In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
12/31/2023
36 Months From Approved
12/31/2020
19,450
0
69,920
156,090
0
477,820
14,443,185
0
0
On March 23, 2018, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2018 (the FY 2018 Appropriations) (Pub.L. 115â141) which established a broadband loan and grant pilot program, the Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program (hereinafter the ReConnect Program). One of the essential goals of the ReConnect Program is to expand broadband service to rural areas without sufficient access to broadband, defined as 10 megabits per second (Mbps) downstream and 1 Mbps upstream. For this purpose, Congress expanded RUS's existing authority to make loans and grants. Loans and grants are limited to the costs of the construction, improvement, and acquisition of facilities and equipment for broadband service in eligible communities. The FY 2018 Appropriations also authorized technical assistance to assist the agency in expanding needed service to the most rural communities.
In facilitating the expansion of broadband services and infrastructure, the pilot will fuel long-term rural economic development and opportunities in rural America. One of those opportunities is precision agriculture. The use of this technology requires a robust broadband connection. The awards made under this program will bring high speed broadband to the farms which will allow them to increase productivity.
PL:
Pub.L. 115 - 141 779
Name of Law: Consolidated Appropriations Act 2018 (the FY2018 Appropriations)
The initial burden estimates for the previous collection package were based on the âpre-operationalâ status of the program prior to the first funding opportunity announcement (FOA) published in the Federal Register, December 14, 2018 at 83 FR 64315.
The annual burden hours in the previous collection package of 477,820 has been revised to 156,090 which is a decrease of 321,730 burden hours for this collection package. The decrease of annual burden hours from the previous package can be attributed to the Agencyâs revised estimate of respondents of 2,000 respondents in the previous package to 500 respondents in the current collection package. The revised estimate of 500 respondents in the current collection package is based on the Agencyâs experience of having completed its first FOA and application process.
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.
ReConnect comments.pdf
Submitted ROCIS-clearance-Sept.(Rev.4).xlsx
Submitted ROCIS (4)-Sept.-SS-ReConnect(Rev.4-mpd 4-2-2020) (003).docx
ReConnect (Pilot) Program -State, Tribal & Local Governments