2010-27195. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

October 22, 2010.

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), [e-mail] or fax [phone] 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 [phone].

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 Housing Service

Title: Fire and Rescue Loans—7 CFR 1942, Subpart C.

OMB Control Number: 0575-0120.

Summary of Collection: The Rural Housing Service (RHS) 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 essential community facilities primarily servicing rural residents. The primary regulation for administering this Community Facility program is 7 CFR 1942-A. The information must be collected to determine eligibility, analyze financial feasibility, take security, monitor the use of loan funds, and monitor the financial condition of borrowers, and otherwise assisting borrowers.

Need and Use of the Information: The Rural Development requires that an application form SF-424 be completed by applicant/borrowers with each application package in addition to other necessary information. This form gives basic information regarding the applicant, including the type of loan/grant assistance they are seeking. This information will be used to determine applicant/borrower eligibility, project feasibility, and ensure borrowers operate on a sound basis and use loan funds for authorized purposes.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Not-for-profit institutions; State, Local or Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 1,200.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion; Quarterly; Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 12,391.

Rural Housing Service

Title: Community Facilities Grant Program—7 CFR 3570-B.

OMB Control Number: 0575-0173.

Summary of Collection: The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926) authorizes Rural Housing Service (RHS) to make grants to public agencies, nonprofit corporations, and Indian Tribes to develop essential community facilities and services for public use in rural areas. These facilities include schools, libraries, childcare, hospitals, clinics, assisted-living facilities, fire and rescuer stations, police stations, community centers, public buildings, and transportation. The Department of Agriculture through its Community Programs strives to ensure that facilities are readily available to all rural communities.

Need and Use of the Information: Rural Development field offices will collect information from applicant/borrowers and consultants. This information is used to determine applicant/borrower eligibility, project feasibility, and to ensure borrowers operate on a sound basis and use loan and grant funds for authorized purposes. Failure to collect the information could result in improper determinations of eligibility, improper use of funds, and or unsound loans.

Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions.

Number of Respondents: 1,085.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 7,428.

Rural Housing Service

Title: Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI).

OMB Control Number: 0575-0180.

Summary of Collection: Congress created the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) in fiscal year 2000 and funds were appropriated under the Rural Community Advancement Program. The intent of the RCDI grant program is to develop the capacity and ability of rural area recipients to undertake projects through a program of financial and technical assistance provided by qualified intermediary organizations. Intermediaries are required to provide matching funds in an amount equal to the RCDI grant. Eligible recipients are private, nonprofit community-based housing and community development organizations and low-income rural communities.

Need and Use of the Information: RHS will collect information to determine applicant/grantee eligibility, project feasibility, and to ensure that grantees operate on a sound basis and use grant funds for authorized purposes. Failure to collect this information could result in improper use of Federal funds.

Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; State, Local or Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 1,200.

Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: Quarterly; Annually; Third party disclosure.

Total Burden Hours: 4,191.

Charlene Parker,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.