Notice2023-23243
Notice of an Extension to an Existing Information Collection
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
October 20, 2023
Issuing agencies
Agriculture DepartmentRural Utilities Service
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Rural Utilities Service's (RUS or Agency), an agency within the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, intention to request an extension to an existing information collection package for the Special Servicing of Telecommunications Programs Loans for Financially Distressed Borrowers. The Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan Program, Rural Broadband Program, Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program, and the Rural eConnectivity Program (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "RUS Telecommunications Programs") provide loan funding to build and expand broadband and telecommunications services in rural communities.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 88 Issue 202 (Friday, October 20, 2023)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 202 (Friday, October 20, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Page 72422]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-23243]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service
[Docket No. RUS-23-TELECOM-0015]
Notice of an Extension to an Existing Information Collection
AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice and request for comment.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this
notice announces the Rural Utilities Service's (RUS or Agency), an
agency within the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural
Development, intention to request an extension to an existing
information collection package for the Special Servicing of
Telecommunications Programs Loans for Financially Distressed Borrowers.
The Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan Program, Rural Broadband
Program, Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program, and the Rural
eConnectivity Program (hereinafter collectively referred to as the
``RUS Telecommunications Programs'') provide loan funding to build and
expand broadband and telecommunications services in rural communities.
DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by December 19, 2023 to
be assured of consideration.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pamela Bennett, Regulations Management
Division, Innovation Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b4c4d5d9d1d8d59ad6d1dadad1c0c0f4c1c7d0d59ad3dbc2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c7b7a6aaa2aba6e9a5a2a9a9a2b3b387b2b4a3a6e9a0a8b1">[email protected]</span></a>. Telephone: (202) 720-9639.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Office of Management and Budget's (OMB)
regulation (5 CFR part 1320) implementing provisions of the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) requires that interested members
of the public and affected agencies have an opportunity to comment on
information collection and recordkeeping activities (see 5 CFR
1320.8(d)). This notice identifies an information collection that RUS
will submit to OMB for regular approval.
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of
the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, including whether the
information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Rural
Business-Cooperative Service's estimate of the burden of the proposed
collection of information including 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 by the Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
<a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> and, in the ``Search'' box, type in the
Docket No. RUS-23-TELECOM-0015. A link to the Notice will appear. You
may submit a comment here by selecting the ``Comment'' button or you
can access the ``Docket'' tab, select the ``Notice,'' and go to the
``Browse & Comment on Documents'' Tab. Here you may view comments that
have been submitted as well as submit a comment. To submit a comment,
select the ``Comment'' button, complete the required information, and
select the ``Submit Comment'' button at the bottom. Information on
using <a href="http://Regulations.gov">Regulations.gov</a>, including instructions for accessing documents,
submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close of the
comment period, is available through the site's ``FAQ'' link at the
bottom.
A Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. Data
furnished by the applicants will be used to determine eligibility for
program benefits. Furnishing the data is voluntary; however, failure to
provide data could result in program benefits being withheld or denied.
Title: Special Servicing of Telecommunications Programs Loans for
Financially Distressed Borrowers.
OMB Control Number: 0572-0153.
Type of Request: Extension to an existing information collection.
Abstract: The RUS Telecommunications Programs currently take
servicing actions on approximately 10-12 projects each year. These
actions are taken in accordance with 7 CFR part 1752 which outlines the
general policies and procedures for servicing actions associated with
the RUS Telecommunications Programs Borrowers in financial distress.
The reporting burden covered by this collection from the borrower may
include but is not limited to, a request and explanation for servicing
action, various financial, subscriber, and organizational information,
as well as other documents and information that may be relevant as
determined by RUS. The collection of this information will help the
Agency streamline and expedite servicing actions, improve the
Government's recovery on such loans, and improve overall customer
service. Since most RUS Telecommunications Program borrowers are
utilities, faster resolution of servicing actions will ensure that
rural Americans continue to receive service.
Estimate of Burden: The public reporting burden for this collection
of information is estimated to average 5 hours per response.
Respondents: Respondents for this data may include not-for-profit
institutions; businesses or other for-profit.
Estimated Number of Respondents: 5.
Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 27.4.
Estimated Number of Responses: 137.
Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 694.50 hours.
Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Pamela
Bennett, Rural Development Innovation Center, Regulations Management
Division, at (202) 720-9639. 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.
Andrew Berke,
Administrator, Rural Utilities Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-23243 Filed 10-19-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P
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