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Rural Health
News by Topic: Infrastructure

May 9, 2024 - Reports on recent legislation to expand the definition of "village" in Alaska in an effort to increase eligibility for infrastructure funding for small communities. Notes how rural is defined, the potential for increased competition for funds, and the need to include rural partners in the discussion.
Source: Alaska Beacon
May 6, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is allowing an additional 30 days for comment on the April 4, 2024, proposed rule titled "Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA) Reporting Requirements." DHS is seeking comments on the practical and policy issues related to the implementation of regulations regarding covered cyber incident and ransom payment reporting requirements for covered entities, as required by the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (CIRCIA). Comments are now due July 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
May 6, 2024 - Highlights a Native-managed healthcare system part of the Navajo Nation in Arizona, discussing their expanded facility and services coming later this year. Discusses the impact of healthcare on local infrastructure, recruiting healthcare workforce, and rural community resilience.
Source: Cronkite News
May 1, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) correcting the February 13, 2024, notice titled "Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) for the Strategic Economic and Community Development Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024." This notice clarifies that Community Facilities Grant Program funds will not be reserved for the Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) priority program in fiscal year 2024. This notice also clarifies that approved USDA Rural Partners Network (RPN) networks are considered multi-jurisdictional entities for purposes of SECD and that community and economic development plans created in association with an RPN network will be accepted as plans under SECD.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 29, 2024 - Announces the investment of $144 million to support infrastructure and renewable energy projects in 56 rural and Tribal communities. Highlights project examples in Georgia, Wisconsin, and Puerto Rico. Provides additional information on the Rural Partners Network (RPN), which helps rural communities access federal funding.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Apr 23, 2024 - Announces $700 million in funding for tribal communities for water and sewage infrastructure as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Also announces a partnership between the Bureau of Reclamation and the Indian Health Service (IHS) as well as a partnership between the United States Public Health Services (USPHS) Commissioned Corps and IHS. The partnerships will address barriers in access to resources as well as public health workforce needs.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Apr 23, 2024 - Describes the impact of federal funding through the Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant for a rural Texas community recovering from a wildfire.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development
Apr 17, 2024 - Discusses the rise in mountain biking in rural areas, noting the impact on rural infrastructure, local economies, and emergency services. Highlights a health and wellness initiative in Navajo Nation.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Apr 10, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopting a Report and Order amending existing rules and requirements governing the management and administration of the Universal Service Fund (USF) high-cost program. Changes will streamline processes, align timelines, and refine certain rules to more precisely address specific situations experienced by carriers. This rule is effective May 10, 2024, except for amendments to sections 36.4 (amendatory instruction 2), 54.205 (amendatory instruction 7), 54.313 (amendatory instruction 10), 54.314 (amendatory instruction 11), 54.316 (amendatory instruction 13), 54.903 (amendatory instruction 18), and 54.1306 (amendatory instruction 22), which are delayed indefinitely.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 4, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking comments on the practical and policy issues related to the implementation of regulations regarding covered cyber incident and ransom payment reporting requirements for covered entities, as required by the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (CIRCIA). Includes rural references throughout and encourages comments regarding the impact of proposed requirements on small entities. Comments are due by June 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register