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RHS will issue a proposed rulemaking to set forth the design features of the Rural Development Voucher Program, including the eligibility of tenants, the inspection of the housing units, and the calculation of the subsidy amount.  A rule will provide clarity of policy and provide consistency in program implementation. Since Fiscal Year 2006, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has received funding for its Rural Development Voucher Program as authorized under section 542 of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended (42 USC 1490r). Under section 542, the voucher offers assistance to very low-income families and persons residing in rental housing in rural areas. This program has been operating since 2006 using a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) published annually in the Federal Register incorporating the supplemental appropriation requirements.

On August 13, 2013, RHS published a nonsignificant proposed rule in the Federal Register. The proposed rule added subpart Q to 7 CFR 3560, specifically for the Voucher Program. A sixty-day comment period was provided that ended October 15, 2013 (78 FR 49374- 49379). Significant time has passed since the initial publication of the proposed rule. RHS proposes to submit a subsequent proposed rule to issue permanent regulations that reflect the statutory provisions in section 542 of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended. This proposed rule will also provide procedural guidance for the Rural Development Voucher Program.