FR 2024-30281

The document, titled "Notice of Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection," is issued by the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS), a division under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It outlines the agency's intention to revise and seek approval for the information collection associated with the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program. The RISE program is aimed at creating and enhancing jobs within low-income rural communities by supporting industry clusters.

General Summary

The notice is part of procedural requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which necessitates public consultation before revising or extending existing information collection packages. Stakeholders and the general public are invited to comment on the proposed information collection criteria, its necessity, the estimated burdens, and the potential improvements in its execution. Comments are sought by February 18, 2025, and public responses will inform the agency's submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval.

Significant Issues and Concerns

While the intention behind the RISE program is commendable, the document poses some challenges that warrant attention. Firstly, the notice does not disclose the financial scale of the RISE program, which makes it difficult for stakeholders to assess the adequacy of its funding or recognize potential inefficiencies. Secondly, the specific criteria determining eligibility for benefits under the program are not detailed. This lack of transparency could lead to perceptions of bias or favoritism in the grant-awarding process.

Furthermore, the methods used to estimate the burden of information collection are not adequately explained, raising questions about their accuracy. The estimated burden—a substantial figure given as 2.155 hours per response cumulatively resulting in 1,839 hours annually—could benefit from greater clarity to ensure stakeholders can adequately plan for participation requirements. Additionally, the notice's complex procedural guidance on submitting comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal may discourage or confuse some potential respondents, particularly those unfamiliar with governmental platforms.

Impact on the Public

The revision of this information collection affects a broad segment of stakeholders within rural communities, including nonprofit organizations, tribal entities, institutions of learning, and public bodies involved in economic development and job training. Given the agency's role in revitalizing rural economies, the success and efficiency of this program could have significant socio-economic impacts. By refining job-focused initiatives, the RISE program aims to foster higher employment rates and enhance economic development in regions that traditionally experience economic hardship.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Specific stakeholders, such as nonprofit organizations and educational institutions, stand to benefit markedly from the RISE program through grants that promote business incubation and workforce training. These entities play crucial roles in job creation and upskilling, helping transition workers into higher-wage positions.

Nevertheless, stakeholders must also navigate the uncertainties surrounding program eligibility and application procedural burdens, which might deter participation or complicate the efficient execution of the program if not addressed. Providing clearer criteria and a simplified commenting process could improve stakeholder engagement and the program's overall effectiveness.

In summary, while the RISE program holds potential for positive rural economic impacts, the outlined issues suggest a need for greater transparency, clarity, and accessibility to ensure its efficient and equitable implementation.