Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
Costa Rica to Provide Better Electricity With Support From the IDB
WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Costa Rica to Provide Better Electricity with Support from the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $200 million loan to supply more reliable, efficient, and sustainable electricity in Costa Rica.
The operation, a specific investment loan, has been approved by the IDB's Board of Executive Directors. It is the second phase of a conditional credit line for investment projects to expand electrical power from renewable sources in Costa Rica and improve the country's power transmission
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 4 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Costa Rica to Provide Better Electricity with Support from the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $200 million loan to supply more reliable, efficient, and sustainable electricity in Costa Rica.
The operation, a specific investment loan, has been approved by the IDB's Board of Executive Directors. It is the second phase of a conditional credit line for investment projects to expand electrical power from renewable sources in Costa Rica and improve the country's power transmissionand distribution systems.
The new program will directly benefit the National Electric System's nearly two million consumers, which include households (around 5.2 million people, or 99.4% of the population), industries, and businesses.
The program will also increase the efficiency of the public lighting system, improving safety and community life for around 350,000 people in rural and peri-urban areas.
Strengthening Costa Rica's electricity grid will also boost the reliability of the regional electricity market, which integrates Costa Rica with five other Central American countries. The program will also directly benefit the Costa Rican Electricity Institute by building its institutional and technical capacities.
The program will finance upgrades to the Ventanas-Garita Hydroelectric Plant to ensure that it can reliably produce power for an additional 30 years. As part of the plan, Costa Rica will also modernize and expand its electricity transmission infrastructure and enhance the efficiency of the public lighting system managed by the Electricity Institute by replacing approximately 40,000 conventional lights with LED technology.
The $200 million loan has a 23.5-year repayment term, a 7-year grace period, and an interest rate based on the Secure Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). The local partner will contribute an additional $115 million.
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About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the Bank works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries. Visit our website: www.iadb.org
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/costa-rica-provide-better-electricity-support-idb
SBA Forced to Cancel National Veterans Small Business Week Due to Federal Shutdown
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- The Small Business Administration posted the following news release:
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SBA Forced to Cancel National Veterans Small Business Week Due to Federal Shutdown
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Senate Democrats voted to block a clean federal funding bill (H.R. 5371), leading to a government shutdown that is preventing the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) from serving America's 36 million small businesses.
Every day that Senate Democrats continue to oppose a clean funding bill, they are stopping an estimated 320 small businesses from accessing $170 million in SBA-guaranteed funding.
As a result
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- The Small Business Administration posted the following news release:
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SBA Forced to Cancel National Veterans Small Business Week Due to Federal Shutdown
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Senate Democrats voted to block a clean federal funding bill (H.R. 5371), leading to a government shutdown that is preventing the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) from serving America's 36 million small businesses.
Every day that Senate Democrats continue to oppose a clean funding bill, they are stopping an estimated 320 small businesses from accessing $170 million in SBA-guaranteed funding.
As a resultof the shutdown, we wanted to notify you that many of our services supporting small businesses are currently unavailable. The agency is executing its Lapse Plan and as soon as the shutdown is over, we are prepared to immediately return to the record-breaking services we were providing under the leadership of the Trump Administration.
If you need disaster assistance, please visit sba.gov/disaster.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2025/11/03/sba-forced-cancel-national-veterans-small-business-week-due-federal-shutdown
EPA Initiates Cleanup of Uranium Mine Waste at Lukachukai Superfund Site on Navajo Nation
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Initiates Cleanup of Uranium Mine Waste at Lukachukai Superfund Site on Navajo Nation
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FLAGSTAFF, ARIZ. (Nov. 3, 2025) Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is beginning the cleanup of 13,000 cubic yards of uranium mine waste rock at the Mesa V complex of three former mines in the Lukachukai Mountains on the Navajo Nation. This location is part of the Lukachukai Mining District Superfund Site in Cove, Arizona. EPA has selected Arrowhead Contracting, a company owned by the Southern
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Initiates Cleanup of Uranium Mine Waste at Lukachukai Superfund Site on Navajo Nation
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FLAGSTAFF, ARIZ. (Nov. 3, 2025) Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is beginning the cleanup of 13,000 cubic yards of uranium mine waste rock at the Mesa V complex of three former mines in the Lukachukai Mountains on the Navajo Nation. This location is part of the Lukachukai Mining District Superfund Site in Cove, Arizona. EPA has selected Arrowhead Contracting, a company owned by the SouthernUte Tribe, to complete the work under EPA oversight.
"Removing mine waste at this Superfund site is a significant milestone in EPA's work to clean up uranium contamination on the Navajo Nation," said EPA Pacific Southwest Region Superfund Director Michael Montgomery. "This action follows the cleanup completed earlier this fall at the nearby Cove Transfer Stations and shows EPA's continued commitment to protecting human health and the environment of the Navajo people."
Many Navajo families reside adjacent to the Lukachukai Mountains, where the Mesa V mine complex is located. The area is used for livestock grazing, recreation and hunting, and is culturally significant to the Navajo people. If left in place, the uranium waste rock would continue to erode into nearby drainages and be transported downstream, further impacting the Navajo community of Cove and the greater Cove watershed.
EPA will oversee the cleanup as well as the construction of an on-site repository where the Mesa V mine waste will be placed. The repository will be engineered to safely contain the uranium waste rock, with an evapotranspiration cap placed as a permanent cover to prevent rainwater from entering the repository.
Following the $13 million cleanup, EPA will restore the impacted areas with native vegetation. EPA anticipates the entire project will take about a year to complete.
This project supports Pillar One of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative, which is ensuring clean air, land, and water for all Americans.
To find out more about EPA's Navajo abandoned uranium mines work and for updates on the project, please click here.
Learn about EPA's Pacific Southwest Region. Connect with us on Facebook Exit EPA's website, Instagram Exit EPA's website, and X Exit EPA's website.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-initiates-cleanup-uranium-mine-waste-lukachukai-superfund-site-navajo-nation
Amtrak San Joaquins Becomes Gold Runner, Marking a New Era for California Passenger Rail
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak San Joaquins Becomes Gold Runner, Marking a New Era for California Passenger Rail
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Stockton, Calif. - The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) is proud to introduce a new chapter in the history of California's intercity passenger rail services with the rebrand from Amtrak San Joaquins to Gold Runner, effective November 3, 2025.
Gold Runner signals a bold new era for intercity passenger rail and bus service in California's heartland, an identity that honors the past while moving
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak San Joaquins Becomes Gold Runner, Marking a New Era for California Passenger Rail
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Stockton, Calif. - The San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) is proud to introduce a new chapter in the history of California's intercity passenger rail services with the rebrand from Amtrak San Joaquins to Gold Runner, effective November 3, 2025.
Gold Runner signals a bold new era for intercity passenger rail and bus service in California's heartland, an identity that honors the past while movingconfidently toward the future.
One of the founding goals of the Joint Powers Authority was to ensure local, dedicated management of the service, including control over marketing and brand direction. With continued investment from the State of California, SJJPA has been able to develop and implement strategies that elevate the service's profile, strengthen ridership, and align messaging more closely with the communities it serves. The Gold Runner brand marks an important milestone in this mission, giving SJJPA the ability to steward the brand, one that reflects the Authority's vision, values, and regional identity.
SJJPA has been proud to partner with Amtrak in managing and growing the service since 2015. The transition to the Gold Runner brand builds on this strong collaboration and shared commitment to passengers. Amtrak remains a critical partner, and together both organizations will continue to pursue co-branding opportunities that enhance connectivity and ensure a seamless, unified experience for riders across California.
"Gold Runner represents more than a new name, it's a symbol of our commitment to our passengers and California's communities," said David Lipari, Interim Executive Director of the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority. "This new identity captures the energy and optimism of our region while positioning us for the future of passenger rail and intercity bus service. It reflects the spirit of partnership, innovation, and service that defines everything we do."
The Gold Runner identity is designed to align with SJJPA's long-term expansion plans and California's broader rail strategy, while fostering stronger connections with neighboring rail services. Just as important, it highlights what makes the system unique: an expansive Thruway Bus network that connects more than half of all riders to destinations across the state.
By uniting rail and bus service under a single, cohesive identity, SJJPA can more effectively communicate the full scope of mobility it provides, support future expansion, and deliver a clearer, more consistent experience for passengers. The Gold Runner name reflects both the heritage and momentum of the Central Valley, representing speed, connection, and California pride.
To celebrate this milestone, SJJPA will host a launch event on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the ACE Rail Maintenance Facility, located at 1020 E Alpine Avenue, Stockton, CA. The event will feature the unveiling of Gold Runner-branded trains and Thruway buses, remarks from transportation leaders, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the beginning of this exciting new era for California's passenger rail.
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2025/11/amtrak-san-joaquins-becomes-gold-runner-marking-a-new-era-for-california-passenger-rail/
Member Bulletin: Revision of Member Products and Credit Policy
DALLAS, Texas, Oct. 31 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news release:
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Member Bulletin: Revision of Member Products and Credit Policy
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* Bulletin No: 2025-30
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (Bank) has updated its Member Products and Credit Policy, effective October 23, 2025. This update includes a definition of Material Adverse Events (MAEs), an expanded description of members' MAE notification requirements and potential corrective actions for failure to report such events.
Starting in 2026, on
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DALLAS, Texas, Oct. 31 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news release:
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Member Bulletin: Revision of Member Products and Credit Policy
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* Bulletin No: 2025-30
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (Bank) has updated its Member Products and Credit Policy, effective October 23, 2025. This update includes a definition of Material Adverse Events (MAEs), an expanded description of members' MAE notification requirements and potential corrective actions for failure to report such events.
Starting in 2026, onat least an annual basis, members will be required to submit an attestation completed by an officer, confirming that there have not been any MAEs not previously disclosed to the Bank.
For any questions, please contact your Member Sales officer.
Sincerely,
Michael Zheng
Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer
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Original text here: https://www.fhlb.com/library/bulletins/2025/revision-of-member-products-and-credit-policy-(1)
Inter-American Development Bank: Transport Ministers Agree to Form Regional Cooperation Network and Common Agenda to Transform Mobility
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Transport Ministers Agree to Form Regional Cooperation Network and Common Agenda to Transform Mobility
SANTO DOMINGO -- Transport ministers from Latin America and the Caribbean reached an agreement to create a regional network of sector authorities as a permanent platform for cooperation and transformation in mobility.
This new network, co-chaired by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Organization for Economic Development and Co-operation's International Transport Forum (ITF),
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Transport Ministers Agree to Form Regional Cooperation Network and Common Agenda to Transform Mobility
SANTO DOMINGO -- Transport ministers from Latin America and the Caribbean reached an agreement to create a regional network of sector authorities as a permanent platform for cooperation and transformation in mobility.
This new network, co-chaired by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Organization for Economic Development and Co-operation's International Transport Forum (ITF),will also boost the region's role in major international forums.
The network's creation was announced at the close of the Regional Policy Dialogue on Transport for Latin America and the Caribbean, a two-day event inaugurated by President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader. The meeting, organized by the government of the Dominican Republic, the IDB, and the ITF, brought together ministers, heads of secretariats, and other high-level authorities from the region, as well as guest delegations from Europe.
The event analyzed how to transform transportation in a region home to over 662 million people, where both freight and passenger demand are set to double by 2050.
The agenda covered key issues such as financing and funding public transportation systems; the future of energy for transportation; incorporating new technologies; risk management and resilience; enabling global supply chains; and more effective road-safety policies to save lives in the region.
Deliberations at the event led to the creation of this regional network, whose members will participate in regular meetings and activities beginning in 2026. The network will focus on the transport sector's main challenges, including:
* Safe mobility: With an emphasis on protecting vulnerable users and reducing risk factors, promoting safe infrastructure, effective governance, sustainable financing, and strategic partnerships.
* Financial sustainability of public transport: Diversifying revenue and financing and redesigning subsidies.
* Resilient infrastructure: Integrating resilience criteria at all stages, from planning to operation and maintenance.
* New technologies and digitalization: Incorporating self-driving vehicles, artificial intelligence, and data platforms.
* Modernizing logistics chains and strategic corridors: To boost the region's competitiveness.
* Expanding the clean transportation offer: Adopting electromobility and green hydrogen.
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About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the Bank works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries. Visit our website: www.iadb.org/en.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/transport-ministers-agree-form-regional-cooperation-network-and-common-agenda-transform-mobility
IDB Supports Uruguay in Enhancing Water and Solid Waste Management
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Supports Uruguay in Enhancing Water and Solid Waste Management
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $100 million loan to improve Uruguay's water and solid waste management, focusing on resilience and the circular economy.
The operation, which has been approved by the IDB's Board of Executive Directors, will boost the resilience of the country's water supply system, benefitting the country's 3.5 million inhabitants, particularly the two million people who live in the Montevideo
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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IDB Supports Uruguay in Enhancing Water and Solid Waste Management
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $100 million loan to improve Uruguay's water and solid waste management, focusing on resilience and the circular economy.
The operation, which has been approved by the IDB's Board of Executive Directors, will boost the resilience of the country's water supply system, benefitting the country's 3.5 million inhabitants, particularly the two million people who live in the Montevideometropolitan area.
This Policy-Based Loan is the second in a programmatic series consisting of two consecutive operations that are technically interlinked but financed independently.
In addition to improving conditions for the population, the program will benefit the private sector - especially agricultural and industrial enterprises - by improving water quality, providing tools to increase the circularity of solid waste, and incentivizing investment.
Departmental governments will implement plans to improve solid waste management.
The IDB-backed program will also support advances in water loss management, new early warning systems for flooding in several cities, and a new regulatory framework for water pollution.
For solid waste, the main measures will focus on:
* Food. The program will facilitate food donations and reduce the amount of food that goes to landfills by implementing the National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste.
* Electrical and electronic equipment. As part of the program, Uruguay will begin developing regulations for managing this type of waste.
* Waste from civil construction and demolition projects. Under the program, Uruguay will create guidelines for capturing, recovering, and reusing this waste to keep it out of landfills.
* End-of-life batteries, including from the electric vehicle sector. The program will implement a traceability plan to collect batteries and reuse and recycle their materials instead of sending them to landfills.
The $100 million loan has a 19.5-year repayment term, a 6-year grace period, and an interest rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR).
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About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the Bank works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries. Visit our website: www.iadb.org/en.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/idb-supports-uruguay-enhancing-water-and-solid-waste-management
