2017-06408. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

March 28, 2017.

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 (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; and (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 May 3, 2017 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 Housing Service

Title: 7 CFR 1942-A, Community Facility Loans.

OMB Control Number: 0575-0015.

Summary of Collection: The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is a credit agency within the Rural Development mission area of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Community Programs Division of the RHS administers the Community Facilities program under 7 CFR part 1942, subpart A. Rural Development provides loan and grant funds through the Community Facilities program to finance many types of projects varying in size and complexity, from large general hospitals to small fire trucks. The facilities financed are designed to promote the development of rural communities by providing the infrastructure necessary to attract residents and rural jobs. RHS will collect information using multiple forms and in written format. The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) no longer uses the 1942-A regulation. The burden for RUS is now covered under 0572-0121.

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

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

Number of Respondents: 2,769.

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

Total Burden Hours: 48,319.

Charlene Parker,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.