[Federal Register: June 22, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 119)]
[Notices]
[Page 36109-36110]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22jn05-48]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
June 16, 2005.
The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following
information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments
regarding (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for
the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including
whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy
of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality,
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to
minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are
to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology should be addressed to: Desk
Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs,
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV or
fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO,
Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these
information collections are best assured of having their full effect if
received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the
submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720-8681.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information
unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB
control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to
respond to the collection of information that such persons are not
required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays
a currently valid OMB control number.
Rural Business-Cooperative Service
Title: Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program.
OMB Control Number: 0570-0035.
Summary of Collection: The information collected is necessary to
implement Section 313 of the Rural
[[Page 36110]]
Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940(c)) that established a loan
and grant program. Rural Business Service (RBS) mission is to improve
the quality of life in rural America by financing community facilities
and businesses, providing technical assistance and creating effective
strategies for rural development. Under this program, zero interest
loans and grants are provided to electric and telecommunications
utilities that have borrowed funds from RUS. The purpose of the program
is to encourage these electric and telecommunications utilities to
promote rural economic development and job creation projects such as
business start-up costs, business expansion, community development, and
business incubator projects.
Need and Use of the Information: RBS needs this collected
information to select the projects it believes will provide the most
long-term economic benefit to rural areas. The selection process is
competitive and RBS has generally received more applications than it
could fund. RBS also needs to make sure the funds are used for the
intended purpose, and in the case of the loan, the funds will be
repaid. RBS must determine that loans made from revolving loan funds
established with grants are used for eligible purposes.
Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; business
or other for-profit.
Number of Respondents: 120.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: on occasion, annually.
Total Burden Hours: 4,143.
Rural Business Cooperative Service
Title: 7 CFR Part 1980-E, Business and Industry Loan Program.
OMB Control Number: 0570-0014.
Summary of Collection: The Business and Industry (B&I) program was
legislated in 1972 under Section 310B of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act. The purpose of the program is to improve,
develop, or finance businesses, industries, and employment and improve
the economic and environmental climate in rural communities, including
pollution abatement and control. This purpose is achieved through
bolstering the existing private credit structure by making direct
loans, thereby providing lasting community benefits. The B&I program is
administered by the Agency through Rural Development State and sub-
State Offices serving the State.
All the reporting and recordkeeping burden estimates for making and
servicing B&I Guaranteed Loans have been moved to the B&I Guaranteed
Loan Program regulations (7 CFR 4279-A and B and 4287-B). 7 CFR 1980-E,
in conjunction with 7 CFR 1942-A and other regulations, is currently
used only for making B&I Direct Loans. 7 CFR 1951-E is used for
servicing B&I Direct and Community Facility loans. Consequently, only a
fraction of the total reporting and recordkeeping burden for making and
servicing B&I Direct Loans is reflected in this document.
Need and Use of the Information: RD will collect the minimum
information needed from applicant to determine program eligibility, or
the current financial condition of a business or a credit proposal is
requested. The majority of the information is collected only once and
the agency monitors the progress of the business through the analysis
of annual borrower financial statements and visits to the borrower.
Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; State, local
or tribal government.
Number of Respondents: 152.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: on occasion.
Total Burden Hours: 835.
Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 05-12237 Filed 6-21-05; 8:45 am]