RUS Seeks Comment on Environmental Review Process for Telecom Program

The Rural Utilities Service sought comment Friday on preparation of a Programmatic Environmental Assessment for the development of a more efficient and effective environmental review process for the RUS Telecommunications Program. The new environmental review process should be “commensurate with the potential environmental impacts of both wired and wireless projects financed by the agency," RUS said in the Federal Register. The revised review process would apply to the Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan Program, Farm Bill Broadband Loan Program, Community Connect Grant Program and the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program, RUS said. Comments are due Jan. 27, RUS said.