[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 108 (Tuesday, June 5, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30151-30157]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-14119]


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Notices
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
appearing in this section.

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Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 108 / Tuesday, June 5, 2001 / 
Notices

[[Page 30151]]



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 
``<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#62100d170c06514c101710030e220d01061a4c171106034c050d14"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6e1c011b000a5d401c1b1c0f022e010d0a16401b1d0a0f40090118">[email protected]</span></a>''.

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 ``<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#73011c061d17405d010601121f331c10170b5d060017125d141c05"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cbb9a4bea5aff8e5b9beb9aaa78ba4a8afb3e5beb8afaae5aca4bd">[email protected]</span></a>.'' 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: ``<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f78598829993c4d9858285969bb79894938fd982849396d9909881"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9eecf1ebf0faadb0ecebecfff2def1fdfae6b0ebedfaffb0f9f1e8">[email protected]</span></a>''. 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\"  x  
11" paper and contained

[[Page 30152]]

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 ``<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3f4d504a515b0c114d4a4d5e537f505c5b47114a4c5b5e11585049"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3b49544e555f0815494e495a577b54585f43154e485f5a155c544d">[email protected]</span></a>''. 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 Sec. 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 Sec. 25.202 
and Sec. 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 Sec. 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-

[[Page 30153]]

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.

[[Page 30154]]

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.

[[Page 30155]]

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 
``<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#daa8b5afb4bee9f4a8afa8bbb69ab5b9bea2f4afa9bebbf4bdb5ac"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5a28352f343e6974282f283b361a35393e22742f293e3b743d352c">[email protected]</span></a>''; 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

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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

[[Page 30157]]

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


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