The purpose of this collection is to collect the necessary information that will allow rural communities to better identify and evaluate solutions to water and waste disposal problems, assist applicants in preparing applications for water and waste grants or improve opertion and maintenance of existing water and waste disposal facilities in rural areas.
We are requesting emergency review and approval by September 17, 2009 so the Agency can begin accepting applications and approving Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) grants with the additional funding of $5 million made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). The Recovery Act funding authorization expires on September 30, 2010, but we expect the demand to utilize the funds prior to that date. The Recovery Act TAT funds will provide financial and technical assistance to help communities bring safe drinking water and sanitary, environmentally sound waste disposal facilities to rural Americans in greatest need. The additional funding provided by the Recovery Act for Technical Assistance and Training grants will allow rural communities to better identify and evaluate solutions to water and waste disposal problems, assist applicants in preparing applications for water and waste grants made in accordance with 7 CFR 1775, or improve operation and maintenance of existing water and waste disposal facilities in rural areas. Qualified private non-profit organizations may apply.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.