E7-11239. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

June 6, 2007.

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 Housing Service

Title: 7 CFR 1927-B, “Real Estate Title Clearance and Loan Closing”.

OMB Control Number: 0575-0147.

Summary of Collection: Rural Development and the Farm Service Agency are the credit agencies for the Department of Agriculture. They offer a supervised credit program to build family farms, modest housing, sanitary water and sewer systems, essential community facilities, businesses and industries in rural areas. Section 306 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (CONTACT), 7 U.S.C. 1926, authorizes RUS to make loans to public agencies, American Indian tribes, and non-profit corporations. The loans fund the development of drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste disposal facilities in rural areas with populations of up to 10,000 residents. Section 501 of Title V of the Housing Act provides authorization to extend financial assistance to construct, improve, alter, repair, replace or rehabilitate dwellings and to provide decent, safe and sanitary living conditions in rural areas. The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to prescribe regulations to ensure that these loans, made with federal funds, are legally secured.

Need and Use of the Information: The approved attorney/title company (closing agent) and the field office staff collect the required information. Forms and or guidelines are provided to assist in the collection, certification and submission of this information. Most of these forms collect information that is standard in the industry. If the information is collected less frequently, the agency would not obtain the proper security position on the properties being taken as security and would have no evidence that the closing agents and agency meet the requirements of this regulations.

Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; Business or other for-profit; Not-for-profit Institutions; Farms.

Number of Respondents: 18,410.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 25,042.

Charlene Parker,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.