[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 198 (Friday, October 12, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62211-62212]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-25164]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
October 9, 2012.
The Department of Agriculture will submit 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), [email protected] or fax (202)
395-5806 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 (202) 720-8681.
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 1703, Subparts D, E, F, and G, Distance Learning and
Telemedicine Loan and Grant Program.
OMB Control Number: 0572-0096.
Summary of Collection: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is a
credit agency of the Department of Agriculture and is
[[Page 62212]]
authorized by Chapter 1 of subtitle D of the Food, Agriculture,
Conservation and Trade Act of 1990. The purpose of the Distance
Learning and Telemedicine Loan and Grant Program is to improve
telemedicine services and distance learning services in rural areas
through the use of telecommunications, computer networks, and related
advanced technologies by students, teachers, medical professionals and
rural residents.
Need and Use of the Information: The various forms and narrative
statements required are collected from eligible applicants that are
public and private, for-profit and not-for-profit rural community
facilities, schools, libraries, hospitals, and medical facilities. The
purpose of this information is to determine such factors as:
eligibility of the applicant; the specific nature of the proposed
project; the purposes for which loan and grant funds will be used;
project financial and technical feasibility; and compliance with the
applicable laws and regulations.
Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Not-for-
profit institutions; State, Local or Tribal Government.
Number of Respondents: 210.
Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion.
Total Burden Hours: 12,788.
Rural Utilities Service
Title: 7 CFR Part 1703-H, Deferments of RUS Loan Payments for Rural
Development Projects.
OMB Control Number: 0572-0097.
Summary of Collection: Subsection (b) of section 12 of the Rural
Electrification Act (RE Act) of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C. 912), a
Rural Utilities Service (RUS) electric or telephone borrower may defer
the payment of principal and interest on any insured or direct loan
made under the RE Act and invest under certain conditions the deferred
amounts in rural development projects. The Deferment program is used to
encourage borrowers to invest in and promote rural development and
rural job creation projects that are based on sound economic and
financial analyses.
Need and Use of the Information: RUS will collect information to
determine eligibility; specific purposes for which the deferment amount
will be utilized; the term of the deferment the borrower will receive;
the cost of the total project and degree of participation in the
financing from other sources; verification that the purposes will not
violate limitations established in 7 CFR 1703-H. If the information
were not collected, RUS would be unable to determine eligibility for a
project.
Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit; Business or other for-
profit.
Number of Respondents: 1.
Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion.
Total Burden Hours: 11.
Rural Utilities Service
Title: 7 CFR Part 1721, Extensions of Payments of Principal and
Interest.
OMB Control Number: 0572-0123.
Summary of Collection: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) electric
program provides loans and loan guarantees to borrowers at interest
rates and on terms that are more favorable than those generally
available from the private sector. Procedures and conditions which
borrowers may request extensions of the payment of principal and
interest are authorized, as amended, in Section 12 of the Rural
Electrification Act of 1936, and Section 236 of the ``Disaster Relief
Act of 1970''. As a result of obtaining federal financing, RUS
borrowers receive economic benefits that exceed any direct economic
costs associated with complying with (RUS) regulations and
requirements.
Need and Use of the Information: The collection of information
occurs only when the borrower requests an extension of principal and
interest. Eligible purposes include financial hardship, energy resource
conservation loans, renewable energy project, and contributions-in-aid
of construction. The collections are made to provide needed benefits to
borrowers while also maintaining the integrity of RUS loans and their
repayment of taxpayer's monies.
Description of Respondents: Not for-profit institutions.
Number of Respondents: 45.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
Total Burden Hours: 424.
Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012-25164 Filed 10-11-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P