Planning and Performing Construction and Other Development

The Rural Housing Service (RHS), Rural Business- Cooperative Service (RBS), Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) are amending their regulations regarding construction and other development for farm, housing, community and business programs. This action provides RHS, RBS, RUS and FSA borrowers, grant recipients and the public with rules for compliance with seismic safety requirements for new building construction using RHS, RBS, RUS and FSA loan, grant and guaranteed funds. This action is necessary to set forth the Agencies' policies and requirements to meet the implementation requirements of Executive Order 12699, ``Seismic Safety of Federal and Federally Assisted or Regulated New Building Construction,'' 55 FR 835 (January 5, 1990). This Executive Order addresses compliance with the building safety provisions of the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, as amended.