Agency information collection activities: Submission for OMB review; comment request,

[Federal Register: November 10, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 217)]

[Notices]

[Page 63017-63023]

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

[DOCID:fr10no98-34]

Notices Federal Register

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, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section.

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

November 5, 1998.

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, Pub. L. 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), Washington, DC 20503 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) 720-6746.

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 Business-Cooperative Service

Title: Survey for Local Cooperatives' Role in the Emerging Grain and Feed Industries.

OMB Control Number: 0570-NEW.

Summary of Collection: The mission of the Cooperative Services Program (CS) of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) is to assist farmer-owned cooperatives in improving the economic well-being of their farmer-members. This is accomplished through a comprehensive program of research on structural, operational, and policy issues affecting cooperatives; technical advisory assistance to individual cooperatives and to groups of producers who wish to organize cooperatives; and development of educational and informational material. The interplay between market and agricultural policy has shaped, and continues to shape the potential activities of grain marketing cooperatives. The passage of the Capper-Volstead Act in 1922, the Cooperative Marketing Act of 1926, and the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1929 were responses to the drastic declines in the prices for most agricultural commodities after World War I. The alternative was direct intervention by the federal government to limit supplies on the domestic market in order to raise prices. Cooperatives are found at all levels of the grain marketing industry, but their presence is strongest at the origination stage (procuring grain from farmers), and weakest in grain exporting. RBS will collect information about cooperatives through telephone and personal interviews surveys.

Need and Use of the Information: RBS will collect information through a survey to establish a baseline of cooperative resources and preferences. This information may ultimately provide a basis for structuring the standardized production and marketing grain sector desired by end-users. The information will be used by regional cooperatives to facilitate strategic planning with member local cooperatives.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 800.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 800.

Emergency approval has been requested by October 30, 1998.

Agricultural Research Service/National Agricultural Library

Title: Food and Nutrition Information Center Customer Satisfaction Survey for Food and Nutrition Service Audiences.

OMB Control Number: 0518-NEW.

Summary of Collection: The Food and Nutrition Information Center, National Agricultural Library (NAL), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), USDA receives special funding to serve Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), USDA funded programs. This is documented through two Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) agreements between the Food and Nutrition Information Center, National Agricultural Library and Food and Nutrition Service and Economic Research, USDA. Because the Center and the NAL are emphasizing electronic access, availability of publications and other resources using only this method of communication may be feasible for some audiences served as many do not have access to the World Wide Web or even e-mail through the Internet. Nutrition staff in various FNS-funded programs that the Food and Nutrition Information Center is funded to serve do not have access to World Wide Web and, in some cases, e-mail. ARS will collect information using a survey.

Need and Use of the Information: ARS will collect information to plan and manage services directed to the audiences that they provide service to in order to establish how best to provide reference materials and other resources and tools.

Description of Respondents: State, Local, or Tribal Government; Federal Government.

Number of Respondents: 900.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Other (every 3 years).

Total Burden Hours: 450.

Rural Utilities Service

Title: Lien Accommodations and Subordinations, 7 CFR Part 1717, Subparts R&S.

OMB Control Number: 0572-0100.

Summary of Collection: The Rural Electrification Act (RE Act) of 1936, 7 U.S.C. 901 et seq., as amended, 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

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and the furnishing of electric energy to persons in rural areas who are not receiving central station service. The RE Act also authorizes and empowers the Administrator of RUS to provide financial assistance to borrowers for purposes provided in the RE Act by accommodating or subordinating loans made by the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation, the Federal Financing Bank, and other lending agencies. RUS will collect information using forms RUS 178, Report of Progress of Construction and Engineering Services, and RUS 457, Engineer's Monthly Report of Substation Progress.

Need and Use of the Information: RUS will collect information to determine an applicant's eligibility for a lien accommodation or lien subordination under the RE Act; facilitate an applicant's solicitation and acquisition of non-RUS loans as to conserve available Government funds; monitor the compliance of borrowers with debt covenants and regulatory requirements in order to protect loan security; subsequent to granting the lien accommodation or lien subordination, administer each so as to minimize its cost to the Government.

Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 20.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 93.

Forest Service

Title: Forest Products Free Use Permit, Forest Products Removal Permit and Cash Receipt, and Forest Products Sale Permit and Cash Receipt.

OMB Control Number: 0596-0085.

Summary of Collection: 16 U.S.C. 551 requires the promulgation of regulations to regulate forest use and prevent destruction of the forests. Regulations at 36 CFR 223.1 and 223.2 govern the sale of forest products such as Christmas trees, pine cones, moss, and mushrooms. Regulations at 36 CFR 223.5-223.13 set forth conditions under which free use of forest product may be obtained by individuals or organizations. 15 U.S.C. 607 provides that a defense against trespass is that the forest product be removed under the regulations. These statutes and the regulations apply to 16 U.S.C. 477, 492, and 607a. Regulations at 36 CFR 261.6 require persons to obtain permits to remove special forest products from National Forest Land. Forest Service Regional Offices have been issuing Forest Product Removal Permits for over 20 years. Each Region has developed its own Forest Product Removal Permit and policies for implementation, but have not obtained OMB authorization for the information collection. National Headquarters is preparing a Forest Product Removal Permit to be implemented in all Regions to ensure consistent implementation of National policies for free use and special forest product programs. Information is required to determine if the applicant meets the criteria under which free use or sale of forest products is authorized by the regulations and to ensure that the permittee complies with the regulations and terms of the permit. This information is also needed to allow Forest Service (FS) compliance personnel to identify permittees in the field.

Need and Use of the Information: The FS will collect information from the public in order to issue a permit, the information that is needed is the name, address, tax identification number or other identification number, this information is used by the FS to keep a record of person buying forest products. The person requesting the permit will provide the information orally and the Forest Officer will enter the information into the permit computerized program or enter onto a hard copy of a permit.

Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; Business or other for-profit. Number of Respondents: 618,750.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 41,366.

Farm Service Agency

Title: CCC Conservation Contract.

OMB Control Number: 0560-0174.

Summary of Collection: The Farm Service Agency (FSA), in conjunction with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is charged with administering the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Farmland Protection Program (FPP), and the Conservation Farm Option (CFO) Program. These programs provide farmers and ranchers with flexible opportunities to work with the federal government to address natural resource concerns by implementing innovative and environmentally-sound solutions. Information must be collected from potential participants who wish to apply for these programs. Additional information is required from individuals once they have been accepted into the program to ensure compliance and to issue, as appropriate, cost share and land retirement payments.

Need and Use of the Information: Information will be collected from producers and ranchers who wish to voluntarily participate in either the EQIP, FPP or CFO programs. The application information will allow agency management to select program participants which will help best achieve program objectives related to maximizing environmental benefits, minimizing land retirement, and continuing agricultural production levels. Ongoing recordkeeping and reporting requirements will be necessary to ensure compliance with program provisions.

Description of Respondents: Farms; Individuals or households; Not- for-profit institutions; State, Local or Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 91,000.

Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: Other (when applying).

Total Burden Hours: 383,830.

Rural Housing Service

Title: 7 CFR 1951-R, Rural Development Loan Servicing.

OMB Control Number: 0575-0015.

Summary of Collection: The Rural Development (RD) Loan Servicing was legislated in 1985 under Section 1323 of the Food and Security Act of 1985. This action is needed to inplement the provision of Section 407 of the Health and Human Services Act of 1986, which amended Section 1323 of the Food Security Act of 1985. Subpart R of part 1951 contains regulations for servicing and liquidating existing loans previously approved and administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under 45 CFR Part 1076 and transferred from HHS to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This subpart contains regulations for servicing and liquidating loans made by Rural Development, successor to the Farmers Home Administration, under the Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) to eligible intermediaries and applies to ultimate recipients and other involved parties.

Need and Use of the Information: RD will collect information from the intermediary, i.e. assets and liabilities, income statement and a summary of the intermediary's lending and guarantee program. The information is vital to RD for the Agency to make credit and financial analysis decisions based on financial information provided by the Intermediary.

Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 420.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion; Quarterly; Semi- annually; Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 12,675.

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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Title: Domestic Quarantines.

OMB Control Number: 0579-0088.

Summary of Collection: Chapter 8 of the Plant Quarantine Act (U.S.C. 161) provides authority for the Secretary of Agriculture to quarantine any State, Territory, or District of the United States to prevent the spread of insect infestation and diseases new to or not widely distributed throughout the United States. The Domestic Quarantines regulations (7 CFR Part 301) are issued under this authority. Implementing these quarantines often requires the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to collect information from a variety of individuals who are involved in growing, packing, handling, transporting, and exporting plants and plant products. The information collected from these individuals is vital to helping ensure that injurious plant diseases and insect pests do not spread within the United States. Information to be collected is necessary to determine compliance with domestic quarantine laws. Federal/State domestic quarantines are necessary to regulate the movement of articles from infested areas to noninfested areas. Collecting information requires the use of a number of forms and documents.

Need and Use of the Information: APHIS will collect information by interviewing growers and shippers at the time the inspections are being conducted and by having growers and shippers of exported plants and plant products complete an application for a transit permit. Information is collected from the growers, packers, shippers, and exporters of regulated articles to ensure that the articles, when moved from a quarantined area, do not harbor injurious plant diseases and insect pests. The information obtained will be used to determine compliance with regulations and for issuance of forms, permits, certificates, and other required documents.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit; Farms; Individuals or households; Federal Government; State, Local or Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 174,072.

Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 60,126.

Rural Housing Service

Title: 7 CFR 1980-D, Rural Housing Loans.

OMB Control Number: 0575-0078.

Summary of Collection: The Rural Housing Service (RHS) offers supervised credit programs to build modest housing and essential community facilities in rural areas. RHS regulations prescribe the policy necessary to process Rural Housing loan guarantees to low- and moderate-income applicants. RHS, formerly known as the Rural Housing and Community Development Service (RHCDS), is a successor agency to the Farmers Home Administration under the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, Public Law 103- 354. Section 517(d) of Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 provides the authority for the Secretary of Agriculture to issue loan guarantees for the acquisition of new or existing dwellings and related facilities to provide decent, safe, and sanitary living conditions and other structures in rural areas. The purpose of the Guaranteed Rural Housing (GRH) program is to assist low- and moderate-income individuals and families in acquiring or constructing a single family residence in a rural area with loans made by private lenders. RHS will collect information using an application form from the customers for a mortgage loan.

Need and Use of the Information: RHS will collect information from potential borrowers such as household income, assets and liabilities, and monthly expenses to determine if borrowers qualify for and assure they receive all assistance for which they are eligible. All information collected is used to determine eligibility for program participation and to monitor the program efficiency and effectiveness.

Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; Business or other for-profit; State, Local, or Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 48,060.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion: Monthly.

Total Burden Hours: 153,931.

Forest Service

Title: 36 CFR Part 228, Subpart A--Locatable Minerals.

OMB Control Number: 0596-0022.

Summary of Collection: The United States Mining Law of 1872, as amended, governs the prospecting for and appropriation of metallic and most nonmetallic minerals on 192 million acres of National Forest set up by proclamation from the public domain. It gives individuals the right to search for and extract valuable mineral deposits of locatable minerals. Recording that claim in the local courthouse and with the appropriate Bureau of Land Management (BLM) State Office affords protection from subsequent locators. A mining claimant is entitled to reasonable access to claim for further prospecting, mining or necessary related activities, subject to the other laws and applicable regulations. The purpose of the regulations at 36 CFR part 228, subpart A, is to set some specific rules and procedures through which use of the surface of National Forest System lands in connection with mineral operations authorized by the United States mining laws shall be conducted so as to minimize adverse environmental impacts on surface resources. The Forest Service (FS) will collect information using form FS2800-5, Plan of Operations for Mining Activities on National Forest System Lands.

Need and Use of the Information: FS will collect information requirements for a Notice of Intent to identify the area involved; the nature of the proposed operations; the route to the area of operations; the method of transport. The information requirements for a Plan of Operations includes: the name and legal mailing address of the operators; a description of the type of operations proposed; a description of how it would be conducted; a description of the type and standard of existing/proposed roads/access routes; a description of the means of transportation to be used; a description of the period during which the proposed activity will take place; and measures to meet the environmental protection requirements. The information requirements for a cessation of operations include: verification to maintain the structures, equipment and other facilities; expected reopening date; estimate of extended duration of operations; maintenance of the site, structures, equipment and other facilities during nonoperating periods.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 5,924.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Other (approved till operations change).

Total Burden Hours: 4,462.

Rural Housing Service

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Farm Service Agency

Title: 7 CFR 1955-B, Management of Property.

OMB Control Number: 0575-0110.

Summary of Collection: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) programs are administered under the provisions of the Consolidated and Rural Development Act (CONACT), as amended. FSA Farm Loan Program (FLP) provides supervised credit in the form of loans to family farmers and ranchers to purchase land and finance

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agricultural production. The Rural Housing Service (RHS) provides credit in the form of Multi-Family Housing loan and Community Facility loans. The RBS program is designed to improve, develop or finance business industry and employment and improve the economic and environmental climate in rural communities. These agencies must collect information on real property taken into custody and chattel property in the agency's inventory.

Need and Use of the Information: FSA, RHS, and RBS collect information to properly track and monitor real property and chattel property used to secure loans.

Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; Business or other for-profit; Federal Government; State, Local or Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 1,637.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 1,245.

Farm Service Agency

Title: American Indian Livestock Feed Program.

OMB Control Number: 0560-0187.

Summary of Collection: The Agricultural Act of 1970 (7 U.S.C. 1427 (a)), section 813, gives the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to relieve distress caused by a natural disaster by using funds from the sale of commodities held in the disaster reserve. On December 17, 1997, the Secretary announced there would be an American Indian Livestock Feed Program (AILFP) and allocated $8 million from the sale of disaster reserve stocks to fund the program. An additional $4.5 million was subsequently added to the funds for a total of $12.5 million. The AILFP will provide cash reimbursement to livestock owners who must purchase feed to sustain their livestock as a result of a natural disaster. Reimbursement will amount to either 30 percent of the Animal Unit Days (AUD) times the AUD value for the crop year in which the disaster took place, or the amount the owner spent to purchase the feed, whichever amount is smaller. Livestock owners are required to provide receipts substantiating their purchases. When the loss of livestock feed first becomes noticeable in a region a tribal government representative will contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Area Office and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Office to get the names of representatives from those agencies who will serve as members of a Survey Team. The Survey Team will consist of a BIA representative, an FSA representative, and at least one tribal representative. The Survey Team will examine the conditions in the region and determine if a natural disaster has had a detrimental effect on the availability of livestock feed in the region, and if so, the team will estimate the loss. FSA will collect information using several forms.

Need and Use of the Information: FSA will collect information to determine if the disaster region commended by the tribal government meets the requirements of the regulations.

Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; State, Local or Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 45,000.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion; Other (when losses occur).

Total Burden Hours: 22,563.

Farm Service Agency

Title: Livestock Indemnity Program (7 CFR 1439).

OMB Control Number: 0560-0179.

Summary of Collection: Under Pub. L. 105-18, the Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to use up to $50 million from proceeds earned from the sale of grain in the disaster reserve established in the Agricultural Act of 1970 to implement a Livestock Indemnity Program. The program will provide payments to producers with livestock and poultry losses between October 1, 1996 and June 12, 1997, from natural disasters which occurred between October 1, 1996 and June 12, 1997, for which a Presidential or Secretarial Declaration was requested by June 12, 1997, and subsequently approved. Pub. L. 105-119 authorized an additional $6 million to implement a Livestock Indemnity Program for livestock and poultry losses beginning March 1, 1997, through November 26, 1997, from natural disasters which occurred beginning March 1, through November 26, 1997, for which a Presidential or Secretarial Declaration was requested between June 12, 1997, and December 1, 1997, and subsequently approved. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) will collect information using form CCC-661 to establish eligibility for the program.

Need and Use of the Information: FSA will collect information from persons who suffered livestock or poultry losses to support their reported pre-disaster inventory such as receipts for purchase of livestock, poultry, or feed and loan documents, or any information that may be available to verify their livestock or poultry possessions prior to the reported loss. Evidence to support the number of losses such as rendering receipts and a certification by the producer on CCC-661 regarding the accuracy of the information submitted. The information collected will be used by the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to determine the eligibility and amount of assistance in accordance with published regulations. Failure to make sound decisions in providing livestock indemnity program payments, would result in inequitable treatment of the livestock and poultry owners.

Description of Respondents: Farms.

Number of Respondents: 60,000.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting; On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 120,000.

Farm Service Agency

Title: Upland Cotton Domestic User/Exporter Agreement and Payment Program.

OMB Control Number: 0560-0136.

Summary of Collection: The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (the FAIR Act) provided that, during the period beginning August 1, 1991, and ending July 31, 2003, if for any consecutive 4-week period, the Friday through Thursday average price quotation for the lowest price U.S. growth, as quoted for Middling (M) one and three-thirty seconds inch cotton, delivered C.I.F. northern Europe exceeds the Northern Europe price by more than 1.25 cents per pound, the Secretary of Agriculture issue cash or commodity certificates to domestic users for cotton consumed or for exporters for exports made in the week following such consecutive 4-week period. Participating exporters must submit form CCC-1045-1, Exporter Application for Payment, or provide the same information in their own format whenever they export cotton during a week in which a payment rate is in effect. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) will collect information using form CCC-1045-1.

Need and Use of the Information: FSA will collect information from form CCC-1045, Upland Cotton Domestic User/Exporter Agreement. The agreement contains the terms and conditions for receiving payments and outlines the responsibilities of the participants. Data collected on the agreement documents are limited to the name of exporter, address of recordkeeping office, and taxpayer ID. The agreement establishes basic eligibility to participate in the program.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 230.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Weekly.

Total Burden Hours: 3,145.

Farm Service Agency

Title: Request for Aerial Photography.

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OMB Control Number: 0560-0176.

Summary of Collection: The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Aerial Photography Field Office (AFPO) has the authority to coordinate aerial photography work in USDA, develop and carry out aerial photography and remote sensing programs and the Agency's aerial photography flying contract programs. Section 387 of the Agriculture Adjustment Act of February 16, 1938, states ``The Secretary may furnish reproductions of such aerial or other photographs, mosaics, and maps as have been obtained in connection with the authorized work of the Department to farmers and governmental agencies at the estimated cost of furnishing such reproductions, and to persons other than farmers at such prices (not less than estimated cost of furnishing such reproductions) and the Secretary may determine, the money received from such sales to be deposited in the Treasury to the credit of the appropriation charged with the cost of making such reproductions.'' FSA will collect information using FSA-441 form to determine the necessary customer and photography information needed for the USDA FSA Aerial Photography Field Office to produce and ship the various products ordered from our office.

Need and Use of the Information: FSA will collect information on the name, address, contact name, telephone, fax, e-mail, customer code, agency code, purchase order number, credit card number/exp. date and amount remitted/po amount. Customers have the option of placing orders by mail, fax, telephone, walk-in or floppy disk. Furnishing this information requires the customer to research and prepare their request before submitting it to APFO.

Description of Respondents: Farms; Individuals or households; Business or other for-profit; Not-for-profit institutions; Federal Government; State, Local or Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 12,000.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Other (when ordering).

Total Burden Hours: 8,000.

Rural Housing Service

Title: Form RD 1910-11, Application Certification, Federal Collection Policies for Consumer or Commercial Debts.

OMB Control Number: 0575-0127.

Summary of Collection: The Rural Development (RD) implements the requirements of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A- 129. OMB Circular A-129, ``Policies for Federal Credit programs and Non-Tax Receivables provides direction as to how agencies should inform its loan applicants of the Federal Government's debt collection policies and procedures prior to extending credit. At the time an application for a loan program is completed, the agency will ask the applicant to sign a debt collection certification statement to certify knowledge of the Government's policies. This statement details the consequences of delinquency. Form RD 1910-11 uniformly advises applicants of the debt collection methods that will and can be used in recovering on delinquent or defaulted loans. RD will collect information using Form RD 1910-11.

Need and Use of the Information: RD will collect information using Form RD 1910-11 to advise applicants of the debt collection methods that will and can be used in recovering on delinquent or defaulted loans. The information will be obtained from loan applicants for consumer and commercial debt at the time of loan application. If the application results in a loan, the information will be maintained in the borrower's case file or loan docket and used as documentation should the borrower become delinquent or default.

Description of Respondents: State, Local or Tribal Government; Individuals or households; Business or other for-profit; Not-for-profit institutions; Farms; Federal Government.

Number of Respondents: 1,565.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 392.

Farm Service Agency

Title: Power of Attorney.

OMB Control Number: 0560-NEW.

Summary of Collection: The FSA-211, Power of Attorney and FSA-211- 1, Power of Attorney for Husband and Wife have been revised to provide for authority for programs provided by the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (1996 Act). The power of attorney grants said attorney authority to act with respect to actions involving Farm Service Agency (FSA), Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and Federal Crop Insurance (FCIC) insured crops. These forms provide a service to producers who are not always able to be present to sign documents. They save the producers the legal fees associated with obtaining a power of attorney. FSA will collect information using form FSA-211 and FSA-211-1.

Need and Use of the Information: FSA will collect information using FSA-211, Power of Attorney to delegate authority to another person to act for the producer with respect to actions under a variety of programs administered by FSA and FSA-211-1, Power of Attorney for Husband and Wife used by one spouse to grant signing authority for another. Without a power of attorney a husband or wife may not be able to sign documents on behalf of a spouse. These forms provide a service to producers who are not always able to be present to sign documents.

Description of Respondents: Farms.

Number of Respondents: 500,000.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 150,000.

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Title: Revolving Loan Funds Capitalized by USDA Rural Development.

OMB Control Number: 0570-0030.

Summary of Collection: The information to be collected under this action involves three programs. The Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) was authorized by Section 1323 of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 1932 note). The Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program is authorized by section 310B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932). The Rural Economic Development Grant Program is authorized by Section 313 of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C. 940c). The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), an agency within the Rural Development mission area of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, operates several programs that provide funds to organizations to be used for loans to third-party recipients. The Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) provides long term, low interest loans to nonprofit corporations, public agencies, Indian tribes, and cooperatives to establish revolving loan funds to finance businesses and community development projects in rural areas. The Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program provides grant funds to nonprofit and emerging private business enterprises in rural areas. The Rural Economic Development Grant Program provides grants to electric and telephone program borrowers of the Rural Utilities Service, for the purpose of promoting rural economic development and job creation projects. In each of these programs there is an organization, referred to herein as an intermediary, that receives the Federal loan or grant assistance, and uses that assistance to establish revolving funds to make loan and grant assistance, to third parties, referred to herein as ultimate recipients. RBS will collect information using an automated data base of information created by Virginia Polytechnical University on ultimate recipient loans.

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Need and Use of the Information: RBS will collect information to analyze the feasibility of secondary market sales of the promissory notes held by the intermediaries and to provide better measures and more accurate and complete information for measuring program impact, in accordance with the National Performance and Results Act.

Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; Business or other for-profit; Federal Government; State, Local, or Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 550.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Annually.

Total Burden Hours: 2,750.

Rural Housing Service

Title: 7 CFR 1901-E, Civil Rights Compliance Requirements.

OMB Control Number: 0575-0018.

Summary of Collection: Rural Development (RD) is required to provide Federal financial assistance through its farmer, housing, and community and business programs on an equal opportunity basis. The laws implemented in 7 CFR 1901-E, require the recipients of Rural Development's Federal financial assistance to collect various types of information by race, color, and national origin. RD will collect information using various RD forms.

Need and Use of the Information: RD will collect information on race, color and national origin. RD will use this information to monitor a recipient's compliance with the civil rights laws, and to determine whether or not service and benefits are being provided to beneficiaries on an equal opportunity basis. Without the required information, RD and its recipient will lack the necessary documentation to demonstrate that their programs are being administered in a nondiscriminatory manner and in full compliance with the civil rights laws.

Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; Business or other for-profit; Not-for-profit institutions; Farms; State, Local or Tribal Government.

Number of Respondents: 19,565.

Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 533,017.

Farm Service Agency

Title: Debt Settlement Policies and Procedures, 7 CFR 792 and 1403.

OMB Control Number: 0560-0146.

Summary of Collection: The Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966, as revised by the Debt Collection Act of 1982 (DCIA) (31 U.S.C., 3711, et seq.) requires each Federal agency to make aggressive action to collect debts owed it, and to cooperate with other Federal agencies in their debt collection activities. The DCIA of 1996 has increased the aggressiveness required through the addition of mandated provisions to ensure that all agencies are employing the most efficient and cost effective procedures and methods to identify, report and collect outstanding debts. In order for Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) to carryout their responsibilities under this statute, information must be obtained to ensure that the Government will be able to collect, or otherwise settle, debts owed it by any person, organization, corporation, or other legal entity. The Federal Claims Collection Standards and the DCIA provided that if the debtor is financially unable to pay the debt in one lump sum, payment may be accepted in regular installments, that agencies should obtain financial statements from debtors who represent that they are unable to pay the debt in one lump sum, and that agencies which agree to accept payment in regular installments should obtain a legally enforceable written agreement from the debtor which specifies all of the terms of the agreement. FSA and CCC will collect financial information and the completion of a settlement agreement or promissory note from debtors who are unable to pay their debts in one lump sum.

Need and Use of the Information: FSA will collect information on the debtors assets, liabilities, income and expenses when a debtor requests to enter into an installment agreement to settle their debt. Based on that information a determination can be made on whether the debtor can pay the debt in one lump sum or an installment is necessary. Without this financial information FSA/CCC would have no method of allowing debtor's to pay their debts in installments while still ensuring that the government's financial interests are protected. Once an installment request has been approved, a legally enforceable written agreement incorporating the terms of payment is necessary to evidence the agreement and allow for judicial enforcement if the debtor defaults on the agreement. Form CCC-279 is executed as a promissory note in these situations.

Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; Farm; Federal Government.

Number of Respondents: 250.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 125.

Farm Service Agency

Title: Conservation and Environmental Programs--7 CFR 701.

OMB Control Number: 0560-0082.

Summary of Collection: The Conservation and Environmental Programs Regulations at 7 CFR Part 701 set forth the basic policies, program provisions, and eligibility requirements, as determined by the Secretary, under which cost-sharing assistance will be made available to eligible agricultural producers/landowners for carrying out approved long-term conservation, forestry and emergency conservation measures. The regulations include: (1) individual program goals and objectives; (2) applicable program definitions; (3) procedures for program development and implementation; (4) conditions for approvals, payments, and completion of practices; and (5) general provisions to each program. The Farm Service Agency (FSA), in cooperation with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Forest (FS) and other agencies and organizations, provides eligible producers and landowners, cost-share incentives and technical assistance through several interrelated conservation and environmental programs to help farmers, ranchers and other eligible landowners and operators conserve soil, improve water quality, maintain the fertility of the land, develop the forests, and rehabilitate land damaged by natural disasters. The programs included are Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), Conservation Reserve Program (CFP), Forestry Incentives Program, and Rural Clean Water Program (RCWP). Various forms are used to collect information on the type of assistance required and to certify completions so that cost-share payments can be received.

Need and Use of the Information: Information collected is used by FSA offices to determine eligibility, calculate cost-share payments earned by participants based on the information reported by the applicant that is substantiated by the receipts or sales documents to monitor compliance.

Description of Respondents: Farm.

Number of Respondents: 450,000.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting.

Total Burden Hours: 205,000.

Farm Service Agency

Title: General Regulations Governing Sugar Loans for 1996 and Subsequent Crops--7 CFR part 1435.

OMB Control Number: 0560-0093.

Summary of Collection: Sugar loans are authorized by the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (the 1996 FAIR Act),

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Section 156 and the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act (Pub. L. 80-806). The loans to processors are made available through CCC and implemented by regulations at 7 CFR 1435. The 1996 Act provides the Secretary shall make available recourse or nonrecourse marketing assistance loans on 1996 through 2002 crops of sugar beets and sugarcane. The Farm Service Agency (FSA), on behalf of CCC, administers recourse and nonrecourse loans for sugar. The type of loan, recourse or nonrecourse, is determined by the level of tariff rate quotas for sugar imports. CCC makes loans available to processors on eligible sugar pledged as loan collateral. The sugar may be stored in approved farm storage. Processors obtain loans on sugar processed from sugar beets and sugar cane grown by eligible producers in the United States and Puerto Rico. An eligible producer on a farm must have: (1) complied with the highly erodible land requirements; (2) reported planted acres for commodities applicable to loan requests; (3) met the applicable crop insurance requirements; and (4) share in the risk of producing the commodity. Eligible sugar must be processed and owned by the eligible processor and stored in suitable storage. May not have been processed from imported sugarcane, sugar beets, or molasses, and must have been processed in the United States or Puerto Rico and must have processor certification in the loan application that the sugar is eligible and available to be pledged as collateral. FSA will collect information using form SU-2, Application for Sugar Loan.

Need and Use of the Information: FSA will collect information on the total capacity, storage location, crop years, commodity lienholders, quantity, lot number and where the sugar was produced. The information is used to determine the eligibility of the sugar and is used to establish the quantity to be pledged as collateral for the certified loan. Furnishing the data is voluntary, however, without it, assistance under the CCC loan program cannot be provided.

Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 43.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: Monthly.

Total Burden Hours: 15. Nancy Sternberg, Departmental Information Clearance Officer.

[FR Doc. 98-30122Filed11-9-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-01-M

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