2013-30741. Information Collection Activity; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended), the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), invites comments on this information collection for which the Agency intends to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

DATES:

Comments on this notice must be received by February 24, 2014.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Michele L. Brooks, Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, USDA Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., STOP 1522, Room 5162-S, Washington, DC 20250-1522. Telephone: [phone], FAX: [phone]. Email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) regulation (5 CFR 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 extension. 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 the burden of the proposed collection of information including the 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: Michele L. Brooks, Director, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, USDA Rural Utilities Service, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 5162-S, STOP 1522, Washington, DC 20250-1522. Telephone: [phone], FAX: [phone].

Title: 7 CFR Part 1776, “Household Water Well System Grant Program”

OMB Control Number: 0572-0139

Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information collection.

Abstract: The Rural Utilities Service supports the sound development of rural communities and the growth of our economy without endangering the environment. RUS provides financial and technical assistance to help communities bring safe drinking water and sanitary, environmentally sound waste disposal facilities to rural Americans in greatest need.

The Household Water Well System (HWWS) Grant Program makes grants to qualified private non-profit organizations which will help homeowners finance the cost of private wells. As the grant recipient, non-profit organizations will establish a revolving loan fund lending program to provide water well loans to individuals who own or will own private wells in rural areas. The individual loan recipients may use the funds to construct, refurbish, and service their household well systems for an existing home. The collection of information consists of the materials to file a grant application with the agency, including forms, certifications and required documentation.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 5.9 hours per response.

Respondents: Non-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 10.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 17.5

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1,033 Hours.

Copies of this information collection can be obtained from MaryPat Daskal, Management Analyst, Program Development and Regulatory Analysis, at [phone]; FAX: [phone].

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: December 19, 2013.

John Charles Padalino,

Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.