Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 94 Part 1.djvu/1221

 PUBLIC LAW 96-355—SEPT. 24, 1980

94 STAT. 1171

Public Law 96-355 96th Congress An Act To provide for the establishment and coordination of rural development policy, to extend until September 30, 1981, the authorizations for appropriations for title V of the Rural Development Act of 1972, and for other purposes.

Sept. 24, 1980 [S. 670]

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, g^ra} Development Policy Act of 1980.

SHORT TITliE SECTION 1. This Act may be cited as the

"Rural Development Policy '^ use 2201 note.

Act of 1980". RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY

SEC. 2. The Rural Development Act of 1972 (Public Law 92-419; 86 Stat. 657) is amended by adding at the end thereof a new section as follows: "SEC. 607. RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY.—(a) The Secretary of Agriculture shall provide leadership within the executive branch for, and shall assume responsibility for coordinating, a nationwide rural development program using the services of executive branch departments and agencies, including, but not limited to, the agencies, bureaus, offices, and services of the Department of Agriculture, in coordination with rural development programs of State and local governments. "(b) POLICY DEVELOPMENT.—(1) The Secretary shall conduct a systematic review of Federal programs affecting rural areas to (A) determine whether such areas are benefiting from such programs in an equitable proportion to the benefits received by urban areas and (B) identify any factors that may restrict accessibility to such programs in rural areas or limit participation in such programs. "(2) Subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, the Secretary may secure directly from any Federal department or agency information necessary to carry out the Secretary's duties under this section. Upon request of the Secretary under this paragraph, the head of any such Federal depeirtment or agency sheill furnish such information to the Secretary. "(3) The Secretary shall develop a process through which multistate. State, substate, and local rural development needs, goals, objectives, plans, and recommendations can be received and assessed on a continuing basis. Such process may include the use of those rural development experts, advisors, and consultants that the Secretary deems appropriate, as well as the establishment of temporary advisory committees under the terms of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. "(4) The Secretary may undertake cooperative efforts with other Federal department and agencies to improve the coordination and effectiveness of Federal programs, services, and actions affecting rural areas. The Secretary may request the heads of other Federal

7 USC 1921 note. 7 USC 2204b.

Review.

Information gathering. 5 USC 552a note.

Assessment process.

5 USC app. Cooperation with Federal agencies.

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