[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 14 (Wednesday, January 22, 1997)] [Notices] [Pages 3301-3302] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-1459] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-4200-N-07] Notice of Proposed Information; Collection for Public Comment AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research, HUD. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The proposed information collection request described below will be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Department is soliciting public comment on the subject proposal. DATES: Comments due: March 24, 1997. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding [[Page 3302]] this proposal. Comments should refer to the proposal by name and/or OMB Control Number and should be sent to: Reports Liaison Officer, Office of Policy Development and Research, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451--7th Street, SW., Room 8226, Washington, DC 20410. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Judson James, 202-708-1336, x130 (this is not a toll-free number) for copies of the proposed forms and other available documents. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department will submit the proposed information collections to OMB for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended). The notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information to: (1) Evaluate 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; (2) evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. This notice also lists the following information: Title of Proposal: Policy Development and Research--Business Establishment Survey for the Interim Outcomes Assessment of the Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities Program. Description of the need for the information and proposed use: HUD is performing an evaluation study of the Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities Program, called the Interim Outcomes Assessment. As part of that study, a survey will be conducted in a sample of the Empowerment Zones and Enterprises Communities, and within the sample sites, with a sample of business establishments. It is HUD's intent that this survey establish a baseline measure of the use and awareness of zone program services and incentives by zone businesses. A second set of surveys will be conducted three years later. A single instrument will be used to collect information over the telephone. The information collected includes information about the firm's knowledge of the Empowerment Zone programs, their past and planned use of such programs, their perception of the zone as a place to do business, and some characteristics of firm (including number of employees and industry designation). Members of affected public: Representatives of business establishments in the six Empowerment Zones (parts of Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Philadelphia/Camden. Estimated Burden: 4,800 respondents (2,400 in each of two waves). 15 minutes per response on average, resulting in 1,200 hours of total reporting burden. Status of proposed information collection: New. Authority: Section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended. Date: January 9, 1997. Michael A. Stegman, Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research. [FR Doc. 97-1459 Filed 1-21-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210-62-M