Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request, 96433 [2016-31692]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 251 (Friday, December 30, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Page 96433]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-31692]


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Notices
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 251 / Friday, December 30, 2016 / 
Notices

[[Page 96433]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

December 27, 2016.
    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 January 
30, 2017 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: 
OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV or fax (202) 395-5806 and to Departmental 
Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250-
7602. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720-
8958.
    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 Business-Cooperative Service

    Title: Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program.
    OMB Control Number: 0570-0035.
    Summary of Collection: The information collected is necessary to 
implement Section 313(b) (2) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 
(7 U.S.C. 940(c)) that established a loan and grant program. Rural 
Business Service (RBS) mission is to improve the quality of life in 
rural America by financing community facilities and businesses, 
providing technical assistance and creating effective strategies for 
rural development. Under this program, zero interest loans and grants 
are provided to electric and telecommunications utilities that have 
borrowed funds from RUS. The purpose of the program is to encourage 
these electric and telecommunications utilities to promote rural 
economic development and job creation projects such as business start-
up costs, business expansion, community development, and business 
incubator projects.
    Need and Use of the Information: Various forms and narrative 
requirements will be used to collect the necessary information. RBS 
needs this collected information to select the projects it believes 
will provide the most long-term economic benefit to rural areas. The 
selection process is competitive and RBS has generally received more 
applications than it could fund. RBS also needs to make sure the funds 
are used for the intended purpose, and in the case of the loan, the 
funds will be repaid. RBS must determine that loans made from revolving 
loan funds established with grants are used for eligible purposes.
    Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit Institutions; Business 
or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 120.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On Occasion, Annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 4,781.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

    Title: Rural Micro-Entrepreneur Assistance Program.
    OMB Control Number: 0570-0062.
    Summary of Collection: Section 6022 of the Food, Conservation, and 
Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) authorizes the Rural 
Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP). The Secretary makes direct 
loans to rural microenterprise development organizations (MDOs) that 
are participating in the program (who are referred to as 
``microlenders'') for the purpose of capitalizing microloan revolving 
funds to provide fixed interest rate business loans of $50,000 or less 
to microentrepreneurs, as defined in the 2008 Farm Bill.
    Need and Use of the Information: The program provides rural 
microentrepreneurs with the skills necessary to establish new rural 
microenterprises; to provide continuing technical and financial 
assistance related to the successful operation of rural 
microenterprises; and to assist with the cost of providing other 
activities and services related to the successful operation of MDOs and 
rural microenterprises. Microlenders seeking loans and/or grants will 
have to submit applications that include specified information, 
certifications, and agreements to the Agency. This information will be 
used to determine applicant eligibility and to ensure that funds are 
used for authorized purposes.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Not-for-
profit Institutions; State, Local or Tribal governments.
    Number of Respondents: 75.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Quarterly, Annually.
    Total Burden Hours: 3,254.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2016-31692 Filed 12-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P