[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 47 (Thursday, March 9, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 12507]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-5640]


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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 May 8, 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, D.C. 20250-1522. Telephone: (202) 720-9552. FAX: (202) 720-
4120.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Preloan Procedures and Requirements for Telecommunications 
Program.
    OMB Control Number: 0572-0079.
    Type of Request: Reinstatement with change of a previously approved 
information collection.
    Abstract: This program is necessary in order for the Rural 
Utilities Service (RUS) to determine an applicant's eligibility to 
borrow from RUS under the terms of the RE Act. This information is also 
used by RUS to determine that the Government's security for loans made 
by RUS is reasonably adequate and that the loans will be repaid within 
the time agreed.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 9 hours per response.
    Respondents: Small business or organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 50.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 8.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 3,621.
    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, D.C. 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: March 2, 2000.
Christopher A. McLean,
Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 00-5640 Filed 3-9-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P