[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 238 (Monday, December 13, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69476-69477]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-32141]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service


Information Collection Activity; Comment Request

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 
U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) 
invites comments on this information collection for which RUS intends 
to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by February 11, 2000.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: F. Lamont Heppe, Jr., Program 
Development & Regulatory Analysis, Rural Utilities Service, USDA, 1400 
Independence Ave., SW., STOP 1522, Room 4034 South Building, 
Washington, DC 20250-1522. Telephone: (202) 720-0736. FAX: (202) 720-
4120.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Distance Learning and Telemedicine Loan and Grant Program.
    OMB Control Number: 0572-0096.
    Type of Request: Reinstatement with change of a previously approved 
information collection.
    Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service's (RUS) Distance Learning and 
Telemedicine (DLT) Loan and Grant program provides loans and grants for 
advanced telecommunications services to improve rural areas' access to 
educational and medical services. The

[[Page 69477]]

various forms and narrative statements required are collected from the 
applicants (rural community facilities, such as schools, libraries, 
hospitals, and medical facilities for example). The purpose of 
collecting the information is to determine such factors as: eligibility 
of the applicant; the specific nature of the proposed project; the 
purposes for which loan and grant funds will be used; project financial 
and technical feasibility; and, compliance with applicable laws and 
regulations. In addition, for grants funded pursuant to the competitive 
evaluation process, information collected facilitates the Rural 
Utilities Service's selection of those applications most consistent 
with DLT goals and objectives in accordance with the authorizing 
legislation and implementing regulation.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 50 hours per response. In addition, 
it is estimated each of the anticipated 150 award recipients will 
average 12 hours to provide legal, audit, and related documentation.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit and non-profit 
institutions.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 300.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 16,800.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Bob 
Turner, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, at (202) 720-0696.
    Comments are invited on (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 assumption 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 on 
other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to F. 
Lamont Heppe, Jr., Director, Program Development and Regulatory 
Analysis, Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Ave., SW., Stop 1522, Room 4034 South Building, 
Washington, DC 20250-1522.
    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: December 2, 1999.
Christopher A. McLean,
Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 99-32141 Filed 12-10-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P