2022-27809. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

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 are requested regarding: 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; the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and 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 January 23, 2023 will be considered. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice on the following website www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting “Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function

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:7 CFR 1970, Environmental Policies and Procedures.

OMB Control Number: 0575-0197.

Summary of Collection: The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq) and other applicable environmental and historic preservation statutes requires that all Federal agencies consider the potential environmental consequences of their actions on the quality of the human environment and historic properties prior to agency actions being made. In RD's case, the “action” is the approval of financial assistance and obligation of Federal funds. To comply with NEPA and other environmental laws, regulations, and Executive Orders, RD requires applicants submitting applications for financial assistance to include project-specific environmental information along with other underwriting requirements.

Need and Use of the Information: This information is used to document whether there are any “extraordinary circumstances” that would preclude the use of a CE (see, 40 CFR 1501.4). Therefore, the purpose of collecting environmental information is to support RD's decision making regarding the need for completing an EIS, EA, or whether a project proposal qualifies for the use of a CE.

Description of Respondents: Individuals or Households.

Number of Respondents: 2,454.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Once; Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 240,816.

Rural Housing Service

Title:7 CFR 3570 Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program.

OMB Control Number: 0575-0198.

Summary of Collection: The Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) is a competitive grant program which the Rural Housing Service (RHS) administers. Section 306 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (CONACT), 7 U.S.C. 1926, was amended by Section 6006 of the Agriculture Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-79) to establish the Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant. Section 6006 authorized grants be made to public bodies and private nonprofit corporations (including Indian Tribes) that will serve rural areas for the purpose of enabling the grantees to provide to associations technical assistance and training with respect to essential community facilities authorized under Section 306(a)(1) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)). Grants can be made for 100 percent of the cost of assistance.

Need and Use of the Information: Eligible entities receive TAT grants to help small rural communities or areas identify and solve problems relating to essential community facilities. The grant recipients may provide technical assistance to public bodies and private nonprofit corporations. Applicants applying for TAT grants must submit an application, which includes an application form, narrative proposal, various other forms, certifications, and supplemental information. The Rural Development State Offices and the RHS National Office staff will use the information collected to determine applicant eligibility, project feasibility, and the applicant's ability to meet the grant and regulatory requirements. Failure to collect proper information could result in improper determinations of eligibility or improper use of funds.

Description of Respondents: Not-for-Profit Institutions.

Number of Respondents: 42.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 1,733.

Levi S. Harrell,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.