[Federal Register: September 20, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 181)] [Notices] [Page 50793] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr20se99-29] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 Rural Business-Cooperative Service's intention to request an extension for a currently approved information collection in support of the program for Guaranteed Loanmaking. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by November 19, 1999, to be assured of consideration. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Bonnet, Senior Commercial Loan Specialist, Business Programs Processing Division, Rural Business- Cooperative Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, STOP 3221, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-3221, Telephone (202) 720- 1804, E-mail ``rbonnet@rurdev.usda.gov''. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Guaranteed Loanmaking (General). OMB Number: 0570-0018. Expiration Date of Approval: September 30, 1999. Type of Request: Extension of Currently Approved Information Collection. Abstract: The purpose of the program is to improve, develop, or finance businesses, industries, and employment and improve the economic and environmental climate in rural communities. This purpose is achieved through bolstering the existing private credit structure through the guaranteeing of quality loans made by lending institutions, thereby providing lasting community benefits. This subpart contains general requirements applicable to all guaranteed loan programs administered by the Agency. Information being collected from lenders on guaranteed loan borrowers is typically collected by lenders. There are no new data collection requirements contained in the renewal notice. In contrast to the burden package approved in 1996, the estimates no longer include burden hours for customary and usual business practices. However, the total burden hours is higher because of a significant increase in the program funding level. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to average 0.44 hours per response. Respondents: Business or other for-profit; State, Local or Tribal; Accounts, and Attorneys. Estimated Number of Respondents: 1117. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1. Estimated Number of Responses: 1117. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 1,734 hours. 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 9, 1999. William F. Hagy III, Acting Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service. [FR Doc. 99-24319 Filed 9-17-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P