Rural development: Distance learning and telemedicine loan and grant program,

[Federal Register: March 25, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 57)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 14401]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr25mr99-21]

Proposed Rules Federal Register

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

[[Page 14401]]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Part 1703

RIN 0572-AB31

Distance Learning and Telemedicine Loan and Grant Program

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is proposing an amendment to its regulations for its Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Loan and Grant Program. These proposed amendments will clarify the requirements for the different types of financial assistance offered; streamline policies and procedures for obtaining loans and expanding the purposes for which loan funds can be used; and award grants on a competitive basis.

In the final rules section of the 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 or notice of intent to submit adverse comments, a document will be published in the Federal Register withdrawing the direct final rule and all public comments received will be addressed in a subsequent final rule based on this action. Any parties interested in commenting on this action should do so at this time.

DATES: Comments on this proposed rule must be received by April 26, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit any written comments or notice of intent to submit adverse comments to Roberta D. Purcell, Assistant Administrator, Telecommunications Program, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., STOP 1590, Room 4056, South Building, Washington, DC 20250- 1590. RUS requires a signed original and three copies of all comments (7 CFR part 1700). All comments received will be made available for public inspection at room 4056, South Building, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (7 CFR part 1.27(b)). Telephone number (202) 720-9554.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonathan P. Claffey, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Telecommunications Program, Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., STOP 1590, Room 4056, South Building, Washington, DC 20250-1590. Telephone number (202) 720-9556.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: See supplementary Information provided in the direct final rule located in the final rules section of the Federal Register for applicable supplementary information on this section.

Dated: March 16, 1999. Jill Long Thompson, Under Secretary, Rural Development.

[FR Doc. 99-6996Filed3-24-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-15-P