[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 1, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35055-35056]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-09459]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

[DOCKET #: RUS-24-AGENCY-0007]


Notice of Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service

ACTION: Notice; request for comments

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 the 
Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces its intention to request a 
revision for a currently approved information collection package for 
the Rural Broadband Loans, Loan/Grant Combinations, and Loan Guarantees 
program.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by July 1, 2024 to be 
assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted electronically by the Federal 
eRulemaking Portal, regulations.gov.
    Other Information: Additional information about Rural Development 
(RD) and its programs is available on the internet at rd.usda.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adyam Negasi, RD Innovation Center--
Regulations Management Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 
Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250; Tel: 202-221-9298; Email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) 
regulation (5 CFR part 1320) implementing provisions of the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) requires that interested members 
of the public and affected agencies have an opportunity to comment on 
information collection and recordkeeping activities (see 5 CFR 
1320.8(d)). This notice identifies an information collection that the 
Agency is submitting to OMB for revision.
    Comments are invited on (a) whether the proposed 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 assumption 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 the use of 
appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological 
collection techniques on other forms and information technology.

[[Page 35056]]

    Comments may be sent by the Federal eRulemaking Portal, 
regulations.gov. In the ``Search for dockets and documents on agency 
actions'' box enter the Docket No. RUS-24-AGENCY-0007 and click the 
``Search'' button. From the search results: click on or locate the 
document title and select the ``Comment'' button. To submit a comment: 
Insert comments under the ``Comment'' title. Select if you are an 
individual, organization, or anonymous. Select the box ``I'm not a 
robot,'' and then select ``Submit Comment.'' Information on using 
regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing documents, 
submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close of the 
comment period, is available through the site's ``FAQ'' link.
    All comments will be available for public inspection online at the 
Federal eRulemaking Portal (https://www.regulations.gov).
    Title: Rural Broadband Loans, Loan/Grant Combinations, and Loan 
Guarantees.
    OMB Control Number: 0572-0154.
    Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved information 
collection under 7 CFR part 1738.
    Abstract: RUS is authorized by Title VI, Rural Broadband Access, of 
the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (RE Act), to provide 
loans, loan/grant combinations and loan guarantees to fund the cost of 
construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment 
for the provision of broadband service in eligible rural areas in the 
States and Territories of the United States. The regulation, 7 CFR part 
1738, prescribes the types of loans and/or grants available, facilities 
financed, and eligible applicants, as well as minimum equity 
requirements to be considered for a loan.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average 3.04 hours per response.
    Respondents: Public Bodies; Non-Profits; Special Districts; Tribal 
Organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 90.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 3.03.
    Estimated Number of Responses: 273.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 831 hours.
    Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Adyam 
Negasi, RD Innovation Center--Regulations Management Division, at 202-
221-9298 or [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.

Andrew Berke,
Administrator, Rural Utilities Service, USDA Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 2024-09459 Filed 4-30-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P