Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request, 10824-10825 [2018-05026]

Download as PDF 10824 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 13, 2018 / Notices amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Farm Service Agency Title: Emergency Conservation Program and Biomass Crop Assistance Program. OMB Control Number: 0560–0082. Summary of Collection: The Farm Service Agency (FSA), in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Forest Service, and other agencies and organizations, provides eligible producers and landowners cost-share incentives and technical assistance through several conservation and environmental programs to help farmers, ranchers, and other eligible landowners and operators conserve soil, improve water quality, develop forests, and rehabilitate farmland severely damaged by natural disasters. The authorities to collect information for this collection are found under the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2201–2205), which provides emergency funds for sharing with agricultural producers the cost of rehabilitating farmland damaged by natural disaster, and for carrying out emergency water conservation measures during periods of severe drought. FSA is also managing the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) authorized by Section 9010 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113–79), which amends Title 1X of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 008. BCAP regulations outlined the legislations parameters, program definitions and process or: (1) Establishing BCAP project areas; (2) Matching payment opportunity for eligible material wners and qualifying biomass conversion facilities; (3) Contracting acreage for producers in BCAP project areas; and (4) Establishment and annual production payments for producers in CAP projects areas. Need and use of the Information: FSA will collect information using several forms. The collected information will be used to determine if the person, land, and practices are eligible for participation in the respective program and to receive cost-share assistance. Information collection from eligible biomass owners, biomass conversion facilities, and producers meeting the requirements for matching payments, annual production payment assistance, establishment payments and BCAP project area designation is necessary in order to ensure the financial accountability needed to operate and administer the BCAP. Without the VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:47 Mar 12, 2018 Jkt 244001 information, FSA will not be able to make eligibility determinations and compute payments in a timely manner. Description of Respondents: Farms. Number of Respondents: 70,000. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually. Total burden hours: 77,763. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2018–05033 Filed 3–12–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–05–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 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: 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 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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-forprofit institutions; Business or other forprofit. Number of Respondents: 817. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion. Total Burden Hours: 78. E:\FR\FM\13MRN1.SGM 13MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 13, 2018 / Notices for the various servicing authorities. Servicing actions become necessary due Title: 7 CFR 1780, Water and Waste to the development of financial or other Disposal Loan and Grant Program. problems and may be initiated by either OMB Control Number: 0572–0121. Summary of Collection: Section 306 of a recipient which recognizes that a problem exists and wished to resolve it, the Consolidated Farm and Rural or by the Agency. If a problem exists, a Development Act (CONACT), 7 U.S.C. recipient must furnish financial 1926, authorizes Rural Utilities Service information which is used to aid in (RUS) to make loans and grants to resolving the problem through republic entities, federally-recognized amortization, sale, transfer, debt American Indian tribes, and nonprofit corporations. The loans and grants fund restructuring, liquidation, or other means provided in the regulations. the development of drinking water Description of Respondents: Business waste water, solid waste disposal, and or other for-profit; non-profit storm wastewater disposal facilities in institutions; State and local rural areas with populations of up to governments. 10,000 residents. Number of Respondents: 62. Need and Use of the Information: Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Rural Development’s field offices will On occasion. collect information from applicants/ Total Burden Hours: 729. borrowers and consultants to determine eligibility and project feasibility. The Ruth Brown, information will help to ensure Departmental Information Collection borrowers operate on a sound basis and Clearance Officer. use loan funds for authorized purposes. [FR Doc. 2018–05026 Filed 3–12–18; 8:45 am] There are agency forms required as well BILLING CODE 3410–15–P as other requirements that involve certifications from the borrower, lenders, and other parties. Failure to DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE collect proper information could result Office of the Secretary in improper determinations of eligibility, use of funds and or unsound Strengthening Civil Rights loans. Management Description of Respondents: State, Local or Tribal Government; Not-forAGENCY: Office of the Secretary, USDA. profit institutions. ACTION: Request for Information (RFI). Number of Respondents: 865. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: SUMMARY: Consistent with Executive On occasion. Order 13781, ‘‘Comprehensive Plan for Total Burden Hours: 150,339. Reorganizing the Executive Branch,’’ and using the authority of the Secretary Rural Utility Service to reorganize the Department under Title: Servicing of Water Programs section 4(a) of Reorganization Plan No. Loans and Grants. 2 of 1953 the U.S. Department of OMB Control Number: 0572–0137. Agriculture (USDA) is soliciting public Summary of Collection: Authority for comment on a proposed realignment of servicing of Water Programs Loan and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Grants is contained in Section 306e of Civil Rights (OASCR), which will the Consolidated Farm and Rural improve customer service, better align Development Act, as amended. The functions within the organization, and information collected covers loan and ensure improved consistency, resource grant servicing regulations, 7 CFR part management, and strategic decision1782, which prescribes policies and making. responsibilities for servicing actions DATES: Comments and information are necessary in connection with Water and requested on or before March 25, 2018. Environmental Programs (WEP) loans and grants. WEP provides loans, ADDRESSES: Interested persons are guaranteed loans and grants for water, invited to submit comments regarding sewer, storm water, and solid waste this notice. All submissions must refer disposal facilities in rural areas and to ‘‘Improving Civil Rights’’ to ensure towns of up to 10,000 people. proper delivery. Need and Use of the Information: The • Electronic Submission of Rural Utilities Service will collect Comments. Interested persons may information using various forms. The submit comments electronically through collected information for the most part the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// is financial in nature and needed by the www.regulations.gov. USDA strongly Agency to determine if borrowers, based encourages commenters to submit on their individual situations, qualify comments electronically. Electronic amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES Rural Utility Service VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:47 Mar 12, 2018 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 10825 submission of comments allows the commenter maximum time to prepare and submit a comment, and ensures timely receipt by USDA. Commenters should follow the instructions provided on that site to submit comments electronically. • Submission of Comments by Mail, Hand Delivery, or Courier. Paper, disk, or CD–ROM submissions should be submitted to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, USDA, Jamie L. Whitten Building, Room 507–W, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Winona Lake Scott, Telephone Number: (202) 720–3808, winona.scott@ osec.usda.gov. USDA is committed to operating efficiently, effectively, and with integrity, and minimizing the burdens on individuals, businesses, and communities for participation in and compliance with USDA programs. USDA works to support the American agricultural economy to strengthen rural communities; to protect and conserve our natural resources; and to provide a safe, sufficient, and nutritious food supply for the American people. The Department’s wide range of programs and responsibilities touches the lives of every American every day. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Executive Order 13781 Executive Order 13781, ‘‘Comprehensive Plan for Reorganizing the Executive Branch’’, is intended to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability of the executive branch. The principles in the Executive Order provide the basis for taking actions to enhance and strengthen the delivery of USDA programs. II. Reorganization Actions On March 9, 2018, Secretary Perdue will be announcing his intent to take actions to strengthen civil rights and customer service at USDA by taking the following actions to ensure integrity, consistency, and fairness: • USDA will eliminate inefficiencies in delivering civil rights services at the agency and staff office level, thereby resulting in improved civil rights management. Under the realignment, a Civil Rights Director and appropriate Equal Opportunity staff will be aligned as follows: (1) Departmental Administration, staff offices, and Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs will share civil rights resources; (2) Each remaining Departmental Mission Area will consolidate its sub- E:\FR\FM\13MRN1.SGM 13MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 13, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10824-10825]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-05026]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


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: 
[email protected] 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 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.

[[Page 10825]]

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.
[FR Doc. 2018-05026 Filed 3-12-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P


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