Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request, 34829-34831 [E8-13690]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 18, 2008 / Notices experienced CMV operators with valid Swedish-issued CDLs. Because each of the drivers was required to satisfy strict CDL testing standards in Sweden to obtain a CDL and has extensive training and experience operating CMVs, Volvo believes that the exemption will maintain a level of safety equivalent to the level of safety that would be obtained absent the exemption. Method To Ensure an Equivalent or Greater Level of Safety According to Volvo, drivers applying for a Swedish-issued CDL must undergo a training program and pass knowledge and skills tests. Volvo believes the knowledge and skills tests and training program that these drivers undergo to obtain a Swedish CDL ensure the exemption would provide a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety obtained by complying with the U.S. requirement for a CDL. In addition, Volvo has submitted a copy of the Swedish driving record of each of these drivers, and each has a driving record free of violations. FMCSA had previously determined that the process for obtaining a Swedish-issued CDL adequately assesses the driver’s ability to operate CMVs in the U.S. Therefore, the process for obtaining a Swedish-issued CDL is considered to be comparable to, or as effective as, the requirements of 49 CFR part 383. Comments The Agency received one comment in response to its request for public comments on the Volvo Notice of Application for Exemption published in the Federal Register on March 14, 2008 (73 FR 13947). The commentor objected to the granting of the exemption for the three Swedish drivers, without stating any substantive reasons for the objection. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES FMCSA Decision FMCSA does not agree with the objection. The Agency decision to grant these drivers an exemption from section 383.23 is based on the merits of the application for exemption, and the rigorous knowledge and skills testing of Swedish drivers concerning the safe operation of CMVs. Terms and Conditions for the Exemption Based upon evaluation of the application for an exemption, FMCSA grants Volvo an exemption from the Federal CDL requirement in 49 CFR 383.23 for three drivers, identified under the ‘‘Swedish Drivers’’ heading above, to test-drive CMVs within the VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:01 Jun 17, 2008 Jkt 214001 U.S., subject to the following terms and conditions: (1) That these drivers will be subject to drug and alcohol regulations, including testing, as provided in 49 CFR part 382, (2) that these drivers are subject to the same driver disqualification rules under 49 CFR parts 383 and 391 that apply to other CMV drivers in the U.S., (3) that these drivers keep a copy of the exemption on the vehicle at all times, (4) that Volvo notify FMCSA in writing of any accident, as defined in 49 CFR 390.5, involving one of the exempted drivers, and (5) that Volvo notify FMCSA in writing if any driver is convicted of a disqualifying offense described in section 383.51 or 391.15 of the FMCSRs. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136(e), the exemption will be valid for 2 years unless revoked earlier by the FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if: (1) The drivers for Volvo fail to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136. Issued on: June 11, 2008. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. E8–13804 Filed 6–17–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request Federal Railroad Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: 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 approval of the following 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 August 18, 2008. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on any or all of the following proposed activities by mail to either: Mr. Robert PO 00000 Frm 00132 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 34829 Brogan, Office of Safety, Planning and Evaluation Division, RRS–21.1, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Room Number W33– 497, Washington, DC 20590, or Ms. Nakia Poston, Office of Information Technology, RAD–20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Room Number W34–204, 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-New.’’ Alternatively, comments may be transmitted via facsimile to (202) 493– 6216 or (202) 493–6170, or via e-mail to Mr. Brogan at robert.brogan@dot.gov, or to Ms. Poston at nakia.poston@dot.gov. Please refer to the assigned OMB control number or information collection title 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: Mr. Robert Brogan, Office of Planning and Evaluation Division, RRS–21.1, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Room Number W33– 497, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 493–6292) or Ms. Nakia Poston, Office of Information Technology, RAD– 20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Room Number W34–204, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 493–6073). (These telephone numbers are not tollfree.) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Public Law No. 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 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 E:\FR\FM\18JNN1.SGM 18JNN1 34830 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 18, 2008 / Notices 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 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 proposed new information collection activities that FRA will submit for clearance by OMB as required under the PRA: Title: Factors for Selection of Railroads for Evaluation of Bridge Management Practices. OMB Control Number: 2130-New. Abstract: Abstract: The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has conducted a Railroad Bridge Safety Program at various levels of effort ever since the enactment of the Railroad Safety Act of 1970. FRA is authorized under that act to issue regulations addressing a wide variety of subjects regarding railroad safety, but FRA has found that bridge safety has been well served by a non-regulatory policy. The resulting Statement of Agency Policy on the Safety of Railroad Bridges, published in the Federal Register in 2000, is based on the findings of a survey conducted by FRA in 1992 and 1993. That survey showed that a large majority of railroads were managing their bridges in a manner which promoted the immediate safety of those bridges. FRA therefore adopted that Bridge Safety Policy, which incorporates non-regulatory guidelines. The non-regulatory guidelines of the Bridge Safety Policy are promulgated as Appendix C of the Federal Track Safety Standards, Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 213. Since the initial bridge management survey was completed, FRA has continued to conduct evaluations of the bridge management practices of the Nation’s railroads. Regular, continuing contact has been in place between FRA and the larger railroads (Class I and major passenger carriers). However, the selection of smaller railroads (Class III short lines and smaller Class II regional railroads) has been on an ad hoc basis. FRA has based decisions to evaluate individual smaller railroads on recommendations from FRA regional staff, complaints from the public, and the small number of bridge-related train accidents. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) in 2006 and 2007 conducted a study to evaluate the safety and serviceability of our Nation’s railroad bridges and tunnels. GAO reported to the Congress on that study in August 2007. That report, ‘‘RAILROAD BRIDGES AND TUNNELS—Federal Role in Providing Safety Oversight and Freight Infrastructure Investment Could Be Better Targeted’’ includes the following recommendation: To enhance the effectiveness of its bridge and tunnel safety oversight function, we recommend that the Secretary of Transportation direct the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration to devise a systematic, consistent, risk-based methodology for selecting railroads for its bridge safety surveys to ensure that it includes railroads that are at higher risk of not following the FRA’s bridge safety guidelines and of having bridge and tunnel safety issues.’’ FRA agrees with that recommendation, and is implementing it. A vital part of that methodology is the development of information on which to base the factors by which railroads will be selected for surveys and evaluations. The factors developed by FRA, in conjunction with the railroads themselves, include such statistics as the length of a railroad in miles, the number, types and total length of its bridges, its level of traffic, the presence of hazardous material traffic, the operation of passenger trains, and the railroad’s record of train accidents. Several of those factors, particularly regarding the railroad’s bridge Respondent universe rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES Form No. Form FRA F 6180.129 ................................................................ VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:01 Jun 17, 2008 Jkt 214001 population, are not found in data already held or collected by FRA. An attempt to characterize the selection factors without incorporating that data on a railroad’s bridge population would seriously compromise the accuracy and usefulness of the information. FRA has, therefore, determined that the effectiveness of its bridge safety program depends on this data, and has identified two options for collecting it. In one case, FRA inspectors could visit each railroad in turn, interview the managers of the railroad, and record the information presented. In the other case, FRA could request that each railroad provide its data to FRA in a convenient format. FRA believes that the second option, self-reporting by the railroads, is more convenient for the responding universe, and that it represents the most efficient use of agency resources. Railroad managers will be able to gather the data on their own time schedules, within reason, and FRA would not have to devote employee time and travel expenses to visit the responding railroads. FRA will use the data received in this project to rank individual railroads for scheduling bridge program evaluations by FRA’s Bridge Safety Staff. The data will be analyzed against weighting factors, and railroads will be prioritized according to the resulting scores. The weighting factors are presently being reviewed by a committee of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA). FRA will consider the recommendation of ASLRRA in this regard, and will make the weighting factors available to the respondent universe and the public as part of this project. It should be noted that a high selection ranking of any railroad by FRA will not necessarily indicate that the railroad has a bridge safety problem. That determination, one way or the other, will only be made by FRA during its evaluation of that railroad’s bridge management practices. Form Number(s): FRA F 6180.129. Affected Public: Railroads. Respondent Universe: 567 Railroads. Frequency of Submission: On occasion. Reporting Burden: PO 00000 Frm 00133 Total annual responses Average time per response 567 Railroads. 475 forms .... 3 hours ........ Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\18JNN1.SGM 18JNN1 Total annual burden hours 1,425 Total annual burden cost $57,000 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 18, 2008 / Notices Estimated Annual Burden: 1,425 hours. Status: Regular Review. Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3507(a) and 5 CFR 1320.5(b), 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 June 11, 2008. D.J. Stadtler, Director, Office of Financial Management, Federal Railroad Administration. [FR Doc. E8–13690 Filed 6–17–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration [FTA Docket No. FTA–2008–0033] Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of request for comments. rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES SUMMARY: The Federal Transit Administration invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) approval to renew the following information collection: 49 U.S.C. 5309 and 5307 Capital Assistance Programs The information to be collected ensures FTA’s compliance with applicable federal laws, OMB Circular A–102, and 49 CFR Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements with State and Local Governments. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments was published on March 31, 2008. DATES: Comments must be submitted before July 18, 2008. A comment to OMB is most effective if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sylvia L. Marion, Office of Administration, Office of Management Planning, (202) 366–6680. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: 49 U.S.C. Sections 5309 and 5307 Capital Assistance Programs, (OMB Number: 2132–0502). Abstract: 49 U.S.C. 5309 Capital Program and section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Program authorize the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to State and local governments VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:01 Jun 17, 2008 Jkt 214001 and public transportation authorities for financing mass transportation projects. Grant recipients are required to make information available to the public and to publish a program of projects for affected citizens to comment on the proposed program and performance of the grant recipients at public hearings. Notices of hearings must include a brief description of the proposed project and be published in a newspaper circulated in the affected area. FTA also uses the information to determine eligibility for funding and to monitor the grantees’ progress in implementing and completing project activities. The information submitted ensures FTA’s compliance with applicable federal laws, OMB Circular A–102, and 49 CFR Part 18, ‘‘Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements with State and Local Governments.’’ Estimated Total Annual Burden: 198,466 hours. ADDRESSES: All written comments must refer to the docket number that appears at the top of this document and be submitted to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503, Attention: FTA Desk Officer. Comments Are Invited On: Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the Department’s estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Issued On: June 12, 2008. Ann M. Linnertz, Associate Administrator for Administration. [FR Doc. E8–13790 Filed 6–17–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–57–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [DOCKET NO. MARAD 2008 0053] Information Collection Available for Public Comments and Recommendations Notice of intention to request extension of OMB approval and request for comments. ACTION: PO 00000 Frm 00134 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 34831 SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Maritime Administration’s (MARAD’s) intention to request extension of approval (with modifications) for three years of a currently approved information collection. Comments should be submitted on or before August 18, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elizabeth Gearhart, Maritime Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: 202–366–1867; or E-MAIL: beth.gearhart@dot.gov. Copies of this collection also can be obtained from that office. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title of Collection: Shipbuilding Orderbook and Shipyard Employment. Type of Request: Extension of currently approved information collection. OMB Control Number: 2133–0029. Form Numbers: MA–832. Expiration Date of Approval: Three years from date of approval by the Office of Management and Budget. Summary of Collection of Information: In compliance with the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as amended, MARAD conducts this survey to obtain information from the shipbuilding and ship repair industry to be used primarily to determine, if an adequate mobilization base exists for national defense and for use in a national emergency. Need and Use of the Information: This collection of information is necessary in order for MARAD to perform and carry out its duties required by Sections 210 and 211 of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936. Description of Respondents: Owners of U.S. shipyards who agree to complete the requested information. Annual Responses: 800 responses. Annual Burden: 400 hours. Comments: Comments should refer to the docket number that appears at the top of this document. Written comments may be submitted to the Docket Clerk, U.S. DOT Dockets, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Comments also may be submitted by electronic means via the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov/search/index.jsp. Specifically address whether this information collection is necessary for proper performance of the functions of the agency and will have practical utility, accuracy of the burden estimates, ways to minimize this burden, and ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the DATES: E:\FR\FM\18JNN1.SGM 18JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 18, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34829-34831]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-13690]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration


Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment 
Request

AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration, 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 approval of the following 
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 August 18, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on any or all of the following 
proposed activities by mail to either: Mr. Robert Brogan, Office of 
Safety, Planning and Evaluation Division, RRS-21.1, Federal Railroad 
Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Room Number W33-497, 
Washington, DC 20590, or Ms. Nakia Poston, Office of Information 
Technology, RAD-20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey 
Ave., SE., Room Number W34-204, 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-New.'' Alternatively, comments may be transmitted 
via facsimile to (202) 493-6216 or (202) 493-6170, or via e-mail to Mr. 
Brogan at robert.brogan@dot.gov, or to Ms. Poston at 
nakia.poston@dot.gov. Please refer to the assigned OMB control number 
or information collection title 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: Mr. Robert Brogan, Office of Planning 
and Evaluation Division, RRS-21.1, Federal Railroad Administration, 
1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Room Number W33-497, Washington, DC 20590 
(telephone: (202) 493-6292) or Ms. Nakia Poston, Office of Information 
Technology, RAD-20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey 
Ave., SE., Room Number W34-204, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 
493-6073). (These telephone numbers are not toll-free.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), 
Public Law No. 104-13, Sec.  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 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

[[Page 34830]]

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 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 proposed new information collection 
activities that FRA will submit for clearance by OMB as required under 
the PRA:
    Title: Factors for Selection of Railroads for Evaluation of Bridge 
Management Practices.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-New.
    Abstract: Abstract: The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has 
conducted a Railroad Bridge Safety Program at various levels of effort 
ever since the enactment of the Railroad Safety Act of 1970. FRA is 
authorized under that act to issue regulations addressing a wide 
variety of subjects regarding railroad safety, but FRA has found that 
bridge safety has been well served by a non-regulatory policy.
    The resulting Statement of Agency Policy on the Safety of Railroad 
Bridges, published in the Federal Register in 2000, is based on the 
findings of a survey conducted by FRA in 1992 and 1993. That survey 
showed that a large majority of railroads were managing their bridges 
in a manner which promoted the immediate safety of those bridges. FRA 
therefore adopted that Bridge Safety Policy, which incorporates non-
regulatory guidelines. The non-regulatory guidelines of the Bridge 
Safety Policy are promulgated as Appendix C of the Federal Track Safety 
Standards, Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 213.
    Since the initial bridge management survey was completed, FRA has 
continued to conduct evaluations of the bridge management practices of 
the Nation's railroads. Regular, continuing contact has been in place 
between FRA and the larger railroads (Class I and major passenger 
carriers). However, the selection of smaller railroads (Class III short 
lines and smaller Class II regional railroads) has been on an ad hoc 
basis. FRA has based decisions to evaluate individual smaller railroads 
on recommendations from FRA regional staff, complaints from the public, 
and the small number of bridge-related train accidents.
    The Government Accountability Office (GAO) in 2006 and 2007 
conducted a study to evaluate the safety and serviceability of our 
Nation's railroad bridges and tunnels. GAO reported to the Congress on 
that study in August 2007. That report, ``RAILROAD BRIDGES AND 
TUNNELS--Federal Role in Providing Safety Oversight and Freight 
Infrastructure Investment Could Be Better Targeted'' includes the 
following recommendation:

    To enhance the effectiveness of its bridge and tunnel safety 
oversight function, we recommend that the Secretary of 
Transportation direct the Administrator of the Federal Railroad 
Administration to devise a systematic, consistent, risk-based 
methodology for selecting railroads for its bridge safety surveys to 
ensure that it includes railroads that are at higher risk of not 
following the FRA's bridge safety guidelines and of having bridge 
and tunnel safety issues.'' FRA agrees with that recommendation, and 
is implementing it.

    A vital part of that methodology is the development of information 
on which to base the factors by which railroads will be selected for 
surveys and evaluations. The factors developed by FRA, in conjunction 
with the railroads themselves, include such statistics as the length of 
a railroad in miles, the number, types and total length of its bridges, 
its level of traffic, the presence of hazardous material traffic, the 
operation of passenger trains, and the railroad's record of train 
accidents. Several of those factors, particularly regarding the 
railroad's bridge population, are not found in data already held or 
collected by FRA.
    An attempt to characterize the selection factors without 
incorporating that data on a railroad's bridge population would 
seriously compromise the accuracy and usefulness of the information. 
FRA has, therefore, determined that the effectiveness of its bridge 
safety program depends on this data, and has identified two options for 
collecting it. In one case, FRA inspectors could visit each railroad in 
turn, interview the managers of the railroad, and record the 
information presented. In the other case, FRA could request that each 
railroad provide its data to FRA in a convenient format.
    FRA believes that the second option, self-reporting by the 
railroads, is more convenient for the responding universe, and that it 
represents the most efficient use of agency resources. Railroad 
managers will be able to gather the data on their own time schedules, 
within reason, and FRA would not have to devote employee time and 
travel expenses to visit the responding railroads.
    FRA will use the data received in this project to rank individual 
railroads for scheduling bridge program evaluations by FRA's Bridge 
Safety Staff. The data will be analyzed against weighting factors, and 
railroads will be prioritized according to the resulting scores. The 
weighting factors are presently being reviewed by a committee of the 
American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA). FRA 
will consider the recommendation of ASLRRA in this regard, and will 
make the weighting factors available to the respondent universe and the 
public as part of this project.
    It should be noted that a high selection ranking of any railroad by 
FRA will not necessarily indicate that the railroad has a bridge safety 
problem. That determination, one way or the other, will only be made by 
FRA during its evaluation of that railroad's bridge management 
practices.
    Form Number(s): FRA F 6180.129.
    Affected Public: Railroads.
    Respondent Universe: 567 Railroads.
    Frequency of Submission: On occasion.
    Reporting Burden:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                           Total annual    Total annual
               Form No.                     Respondent universe       Total annual responses   Average time per response   burden hours     burden cost
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Form FRA F 6180.129...................  567 Railroads.............  475 forms................  3 hours..................           1,425         $57,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 34831]]

    Estimated Annual Burden: 1,425 hours.
    Status: Regular Review.
    Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3507(a) and 5 CFR 1320.5(b), 
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 June 11, 2008.
D.J. Stadtler,
Director, Office of Financial Management, Federal Railroad 
Administration.
[FR Doc. E8-13690 Filed 6-17-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P
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