Department of Agriculture September 3, 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has issued an Environmental Assessment (EA) to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and RUS's Environmental and Policies and Procedures (7 CFR Part 1794) in relation to possible financial assistance for a proposed project by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO), with headquarters in Hughesville, Maryland. The proposal consists of the construction of a 30-mile 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line (which includes a river crossing), a new 230/69 kV switching station, and a 230/69 kV switching station expansion in Calvert and St. Mary's Counties, Maryland. SMECO is requesting that RUS provide financial assistance for the proposal. RUS is considering funding this proposal, thereby making it an undertaking subject to review under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), 16 USC 470(f), and its implementing regulation, ``Protection of Historic Properties'' (36 CFR Part 800).

As required by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) announces two public meetings of the Dairy Industry Advisory Committee (Dairy Committee) to discuss farm milk price volatility and dairy farmer profitability, review various industry proposals and analysis, and hear public comments. The Dairy Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Secretary on policy issues impacting the dairy industry. Instructions regarding registering for and attending the meetings are provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice.