USDA Seeks Input on Rural Community Paperwork Tweaks
Published Date: 4/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Agriculture is asking for public feedback on a paperwork update that helps support rural communities, especially those in underserved trust areas. If you’re involved in these programs, your input matters before May 11, 2026. This review aims to make the process clearer and less of a hassle, with no new costs announced yet.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
SUTA can improve rural utility financing
The Substantially Underserved Trust Area (SUTA) initiative gives the Secretary of Agriculture discretionary authority to change financial assistance terms to enhance financing possibilities in areas the agency finds "substantially underserved." This explicitly applies to Rural Utilities Service programs including rural electric, water and waste, and telecommunications/broadband programs such as Rural Electrification loans, Water and Waste Disposal loans and grants, Rural Broadband loans and the Community Connect and Rural eConnectivity programs.
Paperwork burden for government applicants
State, local, or Tribal governments that apply for SUTA consideration must notify the Rural Utilities Service in writing at the time of application and provide documentation explaining the high need for SUTA benefits. The information-collection notice identifies 72 respondents, a total burden of 2,160 hours, and requests public comments by May 11, 2026 (OMB Control Number 0572-0147).
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