Rural Loans Get a Digital Facelift, Comment by November
Published Date: 9/4/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA is updating how it collects info for the Rural Development Loan Modernization Initiative, which helps rural businesses and communities get loans. They want your thoughts on making the process easier and clearer, with comments due by November 3, 2026. This update aims to keep things smooth without adding extra hassle or costs for folks involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Data Submission Affects Eligibility
Providing the requested data is voluntary, but the notice says failure to provide data could result in program benefits being withheld or denied. The data furnished will be used to determine eligibility for program benefits under the Rural Development Loan Modernization Initiative.
New Online RD Loan Application
USDA Rural Development is launching a modern online loan application platform with a single customer file, step-by-step intake tools, and online payments to manage active files in one place. The initial release will be available for the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program), Rural Housing Service (Community Facilities programs), and Rural Utilities Service (Water and Environmental Programs).
Estimated Time Burden Per Response
The information collection estimates a public reporting burden averaging 1.06 hours per response. The notice lists 2,800 respondents, 18,563 total responses, and an estimated total annual burden of 19,842 hours.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2025-22567, OneRD Guaranteed Loan Regulation
The USDA fixed some mistakes in the OneRD Guaranteed Loan rules that affect businesses and communities using loans for things like water, energy, and rural projects. These corrections clear up confusing definitions and bring back important parts accidentally removed. The updated rules take effect December 11, 2025, helping keep loan programs running smoothly without changing the money involved.
2025-12877, Removal of Unconstitutional Preferences Based on Race and Sex in Response to Court Ruling
The USDA is stopping special benefits based on race and sex in certain farm programs after a court ruling. This change affects farmers and others who got extra help before, and it means future benefits will be fair to everyone. These updates start soon and could change how money is given out in these programs.
2026-01934, Notice of Funding Opportunities for the Strategic Economic and Community Development Program for FY 2026
The USDA is offering money in 2026 to help communities work together on big projects that boost local economies and improve living conditions. Different programs have set deadlines and specific ways to apply, so folks interested should check the USDA website soon. This funding supports loans and grants aimed at making rural areas stronger and more connected.
2025-15642, Removal of Obsolete Regulation
The Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development is cleaning house by removing old, unnecessary rules from 7 CFR part 1930. This change helps cut down confusion and paperwork for everyone involved, making things simpler and smoother. No costs or deadlines are affected—just a fresh start with clearer rules!
2025-15485, Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
USDA Rural Development wants to keep collecting info for their Strategic Economic and Community Development Program. This means folks involved with rural projects will keep sharing important data, with no new costs or big changes. The extension helps keep things running smoothly without extra paperwork headaches.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-18172, Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection, Comment Request; FEMA Preparedness Grants: Port Security Grant Program (PSGP)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public to take this opportunity to comment on an extension without change of a currently approved information collection. In accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice seeks comments concerning the information collection activities required the administer the Port Security Grant Program (PSGP).
Next: 2026-18174, Intent To Request Extension From OMB of One Current Public Collection of Information: Flight Training Security Program
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) invites public comment on one currently approved Information Collection Request (ICR), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1652-0021, abstracted below, that we will submit to OMB for an extension, in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden. The collection supports security threat assessments for aliens (candidates) seeking flight training from FAA-certified providers, ensuring they do not pose a threat to aviation or national security. Flight training providers must also conduct and maintain records of security awareness training for their employees.