likely to result from this final rule. USDA Non-Discrimination Statement In accordance with Federal civil rights laws and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Mission Areas, agencies, staff offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the responsible Mission Area, agency, or staff office; or the 711 Relay Service. To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should complete a Form AD–3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online at www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/ E:\FR\FM\11OCR1.SGM 11OCR1 82484 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 198 / Friday, October 11, 2024 / Rules and Regulations documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632–9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD– 3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: (1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250–9410; or (2) Fax: (833) 256–1665 or (202) 690– 7442; or (3) Email: Program.Intake@usda.gov. Business and industry, Community development, Community facilities, Grant programs—housing and community development, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Rural areas, Waste treatment and disposal, Water supply, Watersheds. Accordingly, for the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Agency amends 7 CFR part 1775 as follows: PART 1775—TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS 1. The authority citation for part 1775 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 16 U.S.C. 1005. Subpart B—Grant Application Processing 2. Amend § 1775.21 by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as follows: ■ Audit or financial statements. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with RULES1 * * * * * (a) In accordance with subpart F of 2 CFR part 200, as adopted by USDA through 2 CFR part 400, grantees expending Federal funds each fiscal year equal to or greater than the current Single Audit threshold will submit an audit. The audit will be submitted within 30 calendar days after the auditee receives the auditor’s report or 9 months after the end of the grantee’s fiscal year, whichever is earlier. (b) Grantees expending less than the current Single Audit dollar threshold will provide annual financial statements covering the grant period, consisting of the organization’s statement of income and expense, and balance sheet signed by an authorized official of the organization. Financial statements will VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:13 Oct 10, 2024 Jkt 265001 Andrew Berke, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, Rural Development. [FR Doc. 2024–23512 Filed 10–10–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Housing Service 7 CFR Parts 3550 and 3555 [Docket No. RHS–24–SFH–0031] Single Family Housing Section 502 Direct and Guaranteed Manufactured Housing Pilots Rural Housing Service, USDA. Notification of extension of waivers. AGENCY: List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1775 § 1775.21 be submitted within 90 days after the grantee’s fiscal year end. ACTION: The Rural Housing Service (RHS or the Agency), a Rural Development agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is issuing this notification to extend the period to waive two regulatory requirements for the Section 502 Direct and Guaranteed Manufactured Housing program, while the Agency completes the rulemaking to remove regulatory barriers to assist eligible applicants by improving the ease of the pilot program (pilot) use for very low to moderate-income homeowners that seek to purchase more affordable housing. This continues to support the current Administration’s Housing Supply Action Plan which seeks to boost new financing mechanisms to build and supply quality affordable housing units. This document briefly discusses the waivers the Agency intends to continue and provides contact information for additional details about the pilot. DATES: The effective date of the two regulatory waivers is November 4, 2024. The duration of the pilot is anticipated to continue until May 1, 2025, or the date the Updating Manufactured Housing Provisions Final Rule is published and effective, whichever comes first. Additionally, the RHS may extend the pilot (with or without modifications) or terminate it depending on the workload and resources (i.e., budget and other considerations) required to administer the program, feedback from the public, and the effectiveness of the program. If the pilot is extended or terminated, the RHS will notify the public through a document published in the Federal Register. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephanie Freeman, Finance and Loan Analyst, Policy, Analysis, and Communications Branch, Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Division, Rural Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Email: stephanie.freeman@ usda.gov; Phone: (314) 457–6413 and Jeremy Anderson, Finance and Loan Analyst, Single Family Housing Direct Loan Division, Rural Development, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Email: jeremy.anderson@usda.gov; Phone: (202) 690–3971. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: Title V, Section 502 of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended; 42 U.S.C. 1472. Background The RHS is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural areas by offering a variety of programs. The Agency offers loans, grants, and loan guarantees to help create jobs, expand economic development, and provide critical infrastructure investments. RHS also provides technical assistance loans and grants by partnering with agricultural producers, cooperatives, Indian tribes, non-profits, and other local, State, and Federal agencies. Affordable housing is essential to the vitality of communities in rural America. Rural Development’s Single Family Housing Programs give families and individuals the opportunity to purchase, build, repair their existing home, or to refinance their current mortgage under certain criteria. Eligibility for these loans, loan guarantees, or grants is based on income which varies according to the average median income for each eligible rural area. The objective of the Section 502 Direct Loan Program under 7 CFR part 3550 is to assist very low and lowincome applicants to own adequate but modest, decent, safe, and sanitary housing in eligible rural areas by providing payment assistance to increase an applicant’s repayment ability. The payment assistance is a type of subsidy that reduces the mortgage payment for a short time and is determined by the adjusted family income. There are a number of different factors that determine the applicant’s eligibility for this program but at minimum they must have the adjusted income that is at or below the applicable low-income limit for the area where they wish to purchase a home and they must demonstrate a willingness and have the ability to repay the debt. The Section 502 Guaranteed Loan Program, under 7 CFR part 3555, E:\FR\FM\11OCR1.SGM 11OCR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 198 (Friday, October 11, 2024)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 82482-82484]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-23512]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Parts 1775

[Docket Number: RUS-24-WATER-0031]


Technical Assistance Grants

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Services (RUS or Agency), an agency in the 
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) 
Mission area, is issuing a final rule to update the Water and 
Environmental Programs' (WEP) Technical Assistance Grants regulation by 
updating the audit and financial statement language to align with the 
Office of Management and Budgets (OMB) 2024 revisions.

DATES: Effective date: October 11, 2024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michele Brooks, Assistant 
Administrator, Water and Environmental Programs, United States 
Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1548, Room 
4121-South Building, Washington, DC 20250-1548. Telephone: (202) 692-
0308. Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    RD is a mission area within USDA comprised of the RUS, the Rural 
Business-Cooperative Service and Rural Housing Service that strives to 
increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for all 
rural Americans. RD invests in rural America with loan, grant, and loan 
guarantee programs to help drive economic security and prosperity.
    Rural communities obtain the technical assistance and financing 
necessary to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems through 
RUS WEP. Safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal systems are 
vital not only to public health, but also to the economic vitality of 
rural America. RD is a leader in helping rural America improve the 
quality of life and increase the economic opportunities for rural 
people.
    OMB revised several parts of OMB Guidance for Grants and Agreements 
which is now called OMB Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance and 
is located in title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The revisions 
were published in the Federal Register on April 22, 2024, at 89 FR 
30046. The revisions must be implemented by October 1, 2024, but can be 
implemented any time after June 21, 2024. This final rule is being 
published as a technical/administrative correction to ensure the 
Agency's audit and financial statement requirements align with the OMB 
revisions made to 2 CFR part 200.

II. Summary of Changes

    Section 1775.21(a) and (b) were updated to remove the $750,000 
monetary amount in order to reference the current Single Audit 
threshold and to amend the audit submission deadline. The audit 
submission requirement was updated to be thirty (30) calendar days 
after the auditee receives the auditor's report or nine (9) months 
after the end of the grantee's fiscal year, whichever is earlier. These 
changes were made to align with the updates to 2 CFR part 200.

III. Executive Orders

Executive Order 12866--Classification

    This final rule is exempt from OMB review for purposes of Executive 
Order 12866 and, therefore, has not been reviewed by OMB.

Congressional Review Act

    This rule is not subject to the Congressional Review Act (``CRA'') 
(5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), as the CRA provides an exemption for any rule 
relating to agency management or personnel and for rules relating to 
agency organization, procedure, or practice that does not substantially 
affect the rights or obligations of non-agency parties.

Assistance Listing Number (Formally Known as the Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance)

    The Assistance Listing Numbers assigned to the programs affected by 
this final rule are 10.761--Technical Assistance and Training Grants 
and 10.762--Solid Waste Management Systems Grants. The Assistance 
Listings are available at SAM.gov.

Executive Order 12372--Intergovernmental Consultation

    The Assistance Listing Numbers are 10.761 and 10.762 for these 
programs and are subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372 
which requires

[[Page 82483]]

intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This final rule contains no reporting or recordkeeping provisions 
under OMB Control Number 0572-0112 requiring OMB approval under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35).

National Environmental Policy Act

    In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 
Public Law 91-190, this final rule has been reviewed in accordance with 
7 CFR part 1970 (``Environmental Policies and Procedures''). The Agency 
has determined that: (i) This action meets the criteria established in 
7 CFR 1970.53(f); (ii) No extraordinary circumstances exist; and (iii) 
The action is not ``connected'' to other actions with potentially 
significant impacts, is not considered a ``cumulative action'' and is 
not precluded by 40 CFR 1506.1. Therefore, the Agency has determined 
that the action does not have a significant effect on the human 
environment, and therefore neither an Environmental Assessment nor an 
Environmental Impact Statement is required.

Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

    RUS certifies that this rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities, as defined in the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). The RUS Water and 
Waste loan and grant programs provide loans to borrowers at interest 
rates and terms that are more favorable than those generally available 
from the private sector. RUS borrowers, as a result of obtaining 
Federal financing, receive economic benefits that exceed any direct 
economic costs associated with complying with RUS regulations and 
requirements.

Administrative Pay-As-You-Go-Act of 2023

    Section 270 of the Administrative Pay-As-You-Go-Act of 2023 (Pub. 
L. 118-5, div. B, title III, 137 Stat 31) amended 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(2)(A) 
to require U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess agency 
compliance with the Act, which establishes requirements for 
administrative actions that affect direct spending, in GAO's major rule 
reports. The Act does not apply to this rule because it does not 
increase direct spending.

Executive Order 12988--Civil Justice Reform

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988. In 
accordance with this rule: (1) unless otherwise specifically provided, 
all State and local laws that conflict with this rule will be 
preempted; (2) no retroactive effect will be given to this rule except 
as specifically prescribed in the rule; and (3) administrative 
proceedings of the National Appeals Division of the Department of 
Agriculture (7 CFR part 11) must be exhausted before bringing suit in 
court that challenges action taken under this rule.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    This final rule contains no Federal Mandates (under the regulatory 
provision of title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 
U.S.C. chapter 25) for State, local, and Tribal governments, or the 
private sector. Thus, this final rule is not subject to the 
requirements of sections 202 and 205 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
Act of 1995.

Executive Order 13132--Federalism

    The policies contained in this rule do not have any substantial 
direct effect on 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 the States is not required.

Executive Order 13175--Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal 
Governments

    This Executive order imposes requirements on RUS in the development 
of regulatory policies that have Tribal implications or preempt Tribal 
laws. The Agency has determined that the final rule does not have a 
substantial direct effect on one or more Indian tribe(s) or on either 
the relationship or the distribution of powers and responsibilities 
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes. Thus, this final rule 
is not subject to the requirements of Executive Order 13175. If Tribal 
leaders are interested in consulting with the Agencies on this final 
rule, they are encouraged to contact USDA's Office of Tribal Relations 
or RD's Native American Coordinator at: [email protected] to request such a 
consultation.

E-Government Act Compliance

    RD is committed to the E-Government Act, which requires Government 
agencies in general to provide the public the option of submitting 
information or transacting business electronically to the maximum 
extent possible and to promote the use of the internet and other 
information technologies to provide increased opportunities for citizen 
access to Government information and services, and for other purposes.

Civil Rights Impact Analysis

    RD has reviewed this final rule in accordance with USDA Regulation 
4300-4, Civil Rights Impact Analysis, to identify any major civil 
rights impacts the rule might have on program participants on the basis 
of age, race, color, national origin, sex, disability, marital or 
familial status. Based on the review and analysis of the rule and all 
available data, issuance of this final rule is not likely to negatively 
impact low and moderate-income populations, minority populations, 
women, Indian tribes or persons with disability, by virtue of their 
age, race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or marital or 
familial status. No major civil rights impact is likely to result from 
this final rule.

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

    In accordance with Federal civil rights laws and USDA civil rights 
regulations and policies, the USDA, its Mission Areas, agencies, staff 
offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering 
USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, 
national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender 
expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, 
family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance 
program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil 
rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA 
(not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing 
deadlines vary by program or incident.
    Program information may be made available in languages other than 
English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of 
communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large 
print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the 
responsible Mission Area, agency, or staff office; or the 711 Relay 
Service.
    To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should 
complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, 
which can be obtained online at www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/

[[Page 82484]]

documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, 
or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the 
complainant's name, address, telephone number, and a written 
description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail 
to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the 
nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-
3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
    (1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant 
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-9410; or
    (2) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
    (3) Email: [email protected].

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1775

    Business and industry, Community development, Community facilities, 
Grant programs--housing and community development, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Rural areas, Waste treatment and disposal, 
Water supply, Watersheds.

    Accordingly, for the reasons set forth in the preamble, the Agency 
amends 7 CFR part 1775 as follows:

PART 1775--TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 1775 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 16 U.S.C. 1005.

Subpart B--Grant Application Processing

0
2. Amend Sec.  1775.21 by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  1775.21  Audit or financial statements.

* * * * *
    (a) In accordance with subpart F of 2 CFR part 200, as adopted by 
USDA through 2 CFR part 400, grantees expending Federal funds each 
fiscal year equal to or greater than the current Single Audit threshold 
will submit an audit. The audit will be submitted within 30 calendar 
days after the auditee receives the auditor's report or 9 months after 
the end of the grantee's fiscal year, whichever is earlier.
    (b) Grantees expending less than the current Single Audit dollar 
threshold will provide annual financial statements covering the grant 
period, consisting of the organization's statement of income and 
expense, and balance sheet signed by an authorized official of the 
organization. Financial statements will be submitted within 90 days 
after the grantee's fiscal year end.

Andrew Berke,
Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 2024-23512 Filed 10-10-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P

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