[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 15 (Wednesday, January 23, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3039-3041]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-1537]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Part 1703

RIN 0572-AB70


Distance Learning and Telemedicine Loan and Grant Program

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Direct final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is amending its regulations 
for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Loan and Grant 
Program. This direct final rule addresses the amendments affecting the 
grant program. These amendments will clarify eligibility; change the 
grant minimum matching contribution; clarify that only loan funds will 
be used to finance transmission facilities; modify financial 
information requirements; adjust the leveraging of resources scoring 
criterion; revise financial information to be submitted; and make other 
minor changes and corrections.

DATES: This rule will become effective March 11, 2002, unless we 
receive written adverse comments or a written notice of intent to 
submit adverse comments on or before February 22, 2002. If we receive 
such comments or notice, we will publish a timely document in the 
Federal Register withdrawing the rule. Comments received will be 
considered under the proposed rule published in this edition of the 
Federal Register in the proposed rule section. A second public comment 
period will not be held.
    Written comments must be received by RUS via facsimile transmission 
or carry a postmark or equivalent no later than February 22, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit adverse comments or notice of intent to submit 
adverse comments to Roberta D. Purcell, Assistant Administrator, 
Telecommunications Program, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., STOP 1590, Room 4056, South 
Building, Washington, DC 20250-1590 or via facsimile transmission to 
(202) 720-0810. RUS requests a signed original and three copies of all 
comments (7 CFR 1700.4). All comments received will be made available 
for public inspection at room 4056, South Building, Washington, DC, 
between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. (7 CFR part 1.27(b)).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marilyn J. Morgan, Chief, DLT Branch, 
Advanced Services Division, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., STOP 1550, Washington, DC 
20250-1550. Telephone: 202-720-0413; e-mail at [email protected]; 
or, Fax: 202-720-1051.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Executive Order 12866

    This rule has been determined to be not significant for the 
purposes of Executive Order 12866 and, therefore, has not been reviewed 
by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Executive Order 12372

    This program is subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, 
Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs, which requires 
intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials.

Executive Order 12988

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12988, Civil 
Justice Reform. RUS has determined that this rule meets the applicable 
standards provided in section 3 of the Executive Order. In addition, 
all State and local laws and regulations that are in conflict with this 
rule will be preempted; no retroactive effect will be given to this 
rule; and, in accordance with section 212(e) of the Department of 
Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6912(e)) 
administrative appeal procedures, if any are required, must be 
exhausted before an action against the Department or its agencies may 
be initiated.

Regulatory Flexibility Act Certification

    The Administrator of RUS has determined that this rule will not 
have a significant economic adverse impact on a substantial number of 
small entities, as defined in the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 
601). The RUS DLT loan and grant program provides recipients with 
grants and loans at interest rates and on terms that are more favorable 
than those generally available from the private sector. Recipients, as 
a result of obtaining federal financing, receive economic benefits that 
exceed any direct cost associated with complying with the RUS 
regulations and requirements.

National Environmental Policy Act Certification

    The Administrator of RUS has determined that this rule will not 
significantly affect the quality of the human environment as defined by 
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). 
Therefore, this action does not require an environmental impact 
statement or assessment.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

    The program described by this rule is listed in the Catalog of 
Federal Domestic Assistance programs under No. 10.855 Distance Learning 
and Telemedicine Loans and Grants. This catalog is available on a 
subscription basis from the Superintendent of Documents, the United 
States Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325, telephone 
number (202) 512-1800.

Information Collection and Recordkeeping Requirements

    The reporting and recordkeeping requirements contained in this rule 
have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 
OMB Control Number 0572-0096, pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1995 (44 U.S.C chapter 35).

Unfunded Mandates

    This rule contains no Federal mandates (under the regulatory 
provisions of title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act) for State, 
local, and tribal governments or the private sector. Thus, this rule is 
not subject to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of the Unfunded 
Mandates Reform Act.

[[Page 3040]]

Background

    RUS is amending 7 CFR 1703, subparts D, E, F and G of its 
regulations for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Loan and 
Grant Program. The current regulations implement the provision of the 
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (1996 Act) (7 
U.S.C. 950aaa et seq.) to encourage and improve telemedicine services 
and distance learning services in rural areas.
    Subpart D is being amended to clarify eligibility for various types 
of financial assistance. Section 1703.103 is revised to clarify 
eligibility criterion for applicants in conformance with paragraphs 
(c)(1) and (2) of section 2333 of the 1996 Act (7 U.S.C. 950aaa-a(1) 
and (2). Sections 1703.131(h) and 1703.141(h) are revised to clarify 
that transmission facilities may be financed only with a loan and in 
connection with a distance learning or telemedicine project. Funding of 
transmission facilities is further clarified under section 1703.101. 
Additionally the word ``eligible'' was removed from the first sentence 
of the consortium definition and the definition of ``eligible 
organization'' was deleted under the definition section. Eligibility 
criteria are set forth in Sec. 1703.103.
    This rule also amends the method of calculation for the minimum 
matching contribution of a grant in subpart E. This rule also readjusts 
the award of points for the leveraging of resources scoring criterion.
    Subpart E clarifies the circumstances under which the grant program 
will fund telecommunications facilities.
    This rule makes an additional modification to subpart E regarding 
required financial information. This will streamline the application 
process for applicants.

List of Subjects in Part 1703

    Community development; Grant programs--housing and community 
development; Loan programs--housing and community development, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, RUS amends 7 CFR chapter 
XVII as follows:

PART 1703--RURAL DEVELOPMENT

    1. The authority citation for this part continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 950aaa et seq.

Subpart D--Distance Learning and Telemedicine Loan and Grant 
Program--General

    2. Amend Sec. 1703.102 by removing the definition of ``Eligible 
organization'' and revising the definitions of ``Consortium'' and 
``Rural Community Facilities'' to read as follows:


Sec. 1703.102  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Consortium means a combination or group of entities formed to 
undertake the purposes for which the distance learning and telemedicine 
financial assistance is provided. At least one of the entities in a 
consortium must meet the requirements of Sec. 1703.103.
* * * * *
    Rural community facility means a facility such as a school, 
library, learning center, training facility, hospital, or medical 
facility that provides educational or health care benefits primarily to 
residents of rural areas.
* * * * *

    3. Revise Sec. 1703.103 to read as follows:


Sec. 1703.103  Applicant eligibility and allocation of funds.

    (a) To be eligible to receive a grant, loan and grant combination, 
or loan under this subpart:
    (1) The applicant must be legally organized as an incorporated 
organization or partnership, an Indian tribe or tribal organization, as 
defined in 25 U.S.C. 450b (b) and (c), a state or local unit of 
government, a consortium, as defined in Sec. 1703.102, or other legal 
entity, including a private corporation organized on a for profit or 
not-for profit basis. Each applicant must provide written evidence of 
its legal capacity to contract with RUS to obtain the grant, loan and 
grant combination, or the loan, and comply with all applicable 
requirements. If a consortium lacks the legal capacity to contract, 
each individual entity must contract with RUS in its own behalf.
    (2) The applicant proposes to utilize the financing to:
    (i) Operate a rural community facility; or
    (ii) Deliver distance learning or telemedicine services to entities 
that operate a rural community facility or to residents of rural areas 
at rates calculated to ensure that the benefit of the financial 
assistance is passed through to such entities or to residents of rural 
areas.
    (b) Electric or telecommunications borrowers are not eligible for 
grants.

Subpart E--Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program

    4. Remove and reserve Sec. 1703.120
    5. Amend Sec. 1703.121 by revising the introductory text to read as 
follows:


Sec. 1703.121  Approved purposes for grants.

    For distance learning and telemedicine projects, grants shall 
finance only the costs for approved purposes. Grants shall be expended 
only for the costs associated with the initial capital assets 
associated with the project. The following are approved grant purposes:
* * * * *
    6. Amend Sec. 1703.122 by revising paragraph (a) and adding 
paragraph (e) to read as follows:


Sec. 1703.122  Matching contributions.

    (a) The grant applicant's minimum matching contribution must equal 
15 percent of the grant amount requested and shall be used for approved 
purposes for grants listed in Sec. 1703.121. Matching contributions 
generally must be in the form of cash. However, in-kind contributions 
solely for the purposes listed in Sec. 1703.121 may be substituted for 
cash.
* * * * *
    (e) Any financial assistance from Federal sources will not be 
considered as matching contributions under this subpart unless there is 
a Federal statutory exception specifically authorizing the Federal 
financial assistance to be considered as a matching contribution.
    7. Amend Sec. 1703.123 by revising paragraph (a)(1) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 1703.123  Nonapproved purposes for grants.

    (a) * * *
    (1) To cover the costs of acquiring, installing or constructing 
telecommunications transmission facilities;
* * * * *
    8. Amend Sec. 1703.125 by removing the words ``purchases or leases 
of'' from the first sentence of (h)(2) and by revising paragraph (e) to 
read as follows:


Sec. 1703.125  Completed application.

* * * * *
    (e) Financial information and sustainability. The applicant must 
provide a narrative description demonstrating: feasibility of the 
project, including having sufficient resources and expertise necessary 
to undertake and complete the project; and, how the project will be 
sustained following completion of the project.
* * * * *

[[Page 3041]]

    9. Amend Sec. 1703.126 by revising paragraph (a)(4) to read as 
follows:


Sec. 1703.126  Criteria for scoring grant applications.

    (a) * * *
    (4) The ability of the applicant to leverage financial resources--
Up to 35 points. This criterion will be used to evaluate the ability of 
the applicant to provide a matching contribution for the project using 
other non-Federal financial assistance. Documentation submitted in 
support of the application should reflect any additional financial 
support for the project from non-Federal sources above the applicant's 
minimum matching contribution of 15 percent as required by 
Sec. 1703.122. The applicant must include evidence, from authorized 
representatives of the sources, of a commitment that the funds are 
available and will be used for the project. The applicant will receive 
points as follows:
    (i) Matching contribution for approved purposes greater than 15 
percent, but less than or equal to 30 percent of the grant requested--0 
points.
    (ii) Matching contribution for approved purposes greater than 30 
percent, but less than or equal to 50 percent of the grant requested--
15 points.
    (iii) Matching contribution for approved purposes greater than 50 
percent, but less than or equal to 75 percent of the grant requested--
25 points.
    (iv) Matching contribution for approved purposes greater than 75 
percent, but less than or equal to 100 percent of the grant requested--
30 points.
    (v) Matching contribution for a grant for approved purposes greater 
than 100 percent of the grant requested--35 points.
* * * * *

    Dated: December 28, 2001.
Roberta D. Purcell,
Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 02-1537 Filed 1-22-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P