Rural Utilities Service 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 1 - 45 of 45
Announcement of Grant Awards Under the RUS Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) hereby announces the recipients selected to receive grant awards during fiscal year (FY) 2005 under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) invites comments on this information collection for which RUS intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Georgia Transmission Corporation; Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has made a finding of no significant impact with respect to a request from Georgia Transmission Corporation for financing assistance from RUS to finance the construction of a 230/25 kV Substation, a 230 kV switching station, and a 230 kV transmission line in Gwinnett County, Georgia.
Great River Energy, Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is issuing an environmental assessment (EA) in connection with possible impacts related to the construction and operation of a natural gas- fired simple cycle, combustion turbine power generation facility in Cambridge Township in Isanti County, Minnesota. The electrical output from the facility is expected to range from 170 megawatts (MW) to 190 MW depending upon operating conditions.
Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.; Notice of Intent to Hold Public Scoping Meetings and Prepare an Environmental Assessment
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) intends to hold public scoping meetings and prepare an environmental assessment in connection with possible impacts related to a project proposed by Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. (CEPCI) of South Carolina. The proposal consists of the construction of approximately 20 miles of 115 kilovolt transmission line to provide more reliable transmission power to McClellanville, SC. The proposed 115-kilovolt transmission line project would be constructed within one of several alternative corridors under consideration. The alternative transmission line corridors originate at existing power delivery points near Jamestown and Charity, Berkeley County and Winyah and Belle Isle south of the city of Georgetown in Georgetown County, SC and at a potential new substation that would be built in the vicinity of the town of Honey Hill, Berkeley County, SC. The corridors terminate at the proposed location of a substation in McClellanville from which electric power distribution lines would service the community. Portions of the alternative corridors include Federal lands of the Francis Marion National Forest therefore the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS) is a cooperating agency in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis. CEPCI is requesting RUS to provide financing for the proposed project.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.; Notice of Intent To Hold Public Scoping Meetings and Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) intends to hold public scoping meetings and prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) in connection with possible impacts related to a project being proposed by Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. (Basin Electric), of Bismarck, North Dakota. The proposal consists of the construction and operation of a coal-fired electric generation facility referred to as the Dry Fork Station, consisting of a single maximum net 385 Megawatt (MW) unit, at a site in Gillette, Wyoming, and the construction of 130 miles of 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line in Campbell and Sheridan counties, referred to as the Hughes Transmission Project.
Georgia Transmission Corporation; Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to prepare an Environmental Assessment related to possible financial assistance to Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC) for the construction of approximately 4.4 miles of 230 kilovolt transmission line, a 230/25 kilovolt transmission substation, and a 230 kilovolt switching station. The proposed 230-kilovolt transmission line and substation projects would be located in Gwinnett County, Georgia. GTC is requesting RUS provide financing for the proposed project. A less than 0.1 acre portion of the project will be located in a wetland. Alternatives, including no action, were considered; however, no practicable alternatives were identified that would avoid having an impact on the wetland. Comments or suggestions for mitigating impacts to the wetland are welcome.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) invites comments on this information collection for which RUS intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) invites comments on this information collection for which RUS intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Disbursement of Funds
The Agencies are revising their disbursement of funds regulations. This action is necessary since existing regulations do not accurately reflect the current disbursement methodologies employed by the Agencies. The intended effect is to simplify and update the regulations; to eliminate reference to the obsolete Loan Disbursement System; clarify Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) insurance coverage; and eliminate reference to the now defunct Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation (FSLIC). These amended regulations are to ensure the Agencies' field offices have current guidance on the disbursement methods available and supervised bank accounts.
Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc.; Notice of Intent To Hold Public Scoping Meeting and Prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) intends to hold a public scoping meeting and prepare a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in connection with possible impacts related to a project proposed by Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SECI), with headquarters in Tampa, Florida. The proposal consists of the construction of a nominal 750 megawatt coal-based electrical generating unit at the Seminole Generating Station (SGS). The Station is located in Putnam County, Florida, about six miles north of Palatka. SGS Unit 3 will be constructed near the existing SGS Units 1 and 2. The new unit can be readily accommodated on the existing site. The financing and construction of the SGS Unit 1 and 2 was evaluated in a previous EIS. SECI is requesting RUS provide financing for the proposed project.
Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc.; Notice of Extension of Public Scoping Comment Period
Upon request the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) agrees to extend the public scoping comment period by 30 days prior to the preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) in connection to a project proposed by Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI), with headquarters in Springfield, Missouri. A previous notice was published in the Federal Register on August 10, 2005 announcing RUS's intent to prepare an EIS and to hold public scoping meetings. The proposal consists of the construction and operation of a nominal 660 megawatt coal-based electrical generating plant and associated transmission facilities. A proposed and an alternate site both near the Missouri River in the northwest quadrant of Missouri have been identified by AECI. AECI is requesting RUS to provide financing for the proposal.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) invites comments on this information collection for which RUS intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) invites comments on this information collection for which RUS intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) invites comments on this information collection for which RUS intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc.; Notice of Intent To Hold Public Scoping Meetings and Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) intends to hold public scoping meetings and prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) in connection with possible impacts related to a project proposed by Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI), with headquarters in Springfield, Missouri. The proposal consists of the construction and operation of a nominal 660 megawatt coal-based electrical generating plant and associated transmission facilities. A proposed and an alternate site both near the Missouri River in the northwest quadrant of Missouri have been identified by AECI. AECI is requesting RUS to provide financing for the proposed project.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has made a finding of no significant impact in connection with a request from Basin Electric Power Cooperative (Basin Electric) of Bismarck, North Dakota for assistance from RUS to finance the construction of a natural gas-fired combustion turbine and associated equipment near Groton in Brown County, South Dakota.
Telecommunications Policies on Specifications, Acceptable Materials, and Standard Contract Forms
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency delivering the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities Programs, proposes amending certain regulations on telecommunications policies to include requirements presently contained in RUS Bulletin 345-3, ``Acceptance of Standards, Specifications, Equipment, Contract Forms, Manual Sections, Drawing, Materials and Equipment for the Telephone Program.'' This proposed rule would establish and codify provisions for RUS acceptance and Technical acceptance of materials used in telecommunications systems. This rule also proposes to integrate the existing regulatory sections on field trials into the procedure for product acceptance and inclusion in this codification, as well as to clarify and reorganize the field trial section. This rule would affect borrowers that are parties to planning and construction of telecommunication facilities with RUS funds and manufacturers and contractors providing products to RUS borrowers.
Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Grant, Guaranteed Loan, and Direct Loan Program
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) is establishing a program for making grants, loan guarantees, and direct loans to farmers and ranchers (agricultural producers) or rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements. The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Act) established the Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program under Title IX, Section 9006. This program will help farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses to reduce energy costs and consumption.
Intermediary Relending Program
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) amends its regulations for the Intermediary Relending Program (IRP), 7 CFR 4274, subpart D. This action is needed to correct several problems that RBS has observed in the program operation. The intended effect of this action is to provide clarification and guidance and to allow the program to operate more efficiently and effectively.
Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency delivering the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities Programs, gives notice that no adverse comments were received regarding the direct final rule amending its regulations to revise the definition for ``eligible rural community'' as it relates to the rural access broadband loans and loan guarantees program, and confirms the effective date of the direct final rule.
Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces the availability of $19.5 million in competitive grants to assist communities with extremely high energy costs. This grant program is authorized under section 19 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (RE Act) (7 U.S.C. 918a) and program regulations at 7 CFR Part 1709. The grant funds may be used to acquire, construct, extend, upgrade, or otherwise improve energy generation, transmission, or distribution facilities serving communities in which the average residential expenditure for home energy exceeds 275 percent of the national average. Eligible applicants include persons, States, political subdivisions of States, and other entities organized under State law. Federally-recognized Indian tribes and tribal entities are eligible applicants. This notice describes the eligibility and application requirements, the criteria that will be used by RUS to award funding, and information on how to obtain application materials.
Household Water Well System Grant Program
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) issues regulations to establish the Household Water Well System (HWWS) Program. This action establishes a grant program as authorized by Section 306E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (CONACT). The HWWS Program will provide grants to private non-profit organizations, which, in turn, will use the funds to set up a loan program, making loans to eligible individuals for household water well systems. Eligible individuals may use the loans to construct, refurbish, and service individual household water well systems that they own or will own in rural areas. Additionally, the rule outlines the process by which applicants can apply for the program and describes how RUS will administer the grant program.
Accounting Requirements for RUS Telecommunications Borrowers
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency delivering the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities Programs, is amending its regulations on accounting policies and procedures for RUS Telecommunications Borrowers as set forth in RUS's regulations concerning Accounting System Requirements for RUS Telecommunications Borrowers. This final rule adopts some recent accounting changes made by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These changes include increasing the expense limit for some assets excluding personal computers, allowing tools and test equipment located in the central office to be expensed under the new limitation. This final rule affirms the use of Class A accounts by RUS borrowers; maintains the expense matrix requirements; maintains the requirement that borrowers request prior approval to record extraordinary items, prior period adjustments, and contingent liabilities; establishes policies and procedures to permit RUS borrowers to follow Prudent Utility Practice regarding the storage and retention of business records; and eliminates certain Telecommunications Plant Under Construction accounts. This final rule also adds three new accounting interpretations on Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Reporting Comprehensive Income, and Disclosures About Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits.
Georgia Transmission Corporation; Notice of Intent
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency delivering the U. S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities Programs, proposes to prepare an Environmental Assessment related to possible financing assistance to Georgia Transmission Corporation for the construction of approximately 40 miles of 500 kilovolt transmission line. The proposed 500-kilovolt transmission line project would be located in McDuffie, Warren, Hancock, Glascock and Washington Counties, Georgia. Meeting Information: RUS will conduct a Scoping Meeting in an open house format from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24, 2005, at the Warthen Community Center, Warthen, Georgia 31094. Phone: (770) 270- 7741. The Community Center is on Bethlehem Baptist Church Road, located on State Route 102 approximately .25 miles north of the intersection of State Route 15. A second Scoping Meeting will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24, 2005. The meeting will be held at Thomson High School, located at 1160 White Oak Road in Thomson, Georgia 30824. Phone: (706) 595-9393. The purpose of these two meetings are provide information and solicit comments.
Management of Property
The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is amending this regulation to remove an incorrect reference. The intended effect of this change is to ensure that Agency regulations continue to provide current information.
Specifications and Drawings for 12.47/7.2 kV Line Construction
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency delivering the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities Programs, is amending its regulations regarding RUS Bulletin 50-3, Specifications Drawings for 12.5/7.2 kV Line Construction. This bulletin is currently incorporated by reference in RUS regulations and the revised and renumbered RUS Bulletin 1728F-804 would continue to be incorporated by reference. This rule is necessary to provide the latest RUS specifications, materials, equipment, and construction methods for RUS electric borrowers to construct their rural overhead electric distribution systems. RUS proposes to update, renumber and reformat this bulletin in accordance with the agency's new publications and directives system.
Weather Radio Transmitter Grant Program
This notice provides an updated listing of proposed NOAA Weather Radio transmitter sites eligible for funding under the Weather Radio Transmitter Grant Program. The agency is not soliciting applications for the program at this time. This site listing updates and consolidates the three previous site listings published April 4, 2001, October 16, 2001, and December 24, 2002, in the Federal Register. Further details on the program and eligibility are available in the NOFA in the April 4, 2001, Federal Register (66 FR 17857) or on the RUS Web site at https://www.usda.gov/rus/telecom/initiatives/ weatherradio.htm. Also available on the RUS Web site is a list of the approved grant applications.
Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) proposes to amend its regulation for the Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loans by modifying the regulations regarding personal and corporate guarantors. This action will standardize the guarantor process. The Agency will create a guarantor form which will be used to obtain the personal or corporate guarantee of anyone owning greater than 20 percent interest in the borrower. The effect of this rule is to allow the Agency to use all remedies available to pursue collection from guarantors, including offset under the Debt Collection Improvement Act.
Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) hereby gives notice that no adverse comments were received regarding the direct final rule on Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities, and confirms the effective date of the direct final rule.
Great River Energy; Notice of Intent
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency delivering the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities Programs, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations for implementing NEPA (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508), and RUS Environmental Policies and Procedures (7 CFR Part 1794) proposes to hold two scoping meetings and prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for its Federal action related to a project proposed by Great River Energy (GRE) of Elk River, Minnesota. The project consists of constructing a natural gas-fired simple cycle, combustion turbine power generation facility in Cambridge Township in Isanti County, Minnesota. An alternative location for the plant is also being proposed for consideration and comment. The alternative site location is at GRE's Elk River headquarters in Sherburne County, Minnesota. Total electrical output from the facility is expected to range from 150 megawatts (MW) to 190 MW depending upon operating conditions. Construction of the project at the proposed Cambridge site would necessitate upgrading approximately 47 miles of existing 69-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines to the latest design standards. Construction at the alternative Elk River site would necessitate upgrading approximately 27 miles of existing 69-kV. Meeting Information: RUS will conduct two scoping meetings in open House forum as follows: Tuesday, April 19, 2005, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Cambridge Township Hall, Isanti County Fairgrounds, 3101 Hwy 95 NE., Cambridge, MN 55008, Telephone: 763-689-3768. Wednesday, April 20, 2005, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Elk River Parks & Recreation, 1104 Lions Park Drive NW., Elk River, MN 55330, Telephone: 763-635-1150.
Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency delivering the U. S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities Programs, is amending its regulations to revise the definition for ``eligible rural community'' as it relates to the rural access broadband loans and loan guarantees program. In the final rule section of this Federal Register, RUS is publishing this action as a direct final rule without prior proposal because RUS views this as a non-controversial action and anticipates no adverse comments. If no adverse comments are received in response to the direct final rule, no further action will be taken on this proposed rule and the action will become effective at the time specified in the direct final rule. If RUS receives adverse comments, a timely document will be published withdrawing the direct final rule and all public comments received will be addressed in a subsequent final rule based on this action.
Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency delivering the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities Programs, is amending its regulations to revise the definition for ``eligible rural community'' as it relates to the rural access broadband loans and loan guarantees program.
Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces its Community Connect Grant Program application window for funding during fiscal year (FY) 2005. In addition, RUS announces the minimum and maximum amounts for Community Connect grants applicable for the fiscal year. The Community Connect Grant Program regulations are contained in 7 CFR 1739, subpart A.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service's (RUS) invites comments on this information collection for which RUS intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) invites comments on this information collection for which RUS intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Revolving Fund Program; Announcement of Grant and Loan Application Deadlines and Funding Levels
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces that it is accepting grant applications for its Revolving Fund Program (RFP) for fiscal year (FY) 2005. FY 2005 available funding for the RFP grant program is $496,000.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) invites comments on this information collection for which RUS intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees Program
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency delivering the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities Programs, announces funding available for the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee program. For FY 2005, no less than $2.157 billion in loans is available, $2.032 billion for direct cost-of-money loans, $46 million for direct 4-percent loans, and $79 million for loan guarantees.
Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program Annual Renewal Fee
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) proposes to amend its regulation for Business and Industry (B&I) Guaranteed Loans to remove all references to a one-time, specific loan guarantee fee and provide the authority for the charging of an annual renewal fee on all loans obligated after the publication of the final rule. The intended effect of this rule is to reduce the subsidy rate for guaranteed loans and its associated budget authority dollar level, which will result in a greater level of assistance to the public (i.e., higher supportable loan level). A notice will be published in the Federal Register each fiscal year that will establish the guarantee fee and any annual renewal fees for loans obligated during that fiscal year.
Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the above-named Agencies to request an extension for the currently approved information collection in support of the servicing of Community and Direct Business Programs Loans and Grants.
Rural Utilities Service: North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation; Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has made a Finding Of No Significant Impact with respect to a request from North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation for financing assistance from RUS to finance the construction of a 336 megawatt (MW), simple-cycle combustion turbine electric generating facility in Anson County North Carolina, and a 280 MW simple-cycle combustion turbine electric generation facility in Richmond County, North Carolina.
Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is adopting regulations implementing its financial assistance programs for rural communities with extremely high energy costs. These programs are authorized under section 19 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended. This direct final rule is intended to establish and clarify eligibility and application requirements, the review and approval process, and grant administration procedures for RUS grants to rural communities with extremely high energy costs and for grants to State entities for bulk fuel revolving loan funds. This publication of these rules will assure timely and effective distribution of grant funds to eligible rural communities and State entities.
Assistance to High Energy Cost Rural Communities
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is proposing regulations implementing its financial assistance programs for rural communities with extremely high energy costs. These programs are authorized under section 19 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C. 918a). This proposed rule is intended to establish and clarify eligibility and application requirements, the review and approval process, and grant administration procedures for RUS grants to rural communities with extremely high energy costs and for grants to State entities for bulk fuel revolving loan funds. This publication of these rules will assure timely and effective distribution of grant funds to eligible rural communities and state entities. In the final rule section of this Federal Register, RUS is publishing this action as a direct final rule without prior proposal because RUS views this as a non-controversial action and anticipates no adverse comments. If no adverse comments are received in response to the direct final rule, no further action will be taken on this proposed rule and the action will become effective at the time specified in the direct final rule. If RUS receives adverse comments, RUS will publish a timely notice withdrawing the direct final rule based on this action. Any parties interested in commenting on this proposed action should do so at this time.
Announcement of Grant and Loan Application Deadlines and Funding Levels
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces the Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 funding levels available for its Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant, combination loan-grant and loan programs. In addition, RUS announces the minimum and maximum amounts for DLT combination loan-grants and loans applicable for the fiscal year and the solicitation of combination loan-grant and loan applications.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.
