[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 221 (Thursday, November 15, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Page 57401]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-24929]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service


Notice of Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed collection; comments requested.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Rural Business-Cooperative Service's intention to 
request an extension for a currently approved information collection.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by January 14, 2019 to 
be assured of consideration.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Dickson, Rural Development 
Innovation Center--Regulatory Team, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1522, Washington, DC 20250, 
Telephone: 202-690-4492, email: Thomas [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title: Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product 
Manufacturing Assistance Program (Section 9003)
    OMB Number: 0570-0065.
    Expiration Date of Approval: March 31, 2019.
    Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Abstract: The purpose of this information collection is to obtain 
information necessary to evaluate loan applications to determine the 
eligibility of the applicant and the project for the program and to 
qualitatively assess the project's technical and financial merit to 
determine which projects should be funded.
    Estimate of Burden: The following annual estimates are based on an 
average volume of activity which includes; 10 Phase 1 applications, 8 
Phase 2 applications, and 1 new loan guarantees. Phase 1 applications 
are evaluated by the Agency to determine whether the Borrower is 
eligible, the proposed loan is for an eligible purpose, there is 
reasonable assurance of repayment ability, there is sufficient 
Collateral and equity, and the proposed loan complies with all 
applicable statutes and regulations. Phase 2 applications are required 
for Phase I applicants who score favorable and are invited to submit a 
Phase 2 application. The Agency anticipates the number of respondents 
to fluctuate based on funding levels.
    Respondents: Respondents for this data are lending institutions and 
for-profit businesses but also include individuals and corporations. 
The annual estimates below are for both subparts associated with this 
rule.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 11.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 17.7.
    Estimated Number of Responses: 195.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 3,631 hours.
    Comments: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, including 
whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy 
of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service's estimate of the burden of 
the proposed collection of information including validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (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.
    Comments may be sent to Thomas Dickson, Rural Development 
Innovation Center--Regulatory Team, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 
Rural Development, STOP 1522, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, 
DC 20250-1522.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Kimble 
Brown, Rural Development Innovation Center, Regulations Team, at (202) 
692-0043 or email: [email protected].
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of 
public record.

    Dated: November 1, 2018.
Bette B. Brand,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-24929 Filed 11-14-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P