It would extend RHS's current definition of rural areas to 2010, thus continuing eligibility based on the 1980 Census for places that remain under 25,000 population and rural in character. The SHOP program would be changed to let groups advance themselves funds pending environmental approval and allow 36 months for completion if at least five units are built. Senate work on a housing bill is next. Senate action is next. HUD SuperNOFA trainings available.
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Appropriators vote on FY 2001 rural housing budgets. Both congressional appropriations committees the House on May 10 and the Senate on May 9 have passed appropriations bills to fund USDA programs, including the Rural Housing Service, in fiscal year 2001. Both bills call for a freeze in most RHS programs. Given the tight overall budget this year and the increases received in most rural housing accounts last year, a continuation at 2000 levels is a real victory. A few programs would get increases.