USDA Finalizes Rural Business Loan Guarantee Regulations

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.

2025-13489 — Accounting Requirements for RUS Electric Borrowers

The USDA’s Rural Utilities Service is updating the accounting rules for electric borrowers to make things clearer and more up-to-date. They’re adding new accounts, removing old ones, and explaining how to handle forgiven or partly paid-off debt. These changes help borrowers keep their books straight and start soon after the rule is final.

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.

2026-03140 — Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection

The USDA’s Rural Utilities Service wants to keep collecting info for its Broadband Technical Assistance Program, which helps bring internet to rural areas. They’re asking for your thoughts by April 20, 2026, to make sure the process is easy and useful. This extension won’t cost extra but keeps the program running smoothly for communities that need better broadband.

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.

Previous: 2025-22656 — Publication of International Criminal Court-Related Sanctions Regulations Web General License 10

The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) gave a special green light called General License 10 to wrap up business with certain blocked groups linked to the International Criminal Court. This license let people finish transactions with these groups safely until October 4, 2025, as long as payments went into frozen U.S. accounts. If you’re dealing with these groups, you had a clear deadline to follow and keep your money secure.

Next: 2025-22672 — Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan; Amendment 34; Groundfish Exclusion Area for Coral Research and Restoration

Starting January 12, 2026, commercial fishers using bottom-contact gear must avoid Sur Ridge in Monterey Bay to protect deep-sea corals. This new no-fishing zone helps scientists study and restore coral habitats while keeping the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery sustainable. Fishers off California’s coast should plan ahead to follow these new rules and support ocean health.