1777.1—General.
(a)
This part outlines Rural Utilities Service (RUS) policies and procedures for making Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) loans and grants authorized under section 306C of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(c) ), as amended.
(b)
Agency officials will maintain liaison with officials of other Federal, State, regional, and local development agencies to coordinate related programs to achieve rural development objectives.
(c)
Agency officials shall cooperate with appropriate State agencies in making loans and/or grants that support State strategies for rural area development.
(d)
Funds allocated in accordance with this part will be considered for use by Indian tribes within the State regardless of whether State development strategies include Indian reservations within the State's boundaries. Indians residing on such reservations must have an equal opportunity to participate in this program.
(e)
Federal statutes provide for extending the Agency's financial programs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, age, or physical/mental handicap (provided the participant possesses the capacity to enter into legal contracts).