[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 11 (Thursday, January 18, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Page 2252]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-635]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

January 12, 2007.
    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: Preloan Procedures and Requirements for Telecommunications 
Program.
    OMB Control Number: 0572-0079.
    Summary of Collection: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is a 
credit agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It makes mortgage 
loans and loan guarantees to finance telecommunications, electric, and 
water and waste facilities in rural areas with a loan portfolio that 
totals nearly $42 billion. RUS manages loan programs in accordance with 
the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, 7 U.S.C. 901 et. seq. as 
amended, (RE Act). Section 201 of the RE Act authorizes the 
Administrator to make loans to qualified telephone companies for the 
purpose of providing telephone service to the widest practicable number 
of rural subscribers.
    Need and Use of the Information: RUS will collect information using 
several forms to determine an applicant's eligibility to borrow from 
RUS under the terms of the RE Act. The information is also used to 
determine that the Government's security for loans made by RUS are 
reasonably adequate and that the loans will be repaid within the time 
agreed. Without the information, RUS could not effectively monitor each 
borrower's compliance with the loan terms and conditions to properly 
ensure continued loan security.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Not-for-
profit institutions.
    Number of Respondents: 50.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 3,589.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. E7-635 Filed 1-17-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P