⚡Notice of Information Collection Revision for USDA Electric Loan Programs
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 the RUS Electric Loan programs. The Agency invites comments on this information collection for which it intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Learn More🚜Implications of Removing 7 CFR Part 1930 for Businesses
Rural Development (RD), a mission area within the Department of Agriculture consisting of RHS, RBCS, and RUS, is in the process of reviewing all regulations within its purview to reduce regulatory burdens and costs. Pursuant to this review, RD has identified the provisions in 7 CFR part 1930 as obsolete, unnecessary, and outdated due to lack of substantive material. RD is removing these provisions to streamline and clarify the dictates of title 7.
Learn More🌾Notice for Extension of Information Collection on Rural Business Programs
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), this notice announces RBCS, RHS, and RUS', agencies of the USDA Rural Development (RD) mission area, intention to request an extension to a currently approved information collection for the Strategic Economic and Community Development Program.
Learn More🏡Funding Opportunity for Housing Preservation Grants Announced
The Rural Housing Service (RHS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) mission area agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the availability of $13.1 million in funding for the Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program for fiscal year (FY) 2025, which includes approximately $2.1 million that will be made available for disaster assistance and $500,000 each for recovery due to Hurricanes Fiona in Puerto Rico, and Helene in Tennessee. The funds are available for qualified entities (such as public agencies, private non-profit organizations, and federally recognized Tribes) to provide grants or low-interest loans to eligible recipients to repair or rehabilitate housing in rural areas. Rental and cooperative properties that house very-low and low-income tenants may also be provided with grants or low-interest loans to repair and rehabilitate their properties in rural areas. In accordance with 7 CFR 1944.662(c), when an "identity of interest" (as such term is defined by 7 CFR 1924.4(i)) exists between a nonprofit entity and the owner(s) of a dwelling, the property is not eligible for HPG assistance. Therefore, the HPG grantee may meet the factors provided at 7 CFR 1924.4(i), which includes a requirement that the HPG grantee not be the owner of the home, rental property or cooperative in which repairs will be performed. This notice announces the opening and closing dates for receipt of preapplications for HPG funds, including the availability of calendar year 2022 disaster assistance, from eligible applicants, as well as submission requirements. Expenses incurred in developing preapplications will be at the applicant's cost. Applicants will not be reimbursed for any costs incurred outside of the grant agreement period.
Learn More🏠Funding Opportunity for NCDFI Relending Program FY 2025
The Rural Housing Service (RHS or Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the availability of funding for applications under its Native Community Development Financial Institution (NCDFI) Relending Demonstration Program for fiscal year (FY) 2025. The purpose of this notice is to announce the opening and closing dates for receipt of applications for the NCDFI Relending Demonstration Program from eligible applicants, as well as submission requirements. These loans will be made to qualified NCDFIs to relend funds to low- and very low- income ultimate recipients to acquire, build, rehabilitate, improve, or relocate dwellings on Tribal Land in rural areas. This program has the amount of $4,630,000 available for FY 25. Applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.
Learn More🌲Notice
The Yavapai Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will hold a public meeting according to the details shown below. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with Title II of the Act as well as make recommendations on recreation fee proposals for sites on the Prescott National Forest, consistent with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
Learn More🌾USDA Ends Race and Sex-Based Preferences in Assistance Programs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has independently determined that it will no longer employ the race- and sex-based "socially disadvantaged" designation to provide increased benefits based on race and sex in the programs at issue in this regulation. The USDA has faced a long history of litigation stemming from allegations of discrimination in the administration of its farm loan and benefit programs. However, over the past several decades, USDA has undertaken substantial efforts to redress past injustices, culminating in comprehensive settlements, institutional reforms, and compensatory frameworks. These actions collectively support the conclusion that past discrimination has been sufficiently addressed and that further race- and sex-based remedies are no longer necessary or legally justified under current circumstances.
Learn More🌱Funding Opportunity for Rural Community Development Initiative
The Rural Housing Service (RHS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces the acceptance of applications under the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program for fiscal year (FY) 2025. Approximately $5 million in funding is available for FY 2025. These grants will be made to qualified Intermediary organizations that will provide financial and Technical assistance to Recipients to develop their capacity and ability to undertake projects related to housing, community facilities, or community and economic development that will support the community. Applicants are responsible for any expenses incurred in developing their applications.
Learn More🌾RISE Program
The Department of Agriculture seeks comments on the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant Program (RISE), aimed at job creation and industry support in low-income rural areas. The program will assist in the development of partnerships among various entities to enhance workforce skills and build business incubators, promoting economic growth.
Learn More🌲Meeting Notice for Flathead Resource Advisory Committee
The Flathead Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will hold a public meeting according to the details shown below. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self- Determination Act (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with Title II of the Act, as well as make recommendations on recreation fee proposals for sites on the Flathead National Forest within Flathead County, consistent with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
Learn More