Agency information collection activities: Proposed collection; comment request,

[Federal Register: September 20, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 181)]

[Notices]

[Page 50792-50793]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr20se99-28]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Proposed collection; comments requested.

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) to request an extension of a currently approved information collection in support of the Servicing of Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans Program.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by November 19, 1999, to be assured of consideration.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David W. Lewis, Senior Loan Specialist, RBS, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Stop 3224, Washington, DC 20250-3224, telephone 202-690-0797.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Title: Servicing Business and Industry Guaranteed Loans.

OMB Number: 0570-0016

Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 1999.

Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection.

Abstract: RBS, an agency within the Rural Development (RD) mission area of the USDA, operates several programs that provide guaranteed loans to banks, insurance companies, and other traditional lenders. The purpose of the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program is to improve, develop, or finance business, industry and employment and improve the economic and environmental climate in rural communities, including pollution abatement and control. This purpose is achieved through bolstering the existing private credit structure through guarantee of quality loans, which will provide lasting community benefits.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.51 hours per response.

Respondents: Guaranteed lenders.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 2,681.

Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 7.26.

Estimated Number of Responses: 19,466.

Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 9,992.

[[Page 50793]]

Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Cheryl Thompson, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, at (202) 692- 0043.

Comments

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of RBS, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of RBS'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 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 Cheryl Thompson, Regulations and Paperwork Management Branch, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, STOP 0742, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20250-0742. 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.

Dated: September 10, 1999. Randall E. Torgerson, Acting Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.

[FR Doc. 99-24318Filed9-17-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P