[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 166 (Wednesday, August 27, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 45390]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-22711]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Housing Service


Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information 
Collection

AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed collection, comments requested.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Rural Housing Service's (RHS) intention to request 
an extension for a currently approved information collection in support 
of the program for Fire and Rescue Loans.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by October 27, 1997 to 
be assured of consideration.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Yoonie MacDonald, Loan Specialist, 
Community Programs Division, RHS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 
3222, 1400 Independence, SW., Washington, DC 20250-3222. Telephone 
(202) 720-1501.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: Fire and Rescue Loans.
    OMB Number: 0575-0120.
    Expiration Date of Approval: January 31, 1998.
    Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Abstract: The Fire and Rescue Loan program is authorized by Section 
306 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926) 
to make loans to public entities, nonprofit corporations, and Indian 
tribes for the development of community facilities for public use in 
rural areas and is covered by 7 CFR 1942-C. The primary regulation for 
administering the Community Facilities program is 7 CFR 1942-A (OMB 
Number 0575-0015) which outlines eligibility, project feasibility, 
security, and monitoring requirements.
    The Community Facilities fire and rescue program has been in 
existence for many years. This program has financed a wide range of 
fire and rescue projects varying in size and complexity from 
construction of a fire station with firefighting and rescue equipment 
to financing a 911 emergency system. These facilities are designed to 
provide fire protection and emergency rescue services to rural 
communities.
    Information will be collected by the field offices from applicants, 
borrowers, and consultants. This information will be used to determine 
applicant/borrower eligibility, project feasibility, and to ensure 
borrowers operate on a sound basis and use funds for authorized 
purposes. Failure to collect proper information could result in 
improper determination of eligibility, improper use of funds, and/or 
unsound loans.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 2.16 hours per response.
    Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions, state, local or Tribal 
governments.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,130.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 2.73.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 6,695.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Barbara 
Williams, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, (202) 720-9734.
    Comments: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of RHS, including whether the information will have 
practical utility; (b) the accuracy of RHS's estimate of the burden of 
the proposed collection of information including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (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. Comments may be sent to Barbara 
Williams, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, Support Services 
Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, 1400 
Independence Ave., SW., STOP 0743, Washington, DC 20250-0743. All 
responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request 
for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public 
record.

    Dated: August 19, 1997.
Jan E. Shadburn,
Acting Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
[FR Doc. 97-22711 Filed 8-26-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P