[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 190 (Wednesday, October 1, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 51407]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-26030]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
 or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
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 delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 190 / Wednesday, October 1, 1997 / 
Notices  

[[Page 51407]]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Housing Service
Rural Business--Cooperative Service
Rural Utilities Service
Farm Service Agency


Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved 
Information Collection

AGENCY: Farm Service Agency (FSA), USDA.

ACTION: Proposed collection; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Agency's intention to request an extension for a 
currently approved information collection in support of the program for 
Guaranteed Loans--General.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by December 1, 1997 to 
be assured of consideration.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Ford, Senior Loan Officer, Farm 
Credit Programs, Farm Service Agency, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Stop 
0522, Washington, DC 20250, (202) 720-3889.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: 7 CFR 1980, Subpart A, Guaranteed Loans--General.
    OMB Number: 0575-0024.
    Expiration Date of Approval: January 31, 1998.
    Type of Request: Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved 
Information Collection.
    Abstract: The information collected under Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) Number 0575-0024, as identified above, is needed to enable 
FSA to effectively administer the guaranteed loan program under the 
CONACT.
    The Agency requires some of the information it collects to be 
reported in a standard manner. Although lending institutions generally 
require and collect information similar to that requested by FSA, there 
is a wide diversity in reporting practices. The Agency requires some 
information to be reported on standard forms in order to facilitate an 
effective and efficient decision-making process.
    Respondents generally consist of farm operators applying for loans 
and lenders. Compliance with local, state, and Federal laws is 
required; and evidence of compliance with these laws may be required. 
Evidence of compliance with zoning ordinances, environmental standards, 
equal opportunity standards, historic preservation requirements, etc., 
may be required when warranted.
    The information collection required by this rule will be used by 
the Agency to approve or determine the need for loans and subordination 
in accordance with this rule. The Agency considers the information 
collected to be essential to prudent loan making decisions. Failure to 
make sound loans would jeopardize the Government's loan portfolio, 
result in large losses to both the borrower and the Government, and 
weaken the overall agricultural economy.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this information 
collection is estimated to average 1.16 hours per response.
    Respondents: State or Federally chartered banks, Farm Credit System 
Institutions, and other lending institutions as well as farm operators 
and business owners. Also, individuals or households and businesses or 
other for profit organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 3750 (3000 lenders; 750 loan 
applicants).
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 26.85.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 117,066.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from the 
Barbara Williams, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, at (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 
the Agency, including whether the information will have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency'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, U.S. Department 
of Agriculture, Rural Development, Stop 0743, 1400 Independence Ave, 
SW, Washington, DC 20250. 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: September 24, 1997.
Bruce R. Weber,
Administrator, Farm Service Agency.

    Dated: September 25, 1997.
Jan Shadburn,
Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
[FR Doc. 97-26030 Filed 9-30-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-U