statements for guaranteed loans in excess of $3 million. Records: Records and accounts must be maintained to reflect the operations of the project. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-4155-0-3-452; 12-0400-0-1-452. Obligations: (Guaranteed Loans) FY 05 $678,110,000; FY 06 est $898,800,000; and FY 07 est $990,000,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $35,000 to $17.5 million for guaranteed loans. $2.0 million (average size) for B&I guaranteed loans. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: There were 335 guarantees made in fiscal year 2005. It is estimated that there will be 449 guarantees made in fiscal year 2006 and 495 guarantees made in fiscal year 2007. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Guaranteed Loans: 7 CFR Part 4279-A, Section 4279.1 through 4279.100, Part 4279-B, Section 4279.101 through 4279.200, and Part 4287-B, Section 4287.101 through 4279.200. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Consult your local telephone directory for appropriate Rural Development State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Headquarters Office: Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC. 20250-3201. Telephone: (202) 690-4730. Fax: (202) 690-4737. Web Site Address: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.766, Community Facilities Loans and Grants; 10.769, Rural Business Enterprise Grants. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Loans made and guaranteed by RBS have been in order to assist a wide variety of manufacturing, retail, wholesale, and service businesses. Some recent loans and loan guarantees have assisted an agribusiness in expanding its service area, helped a radio station begin operations, constructed and equipped an ethanol plant, assisted a textile firm in modernizing and expanding its operations, and provided working capital and financing for machinery and equipment for a printing company. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: (1) Those projects that will save existing jobs, (2) improve existing business and industry, (3) create the greatest number of permanent jobs, (4) contribute to the overall economic stability of rural areas. 10.769 RURAL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE GRANTS (RBEG) FEDERAL AGENCY: RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended, Section 310B, Public Law 92-419, 7 U.S.C. 1989, Public Law 101- 624, Public Law 102142, 7 U.S.C. 1932. OBJECTIVES: To facilitate the development of small and emerging private business, industry, and related employment for improving the economy in rural communities. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Rural business enterprise grant (RBEG) funds may be used to create, expand or operate rural distance learning networks or programs that provide educational or job training instruction related to potential employment or job advancement to adult students; develop, construct or acquisition land, buildings, plants, equipment, access streets and roads, parking areas, utility extensions, necessary water supply and waste disposal facilities; refinancing; services and fees; and to establish a revolving loan fund. Television demonstration grant (TDG) funds may be used for television programming to demonstrate the effectiveness of providing information on agriculture and other issues of importance to farmers and other rural residents. All uses must assist a small and emerging private business enterprise except for the TDG Program. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Applicants eligible for RBE grants are public bodies and nonprofit corporations serving rural areas such as States, counties, cities, townships, and incorporated towns and villages, boroughs, authorities, districts and Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations which will serve rural areas. Applicants eligible for TD grants are statewide, private, nonprofit, public television systems whose coverage is predominantly rural. Rural area for this program is defined as a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a population of 50,000 inhabitants or less, other than an urbanized area immediately adjacent to a city, town, or unincorporated area that has a population in excess of 50,000 inhabitants. Beneficiary Eligibility: A small and emerging private business enterprise which will employ 50 or less new employees and has less than $1.0 million in projected gross revenue. Public bodies, private non-profit corporations, and Federally recognized Indian tribes receive the grant to assist a business. Grants are not made directly to the business. Credentials/Documentation: Evidence of legal capacity, economic feasibility and financial responsibility relative to the activity for which assistance is requested. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular Nos. A-110 and A-102 must be used for this program. An environmental assessment is required for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. Application Procedure: Preapplication Form SF-424 is filed at the Rural Development local office. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular Nos. A-110 and A-102 must be used for this program. Award Procedure: After the preapplication has been reviewed by the RD local office, it is forwarded to the RD State Office for review and processing instructions. Following approval by the State Office, funds are made available to the local office for final delivery. Notification of awards must be made to the designated State Central Information Reception Agency. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: 30 to 90 days. Appeals: If an application is rejected, the reasons for rejection are fully stated. Applicant may request a review of this decision from the next higher management level of Rural Business-Cooperative Service. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Funds are allocated to States based on rural population and percent of nonmetropolitan per capita income. On occasion, the allocation to States may not be practical due to funding or administrative constraints. In these cases, funds will be controlled by the National Office. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Not applicable. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Periodic reports are made to RD. Periodic audits should be made as part of the recipient's systems of financial management and internal control to meet terms and conditions of grants and other agreements. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations", State, local governments or Non-profit Organizations that 10.766, Community Facilities Loans and Grants; 10.768, Business and Industry Loans. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: (1) a $25,000 grant was made for business development in an Empowerment Zone; (2) a $500,000 grant was made to establish a revolving loan fund; and (3) a $200,000 grant was made for construction of a manufacturing building. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Projects selected for funding should, as much as practical, adhere to the following priorities: (1) Projects which will be located in communities having a large portion of their population with low incomes; (2) projects which will save existing jobs; (3) projects which will create jobs; and (4) projects located in areas with high unemployment rate. primarily provide water and/or waste disposal services to residents of a county where the per capita income of the residents is not more than 70 percent of the most recent national average per capita income, as determined by the U.S. Department of Commerce, and unemployment rate of the residents is not less than 125 percent of the most recent national average unemployment rate, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Also the residents must face significant health risks due to not having access to an affordable community water and/or waste disposal system. Beneficiary Eligibility: Public bodies, private nonprofit corporations, cooperatives, political subdivisions of a State, and Indian tribes. Credentials/Documentation: None. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, Application Procedure: Applicants are required to file a application Form SF-424 with the appropriate Rural Development (RD) Office. Award Procedure: Applications will be reviewed and scored for funding priority by the RD State Office. Applications must compete on a national basis for available funds. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 60 to 90 days. Appeals: Applicants that are determined to be not eligible may request review of this decision at a higher management level of Rural Utilities Service (RUS). Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: Not applicable. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Not applicable. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: 10.770 WATER AND WAS TE DIS POSAL LOANS AND GRANTSReports: (SECTION 306C) FEDERAL AGENCY: RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, Section 306C, 7 U.S.C. 1926(c), as amended; Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, Title XXIII, Public Law 101-624. OBJECTIVES: Provide water and waste disposal facilities and services to low income rural communities whose residents face significant health risks. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants; Direct Loans. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Funds may be used for 100 percent of costs to: Construct, enlarge, extend, or otherwise improve a community water or waste system; extend service lines and connect individual residences to a system. Allow applicant to make grants directly to individuals to: Extend service lines, connect resident's plumbing to system, pay reasonable charges and fees for connecting to system, installation of plumbing and related fixtures, and construction in dwelling of a bathroom. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Local level governments, federally recognized Indian tribes, U.S. Territories and possessions, and nonprofit associations can receive assistance under this program. Except for rural areas known as "Colonia" along the U.S./Mexico border, the projects funded under this program must Requests for funds are granted as needed. Audits: In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," non federal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a programspecific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. Records: Required to maintain records and accounts to assure funds are used for authorized purposes. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-0400-0-1-452. Obligations: (Colonias Grants) FY 05 $25,888,835; FY 06 est $24,750,000; and FY 07 est $25,000,000. (Native American Tribe Grants) FY 05 $17,020,555; FY 06 est $16,335,000; and FY 07 est $16,000,000. (Loans) FY 05 $0; FY 06 est $0; and FY 07 est $0. (Note: Grants are included in program 10.760, Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities. Only grant funds for Colonies have been appropriated for this program.) Range and Average of Financial Assistance: (Colonias Grants) FY 2005 Average: $757,600. (Native American Tribe Grants) FY 2005 Average: $586,900. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: (Colonias Grants) For fiscal year 2005, 33 infrastructure projects and 242 individual connections were awarded. (Native American Tribe Grants) In fiscal year 2005, 29 grants were awarded. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR, 1777. INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Consult local telephone directory under United States Government, Department of Agriculture, for Rural Development office number. If no listing contact appropriate Rural Development State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Headquarters Office: Assistant Administrator, Water and Environmental Programs, Rural Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 202503200. Telephone: (202) 690-2670. Use the same number for FTS. Web Site Address: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.760, Water and Waste Disposal Systems for Rural Communities. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: None. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: A proposed project servicing a rural area with a population not in excess of 1,500, a median household income not in excess of 50 percent of the statewide no metropolitan median household income and servicing residents of a Colonia along the U.S./Mexico border will be given priority. The Rural Development State Director will rate applications on a point system and points received will be considered in selecting projects for funding. Fiscal year 2000 funding is limited to the Colonies. 10.771 RURAL COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS (RCDG) FEDERAL AGENCY: RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990, Section 2347, Public Law 101-624; Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, Section 310B(e), 7 U.S.C. 1932; Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, Public Law 104-127; 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 7 U.S.C. 1991; 16 U.S.C. 1005; 62 FR 42387 Aug/7/1997; Farm Security and Rural Development Act of 2002, Public Law 107-171. OBJECTIVES: To improve economic conditions in rural areas through cooperative development. The primary objective of the cooperative center concept is to provide technical assistance services, including feasibility analysis. The grant program will be used to facilitate the creation or retention of jobs in rural areas through the development of new rural cooperatives, value-added processing, and rural businesses. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Grant funds may be used for, but not limited to, the following activities to develop new cooperatives and improve existing cooperatives: applied research, feasibility, environmental, and other studies; collection, interpretation, and dissemination of principles, facts, technical knowledge, or other useful information; training and instruction; loans and grants; and technical assistance or advisory services to individuals, small businesses, cooperatives, or other similar entities in rural areas. Up to $1.5 million may be used for applications that focus on assistance to small, minority producers through their cooperative businesses. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Eligible applicants are nonprofit corporations and institutions of higher education. Grants may not be made to public bodies. A rural area for this program is defined as all territories of a State not within the outer boundary of any city having a population of 50,000 or more according to the latest decennial census of the United States. Beneficiary Eligibility: Rural residents. Credentials/Documentation: Evidence of legal capacity, economic feasibility, and financial responsibility relative to the activity for which assistance is requested. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: An environmental assessment is generally not required for the Rural Cooperative Development Grant program. However, this program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. Application Procedure: The standard Federal application forms as furnished by the Federal Agency and required by Office of Management and Budget Circular Nos. A-110 and A-102 must be used for this program. An original and a copy of all Federal forms and application materials are to be filed with the appropriate Rural Development National Office. Electronic data submissions are encouraged. The National Office reviews the submittals to determine eligibility, then reviews, scores, and ranks all eligible applications. Award Procedure: See annual solicitation to determine the maximum amount of Federal funds to be awarded. Final processing and monitoring will be designated to the appropriate State Rural Development Office. Payments will be made by electronic funds transfer. In the event that the applicant is awarded a grant less than the amount requested, the applicant will be required to modify its application. Deadlines: Published in the Federal Register. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Sixty-to-120 days from the end of the application period as indicated in the annual solicitation in the Federal Register. Appeals: If an application is rejected, the reasons for rejection are fully stated. An applicant may request that the Agency's decision be reviewed by the USDA National Appeals Division. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: The total allocation is controlled by Congress. Applicants will be required to contribute at least 25 percent of the total project cost in cash or in-kind contributions that must be from non-Federal funds except that a loan from another federal source can be used. Applicants that are designated as 1994 Institutions" as defined in section 532 of the Equity in Educational LandGrant Status Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 301 note; Pub. L. 103-382) are required to provide non-Federal financial support (matching funds) of at least 5 percent of the total project cost. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: The grant program is conducted on an annual basis. Awards are made for a 12-month period. A Request for Advance or Reimbursement may be submitted monthly, but quarterly reimbursements are typical. The grantee's share of the costs will be disbursed in advance of grant funds or on a prorata distribution basis with grant funds during the disbursement period. Some reimbursements may be linked to submission of acceptable performance reports. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Semiannual Financial Status Report, semiannual performance report, and a final project performance report. Audits: In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," non federal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a programspecific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. Records: The grantee shall maintain adequate records and accounts to assure that grant funds are used for authorized purposes. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-1900-0-1-452. Obligations: Total amounts available for the Rural Cooperative Development Grant program in recent fiscal years: FY 05 $5,000,000; FY 06 $4,464,000; and FY 07 $5,000,000 (estimated). Up to $1.5 million may be used for applications that focus on assistance to small, minority producers through their cooperative businesses. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: In FY 2004, $6.3 million was awarded to 24 recipients, averaging $264,000 with a range from $85,000 to $300,000. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The Rural Cooperative Development Grant program has established a number of rural cooperative development centers across the Nation. Efforts from these centers have improved the economic condition of rural areas through the development of new cooperatives and improved operations of existing cooperatives. USDA continues to encourage and stimulate the development of effective cooperative organizations in rural America as a part of its total package of rural development efforts. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR 4284, Subparts A and F; 7 CFR 3015; 7 CFR 3019. Final rules published in the Federal Register on April 29, 2004, revised 7 CFR 4284 Subpart F. The amendments implemented for Subpart F within 7 CFR, Part 4284, conform to the regulations for the Rural Cooperative Development Grant program contained within the newly implemented subpart A that consolidates provisions common to all grant programs administered by Cooperative Services within Rural Business Cooperative Service (RBS). INFORMATION CONTACTS: Regional or Local Office: Contact the appropriate Rural Development State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog or through the RBS Web site. Headquarters Office: Assistant Deputy Administrator, Cooperative Services, Rural BusinessCooperative Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-8460. Use the same number for FTS. Web Site Address: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Cooperative development centers use grant funds to provide technical assistance, applied research, technical training, and cooperative education to emerging or active rural cooperatives. Examples of recent cooperative activities include: director training, technical assistance in value-added processing and marketing, and developmental outreach. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Preference will be given to those applicants that demonstrate; a proven track record in cooperative development; in providing technical assistance in rural areas; ability to facilitate the establishment of cooperatives and new cooperative approaches; and Transferability of approach to rural areas outside of project area. Projects will be selected that contribute the most to the improvement of economic conditions of the rural area. 10.772 EMPOWERMENT ZONES PROGRAM (Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities) FEDERAL AGENCY: OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, Title XIII, Public Law 10366; Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, Public Law 105-34; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1999, Public Law 105-277; Public Law No. 106554, The Community Renewal Tax Releif Act of 2000. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this program is to provide for the establishment of empowerment zones and enterprise communities in rural areas to stimulate the creation of new jobs, particularly for the disadvantaged, long-term unemployed, and out migration, and to promote revitalization of economically distressed areas. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: The USDA Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community (EZ/EC) program is the first step in rebuilding communities in America's povertystricken rural communities. It is designed to empower people and communities all across this Nation by inspiring Americans to work together to improve living conditions in their communities, and create jobs and opportunity. Under this program the Federal government has designated 57 rural areas as EZs and ECs. These communities meet certain poverty and distress criteria and have prepared creative strategic plans for revitalization. For the purposes of this program, Round I refers to those EZs and ECs designated in 1994, Round II refers to those designated in 1998 and Round III refers to those EZS designated in 2002. Empowerment Zones are eligible for private activity tax exempt bonding authority for qualifying enterprises and facilities. Bond issues are subject to State private activity bond caps and special limits on issue size. Round I Empowerment Zones are eligible for employer wage credits, with a phase out beginning in year 2005. Empowerment Zones are eligible for accelerated Section 179 expensing for eligible property. Certain environmental remediation expenditures for cleaning up sites in enterprise communities may be deducted in the year incurred by taxpayers, where those expenses would ordinarily be capitalized and depreciated over time. EZ/ECs are also eligible for qualified academy zone taxable bonding authority, where the holder receives a tax credit in an amount equal to a credit rate (set by the Treasury Department) multiplied by the face amount of the bond. Round II rural zones can each issue up to $60,000,000 in "new bonds" to Finance Zone facilities in addition to Round I type tax exempt bonds. The benefits described above may or may not be all-inclusive. EZ/EC communities benefit from additional legislated benefits in the future. They receive special consideration in competition for funding under numerous Federal programs, including the National Service and Community Policing initiatives. The Federal government will focus special attention on working cooperatively with designated enterprise communities to overcome regulatory impediments, to permit flexible use of existing Federal funds, and to assist these communities in meeting essential mandates. Round II Empowerment Zones have authority to issue private activity bonds for qualified enterprises and facilities, which are not subject to State private activity bond caps, and enjoy a greater allowance for section 179 expending. Round II Empowerment Zones do not enjoy the employer wage credits mentioned above. All EC and EZ employers, however, may use the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, as such credit may be extended. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: USDA is not currently authorized to grant new designations for the EZ/EC program. If Congress authorizes a new round of designations, eligibility criteria based on the statutory requirements for the new round will be published in the Federal Register. Beneficiary Eligibility: USDA is not currently authorized to grant new designations for the EZ/EC program. If Congress authorizes a new round of designations, eligibility criteria based on the statutory requirements for the new round will be published in the Federal Register. Credentials/Documentation: A Notice Inviting Applications would be published in the Federal Register. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: Preapplication Coordination: None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: A Notice Inviting Applications, to be published in the Federal Register. Award Procedure: Round II Designations are published in the Federal Register and are effective as of the date of publication. Deadlines: Published in the Federal Register. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Guidelines would be published in the Federal Register. Appeals: None. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: None. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Period of designation: The designation of an area as an Empowerment Zone or Enterprise Community shall remain in full effect during the period beginning on the date of designation and ending on the earliest of: (1) the close of the tenth calendar year beginning on or after the date of designation; (b) the termination date designated by the State and local governments in their application for nomination; or (c) the date the Secretary modifies or revokes the designation. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Reports: USDA requires semi-annual reports for the designated EZ/EC communities. These reports will identify the community, local government and State actions that have been taken in accordance with the strategic plan. In addition to these reports, such other information relating to designated empowerment zones and enterprise communities as USDA shall request from time to time shall be submitted promptly. On the basis of this information and of on-site reviews, USDA will prepare and issue periodic EZ/EC reports. Audits: In accordance with OMB Circular No. A-133 "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations" as codified by USDA or 7 CFR Chapter XXX, Part 3052, nonfederal entities that expend $500,000 or more in a year in Federal awards shall have a single or program-specific audit conducted for that year. Records: To be determined. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-2065-0-1-452. Obligations: FY 05 $12,169,985; FY 06 est $12,000,000; and FY 07 est $12,000,000. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: From $500,000 to $40 million over a ten year period. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Leveraging ratio is 17:1. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR Part 25 Designation of Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Consult your local telephone directory for the USDA Rural Development Area Office number. If none are listed contact the appropriate Rural Development State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Headquarters Office: USDA, Office of Community Development, 300 7th Street SW., Reporters Building, Room 266, Washington, DC, 20024, ATTN: David Sears, Acting Director. Telephone: (202) 619-7980. Internet website: www.ezec.gov. Web Site Address: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 14.244, Empowerment Zones Program; 93.667, Social Services Block Grant. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Descriptions of designated communities and information on activities in the strategic plans are available on the internet website above, or upon request, from the Headquarters Office. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Published in the Federal Register. 10.773 RURAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY GRANTS (RBOG) FEDERAL AGENCY: RURAL BUSINESS-COOPERATIVE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, Section 741, Public Law 104-127. OBJECTIVES: To promote sustainable economic development in rural communities with exceptional needs. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Grant funds may be used to assist in the economic development of rural areas by providing technical assistance, training, and planning for business and economic development. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicant Eligibility: Grants may be made to public bodies, nonprofit corporations, Indian tribes on Federal or State reservations or other Federally recognized tribal groups, and cooperatives with members that are primarily rural residents and that conduct activities for the mutual benefit of the members. Beneficiary Eligibility: Rural communities and businesses in rural areas. Credentials/Documentation: Evidence of legal capacity. Evidence of financial strength and expertise in activities such as proposed in the application, sufficient to ensure accomplishment of the activities and objectives described in the application. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS: This program is subject to coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in the State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. This program is subject to environmental review requirements; however, most applications are expected to qualify as general exclusions. Application Procedure: Potential applicants should file Standard Form 424.1, "Application for Federal Assistance (For Nonconstruction)," and additional material required by Agency regulations with the USDA Rural Development State Office. The application will include a written narrative and scope of work. More details are available from the Headquarters Office or any Rural Development State Office. Award Procedure: Applications will be given a priority score in accordance with the criteria set out in the program regulations. Deadlines: None. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: 30 days to 1 year. Appeals: Adverse decision may be appealed in accordance with procedures set out at 7 CFR 11. Renewals: Not applicable. ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS: Formula and Matching Requirements: This program has no statutory formula or matching requirements, although availability of matching funds is considered in determining priority. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Funding for complete projects is limited to projects that can be completed within 2 years. Projects of longer duration may only be funded for 1 year at a time. POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS: Grantees must provide a financial report and performance activity report quarterly while the project is in process, and a project evaluation report within 1 year after the project is completed. Audits: In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a programspecific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. Records: Records and accounts must be maintained to reflect the operations of the project. FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Account Identification: 12-0400-0-1-452. Obligations: FY 05 $3,075,000; FY 06 est $2,970,000; and FY 07 est $0 (Listed as |