E6-3961. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

March 14, 2006.

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 Development

Title: Rural Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities.

OMB Control Number: 0570-0027.

Summary of Collection: The Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 extends the duration for all Empowerment Zone through December 2009. The Rural Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities program (EZ/EC) provides economically depressed rural areas and communities with opportunities for growth and revitalization. USDA has designated 80 Champion communities from the EZ/EC applicant communities that have agreed to implement their strategic plans in accordance with the principles of the program and report regularly on their progress.

Need and Use of the Information: Periodic reviews provide the basis for USDA to continue or revoke a designation during the life of the Federal program. These reports provide progress on each project that the designee has specified in their implementation plans. A warning letter maybe sent to recipients who have been regarded as noncompliance or have made insufficient progress in implementing the strategic plan.

Description of Respondents: State, Local or Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 110.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 2,402.

Charlene Parker,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.