[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 78 (Monday, April 24, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20970-20971]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-6088]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

April 20, 2006.
    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 Utilities Service

    Title: Operating Reports for Telecommunications and Broadband 
Borrowers.
    OMB Control Number: 0572-0031.
    Summary of Collection: The Rural Utilities Service's (RUS) is a 
credit agency of the Department of Agriculture. The Rural 
Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (RE Act) (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq. 
) authorizes the Secretary to make mortgage loans and loan guarantees 
to finance electric, telecommunications, broadband, and water and waste 
facilities in rural areas. In addition to providing loans and loan 
guarantees, one of RUS' main objectives is to safeguard loan security 
until the loan is repaid. The RE Act also authorizes the Secretary to 
make studies, investigations, and reports concerning the progress of 
borrowers' furnishing of adequate telephone service and publish and 
disseminate this information.
    Need and Use of the Information: Information from the Operating 
Report for both telecommunication and broadband borrowers provides RUS 
with vital financial information needed to ensure the maintenance of 
the

[[Page 20971]]

security for the Government's loans and service data which enables RUS 
to ensure the provision of quality telecommunications and broadband 
service as mandated by the RE Act of 1936. Form 674, ``Certificate of 
Authority to Submit or Grant Access to Data'' will allow 
telecommunication and broadband borrowers to file electronic Operating 
Reports with the agency using the new USDA Data Collection System. 
Accompanied by a Board Resolution, it will identify the name and USDA 
eAuthentication ID for a certifier and security administrator that will 
have access to the system for purposes of filing electronic Operating 
Reports.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Not-for-
profit institutions.
    Number of Respondents: 1,290.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion; quarterly; 
annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 3,643.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
 [FR Doc. E6-6088 Filed 4-21-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P