Rural Utilities Service 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
Document Number: E9-30660
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-12-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended), the USDA 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
Document Number: E9-29802
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-12-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
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 approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be requested.
Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program
Document Number: E9-29466
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-12-10
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces the availability of grant funds pursuant to Title I of Division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), Public Law 111-5 (Feb. 17, 2009) with regard to the Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program (TAT). Funds authorized by the Recovery Act are in addition to Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 funding for this grant program. The intent of this notice is to advise the public of the funds available and to provide transparency as required by the Recovery Act. Regulations for the Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program regulations can be found at 7 CFR part 1775. Funding announced is intended to support technical assistance and training activities that facilitate efforts by rural communities to access Recovery Act funding for critical water and waste disposal infrastructure projects, particularly those communities in smaller, lower income, and persistent poverty areas.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
Document Number: E9-28642
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-12-01
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
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
Document Number: E9-28476
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-30
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
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).
Broadband Initiatives Program and Broadband Technology Opportunities Program
Document Number: E9-27359
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-11-16
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration
RUS and NTIA announce the release of a joint Request for Information (RFI) seeking public comment on certain issues relating to the implementation of the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP). This is the second joint RFI that the agencies have issued since the enactment of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act), which established these broadband initiatives. The input the agencies expect to receive from this process is intended to inform the second round of funding. In particular, the agencies seek to gather information that will help them improve the broadband programs by enhancing the applicant experience and making targeted revisions to the first Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA), if necessary.
Electric Program: Definition of Rural Area
Document Number: E9-26206
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2009-11-02
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is amending its regulations to administer the Electric Program. This action implements the provision in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 hereinafter called the ``2008 Farm Bill,'' amending the definition of ``rural area.'' The 2008 Farm Bill revises the definition of rural to include any area other than a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a population of greater than 20,000 inhabitants. The 2008 Farm Bill also includes in the revised rural definition those service areas of borrowers having an outstanding loan under Title I through V of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. The intended effect is to update agency regulations to reflect current statutory authority. No adverse comments are expected.
Electric Program: Definition of Rural Area
Document Number: E9-26204
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-11-02
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is amending its regulations to administer the Electric Program. This action implements the provision in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 hereinafter called the ``2008 Farm Bill,'' amending the definition of ``rural area.'' The 2008 Farm Bill revises the definition of rural to include any area other than a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a population of greater than 20,000 inhabitants. The 2008 Farm Bill also includes in the revised rural definition those service areas of borrowers having an outstanding loan under Titles I through V of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936. The intended effect is to update agency regulations to reflect current statutory authority. No adverse comments are expected.
Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc.: Notice of Intent To Hold Public Scoping Meetings and Prepare an Environmental Assessment
Document Number: E9-26146
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-10-30
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) intends to hold public scoping meetings and prepare an Environmental Assessment with Scoping (EA) to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 7 CFR part 1794 in connection with potential impacts related to a proposed project by Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc. (Minnkota). The proposed Center to Grand Forks Transmission Line Project (proposed action) consists of: the construction of approximately 260 miles of 345 kilovolt (kV) transmission line from Center to Grand Forks, North Dakota; upgrades at the Center 345 kV substation; upgrades at the Square Butte 230 kV Substation; an additional 230 kV tie line; and upgrades at the Prairie Substation and fiber optic regeneration stations. Minnkota is requesting that RUS provide financial assistance for the proposed action.
Notice of Buy American Exception Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Document Number: E9-23202
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-25
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) hereby gives notice of a nationwide exception to the Buy American requirements of Section 1605 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (``ARRA'') under the authority of Section 1605(b)(1) (public interest waiver) for de minimis incidental components of eligible water infrastructure projects using assistance provided under ARRA. This action permits the use of non-domestic iron, steel and manufactured goods when they occur in de minimis incidental components that may otherwise be prohibited under Section 1605(a). As used in this Notice, ``de minimis incidental components'' means those components otherwise prohibited under Section 1605(a) that cumulatively comprise no more than a total of 5 percent of the total cost of the materials used in a project funded in whole or in part with ARRA assistance.
Rural Development Guaranteed Loans
Document Number: E9-22527
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-09-21
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service
On December 17, 2008, USDA Rural Development published an interim rule with request for comments establishing a unified guaranteed loan platform for the enhanced delivery of four existing Rural Development guaranteed loan programsCommunity Facility; Water and Waste Disposal; Business and Industry; and Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Projects. Having considered the comments received on the interim rule and for the reasons explained below, Rural Development is withdrawing the interim rule for Rural Development Guaranteed Loans.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
Document Number: E9-22449
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-18
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
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
Document Number: E9-22446
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-18
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
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
Document Number: E9-21722
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-09
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
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).
Publication of Depreciation Rates
Document Number: E9-21235
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-03
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the depreciation rates for telecommunications plant for the period ending December 31, 2008.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
Document Number: E9-21212
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-09-02
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
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 approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be requested.
Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc.: Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact
Document Number: E9-20774
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-08-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has made a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) with respect to a request for possible financial assistance to Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc. (Minnkota Power) for the construction of the proposed Distribution Substation and Overhead Transmission Line for the Keystone Pipeline Pump Station No. 17 Project in Steele County, North Dakota.
Notice of Funds Availability Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2009; Correction
Document Number: E9-20347
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-08-25
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Housing Service (RHS), Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) published a document in the Federal Register on July 23, 2009, at 74 FR 36448. The document did not provide a date for the comment period for the collection of information under the DATES section or the ``Comments'' under the Paperwork Reduction Act section.
Broadband Initiatives Program; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program
Document Number: E9-20372
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-08-24
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration
RUS and NTIA announce additional measures to ensure that any pending electronic applications experiencing difficulties uploading attachments into the Easygrants[reg] System for the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) can be submitted by the extended application deadline of August 20, 2009. The Easygrants[reg] System will not accept applications after 5 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on August 20, 2009. In order to ensure that all pending electronic applications experiencing difficulties uploading attachments can be completed, the core application must be electronically submitted using the Easygrants[reg] System by 5 p.m. ET on August 20, 2009. The extension described herein pertains only to the attachments listed in the ``Uploads Checklist'' of the ``Uploads'' page of the Easygrants[reg] System, including documents submitted as Supplemental Information. The core application is defined as all fields and questions in the application, not including the attachments listed in the ``Uploads Checklist'' of the ``Uploads'' page. Any attachments that the applicant is unable to upload to the Easygrants[reg] System must be submitted by August 24, 2009, using one of the following methods of delivery: hand-delivery, overnight express, or regular mail.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative; Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact
Document Number: E9-20076
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-08-21
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has made a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) with respect to a request from Basin Electric Power Cooperative for assistance to finance the construction, operation, and maintenance of a 115.5 MW wind-powered electric generating facility (the Proposal) in Ward County, North Dakota.
Broadband Initiatives Program; Broadband Technology Opportunities Program
Document Number: E9-19750
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-08-18
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Rin 0660-Za28
RUS and NTIA announce that the application closing deadline for the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) and the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) is extended until 5 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on August 20, 2009, for any electronic applications pending as of 5 p.m. ET on August 14, 2009. There are no changes to the filing instructions for paper applications.
Notice of Funds Availability Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2009; Correction
Document Number: E9-18571
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-08-04
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Housing Service (RHS), Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) published a document in the Federal Register on July 23, 2009, at 74 FR 36448. The document contained an error related to the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number.
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc., Notice of Intent To Hold Public Scoping Meetings and Prepare an Environmental Assessment
Document Number: E9-18413
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-08-03
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) intends to hold public scoping meetings and prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 7 CFR part 1794 in connection with potential impacts related to a proposed project in Colorado by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. (Tri-State) and Public Service Company of Colorado (Public Service), an Xcel Energy Operating Company. The proposed San Luis Valley-Calumet-Comanche Transmission Project (proposed action) consists of the following: a proposed 230/345-kilovolt (kV) Calumet Substation to be located approximately 6 miles north of the existing Walsenburg Substation in Huerfano County; a proposed double-circuit 230-kV transmission line between the existing San Luis Valley Substation in Alamosa County and the Calumet Substation; a proposed single-circuit 230-kV transmission line between the Calumet Substation and the Walsenburg Substation; and a proposed double-circuit 345-kV transmission line connecting the Calumet Substation to the existing Comanche Substation in Pueblo County. Tri-State is requesting that RUS provide financial assistance for the proposed action.
Fitzgerald Renewable Energy, LLC: Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact
Document Number: E9-18250
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-07-31
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has made a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) with respect to a request from Fitzgerald Renewable Energy, LLC (FRE) for assistance to finance the construction, operation, and maintenance of a new 55- megawatt (MW) gas-fired combustion biomass fueled power plant in Ben Hill County, Georgia near Fitzgerald, Georgia.
Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc.: Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact
Document Number: E9-18249
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-07-31
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has made a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) with respect to a request from Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI) for assistance to finance the construction, operation, and maintenance of a new 540-MW gas-fired combustion combined-cycle generation unit, a new 161/345-kV substation, a new 161-kV transmission line, and a new 345-kV transmission line in Mayes County, Oklahoma.
Notice of Funds Availability Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2009
Document Number: E9-17512
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-07-23
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Housing Service (RHS), Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) are administered through USDA Rural Development (RD). This Notice announces the availability of stimulus assistance provided pursuant to Title 1 of Division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, 2009, (Pub. L. 111-5) (February 17, 2009).
Broadband Initiatives Program
Document Number: E9-16268
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-07-09
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service, Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration
RUS and NTIA announce general policy and application procedures for broadband initiatives established pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). RUS is establishing the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) which may extend loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas. NTIA is establishing the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) which makes available grants for deploying broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas in the United States, enhancing broadband capacity at public computer centers, and promoting sustainable broadband adoption projects. In facilitating the expansion of broadband communications services and infrastructure, both programs will advance the objectives of the Recovery Act to spur job creation and stimulate long-term economic growth and opportunity.
Interconnection of Distributed Resources
Document Number: E9-15888
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-07-08
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service, an agency delivering the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities Programs, hereinafter referred to as RUS, is amending its regulation to require electric program borrowers establish and maintain a written standard policy relating to the Interconnection of Distributed Resources (IDR). The intended effect is that owners of distributed resources know what they have to do to connect their facilities to the electric power systems of borrower electric cooperatives.
Notice of Limited Waiver of Section 1605 (Buy American Requirement) of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) for the Broadband Initiatives Program
Document Number: E9-15511
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-07-01
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is hereby granting a limited waiver of the Buy American requirements of ARRA Section 1605 with respect to certain broadband equipment that will be used in projects funded under the Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP). This action permits the use of certain essential components of a modern broadband infrastructure as specified in section III of this notice.
Oglethorpe Power Corporation, Inc.: Notice of Intent To Hold Public Scoping Meetings and Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement
Document Number: E9-15079
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-06-26
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) intends to hold public scoping meetings and prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 7 CFR Part 1794 in connection with potential impacts related to projects proposed by Oglethorpe Power Corporation (Oglethorpe) of Tucker, Georgia. The proposal consists of the construction of a 100-MW biomass power plant in Warren County near Warrenton, Georgia. Oglethorpe is requesting RUS to provide financial assistance for the proposed action.
Notice of Funds Availability Under the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009
Document Number: E9-14953
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-06-25
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Housing Service (RHS), Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) are administered through USDA Rural Development (RD). This Notice announces the availability of disaster assistance pursuant to Chapter 1 of Title I of Division B of the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act 2009 (Pub. L. 110-329) (September 30, 2008).
Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.: Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment
Document Number: E9-14773
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-06-24
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is issuing an environmental assessment (EA) in connection with possible impacts related to a project proposed by Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. (Basin), of Bismarck, North Dakota. The proposal includes the construction and operation of a wind turbine generation facility referred to as the Prairie Winds-ND1 Project consisting of a 77-turbine, 115 megawatt (MW) facility at a site near Minot, North Dakota.
Oglethorpe Power Corporation, Inc.: Notice of Intent To Hold Public Scoping Meetings and Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement
Document Number: E9-14563
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-06-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) intends to hold public scoping meetings and prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 7 CFR part 1794 in connection with potential impacts related to projects proposed by Oglethorpe Power Corporation (Oglethorpe) of Tucker, Georgia. The proposal consists of the construction of a 100-MW biomass power plant in Appling County near Baxley, Georgia. Oglethorpe is requesting RUS to provide financial assistance for the proposed action.
Oglethorpe Power Corporation, Inc.: Notice of Intent To Hold Public Scoping Meetings and Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement
Document Number: E9-14561
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-06-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) intends to hold public scoping meetings and prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 7 CFR part 1794 in connection with potential impacts related to projects proposed by Oglethorpe Power Corporation (Oglethorpe) of Tucker, Georgia. The proposal consists of the construction of a 100-MW biomass power plant in Appling County near Baxley, Georgia. Oglethorpe is requesting RUS to provide financial assistance for the proposed action.
PowerSouth Energy Cooperative; Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact
Document Number: E9-13114
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-06-04
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency delivering the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Utilities Programs, has made a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) with respect to a request from PowerSouth Electric Cooperative (PowerSouth) for assistance to finance the construction and operation of a new 360 megawatt peak-load natural gas- fired generation facility at PowerSouth's existing McIntosh Power Plant in Washington County, Alabama.
Rural Development Guaranteed Loans
Document Number: E9-12560
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-05-29
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service
Rural Development is delaying the effective date of the interim rule for Rural Development Guaranteed Loans, which was published on December 17, 2008, to October 1, 2009. The interim rule establishes a unified guaranteed loan platform for the enhanced delivery of four existing Rural Development guaranteed loan programs: Community Facilities; Water and Waste Disposal; Business and Industry; and Rural Energy for America Program, formerly known as Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Program.
Dairyland Power Cooperative, Inc.: Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and Hold Public Scoping Meetings
Document Number: E9-12407
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-05-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and hold public scoping meetings and in connection with possible impacts related to a project proposed by Dairyland Power Cooperative in the CapX 2020 Hampton-Rochester-La Crosse Transmission Line Project. The proposal consists of the construction of a 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission line and associated infrastructure between Hampton, Minnesota and the La Crosse area in Wisconsin. The project also includes construction of new 161-kV transmission lines and associated facilities in the area of Rochester, Minnesota. The total length of 345-kV and 161-kV transmission lines associated with the proposed project will be approximately 150 miles. Proposed and alternate transmission segments and locations for proposed and alternate associated facilities have been identified by Dairyland Power Cooperative. Dairyland Power Cooperative is requesting RUS to provide financing for its portion of the proposed project.
Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels
Document Number: E9-12344
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-05-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces additional Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 funding available through its Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program (TAT). The Rural Utilities Service is providing $500,000 in funding to conduct water resource studies in the states affected by hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Ike, and/or Wilma (Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas). The additional $500,000 will be for water resource studies only.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
Document Number: E9-12183
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-05-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
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 approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be requested.
Fitzgerald Renewable Energy, LLC: Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment
Document Number: E9-11328
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-05-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 7 CFR part 1794, RUS Environmental Policies and Procedures related to possible financial assistance for a project proposed by Fitzgerald Renewable Energy, LLC (FRE), with headquarters in Winter Park, FL. The proposal consists of the construction of a 55 megawatt (MW) biomass fueled power plant located in Ben Hill County, Georgia on Peachtree Road. FRE is requesting that RUS provide financial assistance for the proposed project. RUS is considering funding this application, thereby making the proposal an undertaking subject to review under section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), 16 U.S.C. 470(f), and its implementing regulation, ``Protection of Historic Properties'' (36 CFR part 800).
Telecommunications Policies on Specifications, Acceptable Materials, and Standard Contract Forms
Document Number: E9-9763
Type: Rule
Date: 2009-05-05
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service, an agency delivering the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Development Utilities Programs, hereinafter referred to as USDA Rural Development or the Agency, is revising its regulation: on fiber optic cable specifications used by borrowers, their consulting engineers, and cable manufacturers; updates the specifications to meet current industry standards; includes additional requirements in the specifications to meet the construction requirements of fiber-to-the-home construction; clarifies certain existing definitions; separates the regulation into two distinct specifications for cables covering backbone and distribution plant, as well as for service entrance cables covering subscribers' drops; and includes new definitions.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
Document Number: E9-9996
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-04-30
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
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 approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be requested.
Household Water Well System Grant Program Announcement of Application Deadlines and Funding
Document Number: E9-9728
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-04-29
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces the availability of $993,000 in grant funds for the Household Water Well System (HWWS) Grant Program for fiscal year (FY) 2009, to be competitively awarded. A notice of funding availability and solicitation of applications was published in the November 20, 2008 Federal Register, 73 FR 70315, prior to passage of a final appropriations bill identifying a definite funding amount. For information and other requirements on how to apply for HWWS Grant Program funds, please refer to the November 20, 2008 issue of the Federal Register.
Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels
Document Number: E9-9006
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-04-20
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces its Community Connect Grant Program application window for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009. In addition, RUS announces the minimum and maximum amounts for Community Connect grants applicable for the fiscal year. The Community Connect Grant Program regulations can be found at 7 CFR 1739, subpart A.
PowerSouth Energy Cooperative Incorporated: Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment
Document Number: E9-8546
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-04-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Agency's environmental policies and procedures (7 CFR 1794) related to possible financial assistance to PowerSouth Energy Cooperative Incorporated (PowerSouth). PowerSouth is requesting financial assistance for the construction of a new 360-megawatt (MW) peaking-load gas-fired generation facility at the existing McIntosh Power Plant in Washington County, Alabama. The proposed new unit is needed to provide additional electric generating capacity that would allow PowerSouth to meet its projected electrical peaking demand in 2010.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
Document Number: E9-8444
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-04-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
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
Document Number: E9-8443
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-04-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
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).
Proposed PrairieWinds Project, South Dakota
Document Number: E9-7813
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-04-07
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Department of Energy, Western Area Power Administration, Rural Utility Service, Rural Utilities Service
The Western Area Power Administration (Western), an agency within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), intend to jointly prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed PrairieWinds Project (Project) in South Dakota. Western is issuing this Notice of Intent (NOI) to inform the public and interested parties about the proposed Project, conduct a public scoping process, and invite the public to comment on the scope, proposed action,
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
Document Number: E9-7722
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-04-07
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
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 approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be requested.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
Document Number: E9-7720
Type: Notice
Date: 2009-04-07
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
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 approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be requested.
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