USDA Rural Development Obligations FY 19 – May

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The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) presents this month’s report on Fiscal Year 2019 USDA Rural Housing program obligations.

As of the end of May, USDA obligated 64,313 loans, loan guarantees, and grants totaling $9,081,241,676. This is $869,914,101 less than obligations from the same time last year. At that time were 71,545 loans, loan guarantees, and grants obligated totaling $9,951,155,777.

The agency has been operating under several continuing resolutions and a 35-day government shutdown since the beginning of the fiscal year. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 was signed into law on February 15, 2019 which provided funding for the rest of the fiscal year.

Single Family Housing Program Highlights
The Section 502 Guaranteed loan program, the largest of the Single Family Housing programs, obligated $8,456,186,019 (57,962 loan guarantees) down from $9,344,108,146 (64,441 loan guarantees) last year.

For the Section 502 Direct program, there have been $469,298,153 (2,975 loans) in loan obligations, compared to $470,085,569 (3,172 loans) this time last year. Very low income (VLI) loan obligations as a percentage of the total Section 502 Direct loan dollars was about 35 percent. VLI loans represented 40 percent of the total number of Section 502 Direct loans.

The Section 504 Repair and Rehabilitation programs obligated 1,385 loans representing about $8,299,424. Loan volume was down from this time last year (1,512 loans representing $9,060,511 million.) In the Section 504 grant program, there were $11,229,910 (1,385 grants) obligated compared to $761,087 (2,304 grants) at the same time last year.

USDA’s Section 523 Self Help Housing Grant program funded 10 grants and contracts totaling $10,088,093, up from this time last year when 5 grants and contracts were funded totaling $14,238,816.

USDA has also funded 5 credit sales representing $402,961.

Multi-Family Housing Programs
USDA’s Section 538 Multifamily Housing obligated 53 loan guarantees totaling $86,375,887, down from last year’s 60 loan guarantees ($82,500,369.) In the Section 515 Rural Rental Housing program, there were 40 loans totaling $33,788,303 obligated compared to 14 loans totaling $12,095,965 this time last year. There has been 1 MPR loan totaling $537,865 and no grants obligated compared to 15 loans and 2 grants representing $15,650,054 and $251,260 this time last year.

In the Farm Labor Housing programs, 5 loans and 2 grants have been funded totaling $3,587,261 and $1,400,000 respectively. Last year in May, there were no loans or grants.

No Section 533 Housing Preservation grants have been obligated so far this year, like this time last year. USDA obligated funds for 153,093 rental assistance units under the Section 521 Rental Assistance program totaling $808,780,291 million. This compares to about 133,633 units ($662,237,636) obligated same time last year. There were also 4,354 Rural Housing Vouchers totaling $19,380,653 compared to 3,763 vouchers representing $15,497,346 this time last year.

Download the combined document.

* The Rural Housing Service (RHS) monthly obligation reports are produced by the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) 1025 Vermont Ave., NW, Suite 606, Washington, DC 20005. The monthly figures derive from HAC tabulations of USDA –RHS 205c, d, and f report data. For questions or comments about the obligation reports, please contact Michael Feinberg at 202-842-8600 or michael@ruralhome.org.

USDA Rural Development Obligations FY 19 – April

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The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) presents this month’s report on Fiscal Year 2019 USDA Rural Housing program obligations.

As of the end of April, USDA obligated 53,177 loans, loan guarantees, and grants totaling $7,457,480,989. This is $2,493,674,788 less than obligation levels from the same time last year when there were 71,545 loans, loan guarantees, and grants obligated totaling $9,951,155,777.

The agency has been operating under several continuing resolutions and a 35-day government shutdown since the beginning of the fiscal year. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 was signed into law on February 15, 2019 which provided funding for the rest of the fiscal year.

Single Family Housing Program Highlights

The Section 502 Guaranteed loan program, the largest of the Single Family Housing programs, obligated $6,961,849,991 (48,113 loan guarantees) down from $9,344,108,146 (64,441 loan guarantees) at the same time last year.

For the Section 502 Direct program, the agency obligated $373,232,082 (2,366 loans), down from $470,085,569 (3,172 loans) in loan obligations this time last year. Very lowincome (VLI) loan obligations as a percentage of the total Section 502 Direct loan dollars was 36 percent. VLI loans represented 41 percent of the total number of Section 502 Direct loans.

The Section 504 Repair and Rehabilitation programs obligated 1,112 loans representing $6,630,392. Loan volume was down from this time last year (1,512 loans representing $9,060,511 million.) There were also $8,897,038 (1,112 grants) obligated in the Section 504 grant program compared to $2,430,119 (2,304 grants) at the same time last year.

USDA’s Section 523 Self Help Housing Grant program funded 7 grants and contracts totaling $7,052,393, up from last year at this time when 5 grants and contracts were funded totaling $14,238,816.

USDA has also funded 4 credit sales representing $304,961.

Multi-Family Housing Programs

USDA’s Section 538 Multifamily Housing obligated 48 loan guarantees totaling $72,502,085, down from last year’s 60 loan guarantees ($82,500,369.) In the Section 515 Rural Rental Housing program, there were 30 loans totaling $22,963,582 obligated compared to 14 loans totaling $12,095,965 this time last year. There has been 1 MPR loan totaling $537,865 and no grants obligated compared to 15 loans and 2 grants representing $15,650,054 and $251,260 this time last year.

In the Farm Labor Housing programs, 2 loans and 2 grants have been funded totaling $2,070,000 and $1,400,000 respectively. Last year in April, there were no loans or grants.

No Section 533 Housing Preservation grants obligated so far this year, similar to this time last year.

USDA obligated funds for 155,727 rental assistance units under the Section 521 Rental Assistance program totaling $807,221,198 million. This compares to 133,633 units ($662,237,636) obligated same time last year. There were also 3,843 Rural Housing Vouchers totaling $16,991,439 compared to 3,763 vouchers representing $15,497,346 this time last year.

Download the combined document.

* The Rural Housing Service (RHS) monthly obligation reports are produced by the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) 1025 Vermont Ave., NW, Suite 606, Washington, DC 20005. The monthly figures derive from HAC tabulations of USDA –RHS 205c, d, and f report data. For questions or comments about the obligation reports, please contact Michael Feinberg at 202-842-8600 or michael@ruralhome.org.

USDA Rural Development Obligations FY 19 – March

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The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) presents this month’s report on Fiscal Year 2019 USDA Rural Housing program obligations.

As of the end of March, USDA obligated 43,419 loans, loan guarantees, and grants totaling about $6.0 billion. This is about $2.4 billion less than obligation levels from the same time last year when there were 60,977 loans, loan guarantees, and grants obligated totaling about $8.5 billion.

The agency has been operating under several continuing resolutions and a 35-day government shutdown since October 1, 2019.The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 was signed into law on February 15, 2019 which provided funding for the rest of the fiscal year

Single Family Housing Program Highlights

The Section 502 Guaranteed loan program, the largest of the Single Family Housing programs, obligated $5.7 billion (39,465 loan guarantees) down from $8 billion (54,826 loan guarantees) at the same time last year.

For the Section 502 Direct program, there have been about $290.5 million (1,848 loans), down from $404.7 million (2,742 loans) in loan obligations this time last year. Very low-income (VLI) loan obligations as a percentage of the total Section 502 Direct loan dollars was about 38 percent.

The Section 504 Repair and Rehabilitation programs obligated 881 loans representing about $5.1 million. Loan volume was down from this time last year (1,296 loans representing $7.7 million.) There were also about $7 million (1,165 grants) obligated in the Section 504 grant program compared to $12.5 million (2,019 grants) at the same time last year.

USDA’s Section 523 Self Help Housing Grant program funded 5 grants totaling $3.4 million which is up from last year at this time when funding totaled $1.5 million.

USDA has also funded 4 credit sales representing $304,961.

Multifamily Housing Program Highlights

USDA’s Section 538 Multifamily Housing obligated 45 loan guarantees totaling $64.7 million, down from last year’s 55 loan guarantees ($74.7 million.) In the Section 515 Rural Rental Housing program, there were 3 loans totaling $4.4 million obligated compared to 10 loans totaling $10.1 million this time last year. One MPR loan totaling $537,865 and no grants have been obligated compared to 14 loans ($13.7 million) and 1 grant ($15,400) this time last year.

In the Farm Labor Housing programs, 1 loan and 1 grant have been funded totaling $1.5 million and $700,000 respectively. Last year in March, there were no loans or grants.

There were also no Section 533 Housing Preservation grants obligated so far this year, compared to one loan last year totaling $21,417.

USDA obligated funds for 97,788 rental assistance units under the Section 521 Rental Assistance program totaling $490.5 million. This compares to about 98,728 units ($497.7 million) obligated same time last year. There were also 3,135 Rural Housing Vouchers totaling $13.5 million compared to 3,237 vouchers representing $13.6 million this time last year.

Download the combined document.

* The Rural Housing Service (RHS) monthly obligation reports are produced by the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) 1025 Vermont Ave., NW, Suite 606, Washington, DC 20005. The monthly figures derive from HAC tabulations of USDA –RHS 205c, d, and f report data. For questions or comments about the obligation reports, please contact Michael Feinberg at 202-842-8600 or michael@ruralhome.org.

USDA Rural Development Obligations FY 19 – February

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The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) presents this month’s report on Fiscal Year 2019 USDA Rural Housing program obligations.

As of the end of February, USDA obligated 35,131 loans, loan guarantees, and grants totaling about $4.9 billion. This is about $2.0 million less than obligation levels from the same time last year when there were 49,912 loans, loan guarantees, and grants obligated totaling about $6.9 billion.

 

The agency has been operating under several continuing resolutions and a 35-day government shutdown since October 1, 2019.The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 was signed into law on February 15, 2019 which provided funding for the rest of the fiscal yearSingle Family Housing Program Highlights

The Section 502 Guaranteed loan program, the largest of the Single Family Housing programs, obligated $4.6 billion (32,217 loan guarantees) down from $6.5 billion (45,125) at the same time last year.

For the Section 502 Direct program, there have been about $209.7 million (1,318 loans), down from $305.8 million (2,110 loans) in loan obligations this time last year. Very low-income (VLI) loan obligations as a percentage of the total Section 502 Direct loan dollars was over 40 percent.

The Section 504 Repair and Rehabilitation programs obligated 668 loans representing about $4.0 million. Loan volume was down from this time last year (1,027 loans representing $6.1 million.) There were also $5.2 million (877 grants) obligated in the Section 504 grant program compared to $9.9 million (1,605 grants) at the same time last year.

USDA’s Section 523 Self Help Housing Grant program funded 4 grants totaling $2.9 million which is up from last year at this time when funding totaled $1.5 million.

USDA has also funded 2 credit sales representing $157,785.

Multifamily Housing Program Highlights

USDA Section 538 Multifamily Housing obligated 39 loan guarantees totaling $58 million, up from 23 loan guarantees ($34.9 million.) In the Section 515 Rural Rental Housing program, there were 4 loans totaling $5.0 million obligated compared to 6 loans totaling $6.1 million this time last year. There were also no MPR loans or grants compared to 6 loans (4.8 million) and 1 grant ($15,400) this time last year.

USDA obligated funds for 97,544 rental assistance units under the Section 521 Rental Assistance program totaling $490 million. This compares to about 92,941 units ($472.6 million) obligated same time last year. There were also 2,530 Rural Housing Vouchers totaling $10.8 million compared to 2,629 vouchers representing $11.0 million this time last year.

In the Farm Labor Housing programs, 1 loan and 1 grant have been funded totaling $1.5 million and $700,000 respectively. Last year, there were no loans or grants at this time.

There were also 0 Section 533 Housing Preservation grants obligated so far this year, similar to last year.

Download the combined document.

* The Rural Housing Service (RHS) monthly obligation reports are produced by the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) 1025 Vermont Ave., NW, Suite 606, Washington, DC 20005. The monthly figures derive from HAC tabulations of USDA –RHS 205c, d, and f report data. For questions or comments about the obligation reports, please contact Michael Feinberg at 202-842-8600 or michael@ruralhome.org.

Federal shutdown continues, impact on rural renters still unclear

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As of January 8, 2019, parts of the federal government including USDA and HUD remain shut down. HAC has not been able to learn any additional information about the impact on USDA Section 521 Rental Assistance and Section 542 vouchers since our December post.

The National Rural Housing Coalition has compiled information about the shutdown’s early impacts on rural housing organizations around the country.

– Posted by Leslie Strauss

USDA Rural Development Obligations FY 18 – September

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The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) presents this month’s report on Fiscal Year 2018 USDA Rural Housing program obligations.

As of the end of September, USDA obligated 131,485 loans, loan guarantees, and grants totaling about $18.4 billion. This is about $2.2 million less than obligation levels from the same time last year when there were 149,860 loans, loan guarantees, and grants obligated totaling about $20.7 billion.

Single Family Housing Program Highlights

The Section 502 Guaranteed loan program, the largest of the Single Family Housing programs, obligated $16.8 billion (115,864 loan guarantees) down from $19.3 billion (134,071) at the same time last year.

For the Section 502 Direct program, there have been about $1.1 billion (7,199 loans), up from $999.99 million (7,187 loans) in loan obligations this time last year. Very low-income (VLI) loan obligations as a percentage of the total Section 502 Direct loan dollars was 32.8 percent, down from 38.1 percent this time last year.

The Section 504 Repair and Rehabilitation programs obligated 3,225 loans representing $19.8 million. There were fewer loans than this time last year (3,431 loans) but more dollars obligated ($19.6 million.) There were also $28.2 million (4,585 grants) obligated in the Section 504 grant program compared to $28.9 million (4,763 grants) at the same time last year.

USDA’s Section 523 Self Help Housing Grant program funded 45 grants and contracts totaling $34.8 million less than this time last year at this time when funding totaled $36.6 million.

USDA has also funded 14 credit sales representing $1,591,104.

Multifamily Housing Program Highlights

USDA’s Section 538 Multifamily Housing obligated 132 loan guarantees totaling $185.7 million, up from 106 loan guarantees ($177.0 million.) In the Section 515 Rural Rental Housing program, there were 35 loans totaling $42.6 million obligated compared to 31 loans totaling $35.0 million this time last year. There were also 186 MPR loans and 2 grants totaling $116.0 million and $251,260 respectively, compared to 33 loans ($26.8 million) and 3 grants ($102,561) this time last year.

USDA obligated funds for 268,514 rental assistance units under the Section 521 Rental Assistance program totaling $1.35 billion. This compares to about 302,451 units ($1.37 billion) obligated same time last year. There were also 6,353 Rural Housing Vouchers totaling $26.7 million compared to 5,609 vouchers representing $22.0 million this time last year.

In the Farm Labor Housing programs, 19 loans and 12 grants have been funded totaling $35.5 million and $17.2 million, respectively. Last year, there were 21 loans and 6 grants funded representing $34.9 million and $8.2 million.

There were also 143 Section 533 Housing Preservation grants totaling $10.8 million compared to 107 grants last year totaling $4.9 million.

Download the combined document.

* The Rural Housing Service (RHS) monthly obligation reports are produced by the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) 1025 Vermont Ave., NW, Suite 606, Washington, DC 20005. The monthly figures derive from HAC tabulations of USDA –RHS 205c, d, and f report data. For questions or comments about the obligation reports, please contact Michael Feinberg at 202-842-8600 or michael@ruralhome.org.

USDA Rural Development Obligations FY 18 – August

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The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) presents this month’s report on Fiscal Year 2018 USDA Rural Housing program obligations.

As of the end of August, USDA obligated 107,385 loans, loan guarantees, and grants totaling about $14.97 billion. This is about $1.73 billion less than obligation levels from the same time last year when there were 121,655 loans, loan guarantees, and grants obligated totaling about $16.71 billion.

Single Family Housing Program Highlights

The Section 502 Guaranteed loan program, the largest of the Single Family Housing programs, obligated $13.92 billion (95,949 loan guarantees) up from $15.71 billion (109,516) at the same time last year.

For the Section 502 Direct program, there have been over $822.2 million (5,426 loans), also down from $771.4 million (5,596 loans) in loan obligations this time last year. Very low-income (VLI) loan obligations as a percentage of the total Section 502 Direct loan dollars was 33.5 percent, down from 36.8 percent at the same time last year.

The Section 504 Repair and Rehabilitation programs obligated 2,386 loans representing $14.6 million. As in the other single family housing programs, loan volume was down from this time last year (2,605 loans representing $14.6 million.) There were also $21.1 million (3,428 grants) obligated in the Section 504 grant program compared to $22.8 million (3,774 grants) at the same time last year.

Obligations in the Mutual Self-Help program totaled 23 grants and contracts totaling $18 million compared to 26 grants and contracts totaling $20.3 million last year.

USDA has also funded 14 credit sales representing $1,591,104.

Multifamily Housing Program Highlights

USDA’s Section 538 Multifamily Housing obligated 98 loan guarantees totaling $125.3 million, up from 71 loan guarantees ($121.6 million.) In the Section 515 Rural Rental Housing program, there were 16 loans totaling $19.6 million obligated compared to 10 loans totaling $10.5 million this time last year. There were also 15 MPR loans and 2 grants totaling $10.5 million and $251,260 respectively, compared to 30 loans ($21.4 million) and 2 grants ($53,220) this time last year.

In the Farm Labor Housing program, there were 6 loans ($8.5 million) and 4 grants ($7.9 million) compared to 7 loans ($10.7 million) and no grants at this time last year. One Housing Preservation Grant has been obligated ($21,417) versus none last year.

USDA obligated funds for 193,148 rental assistance units under the Section 521 Rental Assistance program totaling $950.6 million. This compares to about 194,472 units ($1.093 billion) obligated same time last year. There were also 5,526 Rural Housing Vouchers totaling $23.2 million compared to 5,011 vouchers representing $19.8 million this time last year.

There were no other obligations for Multi-Family Housing programs in November.

Download the combined document.

* The Rural Housing Service (RHS) monthly obligation reports are produced by the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) 1025 Vermont Ave., NW, Suite 606, Washington, DC 20005. The monthly figures derive from HAC tabulations of USDA –RHS 205c, d, and f report data. For questions or comments about the obligation reports, please contact Michael Feinberg at 202-842-8600 or michael@ruralhome.org.

Rural America is Losing its Affordable Rental Housing

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Read more

USDA Rural Development Obligations FY 18 – July

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The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) presents this month’s report on Fiscal Year 2018 USDA Rural Housing program obligations.

As of the end of July, USDA obligated 107,385 loans, loan guarantees, and grants totaling about $14.97 billion. This is about $1.73 billion less than obligation levels from the same time last year when there were 121,655 loans, loan guarantees, and grants obligated totaling about $16.71 billion.

Single Family Housing Program Highlights

The Section 502 Guaranteed loan program, the largest of the Single Family Housing programs, obligated $13.92 billion (95,949 loan guarantees) down from $15.71 billion (109,516) at the same time last year.

For the Section 502 Direct program, there have been over $822.2 million (5,426 loans), also down from $771.4 million (5,596 loans) in loan obligations this time last year. Very low-income (VLI) loan obligations as a percentage of the total Section 502 Direct loan dollars was 33.5 percent, down from 36.8 percent at the same time last year.

The Section 504 Repair and Rehabilitation programs obligated 2,386 loans representing $14.6 million. As in the other single family housing programs, loan volume was down from this time last year (2,605 loans representing $14.6 million.) There were also $21.1 million (3,428 grants) obligated in the Section 504 grant program compared to $22.8 million (3,774 grants) at the same time last year.

Obligations in the Mutual Self-Help program totaled 23 grants and contracts totaling $18 million compared to 26 grants and contracts totaling $20.3 million last year.

Multifamily Housing Program Highlights

USDA’s Section 538 Multifamily Housing obligated 98 loan guarantees totaling $125.3 million, up from 71 loan guarantees ($121.6 million.) In the Section 515 Rural Rental Housing program, there were 16 loans totaling $19.6 million obligated compared to 10 loans totaling $10.5 million this time last year. There were also 15 MPR loans and 2 grants totaling $10.5 million and $251,260 respectively, compared to 30 loans ($21.4 million) and 2 grants ($53,220) this time last year.

In the Farm Labor Housing program, there were 6 loans ($8.5 million) and 4 grants ($7.9 million) compared to 7 loans ($10.7 million) and no grants at this time last year. One Housing Preservation Grant has been obligated ($21,417) versus none last year.

USDA obligated funds for 193,148 rental assistance units under the Section 521 Rental Assistance program totaling $950.6 million. This compares to about 194,472 units ($1.093 billion) obligated same time last year. There were also 5,526 Rural Housing Vouchers totaling $23.2 million compared to 5,011 vouchers representing $19.8 million this time last year.

There were no other obligations for Multi-Family Housing programs in July.

Download the combined document.

* The Rural Housing Service (RHS) monthly obligation reports are produced by the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) 1025 Vermont Ave., NW, Suite 606, Washington, DC 20005. The monthly figures derive from HAC tabulations of USDA –RHS 205c, d, and f report data. For questions or comments about the obligation reports, please contact Michael Feinberg at 202-842-8600 or michael@ruralhome.org.

Rural Voices: Working Toward Access for All

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50 Years of the Fair Housing Act

Safe and affordable homes, free of discrimination, should be equally accessible to all. This edition of Rural Voices explores the state of fair housing half a century after the adoption of the Fair Housing Act and includes contributions from a federal agency, national nonprofits, and practitioners in the field.

VIEW FROM WASHINGTON

HUD’s Fair Housing Office: Combating Discrimination
Anna María Farías

In a nation founded on the principles of justice and equality, it is unacceptable for anyone to be denied the housing of their choice.

FEATURES

Working Towards Fair Housing in 2018’s Rural America
by Leslie R. Strauss

Rural fair housing advocates rely on outreach, education, cultural sensitivity, and partnerships to address issues that may not have been evident 50 years ago.

HUD Suspends Implementation of Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Rule
by Renee Williams

In early 2018 HUD suspended implementation of a regulation put into place in 2015.

Vermont Tackles Fair Housing Along with Housing Affordability
by Ted Wimpey

Vermont’s Fair Housing Project encourages residents and local governments to improve zoning and permitting in order to further fair housing and the development of affordable housing.

Disasters Don’t Discriminate, Recovery Shouldn’t Either
by Maddie Sloan

Disaster recovery must be designed to be fair for all, even if pre-disaster housing situations were not.

Nuisance and Crime-Free Ordinances: The Next Fair Housing Frontier
by Renee Williams and Marie Flannery

Fair housing laws may conflict with local laws and policies that penalize tenants for calling law enforcement or having a history of arrest or conviction.

Fighting Hate with Fair Housing Laws

The recent increase in hate crimes includes housing-related hate activity, which can have criminal or civil remedies.

Fighting Hate in North Dakota
by Michelle Rydz

A statewide coalition supports victims of hate crimes, including crimes that are related to housing.

INFOGRAPHIC

rv-may-2018-infographicFair Housing in Rural America – By the Numbers

Rural Voices would like to hear what you have to say about one, or all, of these issues. Please comment on these stories by sending a tweet to #RuralVoicesMag, discuss on the Rural Affordable Housing Group on LinkedIn, or on our Facebook page.

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50 Years for Rural America

Over 50 years HAC has worked in every U.S. state and the territories. Learn more about what our work means for rural communities.

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