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.
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Key Dates
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