94-19685. Inviting Applications for Rural Technology Development Grants

[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 155 (Friday, August 12, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-19685]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: August 12, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Development Administration

 

Inviting Applications for Rural Technology Development Grants

AGENCY: Rural Development Administration, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Development Administration (RDA) announces the 
availability of approximately $1.5 million in competing Rural 
Technology Development Grant (RTDG) funds for fiscal year (FY) 1994. 
The intended effect of this notice is to solicit applications for FY 
1994 and award grants before the end of the FY. The purpose of the 
grant program is to establish and operate centers for rural technology 
or cooperative development.

DATES: The deadline for receipt of a preapplication is August 31, 1994. 
Preapplications received after that date will not be considered for FY 
1994 funding.

ADDRESSES: Entities wishing to apply for assistance should contact 
Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) State Offices to receive further 
information and copies of the preapplication package. The program will 
be operated by FmHA at the State level.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Barton, Loan Specialist, 
Community Facilities Division, Room 6304, South Agriculture Building, 
14th and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-0700, Telephone: 
[phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Refer to the interim rule for 7 CFR Part 
4284-F, published elsewhere in today's Federal Register, for the 
information collection requirements of the rule and this notice. This 
interim rule provides details on what information must be contained in 
the preapplication package.
    The RTDG program is authorized by Section 310B (f) through (h) of 
the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932). The 
RTDG program will improve the economic conditions in rural areas by 
promoting development and commercialization of new services, products, 
processes, and enterprises. Grants may be used to pay up to 75 percent 
of the cost of the project and administrative costs; the applicant must 
contribute at least 25 percent. RTDG grants are competitive and shall 
be awarded to nonprofit institutions and public bodies based on 
specific selection criteria, as required by legislation and set out in 
7 CFR Part 4284-F. Project selection will be given to those projects 
that contribute the most to the improvement of economic conditions in 
rural areas. Preferences will be given to those projects that will 
create industries or agribusinesses, increase employment, stem the flow 
of outmigration, and increase the tax base in the areas to be served. 
Applicants must provide data to support these criteria. The information 
submitted should provide an accurate picture of the economic conditions 
of the rural areas to be served. The Agency will use the information 
collected to select the best projects for funding. The interim rule 
published elsewhere in today's Federal Register contains more detailed 
information on the selection criteria.

1994 Application Submission

    Due to the short application period for FY 1994 funds, qualified 
applicants should begin the preapplication process as soon as possible. 
The highest ranking applications in each State may be recommended by 
FmHA State Directors and referred to the National Office for approval 
authority. The National Office will provide funds for projects based on 
ranking criteria and availability of funds. Grants will be awarded by 
September 30, 1994. Successful applicants will be notified by the FmHA 
State Office or the RDA National Office.
    Preapplications must include a clear statement of the goal(s) and 
objective(s) of the project and a plan which describes the proposed 
project as required by the statute and 7 CFR 4284-F. The plan must 
contain specific criteria which is necessary to carry out the intent of 
the program.

    Dated: August 8, 1994.
 Wilbur T. Peer,
 Acting Administrator, Rural Development Administration.
[FR Doc. 94-19685 Filed 8-11-94; 8:45 am]
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