USDA Seeks Feedback to Keep Rural Data Flowing
Published Date: 8/14/2025
Notice
Summary
The USDA’s Rural Utilities Service wants to keep collecting info they already gather and is asking for your thoughts before they get official approval. This affects folks involved with rural utilities, but no big changes or costs are expected. You’ve got a chance to speak up before the deadline, so don’t miss out!
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15795, Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Powering Affordable Reliable Technology (PART) Energy Program 2026
The Rural Utilities Service (RUS or the Agency), a Rural Development (RD) agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting Letters of Interest (LOI) for loan Applications, announcing the Application process for those loans, and providing deadlines for Applications from eligible entities under the Powering Affordable Reliable Technology (PART) Energy Program for fiscal year (FY) 2026. In future years this funding opportunity will only be announced on the Agency website and grants.gov, without a Federal Register notice. Therefore, in future years, neither the funding opportunity nor reference to the funding opportunity in grants.gov will appear in the Federal Register. Please make note of this change in location of the funding announcement in your records.
2026-13622, 60-Day Notice of Request for Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection: OneRD Loan Guarantee Program
The USDA’s Rural Utilities Service is updating the paperwork for the OneRD Loan Guarantee Program, which helps folks get loans for rural projects. They want your thoughts on the changes by September 4, 2026. If you’re involved in rural loans, this update could affect how you apply and share info, but no new fees are mentioned.
2026-10247, Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Section 313A Guarantees for Bonds and Notes Issued for Utility Infrastructure Purposes for Fiscal Year 2026
The USDA’s Rural Utilities Service is now accepting applications for the 2026 program that helps guarantee bonds and notes to improve utility infrastructure in rural areas. Starting next year, this funding opportunity will only be posted on the agency’s website, not in the Federal Register, so keep an eye online! If you’re involved in rural utilities, this is your chance to secure financial support for important projects.
2026-09555, Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Community Connect Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2026
The USDA’s Rural Utilities Service is opening up the Community Connect Grant Program for 2026 to help rural communities get better internet and tech access. Starting next year, all funding info will only be online, not in the Federal Register, so keep an eye on their website and grants.gov. If you’re part of a rural community looking for funding, now’s the time to apply and get connected!
2026-08991, Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2026
The USDA’s Rural Utilities Service is opening up grants for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine program in fiscal year 2026. Schools, clinics, and rural communities can apply for funding to boost remote education and healthcare tech. Starting next year, these grant announcements will only be found online, so mark your calendars and get ready to apply!
2026-04581, OneRD Annual Notice of Guarantee Fee Rates, Periodic Retention Fee Rates, Loan Guarantee Percentage and Fee for Issuance of the Loan Note Guarantee Prior to Construction Completion for Fiscal Year 2026
Starting October 1, 2025, the USDA’s Rural Development agencies are updating the fees and loan guarantee percentages for their loan programs that help rural businesses, housing, utilities, and energy projects. If you’re applying for these loans in fiscal year 2026, expect new rates for guarantee fees, retention fees, and issuance fees before construction finishes. These changes keep the programs running smoothly and support rural communities with fair costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-15437, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC wants your thoughts on how it collects info to make sure it’s useful and not too much work, especially for small businesses. They’re checking if their paperwork is clear, necessary, and easy to handle. If you’ve got ideas or concerns, now’s the time to speak up before they finalize things!
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The EPA said no to a permit for Kinder Morgan’s compressor station in Utah after a group raised concerns about air pollution. This means Kinder Morgan must fix issues before they can keep operating. The decision shows the EPA is serious about clean air and protecting communities starting now.