66 FR 108 pgs. 30151-30157 - Notice Inviting Applications for Designation of Rural Empowerment Zones
Type: NOTICEVolume: 66Number: 108Pages: 30151 - 30157
FR document: [FR Doc. 01-14119 Filed 6-4-01; 8:45 am]
Agency: Agriculture Department
Sub Agency: Office of the Secretary
Official PDF Version: PDF Version
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Office of the Secretary
Notice Inviting Applications for Designation of Rural Empowerment Zones
AGENCY:
Office of the Secretary, USDA.
ACTION:
Notice inviting applications.
SUMMARY:
This Notice invites applications from state and local governments, Indian tribal governments, regional planning agencies, non-profit organizations, community-based organizations, or other locally-based organizations on behalf of rural areas nominated for designation as Empowerment Zones (EZ) as this term is defined in this Notice and title 7 Code of Federal Regulations part 25 (7 CFR part 25). An application may be prepared and submitted by any one of a broad range of entities; however, the rural area in question must be nominated for designation by the State, local or Indian tribal government having jurisdiction over the nominated area. Title 7 part 25 provides guidance which is supplemental to that provided in this Notice and which is necessary for completion and submission of applications.
ADDRESSES:
Application materials may be obtained from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development offices listed in appendix A to this Notice or by sending an Internet Mail message to "round3.rural@ocdx.usda.gov".
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Deputy Administrator, USDA Office of Community Development, Reporters Building, 300 7th Street, SW, Room 266, Washington, DC 20024-3203, telephone 1-800-645-4712, or send an Internet e-mail message to "round3.rural@ocdx.usda.gov." Information may also be obtained at "http://www.ezec.gov/round3".
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Paperwork Reduction Act
The information collection requirements contained in this Notice have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget under OMB Control Number 0570-0027.
I. Background
The Empowerment Zone program represents a holistic approach to the problems of distressed rural and urban communities. It emphasizes a bottom-up community based strategy rather than the traditional top-down bureaucratic approach. It is a strategy to address economic, human, community, physical development problems and opportunities in a comprehensive fashion.
The Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-554) authorized the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Secretary) to designate up to two Empowerment Zones ("Round III") in addition to those rural empowerment zones and enterprise communities designated earlier.
This Notice invites applications from State and local governments, Indian tribal governments, regional planning agencies, non-profit organizations, community-based organizations, or other locally-based organizations on behalf of rural areas nominated for designation as Empowerment Zones in this third round.
Applications submitted for designation as a Round III Rural Empowerment Zone may also be considered, and used as the sole basis for designation, for any additional Enterprise Communities or other special community designations authorized by Congress prior to the date by which designations of Round III Empowerment Zones are required to be made.
The program is intended to combine the resources of the Federal Government with those of State and local governments, educational institutions and the private and non-profit sectors to implement community-developed strategic plans for community and economic development. The Federal Government has taken steps to coordinate Federal assistance in support of the Empowerment Zones, including expedited processing and priority funding.
II. Eligibility
The authorizing legislation specifies certain criteria that must be satisfied in order for an area to be eligible for Empowerment Zone designation, including population, general distress, geographic size and boundary configuration, and poverty rate by census tract (or by block numbering areas when the community is not delineated by census tracts; nominated areas in Alaska and Hawaii have the option of qualifying by block groups). The details of these requirements are described in 7 CFR part 25 of the Federal Register . Unless specified otherwise, the terms used in this Notice, inclusive of the appendices, shall be defined as contained in 7 CFR part 25.
USDA will accept certifications of the data by the State and local governments, subject to further verification of the data prior to designation as an Empowerment Zone.
III. Designation Factors
The statute specifies three factors to be considered by the Secretary in designating Empowerment Zones: (1) The effectiveness of the strategic plan; (2) the effectiveness of the assurances provided in support of the strategic plan; and (3) other criteria to be specified by the Secretary. Each of these factors is discussed in greater detail in 7 CFR part 25. The required form and content of the application and the strategic plan are elaborated upon in this Notice.
IV. Timing and Location of Application Submissions
Application materials may be obtained from USDA Rural Development offices listed in Appendix A of this Notice or by sending an Internet e-mail message to: "round3.rural@ocdx.usda.gov". They are also available at the following website: "http://www.ezec.gov/round3". The deadline for receipt of the complete application is 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday, October 1, 2001. Applications received after that time will not be accepted, and will be returned to the sender. Since applications require certifications from the State and local governments, we cannot accept applications sent by FAX or through the Internet system. Applications must be submitted on standard 8 1⁄2 ? × 11? paper and contained in standard 3? 3-ring binders. The original application and two paper copies should be sent to: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Community Development, Reporters Building, 300 7th Street, SW, Room 266, Washington, DC 20024. No video or audio tapes, posters, display boards, or other accompanying material will be accepted as part of the Application.
Applicants will be notified in the event of an incomplete application. Provided that the application is received at the above address with sufficient time before the deadline, applicants will be given an opportunity to provide the missing information to USDA.
V. Notice of Intent To Participate
Prospective applicants are encouraged to complete and submit a Notice of Intent to Participate substantially in the form provided in appendix B to this Notice. A Notice form is included in the application materials; it may also be obtained by sending an Internet e-mail message to "round3.rural@ocdx.usda.gov". Applicants may also submit the notice via the Internet by filling out the form on-line at the following website: "http://www.ezec.gov/round3". Applicants and other participants may wish to submit the form in order to be placed on the Empowerment Zone and Enterprise Community mailing list. While the notice is not mandatory for participation in the program, USDA encourages the submission of the notice, as it will permit the Department to provide prospective applicants with updated information on program requirements as well as information on technical assistance.
VI. Application materials
A. Application materials available from USDA consist of the following:
(1) Round III application form and
(2) Round III application guide.
B. The Application to be submitted on behalf of nominated rural areas shall include the following ("Application"):
(1) A nomination package including:
(a) Round III application form parts I through IV; and
(b) The required certifications and written assurances contained in 7 CFR § 25.200(b) which are not otherwise included in part III of the Round III application form;
(2) A strategic plan which meets the requirements of 7 CFR part 25 and the form and content requirements specified in section VII of this Notice; and
(3) Maps. Attach a copy of a map that shows the 1990 census boundaries of:
(a) The local governments discussed in part I of the Application Form (Nomination);
(b) The nominated area; and
(c) Developable sites, if any.
VII. Strategic plan
A. The strategic plan to be submitted on behalf of the nominated area shall conform with the requirements contained in 7 CFR § 25.202 and § 25.204. Each major section of the strategic plan should address how the plan will achieve the four key principal objectives contained in 7 CFR § 25.202.
B. The strategic plan must be organized into two separate volumes. Each volume should prominently identify the nominated area and be organized and labeled in the following sections and specified sequence.
C. Volume I of the Strategic Plan ("Documentation"). Volume I must include the following sections and content:
(1) Section 1-Participants.
(a) Applicant and Lead entities: the name, address, description and primary contact person for the entity that will be the lead managing entity for the proposed Empowerment Zone. Clarify whether the applicant entity is different from the proposed lead managing entity; if so, provide the same information for the applicant entity;
(b) Participating entities: a list of and descriptions of the specific groups, organizations, and individuals participating in the production of the strategic plan, and descriptions of the history of these groups in the community; and
(c) An explanation of how participants in the planning process were selected and evidence that the participants, taken as a whole, are broadly representative of the entire community.
(2) Section 2-The Planning Process.
(a) Descriptions of how the participants created and developed the strategic plan;
(b) Identification of two or three topics addressed in the strategic plan that caused the most serious disagreements among participants and a description of how those disagreements were resolved; and (c) An explanation of how the community residents and key organizations participated in choosing the area to be nominated and why the area was nominated.
(3) Section 3-Eligibility.
(a) Include information not otherwise provided in the application form, or use this section if additional space is needed to provide eligibility information; and
(b) Maps and a general description of the nominated area.
(4) Section 4-Economic and Social Conditions. Detailed statistical information, including tabular and graphical information, not included in volume II, should be included in this section.
(5) Section 5-Implementation. This section should include:
(a) Descriptions of the roles which each participating entity, identified in volume I, section 1, will have in implementing the strategic plan; and
(b) Evidence that key participating entities have the capacity to implement the strategic plan.
(6) Section 6-Public Information. This section should include newspaper clippings, photographs, news releases and other materials relating to the community and its strategic planning process.
(7) Section 7-Letters of Support. Letters of support are limited to those that pledge either monetary or in-kind resources toward the implementation of the strategic plan. Letters of support may be submitted as part of the Application and should be grouped in this section of the strategic plan.
D. Volume II of the Strategic Plan ("Plan"), Part I. Volume II must contain four major subparts of which part I must include the following sections and content:
(1) Section 1-Vision and Values. The community's strategic vision for change-a statement of what the community would like to be like in the future together with a statement of the community's values which guided its planning process and which will guide its implementation of the strategic plan.
(2) Section 2-Community Assessment. A comprehensive assessment of existing conditions and trends in the nominated area in two subsections:
(a) Assessment of Problems and Opportunities. A description and assessment of problems and opportunities. This subsection must identify those baseline conditions which the community wishes to improve as a result of the strategic plan. It may include priority rankings by the community of problems and opportunities to be addressed by the strategic plan.
(b) Resource Analysis. An assessment of the resources available to the community, including financial, technical, leadership, volunteerism, skills and other community assets which may be tapped in implementing the strategic plan.
(3) Section 3-Goals. A statement of a comprehensive and holistic set of goals to be achieved through implementation of the strategic plan throughout the 10- year implementation period. This section should also include an index of topics and related benchmark activities which are incorporated in the strategic plan (education, criminal justice, economic development, housing, health care, water and sewer, etc.) so as to facilitate the sharing of information across Federal agencies such that they may more readily recognize how they may be able to support the Empowerment Zone during the implementation phase.
(4) Section 4-Strategies. A statement of the strategies the community proposes to use to achieve its strategic plan, in particular, the principal objectives of economic opportunity and sustainable community development contained in 7 CFR 25.202(a)(3) and (a)(4).
E. Volume II of the Strategic Plan ("Plan"), Part II. The second major subpart of volume II must include the following sections and content:
(1) Section 1-Phase I work plan. The information required pursuant to 7 CFR 25.403(c)(1) for the initial two years of the designation period.
(2) Section 2-Phase I operational budget. The information required pursuant to 7 CFR 25.402(c)(2) for the initial two years of the designation period.
F. Volume II of the Strategic Plan ("Plan"), Part III. The third major subpart of volume II should be titled "Continuous Quality Improvement Plan." Part III should present the community's plan for evaluating and learning from its experiences. It should also detail the methods by which the community will assess its own performance in implementing its benchmarks and the process it will use for revising its strategic plan and benchmark goals. Part III should include the following sections and content:
(1) Section 1-Participation. The proposed procedures for assuring continuous, broad based community participation in the implementation of the strategic plan;
(2) Section 2-Incorporation of experiences. The methods proposed for incorporating learning from experience gained during implementation of the strategic plan and from information obtained from other sources into revisions of the strategic plan, benchmark goals and implementation methods and procedures;
(3) Section 3-Benchmark review. The proposed procedure for reviewing benchmark progress within the community; and
(4) Section 4-Benchmark amendment. The proposed procedure for amending and revising benchmark goals and benchmark activities.
G. Volume II of the Strategic Plan ("Plan"), Part IV. The fourth major subpart of volume II should be titled "Administration Plan". Part IV should present the community's plan for administering the implementation of the strategic plan. It should include the following sections:
(1) Section 1-Lead entity. The name of the proposed lead entity organization, its existing and planned future legal status and authority to receive and administer funds pursuant to Federal and State and other nonprofit programs;
(2) Section 2-Capacity. Evidence, including an audited financial statement as of the most recent fiscal year, that the lead entity and other key organizations implementing the strategic plan have the capacity to implement the strategic plan. If the lead entity is not yet established, provide evidence of its proposed capitalization;
(3) Section 3-Board membership. The membership of the proposed Empowerment Zone board and the selection procedures;
(4) Section 4-Partnerships. The relationship between the Empowerment Zone board and local governments and other major regional and community organizations operating in the same geographic area;
(5) Section 5-Public information. The proposed methods by which citizens of the Empowerment Zone and partnership organizations will be kept informed about the Empowerment Zone's activities and progress in implementing the strategic plan;
(6) Section 6-Public participation. The methods and procedures by which the Empowerment Zone proposes to implement the principal objective of community based partnerships pursuant to 7 CFR 25.202(a)(2).
VIII. Counties Which Meet the Outmigration Test for Purposes of 7 CFR 25.104(b)(2)(iii)
For purposes of volume I, section 3-Eligibility, counties which meet the outmigration test for purposes of 7 CFR 25.104(b)(2)(iii) are listed in appendix C to this Notice.
IX. Round III Champion Communities
Champion Communities will be selected from those rural communities which applied for designation as an Empowerment Zone and, despite having met all requirements for selection, were not so designated. State Rural Development Directors and staff will work with Champion Communities to provide support, guidance and technical assistance in strategic planning and implementation efforts, if the Champion Community elects to execute a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Rural Development. To the extent possible, preferential consideration will be given to Champion Communities when processing applications for loans and grants for Rural Development Programs.
X. Memorandum of Agreement
It is expected that a MOA will be entered into relating to each designated Round III Empowerment Zone. The MOA shall conform in all material respects to the form of MOA provided in appendix D to this Notice.
XI. Miscellaneous
Empowerment Zone designation does not constitute a Federal action for provisions of the Uniform Relocation Act. However, any activity constituting a Federal action that may result from such a designation may be subject to the provisions of this Act, as well as any other statutory or regulatory provisions governing the particular Federal action.
All designation reviews will be conducted in compliance with Federal civil rights laws.
Dated: May 25, 2001.
Ann M. Veneman,
Secretary.
List of Appendices
A-Rural Development State EZ-EC State Contacts
B-Notice of Intent To Participate
C-Counties Which Meet the Outmigration Test
D-Form of Memorandum of Agreement
Appendix A: EZ/EC State Contacts
Alabama
State Director, Rural Development, Sterling Center, 4121 Carmichael Road/Suite 601, Montgomery, AL 36106-3683, phone: 334-279-3400, fax: 334-279-3403.
Alaska
State Director, Rural Development, 800 W. Evergreen, Suite 201, Palmer, AK 99645-6539, phone: 907-761-7700, fax: 907-761-7783.
Arizona
State Director, Rural Development, Phoenix Corporate Center, 3003 North Central Avenue, Suite 900, Phoenix, AZ 85012-2906, phone: 602-280-8707, fax: 602-808-8770.
Arkansas
State Director, Rural Development, 700 W Capitol Avenue, Room 3416, Little Rock, AR 72201-3225, phone: 501-301-3200, fax: 501-301-3278.
California
State Director, Rural Development, 430 G. Street, #4169, Davis, CA 95616-4169, phone: 530-792-5800, fax: 530-792-5837.
Colorado
State Director, Rural Development, 655 Parfet Street, Room E-100, Lakewood, CO 80215, phone: 303-236-2801 Ext. 134, fax: 303-236-2854.
Delaware/Maryland
State Director, Rural Development, 5201 South Dupont Highway, P.O. Box 400, Camden, DE 19934, phone: 302-697-4304, fax: 302-697-4390.
Florida/Virgin Islands
State Director, Rural Development, 4440 N.W. 25th Pl., P.O. Box 147010, Gainesville, FL 32614-7010, phone: 352-338-3402, fax: 352-338-3405.
Georgia
State Director, Rural Development, 355 E. Hancock Ave., Athens, GA 30601-2768, phone: 706-546-2162, fax: 706-546-2152.
Hawaii
State Director, Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 311, 154 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720, phone: 808-933-8302, fax: 808-933-8325.
Idaho
State Director, Rural Development, 9173 West Barms, Suite A1, Boise, ID 83709, phone: 208-378-5615, fax: 208-378-5643.
Illinois
State Director, Rural Development, Illini Plaza, Suite 103, 1817 South Neil Street, Champaign, IL 61820, phone: 217-398-5235, fax: 217-398-5337.
Indiana
State Director, Rural Development, 5975 Lakeside Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46278, phone: 317-290-3100 ext. 400, fax: 317-290-3095.
Iowa
State Director, Rural Development, 210 Walnut Street, Federal Bldg./Room 873, Des Moines IA 50309, phone: 515-284-4663, fax: 515-284-4859.
Kansas
State Director, P.O. Box 4653, 1201 SW Executive Drive, Topeka, KS 66604, phone: 785-271-2701, fax: 785-271-2708.
Kentucky.
State Director, Rural Development, 771 Corporate Dr., Suite 200, Lexington, KY 40503, phone: 859-224-7300, fax: 859-224-7425.
Louisiana
State Director, Rural Development, 3727 Government Street, Alexandria, LA 71302, phone: 318-473-7811, fax: 318-473-7829.
Maine
State Director, Rural Development, 444 Stillwater Ave., Suite 2, P.O. Box 405, Bangor, ME 04402-0405, phone: 207-990-9160, fax: 207-990-9165.
Massachusetts
State Director, Rural Development, 451 West St., Amherst, MA 01002, phone: 413-253-4310, fax: 413-253-4347.
Michigan
State Director, Rural Development, 3001 Coolidge Road, Suite 200, East Lansing, MI 48823, phone: 616-745-8364, fax: 616-745-8493.
Minnesota
State Director, Rural Development, 410 Agriculture Bank Building, 375 Jackson Street, St. Paul, MN 55101-1853, phone: 651-602-7801, fax: 651-602-7824.
Mississippi
State Director, Rural Development, 100 W Capital St., Federal Building, Suite 831, Jackson, MS 39269, phone: 601-965-4318, fax: 601-965-5384.
Missouri
State Director, Rural Development, 601 Business Loop, Parkade Center, Suite 235 , Columbia, MO 65203, phone: 573-876-0976, fax: 573-876-0977.
Montana
State Director, Rural Development, 900 Technology Blvd. Suite B, P.O. Box 850, Bozeman, MT 59771, phone: 406-585-2580, fax: 406-585-2565.
Nebraska
State Director, Rural Development, Federal Building, Mail Room 152, 100 Centennial Mall N., Room 308, Lincoln, NE 68508, phone: 402-437-5550, fax: 402-437-5408.
Nevada
State Director, Rural Development, 1390 South Curry St., Carson City, NV 89703-9910, phone: 775-887-1222, fax: 775-885-0841.
New Hampshire/Vermont
State Director, Rural Development, City Center, 3rd Floor, 89 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602, phone: 802-828-6002, fax: 802-828-6018.
New Jersey
State Director, Rural Development, Tarnsfield Plaza, Suite 22, 790 Woodland Rd., Mt. Holly, NJ 08060, phone: 609-265-3600, fax: 609-265-3651.
New Mexico
State Director, Rural Development, 6200 Jefferson Street NE, Room 255, Albuquerque, NM 87109, phone: 505-761-4950, fax: 505-761-4976.
New York
State Director, Rural Development, The Galleries of Syracuse, 441 S. Salina Street, Suite 357, Syracuse, NY 13202-2541, phone: 315-477-6435, fax: 315-477-6438.
North Carolina
State Director, Rural Development, 4405 Bland Rd, Suite 260, Raleigh NC 27609, phone: 919-873-2037, fax: 919-873-2075.
North Dakota
State Director, Rural Development, P.O. Box 1737, Bismarck, ND 58502, phone: 701-530-2054, fax: 701-530-2108.
Ohio
State Director, Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 507, 200 North High Street, Columbus OH 43215-2418, phone: 614-255-2390, fax: 614-255-2559.
Oklahoma
State Director, Rural Development, 100 USDA, Suite 108, Stillwater, OK 74074-2654, phone: 405-742-1000, fax: 405-742-1005.
Oregon
State Director, Rural Development, 101 SW Main Street, Suite 1410, Portland, OR 97204-3222, phone: 503-414-3300, fax: 503-414-3386.
Pennsylvania
State Director, One Credit Union Place, Suite 330, Harrisburg, PA 17110-2996, phone: 717-334-8827, fax: 717-237-2191.
Puerto Rico
State Director, Rural Development, P.O. Box 366106, San Juan, PR 00936-6106, phone: 787-766-5095, fax: 787-766-5844.
South Carolina
State Director, Rural Development, Strom Thurmond Federal Building, 1835 Assembly Street, Room 1007, Columbia, SC 29201, phone: 803-765-5163, fax: 803-765-5633.
South Dakota
State Director, Rural Development, Federal Building, Room 210, 200 Fourth Street SW, Huron, SD 57350-2477, phone: 605-352-1100, fax: 605-352-1146.
Tennessee
State Director, Rural Development, 3322 West End Ave., Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37203-1084, phone: 615-783-1300, fax: 615-783-1301.
Texas
State Director, Rural Development, 101 S. Main Street, Suite 102, Temple, TX 76501, phone: 254-742-9710, fax: 254-742-9709.
Utah
State Director, Rural Development, Wallace F. Bennett Federal Bldg., Room 4311, Salt Lake City, UT 84147-0350, phone: 801-524-4320, fax: 801-524-4406.
Vermont/New Hampshire
State Director, Rural Development, City Center, 3rd Floor, 89 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602, phone: 802-828-6002, fax: 802-828-6018.
Virginia
State Director, Rural Development, Culpepper Building, Suite 238, 1606 Santa Rosa Road, Richmond, VA 23229, phone: 804-287-1552, fax: 804-287-1721.
Washington
State Director, Rural Development, 1835 Black Lake Blvd. SW, Suite B, Olympia, WA 98512, phone: 360-704-7715, fax: 360-704-7742.
Wisconsin
State Director, Rural Development, 4949 Kirschling Court, Stevens Point, WI 54481, phone: 715-345-7676, fax: 715-345-7669.
West Virginia
State Director, Rural Development, 75 High Street, Room 320, Morgantown, WV 26505, phone: 304-284-4860, fax: 304-284-4893.
Wyoming
State Director, Rural Development, 100 East B, Federal Bldg. Room 1005, Casper, WY 82602, phone: 307-261-6300, fax: 307-261-6327.
Appendix B
Notice of Intent to Participate
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Community Development, Reporters Building, 300 Seventh Street, SW., Room 266, Washington, DC 20024.
Note:
Rural entities may:
(1) fax this notice to (202) 260-6225;
(2) submit this notice via e-mail to "round3.rural@ocdx.usda.gov"; or
(3) submit it electronically via the following website: "http://www.ezec.gov/round3".
This Notice of Intent to Participate in the Rural Empowerment Zone application process is submitted by the following participating entity:
Location of Nominated Area (list state and counties proposed to be included):
Name Address of Participating Entity:
Contact Phone Number, Fax Number and E-mail address:
Nominating Entity (check here if applicable).
Nominating Entity (if other than named above) (City, State):
Appendix C
Counties (including other geographic areas, as applicable) which have demonstrated outmigration of not less than 15 percent over the period 1980-1994 as reported by the U.S. Bureau of the Census.
Alabama
Conecuh County
Dallas County
Greene County
Lowndes County
Macon County
Perry County
Wilcox County
Alaska
Aleutians West Census Area
Bristol Bay Borough
Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
Wade Hampton Census Area
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
Arizona
Greenlee County
Arkansas
Arkansas County
Chicot County
Desha County
Lee County
Mississippi County
Monroe County
Phillips County
St. Francis County
Woodruff County
Colorado
Baca County
Conejos County
Jackson County
Kiowa County
Lake County
Logan County
Mineral County
Moffat County
Otero County
San Juan County
Sedgwick County
Washington County
Florida
Hardee County
Georgia
Calhoun County
Early County
Miller County
Randolph County
Terrell County
Turner County
Idaho
Bear Lake County
Butte County
Caribou County
Clark County
Clearwater County
Elmore County
Shoshone County
Illinois
Alexander County
Mason County
Pulaski County
Stark County
Warren County
Indiana
Miami County
Iowa
Adams County
Audubon County
Buchanan County
Cherokee County
Chickasaw County
Clay County
Clinton County
Crawford County
Emmet County
Fayette County
Floyd County
Franklin County
Greene County
Grundy County
Hancock County
Humboldt County
Jackson County
Kossuth County
Lyon County
Osceola County
Palo Alto County
Pocahontas County
Shelby County
Webster County
Kansas
Barber County
Barton County
Decatur County
Doniphan County
Geary County
Gove County
Graham County
Haskell County
Jewell County
Morton County
Ness County
Osborne County
Rawlins County
Rice County
Rooks County
Rush County
Scott County
Sheridan County
Sherman County
Stanton County
Trego County
Wallace County
Wichita County
Kentucky
Bell County
Breathitt County
Floyd County
Fulton County
Hardin County
Harlan County
Leslie County
Letcher County
Martin County
Perry County
Pike County
Louisiana
Cameron Parish
Catahoula Parish
Concordia Parish
East Carroll Parish
Iberville Parish
Madison Parish
Morehouse Parish
Red River Parish
Richland Parish
St. Mary Parish
Tensas Parish
Vernon Parish
Maine
Aroostook County
Michigan
Iosco County
Luce County
Marquette County
Minnesota
Big Stone County
Cottonwood County
Faribault County
Freeborn County
Jackson County
Kittson County
Lac qui Parle County
Lake County
Lincoln County
Pennington County
Red Lake County
Redwood County
Renville County
Swift County
Traverse County
Wilkin County
Yellow Medicine County
Mississippi
Adams County
Bolivar County
Claiborne County
Coahoma County
Holmes County
Humphreys County
Issaquena County
Jefferson County
Leflore County
Noxubee County
Quitman County
Sharkey County
Sunflower County
Tallahatchie County
Tunica County
Warren County
Washington County
Yazoo County
Missouri
Knox County
Mississippi County
Pemiscot County
Pulaski County
Montana
Big Horn County
Carter County
Daniels County
Dawson County
Deer Lodge County
Fallon County
Garfield County
Hill County
Judith Basin County
Liberty County
McCone County
Meagher County
Petroleum County
Pondera County
Powder River County
Prairie County
Richland County
Roosevelt County
Rosebud County
Sheridan County
Toole County
Treasure County
Valley County
Wibaux County
Nebraska
Antelope County
Arthur County
Banner County
Blaine County
Boone County
Box Butte County
Boyd County
Brown County
Cedar County
Cuming County
Frontier County
Garden County
Grant County
Hayes County
Hitchcock County
Holt County
Hooker County
Keya Paha County
Kimball County
Knox County
Lincoln County
Logan County
Loup County
Morrill County
Nuckolls County
Red Willow County
Rock County
Sioux County
Stanton County
Thomas County
Thurston County
Wheeler County
New Mexico
Cibola County
Guadalupe County
Harding County
Lea County
McKinley County
Union County
North Dakota
Adams County
Benson County
Billings County
Bottineau County
Bowman County
Burke County
Cavalier County
Dickey County
Divide County
Dunn County
Eddy County
Emmons County
Foster County
Golden Valley County
Grant County
Griggs County
Hettinger County
Kidder County
LaMoure County
Logan County
McHenry County
McIntosh County
McKenzie County
McLean County
Mercer County
Mountrail County
Oliver County
Pembina County
Pierce County
Renville County
Sargent County
Sheridan County
Sioux County
Slope County
Stark County
Steele County
Stutsman County
Towner County
Walsh County
Ward County
Wells County
Williams County
Oklahoma
Beaver County
Blaine County
Cimarron County
Ellis County
Harmon County
Harper County
Jackson County
Kingfisher County
Major County
Roger Mills County
Texas County
Tillman County
Washita County
Woods County
Woodward County
Oregon
Harney County
Sherman County
Pennsylvania
Cameron County
South Carolina
Bamberg County
Dillon County
Marlboro County
South Dakota
Buffalo County
Campbell County
Corson County
Day County
Deuel County
Dewey County
Douglas County
Edmunds County
Faulk County
Gregory County
Haakon County
Hand County
Hanson County
Harding County
Hyde County
Jackson County
Jerauld County
Jones County
Lyman County
McPherson County
Mellette County
Perkins County
Potter County
Roberts County
Sanborn County
Shannon County
Spink County
Sully County
Walworth County
Ziebach County
Texas
Andrews County
Bailey County
Briscoe County
Brooks County
Castro County
Cochran County
Collingsworth County
Cottle County
Crane County
Crockett County
Crosby County
Culberson County
Dawson County
Deaf Smith County
Dickens County
Dimmit County
Fisher County
Floyd County
Foard County
Garza County
Glasscock County
Gray County
Hale County
Hall County
Hansford County
Hardeman County
Hemphill County
Hutchinson County
Jim Hogg County
Karnes County
Kenedy County
Kent County
King County
Kleberg County
Lamb County
Lipscomb County
Lynn County
Matagorda County
Motley County
Ochiltree County
Parmer County
Pecos County
Reagan County
Reeves County
Refugio County
Roberts County
Shackelford County
Sherman County
Stonewall County
Sutton County
Swisher County
Terrell County
Terry County
Upton County
Ward County
Wheeler County
Winkler County
Yoakum County
Zavala County
Utah
Carbon County
Daggett County
Duchesne County
Emery County
Grand County
Rich County
San Juan County
Virginia
Alleghany County
Bath County
Buchanan County
Wise County
Covington City
Norton City
West Virginia
Boone County
Clay County
Fayette County
Logan County
McDowell County
Mingo County
Webster County
Wetzel County
Wyoming County
Wyoming
Big Horn County
Carbon County
Converse County
Fremont County
Hot Springs County
Platte County
Sweetwater County
Washakie County
Weston County
Appendix D
Form of Memorandum of Agreement
Rural Empowerment Zones
This Agreement among the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the State of _____ and the Empowerment Zone Lead Entity relating to the Rural Empowerment Zone known as _____, is made pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code (title 26 of the United States Code) as amended by The Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-554).
In reliance upon and in consideration of the mutual representations and obligations herein contained, the applicable statute and part 25 to 7 C.F.R., the State and the Empowerment Zone agree as follows:
The Rural Empowerment Zone boundaries are as follows: Census Tracts ___, ___, ___ [as such boundaries may be modified] in accordance with maps provided in the application for designation. The term of the designation as a rural Empowerment Zone is effective from [designation date] to December 31, ___, unless sooner revoked.
1. The State and the Empowerment Zone will comply with the requirements of The Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000, and the regulations appearing in 7 C.F.R. part 25 and any future regulations.
2. The State and the Empowerment Zone will comply with such further statutory, regulatory and contractual requirements as may be applicable to the receipt and expenditure of Federal funds.
3. The State and the Empowerment Zone will comply with all elements of the USDA approved application for designation, including the strategic plan, submitted to USDA pursuant to 7 C.F.R. part 25 ("strategic plan") and all assurances, certifications, schedules or other submissions made in support of the strategic plan or of this Agreement.
4. The State and the Empowerment Zone will submit with each 2-year workplan required under 7 C.F.R. 25.403 documentation, in form and substance satisfactory to the Secretary, sufficient to identify baselines, benchmark goals, benchmark activities and timetables for the implementation of the strategic plan during the applicable 2 years of the workplan.
5. Pursuant to the strategic plan, the lead entity for the Empowerment Zone known as ___ [name of lead entity] ___, located at ___ [address] ___, is responsible for the implementation of the strategic plan. The current director of the lead entity, who is duly authorized to execute this agreement, is ___ [name]___.
6. The use of Federal funds will be directed by the lead entity, in accordance with the strategic plan. The distribution of these funds will be in accordance with the directives of the lead entity, provided that such actions are consistent with the USDA approved strategic plan.
7. The lead entity agrees to timely comply with the reporting requirements contained in 7 C.F.R. part 25, including reporting on progress made in carrying out actions necessary to implement the requirements of the strategic plan and any assurances, certifications, schedules or other submissions made in connection with the designation.
8. The lead entity agrees to submit to periodic performance reviews by USDA in accordance with the provisions of 7 C.F.R. 25.402 and 25.404. Upon request by USDA, the lead entity will permit representatives of USDA to inspect and make copies of any records pertaining to matters covered by this Agreement.
9. Each year after the execution of this Agreement, the lead entity will submit updated documentation sufficient to identify baselines, benchmark goals and activities and timetables for the implementation of the strategic plan during the following 2 years. Upon written acceptance from USDA, such documentation shall become part of this Agreement and shall replace the documentation submitted previously, for purposes of operations during the following 2 years.
10. All benchmark goals, benchmark activities, baselines, and schedules approved by the Empowerment Zone after a full community participation process (which must be documented and which may be further amended or supplemented from time to time), will be incorporated as part of this Agreement. All references to the strategic plan in this memorandum of agreement shall be deemed to refer to the strategic plan as modified in accordance with this paragraph.
11. This Agreement shall be a part of the strategic plan.
12. Amendments to the strategic plan may be made only with the approval of the Empowerment Zone and USDA. The lead entity must demonstrate to USDA that the local governments within the Empowerment Zone were involved in the amendment process.
13. All attachments and submissions in accordance herewith are incorporated as part of this agreement.
This Agreement is dated_.
State Government: State of _
By:_
[Official authorized to commit the state]
Title:
Address:
Empowerment Zone [Name of Empowerment Zone].
By:_
Title:
Address:
Lead entity: [Name of Lead entity].
By:
Title:
Address:
Federal Government: United States Department of Agriculture.
By:
Title:
Address:
[FR Doc. 01-14119 Filed 6-4-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-07-P