Over the years, there has been no shortage of attempts to reinvigorate rural economies and stem the loss of rural residents and economic opportunity in rural America. Certainly, rural banks and other players in rural economic development have the capital, either individually or collectively, and will need to participate in any such effort if it is to prove successful. Regarding the questions of incentives to attract that capital, 2 new programs contained in S 1731, the Agriculture, Conservation, and Rural Enhancement Act of 2001 attempt to provide an answer: the National Rural Cooperative and Business Equity Fund and the Rural Business Investment Program.