Federal Independent Agencies
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from federal independent agencies.
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Quality Expenditure and Digitalization, Priorities for Central America, Dominican Republic
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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- The IDB brings regional Governors to its Washington, D.C. headquarters to consider policy options to speed up growth and reduce poverty
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The Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank's (IDB), Central American Isthmus and the Dominican Republic held their 33rd Annual Meeting to discuss options to achieve higher growth rates and foster productive activities in the years to come. The region grew 3.8 percent in 2018, way above the 1.1 percent average for Latin America and the Caribbean
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
* * *
- The IDB brings regional Governors to its Washington, D.C. headquarters to consider policy options to speed up growth and reduce poverty
* * *
The Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank's (IDB), Central American Isthmus and the Dominican Republic held their 33rd Annual Meeting to discuss options to achieve higher growth rates and foster productive activities in the years to come. The region grew 3.8 percent in 2018, way above the 1.1 percent average for Latin America and the Caribbeanas a whole. In addition, it is expected to grow 4.2 percent in 2019.
Taking into account the strong link between regional growth sustainability, the state of public finances and the international environment -marked by liquidity shortage, higher financial costs, oil price rises and a drop in the price of coffee, one of its top exports- the Bank's Governors and experts studied the likely impact of different scenarios in the region.
Assessing different policy options, IDB President Luis A. Moreno invited participating regional countries to consider the potential benefits from an agenda that combines actions in three strategic areas: improving public spending quality and effectiveness, tackling institutional inefficiencies that may hamper private investment, and digital transformation, which can improve the quality of public services provided to the population. On this latter point, Moreno said: "For the region, taking full advantage of this so-called fourth industrial revolution goes hand in hand with the potential offered by its labor force to boost up growth"; he particularly emphasized the importance of training the region's youth for the economy of the future.
During the event, the Governors and IDB experts held a number of sessions to examine 2019 world economic prospects and their likely impact on the region, as well as policy options in a number of aspects, including spending efficiency, trade policies, energy reform and digital transformation. The latter discussion included the participation of Cristina Zubillaga, Assistant Executive Director of Uruguay's Agency for Electronic Government and Information and Knowledge Society (AGECIC), who shared her country's achievements and challenges in adopting a digital agenda for the 21st Century.
In the face of all these challenges, the IDB Group has strengthened its commitment with Central America and the Dominican Republic. In the IDB Group's Central American Isthmus and the Dominican Republic: 2018 Activities Report, the Bank's authorities emphasized the approval of $2.95 billion in financing for new projects in the region. Of this total, $2.5 billion were IDB loans to the private sector--a record that was 36% higher than the average for the 2013-2017 five-year period.
IDB Invest, the IDB Group's private sector investment arm, financed 15 operations in 2018 for a total $417 million, whereas IDB Lab approved 12 projects for $12 million. In addition, another $50 million came from donations, among other things to support efforts to regional initiatives such as Mesoamerica Health and the new Regional Initiative to Eliminate Malaria (IREM, after its Spanish initials) in Mesoamerica and the Dominican Republic.
The governors meeting was in preparation for the IDB' general Annual Meeting to be held March 28-31 in Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
One Month Left to Apply for SBA Disaster Loans in New Mexico, Texas
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 15 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Disaster Field Operations Center-West today reminded small nonfarm businesses in four New Mexico counties and neighboring counties in Texas of the March 18, 2019, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary county that began May 15, 2018.
Primary
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SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 15 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Disaster Field Operations Center-West today reminded small nonfarm businesses in four New Mexico counties and neighboring counties in Texas of the March 18, 2019, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary county that began May 15, 2018.
PrimaryNew Mexico county: Eddy;
Neighboring New Mexico counties: Chaves, Lea and Otero;
Neighboring Texas counties: Culberson, Loving and Reeves.
According to Garfield, small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. "Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster's impact," said Garfield.
"SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage," Garfield added.
The interest rate is 3.61 percent for businesses and 2.5 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant's financial condition.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared this disaster on July 18, 2018.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary's declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov (link sends e-mail) for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
One Month Left to Apply for SBA Disaster Loans in Colorado
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 15 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Disaster Field Operations Center-West today reminded small nonfarm businesses of the deadline dates to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by adverse weather conditions in the following primary counties.
Click here to view the table: (https://www.sba.gov/offices/disaster/dfocw/resources/1636025)
According
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 15 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Disaster Field Operations Center-West today reminded small nonfarm businesses of the deadline dates to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by adverse weather conditions in the following primary counties.
Click here to view the table: (https://www.sba.gov/offices/disaster/dfocw/resources/1636025)
Accordingto Garfield, small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disasters. "Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disasters' impact," said Garfield.
"SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disasters and businesses directly impacted by the disasters. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage," Garfield added.
The interest rate is 3.61 percent for businesses and 2.5 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant's financial condition.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared Declaration Numbers 15605 and 15630 on July 18, 2018; and Declaration Numbers 15634 and 15637 on Aug. 1, 2018.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary's declaration. However, in drought disasters nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov (link sends e-mail) for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
One Month Left to Apply for SBA Disaster Loans in California
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 15 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Disaster Field Operations Center-West today reminded California small nonfarm businesses of the deadline dates to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the freeze in in the following primary counties.
Click here to view the table: (https://www.sba.gov/offices/disaster/dfocw/resources/1636026)
According
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 15 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration's Disaster Field Operations Center-West today reminded California small nonfarm businesses of the deadline dates to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury. These low-interest loans are to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the freeze in in the following primary counties.
Click here to view the table: (https://www.sba.gov/offices/disaster/dfocw/resources/1636026)
Accordingto Garfield, small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet working capital needs caused by the disasters. "Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disasters' impact," said Garfield.
"SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disasters and businesses directly impacted by the disasters. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the applicant suffered any property damage," Garfield added.
The interest rate is 3.58 percent for businesses and 2.5 percent for private nonprofit organizations with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant's financial condition.
By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared these disasters on July 18, 2018.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary's declaration.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov (link sends e-mail) for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
New Report: Improving EPA's Permit Program for Industrial Stormwater
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 -- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued the following news release:
As part of its work under the Clean Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees a permit program--the Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP)--that requires industries to manage onsite stormwater to minimize discharges of pollutants to the environment. Improving the EPA Multi-Sector General Permit for Industrial Stormwater Discharges, new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, recommends ways to improve the permit program,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 -- The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine issued the following news release:
As part of its work under the Clean Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees a permit program--the Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP)--that requires industries to manage onsite stormwater to minimize discharges of pollutants to the environment. Improving the EPA Multi-Sector General Permit for Industrial Stormwater Discharges, new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, recommends ways to improve the permit program,with a focus on monitoring and retention standards. This report offers guidance to inform the next revision of the MSGP, expected in 2020.
Advance copies of the report will be available to reporters only starting at 1 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Feb. 19.
The report is embargoed and not for public release before 11 a.m. EST on Wednesday, Feb. 20.
Reporters who wish to obtain copies should contact the Office of News and Public Information at tel. 202-334-2138 or e-mail news@nas.edu.
The report's findings and recommendations will be discussed by members of the authoring committee at a webinar at 3:30 p.m. EST on Wednesday, Feb. 27.
Florida Students to Speak With NASA Astronaut Aboard International Space Station
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 -- NASA issued the following news release:
University and high school students from Florida will have an opportunity to talk with a NASA astronaut on the International Space Station (University and high school students from Florida will have an opportunity to talk with a NASA astronaut on the International Space Station next week. The Earth-to-space call will air on NASA Television and the agency's website.
Anne McClain will answer questions from students at Florida Atlantic University and the Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Miami Dade school districts. The event will
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 -- NASA issued the following news release:
University and high school students from Florida will have an opportunity to talk with a NASA astronaut on the International Space Station (University and high school students from Florida will have an opportunity to talk with a NASA astronaut on the International Space Station next week. The Earth-to-space call will air on NASA Television and the agency's website.
Anne McClain will answer questions from students at Florida Atlantic University and the Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Miami Dade school districts. The event willtake place at 1:25 p.m. EST Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the Engineering East building of Florida Atlantic University's Boca Raton campus, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. Media interested in covering should contact Lisa Metcalf at lmetcalf@fau.eduor 561-297-3022.
Linking students directly to astronauts aboard the space station provides unique, authentic experiences designed to enhance student learning, performance and interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics.) Astronauts living in space on the orbiting laboratory communicate with NASA's Mission Control Center in Houston 24 hours a day through the Space Network'sTracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS).
Follow the astronauts on social media at:
https://www.twitter.com/NASA_astronauts
See videos and lesson plans highlighting research on the International Space Station at:
https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation) next week. The Earth-to-space call will air on NASA Television and the agency's website.
Anne McClain will answer questions from students at Florida Atlantic University and the Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Miami Dade school districts. The event will take place at 1:25 p.m. EST Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the Engineering East building of Florida Atlantic University's Boca Raton campus, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. Media interested in covering should contact Lisa Metcalf at lmetcalf@fau.eduor 561-297-3022.
Linking students directly to astronauts aboard the space station provides unique, authentic experiences designed to enhance student learning, performance and interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics.) Astronauts living in space on the orbiting laboratory communicate with NASA's Mission Control Center in Houston 24 hours a day through the Space Network'sTracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS).
Follow the astronauts on social media at: https://www.twitter.com/NASA_astronauts
See videos and lesson plans highlighting research on the International Space Station at: https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation.
Antarctic Research Vessel to Deliver Ailing Individual to British Research Station
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 -- The National Science Foundation issued the following news release:
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- Participant in the Thwaites Glacier research cruise to be flown from Rothera Station to South America
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Acting on the advice of medical experts, National Science Foundation (NSF) officials have directed the NSF-chartered research vessel Nathaniel B. Palmer to put ashore a person in need of a level of care not available aboard the ship. The Palmer, which is at sea in Antarctic waters, will divert to the British Antarctic Survey's Rothera Station.
After arriving at Rothera, the patient will
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15 -- The National Science Foundation issued the following news release:
* * *
- Participant in the Thwaites Glacier research cruise to be flown from Rothera Station to South America
* * *
Acting on the advice of medical experts, National Science Foundation (NSF) officials have directed the NSF-chartered research vessel Nathaniel B. Palmer to put ashore a person in need of a level of care not available aboard the ship. The Palmer, which is at sea in Antarctic waters, will divert to the British Antarctic Survey's Rothera Station.
After arriving at Rothera, the patient willbe flown to Punta Arenas, Chile.
The Palmer is on a first, extended research cruise related to the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration. The collaboration is investigating the state of a rapidly changing glacier roughly the same size as Florida.
NSF is not revealing the name or other identifying information about the patient.
The Palmer is making its way as fast as is safely possible to reach Rothera and is expected to arrive early next week. Although conditions in the Antarctic can change rapidly, ice conditions currently look favorable for the transit, as do the local seas.
NSF may release additional information as circumstances warrant.
Peter West, 703/292-7530, pwest@nsf.gov
