2023-14829. Notice of Request for Approval of a New Information Collection

AGENCY:

Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service and Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and the Rural Utilities Service, agencies of the Rural Development mission area within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), hereinafter collectively referred to as the Agency to request approval for a new information collection in support of ascertaining the necessary budgetary criteria for planning and performing construction and other development work for facilities, housing and water and wastewater systems.

DATES:

Comments on this notice must be received by September 11, 2023.

ADDRESSES:

Comments may be submitted by the following method:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: This website provides the ability to type short comments directly into the comment field on this web page or attach a file for lengthier comments. Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions at that site for submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lynn Gilbert, Rural Development Innovation Center—Regulations Management Division, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, South Building, Washington, DC 20250–1522. Telephone: [phone]. Email [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) regulation (5 CFR part 1320) implementing provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–13) requires that interested members of the public and affected agencies have an opportunity to comment on information collection and recordkeeping activities (see 5 CFR 1320.8(d)). This notice identifies an information collection that Rural Development is submitting to OMB for a new collection.

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed 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 the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (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.

Comments may be sent by the Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and, in the lower “Search Regulations and Federal Actions” box, select “RBS” from the agency drop-down menu, then click on “Submit.” In the Docket ID column, select RBS–23–BUSINESS–0009 to submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically. Information on using Regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close of the comment period, is available through the site's “User Tips” link.

Title: 442—Common Forms Package for Rural Development Budget Forms.

OMB Number: 0570–New.

Expiration Date of Approval: Three years from approval date.

Type of Request: New information collection.

Abstract: The information collection under OMB Number 0570-New will enable the Agencies to effectively evaluate the financial criteria and responsibilities for funding to stimulate business creation and growth. The programs work through partnerships with public and private community-based organizations and financial institutions to provide financial assistance, business development, and technical assistance to rural businesses. These programs help to provide capital, equipment, space, job training, and entrepreneurial skills that can help to start and/or grow a business. Business Programs also support the creation and preservation of quality jobs in rural areas.

The Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended, authorizes the credit programs of the RHS, RBCS and RUS to provide financial assistance for essential community facilities such as construction of community facilities and water and waste systems; and the improvement, development, and financing of businesses, industries, and employment.

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is authorized under various sections of Title V of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended, to provides financial assistance to construct, improve, alter, repair, replace, or rehabilitate dwellings, which will provide modest, decent, safe, and sanitary housing to eligible individuals in rural areas.

Through various programs, Rural Development provides loan and grant funds to finance many types of projects varying in size and complexity. The Community Facilities program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. The Business and Industry (B&I) Loan Programs provide financial backing and technical assistance to stimulate business creation and growth. The programs work through partnerships with public and private community-based organizations and financial institutions to provide financial assistance, business development, and technical assistance to rural businesses. Under the B&I Loan Program, lenders need the legal authority, financial strength, and sufficient experience to operate a successful lending program. This includes lenders that are subject to supervision and credit examination by the applicable agency of the United States or a State.

The collection of information covered by the forms allows Agencies to evaluate the budgets, incomes and equity from applicants for the planning and performing of construction and other development work.

The information is usually submitted via hand delivery or U.S. Postal Service to the appropriate Agency office. Electronic submittal of information is also possible through email or USDA's Service Center eForms website.

The Agencies would not be assured that the security provided for loans is adequate, nor would the Agencies be certain that decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling or other adequate structures were being provided to rural residents as required by the different acts.

Estimate of Burden: RD is requesting approval for one respondent and a one-hour place holder in order for OMB to issue a control number for these forms. The burden for each of the forms will be accounted for within the individual Rural Development program collection packages using the form(s).

Respondents: Individuals or private entities; businesses or other for profit; not-for profit; small businesses; Federal, state, local or tribal governments; institutions of higher education or other research organizations and others.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent per Form in package:

Form No.	Responses per respondent
442–2, 442–3, 442–7, 442–22	1

All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record.

Karama Neal,

Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.