[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 221 (Wednesday, November 17, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 67263]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-25491]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 221 / Wednesday, November 17, 2004 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 67263]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Part 1776

RIN 0572-AB93


Withdrawal of Direct Final Rule for the Household Water Well 
System Grant Program

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Withdrawal of direct final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is withdrawing the direct 
final rule for the Household Water Well System Grant Program that was 
published on October 6, 2004 (69 FR 59764). RUS stated in the direct 
final rule that if it received adverse comment by November 5, 2004, the 
agency would publish a timely notice of withdrawal in the Federal 
Register. RUS subsequently received adverse comments and, therefore, is 
withdrawing the direct final rule. RUS will address those comments in a 
subsequent final action based on the parallel proposal also published 
on October 6, 2004 (69 FR 59836). As stated in the parallel proposal, 
RUS will not institute a second comment period on this action.

DATES: Effective Date: The direct final rule published on October 6, 
2004, at 69 FR 59764 is withdrawn as of November 17, 2004.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl Francis, Loan Specialist, Water 
Programs Division, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 2239-S, Stop 1570, 
Washington, DC 20250-1570. Telephone (202) 720-1937. E-Mail: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: RUS published a direct final rule on October 
6, 2004, to issue regulations to establish the Household Water System 
Program as authorized by section 306E of the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act (CONACT). The direct final rule was to establish 
a lending program for the construction, refurbishing, and servicing of 
individually-owned household water well systems in rural areas that are 
or will be owned by the eligible individuals. In addition, the rule 
outlined the process by which applicants could apply for the program 
and how RUS would administer the grant program.
    RUS published a companion proposed rule on the same day as the 
direct final rule. The proposed rule invited comment on the substance 
of the direct final rule. The proposed rule stated that if RUS received 
adverse comment by November 5, 2004, the direct final rule would not 
take effect, and RUS would withdraw the direct final rule before the 
November 22, 2004, effective date. RUS subsequently received adverse 
comments on the direct final rule. RUS plans to address those comments 
in a subsequent action. Today's action withdraws the direct final rule. 
The regulations addressing the Household Water Well System Grant 
Program will not take effect on November 22, 2004.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 1776

    Agriculture, Community development, Community facilities, Credit, 
Grant programs--housing and community development, Nonprofit 
organizations, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Rural areas, 
Waste treatment and disposal, Water pollution control, Water resources, 
Water supply, Watersheds.

    Dated: November 9, 2004.
Hilda Gay Legg,
Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 04-25491 Filed 11-16-04; 8:45 am]
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