WASHINGTON-The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation extended its public comment period on its proposed changes to Community Reinvestment Act regulations from Sept. 20 to Oct. 20. The FDIC issued a proposed regulation Aug. 20 seeking additional comments on amendments to its CRA regulations. The changes would increase the threshold of a "small bank" that qualifies for streamlined reporting from $250 million to $1 billion; add a community development criterion to performance standards for institutions between $250 million and $1 billion; and expand lending choices for banks in rural areas. The proposal specifically asks if the proposed small bank definition is appropriate; whether a community development criterion should be included that offers choices to banks; and for other ideas to improve the effectiveness of CRA evaluations while reducing burden.