Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection

AGENCY:

Rural Housing Service, USDA.

ACTION:

Proposed collection; Comments requested.

SUMMARY:

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Rural Housing Service's intention to request an extension for a currently approved information collection in support of the program for Fire and Rescue Loans.

DATES:

Comments on this notice must be received by June 7, 2004 to be assured of consideration.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Derek L. Jones, Loan Specialist, Community Programs Division, RHS, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stop 0787, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0787. Telephone (202) 720-1504.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Fire and Rescue Loans.

OMB Number: 0575-0120.

Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 2004.

Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information collection.

Abstract: The Fire and Rescue Loan program is authorized by Section 306 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926) to make loans to public entities, nonprofit corporations, and Indian tribes for the development of community facilities for public use in rural areas and is covered by 7 CFR 1942-C. The primary regulation for administering the Community Facilities program is 7 CFR 1942-A (OMB Number 0575-0015) that outlines eligibility, project feasibility, security, and monitoring requirements.

The Community Facilities fire and rescue program has been in existence for many years. This program has financed a wide range of fire and rescue projects varying in size and complexity from construction of a fire station with fire fighting and rescue equipment to financing a 911 emergency system. These facilities are designed to provide fire protection and emergency rescue services to rural communities.

Information will be collected by the field offices from applicants, borrowers, and consultants. This information will be used to determine applicant/borrower eligibility, project feasibility, and to ensure borrowers operate on a sound basis and use funds for authorized purposes. Failure to collect proper information could result in improper determination of eligibility, improper use of funds, and/or unsound loans.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 2.15 hours per response.

Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions, State, local, or tribal governments.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,544.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 5.33.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 8,232 hours.

Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Brigitte Sumter, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, (202) 692-0042.

Comments

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Rural Housing Service (RHS), including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of RHS” 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 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 may be sent to Brigitte Sumter, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, STOP 0742, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.