The agency will submit a nonsubstantive change ICR to modify this ICR, once they have completed the mapping tool aspects of the online application form that were not complete as of the date of approval of the emergency ICR. That submission will include full screen shots of the online application tool and instructions.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
10/31/2020
6 Months From Approved
200
0
0
16,160
0
0
0
0
0
The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS), are announcing the availability of up to $100 million in competitive grants to eligible entities for activities designed to expand the sales and use of renewable fuels under the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). Of the total amount of available funds, approximately $86 million will be made available for eligible implementation activities related to higher blends of fuel ethanol, such as E15 or higher, greater than 10 percent ethanol; and approximately $14 million will be made available for eligible implementation activities related to higher blends of biodiesel, such as B20 or higher, greater than 5 percent biodiesel. Cost-share grants of up to 50 percent of eligible project costs but not more than $5 million will be made available to assist transportation fueling and biodiesel distribution facilities. This information collection is needed for RBCS to identify eligible applicants seeking grant funds through the HBIIP and provide funding this fiscal year.
The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS), a Rural Development agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is requesting emergency review and approval of a new information collection for the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP). RBCS is expecting to publish the Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) in the Federal Register on, but no later than May 1, 2020. The White House and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Perdue have indicated that timely implementation of the HBIIP is a priority prior to the end of FY 2020.
Approval of an emergency approval for this new collection is important because RBCS will not be able to implement the HBIIP, as the use of normal clearance procedures is likely to prevent the collection of information from applicants which, in turn, will have negative consequences on the intended recipients. The 60-day notice for comments is included in the NOFA and RBCS is requesting comments on the HBIIP information collection request in order to submit the regular request to obtain a 3-year approval from OMB after receiving the 6-month OMB emergency approval. Due to the need to consider comments received and then issue another notice for the Federal Register for an additional thirty days of comment, RBCS would not be able to complete the information collection process. Please note that after the 60-day comment period closes, RD will submit the collection package for a 3-year approval addressing any comments received.
Statute at Large:
62 Stat. 1070
Name of Statute: Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act of 1948 (Charter Act)
US Code:
15 USC 714
Name of Law: Charter Act
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.
HBIIP Udated Disclaimer page with OMB control number.docx
ROCIS HBIIP NOFA Burden Summary (3.18.2020)(V.3).xlsx
RD4280-4-LETTER OF CONDITIONS.PDF
HBIIP Applicants