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For the past few years, rural designation for Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs was determined using population data from the 2000 census. Beginning on Oct. 1 of this year, current law would require the USDA to start using the 2010 census. This means that approximately 900 communities considered rural using the 2000 census would no longer qualify using 2010 data unless legislation is passed to extend a “grandfathering” clause that allows previously qualified areas to retain their rural status.
