[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 58 (Monday, March 28, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 15689]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E5-1326]


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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

[OMB Control No. 2900-0320]


Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans 
Affairs.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of 
Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment 
on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are 
required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each 
proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension 
of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public 
comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments for 
information needed to allow veteran purchasers to gain occupancy of a 
property prior to completion of exterior onsite improvements.

DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection 
of information should be received on or before May 27, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to 
Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), 
Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 
20420 or e-mail: [email protected]. Please refer to ``OMB Control No. 
2900-0320'' in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy J. Kessinger at (202) 273-7079 
or FAX (202) 275-5947.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 
U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of 
information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being 
made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.
    With respect to the following collection of information, VBA 
invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information 
is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including 
whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy 
of VBA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of 
information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of 
the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of 
the collection of information on respondents, including through the use 
of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of 
information technology.
    Title: Escrow Agreement for Postponed Exterior Onsite Improvements, 
VA Form 26-1849.
    OMB Control Number: 2900-0320.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Abstract: VA Form 26-1849 is provided as a service to veterans, 
builders/sellers, and escrow agents in situations involving onsite 
escrows. The escrow allows the veteran to occupy the property when 
specific exterior onsite improvement may have to be postponed due to 
unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather or other specified 
unavoidable conditions. For these situations, VA developed escrow 
procedures whereby a builder/seller deposits at least one and one-half 
times the cost of completing the improvement into an escrow account 
held by a third party. The funds can only be used to complete the 
postponed improvements and are released when the improvements are 
completed. The information collected on VA Form 26-1849 documents a 
legal agreement between parties other than VA when appropriate funds 
must be set aside for completion of certain exterior onsite 
improvements.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households and Business or other 
for-profit.
    Estimated Annual Burden: 625 hours.
    Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 30 minutes.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,250.

    Dated: March 17, 2005.

    By direction of the Secretary.
Martin Hill,
Management Analyst, Records Management Service.
[FR Doc. E5-1326 Filed 3-25-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 8320-01-P