Summary

Creates a secure, web-based tracking platform at USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) for permitting, environmental reviews, and interagency coordination for projects that receive RUS financial assistance. Provides recurring reporting to Congress, authorizes funding for platform development and operations, establishes grants to cover predevelopment work for entities that cannot otherwise finance it, standardizes notice-of-funding-opportunity (NOFO) timelines, mandates electronic grant submissions (with an alternative option), and requires a staff/process review with recommendations to improve timeliness and service delivery.

• Requires USDA RUS to build and operate a secure web platform to track permitting, reviews, and interagency coordination for RUS-assisted projects.
• Authorizes up to $30 million total for the platform (development and ongoing operations) with specified FY2026–2035 funding ranges.
• Creates a new competitive grant program to cover up to 75% of predevelopment costs for entities that cannot otherwise finance early-stage work, authorized at $15M/year for FY2026–2035.
• Mandates final rules within 6 months to standardize or otherwise improve NOFO timelines, with implementation within 18 months.
• Requires all RUS grant applications to be submitted electronically within two years, while preserving an alternative for applicants who cannot file online.
• Directs a comprehensive review of RUS staff processes and a joint report to congressional agriculture committees within two years, including recommendations to improve the platform and speed permitting.
• Grantees must submit annual reports and the Secretary must submit regular reports to Congress on platform performance and use.
• Grants cannot reimburse pre-award work and are limited in scope to predevelopment and early-stage preparation activities.