[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 57 (Thursday, March 25, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 14401]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-6996]


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 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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  Federal Register / Vol. 64, No. 57 / Thursday, March 25, 1999 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 14401]]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Part 1703

RIN 0572-AB31


Distance Learning and Telemedicine Loan and Grant Program

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is proposing an amendment to 
its regulations for its Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Loan 
and Grant Program. These proposed amendments will clarify the 
requirements for the different types of financial assistance offered; 
streamline policies and procedures for obtaining loans and expanding 
the purposes for which loan funds can be used; and award grants on a 
competitive basis.
    In the final rules section of the Federal Register, RUS is 
publishing this action as a direct final rule without prior proposal 
because RUS views this as a non-controversial action and anticipates no 
adverse comments. If no adverse comments are received in response to 
the direct final rule, no further action will be taken on this proposed 
rule and the action will become effective at the time specified in the 
direct final rule. If RUS receives adverse comments or notice of intent 
to submit adverse comments, a document will be published in the Federal 
Register withdrawing the direct final rule and all public comments 
received will be addressed in a subsequent final rule based on this 
action. Any parties interested in commenting on this action should do 
so at this time.

DATES: Comments on this proposed rule must be received by April 26, 
1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit any written comments or notice of intent to submit 
adverse comments to Roberta D. Purcell, Assistant Administrator, 
Telecommunications Program, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence 
Ave., SW., STOP 1590, Room 4056, South Building, Washington, DC 20250-
1590. RUS requires a signed original and three copies of all comments 
(7 CFR part 1700). All comments received will be made available for 
public inspection at room 4056, South Building, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, DC, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (7 CFR 
part 1.27(b)). Telephone number (202) 720-9554.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonathan P. Claffey, Deputy Assistant 
Administrator, Telecommunications Program, Rural Utilities Service, 
1400 Independence Ave., SW., STOP 1590, Room 4056, South Building, 
Washington, DC 20250-1590. Telephone number (202) 720-9556.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: See supplementary Information provided in 
the direct final rule located in the final rules section of the Federal 
Register for applicable supplementary information on this section.

    Dated: March 16, 1999.
Jill Long Thompson,
Under Secretary, Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 99-6996 Filed 3-24-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P