2018-05026. Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

March 8, 2018.

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to Office of Management and Budget (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; (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 April 12, 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 Utilities Service

Title: 7 CFR 1726, Electric System Construction Policies and Procedures—Electric.

OMB Control Number: 0572-0107.

Summary of Collection: The Rural Electrification Act of 1936, 7 U.S.C. 901 et.seq., as amended, (RE ACT) in Sec. 4 (7 U.S.C. 904) authorizes and empowers the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to make loans in the several States and Territories of the United States for rural electrification and the furnishing and improving of electric energy to persons in rural areas. These loans are for a term of up to 35 years and are secured by a first mortgage on the borrower's electric system. In the interest of protecting loan security and accomplishing the statutory objective of a sound program of rural electrification, Section 4 of the RE Act further requires that RUS make or guarantee a loan only if there is reasonable assurance that the loan, together with all outstanding loans and obligations of the borrower, will be repaid in full within the time agreed. RUS will collect information using various RUS forms.

Need and Use of the Information: RUS will collect information to implement certain provisions of the RUS standard form of loan documents regarding the borrower's purchase of materials and equipment and the construction of its electric system by contract or force account. The use of standard forms and procurement procedures helps assure RUS that appropriate standards and specifications are maintained; agency loan security is not adversely affected; and loan and loan guarantee funds are used effectively and for the intended purposes. The information will be used by RUS electric borrowers, their contractors and by RUS. If standard forms were not used, borrowers would need to prepare their own documents at a significant expense; and each document submitted by a borrower would require extensive and costly review by both RUS and the Office of the General Counsel.

Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 817.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 78.

Rural Utility Service

Title: 7 CFR 1780, Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program.

OMB Control Number: 0572-0121.

Summary of Collection: Section 306 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (CONACT), 7 U.S.C. 1926, authorizes Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to make loans and grants to public entities, federally-recognized American Indian tribes, and nonprofit corporations. The loans and grants fund the development of drinking water waste water, solid waste disposal, and storm wastewater disposal facilities in rural areas with populations of up to 10,000 residents.

Need and Use of the Information: Rural Development's field offices will collect information from applicants/borrowers and consultants to determine eligibility and project feasibility. The information will help to ensure borrowers operate on a sound basis and use loan funds for authorized purposes. There are agency forms required as well as other requirements that involve certifications from the borrower, lenders, and other parties. Failure to collect proper information could result in improper determinations of eligibility, use of funds and or unsound loans.

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

Number of Respondents: 865.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 150,339.

Rural Utility Service

Title: Servicing of Water Programs Loans and Grants.

OMB Control Number: 0572-0137.

Summary of Collection: Authority for servicing of Water Programs Loan and Grants is contained in Section 306e of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended. The information collected covers loan and grant servicing regulations, 7 CFR part 1782, which prescribes policies and responsibilities for servicing actions necessary in connection with Water and Environmental Programs (WEP) loans and grants. WEP provides loans, guaranteed loans and grants for water, sewer, storm water, and solid waste disposal facilities in rural areas and towns of up to 10,000 people.

Need and Use of the Information: The Rural Utilities Service will collect information using various forms. The collected information for the most part is financial in nature and needed by the Agency to determine if borrowers, based on their individual situations, qualify for the various servicing authorities. Servicing actions become necessary due to the development of financial or other problems and may be initiated by either a recipient which recognizes that a problem exists and wished to resolve it, or by the Agency. If a problem exists, a recipient must furnish financial information which is used to aid in resolving the problem through re-amortization, sale, transfer, debt restructuring, liquidation, or other means provided in the regulations.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; non-profit institutions; State and local governments.

Number of Respondents: 62.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 729.

Ruth Brown,

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.