[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 249 (Thursday, December 28, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 78128]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-22202]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 249 / Thursday, December 28, 2006 / 
Notices  

[[Page 78128]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

December 21, 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: 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 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: 4,725.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. E6-22202 Filed 12-27-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-XT-P