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As a result of Congressional mandates, Administration initiatives, and internal studies, a variety of program and management concerns have been identified and were considered in the development of this plan. Future internal studies planned are:
Multi-Family Housing Preservation Needs - a study to determine the resources needed to preserve the multi-family housing stock. Estimated completion date: December, 2001.
The Role of Cooperatives in Supporting and Enhancing Farm Policy and Contributing to the Health of Rural Economies - an examination of how farm cooperatives can be most effectively used to improve the health of the farm and rural economies. Estimated completion date: September 2001.
In addition, the development of this plan was guided by findings in GAO and OIG audits such as the following:
Review of Centralized Servicing Operations
Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan Program
Evaluation of Rural Rental Housing Program Tenant Income Verification Program
Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program
Rural Business-Cooperative Service Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program
Audit of Rural Development’s Fiscal Year 1998 Financial Statements
Telephone Loan Program Policies and Procedures
Business and Industry Loan Program
The policies defined in the plan will be implemented through new regulations and systems. Rural Development will evaluate the impact of these strategically driven changes through Management Control Reviews, State Internal Reviews, and findings in future audits.