[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 196 (Wednesday, October 11, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59717-59718]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-16752]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

 October 5, 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 Service

    Title: Intermediary Re-lending Program.
    OMB Control Number: 0570-0021.
    Summary of Collection: The objective of the Intermediary Relending 
Program (IRP) is to improve community facilities and employment 
opportunities and increase economic activity in rural areas by 
financing business facilities and community development. This purpose 
is achieved through loans made by the Rural Business-Cooperative 
Service (RBS) to intermediaries that establish programs for the purpose 
of providing loans to ultimate recipients for business facilities and 
community development. The Food Security Act of 1985 provides USDA with 
the authority to make loans to nonprofit entities who will in turn 
provide financial assistance to rural businesses to improve business, 
industry and employment opportunities as well as provide a 
diversification of the economy in rural areas.
    Need and Use of the Information: The information requested is 
necessary for RBS to process applications in a responsible manner, make 
prudent credit and program decisions, and effectively monitor the 
intermediaries' activities to protect the Government's financial 
interest and ensure that funds obtained from the Government are used 
appropriately. Various forms are used to include information to 
identify the intermediary, describe the intermediary's experience and 
expertise, describe how the intermediary will operate its revolving 
loan fund, provide

[[Page 59718]]

for debt instruments, loan agreements, and security, and other material 
necessary for prudent credit decisions and reasonable program 
monitoring.
    Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; Business 
or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 202.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 17,959.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. E6-16752 Filed 10-10-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XT-P