2018-13697. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

June 21, 2018.

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 July 26, 2018 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: Community Facilities Grant Program—7 CFR 3570-B.

OMB Control Number: 0575-0173.

Summary of Collection: The Rural Housing Service is authorized by Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926), as amended, to make grants to public agencies, nonprofit corporations, and Indian tribes to develop essential community facilities and services for public use in rural areas. These facilities include schools, libraries, childcare, hospitals, clinics, assisted-living facilities, fire and rescuer stations, police stations, community centers, public buildings, and transportation. The Department of Agriculture through its Community Programs strives to ensure that facilities are available to all rural communities.

Need and Use of the Information: Rural Development field offices will collect information from applicant/borrowers and consultants. This 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 the information could result in improper determinations of eligibility, improper use of funds, and or unsound loans.

Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions.

Number of Respondents: 1,272.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 16,462.

Rural Housing Service

Title: Rural Rental Housing Program, 7 CFR part 3560.

OMB Control Number: 0575-0189.

Summary of Collection: The purpose of the Rural Rental Housing Program is to provide adequate, affordable, decent, safe, and sanitary rental units for very low-, low-, and moderate-income households in rural areas. The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is authorized to collect the information needed to administer these various programs under Title V of the Housing Act of 1949, Section 515 Rural Rental Housing, Sections 514 and 516 Farm Labor Housing loans and grants, and Section 521 Rental Assistance.

Need and Use of the Information: Information is completed by developers and potential borrowers seeking approval of rural rental housing loans with assistance of professional such as attorneys, architects, and contractors and the operation and management of MFH properties in an affordable, decent, safe, and sanitary manner. The forms and information provide the basis for making determinations of eligibility and the need and feasibility of the proposed housing. The information collected by RHS is used to plan, manage, evaluate, and account for Government resources. The reports are required to ensure the proper and judicious use of public funds.

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

Number of Respondents: 507,200.

Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: Quarterly; Monthly, Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 1,113,828.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.