March 27, 2023
PUBLIC NOTICE:
30 Day Final Notice - USDA Rural Development’s Periodic Review of Rural Areas in Suffolk County (Shinnecock Nation), New York
USDA Rural Development completed its interim periodic review in Suffolk County, NY to determine if the tribal territory of the Shinnecock Indian Nation should be classified as rural for Rural Development’s Housing Programs. In accordance with 7 CFR 3550.56 and HB-1-3550, Section 5.3 (C)(1), Rural Development must conduct periodic reviews to identify areas that qualify, or no longer qualify as rural. The last rural area reviews were performed in 2018 using the 2010 census data. This will serve as our final notice, specific to the tribal territory of the Shinnecock Indian Nation. A nationwide periodic review is currently underway and will take effect at/around October 1, 2023.
“Rural” and “rural area” for the purpose of establishing eligibility to participate in USDA housing programs is defined in Section 520 of the Housing Act of 1949 (as amended) (Act). The definition can also be found in HB-1-3550, Chapter 5, Section 5.3 (A). Current housing program eligibility maps can be found https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do
Based on this rural area review conducted specific to the Shinnecock Indian Nation, comments received, and rural area guidance located in Handbook HB-1-3550, Chapter 5, the rural eligibility designation is proposed to change for the following areas:
Shinnecock Indian Nation Tribal Lands in Suffolk County, NY designated as “Shinnecock Neck” and “Westwoods”
These areas will be designated as “rural” for Rural Development’s Housing Programs effective April 26, 2023 and can be viewed at: https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do on or after this date by clicking on "Single Family Housing Guaranteed", "Single Family Housing Direct" or Multi-Family Housing.”
For additional details or questions regarding this rural area designation, prior notices and comments received, please contact the New York State Office of USDA Rural Development at (315) 477-6417.