[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 26 (Thursday, February 8, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 5959-5960]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-2091]


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 Notices
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
 or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
 and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
 delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency 
 statements of organization and functions are examples of documents 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 26 / Thursday, February 8, 2007 / 
Notices  

[[Page 5959]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

February 2, 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: RUS Form 444, ``Wholesale Power Contracts.''
    OMB Control Number: 0572-0089.
    Summary of Collection: The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (RE 
Act) as amended (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.), authorizes the Rural Utilities 
Service (RUS) to make and guarantee loans that will enable rural 
consumers to obtain electric power. Rural consumers formed non-profit 
electric distribution cooperatives, groups of these distribution 
cooperatives banded together to form Generation and Transmission 
cooperatives (G&T's) that generate or purchase power and transmit the 
power to the distribution systems. All RUS and G&T borrowers will enter 
into a Wholesale Power Contract with their distribution members by 
using RUS Form 444.
    Need and Use of the Information: To fulfill the purposes of the RE 
Act RUS will collect information to improve the credit quality and 
credit worthiness of loans and loan guarantees to G&T borrowers. RUS 
works closely with lending institutions that provide supplemental loan 
funds to borrowers.
    Description of Respondents: Not-for profit institutions; Business 
or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 33.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Quarterly.
    Total Burden Hours: 198.

Rural Utility Service

    Title: Water and Waste Disposal Programs Guaranteed Loans.
    OMB Control Number: 0572-0122.
    Summary of Collection: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is 
authorized by Section 306 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural 
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926) to make loans to public agencies, 
nonprofit corporations, and Indian tribes for the development of water 
and waste disposal facilities primarily servicing rural residents. The 
Waste and Water Disposal Programs (WW) of RUS provide insured loan and 
grant funds through the WW program to finance many types of projects 
varying in size and complexity. The Waste and Water Disposal Guaranteed 
Program is implemented through 7 CFR 1779. The guaranteed loan program 
encourages lender participation and provides specific guidance in the 
processing and servicing of guaranteed WW loans.
    Need and Use of the Information: Rural Development's field offices 
will collect information from applicants/borrowers, lenders, and 
consultants to determine eligibility, project feasibility and to ensure 
borrowers operate on a sound basis and use loan funds for authorized 
purposes. There are agency forms required as well as other requirements 
that involve certifications from the borrower, lenders, and other 
parties. Failure to collect proper information could result in improper 
determinations of eligibility, improper use of funds and or unsound 
loans.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Not-for-
profit institutions; State, Local or Tribal Government.
    Number of Respondents: 15.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 858.

Rural Utilities Service

    Title: Technical Assistance Program, 7 CFR part 1775.
    OMB Control Number: 0572-0112.
    Summary of Collection: Section 306 of the Consolidated Farm and 
Rural Development Act (CONACT), 7 U.S.C. 1926, authorizes Rural 
Utilities Service (RUS) to make loans and grants to public agencies, 
American Indian tribes, and nonprofit corporations. The loans and 
grants fund the development of drinking water, wastewater, and solid 
waste disposal facilities in rural areas with populations of up to 
10,000 residents. Nonprofit organizations receive Technical Assistance 
and Training (TAT) and Solid Waste Management (SWM) grants to help 
small rural communities or areas identify and solve problems relating 
to community drinking water, wastewater, or solid waste disposal 
systems. The technical assistance is intended to improve the management 
and operation of the systems and reduce or eliminate pollution of water 
resources. TAT and SWM are competitive grant programs administered by 
RUS.
    Need and Use of the Information: Nonprofit organizations applying 
for TAT and SWM grants must submit a pre-application, which includes an 
application form, narrative proposal, various other forms, 
certifications and supplemental information. RUS will

[[Page 5960]]

collect information to determine applicant eligibility, project 
feasibility, and the applicant's ability to meet the grant and 
regulatory requirements. RUS will review the information, evaluate it, 
and, if the applicant and project are eligible for further competition, 
invite the applicant to submit a formal application. Failure to collect 
proper information could result in improper determinations of 
eligibility, improper use of funds, or hindrances in making grants 
authorized by the TAT and SWM program.
    Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions.
    Number of Respondents: 118.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion; Quarterly.
    Total Burden Hours: 5,556.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. E7-2091 Filed 2-7-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P