[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 88 (Wednesday, May 7, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24430-24431]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-11332]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Housing Service


Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved 
Information Collection

AGENCY: Rural Housing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.

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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 the currently approved information collection in 
support of our program for Complaints and Compensation for Construction 
Defects.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by July 7, 2003 to be 
assured of consideration.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christopher Ketner, Loan Specialist, 
Single Family Housing Direct Loan Division, RHS, U.S. Department of 
Agriculture, STOP 0783, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 
20250-0783, Telephone (202) 720-1478.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title: RD Instruction 1924-F, ``Complaints and Compensation for 
Construction Defects.''
    OMB Number: 0575-0082.
    Expiration Date of Approval: July 31, 2003.
    Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Abstract: The Complaints and Compensation for Construction Defects

[[Page 24431]]

program under section 509C of title V of the Housing Act of 1949, as 
amended, provides eligible persons who have structural defects with the 
Agency financed homes to correct these problems. Structural defects are 
defects in the dwelling, installation of a manufactured home, or a 
related facility or a deficiency in the site or site development which 
directly and significantly reduces the useful life, habitability, or 
integrity of the dwelling or unit. The defect may be due to faulty 
material, poor workmanship, or latent causes that existed when the 
dwelling or unit was constructed. The period in which to place a claim 
for a defect is within 18 months after the date that financial 
assistance was granted. If the defect is determined to be structural 
and is covered by the builders/dealers-contractor's warranty, the 
contractor is expected to correct the defect. If the contractor cannot 
or will not correct the defect, the borrower may be compensated for 
having the defect corrected, under the Complaints and Compensation for 
Construction Defects program. Provisions of this subpart do not apply 
to dwelling financed with guaranteed section 502 loans.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting for this collection of 
information is estimated to average .25 hours per response.
    Respondents: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 500.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.00.
    Estimated Number of Responses: 500.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 125 hours.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Brigitte 
Sumter, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, at (202) 692-0042.

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 a variety of 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 Brigitte Sumter, Regulations and 
Paperwork Management Branch, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural 
Development, STOP 0742, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., 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: April 23, 2003.
Arthur Garcia,
Administrator, Rural Housing Service.
[FR Doc. 03-11332 Filed 5-6-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XV-P