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RUS will amend existing regulation 7 CFR 1738 to implement the statutory changes to title VI as required by the 2018 Farm Bill. The statutory changes affecting 7 CFR 1738 are found in various sections of title VI of the 2018 Farm Bill, including sections 6201, 6205, 6207, 6208, 6209 and 6212. The changes to title VI include but are not limited to amendments to the program’s current grant funding; priority consideration; project eligibility; broadband service requirements; broadband build out requirements; program funding instruments; technical assistance and training; treatment of outdated broadband systems; public notice, assessment and reporting requirements; environmental reviews; use of loan proceeds for refinancing; and Federal broadband program coordination.

Overall Description of Deadline: Section 6213 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 provides a one-year period for enactment with respect to the implementation of the rural broadband access program under section 601 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.