[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 77 (Wednesday, April 21, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21497-21498]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-9022]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Farm Service Agency


Request for Revision and Extension of a Currently Approved 
Information Collection; Receiving and Processing Applications

AGENCY: Farm Service Agency, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
Farm Service Agency (FSA) is seeking comments from all interested 
individuals and entities on the revision and extension of currently 
approved information collection that supports the Direct Loan Program. 
The collection of information from loan applicants and commercial 
lenders is used to determine eligibility and financial feasibility when 
the applicant requests direct loan assistance.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received on or before June 21, 
2004 to be assured consideration.

ADDRESSES: Comments concerning this notice should be addressed to Janet 
Downs, Senior Loan Officer, USDA, Farm Service Agency, Loan Making 
Division, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Stop 0522, Washington, DC 
20250-0522, and to the Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 
Washington, DC 20503. Comments may be submitted by e-mail to 
[email protected]. Copies of the information collection may also 
be obtained by contacting Janet Downs.

[[Page 21498]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Janet Downs, Loan Making Division, 
telephone (202) 720-0599.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Receiving and Processing 
Applications.
    OMB Control Number: 0560-0178.
    Expiration Date of Approval: 10/31/2004.
    Type of Request: Revision and Extension of Currently Approved 
Information Collection.
    Abstract: This information collection is needed to effectively 
administer the Direct Loan Program in accordance with the requirements 
of 7 CFR Part 1910 subpart A, as authorized by the Consolidated Farm 
and Rural Development Act (CONACT). The collected information is 
submitted to the Agency loan official by loan applicants and commercial 
lenders for use in making program eligibility and financial feasibility 
determinations as required by the CONACT.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 1.66 hours per response.
    Respondents: Individual and entity farmers and commercial lenders.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 17,806.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 3.43.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 101,283.
    Comment is invited on: (1) Whether the collection of information is 
necessary for the above stated purposes and the proper performance of 
FSA, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) 
The accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden, including the validity 
of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) Ways to enhance the 
quality, utility and clarity of the information being collected; and 
(4) 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 will be summarized and included in the request for Office 
of Management and Budget approval.

    Signed in Washington DC on April 14, 2004.
James R. Little,
Administrator, Farm Service Agency.
[FR Doc. 04-9022 Filed 4-20-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-05-P