Rural Utilities Service 2024 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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OneRD Guaranteed Loan Regulation
On September 30, 2024, Rural Development's Rural Business- Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Utilities Service, agencies of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), published a final rule with comment for the OneRD Guarantee Loan Program (OneRD). The final rule made necessary revisions to the policy and procedures that strengthened the oversight and management of the growing Community Facilities, Water and Waste Disposal, Business and Industry, and Rural Energy for America guarantee portfolios. The final rule had a misspelled subject heading in the preamble. The final rule also contained information in an instruction that was not ultimately in the final rule, an incomplete definition of affiliate, and a misstatement regarding protective advances. This document corrects the final regulation.
Notice of Adoption of Department of Energy Categorical Exclusions Under the National Environmental Policy Act
Rural Development (RD), a mission area within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces its adoption of seven Categorical Exclusions (CEs) from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to use in RD programs and funding opportunities. This notice describes the categories of proposed actions for which RD intends to use the DOE CEs and describes the consultation between the agencies.
Notice of Request for an Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Rural Housing Service, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, and the Rural Utilities Service, agencies of the Rural Development (RD) mission area within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, hereinafter collectively referred to as the Agency(ies) to request Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) approval for a an extension of a currently approved information collection in support of compliance with Civil Rights laws.
Policy on Audits of RUS Awardees
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS or Agency), a Rural Development agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is issuing a final rule. The intent of this final rule is to revise the Policy on Audits to remove an unnecessary report, update terminology, clarify Agency contacts and filing requirements, and update or remove any outdated references. These changes will provide uniformity and consistency for all RUS awardees.
Notice of Funding Opportunity for Section 313A Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Utility Infrastructure Purposes for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS or the Agency), a Rural Development agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the acceptance of applications under the Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Utility Infrastructure Purposes Program (the 313A Program) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. This notice is being issued in order to allow applicants sufficient time to prepare and submit their applications and give the Agency time to process applications within FY 2025. In FY 2024, Congress appropriated $900 million for the 313A Program. Because full-year appropriations have not been enacted as of this date, the final amount that will be made available in FY 2025 will be determined by subsequent Congressional action. The agency is accepting applications up to the amount made available in FY 2024, subject to Congressional action. The purpose of the 313A Program is to guarantee loans to selected applicants as a Guaranteed Lender. Successful applications will be selected by the Agency for funding and subsequently awarded to the extent that funding may ultimately be made available through apportionment. All applicants are responsible for all expenses incurred in developing their applications.
Central Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.; Notice of Availability of a Final Environmental Impact Statement
Notice is hereby given that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Central Electric Power Cooperative's (the Applicant/Central Electric) proposed McClellanville 115-kilovolt (kV) Transmission Project (Project) in South Carolina, to meet RUS's responsibilities under National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and their implementing regulations related to providing financial assistance to Central Electric for its share in constructing the proposed transmission line and associated infrastructure. The U.S. Forest Service, Francis Marion National Forest, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are cooperating agencies in the preparation of the EIS. The Final EIS analyzes the environmental impacts of constructing, operating, and maintaining a new 23.3-mile, 115-kV transmission line along the Jamestown corridor (Proposed Action), and two other alternatives, that includes the Jamestown Alternative (a variation of the Proposed Action) and the Charity Alternative. It also addresses comments received during the comment period for the Supplemental Draft EIS, which was prepared in 2019. As part of its broad environmental review process, RUS must consider the effect of the Project on historic properties in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act (section 106) and its implementing regulation, "Protection of Historic Properties". This Notice of Availability also serves as a notice of proposed wetland and floodplain actions.
Technical Assistance Grants
The Rural Utilities Services (RUS or Agency), an agency in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Mission area, is issuing a final rule to update the Water and Environmental Programs' (WEP) Technical Assistance Grants regulation by updating the audit and financial statement language to align with the Office of Management and Budgets (OMB) 2024 revisions.
60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Electric Engineering, Architectural Services and Design Policies and Procedures; OMB Control No.: 0572-0118
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) intention to request a revision of a currently approved information collection and invites comments on this information collection.
60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Electric System Construction Policies and Procedures; OMB Control No.: 0572-0107
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) intention to request a revision of a currently approved information collection and invites comments on this information collection.
60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Special Authority To Enable Funding of Broadband and Smart Utility Facilities Across Select Rural Development Programs (Smart Utility); OMB Control No.: 0572-0156
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces Rural Development's (RD) intention to request a revision of a currently approved information collection and invites comments on this information collection.
OneRD Guarantee Loan
Rural Development's Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Utilities Service, agencies of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), collectively referred to as the Agency in this document, are publishing this final rule for the OneRD Guarantee Loan Program (OneRD). The intent of this rule is to make necessary revisions to the policy and procedures which will strengthen oversight and management of the growing Community Facilities (CF), Water and Waste Disposal (WWD), Business and Industry (B&I), and Rural Energy for America (REAP) guarantee portfolios. This action is part of a continuing effort by the Agency to improve customer service for its lenders and create a more efficient work process for its staff.
60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Civil Rights Compliance Requirements; OMB Control No.: 0575-0018
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Rural Housing Service (RHS), the Rural Business- Cooperative Service (RBS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) intention to request an extension for a currently approved information collection in support of compliance with Civil Rights laws.
Notice of Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) invites comments on this revision to a currently approved information collection package for its Technical Assistance Programs, for which approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be requested.
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
In accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974 as amended, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA), Rural Development (RD) gives notice of its proposal to modify the system of records entitled USDA/RD-1 Current or Prospective Producers or Landowners, Applicants, Borrowers, Grantees, Tenants, and other Participants in RD programs, to communicate the addition of Routine Use 27 published below. In addition, updates were made to the System Location, Authority to Maintenance of the System, Policies and Practices for Retention and Disposal of Records, and to the Record Act Procedures.
Notice of Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 the Rural Utilities Service (RUS or Agency), an agency within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development (RD), announces its intention to request a revision to a currently approved information collection package for servicing activities related to several loan and grant programs administered through the Water and Environmental Programs (WEP) of RUS. The Agency invites comments on this information collection for which it intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Notice of a Revision to a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Rural Utilities Service's (RUS or the Agency), an agency with the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, intention to request a revision to a currently approved information collection package for the Telecommunications System Construction Policies and Procedures. The Agency invites comments on this information collection for which the Agency intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Notice of Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 the Rural Utilities Service (RUS or Agency), an agency within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development (RD), announces its intention to request a revision to a currently approved information collection package for Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants (WWLG), Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants to Alleviate Health Risks for Colonias, Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants to Alleviate Health Risks on Tribal Lands, Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants (ECWAG), and Grants for Rural Alaskan Village (RAVG) programs. The Agency invites comments on this information collection for which it intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Notice of a Revision to a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Rural Utilities Service's (RUS or the Agency), an agency with the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, intention to request a revision to a currently approved information collection package for the RUS Electric Loan Application and Related Reporting Burdens. The Agency invites comments on this information collection for which the Agency intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Notice of Adoption of Department of Energy Categorical Exclusions Under the National Environmental Policy Act
Rural Development (RD), a mission area within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces its intention to adopt three Categorical Exclusions (CEs) from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to use in RD programs and funding opportunities. This notice describes the categories of proposed actions for which RD intends to use the DOE CEs and describes the consultation between the agencies.
60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: RUS-Request for Mail List Data-REA Borrowers; OMB Control No.: 0572-0051
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS or Agency) announces its intention to request a revision of a currently approved information collection and invites comments on this information collection.
Notice of a Revision to a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Rural Utilities Service's (RUS or the Agency), an agency with the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, intention to request a revision to a currently approved information collection package for the Rural Decentralized Water Systems program. The Agency invites comments on this information collection for which the Agency intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
OneRD Annual Notice of Guarantee Fee Rates, Periodic Retention Fee Rates, Loan Guarantee Percentage and Fee for Issuance of the Loan Note Guarantee Prior to Construction Completion for Fiscal Year 2025
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), agencies of the Rural Development mission area within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), hereinafter collectively referred to as the Agency, offer loan guarantees through four programs: Community Facilities (CF) administered by the RHS; Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) administered by the RUS; and Business and Industry (B&I) and Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) administered by the RBCS. This notice provides applicants with the Guarantee Fee rates, Guarantee percentage for Guaranteed Loans, the Periodic Retention Fee, and Fee for Issuance of the Loan Note Guarantee Prior to Construction Completion for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. These fees are to be used when applying for loan note guarantees under the guaranteed loan types listed above during FY2025. This notice is being published prior to the passage of a FY 2025 appropriation. Should the fees need to be adjusted after passage of the FY 2025 appropriations, the agency will publish a subsequent notice in the Federal Register.
Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Broadband Technical Assistance Program for Fiscal Year 2024
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the acceptance of applications for the Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) Program for fiscal year (FY) 2024. The BTA Program provides competitive cooperative agreement funding to eligible entities to receive or deliver broadband technical assistance and training that promotes the expansion of broadband into rural areas. Examples of broadband technical assistance projects may include conducting feasibility studies, completing network designs, and developing broadband financial assistance applications. This announcement lists the information needed to submit an application.
Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Program: Virtual Public Listening Session
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an Agency of the Rural Development (RD) mission area within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is hosting a virtual public listening session to obtain stakeholder feedback about the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) program. This competitive program helps rural communities use advanced telecommunications technology to connect to each otherand the worldovercoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. The sessions are open to the public and provide an opportunity for stakeholders and other interested parties to offer their comments and input on the DLT program.
Revision to Electric Program Operating Policies and Procedures
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS or Agency), an agency in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Mission area, published a final rule with comment in the Federal Register on March 11, 2024, to provide more flexibility for the RUS Electric Program borrowers to complete emergency repairs while maintaining the ability to receive RUS financing, to delete unnecessary and outdated requirements imposed on electric borrowers and applicants, and to provide flexibility in selecting construction procurement methods that better support applicant needs in awarding construction contracts. Through this action, RUS is confirming the final rule as it was published.
Notice of Publication of RUS List of Eligible Countries
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), a Rural Development Agency of the United States Department of Agriculture is issuing this notice to revise the list of eligible countries for purchases made by RUS Telecommunications and Electric Program awardees by adding new countries to the list to reflect the November 2023 RUS Eligible Countries published by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) as detailed in the Supplementary Information Section of this notice.
Removing Reference to SAM Managed Identifier (SAMMI)
The Rural Utilities Services (RUS), an agency in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Mission area, is issuing a final rule to update this part by removing the reference to a SAM Managed Identifier (SAMMI) as the reference became obsolete when the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) became the official term.
Notice of Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces its intention to request a revision for a currently approved information collection package for the Rural Broadband Loans, Loan/Grant Combinations, and Loan Guarantees program.
Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) for the Strategic Economic and Community Development Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024; Correction
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Utilities Service, agencies that comprise the Rural Development Mission Area within the United States Department of Agriculture, published a notice of solicitation of applications in the Federal Register on February 13, 2024, entitled "Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) for the Strategic Economic and Community Development Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024." The NOSA provides requirements to applicants submitting applications for Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) points through Secretary of Agriculture designated covered programs. Based on funding availability guidance published in the NOSA, this Correction Notice is issued to clarify that Community Facilities Grant Program funds will not be reserved for SECD in FY 2024. This Correction Notice also clarifies that approved USDA Rural Partners Network (RPN) networks are considered multi-jurisdictional entities for purposes of SECD and that community and economic development plans created in association with an RPN network will be accepted as plans under SECD.
Rural Development Regulations With the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) for Federal Awards
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Utilities Services (RUS), agencies in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Mission area, are issuing a final rule to update RD program regulations by removing references to the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) numbers and replacing them with the new Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) as the primary means of identifying entities registered for Federal awards government-wide in the System for Award Management (SAM).
Update to Methodology and Formulas for Allocation of Loan and Grant Program Funds
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Utilities Service (RBCS, RHS, RUS, or collectively referred to as the Agency), of the Rural Development (RD) mission area within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is issuing this final rule to update the data it uses to determine a State's percentage of national nonmetropolitan unemployment income. The Agency is amending two regulations to correct the source for the data and provide transparency on its process of determining state funding allocations for various Agency programs.
60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: RUS-Technical Assistance and Construction for Innovative Regional Wastewater Treatment Solutions (TAC-RWTS) Pilot Grant Program; OMB Control No.: 0572-0157
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS or Agency) announces its intention to request a revision of a currently approved information collection and invites comments on this information collection.
Consumer Oriented Operating Loans
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS or Agency), a Rural Development agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, is issuing this notice to announce it will be utilizing its long-standing statutory authority to consider operating loans under an initiative known as Consumer Oriented Operating Loans (COOL). COOL funding may be approved at the discretion of the RUS Administrator to finance operations for current system borrowers to meet financing needs where the borrower faces hardship circumstances involving unique, transitory, or exigent conditions. To qualify for COOL financing borrowers will commit to create environmental benefits to end users/consumers and invest in additional new carbon pollution-free electricity and/or energy efficiency measures. RUS estimates $50 million will be available for this program in fiscal year 2024.
Notice of an Extension to a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Rural Utilities Service's (RUS or Agency), an agency within the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, intention to request an extension to a currently approved information collection package for the High Energy Costs Grants Rural Communities Program (HECG). In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Agency invites comments on this information collection for which it intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Revision to Electric Program Operating Policies and Procedures
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is issuing a final rule with request for comments. The intent of this rulemaking is to provide more flexibility for the RUS Electric Program borrowers to complete emergency repairs while maintaining the ability to receive RUS financing, to delete unnecessary and outdated requirements imposed on electric borrowers and applicants and provide flexibility in selecting construction procurement methods that better support applicant needs in awarding construction contracts. These changes will reduce agency travel costs by extending the time between the required review period for operations and maintenance reviews, reduce the number of reviews for RUS Electric Program staff, and increase customer satisfaction and service.
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants for Fiscal Year 2024
President Joe Biden has pledged that every American will have access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet. Digital equity devices, skills and affordability that brings the internet to life are a critical part of that mission. As part of that work, the Rural Utilities Service (RUS, Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the acceptance of applications under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program for fiscal year (FY) 2024, subject to the availability of funding. This notice is being issued prior to passage of a FY 2024 Appropriations Act in order to allow applicants sufficient time to leverage financing, prepare and submit their applications, and give the Agency time to process applications within FY 2024. Based on FY 2023 appropriated funding, the Agency estimates that approximately $60 million will be available for FY 2024. Successful applications will be selected by the Agency for funding and subsequently awarded to the extent that funding may ultimately be made available through appropriations. All applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.
Amended Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Rural eConnectivity Program for Fiscal Year 2024; Extension of Submission Deadline
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS, Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announced its acceptance of applications under the Rural eConnectivity (ReConnect) program for fiscal year (FY) 2024 in the Federal Register on February 21, 2024. This notice is extending the date by which applications can be submitted.
Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Rural eConnectivity Program for Fiscal Year 2024
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS, Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces acceptance of applications under the Rural eConnectivity (ReConnect) program for fiscal year (FY) 2024. These loan and grant funds will be awarded to qualified applicants to fund the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service.
Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Strategic Economic and Community Development Program for FY 2024
The Under Secretary for Rural Development (RD or Agency) is seeking applications for the Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) priority, as reauthorized by section 6401 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill) for projects that support multi-jurisdictional and multi-sectoral strategic community investment plans. In fiscal year (FY) 2024, the covered RD programs will implement SECD by reserving loan and/or grant funds from the appropriations of the programs covered by this funding priority. This notice describes the requirements by which the RD programs will consider projects eligible for the covered programs' reserved appropriated funds and the information needed to submit an application. This NOSA is being issued prior to passage of a final appropriations act for FY 2024 to allow potential applicants time to submit applications for financial assistance under the covered programs and to give the RD programs time to process applications. Information on estimated FY 24 funding amounts can be found under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, section B. Federal Award Information of this notice.
60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Accounting Requirements for RUS Electric and Telecommunications Borrowers; OMB Control No.: 0572-0003
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces its' intention to request a revision of a currently approved information collection and invites comments on this information collection.
Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Section 313A Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Utility Infrastructure Purposes for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS or the Agency), a Rural Development agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the acceptance of applications under the Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Utility Infrastructure Purposes Program (the 313A Program) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. This notice is being issued in order to allow applicants sufficient time to prepare and submit their applications and give the Agency time to process applications within FY 2024. In FY 2023, the Agency made $900 million available for the 313A Program. Because full-year appropriations have not been enacted as of this date, the final amount that will be made available in FY 2024 will be determined by subsequent Congressional action. The agency is accepting applications up to the amount made available in FY 2023, subject to Congressional action. The purpose of the 313A Program is to guarantee loans to selected applicants as a Guaranteed Lender. Successful applications will be selected by the Agency for funding and subsequently awarded to the extent that funding may ultimately be made available through apportionment. All applicants are responsible for all expenses incurred in developing their applications.
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