[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 90 (Wednesday, May 10, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27219-27220]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-7065]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

May 4, 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 Business-Cooperative Service

    Title: 7 CFR 4287-B, Servicing Business and Industry Guaranteed 
Loans.
    OMB Control Number: 0570-0016.
    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, as amended (the Act). The purpose of the B&I 
program, as authorized by the Act, is to improve economic and 
environmental climate in rural communities, including pollution 
abatement and control. This purpose is achieved through bolstering the 
existing private credit structure through the guaranteeing of quality 
loans, which will provide lasting community benefits. The B&I program 
is administered by the Rural Business Service (RBS) through Rural 
Development State and sub-State offices serving each State. RBS will 
collect information using various forms from the lender and the 
borrower. This information is vital for making prudent financial 
decisions.
    Need and Use of the Information: RBS will collect information to 
monitor the guaranteed loan portfolio to ensure that the lenders are 
adequately servicing the loans. RBS through its respective Business 
Programs Divisions in Washington, DC, and its 47 State Offices 
throughout the United States will be the primary users of the 
information collected. If the information is not collected, RBS would 
not be able to make prudent credit decisions nor would the Agency be 
able to effectively monitor the lender's servicing activities and thus 
minimize losses under the program.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; State, 
local or tribal Government.
    Number of Respondents: 12,530.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion; Quarterly; 
Annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 18,041.

Rural Business Service-Cooperative Service

    Title: 7 CFR 4279-A, Guaranteed Loanmaking General.
    OMB Control Number: 0570-0018.
    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, as amended. 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. 
This purpose is achieved through bolstering the existing private credit 
structure through the guaranteeing of quality loans made by lending 
institutions, thereby providing lasting community benefits. The B&I 
program is administered by the RBS through Rural Development State and 
sub-State offices serving each State.
    Need and Use of the Information: RBS will collect information to 
determine eligibility and credit worthiness for a lender or borrower. 
The information is used by Agency loan officers and approval officials 
to determine lender program eligibility and for program monitoring.

[[Page 27220]]

    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; State, 
local or tribal Government.
    Number of Respondents: 1,037.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 1,494.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. E6-7065 Filed 5-9-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XT-P