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, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), OIRA_Submisson@omb.eop.gov or 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 Utilities Service
Title: Public Television Digital Transition Grant Program.
OMB Control Number: 0572-0134.
Summary of Collection: As part of the nation's transition to digital television, the Federal Communications Commission required all television broadcasters to initiate the broadcast of a digital television signal and to cease analog television broadcasts on December 31, 2006. The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) will develop and issue requirements for the grant program to finance the conversion of television services from analog to digital broadcasting for public television stations serving rural areas.
Need and Use of the Information: Applicants will submit grant applications to RUS for review. The information will consist of the following: Standard Form (SF)424, “Application for Federal Assistance, executive summary, evidence of eligibility and compliance with other Federal statutes and any other supporting documentation. RUS will use the information to score and rank applications for funding. Scoring will consist of three categories: rurality; per capita income; and special disadvantaging factors facing the station's transition plans. If this information is not collected, there would be no basis for awarding grant funding.
Description of Respondents: Not-for-profit institutions; State, local or tribal government.
Number of Respondents: 50.
Frequency of Responses: Reporting: on occasion.
Total Burden Hours: 1,168.
Ruth Brown,
Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 05-5460 Filed 3-18-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-M