July 26, 2023
PUBLIC NOTICE:
30 Day Public Inspection Period and Comments Received from USDA Rural Development’s Periodic Review of Rural Areas in Puerto Rico (Housing Programs)
On March 8, 2023, USDA Rural Development issued a 90-day public notice informing the public that USDA was conducting a periodic review of all areas under its jurisdiction to identify areas that no longer qualify as rural for housing programs. The 90-day public notice listed communities under review for potential eligibility changes and provided the public with a link to submit comments or concerns regarding any potential loss of eligibility.
In accordance with 7 CFR 3550.56 and HB-1-3550, Section 5.3 (C)(1), USDA Rural Development has concluded the 90-day public notice and comment period and has reviewed areas under its jurisdiction to identify areas that no longer qualify as “Rural” for housing programs as well as areas that will now be considered as eligible rural areas.
During the 90-day public comment period, a total of (0) public comments were received.
For questions regarding rural area boundaries, please contact Acting Single Family Housing Program Director, Marilyn Feliciano at (787) 766-5095 or via email at SM.PUERTORICORD@usda.gov.
The updated rural area map can now be viewed on our eligibility website: https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do
Users will need to click on the program, for example “Single Family Housing Direct” or “Single Family Housing Guaranteed,” and then click on the “Accept” button on the disclaimer page, if presented, and then click on the “Proposed Eligibility Areas” tab.
Revised rural boundaries will become effective October 1, 2023. For areas whose designation will change from rural to non-rural, a one-time notice will be published 30 days prior to implementation date confirming the updated boundaries.