2019-01709. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

February 5, 2019.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments are requested regarding (1) 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; (2) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (4) 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 March 13, 2019 will be considered. Written comments should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), New Executive Office Building, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20502. Commenters are encouraged to submit their comments to OMB via email to: [e-mail] or fax [phone] and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-7602. 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 Utilities Service

Title: 7 CFR part 1738, Rural Broadband Loan and Loan Guarantee.

OMB Control Number: 0572-0130.

Summary of Collection: Title VI, Rural Broadband Access, of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (RE Act), provides loans 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 communities in State and territories of the United States. The regulation prescribes the types of loans available, facilities financed and eligible applicants, as well as minimum credit support requirements considered for a loan. In addition, Title VI of the RE Act requires that Rural Utilities Service (RUS) make or guarantee a loan only if there is reasonable assurance that the loan, together with all outstanding loans and obligations of the borrower, will be repaid in full within the time agreed.

Need and Use of the Information: The information in the program application guide—RUS Bulletin 1738-1 provides applicants with needed information, definitions and details for completing and submitting an application. Information will be used to determine an applicant's eligibility, availability of broadband service for priority consideration, technical and economic feasibility of the proposed project (that the funds requested are adequate to complete the project taking into consideration any additional funding provided by the applicant and that the loan can be repaid within the allowable time frame), and the applicant complies with statutory, regulatory and administrative eligibility requirements for loan assistance.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Not-for-profit institutions.

Number of Respondents: 18.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 7,305.

Kimble Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.