[Federal Register: December 17, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 242)] [Notices] [Page 70687] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr17de99-50] [[Page 70687]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Commodity Credit Corporation Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection AGENCY: Commodity Credit Corporation, USDA. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Commodity Credit Corporation's intention to request an extension for and revision to a currently approved information collection in support of the Market Access Program. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by February 15, 2000 to be assured of consideration. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS: Contact Denise Huttenlocker, Deputy Director, Marketing Operations Staff, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-1042, (202) 720-4327. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Market Access Program. OMB Number: 0551-0227. Expiration Date of Approval: April 30, 2000. Type of Request: Extension and revision of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: The primary objective of the Market Access Program is to encourage the development, maintenance, and expansion of commercial export markets for U.S. agricultural products through cost-share assistance to eligible trade organizations that implement a foreign market development program. Financial assistance under this program is made available on a competitive basis. Currently, there are more than 70 organizations participating directly in the program with activities in more than 100 countries. The Market Access Program is administered by personnel of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Prior to initiating program activities, Participants must submit detailed applications to FAS which include country strategies, constraints, goals and benchmarks, proposed activities, estimated budgets, and performance measurements. Each Participant is also responsible for submitting: (1) Reimbursement claims for approved costs incurred in carrying out approved activities, (2) an end-of-year contribution report, (3) travel reports, and (4) program evaluations. Participants must maintain records on all information submitted to FAS. The information collection is used by FAS to manage, plan, evaluate and account for Government resources. The reports and records are required to ensure the proper and judicious use of public funds. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 24 hours per response. Respondents: Non-profit organizations, state groups, cooperatives, and commercial entities. Estimated Number of Respondents: 70. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 41. Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 62,830. Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Kimberly Chisley, the Agency Information Collection Coordinator, at (202) 720- 2568. Request for Comments Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden estimate, ways to minimize the burden, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, or any other aspect of this collection of information, to: Kent D. Sisson, Director, Marketing Operations Staff, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 1042, Washington, DC 20250-1042. 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 records. Signed at Washington, DC on December 8, 1999. Timothy J. Galvin, Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service and Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation. [FR Doc. 99-32731 Filed 12-16-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-01-M