Rural Development

RUS Seeks Comments on Rural Determination
   The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is proposing policies for determining rural eligibly for all loans and loan guarantee financial assistance. RUS also seeks comments regarding the percentage of total project costs the agency will finance when the project supplies electricity to a utility serving a...
posted 6/6/13 10:01 PM  read complete story

Revised Rule Wants to Limit Projects Not Backed by Community
   The program bolsters the credit available from private lending institutions through the guarantee of loans for essential community facilities in rural areas.
posted 5/13/13 02:34 AM  read complete story

Comments Sought on Rural Energy Program
   The proposed rule would revise the Rural Energy for America Program.
posted 4/15/13 12:06 AM  read complete story

Departing Rural Director Offers Development Insights
   The longtime director of the Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC) at Mississippi State University is moving to a new position as director of the Purdue Center for Regional Development and the assistant vice president for engagement at Purdue University. Dr. Bo Beaulieu enters his new position after running the SRDC for more than 15 years.
posted 4/5/13 10:55 AM  read complete story

USDA Links Renewable Energy to Job Growth in Rural America
   Harvesting renewable fuels and energy sources is crucial to expanding economic community development and job growth in rural America, says Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager.   The Obama administration wants to reduce American dependency on foreign oil b...
posted 2/5/13 4:21 PM  read complete story

Rural Development Boosted by USDA-backed Biofuels Initiative
   The program is aimed at supporting research, investment and infrastructure, which the Obama administration sees as prerequisites for creating a strong biofuels industry capable of spurring increased economic opportunity in rural areas.
posted 11/27/12 1:22 PM  read complete story

USDA to Increase Funding for Rural Electric Services
   The boost adds to $250 million already invested in smart grid technologies by the department in FY 2012.
posted 10/16/12 11:16 AM  read complete story

Consortium Forms to Boost Broadband Use in Rural Areas
   A consortium of higher-education associations, public interest groups, and high-tech companies forms the Advanced Internet Regions (AIR.U) to upgrade broadband Internet access to underserved universities and their communities. The effort will begin with pilot Super Wi-Fi network projects in several ...
posted 7/5/12 10:49 AM  read complete story

USDA to Limit Community Facilities Loans
   The U.S. Agriculture Department (USDA) seeks comment on a proposal clarifying which recreational projects are eligible for loans in the Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan (CFGL) Program. An Aug. 27 comment deadline is set. USDA's Rural Housing Service wants to limit risk to the program's portfoli...
posted 6/26/12 6:27 PM  read complete story

USDA Grants to Be Shorter, Simpler Next Year
   Groups seeking Agriculture Department Rural Development (RD) grants later this year can expect to see a shorter, simpler application form. USDA Undersecretary for Rural Development Doug O'Brien commented on the RD grant process during a June 19 Twitter "town hall," saying that the applic...
posted 6/19/12 5:02 PM  read complete story