[Federal Register: July 22, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 140)]
[Notices]               
[Page 39268]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22jy98-33]

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

 
Notice of Actions and Considerations to Assure Year 2000 
Compliance

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice serves to clarify Rural Utilities Service (RUS) 
policies related to the processing of electric and telecommunications 
loans in light of the year 2000 problem.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Orren E. Cameron III, Acting Assistant 
Administrator, Telecommunications Program, Rural Utilities Service, 
1400 Independence Ave., SW., STOP 1590, Room 4056, South Building, 
Washington, DC. Telephone: (202) 720-9554. Facsimile: (202) 720-0810.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is given that RUS is undertaking to 
address with its electric and telecommunications borrowers year 2000 
compliance issues that may affect the operations of RUS-financed rural 
electric and telecommunications systems. Year 2000 compliance means 
that performance and functionality of the electric and 
telecommunications systems, including computer software, software 
systems, and firmware, will not be affected by dates before, during, 
and after the year 2000. Because electric and telecommunications 
services are critical to public health and safety, electric and 
telecommunications providers must protect against any possible 
consequences of the year 2000 problem. RUS therefore has taken or will 
be taking the following actions:
    (1) RUS has surveyed all electric and telecommunications borrowers 
to learn how many cooperatives and companies were prepared or preparing 
for the year 2000 and RUS is in the process of contacting all electric 
and telecommunications borrowers in a general review to help ensure 
that no RUS-financed electric or telecommunications systems will be 
affected by the date change.
    (2) RUS has, by letter dated May 15, 1998, provided borrowers with 
a suggested provision addressing the year 2000 compliance for inclusion 
in specifications when purchasing new or upgraded central office 
switches and transmission equipment.
    (3) In reviewing applications for electric and telecommunications 
loans, RUS is seeking assurance that the applicant has a satisfactory 
plan for year 2000 compliance.
    (4) RUS will work closely with applicants for electric and 
telecommunications loans to ensure that loans necessary to ensure year 
2000 compliance will be acted upon in a timely fashion.

    Dated: July 16, 1998.
Wally Beyer,
Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 98-19522 Filed 7-21-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P