Rural Utilities Service – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
Document Number: 2012-10872
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-05-07
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 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development administers rural utilities programs through the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). The USDA Rural Development invites comments on the following information collections for which the Agency intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
Document Number: 2012-10747
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-05-04
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 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development administers rural utilities programs through the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). The USDA Rural Development invites comments on the following information collections for which the Agency intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Household Water Well System Grant Program Announcement of Application Deadlines and Funding
Document Number: 2012-10615
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-05-03
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces the availability of $993,000 in grant funds to be competitively awarded for the Household Water Well System (HWWS) Grant Program for fiscal year 2012 (FY 2012). RUS will make grants to qualified private non-profit organizations to establish lending programs for homeowners to borrow up to $11,000 to construct or repair household water wells for an existing home. The HWWS Grant Program is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 1926e. Regulations are contained in 7 CFR 1776.
Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels
Document Number: 2012-10614
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-05-03
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) 2012. 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.
Turning Point Solar LLC: Notice of Finding of No Significant Impact
Document Number: 2012-10194
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-04-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Environmental Assessment (EA) associated with a solar generation project. The EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508) and RUS's NEPA implementing regulations (7 CFR Part 1794, Environmental Policies and Procedures). The EA evaluates the environmental impacts associated with a potential loan or loan guarantee to Turning Point Solar LLC (Turning Point Solar) for the proposal. RUS is considering funding this proposal.
Specification for 15 kV and 25 kV Primary Underground Power Cable
Document Number: 2012-7610
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-04-02
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is amending its regulations regarding electric distribution specifications for 15kV and 25 kV primary underground power cable. This rule will rescind Bulletin 50-70 (U-1), ``REA Specification for 15 kV and 25 kV Primary Underground Power Cable,'' and codify the material which was formerly incorporated by reference. The specifications and standards that appeared in the old RUS Bulletin 50-70 (U-1) will be incorporated by reference and will update the specifications for 15kV and 25kV underground power cable, and provide RUS borrowers with specifications for 35 kV underground power cable for use in 25 kV primary systems. These specifications cover single-phase and multi-phase primary underground power cable which RUS electric borrowers use to construct their rural underground electric distribution systems.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
Document Number: 2012-7264
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-27
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 the following information collections for which the Agency intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Expansion of 911 Access Loans and Loan Guarantees
Document Number: 2012-6420
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-03-16
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is adopting as a final rule, without change, an interim rule to implement the Expansion of 911 as authorized by Section 315 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (RE Act) as provided for in Section 6107 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill). The interim rule codified the Secretary's authority to make loans in five areas of eligibility to expand or improve 911 access and integrated emergency communications systems in rural areas for the Telecommunications Loan Program.
Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants
Document Number: 2012-5627
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-03-09
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to amend the regulations pertaining to the Section 306C Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) Loans and Grants program, which provides water and waste disposal facilities and services to low-income rural communities whose residents face significant health risks. Specifically, RUS is proposing to modify the priority points system within the regulation in order to give additional priority points to colonias areas that are un-served and that are facing significant health risks. The intent is to ensure that the neediest areas receive funding. RUS is also seeking comments on other potential modifications that could provide incentive for local entities to assist areas designated as colonias that lack access to water or waste disposal systems and/or which face significant health risk.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
Document Number: 2012-5490
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-03-07
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc., Notice of Intent To Hold Public Scoping Meetings and Prepare an Environmental Assessment
Document Number: 2012-4082
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-02-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, intends to hold public scoping meetings and prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and RUS's Environmental Policies and Procedures (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). The proposed Burlington-Wray 230-kilovolt (kV) Transmission Project (Proposal) consists of the following: a proposed new single-circuit 230-kV electric transmission line between the existing Burlington Substation in Kit Carson County and the existing Wray Substation in Yuma County. Tri-State is requesting that RUS provide financial assistance for the Proposal.
Definitions and Abbreviations
Document Number: 2012-3244
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-02-13
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service is amending its regulations for the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program to clarify that the Agency guarantee does not cover default and penalty interest or late charges. The Agency's regulations are currently silent on this issue. However, it has always been the Agency's policy not to pay out additional cost for default interest, penalty interest, and late charges calculated and submitted on a final report of loss claim under the Loan Note Guarantee. The Agency does permit the lender to charge default interest with prior Agency approval. By defining ``interest'' in the definition section of the regulation and clarifying the Agency's policy as it relates to default interest, penalty interest, and late charge, this will avert any misunderstandings.
Definitions and Abbreviations
Document Number: 2012-3242
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2012-02-13
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service is amending its regulations for the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program to clarify that the Agency guarantee does not cover default and penalty interest or late charges. The Agency's regulations are currently silent on this issue. However, it has always been the Agency's policy not to pay out additional cost for default interest, penalty interest, and late charges calculated and submitted on a final report of loss claim under the Loan Note Guarantee. The Agency does permit the lender to charge default interest with prior Agency approval. By defining ``interest'' in the definition section of the regulation and clarifying the Agency's policy as it relates to default interest, penalty interest, and late charge, this will avert any misunderstandings.
Notice of Contract Proposals (NOCP) for Payments to Eligible Advanced Biofuel Producers
Document Number: 2012-2240
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-02-02
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Utilities Service
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for the Biorefinery Assistance Program
Document Number: 2012-1701
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-01-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Utilities Service
This notice announces there will be no funds available for the Biorefinery Assistance Program for FY 2012. Applications will not be accepted under this program until further notice.
Biorefinery Assistance Guaranteed Loans; Correction
Document Number: 2012-1149
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-01-24
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Utilities Service
The Agency published a rule in the Federal Register on February 14, 2011, establishing a guaranteed loan program for the development and construction of commercial-scale biorefineries and for the retrofitting of existing facilities using eligible technology for the development of advanced biofuels. The document inadvertently omitted provisions as to what an applicant is to do in the event either an appraisal is not completed or a credit rating cannot be obtained at the time of application. This document corrects the omissions.
Electric Engineering, Architectural Services, Design Policies and Construction Standards
Document Number: 2012-1157
Type: Rule
Date: 2012-01-23
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is amending the contract threshold amounts that require borrowers to use certain prescribed agency contract forms and the contract dollar amounts that require RUS review of contracts prior to the contract being effective. Also, RUS is raising the threshold amounts requiring RUS borrowers to use certain required procurement methods for materials, equipment and contract services that otherwise would require RUS prior approval. The changes in the threshold amounts will reduce the number of contracts reviewed by the RUS.
Dairyland Power Cooperative: CapX 2020 Hampton-Rochester-La Crosse Transmission Line Project
Document Number: 2012-705
Type: Notice
Date: 2012-01-17
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is extending the public comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 7 CFR 1794 related to providing financial assistance to Dairyland Power Cooperative (Dairyland) for its share in the construction of a proposed 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission line and associated infrastructure between Hampton, Minnesota and the La Crosse area in Wisconsin (the proposed project). Dairyland is participating in the proposed project with a number of other utilities (Applicants). The purpose of the proposed project is to: (1) Improve community reliability of the transmission system in Rochester, Winona, La Crosse, and the surrounding areas, which include areas served by Dairyland; (2) improve the regional reliability of the transmission system; and (3) increase generation outlet capacity.
Intergovernmental Review
Document Number: 2011-33025
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-12-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service
The U. S. Department of Agriculture (``Department'') is amending several regulations, which make reference to RD Instruction 1940-J, Intergovernmental Review.'' This action is necessary since the affected regulations refer to RD Instruction 1940-J, which is being rewritten and replaced by RD Instruction 1970-I. The intended effect is to simplify and update the regulations and to ensure the Department's field offices have current guidance on intergovernmental review of proposed projects being reviewed pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act.
Dairyland Power Cooperative: CapX 2020 Hampton-Rochester-La Crosse Transmission Line Project
Document Number: 2011-32337
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-12-16
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 7 CFR 1794 related to providing financial assistance to Dairyland Power Cooperative (Dairyland) for its share in the construction of a proposed 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission line and associated infrastructure between Hampton, Minnesota and the La Crosse area in Wisconsin (the proposed project). Dairyland is participating in the proposed project with a number of other utilities (Applicants). The purpose of the proposed project is to: (1) Improve community reliability of the transmission system in Rochester, Winona, La Crosse, and the surrounding areas, which include areas served by Dairyland; (2) improve the regional reliability of the transmission system; and (3) increase generation outlet capacity.
Oglethorpe Power Corporation; Proposed Biomass Power Plant
Document Number: 2011-32005
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-12-15
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 7 CFR part 1794 related to possible financial assistance to Oglethorpe Power Corporation's (Oglethorpe) for the construction of a 100 megawatt (MW) biomass plant and related facilities (Proposal) in Warren County, Georgia. The purpose of the Proposal is to provide a reliable, long-term supply of renewable and sustainable energy at a reasonable cost to meet part of the electric energy needs of Oglethorpe's members. Oglethorpe may request financial assistance from the RUS for the Proposal.
Extension of Comment Period for Proposed Rulemaking on Substantially Underserved Trust Areas (SUTA)
Document Number: 2011-31575
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2011-12-09
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is extending until January 17, 2012, the period for public comment on the proposal to issue regulations in order to provide loans and grants to facilitate the construction, acquisition, or improvement of infrastructure projects in Substantially Underserved Trust Areas (SUTA).
Publication of Depreciation Rates
Document Number: 2011-30361
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-11-25
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) administers rural utilities programs, including the Telecommunications Program. RUS announces the depreciation rates for telecommunications plant for the period ending December 31, 2010.
Disaster Designation Process
Document Number: 2011-29011
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2011-11-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) proposes to amend the disaster designation regulations with simplified procedures for designating USDA Secretarial disaster areas. Proposed changes to the regulation would delegate the designation authority to FSA State officials, remove the requirement that a request for designation of a disaster area be initiated and submitted by a State Governor or Indian Tribal Council to the Secretary, add a simplified disaster designation in severe drought situations, and change the USDA Secretarial disaster designation process from six steps to two steps for natural disasters, including special provisions for certain drought situations. FSA proposes to move the regulations to the same chapter of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as the FSA Emergency Loan (EM) Program regulations. FSA expects the amended procedures would result in faster designations of disaster areas, and result in more timely disaster assistance.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.: Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and Hold Public Scoping Meetings
Document Number: 2011-28309
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-11-02
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), intends to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for Basin Electric Power Cooperative's (Basin Electric) proposed Antelope Valley Station (AVS) to Neset Transmission Project (Project) in North Dakota. RUS 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, and other issues to be addressed in the EIS. The EIS will address the construction, operation, and maintenance of Basin Electric's proposed Project. The Project includes construction, operation and maintenance of approximately 190 miles of new 345-kV single pole transmission line and double circuit 345/115-kV transmission lines, 2 new substations, modifications to 4 existing substations, a 345-kV switchyard, maintenance access roads, temporary construction roads, river crossings, temporary construction staging sites, and other facilities to be described in the proposed EIS. Basin Electric's proposed Project would be located in portions of Billings, Dunn, McKenzie, Mercer, Mountrail, and Williams counties in western North Dakota. Portions of Basin Electric's proposed Project may affect floodplains and wetlands. This NOI also serves as a notice of proposed floodplain or wetland action. RUS will hold public scoping meetings to share information and receive comments and suggestions on the scope of the EIS in areas near and affected by the proposed Project.
Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
Document Number: 2011-27945
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2011-10-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service
The United States Department of Agricultural (USDA), Rural Housing Service (RHS) proposes a change to its Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) regulation. The proposed action is taken to implement authorities granted the Secretary of the USDA, in Sec. 102 of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-212, July 29, 2010) to collect from the lender an annual fee not to exceed 0.5 percent of the outstanding principal balance of the loan for the life of the loan. The intent of the annual fee is to make the SFHGLP subsidy neutral when used in conjunction with the one-time guarantee fee, thus eliminating the need for taxpayer support of the program. For Fiscal Year (FY) 2012, an annual fee of 0.3 percent of the outstanding principal balance will be required in order that the SFHGLP may maintain subsidy neutrality. Beginning with all loans obligated on or after October 1, 2011, RHS proposes to charge an annual fee of 0.3 percent of the outstanding principal balance of the loan for the life of the loan.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
Document Number: 2011-27642
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-10-26
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's (RUS) invites comments on this information collection for which approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be requested.
Substantially Underserved Trust Areas (SUTA)
Document Number: 2011-26133
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2011-10-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to issue regulations in order to provide loans and grants to facilitate the construction, acquisition, or improvement of infrastructure projects in Substantially Underserved Trust Areas (SUTA). The intent is to implement Section 906F of the Rural Electrification Act (7 U.S.C. 960f) by providing the process by which eligible applicants may apply for funding by the agency.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
Document Number: 2011-24157
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-09-21
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, an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), invites comments on this information collection for which approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be requested.
Expansion of 911 Access; Telecommunications Loan Program
Document Number: 2011-23152
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-09-12
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is amending its regulations to implement the Expansion of 911 as authorized by section 6107 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill). This amendment will codify the Secretary's authority to make loans in five areas of eligibility to expand or improve 911 access and integrated emergency communications systems in rural areas for the Telecommunications Loan Program.
Information Collection Activity; Comment Request
Document Number: 2011-20621
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-08-15
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), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), invites comments on this information collection for which RUS intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Emergency Restoration Plan (ERP)
Document Number: 2011-19661
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-08-04
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is amending the requirements established for Emergency Restoration Plans (ERPs), currently mandated for all borrowers, to include a plan to comply with the eligibility requirements to qualify for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance Grant Program in the event of a declared disaster. This amendment will ensure that RUS borrowers have a plan to maintain their eligibility to receive financial assistance from FEMA in the event they incur eligible costs for disaster related system repair and restoration.
Conditions of Guarantee
Document Number: 2011-18010
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-07-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service is amending its regulations for the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program to ensure the Agency has sufficient right(s) for reimbursement when an Agency guaranteed portion of a loan is sold to a holder. This action is necessary because the rule is not sufficiently clear that the use of loan funds for purposes not approved by the Agency is a reason to find the guarantee unenforceable regardless of whether the guaranteed portion of the loan has been sold to a holder. This action ensures the Agency has sufficient rights for reimbursement when an Agency guaranteed portion of the loan is sold to a holder.
Conditions of Guarantee
Document Number: 2011-18007
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2011-07-19
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service is proposing to amend its regulations for the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program to ensure the Agency has sufficient right(s) for reimbursement when an Agency guaranteed portion of a loan is sold to a holder. This action is necessary because the rule is not sufficiently clear that the use of loan funds for purposes not approved by the Agency is a reason to find the guarantee unenforceable regardless of whether the guaranteed portion of the loan has been sold to a holder. This action ensures the Agency has sufficient rights for reimbursement when an Agency guaranteed portion of the loan is sold to a holder.
Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels
Document Number: 2011-17458
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-07-12
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, announces the Delta Health Care Services Grant Program application window for Fiscal Year 2011 funding of $2,994,000 in grant funds to be competitively awarded for the Delta Health Care Services Grant Program. A NOFA was previously published on April 4, 2011, in the Federal Register, at 76 FR 18513 announcing the Delta Health Care Services Grant Program application window and the availability of $3,000,000 in grant funds that were provided in fiscal year 2010, to be competitively awarded for the Delta Health Care Services Grant Program. We have been informed that, due to the serious flooding and devastating tornadoes in the Delta Region, a number of potential applicants could not complete an application in time to meet the application deadline of June 3, 2011 in the notice of funds availability previously published on April 4, 2011, in the Federal Register, at 76 FR 18513. We believe that it is in the best interests of the residents of the Delta Region to open a second application period to enable those potential applicants and others to have a chance to benefit from this grant program.
Household Water Well System Grant Program Announcement of Application Deadlines and Funding
Document Number: 2011-17317
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-07-11
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces the availability of $2,173,662 in grant funds to be competitively awarded for the Household Water Well System (HWWS) Grant Program for fiscal year 2011 (FY 2011). RUS will make grants to qualified private non-profit organizations to establish lending programs for homeowners to borrow up to $11,000 to construct or repair household water wells for an existing home. The HWWS Grant Program regulations are contained in 7 CFR part 1776.
Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees Program
Document Number: 2011-16073
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-06-28
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces the availability of $325,663,157 in loan funds for the Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees Program for fiscal year (FY) 2011. A Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) was previously published in the Federal Register on March 14, 2011, at 76 FR 13797, prior to the passage of a final appropriations bill identifying a definite funding amount. The maximum amount of a loan under this authority will be $75 million. For all other information and requirements on how applicants can apply for Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees Program funds, please refer to the March 14, 2011, NOSA in the Federal Register and the interim regulation for the program published in the Federal Register at 76 FR 13770.
Turning Point Solar LLC; Notice of Intent To Hold a Public Scoping Meeting and Prepare an Environmental Assessment
Document Number: 2011-15957
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-06-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) intends to hold a public scoping meeting and prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality's regulations for implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and RUS's Environmental and Policies and Procedures (7 CFR part 1794) in connection with potential impacts related to a proposal by Turning Point Solar LLC. The proposal consists of constructing a 49.9 megawatt (MW) ground-mounted solar photovoltaic generating facility in Noble County, Ohio. Turning Point Solar LLC is requesting that RUS provide a loan or loan guarantee for the proposal.
Standards and Specifications for Timber Products Acceptable for Use by Rural Utilities Service Electric and Telecommunications Borrowers
Document Number: 2011-14567
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-06-24
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is amending its regulations on Electric and Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for Materials, Equipment and Construction, by codifying specifications for wood poles, stubs and anchor logs, wood crossarms (solid and laminated), transmission timbers and pole keys, and for quality control and inspection of timber products. RUS is updating these specifications to conform with revisions to the American Wood Preservers' Association (AWPA) standards and follow agency policy on insurance requirements.
Announcement of Grant Application Deadlines and Funding Levels
Document Number: 2011-14367
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-06-10
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces its Public Television Digital Transition Grant Program application window for fiscal year (FY) 2011. The FY 2011 funding for the Public Television Station Digital Transition Grant Program is $4,491,000.
Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Inviting Applications for the Biorefinery Assistance Program
Document Number: 2011-13850
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-06-06
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Utilities Service
With this notice, the Agency is extending the period of time for acceptance of applications for Fiscal Year 2011 program funds available under the Biorefinery Assistance Program, which provides guaranteed loans for the development and construction of commercial- scale biorefineries or for the retrofitting of existing facilities using eligible technology for the development of advanced biofuels.
Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
Document Number: 2011-13061
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-05-31
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service
This final rule implements two changes in the regulations for the Rural Housing Service (RHS) Section 502 Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) by eliminating the lender's published Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) rate for first mortgage loans with no discount points as an option for a maximum interest rate on loans and by allowing the Secretary to seek indemnification from the originating lender if a loss is paid under certain circumstances. This action is taken to achieve savings for the taxpayer, simplify regulations, and promote efficiency in managing the SFHGLP.
Rural Utilities Service Telecommunications Loan and Loan Guarantee Program
Document Number: 2011-13126
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-05-27
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
Rural Development's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and its predecessor, the Rural Electrification Administration, (REA) have played a leading role in helping rural America gain access to advanced telecommunications systems, equipment and services. The List of Materials historically has been a very useful tool in assuring product quality and reliability. However, Rural Development is taking a fundamentally new approach to advancing state-of-the-art telecommunications technologies, consistent with our commitment to high quality rural service and the efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
Announcement of Grant and Loan Application Deadlines and Funding Levels
Document Number: 2011-12817
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-05-24
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces its Revolving Fund Program (RFP) application window for Fiscal Year (FY) 2011. In addition to announcing the application window, RUS announces the available funding of $496,000 for RFP competitive grants for the fiscal year. The RFP is authorized under section 306(a)(2)(B) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (Con Act), 7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(B). Under the RFP, qualified private, non-profit organizations receive RFP grant funds to establish a lending program for eligible entities. Eligible entities for the revolving loan fund will be the same entities eligible, under paragraph 1 or 2 of Section 306(a) of the Con Act, 7 U.S.C. 1926(a) or (b), to obtain a loan, loan guarantee, or grant from the RUS Water, Waste Disposal and Wastewater loan and grant programs.
Electric Engineering, Architectural Services, Design Policies and Construction Standards
Document Number: 2011-11910
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2011-05-17
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) proposes to amend the contract threshold amounts that require borrowers to use certain prescribed agency contract forms and to amend the contract dollar amounts that require RUS review of contracts prior to the contract being effective. Also, RUS proposes to raise the threshold amounts requiring RUS borrowers to use certain required procurement methods for materials, equipment and contract services that otherwise would require RUS prior approval. The changes in the threshold amounts would reduce the number of contracts reviewed by the RUS.
Advanced Biofuel Payment Program; Correction
Document Number: 2011-10495
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-05-02
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Utilities Service
The Agency published a document in the Federal Register of February 11, 2011, establishing the Advanced Biofuel Payment Program authorized under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. This document also established an application deadline for applicants to submit their applications for Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 on April 12, 2011. The Agency is extending the application period to May 6, 2011. Applications received after May 6, 2011, will not be considered for FY 2010.
Community Facility Loans
Document Number: 2011-9630
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2011-04-22
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, Rural Utilities Service, Farm Services Agency
The U.S. Department of Agriculture proposes to amend its regulations to maintain consistency with standard industry contracts and to make minor revisions to streamline processing applications. These revisions are needed to conform with market and industry changes by updating, clarifying, and modifying the regulatory requirements for community facility construction and development. The amendments to the regulation will streamline current processes and provide for faster reviews of alternate construction contract methods (such as Design/ Build and Construction Management) by the Agency's National Office. This rule can also apply to applications under the Rural Business- Cooperative Service Programs.
Rural Energy for America Program
Document Number: 2011-8460
Type: Rule
Date: 2011-04-14
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Utilities Service
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency) is establishing an interim rule for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which is authorized under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. This interim rule modifies the existing grant and guaranteed loan program for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. In addition, it adds a grant program for feasibility studies for renewable energy systems and a grant program for energy audits and renewable energy development assistance, as provided in the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.
Oglethorpe Power Corporation: Proposed Biomass Power Plant
Document Number: 2011-8779
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-04-13
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 7 CFR part 1794 related to possible financial assistance to Oglethorpe Power Corporation (Oglethorpe) for the construction of a 100 megawatt (MW) biomass plant and related facilities (Proposal) in Warren County, Georgia. The purpose of the Proposal is to provide a reliable, long-term supply of renewable and sustainable energy at a reasonable cost to meet part of the electric energy needs of Oglethorpe's members. Oglethorpe may request financial assistance in the future from the RUS for the Proposal.
Basin Electric Power Cooperative: Notice of Intent To Hold Public Scoping Meetings and Prepare an Environmental Assessment
Document Number: 2011-8719
Type: Notice
Date: 2011-04-12
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 Basin Electric Power Cooperative (Basin Electric). The proposed Big Bend to Witten Transmission Line Project (proposed action) consists of an approximately 70-mile long 230-kV single-circuit transmission line, a new Western Area Power Administration (Western) substation called Lower Brule Substation, an addition to the existing Witten Substation, and approximately two miles of 230-kV double-circuit transmission line between Big Bend Dam and the new Lower Brule Substation. It is anticipated that some communication facility additions or enhancements may be necessary for the project including radio towers and buildings at Lower Brule Substation, Witten Substation, and one or two intermediate sites. Basin Electric is requesting RUS financial assistance for the proposed action.
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