Ag Dept. Asks: Too Much Paper for Rural Folks?
Published Date: 4/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Agriculture is asking for public feedback on a paperwork update that affects people in rural areas, especially those in Substantially Underserved Trust Areas (SUTA). They want to make sure the info they collect is useful and not too much of a hassle. You’ve got until May 11, 2026, to share your thoughts—no money changes yet, just a chance to improve how things work!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Paperwork Burden for SUTA Applicants
State, local, and tribal governments that apply for Substantially Underserved Trust Area (SUTA) consideration must notify the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) in writing at the time of application and provide documentation of eligibility and high need. The information collection estimates 72 respondents totaling 2,160 burden hours, and the agency is accepting public comments through May 11, 2026.
SUTA Can Improve Rural Infrastructure Financing
The SUTA initiative gives the Secretary of Agriculture discretionary authorities to change financial assistance terms to enhance financing possibilities in trust areas that the Secretary determines are "substantially underserved." RUS programs listed as affected include Rural Electrification loans and guarantees, New ERA and PACE loans and grants, High-Cost Energy Grants, Water and Waste Disposal loans and grants, Rural Broadband loans and the Community Connect and Rural eConnectivity programs.
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Key Dates
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