USDA Reviews Paperwork for Rural Electric Loan Applicants
Published Date: 1/21/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Agriculture is asking for public feedback on a form used by electric loan applicants through February 20, 2025. This review aims to make sure the form is useful, clear, and not too much work for people to fill out. If you’re involved in rural electric loans, this could affect how you apply and report information, but no new fees or deadlines are added yet.
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Water and Waste Disposal Loan/Grant Application Burden
Entities applying for RUS Water and Waste Disposal loans and grants must submit information to determine eligibility and project feasibility under 7 CFR part 1780. RUS defines 'rural area' as places with up to 10,000 residents. This collection is OMB Control Number 0572-0121 with 656 respondents and 109,200 total burden hours.
Rural Electric Loan Application Burden
If you apply for a Rural Utilities Service electric loan, RUS will collect studies, reports, and other information to determine eligibility and monitor compliance. The collection covers OMB Control Number 0572-0032, involves 608 respondents, and totals 37,515 burden hours.
Standardized Forms for Telecom Construction
Borrowers entering contracts for broadband construction must use RUS-developed standard forms; RUS says standardization has produced substantial savings by reducing preparation and costly government review. This collection is OMB Control Number 0572-0059 with 1,434 respondents and 7,703 total burden hours.
Technical Assistance and Solid Waste Grant Applications
Nonprofit organizations applying for Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) and Solid Waste Management (SWM) grants must submit pre-applications, narrative proposals, certifications, and supplemental information so RUS can determine eligibility and project feasibility. This collection is OMB Control Number 0572-0112 with 66 respondents and 5,558 total burden hours.
Servicing Requirements for Water Program Loans and Grants
RUS collects financial and servicing information from borrowers and applicants to service Water and Waste Disposal loans and grants and to determine eligibility for various servicing authorities. This collection is OMB Control Number 0572-0137 with 4,438 respondents and 28,140 total burden hours.
Household Well Grant Enables Individual Well Loans
Under the Household Water Well System Grant program (OMB Control Number 0572-0139), grant recipients will establish revolving loan funds to lend to individuals who own or will own private wells; individual loan recipients may use funds to construct, refurbish, or service household well systems for existing homes. This collection lists 7 respondents and 652 total burden hours.
Use Up to 10% of RD Funds for Broadband
Under the special authority from the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (Section 6210), recipients of Rural Development program funding may use up to 10 percent of such funding to finance broadband infrastructure in areas not served by the minimum acceptable level of broadband service, provided it does not cause competitive harm. Applicants must provide a service-area map where applicable. This collection is OMB Control Number 0572-0156 with 53 respondents and 239 total burden hours.
Electric System Construction Forms Save Costs
RUS requires use of standard forms for electric system construction contracts to protect loan security and reduce document preparation and government review. This collection is OMB Control Number 0572-0107 with 477 respondents and 82 total burden hours.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09137 — Updated Staple Food Stocking Standards for Retailers in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Starting July 7, 2026, SNAP retailers must stock more types of staple foods—at least seven varieties in each of four categories, with more perishable options too. This change helps make sure folks using SNAP have better access to fresh, healthy foods. Retailers need to follow these new rules by November 4, 2026, so everyone can enjoy tastier, more nutritious choices without breaking the bank.
2026-06537 — National Environmental Policy Act
The USDA just made final some updated rules about how they check the environment before starting projects, following changes from higher-up government orders and court decisions. These new rules affect anyone involved in USDA projects by simplifying the process and removing old regulations, aiming to speed things up without losing environmental care. The changes kick in on April 3, 2026, and could save time and money while keeping nature safe.
2026-06173 — Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program-Income Producing Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Provisions
The USDA’s Rural Housing Service wants to update its loan program so people can get loans to buy homes with one or more income-producing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This means homeowners can finance properties that include rental units or spaces for home-based work. If you’re interested, make sure to send your comments by June 1, 2026!
2026-05387 — Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
The USDA’s Rural Housing Service is updating its Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program to let approved lenders use automated systems for making loans and getting guarantees after closing. This change helps speed up the loan process for folks buying homes in rural areas. The new rules kick in June 17, 2026, with full use starting September 28, 2028, making it easier and faster for lenders and homebuyers alike.
2026-04531 — Supplemental Disaster Relief Program and Dairy Margin Coverage Program; Correction
The USDA fixed some important rules for farmers in the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program and the Dairy Margin Coverage Program. These changes help sugar beet growers and certain crop insurance holders get the right disaster payments, and clarify who dairy farmers can qualify if they stopped milk production. The updates take effect March 9, 2026, making sure payments and eligibility are fair and clear.
2025-23089 — Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Implementation of the Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022 and Related Provisions; Correcting Amendments
This update fixes small mistakes in the WIC program rules that were made when new baby formula laws kicked in February 2024. It affects families using WIC benefits by making sure the rules are clear and correct, so they get the support they need without confusion. These corrections take effect December 17, 2025, keeping the program running smoothly and fairly.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-01285 — Eleven Point Resource Advisory Committee
The Eleven Point Resource Advisory Committee is having a public meeting to talk about projects and funding for the Mark Twain National Forest. This affects local communities and visitors who enjoy the forest, as the committee helps decide how money is spent and what recreation fees might change. The meeting is a chance to share ideas and keep the forest fun and well cared for.
Next: 2025-01287 — Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees
The USDA Forest Service is looking for people to join Secure Rural School Resource Advisory Committees, which help guide how funds support rural schools and communities. This is a chance for locals to have a say in important decisions that affect their area’s schools and forests. Nominations are open now, so don’t miss your shot to make a difference and help direct funding where it’s needed most!