§ 1942.501 - General.

(a) This subpart outlines Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 policies and procedures for making Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants authorized under sections 306A and 306B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)), as amended. Any processing or servicing activity conducted pursuant to this subpart involving authorized assistance to FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 employees, members of their families, known close relatives, or business or close personal associates, is subject to the provisions of subpart D of part 1900 of this chapter. Applicants for this assistance are required to identify any known relationship or association with an FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 employee.

(b) FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 officials will maintain liaison with officials of other Federal, State, regional and local development agencies to coordinate related programs to achieve rural development objectives.

(c) FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 officials shall cooperate with appropriate State agencies in making grants that support State strategies for rural area development.

(d) Funds allocated for use in accordance with this subpart are also to be considered for use by Indian tribes within the State regardless of whether State development strategies include Indian reservations within the State's boundaries. Indians residing on such reservations must have an equal opportunity along with other rural residents to participate in the benefits of this program. This includes equal application of outreach activities of FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 County and District Offices.

(e) Federal statutes provide for extending FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 financial programs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, age, or physical/mental handicap (provided the participant possesses the capacity to enter into legal contracts).