Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request, 40983-40984 [E6-11385]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 138 (Wednesday, July 19, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40983-40984]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-11385]


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Notices
                                                Federal Register
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This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, 
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 138 / Wednesday, July 19, 2006 / 
Notices

[[Page 40983]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

July 13, 2006.
    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 
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), OIRA--Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV 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 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 
applicable laws and regulations.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; not-for-
profit institutions; State, local or tribal government.
    Number of Respondents: 230.
    Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 12,057.

Rural Utilities Service

    Title: 7 CFR 1751 Subpart B/State Telecommunications Modernization 
Plan.
    OMB Control Number: 0572-0104.
    Summary of Collection: The Rural Electrification Loan Restructuring 
Act (RELRA, Pub. L. 103-129), November 1, 1993, amended the Rural 
Electrification Act of 1936, 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq. (the RE Act). RELRA 
required that a State Telecommunications Modernization Plan 
(Modernization Plan or Plan), meet all the statutory requirements of 
RELRA (Part 1751, Subpart B). The plan at a minimum must provide for: 
(1) The elimination of party line service; (2) the availability of 
telecommunications services for improved business, educational, and 
medical services; (3) must encourage computer networks and information 
highways for subscribers in rural areas; (4) must provide for 
subscribers in rural areas to be able to receive through telephone 
lines: (a) Conference calling; (b) video images; and (c) data at a rate 
of 1 million bits of information per second; and, the proper routing of 
information to subscribers.
    Need and Use of the Information: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) 
telecommunications program staff will review the Modernization Plan and 
approve the plans, if it complies with the requirements of the 
regulation. If the proposed Modernization Plan is approved, RUS will 
notify the developer of the approval. If not, RUS will make specific 
written comments and suggestions for modifying the proposed 
Modernization Plan so that it will comply with the requirements of the 
regulation. If the information is not collected, RUS' authority to make 
loans under the Rural Electrification Act will be restricted.
    Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; not-for-
profit institutions.
    Number of Respondents: 1.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 350.

Rural Utilities Service

    Title: 7 CFR Part 1721, Extensions of Payments of Principal and 
Interest.
    OMB Control Number: 0572-0123.
    Summary of Collection: Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is revising 
procedures and conditions under which borrowers may request extensions 
of the payment of principal and interest. 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. 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. The 
authority, as amended, for these extensions is contained in Section 12 
of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, and Section 236 of the 
``Disaster Relief Act of 1970.''

[[Page 40984]]

    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. E6-11385 Filed 7-18-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P