02-1538. Distance Learning and Telemedicine Loan and Grant Program

AGENCY:

Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION:

Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is amending its regulations for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Loan and Grant Program. This proposed 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 scoring criterion; clarify financial information to be submitted; and make other minor changes and corrections.

In the final rule section of this 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, a timely document will be published withdrawing the direct final rule and all public comments received will be addressed in a subsequent final rule based on this action.

DATES:

Comments on this proposed action 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 [phone]. 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 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 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: [phone]; e-mail at [e-mail]; or, Fax: [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

See the Supplementary Information provided in the direct final rule located in the Rules and Regulations direct final rule section of this Federal Register for the applicable supplementary information on this action.

Dated: December 28, 2001.

Roberta D. Purcell,

Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.