NOTICE OF POTENTIAL CHANGES TO ELIGIBLE AREA MAPS FOR
USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT HOUSING PROGRAMS
USDA Rural Development is conducting a review of all areas under its jurisdiction to identify areas that no longer qualify as rural for housing programs. The last rural area reviews were performed in 2017-2018 using 2015 American Community Survey (ACS) data. Rural area designations are reviewed every five years. This review will utilize the 2020 United States decennial census data.
Based on the 2020 US census data and rural area guidance located in Handbook HB-1-3550, Chapter 5, the rural eligibility designation is under review for the following areas in Puerto Rico:
Currently eligible communities under review (rural in character):
- Aguadilla
- Canóvanas
- Cayey
- Dorado
- Fajardo
- Guayama
- Hormigueros
- Humacao
- Manatí
- Río Grande
- Vega Baja
- Yauco
Currently ineligible communities under review (reconsideration of boundaries):
- Ponce
- Mayagüez
- Pueblo Caguas
- Guaynabo
- Carolina
- Loiza
- Toa Alta
- Toa Baja
- Canóvanas
The public shall have 90 days from the date of this public notice to submit comments regarding the potential loss of eligibility for Rural Development housing programs. Comments should be sent to SM.PUERTORICORD@usda.gov . For details, or questions about specific changes, please address on email subject ATTN: the Puerto Rico Rural Development Housing Program Acting Director Marilyn Feliciano at SM.PUERTORICORD@usda.gov .
