The Agency is making available Recovery Act funds for the B&I Guaranteed Loan Program. The collection of this information is necessary to obtain information on rural areas experiencing persistent poverty, outmigration, high unemployment, and under-served and under-represented groups and area hardest hit by the current economic crisis.
Applications from the public have been received and the cost to the public for those applications has already been incurred. After January 31, 2010, fewer applications will be prepared by the public. As a result, the hours of burden and cost to the public will decrease. The total hours are estimated to decrease from 23,945 to 15,915 for a decrease of 8,030 hours. The total cost is estimated to decrease from $1,556,354 to $1,034,456 for a decrease of $521,898.
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.