[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 116 (Thursday, June 16, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39250-39251]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-14225]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utility Service


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

June 13, 2016.
    The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following 
information collection requirement(s) to Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments are requested regarding (1) 
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; (2) the accuracy of the 
agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology 
and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and 
clarity of the information to be collected; (4) 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.
    Comments regarding this information collection received by July 18, 
2016 will be considered. Written comments should be addressed to: Desk 
Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB), New Executive Office Building, 
725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20502. Commenters are encouraged to 
submit their comments to OMB via email to: [email protected] 
or fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, 
Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. Copies of the submission(s) 
may be obtained by calling (202) 720-8958.
    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 Utility Service

    Title: Seismic Safety of New Building Construction, 7 CFR 1792, 
Subpart C.
    OMB Control Number: 0572-0099.
    Summary of Collection: Seismic hazards present a serious threat to 
people and their surroundings. These hazards exist in most of the 
United States, not just on the West Coast. Unlike hurricanes, times and 
location of earthquakes cannot be predicted; most earthquakes strike 
without warning and, if of substantial strength, strike with great 
destructive forces. To reduce risks to life and property from 
earthquakes, Congress enacted the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 
1977 (Pub. L. 95-124, 42 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.,) and directed the 
establishment and maintenance of an effective earthquake reduction 
program. As a result, the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program 
(NEHRP) was established. The objectives of the NEHRP include the 
development of technologically and economically feasible design and 
construction methods to make both new and existing structures 
earthquake resistant, and the development and promotion of model 
building codes. 7 CFR part 1792, subpart C, identifies acceptable 
seismic standards which must be employed in new building construction 
funded by loans, grants, or guarantees made by the Rural Utility 
Service (RUS) or the Rural Telephone Bank (RTB) or through lien 
accommodations or subordinations approved by RUS or RTB.

[[Page 39251]]

    Need and Use of the Information: Borrowers and grant recipients 
must provide to RUS a written acknowledgment from a registered 
architect or engineer responsible for the designs of each applicable 
building stating that the seismic provisions to 7 CFR part 1792, 
subpart C will be used in the design of the building. RUS will use this 
information to: (1) Clarify and inform the applicable borrowers and 
grant recipients about seismic safety requirements; (2) improve the 
effectiveness of all RUS programs; and (3) reduce the risk to life and 
property through the use of approved building codes aimed at providing 
seismic safety.
    Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; Business 
or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 97.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 73.

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: 10.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 618.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2016-14225 Filed 6-15-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P