FDIC Federal Register Citations

SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

September 15, 2004

Mr. Robert E. Feldman
Executive Secretary
Attention: Comments/Legal ISS
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
550 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20429-9990.

Re: RIN 3064-AC50

Dear Mr. Feldman:

In 1977, Congress enacted the CRA to encourage insured banks and thrifts to help meet the credit needs of their entire communities, including low- and moderate-income communities, consistent with safe and sound lending practices. In the CRA, Congress found that regulated financial institutions are required to demonstrate that their deposit facilities serve the convenience and needs of the communities in which they are chartered to do business, and that the convenience and needs of communities include the need for credit as well as deposit services. The CRA has come to play an important role in improving access to credit among under-served rural and urban communities.

Small Banks located in Rural Communities have not fulfilled their obligation to assist low income ommunities. I strongly oppose the proposed rule changing the Community Reinvestment Act regulations. In my opinion, it will really undermine rural communities. Please do not adopt this rule.

With best regards, I am,

Charles C. Achane
President