(a) The final EIS will be a major factor in the Agency's final decision. Agency staff making recommendations on the action and the approving official will be familiar with the contents of the EIS and its conclusions and will consider these in formulating their respective positions with respect to the action. The final EIS and all comments received on the draft will accompany the proposal through the FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 final clearance process. The alternatives considered by the approving official will be those addressed in the final EIS.
(b) As part of this review process, the preparer of the EIS will complete the recommendations listed in Item XXIb and c of exhibit H of this subpart and provide them to the approving official prior to a final decision.