2013-14098. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

June 10, 2013.

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), 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. Comments regarding these information collections are best assured of having their full effect if received by July 15, 2013. 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. The Rural Utilities Service also services outstanding Water and Waste loans 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 several forms.

Need and Use of the Information: RHS will collect information to determine applicant/borrower 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: 3,231.

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

Total Burden Hours: 56,943.

Rural Housing Service

Title: 7 CFR 3575-A, Community Programs Guaranteed Loans.

OMB Control Number: 0575-0137.

Summary of Collection: The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is authorized by Section 306 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926) to make loans to public agencies, nonprofit corporations, and Indian tribes for the development of essential community facilities primarily serving rural residents. The Community Facilities Division of the RHS is considered Community Programs under the 7 CFR, part 3575, subpart A. Implementation of the Community Programs guaranteed loan program was affected to comply with the Appropriations Act of 1990 when Congress allocated funds for this authority. The guaranteed loan program encourages lender participation and provides specific guidance in the processing and servicing of guaranteed Community Facilities loans. RHS will collect information in a written format and using several forms.

Need and Use of the Information: RHS will collect information to determine applicant/borrower eligibility, project feasibility, and to ensure borrowers operate on a sound basis and use loan funds for authorized purposes. Failure to collect proper information could result in improper determination 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: 146,250.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Quarterly; Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 156,463.

Rural Housing Service

Title: USDA Rural Development—Centralized Servicing Center—Loan Servicing Satisfaction Survey.

OMB Control Number: 0575-0187.

Summary of Collection: The Rural Housing Service (RHS) provides insured loans to low and moderate-income applicants located in rural geographic areas to assist them in obtaining decent, sanitary and safe dwellings. RHS Centralized Servicing Center (CSC) has been in operation since October 1996. The CSC was established to achieve a high level of customer service and operating efficiency that provides its borrowers with convenient access to their loan account information. RHS has developed a survey to measure the results and overall effectiveness of customer services provided.

Need and Use of the Information: RHS will use the outcome of the Customer Satisfaction Survey to determine the general satisfaction level among its customers throughout the nation, highlight areas that need improvement and provide a benchmark for future surveys and improvement in customer service. The survey is administered as part of CSC's on going service quality improvement program.

Description of Respondents: Individual or households.

Number of Respondents: 6,000.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 960.

Charlene Parker,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.