[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 170 (Friday, September 1, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 52057]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-14554]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Farm Service Agency


Information Collection; Certified Mediation Program

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 extension and revision of a currently 
approved information collection that supports the Certified Mediation 
Program. The collection of information by mail, phone, fax, in person, 
and by the internet utilized by FSA to initially determine whether the 
State meets the eligibility criteria to be a recipient of grant funds, 
and to determine if the grant is being properly administered. Lack of 
adequate information to make these determinations could result in the 
improper administration and appropriation of Federal grant funds.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received on or before October 
31, 2006 to be assured consideration.

ADDRESSES: Comments concerning this notice should be address to Chester 
Bailey, Mediation Coordinator, USDA, FSA, Outreach Staff, Suite 508 
Portals Building, Stop 0511, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, 
DC 20250 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 
be obtained by contacting Chester Bailey at (202) 720-1471.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chester Bailey, FSA, Outreach Staff, 
telephone (202) 720-1471.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: Certified Mediation Program.
    OMB Control Number: 0560-0165.
    Expiration Date of Approval: March 31, 2007.
    Type of Request: Extension and Revision of Currently Approved 
Information Collection.
    Abstract: This information is needed for FSA to effectively 
administer the Certified Mediation Program in accordance with Subtitles 
A and B of Title V of the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 (Pub. L. 100-
233), as amended. FSA requires some of the information it collects to 
be reported in a standard manner. Although other institutions, public 
and private, generally require and collect information similar to that 
requested by FSA, there is a wide diversity in reporting practices.
    The amendment contained in this information collection that 
requires clearance by OMB is ``Agricultural Mediation and Related 
Requirements including, State Certification and Grant Administration 
Provisions.'' The information to be collected includes an application 
for certification, re-verification for subsequent annual approval, SF-
424 Application for Federal Assistance, financial management systems 
and reporting requirements, and audit reports. No additional 
information is being requested; however, the estimated number of 
respondents has increased from 29 to 32.
    The information requested is reported annually and is necessary for 
the FSA to determine eligibility and administer the mediation grant 
program in an equitable and cost-effective manner.
    Estimate of Burden: The public reporting burden for this 
information collection is estimated to average 34 hours per respondent.
    Respondents: State Agencies.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 32.
    Estimate Number of Responses per Respondent: 6.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1088 hours.
    Comment is invited on: (a) 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; (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 being collected; and 
(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.
    All comments received in response to this notice will be a matter 
of public record.

    Signed in Washington, DC, on August 24, 2006.
Teresa C. Lasseter,
Administrator, Farm Service Agency.
[FR Doc. E6-14554 Filed 8-31-06; 8:45 am]
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