Search This Blog

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Update on Rural Development Operations

Due to a lapse in appropriations for Rural Development as of October 1, Rural Development

has initiated the process of orderly shutdown of nonessential operations. You can view 

USDA's plans for a lapse in appropriations at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/contingency-

plans.


We understand the uncertainty that the current circumstances present for Americans that 

USDA serves every day, as well as our many partners around the country.  Effective today, 

many Rural Development staff will be furloughed pending reinstatement of funding by 

Congress. These staff will not be available by phone or email, and cannot carry out work for 

the Agency, until funding is restored.


In Rural Development, this means that many services will be delayed or interrupted.  For 

example, Rural Development will not be able to make any new loans or grants; the only 

exceptions will be for emergency purposes and to protect the Government's interest.  

Automatic disbursements for previously obligated Rental Assistance (RA) funds will 

continue, but no RA contracts will be renewed or issued.


We are committed to keeping you as up to date as possible, within the limits of current 

circumstances.



Sincerely,

Doug O'Brien

Acting Under Secretary

USDA-Rural Development

No comments:

Post a Comment