PUBLIC LAW 103-427—OCT. 31, 1994 108 STAT. 4373 Public Law 103-427 103d Congress An Act To enstire that timber-dependent communities adversely affected by the Forest Q. „j,QQ^ Plan for a Sustainable Economy and a Sustainable Environment qualify for loans ' and grants from the Rural Development Administration. L^.K. 4iybJ Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. TEMPORARY EXPANDED ELIGmiliTY OF CERTAIN TIM- 7 USC 1926 note. BER-DEPENDENT COMMUNITIES IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST FOR LOANS AND GRANTS FROM THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION. (a) FINDINGS. —Congress finds the following: (1) Timber-dependent communities in the Pacific Northwest have contributed significantly to the economic needs of the United States and have helped ensure an adequate national supply of timber and timber products. (2) A significant portion of the timber traditionally harvested in the Pacific Northwest is derived fix)m Federal forest lands, and these forests have played an important role in sustaining local economies. (3) A number of traditiomJly timber-dependent communities are experiencing significant economic difficulties as a result of their proximity to the range of the northern spotted owl. (4) These timber-dependent communities need economic assistance to help them mversify, including support fiittm water and waste faciHty loans and grants and community facihty loans and grants funded through the Rural Development Administration. (b) EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY.— During the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 1998, the terms "rural" and "rural area", as used in the ConsoU- dated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.), shall include any town, city, or municipahty— (1) part or all of which Ues within 100 miles of the boundary of a national forest covered by the Federal docimient entitled "Forest Plan for a Sustainable Economy and a Sustainable Environment', dated July 1, 1993; (2) that is located in a county in which at least 15 percent of the total primary and secondary labor and proprietor income is derived foam forestry, wood products, or forest-related industries such as recreation and tourism; and (3) that has a population of not more than 25,000 inhabitants.
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