USDA Extends Paperwork Approval for Rural Economic Projects

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!

2025-04988 — Amendment of Rural Development Funding Opportunities Pursuant to the Executive Order “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing”; Correction of Rural Energy for America Funding Notice

The USDA Rural Development is updating 14 funding programs to remove diversity and equity scoring rules, following a new Executive Order. If you’ve already applied, don’t worry—you don’t need to apply again. Plus, they fixed a mistake by adding a missing funding source for rural energy projects, so more money is available soon.

Previous: 2025-15484 — Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Unaccompanied Alien Children Sponsor Application Packet

The Office of Refugee Resettlement is updating the application forms used to check if people can safely sponsor unaccompanied alien children. These changes make the process clearer and better, helping kids find safe homes faster. If you want to share your thoughts, now’s the time before the new forms get final approval!

Next: 2025-15486 — United States, et al. v. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated, et al.; Proposed Final Judgment and Competitive Impact Statement

The U.S. government says UnitedHealth’s plan to buy Amedisys could hurt competition in home health and hospice care. To fix this, both companies must sell some branches to other health providers and Amedisys will pay a $1.1 million fine and train employees on antitrust rules. Public comments on this plan are open for 60 days starting August 14, 2025.