Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 94 Part 1.djvu/1223

 PUBLIC LAW 96-355—SEPT. 24, 1980

94 STAT. 1173

under this subsection. Each annual update shall also contain a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Secretary regarding the implementation during the preceding fiscal year of the rural development strategy, including any revisions of the strategy, any recommended legislation to improve the rural development effort of the Federal Government, and an evaluation of and recommendations regarding the rural development information system required under section 306(a)(12) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. ^ use 1926. "(d) STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION.—The Secretary shall ensure the effective implementation of the rural development strategy and maximize coordination of Federal programs eiffecting rural areas through a systematic effort to— "(1) improve communication and encourage cooperation among Federal departments and agencies in the administration of rural development programs; "(2) eliminate conflicts, duplication, and gaps in program coverage, and resolve contradictions and inconsistencies in the objectives, administration, and effects of rural development programs; "(3) facUitate the sharing or common location of field offices of Federal agencies administering similar or complementary programs and unification of delivery systems, where feasible, to maximize convenience and accessibility of such agencies and programs to rural residents; "(4) facilitate and expedite joint funding of rural projects through Federal programs; "(5) correct administrative problems in Federal programs that delay or hinder the effective delivery of services, assistance, or benefits to rural areas; and "(6) simplify, standardize, and reduce the complexity of applications, reports, and other forms required under Federal rural development programs.". UNDER SECRETARY OP AGRICULTURE FOR SMALL COMMUNITY AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

SEC. 3. (a) There is hereby established in the Department of Appointment. Agriculture the position of Under Secretary of Agriculture for Small '^ use 2211b. Community and Rural Development to be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Under Secretary of Agriculture for Small Community and Rural Development may exercise such functions and perform such duties related to small community and rural development, and shall perform such other duties, as may be required by law or prescribed by the Secretary of Agriculture. (b) Section 5314 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof a new paragraph as follows: "Under Secretary of Agriculture for Small Community and Rural Development.". RURAL DEVELOPMENT ACT REAUTHORIZATION AND AMENDMENTS

SEC. 4. The Rural Development Act of 1972 is amended by CD in section 503(a) (7 U.S.C. 2663(a)), striking out "three" and "1979" and inserting in lieu thereof "five'^ and "1981", respectively;

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