Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request, 11518-11521 [2015-04351]
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11518
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 41 / Tuesday, March 3, 2015 / Notices
any periodic reports since the period
ended June 30, 2012.
The Commission is of the opinion that
the public interest and the protection of
investors require a suspension of trading
in the securities of the above-listed
companies.
Therefore, it is ordered, pursuant to
Section 12(k) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, that trading in the
securities of the above-listed companies
is suspended for the period from 9:30
a.m. EST on February 27, 2015, through
11:59 p.m. EDT on March 12, 2015.
By the Commission.
Jill M. Peterson,
Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2015–04449 Filed 2–27–15; 4:15 pm]
BILLING CODE 8011–01–P
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
[Disaster Declaration #14233 and #14234]
California Disaster #CA–00231
U.S. Small Business
Administration.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
This is a notice of an
Administrative declaration of a disaster
for the State of California dated 02/23/
2015.
Incident: Mission District Fire.
Incident Period: 01/27/2015.
DATES: Effective Date: 02/23/2015.
Physical Loan Application Deadline
Date: 04/24/2015.
Economic Injury (EIDL) Loan
Application Deadline Date: 11/23/2015.
ADDRESSES: Submit completed loan
applications to: U.S. Small Business
Administration, Processing And
Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport
Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A.
Escobar, Office of Disaster Assistance,
U.S. Small Business Administration,
409 3rd Street SW., Suite 6050,
Washington, DC 20416.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is
hereby given that as a result of the
Administrator’s disaster declaration,
applications for disaster loans may be
filed at the address listed above or other
locally announced locations.
The following areas have been
determined to be adversely affected by
the disaster:
Primary Counties: San Francisco.
Contiguous Counties: California:
Alameda; Marin; San Mateo.
The Interest Rates are:
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
Percent
For Physical Damage:
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Toone, Office of Information
Technology, RAD–20, Federal Railroad
Homeowners With Credit AvailAdministration, 1200 New Jersey Ave.
able Elsewhere ......................
3.625 SE., Mail Stop 35, Washington, DC
Homeowners Without Credit
20590. Commenters requesting FRA to
Available Elsewhere ..............
1.813 acknowledge receipt of their respective
Businesses With Credit Availcomments must include a self-addressed
able Elsewhere ......................
6.000
stamped postcard stating, ‘‘Comments
Businesses
Without
Credit
Available Elsewhere ..............
4.000 on OMB control number 2130–0548.’’
Alternatively, comments may be
Non-Profit Organizations With
Credit Available Elsewhere ...
2.625 transmitted via facsimile to (202) 493–
Non-Profit Organizations With6170, or via email to Ms. Toone at
out Credit Available Elsekim.toone@dot.gov. Please refer to the
where .....................................
2.625 assigned OMB control number in any
For Economic Injury:
correspondence submitted. FRA will
Businesses & Small Agricultural
summarize comments received in
Cooperatives Without Credit
Available Elsewhere ..............
4.000 response to this notice in a subsequent
notice and include them in its
Non-Profit Organizations Withinformation collection submission to
out Credit Available Elsewhere .....................................
2.625 OMB for approval.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
The number assigned to this disaster
Kimberly Toone, Office of Information
for physical damage is 14233 5 and for
Technology, RAD–20, Federal Railroad
economic injury is 14234 0.
Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave.
The States which received an EIDL
SE., Mail Stop 35, Washington, DC
Declaration # are California.
20590 (telephone: (202) 493–6132).
(These telephone numbers are not toll(Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
free.)
Numbers 59002 and 59008)
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Dated: February 23, 2015.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
Maria Contreras-Sweet,
(PRA), Public Law 104–13, 2, 109 Stat.
Administrator.
163 (1995) (codified as revised at 44
[FR Doc. 2015–04309 Filed 3–2–15; 8:45 am]
U.S.C. 3501–3520), and its
BILLING CODE 8025–01–P
implementing regulations, 5 CFR part
1320, require Federal agencies to
provide 60-days notice to the public for
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION comment on information collection
activities before seeking approval for
Federal Railroad Administration
reinstatement or renewal by OMB. 44
U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1),
[Docket No. FRA 2015–0071–N–3]
1320.10(e)(1), 1320.12(a). Specifically,
FRA invites interested respondents to
Proposed Agency Information
comment on the following summary of
Collection Activities; Comment
proposed information collection
Request
activities regarding (i) whether the
AGENCY: Federal Railroad
information collection activities are
Administration (FRA), Department of
necessary for FRA to properly execute
Transportation (DOT).
its functions, including whether the
ACTION: Notice.
activities will have practical utility; (ii)
the accuracy of FRA’s estimates of the
SUMMARY: In accordance with the
burden of the information collection
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and
activities, including the validity of the
its implementing regulations, the
methodology and assumptions used to
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
determine the estimates; (iii) ways for
hereby announces that it is seeking
FRA to enhance the quality, utility, and
renewal of the following currently
clarity of the information being
approved information collection
collected; and (iv) ways for FRA to
activities. Before submitting these
minimize the burden of information
information collection requirements for
collection activities on the public by
clearance by the Office of Management
automated, electronic, mechanical, or
and Budget (OMB), FRA is soliciting
other technological collection
public comment on specific aspects of
techniques or other forms of information
the activities identified below.
technology (e.g., permitting electronic
DATES: Comments must be received no
submission of responses). See 44 U.S.C.
later than May 4, 2015.
3506(c)(2)(A)(I)–(iv); 5 CFR
ADDRESSES: Submit written comments
1320.8(d)(1)(I)–(iv). FRA believes that
on any or all of the following proposed
soliciting public comment will promote
activities by mail to Ms. Kimberly
its efforts to reduce the administrative
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11519
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 41 / Tuesday, March 3, 2015 / Notices
and paperwork burdens associated with
the collection of information mandated
by Federal regulations. In summary,
FRA reasons that comments received
will advance three objectives: (i) Reduce
reporting burdens; (ii) ensure that it
organizes information collection
requirements in a ‘‘user friendly’’ format
to improve the use of such information;
and (iii) accurately assess the resources
expended to retrieve and produce
information requested. See 44 U.S.C.
3501.
Below is a brief summary of the
information collection activities that
FRA will submit for clearance by OMB
as required under the PRA:
Title: Railroad Rehabilitation and
Improvement Financing Program (RRIF).
OMB Control Number: 2130–0548.
Abstract: Title V of the Railroad
Revitalization and Regulatory Reform
Act of 1976 (Act), 45 U.S.C. 821 et seq.,
authorized FRA to provide railroads
financial assistance through the
purchase of preference shares, and the
issuance of loan guarantees. Section
7203 of the Transportation Equity Act
for the 21st Century of 1998, Public Law
105–178 (1998) (TEA 21), and
subsequent amendments in the Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
Users, Public Law 109–59 (2005)
SAFETEA–LU and the Rail Safety
Improvement Act of 2008 (RSIA),
Division A of Public Law 110–432 have
since replaced the previous Title V
financing program. On July 6, 2000,
FRA published a final rule (FR) with
procedures and requirements to cover
applications of financial assistance in
the form of direct loans and loan
guarantees consistent with the changes
made to Title V of the Act by section
7203 of TEA 21. On September 29, 2010,
FRA published a Notice Regarding
Consideration and Processing of
Applications for Financial Assistance
Under the RRIF Program. The collection
of information is used by FRA staff to
determine the legal and financial
eligibility of applicants for direct loans
regarding eligible projects. Eligible
projects include: (1) Acquisition,
improvement or rehabilitation of
intermodal or rail equipment or
facilities (including tracks, components
of tracks, bridges, yards, buildings, and
shops); (2) Refinancing outstanding debt
incurred for these purposes; or (3)
Development or establishment of new
intermodal or railroad facilities. The
aggregate unpaid principal amounts of
obligations cannot exceed $35.0 billion
at any one time, and not less than $7.0
billion is to be available solely for
projects benefitting freight railroads
other than Class I carriers. The Secretary
of Transportation has delegated his
authority under the RRIF Program to the
FRA Administrator in 1 CFR 1.49. On
September 29, 2010, FRA published a
Notice Regarding Consideration and
Processing of Applications for Financial
Assistance Under the RRIF Program. As
explained in the notice, FRA’s RRIF Buy
America policy furthers two of the RRIF
program’s eight priorities described in
45 U.S.C. 822(c): (3) Promote economic
development, and (4) Enable U.S.
companies to be more competitive in
international markets.
Form Number(s): FRA Forms 217, 219
and 229.
Affected Public: State and local
governments, government sponsored
authorities and corporations, railroads,
and joint ventures that include at least
one railroad.
REPORTING BURDEN—APPLICATIONS
Average
time per
response
(hours)
Total annual
burden
hours
CFR section
Respondent universe
Total annual responses
260.23—Form and Content of Application ...............
75,635 potential applicants.
640 potential ...................
75,635 potential ..............
75,635 potential ..............
75,635 potential ..............
75,635 potential ..............
75,635 potential ..............
75,635 potential ..............
75,635 potential ..............
75,635 potential ..............
75,635 potential ..............
75,635 potential ..............
18 applications ................
20
360
15 financial documents ...
18 executed applications
18 certificates .................
18 letters .........................
18 packages ...................
18 statements .................
1 impact statement .........
2 assessments ................
15 exclusions ..................
5 consultations ................
18 financial records ........
50
750
10.8
10.8
10.8
27
9
15,552
9,984
2,640
5
180
260.25—Additional Information Loan Guarantees ....
260.31—Execution and Filing Application ................
Certificates with Original Application ........................
Transmittal Letters ....................................................
Application Packages ................................................
260.33—Information Statements ..............................
260.35—Environmental Impact Statements .............
Environmental Assessment .......................................
Categorical Exclusions ..............................................
Environmental Consultations ....................................
260.41—Inspection
and
Reporting—Financial
Records and Other.
.6
.6
.6
1.5
* 30
15,552
4,992
176
1
10
* In minutes.
REPORTING BURDEN—BUY AMERICA ACT REQUIREMENTS
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Item No.
Respondent universe
Total annual responses
Average
time per
response
1.1—Certification of Compliance or Non-Compliance with Buy America Requirements for
Steel, Iron, or Manufactured Products being
produced by Borrower.
1.2—Certification of Compliance with Buy America for Rolling Stock.
2.1—Waivers—Requests/Applications for Waivers, including FRA Form 229.
2.2—Public Comment on Waiver Requests .......
18 Borrowers ...............
2,376 compliance certifications.
3 hours .........................
7,128
18 Borrowers ...............
1 certification ...............
62 hours .......................
62
18 Borrowers ...............
12 waiver requests ......
198 hours .....................
2,349
6 Rail Car Manufacturers/3 Associations/
Public.
18 comments ...............
4 hours .........................
72
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Total annual
burden
hours
11520
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 41 / Tuesday, March 3, 2015 / Notices
REPORTING BURDEN—BUY AMERICA ACT REQUIREMENTS—Continued
Total annual responses
Average
time per
response
3 Associations/6 Rail
Car Manufacturers.
12 consultations ...........
1 hour ..........................
12
18 Borrowers ...............
18 agreements .............
60 minutes ...................
18
18 Borrowers ...............
18 RFPs .......................
75 minutes ...................
23
11 Bidders/Offerors .....
3 written Explanations
6 hours .........................
18
18 Borrowers 11 Bidders/Offerors.
18 Borrowers ...............
1 request + 1 document.
3 determination/3 notifications.
2 hours + 6 hours ........
8
2 hours + 6 minutes ....
6.25
11 Bidders/Offerors .....
1 document ..................
2 hours .........................
2
Interested Parties ........
1 requests/petitions .....
12 hours .......................
12
18 Borrowers ...............
3 investigations ............
333 hours .....................
999
11 Bidders/Offerors .....
2 letters + 2 documents
1 hour + 8 hours ..........
18
18 Borrowers ...............
2 replies .......................
1 hour ..........................
2
11 Bidders/Offerors .....
2 notices ......................
60 minutes ...................
2
11 Bidders/Offerors .....
1 consultations .............
1 hour ..........................
1
18 Borrowers/1 Investigated Parties.
18 Borrowers ...............
1 document ..................
4 hours .........................
4
2 replies .......................
30 minutes ...................
1
1 Petitioners .................
11 Bidders/Offerors .....
1 comment ...................
12 comment copies .....
8 hours .........................
15 minutes ...................
8
3
11 Bidders/Offerors .....
1 comment responses
8 hours .........................
8
Interested Parties ........
1 request ......................
4 hours .........................
4
18 Borrowers/11 Bidders/Offerors.
1 detailed Statement ...
8 hours .........................
8
18 Borrowers ...............
1 determination ............
40 hours .......................
40
18 Borrowers ...............
1 notification ................
1 hour ..........................
1
Interested Parties ........
1 request ......................
80 hours .......................
80
18 Borrowers ...............
11 Bidders/Offerors .....
1 audit ..........................
1 list .............................
33 hours .......................
8 hours .........................
33
8
18 Borrowers ...............
1 formal contract ..........
16 hours .......................
16
18 Borrowers ...............
11 Bidders/Offerors/
Successful Contractors.
1 audit ..........................
1 agreement ................
256 hours .....................
4 hours .........................
256
4
11 Bidders/Offerors .....
1 plan ...........................
120 hours .....................
120
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
Item No.
Respondent universe
2.3—Consultations with Organizations/Associations Knowledgeable about Sources of Domestic Goods.
3.1—Financial Assistance Agreements with
FRA.
3.2—Borrower Request for Proposal (RFP) with
Buy America Notice.
3.3—Bidder/Offeror Written Explanation concerning Incomplete/Incorrect Certification.
3.4—Borrower/Borrower’s Designee Request for
Additional Information from Bidder/Offeror.
3.5—Borrower Determination to Accept/Reject
Bidder’s/Offeror’s Written Explanation + Notification to FRA of Borrower’s Final Determination.
3.6—Additional Information from Bidder/Offeror/
Borrower after FRA Request.
4.1—Petition to FRA to Investigate Compliance
of Successful Bidder/Offeror with Bidder’s/
Offeror’s Certification by Interested Party.
4.2—Borrower Investigations (including FRA initiated investigations).
4.3—Bidder/Offeror Documentation of Compliance Submitted to Borrower after FRA Determination to Conduct Investigation and Letter
from Borrower.
4.4—Borrower direct reply to FRA after request
to conduct investigation of bidder/offeror.
4.5—Bidder/Offeror Notice to Borrower that it
will respond directly to FRA.
4.6—Direct Consultation by FRA with Bidder/Offeror.
4.7—Additional Documents to FRA from Borrower/Investigated Party.
4.8—Transmission of Borrower/Bidder/Offeror
Reply to Petitioner.
4.9—Petitioner Comment to FRA on Reply ........
4.10—Petitioner Comment Copy to Borrower/Investigated Bidder/Offeror.
4.11—Borrower/Investigated Bidder/Offeror respond to Petitioner Comment.
4.12—Written request to FRA for information
bearing on substance of investigation which
has been submitted by petitioner, interested
parties, or borrowers.
4.13—Detailed Statement to FRA Regarding
Confidentiality of Previously Submitted Information to Agency.
4.14—Borrower Determination to make award
before resolution of investigation one of this
sections specified reasons.
4.15—Notification to FRA by Borrower to make
award during pendency of investigation.
4.16—Request to FRA for Reconsideration of
Initial Decision by Party Involved in Investigations.
5.1—Pre-Award Audit .........................................
5.2—List by Bidder/Offeror Detailing Facility Assembly Activities.
5.3—Formal Final Contract between Borrower
and Bidder/Offeror.
5.4—Post Award Audit ........................................
5.5—Written Agreement by Bidder/Offeror/Successful Contractor to allow Borrower, its Designee, or FRA to Complete All Audits, Inspections, and Provide All Requested Information.
5.6—Rolling Stock Domestic Content Improvement Plans.
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Total annual
burden
hours
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 41 / Tuesday, March 3, 2015 / Notices
11521
REPORTING BURDEN—BUY AMERICA ACT REQUIREMENTS—Continued
Respondent universe
Total annual responses
Average
time per
response
n/a ................................
12,090 ..........................
n/a ................................
Item No.
Totals ...........................................................
Total Estimated Annual Burden:
40,865 hours.
Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3507(a) and 5
CFR 1320.5(b) and 1320.8(b)(3)(vi), FRA
informs all interested parties that it may
not conduct or sponsor, and a
respondent is not required to respond
to, a collection of information unless it
displays a currently valid OMB control
number.
Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501–3520.
Issued in Washington, DC, on February 25,
2015.
Rebecca Pennington,
Chief Financial Officer.
[FR Doc. 2015–04351 Filed 3–2–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–06–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
[Docket No. NHTSA–2014–0078; Notice 2]
AGC Flat Glass North America, Inc.,
Grant of Petition For Decision of
Inconsequential Noncompliance
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA),
Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Grant of petition.
AGENCY:
AGC Flat Glass North
America, Inc., dba AGC Automotive
Americas Co. (AGC) has determined that
certain glazing that it manufactured as
replacement equipment for model year
2003–2008 Toyota Matrix vehicles, do
not fully comply with paragraph S5.1 of
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
(FMVSS) No. 205, Glazing Materials.
AGC has filed an appropriate report
dated May 23, 2013, pursuant to 49 CFR
part 573, Defect and Noncompliance
Responsibility and Reports.
ADDRESSES: For further information on
this decision contact Luis Figueroa,
Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance,
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), telephone
(202) 366–5298, facsimile (202) 366–
5930.
mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. AGC’s Petition: Pursuant to 49
U.S.C. 30118(d) and 30120(h) and the
rule implementing those provisions at
49 CFR part 556, AGC submitted a
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19:24 Mar 02, 2015
Jkt 235001
petition for an exemption from the
notification and remedy requirements of
49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 on the basis that
this noncompliance is inconsequential
to motor vehicle safety.
Notice of receipt of AGC’s petition
was published, with a 30-Day public
comment period, on August 14, 2014 in
the Federal Register (79 FR 47722). One
comment was received from Toyota
Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
North America, Inc. (Toyota). To view
the petition, comment and supporting
documents log onto the Federal Docket
Management System (FDMS) Web site
at: https://www.regulations.gov/. Then
follow the online search instructions to
locate docket number ‘‘NHTSA–2014–
0078.’’
II. Replacement Equipment Involved:
Affected are approximately 1,435
replacement back windows (backlites)
for model year 2003–2008 Toyota
Matrix vehicles that AGC manufactured
on February 28, 2012. The subject
glazing is labeled ‘‘AGC Automotive,
DOT–376 M2H5 AS2, 30B, Temperlite.’’
In the associated Defect and
Noncompliance Report that AGC
submitted to NHTSA pursuant to 49
CFR part 573, AGC indicated that, as of
May 23, 2014, approximately 941 of the
affected 1,435 backlites have already
been removed from the stream of
commerce, leaving 494 of the backlites
subject to notification and recall.
III. Noncompliance: AGC explains
that the noncompliance is that the
affected glazing does not fully comply
with Paragraph S5.1 of FMVSS No. 205
because some portions of the glass
located in the wing area of the affected
backlites may not fragment into pieces
that are small enough to meet the
standard set forth in Section 5.7 of ANSI
Z26.1–1996 (fragment must weigh less
than 4.25 g).
IV. Rule Text: Paragraph S5.1 of
FMVSS No. 205 incorporates by
reference ANSI Z26.1–1996 and other
industry standards. Specifically, Section
S5.7 (Fracture Test) of ANSI Z26.1–1996
requires that no individual fragment free
of cracks and obtained within 3 minutes
subsequent to testing shall weigh more
than 4.25 g (0.15 oz.).
V. Summary of AGC’s Analyses: AGC
stated its belief that the noncompliance
exhibited by some glass fragments
breaking into pieces that weighing more
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Total annual
burden
hours
11,326
than 4.25 g does not create a risk to
motor vehicle safety for the following
reasons:
1. AGC testing demonstrates that the
noncompliant fragments have no
adverse impact on the characteristics of
the glass performing as tempered glass.
2. The design of the 2003–2008
Toyota Matrix leaves it unlikely to cause
any safety risks to any vehicle occupant
if the ARG backlite breaks.
3. AGC’s destructive testing
confirmed all noncompliant fragments
do not impact the safety of the vehicle
or its occupants.
AGC stated that while it recognizes
that its tests were static and that the
actual results in a crash might be
somewhat different. For example, AGC
stated its belief that in a rear or partial
rear collision, if the glass breaks, most
of that glass will fall and remain in the
general area of the breakage since the
remainder of the vehicle will be
propelled forward in the later phases of
the crash. This makes it even less likely
that any glass will enter or be propelled
forward enough to reach the passenger
compartment of a vehicle. ARG expects
that the subject backlites will react no
differently.
Refer to AGC’s petition for more
detailed descriptions of the data and
analyses that it provided in support of
its reasoning.
AGC has additionally informed
NHTSA that it has corrected the
noncompliance so that all future
production of the subject glazing will
fully comply with FMVSS No. 205.
In summation, AGC believes that the
described noncompliance of the subject
glazing is inconsequential to motor
vehicle safety, and that its petition, to
exempt AGC from providing recall
notification of noncompliance as
required by 49 U.S.C. 30118 and
remedying the recall noncompliance as
required by 49 U.S.C. 30120 should be
granted.
NHTSA Decision
NHTSA Analysis: FMVSS No. 205
specifies labeling and performance
requirements for automotive glazing. As
related to the subject noncompliance,
FMVSS No. 205 incorporates ANSI
Z26.1 (1996) and other industry
standards by reference (S.5.1).
Paragraph 4.1 of ANSI Z26.1 (1996)
E:\FR\FM\03MRN1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 41 (Tuesday, March 3, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11518-11521]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-04351]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Railroad Administration
[Docket No. FRA 2015-0071-N-3]
Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment
Request
AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and its
implementing regulations, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
hereby announces that it is seeking renewal of the following currently
approved information collection activities. Before submitting these
information collection requirements for clearance by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB), FRA is soliciting public comment on
specific aspects of the activities identified below.
DATES: Comments must be received no later than May 4, 2015.
ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on any or all of the following
proposed activities by mail to Ms. Kimberly Toone, Office of
Information Technology, RAD-20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200
New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop 35, Washington, DC 20590. Commenters
requesting FRA to acknowledge receipt of their respective comments must
include a self-addressed stamped postcard stating, ``Comments on OMB
control number 2130-0548.'' Alternatively, comments may be transmitted
via facsimile to (202) 493-6170, or via email to Ms. Toone at
kim.toone@dot.gov. Please refer to the assigned OMB control number in
any correspondence submitted. FRA will summarize comments received in
response to this notice in a subsequent notice and include them in its
information collection submission to OMB for approval.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Kimberly Toone, Office of
Information Technology, RAD-20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200
New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop 35, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone:
(202) 493-6132). (These telephone numbers are not toll-free.)
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA),
Public Law 104-13, 2, 109 Stat. 163 (1995) (codified as revised at 44
U.S.C. 3501-3520), and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320,
require Federal agencies to provide 60-days notice to the public for
comment on information collection activities before seeking approval
for reinstatement or renewal by OMB. 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A); 5 CFR
1320.8(d)(1), 1320.10(e)(1), 1320.12(a). Specifically, FRA invites
interested respondents to comment on the following summary of proposed
information collection activities regarding (i) whether the information
collection activities are necessary for FRA to properly execute its
functions, including whether the activities will have practical
utility; (ii) the accuracy of FRA's estimates of the burden of the
information collection activities, including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used to determine the estimates; (iii) ways
for FRA to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information
being collected; and (iv) ways for FRA to minimize the burden of
information collection activities on the public by automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology (e.g., permitting electronic
submission of responses). See 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)(I)-(iv); 5 CFR
1320.8(d)(1)(I)-(iv). FRA believes that soliciting public comment will
promote its efforts to reduce the administrative
[[Page 11519]]
and paperwork burdens associated with the collection of information
mandated by Federal regulations. In summary, FRA reasons that comments
received will advance three objectives: (i) Reduce reporting burdens;
(ii) ensure that it organizes information collection requirements in a
``user friendly'' format to improve the use of such information; and
(iii) accurately assess the resources expended to retrieve and produce
information requested. See 44 U.S.C. 3501.
Below is a brief summary of the information collection activities
that FRA will submit for clearance by OMB as required under the PRA:
Title: Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program
(RRIF).
OMB Control Number: 2130-0548.
Abstract: Title V of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory
Reform Act of 1976 (Act), 45 U.S.C. 821 et seq., authorized FRA to
provide railroads financial assistance through the purchase of
preference shares, and the issuance of loan guarantees. Section 7203 of
the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century of 1998, Public Law
105-178 (1998) (TEA 21), and subsequent amendments in the Safe,
Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy
for Users, Public Law 109-59 (2005) SAFETEA-LU and the Rail Safety
Improvement Act of 2008 (RSIA), Division A of Public Law 110-432 have
since replaced the previous Title V financing program. On July 6, 2000,
FRA published a final rule (FR) with procedures and requirements to
cover applications of financial assistance in the form of direct loans
and loan guarantees consistent with the changes made to Title V of the
Act by section 7203 of TEA 21. On September 29, 2010, FRA published a
Notice Regarding Consideration and Processing of Applications for
Financial Assistance Under the RRIF Program. The collection of
information is used by FRA staff to determine the legal and financial
eligibility of applicants for direct loans regarding eligible projects.
Eligible projects include: (1) Acquisition, improvement or
rehabilitation of intermodal or rail equipment or facilities (including
tracks, components of tracks, bridges, yards, buildings, and shops);
(2) Refinancing outstanding debt incurred for these purposes; or (3)
Development or establishment of new intermodal or railroad facilities.
The aggregate unpaid principal amounts of obligations cannot exceed
$35.0 billion at any one time, and not less than $7.0 billion is to be
available solely for projects benefitting freight railroads other than
Class I carriers. The Secretary of Transportation has delegated his
authority under the RRIF Program to the FRA Administrator in 1 CFR
1.49. On September 29, 2010, FRA published a Notice Regarding
Consideration and Processing of Applications for Financial Assistance
Under the RRIF Program. As explained in the notice, FRA's RRIF Buy
America policy furthers two of the RRIF program's eight priorities
described in 45 U.S.C. 822(c): (3) Promote economic development, and
(4) Enable U.S. companies to be more competitive in international
markets.
Form Number(s): FRA Forms 217, 219 and 229.
Affected Public: State and local governments, government sponsored
authorities and corporations, railroads, and joint ventures that
include at least one railroad.
Reporting Burden--Applications
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average time
CFR section Respondent universe Total annual per response Total annual
responses (hours) burden hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
260.23--Form and Content of 75,635 potential 18 applications..... 20 360
Application. applicants.
260.25--Additional Information 640 potential....... 15 financial 50 750
Loan Guarantees. documents.
260.31--Execution and Filing 75,635 potential.... 18 executed .6 10.8
Application. applications.
Certificates with Original 75,635 potential.... 18 certificates..... .6 10.8
Application.
Transmittal Letters............... 75,635 potential.... 18 letters.......... .6 10.8
Application Packages.............. 75,635 potential.... 18 packages......... 1.5 27
260.33--Information Statements.... 75,635 potential.... 18 statements....... * 30 9
260.35--Environmental Impact 75,635 potential.... 1 impact statement.. 15,552 15,552
Statements.
Environmental Assessment.......... 75,635 potential.... 2 assessments....... 4,992 9,984
Categorical Exclusions............ 75,635 potential.... 15 exclusions....... 176 2,640
Environmental Consultations....... 75,635 potential.... 5 consultations..... 1 5
260.41--Inspection and Reporting-- 75,635 potential.... 18 financial records 10 180
Financial Records and Other.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* In minutes.
Reporting Burden--Buy America Act Requirements
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total annual Average time per Total annual
Item No. Respondent universe responses response burden hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.1--Certification of Compliance 18 Borrowers....... 2,376 compliance 3 hours............ 7,128
or Non-Compliance with Buy certifications.
America Requirements for Steel,
Iron, or Manufactured Products
being produced by Borrower.
1.2--Certification of Compliance 18 Borrowers....... 1 certification.... 62 hours........... 62
with Buy America for Rolling
Stock.
2.1--Waivers--Requests/ 18 Borrowers....... 12 waiver requests. 198 hours.......... 2,349
Applications for Waivers,
including FRA Form 229.
2.2--Public Comment on Waiver 6 Rail Car 18 comments........ 4 hours............ 72
Requests. Manufacturers/3
Associations/
Public.
[[Page 11520]]
2.3--Consultations with 3 Associations/6 12 consultations... 1 hour............. 12
Organizations/Associations Rail Car
Knowledgeable about Sources of Manufacturers.
Domestic Goods.
3.1--Financial Assistance 18 Borrowers....... 18 agreements...... 60 minutes......... 18
Agreements with FRA.
3.2--Borrower Request for 18 Borrowers....... 18 RFPs............ 75 minutes......... 23
Proposal (RFP) with Buy America
Notice.
3.3--Bidder/Offeror Written 11 Bidders/Offerors 3 written 6 hours............ 18
Explanation concerning Explanations.
Incomplete/Incorrect
Certification.
3.4--Borrower/Borrower's Designee 18 Borrowers 11 1 request + 1 2 hours + 6 hours.. 8
Request for Additional Bidders/Offerors. document.
Information from Bidder/Offeror.
3.5--Borrower Determination to 18 Borrowers....... 3 determination/3 2 hours + 6 minutes 6.25
Accept/Reject Bidder's/Offeror's notifications.
Written Explanation +
Notification to FRA of
Borrower's Final Determination.
3.6--Additional Information from 11 Bidders/Offerors 1 document......... 2 hours............ 2
Bidder/Offeror/Borrower after
FRA Request.
4.1--Petition to FRA to Interested Parties. 1 requests/ 12 hours........... 12
Investigate Compliance of petitions.
Successful Bidder/Offeror with
Bidder's/Offeror's Certification
by Interested Party.
4.2--Borrower Investigations 18 Borrowers....... 3 investigations... 333 hours.......... 999
(including FRA initiated
investigations).
4.3--Bidder/Offeror Documentation 11 Bidders/Offerors 2 letters + 2 1 hour + 8 hours... 18
of Compliance Submitted to documents.
Borrower after FRA Determination
to Conduct Investigation and
Letter from Borrower.
4.4--Borrower direct reply to FRA 18 Borrowers....... 2 replies.......... 1 hour............. 2
after request to conduct
investigation of bidder/offeror.
4.5--Bidder/Offeror Notice to 11 Bidders/Offerors 2 notices.......... 60 minutes......... 2
Borrower that it will respond
directly to FRA.
4.6--Direct Consultation by FRA 11 Bidders/Offerors 1 consultations.... 1 hour............. 1
with Bidder/Offeror.
4.7--Additional Documents to FRA 18 Borrowers/1 1 document......... 4 hours............ 4
from Borrower/Investigated Party. Investigated
Parties.
4.8--Transmission of Borrower/ 18 Borrowers....... 2 replies.......... 30 minutes......... 1
Bidder/Offeror Reply to
Petitioner.
4.9--Petitioner Comment to FRA on 1 Petitioners...... 1 comment.......... 8 hours............ 8
Reply.
4.10--Petitioner Comment Copy to 11 Bidders/Offerors 12 comment copies.. 15 minutes......... 3
Borrower/Investigated Bidder/
Offeror.
4.11--Borrower/Investigated 11 Bidders/Offerors 1 comment responses 8 hours............ 8
Bidder/Offeror respond to
Petitioner Comment.
4.12--Written request to FRA for Interested Parties. 1 request.......... 4 hours............ 4
information bearing on substance
of investigation which has been
submitted by petitioner,
interested parties, or borrowers.
4.13--Detailed Statement to FRA 18 Borrowers/11 1 detailed 8 hours............ 8
Regarding Confidentiality of Bidders/Offerors. Statement.
Previously Submitted Information
to Agency.
4.14--Borrower Determination to 18 Borrowers....... 1 determination.... 40 hours........... 40
make award before resolution of
investigation one of this
sections specified reasons.
4.15--Notification to FRA by 18 Borrowers....... 1 notification..... 1 hour............. 1
Borrower to make award during
pendency of investigation.
4.16--Request to FRA for Interested Parties. 1 request.......... 80 hours........... 80
Reconsideration of Initial
Decision by Party Involved in
Investigations.
5.1--Pre-Award Audit............. 18 Borrowers....... 1 audit............ 33 hours........... 33
5.2--List by Bidder/Offeror 11 Bidders/Offerors 1 list............. 8 hours............ 8
Detailing Facility Assembly
Activities.
5.3--Formal Final Contract 18 Borrowers....... 1 formal contract.. 16 hours........... 16
between Borrower and Bidder/
Offeror.
5.4--Post Award Audit............ 18 Borrowers....... 1 audit............ 256 hours.......... 256
5.5--Written Agreement by Bidder/ 11 Bidders/Offerors/ 1 agreement........ 4 hours............ 4
Offeror/Successful Contractor to Successful
allow Borrower, its Designee, or Contractors.
FRA to Complete All Audits,
Inspections, and Provide All
Requested Information.
5.6--Rolling Stock Domestic 11 Bidders/Offerors 1 plan............. 120 hours.......... 120
Content Improvement Plans.
[[Page 11521]]
Totals....................... n/a................ 12,090............. n/a................ 11,326
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Estimated Annual Burden: 40,865 hours.
Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3507(a) and 5 CFR 1320.5(b) and
1320.8(b)(3)(vi), FRA informs all interested parties that it may not
conduct or sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, a
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number.
Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.
Issued in Washington, DC, on February 25, 2015.
Rebecca Pennington,
Chief Financial Officer.
[FR Doc. 2015-04351 Filed 3-2-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P