Notice of Intent for Renewal of a Currently Approved Information Collection, 35608-35609 [2018-16100]

Download as PDF 35608 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 145 / Friday, July 27, 2018 / Notices night, with an additional $5 extra vehicle fee per night for more than two vehicles; • Bottle Bay, Geisinger, Navigation, Plowboy, Teacher Bay, Trapper, and Tule Bay Boat-in campgrounds on Priest Lake; proposed fee of $15 per night; • Green Bay and Whiskey Rock boatin campgrounds on Pend Oreille Lake; proposed fee of $15 per night; • Reynolds Creek Group camp site; proposed fee of $50 per night; • Shadowy St. Joe Day Use Boating site; proposed fee of $5 per vehicle, per day; • Priest Lake Information Site (RV Dump Station); proposed fee of $10 per use. Additional construction is required at the Spyglass Ground House to complete the renovation project and it is anticipated that this site would be available for the public to rent in May of 2019. The Beaver Creek Cabin is currently unfurnished and would be available to rent in 2018 for $45 per night; however, once the cabin is furnished the fee would be raised to $55 per night. Reasonable fees, paid by users of these sites and services, will help ensure that the Forest can continue maintaining and improving the sites for future generations. A market analysis of surrounding recreation sites with similar amenities indicates that the proposed fees are comparable and reasonable. Advance reservations for the Beaver Creek Cabin, Lunch Peak Lookout, and Spyglass Ground House will be available through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1–877–444–6777. The reservation service charges a $10 fee for reservations. Dated: January 10, 2018. Chris French, Associate Deputy Chief, National Forest System. Editorial Note: This document was received for publication by the Office of the Federal Register on July 23, 2018. [FR Doc. 2018–16032 Filed 7–26–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3411–15–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 National Institute of Food and Agriculture Service [Docket No. NIFA–2018–003] Notice of Intent for Renewal of a Currently Approved Information Collection National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA. AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:38 Jul 26, 2018 Jkt 244001 Notice and request for comments. ACTION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, which implemented the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA’s) intention to request an extension for a currently approved information collection (OMB No. 0524– 0026) for Form NIFA–666, ‘‘Organizational Information.’’ DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by September 25, 2018 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. ADDRESSES: Written comments concerning this notice and requests for copies of the information collection may be submitted to Robert Martin, Records Officer, Information Policy, Planning and Training by any of the following methods: Mail: Office of Information Technology (OIT), NIFA/USDA; Mail Stop 2216; 1400 Independence Avenue SW; Washington, DC 20250–2299; Hand Delivery/Courier: 800 9th Street SW, Waterfront Centre, Room 4206, Washington, DC 20024; or Email: rmartin@nifa.usda.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Martin, Records Officer, Information Policy, Planning and Training, Office of Information Technology, NIFA/USDA, Email: rmartin@nifa.usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title of Collection: Organizational Information. OMB Control Number: 0524–0026. Expiration Date of Current Approval: October 30, 2018. Type of Request: Intent to extend a currently approved information collection for three years. Abstract: NIFA has primary responsibility for providing linkages between the Federal and State components of a broad-based, national agricultural research, extension, and education system. Focused on national issues, its purpose is to represent the Secretary of Agriculture and carry out the intent of Congress by administering capacity and grant funds appropriated for agricultural research, extension, and education. Before awards can be made, certain information is required from applicants to effectively assess the potential recipient’s capacity to manage Federal funds. Need and Use of the Information: Form NIFA–666 ‘‘Organizational Information’’: Enables NIFA to SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 determine that the applicants recommended for awards will be responsible recipients of Federal funds. The information requested from the applicant pertains to the organizational and financial management of the potential grantee. This form and the attached applicant documents provide NIFA with information such as the legal name of the organization, certification that the organization has the legal authority to accept Federal funding, identification and signatures of the key officials, the organization’s policies for employee compensation and benefits, equipment insurance, policies on subcontracting with other organizations, etc., as well the financial condition of the organization and certification that the organization is not delinquent on Federal taxes. All of this information is considered prior to award, to determine the grantee is both managerially and fiscally responsible. This information is submitted to NIFA on a one-time basis and updated accordingly. If sufficient changes occur within the organization, the grantee submits revised information. Estimate of the Burden: NIFA estimates the number of responses for the Form NIFA–666 will be 150 with an estimated response time of 6.3 hours per form, representing a total annual burden of 945 hours for this form. These estimates are based on a survey of grantees that were approved for grant awards. They were asked to give an estimate of time it took them to complete each form. This estimate was to include such things as: (1) Reviewing the instructions; (2) searching existing data sources; (3) gathering and maintaining the data needed; and (4) actual completion of the forms. The average time it took each respondent was calculated from their responses. Comments: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have a practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the information collection 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. E:\FR\FM\27JYN1.SGM 27JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 145 / Friday, July 27, 2018 / Notices Done at Washington, DC, this 19th day of July 2018. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, Acting Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics. [FR Doc. 2018–16100 Filed 7–26–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–22–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Broadband e-Connectivity Pilot Program Rural Utilities Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of inquiry and request for comments. AGENCY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, invites comment on the implementation of certain provisions of its pilot broadband program (e-Connectivity Pilot) established on March 23, 2018, in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018. The e-Connectivity Pilot was appropriated $600 million in budget authority to be operated under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 on an expedited basis. Loans and grants are limited to the costs of the construction, improvement, and acquisition of facilities and equipment for broadband service in eligible communities. DATES: Comments are due on or before 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on September 10, 2018. ADDRESSES: Submit comments, identified as e-Connectivity Pilot, by either of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and, in the lower ‘‘Search Regulations and Federal Actions’’ box, select ‘‘Rural Utilities Service’’ from the agency drop-down menu, then click on ‘‘Submit.’’ In the Docket ID column, select RUS–18– TELECOM–0004 to submit or view public comments and to view supporting and related materials available electronically. Information on using Regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close of the comment period, is available through the site’s ‘‘User Tips’’ link. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Please send your comment addressed to Michele Brooks, Rural Development Innovation Center, Regulations Team Lead, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Stop 1522, Room 1562, Washington, DC amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:38 Jul 26, 2018 Jkt 244001 20250. Please state that your comment refers to Docket No. RUS–18– TELECOM–0004. Other Information: Additional information about Rural Development and its programs is available on the internet at https://www.usda.gov/topics/ rural. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 779 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115–141) appropriated $600 million for a pilot broadband program (e-Connectivity Pilot) to be operated under the Rural Electrification Act (RE Act) of 1936 (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.). The e-Connectivity Pilot was directed to expedite loans and grants for the costs of the construction, improvement, and acquisition of facilities and equipment for broadband service in eligible rural areas. Those areas are defined as having at least 90 percent of the households without sufficient access to broadband, defined as 10 Mbps downstream, and 1 Mbps upstream. Applications for eligible rural areas are prohibited from over-building or duplicating broadband expansion efforts made by any entity that has received a broadband loan from the Rural Utilities Service. Applications must also be evaluated by the service area assessment requirements of Section 601(d)(10) of the RE Act (7 U.S.C. 950bb(d)(10)) so that existing broadband providers may provide input on service in the proposed service area. In the absence of responses, RUS is directed to use the most current data of the National Broadband Map, or any other data regarding the availability of broadband service that may be collected or obtained through reasonable efforts. Notice of Inquiry and Request for Comment RUS seeks input on several questions concerning development of the eConnectivity Pilot. Comments are requested from a broad range of stakeholders with an interest in rural broadband deployment. Specifically, RUS seeks comment on the following: (1) Eligible rural areas are defined as having at least 90 percent of the households without sufficient access to broadband, defined in the law as 10 Mbps downstream, and 1 Mbps upstream. At present, RUS is working to determine what types of technologies and services are defined as ‘‘sufficient access.’’ In particular, RUS is seeking information about the transmission capacity required for economic development, and speed and latency, especially in peak usage hours, to ensure rural premises have access to PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 35609 coverage similar to that offered in urban areas. Comments are specifically requested on whether affordability of service should be included in evaluating whether an area already has ‘‘sufficient access’’ and how to benchmark affordability of internet services. And if so, what equates to consumers’ costs being so high that they are effectively rendered inaccessible to rural households? Further, what other elements should RUS consider when defining sufficient access? (2) RUS uses a combination of a Public Notice Filing—Public Notice Response process through our online mapping tool and the most current data of the National Broadband Map, or any other data regarding the availability of broadband service that may be collected or obtained through reasonable efforts. RUS’ mapping tool will publicly post proposed service territories of applicants to allow existing service providers an opportunity to comment if 10 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream service exists for households in the proposed service area or not. Notwithstanding this data, comments are sought on how data speeds are to be used or verified, given the limited availability of publicly-available information regarding accurate broadband speeds provided to rural households. Additionally, what other sources of data availability should be used for evaluation? (3) RUS is working to ensure that projects funded by the e-Connectivity pilot provide improvements to rural prosperity. This includes projects that benefit rural industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, e-commerce, transportation, health care, and education. Comments are specifically requested on effective methods that can measure leading indicators of potential project benefits for these sectors, using readily available public data. USDA is also aiming to improve rural economies, especially for those being served. Comments are also being sought on how to evaluate the viability of applications that include local utility partnership arrangements, including locally-owned telecommunications companies where possible. Dated: July 17, 2018. Jonathan P. Claffey, Senior Policy Advisor, Rural Utilities Service. [FR Doc. 2018–16014 Filed 7–26–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P E:\FR\FM\27JYN1.SGM 27JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 145 (Friday, July 27, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 35608-35609]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-16100]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

National Institute of Food and Agriculture Service

[Docket No. NIFA-2018-003]


Notice of Intent for Renewal of a Currently Approved Information 
Collection

AGENCY: National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, which implemented 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the National 
Institute of Food and Agriculture's (NIFA's) intention to request an 
extension for a currently approved information collection (OMB No. 
0524-0026) for Form NIFA-666, ``Organizational Information.''

DATES: Written comments on this notice must be received by September 
25, 2018 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that 
date will be considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: Written comments concerning this notice and requests for 
copies of the information collection may be submitted to Robert Martin, 
Records Officer, Information Policy, Planning and Training by any of 
the following methods: Mail: Office of Information Technology (OIT), 
NIFA/USDA; Mail Stop 2216; 1400 Independence Avenue SW; Washington, DC 
20250-2299; Hand Delivery/Courier: 800 9th Street SW, Waterfront 
Centre, Room 4206, Washington, DC 20024; or Email: 
[email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Martin, Records Officer, 
Information Policy, Planning and Training, Office of Information 
Technology, NIFA/USDA, Email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title of Collection: Organizational Information.
    OMB Control Number: 0524-0026.
    Expiration Date of Current Approval: October 30, 2018.
    Type of Request: Intent to extend a currently approved information 
collection for three years.
    Abstract: NIFA has primary responsibility for providing linkages 
between the Federal and State components of a broad-based, national 
agricultural research, extension, and education system. Focused on 
national issues, its purpose is to represent the Secretary of 
Agriculture and carry out the intent of Congress by administering 
capacity and grant funds appropriated for agricultural research, 
extension, and education. Before awards can be made, certain 
information is required from applicants to effectively assess the 
potential recipient's capacity to manage Federal funds.
    Need and Use of the Information: Form NIFA-666 ``Organizational 
Information'': Enables NIFA to determine that the applicants 
recommended for awards will be responsible recipients of Federal funds. 
The information requested from the applicant pertains to the 
organizational and financial management of the potential grantee. This 
form and the attached applicant documents provide NIFA with information 
such as the legal name of the organization, certification that the 
organization has the legal authority to accept Federal funding, 
identification and signatures of the key officials, the organization's 
policies for employee compensation and benefits, equipment insurance, 
policies on subcontracting with other organizations, etc., as well the 
financial condition of the organization and certification that the 
organization is not delinquent on Federal taxes. All of this 
information is considered prior to award, to determine the grantee is 
both managerially and fiscally responsible. This information is 
submitted to NIFA on a one-time basis and updated accordingly. If 
sufficient changes occur within the organization, the grantee submits 
revised information.
    Estimate of the Burden: NIFA estimates the number of responses for 
the Form NIFA-666 will be 150 with an estimated response time of 6.3 
hours per form, representing a total annual burden of 945 hours for 
this form. These estimates are based on a survey of grantees that were 
approved for grant awards.
    They were asked to give an estimate of time it took them to 
complete each form. This estimate was to include such things as: (1) 
Reviewing the instructions; (2) searching existing data sources; (3) 
gathering and maintaining the data needed; and (4) actual completion of 
the forms. The average time it took each respondent was calculated from 
their responses.
    Comments: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will 
have a practical utility;
    (b) the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, 
utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways 
to minimize the burden of the information collection 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.


[[Page 35609]]


    Done at Washington, DC, this 19th day of July 2018.
Chavonda Jacobs-Young,
Acting Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics.
[FR Doc. 2018-16100 Filed 7-26-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-22-P
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