Farm Bill

122 STAT. 1162 PUBLIC LAW 110–234—MAY 22, 2008

TITLE VI—RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Subtitle A—Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act

SEC. 6001. WATER, WASTE DISPOSAL, AND WASTEWATER FACILITY

GRANTS.

Section 306(a)(2)(B)(vii) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)(B)(vii)) is amended by striking ‘‘2002 through 2007’’ and inserting ‘‘2008 through 2012’’.

SEC. 6002. SEARCH GRANTS.

1. IN GENERAL.—Section 306(a)(2) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ‘‘(C) SPECIAL EVALUATION ASSISTANCE FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES AND HOUSEHOLDS PROGRAM.—

2. ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may establish the Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (SEARCH) program, to make predevelopment planning grants for feasibility studies, design assistance, and technical assistance, to financially distressed communities in rural areas with populations of 2,500 or fewer inhabitants for water and waste disposal projects described in paragraph (1), this paragraph, and paragraph (24).

‘‘(ii) TERMS.—12 USC 2252 note.

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‘‘(I) DOCUMENTATION.—With respect to grants made under this subparagraph, the Secretary shall require the lowest amount of documentation practicable. ‘‘(II) MATCHING.—Notwithstanding any other provisions in this subsection, the Secretary may fund up to 100 percent of the eligible costs of grants provided under this subparagraph, as determined by the Secretary.

‘‘(iii) FUNDING.—The Secretary may use not more than 4 percent of the total amount of funds made available for a fiscal year for water, waste disposal, and essential community facility activities under this title to carry out this subparagraph.

‘‘(iv) RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER AUTHORITY.—The funds and authorities provided under this subparagraph are in addition to any other funds or authorities the Secretary may have to carry out activities described in clause (i).’’.(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Subtitle D of title VI of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 2009ee et seq.) is repealed.