This information describes the
availability and usage of broadband internet services in
HUD-assisted housing and at Neighborhood Networks Centers. The data
identifies opportunities for HUD to invest in providing broadband
service for residents. The respondents are Public Housing
Authorities, Tribes and managers of multi-family and HOME
Investment Partnerships Program properties as well as managers of
Neighborhood Networks Centers. HUD will survey all PHAs, Indian
Tribes and managers of Neighborhood Networks Centers. We will also
survey a 500-respondent universe of Multi-Family managers with
e-mail addresses available, a 500-respondent universe of
Multi-Family managers without e-mail addresses and a 500-respondent
universe of HOME managers.
August 18, 2009 Mr. Ross
Rutledge OMB Desk Officer Office of Management and Budget New
Executive Office Building Washington, DC 20503 Dear Mr. Rutledge:
The Department is seeking emergency review of the Paperwork
Reduction Act requirements contained in the HUD Broadband Project
Paperwork Reduction Act Submission. The Notice of Paperwork
Submission (copy enclosed) explains the burden of the collection
requirements. This is a new information collection. The American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) invests $7.2 billion
in the expansion of access and quality of broadband services in
unserved and underserved areas while creating jobs and economic
opportunity and requires the development of a National Broadband
Plan by February 2010. Given the growing importance of broadband
access in a wide range of contexts, HUD needs to immediately
develop broadband policies and participate in ARRAs planning and
grant-making process. Unfortunately, the near total lack of data on
the availability and usage of broadband internet services in public
and assisted housing severely hampers HUDs ability to do this.
Because of this and given the short timeline established by ARRA,
HUD seeks to undertake this data collection as soon as possible.
These facts drive this emergency request. In compliance with the
requirements of 5 CFR 1320.13, by this letter I request that
emergency processing be completed within 7 days. Please feel free
to contact me or Rebecca Parks if you have any questions regarding
this request. Thank you for your consideration and assistance.
Sincerely, Raphael W. Bostic, Ph. D. Assistant Secretary
Enclosures
US Code:
12 USC 1701z-10a Name of Law: Advanced technologies, methods,
and materials for housing construction, rehabilitation, and
maintena
US Code:
12 USC 1701z-2(g) Name of Law: Advanced technologies, methods,
and materials for housing construction, rehabilitation, and
maintena
US Code: 12
USC 1701z-1 Name of Law: Advanced technologies, methods, and
materials for housing construction, rehabilitation, and
maintena
HUD needs to develope broadband
policies. This information will provide data on the availability
and usage of broadband internet services in public and assisted
housing.
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.