[Federal Register: March 20, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 53)]
[Notices]               
[Page 13944-13945]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20mr06-9]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

 
Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

 March 14, 2006.
    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, Public Law 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, 
fax (202) 395-5806 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) 720-8681.
    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 Development

    Title: Rural Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities.
    OMB Control Number: 0570-0027.
    Summary of Collection: The Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 
extends the duration for all

[[Page 13945]]

Empowerment Zone through December 2009. The Rural Empowerment Zones and 
Enterprise Communities program (EZ/EC) provides economically depressed 
rural areas and communities with opportunities for growth and 
revitalization. USDA has designated 80 Champion communities from the 
EZ/EC applicant communities that have agreed to implement their 
strategic plans in accordance with the principles of the program and 
report regularly on their progress.
    Need and Use of the Information: Periodic reviews provide the basis 
for USDA to continue or revoke a designation during the life of the 
Federal program. These reports provide progress on each project that 
the designee has specified in their implementation plans. A warning 
letter maybe sent to recipients who have been regarded as noncompliance 
or have made insufficient progress in implementing the strategic plan.
    Description of Respondents: State, Local or Tribal Government.
    Number of Respondents: 110.
    Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.
    Total Burden Hours: 2,402.

Charlene Parker,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
 [FR Doc. E6-3961 Filed 3-17-06; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-XT-P