81 FR 20614 - Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees Program
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 68 (April 8, 2016)
Rural Utilities Service
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 68 (April 8, 2016)
| Page Range | 20614-20615 | |
| FR Document | 2016-08040 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 68 (Friday, April 8, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 20614-20615] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-08040] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Rural Broadband Access Loans and Loan Guarantees Program AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces that it is accepting applications for fiscal year (FY) 2016 for the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee program (the Broadband Program). In addition to announcing the application window, RUS announces the minimum and maximum amounts for broadband loans for FY 2016. DATES: Applications under this NOSA will be accepted immediately and must be submitted through the Agency's online application system no later than July 7, 2016 to be eligible for FY 2016 broadband loan funding. Applications are subject to the requirements of the interim final regulation published in the Federal Register at Vol. 80, No. 146 on Thursday, July 30, 2015. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information contact Shawn Arner, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Loan Originations and Approval Division, Rural Utilities Service, STOP 1597, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-1597, Telephone: (202) 720-0800, or email: [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: General Information The Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program (the Broadband Program) is authorized by the Rural Electrification Act (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.), as amended by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79) also referred to as the 2014 Farm Bill. During FY 2016, loans will be made available for the construction, improvement, and acquisition of facilities and equipment to provide service at the broadband lending speed for eligible rural areas. Applications must be submitted in accordance with the interim final rule published July 30, 2015. For questions about the requirements of completing an application please use the RUS contact listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice. Application requirements: All requirements for submission of an application under the Broadband Program have been set forth in the interim regulation published July 30, 2015. Application Materials: Application materials for the Broadband Program are available at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/farm-bill-broadband-loans-loan-guarantees. Application Submission: All applications must be submitted through the Agency's online application system located at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rd-apply. Paper applications will not be accepted. Minimum and Maximum Loan Amounts Loans under this authority will not be made for less than $100,000. The maximum loan amount that will be considered for FY 2016 is $10,000,000. Required Definitions for Broadband Program Regulation The interim regulation for the Broadband Program requires that certain definitions affecting eligibility be revised and published from time to time by the agency in the Federal Register. For the purposes of this NOSA, the agency will be revising the definition of Broadband Service established therein, such that for applications under this window, existing Broadband Service shall mean the minimum rate-of-data transmission of ten megabits downstream and one megabit upstream for both fixed and mobile broadband service. On the other hand, the rate at which applicants must propose to offer new broadband service, the Broadband Lending Speed, will be a minimum bandwidth of ten megabits downstream and one megabit upstream for both fixed and mobile service to the customer. Priority for Approving Loan Applications Applications for FY 2016 will be accepted from April 8, 2016 through July 7, 2016. Although review of applications will start when they are submitted, all applications submitted by July 7, 2016, will be evaluated and ranked together on the basis of the number of unserved households in the proposed funded service area. Subject to available funding, eligible applications that propose to serve the most unserved households will receive funding offers before other eligible applications that have been submitted. Applications will not be accepted after July 7, 2016, until a new funding window has been opened with the publication of an additional NOSA in the Federal Register. Paperwork Reduction Act In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the information collection requirements associated with Broadband loans, as covered in this NOSA, have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 0572-0130. USDA Non-Discrimination Statement In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/ [[Page 20615]] parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410; (2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) Email: [email protected]. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. Dated: March 30, 2016. Brandon McBride, Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. [FR Doc. 2016-08040 Filed 4-7-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-15-P
![20614 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 68 / Friday, April 8, 2016 / Notices
discriminatory act, event, or in the case DATES: Applications under this NOSA Required Definitions for Broadband
of a personnel action. Additional will be accepted immediately and must Program Regulation
information can be found online at be submitted through the Agency’s The interim regulation for the
http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_ online application system no later than Broadband Program requires that certain
filing_file.html. July 7, 2016 to be eligible for FY 2016 definitions affecting eligibility be
If you wish to file a Civil Rights broadband loan funding. Applications revised and published from time to time
program complaint of discrimination, are subject to the requirements of the by the agency in the Federal Register.
complete the USDA Program interim final regulation published in the For the purposes of this NOSA, the
Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF), Federal Register at Vol. 80, No. 146 on agency will be revising the definition of
found online at http://www.ascr.usda. Thursday, July 30, 2015. Broadband Service established therein,
gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For such that for applications under this
any USDA office, or call (866) 632–9992 further information contact Shawn window, existing Broadband Service
to request the form. You may also write Arner, Deputy Assistant Administrator, shall mean the minimum rate-of-data
a letter containing all of the information Loan Originations and Approval transmission of ten megabits
requested in the form. Send your Division, Rural Utilities Service, STOP downstream and one megabit upstream
completed complaint form or letter to us 1597, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., for both fixed and mobile broadband
by mail at U.S. Department of Washington, DC 20250–1597, service. On the other hand, the rate at
Agriculture, Director, Office of Telephone: (202) 720–0800, or email: which applicants must propose to offer
Adjudication, 1400 Independence Shawn.Arner@wdc.usda.gov. new broadband service, the Broadband
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250– Lending Speed, will be a minimum
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
9410, by fax (202) 690–7442 or email at bandwidth of ten megabits downstream
program.intake@usda.gov. General Information and one megabit upstream for both fixed
Individuals who are deaf, hard of The Rural Broadband Access Loan and mobile service to the customer.
hearing or have speech disabilities and and Loan Guarantee Program (the
you wish to file either an EEO or Priority for Approving Loan
Broadband Program) is authorized by Applications
program complaint please contact the Rural Electrification Act (7 U.S.C.
USDA through the Federal Relay 901 et seq.), as amended by the Applications for FY 2016 will be
Service at (800) 877–8339 or (800) 845– Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113– accepted from April 8, 2016 through
6136 (in Spanish). 79) also referred to as the 2014 Farm July 7, 2016. Although review of
Persons with disabilities, who wish to applications will start when they are
Bill.
file a program complaint, please see submitted, all applications submitted by
During FY 2016, loans will be made
information above on how to contact us July 7, 2016, will be evaluated and
available for the construction,
by mail directly or by email. If you ranked together on the basis of the
improvement, and acquisition of
require alternative means of number of unserved households in the
facilities and equipment to provide
communication for program information proposed funded service area. Subject to
service at the broadband lending speed
(e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) available funding, eligible applications
for eligible rural areas. Applications
please contact USDA’s TARGET Center that propose to serve the most unserved
must be submitted in accordance with
at (202) 720–2600 (voice and TDD). households will receive funding offers
the interim final rule published July 30,
Dated: April 4, 2016. before other eligible applications that
2015.
have been submitted.
Samuel Rikkers, For questions about the requirements Applications will not be accepted
Administrator, Rural Business—Cooperative of completing an application please use after July 7, 2016, until a new funding
Service. the RUS contact listed in the FOR window has been opened with the
[FR Doc. 2016–08028 Filed 4–7–16; 8:45 am] FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of publication of an additional NOSA in
BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P this notice. the Federal Register.
Application requirements: All
requirements for submission of an Paperwork Reduction Act
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE application under the Broadband In accordance with the Paperwork
Program have been set forth in the Reduction Act of 1995, the information
Rural Utilities Service interim regulation published July 30, collection requirements associated with
2015. Broadband loans, as covered in this
Rural Broadband Access Loans and Application Materials: Application NOSA, have been approved by the
Loan Guarantees Program materials for the Broadband Program are Office of Management and Budget
AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA. available at http://www.rd.usda.gov/ (OMB) under OMB Control Number
ACTION:Notice of Solicitation of programs-services/farm-bill-broadband- 0572–0130.
Applications (NOSA). loans-loan-guarantees.
Application Submission: All USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service applications must be submitted through In accordance with Federal civil
(RUS), an agency of the United States the Agency’s online application system rights law and U.S. Department of
Department of Agriculture (USDA), located at http://www.rd.usda.gov/ Agriculture (USDA) civil rights
announces that it is accepting programs-services/rd-apply. Paper regulations and policies, the USDA, its
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
applications for fiscal year (FY) 2016 for applications will not be accepted. Agencies, offices, and employees, and
the Rural Broadband Access Loan and institutions participating in or
Minimum and Maximum Loan administering USDA programs are
Loan Guarantee program (the Broadband
Amounts prohibited from discriminating based on
Program).
In addition to announcing the Loans under this authority will not be race, color, national origin, religion, sex,
application window, RUS announces made for less than $100,000. The gender identity (including gender
the minimum and maximum amounts maximum loan amount that will be expression), sexual orientation,
for broadband loans for FY 2016. considered for FY 2016 is $10,000,000. disability, age, marital status, family/
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![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 68 / Friday, April 8, 2016 / Notices 20615
parental status, income derived from a FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Estimate of Burden: Public reporting
public assistance program, political Thomas P. Dickson, Acting Director, burden for this collection of information
beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior Program Development and Regulatory is estimated to average 9.17 hours per
civil rights activity, in any program or Analysis, USDA Rural Utilities Service, response.
activity conducted or funded by USDA 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP Respondents: Business or other for-
(not all bases apply to all programs). 1522, Room 5164 South Building, profit; not-for-profit organizations.
Remedies and complaint filing Washington, DC 20250–1522. Estimated Number of Respondents:
deadlines vary by program or incident. Telephone: (202) 690–4492; Email: 40.
Persons with disabilities who require Thomas.Dickson@wdc.usda.gov. Estimated Number of Responses per
alternative means of communication for SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office Respondent: 8.79.
program information (e.g., Braille, large of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Estimated Total Annual Burden on
print, audiotape, American Sign regulation (5 CFR 1320) implementing Respondents: 3,224.
Language, etc.) should contact the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Copies of this information collection
responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–13) requires can be obtained from Rebecca Hunt,
Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and that interested members of the public Program Development and Regulatory
TTY) or contact USDA through the and affected agencies have an Analysis, at (202) 205–3660, FAX: (202)
Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8339. opportunity to comment on information 720–8435, Email: Rebecca.Hunt@
Additionally, program information may collection and recordkeeping activities wdc.usda.gov.
be made available in languages other (see 5 CFR 1320.8(d)). This notice All responses to this notice will be
than English. identifies an information collection that summarized and included in the request
To file a program discrimination RUS is submitting to OMB for for OMB approval. All comments will
complaint, complete the USDA Program extension. also become a matter of public record.
Discrimination Complaint Form, AD– Comments are invited on: (a) Whether Dated: March 30, 2016.
3027, found online at http://www.ascr. the proposed collection of information Brandon McBride,
usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html is necessary for the proper performance Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
and at any USDA office or write a letter of the functions of the Agency, [FR Doc. 2016–08037 Filed 4–7–16; 8:45 am]
addressed to USDA and provide in the including whether the information will BILLING CODE P
letter all of the information requested in have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of
the form. To request a copy of the the Agency’s estimate of the burden of
complaint form, call (866) 632–9992. the proposed collection of information
Submit your completed form or letter to COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS
including the validity of the
USDA by: methodology and assumptions used; (c)
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Notice of Public Meeting of the Texas
ways to enhance the quality, utility and State Advisory Committee
Agriculture, Office of the Assistant clarity of the information to be
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 collected; and (d) ways to minimize the AGENCY: U.S. Commission on Civil
Independence Avenue SW., burden of the collection of information Rights.
Washington, DC 20250–9410; on those who are to respond, including ACTION: Announcement of public
(2) Fax: (202) 690–7442; or meeting.
(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov. through the use of appropriate
USDA is an equal opportunity automated, electronic, mechanical, or
other technological collection DATES: Friday, May 6, 2016.
provider, employer, and lender.
techniques or other forms of information Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (CT).
Dated: March 30, 2016. technology. Comments may be sent to: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given,
Brandon McBride, Thomas P. Dickson, Acting Director, pursuant to the provisions of the rules
Administrator, Rural Utilities Service. Program Development and Regulatory and regulations of the U.S. Commission
[FR Doc. 2016–08040 Filed 4–7–16; 8:45 am] Analysis, USDA Rural Utilities Service, on Civil Rights (Commission) and the
BILLING CODE 3410–15–P 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP Federal Advisory Committee Act
1522, Washington, DC 20250–1522. (FACA) that a meeting of the Texas State
FAX: (202)720–8435, Email: Advisory Committee (Committee) to the
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Thomas.Dickson@wdc.usda.gov. Commission will be held at 11:00 a.m.
Title: Preloan Procedures and (Central Time) Friday, May 6, 2016, for
Rural Utilities Service Requirements for Telecommunications the purpose of discussing plans to hold
Program. a briefing meeting assessing the impact
Information Collection Activity;
OMB Control Number: 0572–0079. of a 2012 study by the Public Policy
Comment Request
Type of Request: Extension of a Research Institute at Texas A&M
Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
AGENCY: currently approved information University and the Council of State
Notice and request for
ACTION: collection. Governments Justice Center that found
comments. Abstract: The burden required by this ethnic and racial disparities in school
collection consists of information that discipline in Texas.
SUMMARY: In accordance with the will allow the Agency to determine an This meeting is available to the public
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 applicant’s eligibility to borrow from the through the following toll-free call-in
U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended), the
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Agency under the terms of the Rural number: 888–395–3227; when
Rural Utilities Service (RUS) invites Electrification Act (RE Act) of 1936 as prompted, please provide conference ID
comments on this information amended (U.S.C. 912). This information number: 4227309. Any interested
collection for which approval from the is also used by the Agency to determine member of the public may call this
Office of Management and Budget that the Government’s security for loans number and listen to the meeting. An
(OMB) will be requested. made by the Agency is reasonably open comment period will be provided
DATES: Comments on this notice must be adequate and that the loans will be to allow members of the public to make
received by June 7, 2016. repaid within the time agreed. a statement at the end of the meeting.
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Document Created: 2018-02-07 13:50:14
Document Modified: 2018-02-07 13:50:14
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA). | |
| Dates | Applications under this NOSA will be accepted immediately and must be submitted through the Agency's online application system no later than July 7, 2016 to be eligible for FY 2016 broadband loan funding. Applications are subject to the requirements of the interim final regulation published in the Federal Register at Vol. 80, No. 146 on Thursday, July 30, 2015. | |
| Contact | For further information contact Shawn Arner, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Loan Originations and Approval Division, Rural Utilities Service, STOP 1597, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-1597, Telephone: (202) 720-0800, or email: [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 20614 |
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