[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 119 (Wednesday, June 22, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36109-36110]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-12237]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

June 16, 2005.
    The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following 
information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments 
regarding (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 assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (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 should be addressed to: Desk 
Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), [email protected] or 
fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, 
Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Comments regarding these 
information collections are best assured of having their full effect if 
received within 30 days of this notification. Copies of the 
submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720-8681.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information 
unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB 
control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to 
respond to the collection of information that such persons are not 
required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays 
a currently valid OMB control number.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

    Title: Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program.
    OMB Control Number: 0570-0035.
    Summary of Collection: The information collected is necessary to 
implement Section 313 of the Rural

[[Page 36110]]

Electrification Act of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 940(c)) that established a loan 
and grant program. Rural Business Service (RBS) mission is to improve 
the quality of life in rural America by financing community facilities 
and businesses, providing technical assistance and creating effective 
strategies for rural development. Under this program, zero interest 
loans and grants are provided to electric and telecommunications 
utilities that have borrowed funds from RUS. The purpose of the program 
is to encourage these electric and telecommunications utilities to 
promote rural economic development and job creation projects such as 
business start-up costs, business expansion, community development, and 
business incubator projects.
    Need and Use of the Information: RBS needs this collected 
information to select the projects it believes will provide the most 
long-term economic benefit to rural areas. The selection process is 
competitive and RBS has generally received more applications than it 
could fund. RBS also needs to make sure the funds are used for the 
intended purpose, and in the case of the loan, the funds will be 
repaid. RBS must determine that loans made from revolving loan funds 
established with grants are used for eligible purposes.
    Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; business 
or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 120.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: on occasion, annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 4,143.

Rural Business Cooperative Service

    Title: 7 CFR Part 1980-E, Business and Industry Loan Program.
    OMB Control Number: 0570-0014.
    Summary of Collection: The Business and Industry (B&I) program was 
legislated in 1972 under Section 310B of the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act. The purpose of the program is to improve, 
develop, or finance businesses, industries, and employment and improve 
the economic and environmental climate in rural communities, including 
pollution abatement and control. This purpose is achieved through 
bolstering the existing private credit structure by making direct 
loans, thereby providing lasting community benefits. The B&I program is 
administered by the Agency through Rural Development State and sub-
State Offices serving the State.
    All the reporting and recordkeeping burden estimates for making and 
servicing B&I Guaranteed Loans have been moved to the B&I Guaranteed 
Loan Program regulations (7 CFR 4279-A and B and 4287-B). 7 CFR 1980-E, 
in conjunction with 7 CFR 1942-A and other regulations, is currently 
used only for making B&I Direct Loans. 7 CFR 1951-E is used for 
servicing B&I Direct and Community Facility loans. Consequently, only a 
fraction of the total reporting and recordkeeping burden for making and 
servicing B&I Direct Loans is reflected in this document.
    Need and Use of the Information: RD will collect the minimum 
information needed from applicant to determine program eligibility, or 
the current financial condition of a business or a credit proposal is 
requested. The majority of the information is collected only once and 
the agency monitors the progress of the business through the analysis 
of annual borrower financial statements and visits to the borrower.
    Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; State, local 
or tribal government.
    Number of Respondents: 152.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: on occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 835.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 05-12237 Filed 6-21-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XT-P