Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection

Title: CCC's Export Enhancement Program (EEP). OMB Number: 0551-0028. Expiration Date of Approval: June 30, 1997. Type of Request: Extension and revision of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: The major objectives of the EEP are to expand U.S. agricultural exports and to challenge unfair trade practices by paying cash to exporters as bonuses, allowing them to sell U.S. agricultural products in targeted countries at competitive prices. At the current time, more than 87 countries and 5 country regions are targeted export destinations under the program and more than 311 exporters are eligible to participate. Under 7 CFR part 1494, exporters are required to submit the following: (1) information required for program participation (section 1494.301), (2) performance security (section 1494.401), (3) export sales information in connection with applying for a CCC bonus (section 1494.501), (4) evidence of export and related information (section 1494.701), and (5) evidence that the eligible commodity entered into the eligible country (section 1494.401). In addition, each exporter must maintain accurate records showing sales and deliveries of the eligible commodity exported in connection with an agreement made under the EEP as outlined in section 1494.1001. The information collected is used by CCC to manage, plan for and evaluate the use of, and account for Government resources. The reports and records are required to ensure the proper and judicious use of public funds. Estimate of Burden: The public reporting burden for these collections is estimated to average .3535 hours per response. Respondents: U.S. exporters of U.S. agricultural commodities, U.S. banks or other financial institutions, producer associations, U.S. export trade associations, and U.S. Government agencies. Estimated Number of Respondents: 40 per annum. Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 139 per annum. Estimated Total Annual Burden of Respondents: 1,965.46 hours. Copies of this information collection can be obtained from Valerie Countiss, the Agency Information Collection Coordinator, at (202) 720- 6713. Requests for comments: Send comments regarding (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to L.T. McElvain, Director, Commodity Credit Corporation Operations Division, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, AgBox 1035, Washington, DC 20250-1035. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record. Christopher E. Goldthwait, General Sales Manager, Foreign Agricultural Service, and Vice President, Commodity Credit Corporation. [FR Doc. 97-4109 Filed 2-20-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-10-M