Rural Utilities Service August 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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).

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.

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.