Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) and Solid Waste Management (SWM) are competitive grant programs administered by Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to make loans and grants to public agencies, American Indian tribes, and nonprofit corporations. The loans and grants fund the development of drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste disposal facilities in rural areas with populations of up to 10,000 residents. Grants are made for 100 percent of the cost of assistance.
Since the last submission there is a program decrease of 479 responses and 672 burden hours due to a decrease in the total number of respondents from 142 to 82. Slightly offsetting the decrease is an increase in revised applications from 26 to 53. This shows the increase in the percentage of applicants that receive an award, but at a reduced value.
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.