7 CFR § 25.100 - Eligibility requirements.

A nominated rural area may be eligible for designation pursuant to this part only if the area:

(a) Has a maximum population of 30,000;

(b) Is one of pervasive poverty, unemployment, and general distress, as described in § 25.102;

(c) Meets the area size and boundary requirements of § 25.103;

(d) Is located entirely within the jurisdiction of the general local government making the nomination; and

(e) Meets the poverty rate criteria contained in § 25.104.

(f) Provision for Alaska and Hawaii. A nominated area in Alaska or Hawaii shall be presumed to meet the criteria of paragraphs (b), (c), and (e) of this section if, for each Census tract or block group in the area, at least 20 percent of the families in such tract have an income which is 50 percent or less of the statewide median family income.