Invitation for Public Comment on Draft DOT Research, Development and Technology Strategic Plan (2013-2018), 18674-18675 [2013-07024]

Download as PDF 18674 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 59 / Wednesday, March 27, 2013 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket No. FRA–2013–0002–N–9] Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request Federal Railroad Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice and Request for Comments. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces that the Information Collection Requirements (ICRs) abstracted below have been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICRs describes the nature of the information collections and their expected burdens. The Federal Register notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collections of information was published on January 23, 2013. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before April 26, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert Brogan, Office of Planning and Evaluation Division, RRS–21, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop 25, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 493–6292), or 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 issue two notices seeking public comment on information collection activities before OMB may approve paperwork packages. 44 U.S.C. 3506, 3507; 5 CFR 1320.5, 1320.8(d)(1), 1320.12. On January 23, 2013, FRA published a 60-day notice in the Federal Register soliciting comment on ICRs that the agency was seeking OMB approval. 78 FR 4978. FRA received no comments after issuing this notice. Accordingly, DOT announces that these information collection activities have been re-evaluated and certified under 5 CFR 1320.5(a) and forwarded to OMB for review and approval pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12(c). Before OMB decides whether to approve these proposed collections of VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:10 Mar 26, 2013 Jkt 229001 information, it must provide 30 days for public comment. 44 U.S.C. 3507(b); 5 CFR 1320.12(d). Federal law requires OMB to approve or disapprove paperwork packages between 30 and 60 days after the 30 day notice is published. 44 U.S.C. 3507 (b)-(c); 5 CFR 1320.12(d); see also 60 FR 44978, 44983, Aug. 29, 1995. OMB believes that the 30 day notice informs the regulated community to file relevant comments and affords the agency adequate time to digest public comments before it renders a decision. 60 FR 44983, Aug. 29, 1995. Therefore, respondents should submit their respective comments to OMB within 30 days of publication to best ensure having their full effect. 5 CFR 1320.12(c); see also 60 FR 44983, Aug. 29, 1995. The summaries below describe the nature of the information collection requirements (ICRs) and the expected burden. The revised requirements are being submitted for clearance by OMB as required by the PRA. Title: Passenger Train Emergency Preparedness. OMB Control Number: 2130–0545. Type of Request: Extension without change of a currently approved collection. Affected Public: Railroads. Form(s): None. Abstract: The collection of information is due to the passenger train emergency regulations set forth in 49 CFR parts 223 and 239 which require railroads to meet minimum Federal standards for the preparation, adoption, and implementation of emergency preparedness plans connected with the operation of passenger trains, including freight railroads hosting operations of rail passenger service. The regulations require luminescent or lighted emergency markings so that passengers and emergency responders can readily determine where the closest and most accessible exit routes are located and how the emergency exit mechanisms are operated. Windows and doors intended for emergency access by responders for extrication of passengers must be marked with retro-reflective material so that emergency responders, particularly in conditions of poor visibility, can easily distinguish them from the less accessible doors and windows. Records of the inspection, maintenance, and repair of emergency windows and door exits, as well as records of operational efficiency tests, will be used to ensure compliance with the regulations. Annual Estimated Burden: 11,520 hours. Addressee: Send comments regarding these information collections to the PO 00000 Frm 00116 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 Seventeenth Street NW., Washington, DC 20503, Attention: FRA Desk Officer. Comments are invited on the following: Whether the proposed collections of information are 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 estimates of the burden of the proposed information collections; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collections of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. A comment to OMB is best assured of having its full effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication of this notice in the Federal Register. Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501–3520. Issued in Washington, DC, on March 21, 2013. Rebecca Pennington, Chief Financial Officer, Federal Railroad Administration. [FR Doc. 2013–07046 Filed 3–26–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Research and Innovative Technology Administration [Docket RITA 2013–0002] Invitation for Public Comment on Draft DOT Research, Development and Technology Strategic Plan (2013–2018) Research and Innovative Technology Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice, request for public comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) is providing notice of request for public comment on its draft strategic plan, U.S. Department of Transportation, Research, Development and Technology Strategic Plan FY 2013–2018. The new five-year strategic plan will guide the Department’s research, development, and technology activities as required by Section 52013 of Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP– 21), Public Law 112–141; July 6, 2012. The new plan places its focus on the U.S. DOT Strategic Goals: Safety; State of Good Repair; Economic Competitiveness; Livable Communities and Environmental Sustainability, along E:\FR\FM\27MRN1.SGM 27MRN1 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 59 / Wednesday, March 27, 2013 / Notices with MAP–21 RD&T critical issues: Promoting safety; reducing congestion and improving mobility; preserving the environment; preserving existing transportation systems; improving the durability and extending the life of transportation infrastructure; and improving goods movement. The Research and Innovative Technology Administration’s (RITA’s) Office of Research, Development and Technology (RD&T), has coordinated this effort in collaboration with partner modal administrations and offices across the U.S. DOT. As recommended by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the National Research Council (NRC), RITA and its partners are seeking public stakeholder comment to ensure RD&T resources are invested wisely to achieve measurable improvements in our Nation’s transportation system. DATES: Written comments should be submitted by April 26, 2013. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by DOT Docket ID Number RITA 2013–0002 by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. Mail: Docket Management Facility: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Fax: 202–493–2251. Instructions: Identify docket number, RITA 2013–0002, at the beginning of your comments, and send two copies. To receive confirmation that DOT received your comments, include a selfaddressed stamped postcard. Internet users may access all comments received by DOT at https://www.regulations.gov. All comments are posted electronically without charge or edits, including any personal information provided. Privacy Act: Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78) or you may visit https:// DocketInfo.dot.gov. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or VerDate Mar<15>2010 18:10 Mar 26, 2013 Jkt 229001 comments received, go to https:// www.regulations.gov or the street address listed above. Follow the online instructions for accessing the dockets. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Kevin Womack, Associate Administrator, Office of Research Development and Technology, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue Street SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001, telephone (202) 366–5447 or email Kevin.Womack@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background RITA was established as a separate administration within the United States Department of Transportation pursuant to the Norman Y. Mineta Research and Special Programs Improvement Act (Pub. L. 108–426), November 30, 2004, with the mandate to generate greater efficiency and increase the effectiveness of the U.S. DOT’s coordination, analysis, and review of research programs, progress and products and in advancing innovative technology. The new draft strategic plan, U.S. Department of Transportation, Research, Development and Technology Strategic Plan FY 2013–2018, is the Department’s second since RITA’s inception. The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA–LU) enacted in 2005 called for the U.S. DOT to develop a strategic plan to guide its RD&T activities. The previous Plan was published in 2006 and served as a compendium of modal research pursuits at that time. Section 52013 of Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP–21) enacted in 2012 called for the Department to develop a new five-year RD&T strategic plan. The new draft Plan pursues a more cross-modal, collaborative and strategic process to cover the years 2013–2018, and responds to feedback from the National Research Council’s review (https:// onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/reports/ letterreport_usdotrd&tplan.pdf ), of the earlier plan published in 2006, ‘‘Transportation Research, Development and Technology Strategic Plan 2006– 2010’’, (https://www.rita.dot.gov/sites/ default/files/rita_archives/ rita_publications/transportation_rd_ t_strategic_plan/), and the recommendations of the GAO report published in 2006, ‘‘Transportation Research: Opportunities for Improving the Oversight of DOT’s Research Programs and User Satisfaction with Transportation Statistics’’ (https:// www.gao.gov/assets/260/251162.html). The U.S. DOT, with leadership from PO 00000 Frm 00117 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 18675 RITA engaged in a collaborative process involving all of the U.S. DOT operating administrations. Two cross-modal bodies participated in the process: the RD&T Planning Team Council (composed of the heads of the operating administrations, the Under Secretary for Policy, and other senior U.S. DOT leaders) and the RD&T Planning Team which includes the Associate Administrators for RD&T in each operating administration. Through this Notice, the U.S. DOT is seeking input from stakeholders including individual citizens, members of the private sector, the academic community, nongovernmental organizations, and other interested parties. Stakeholder’s comments should be aligned, if possible, with the U.S. DOT Strategic Goals, the RD&T critical issues as outlined in MAP–21 and combined in the draft Plan as well as listed in the Summary section of this notice. All comments will be considered that are received by the deadline that appears in the DATES section. Issued in Washington, DC, on March 15, 2013. Gregory D. Winfree, Deputy Administrator, Research and Innovative Technology Administration. [FR Doc. 2013–07024 Filed 3–26–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–HY–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board Information Collection Activities Surface Transportation Board, Transportation. ACTION: Notice and Request for Comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Surface Transportation Board (Board or STB), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501–3519 (PRA), is submitting a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval of the information collections required under 49 U.S.C. 11301 and 49 CFR 1177 (rail or water carrier equipment liens (recordations)); under 49 U.S.C. 10747 and 49 CFR 1313 (rail agricultural contract summaries); and under 49 U.S.C. 13702(b) and 49 CFR 1312 (water carrier tariffs). The Board previously published a notice about this collection in the Federal Register on October 19, 2012, at 77 Fed. Reg. 64376. That notice allowed for a 60-day public review and comment period. No comments were received. The relevant information E:\FR\FM\27MRN1.SGM 27MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 59 (Wednesday, March 27, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18674-18675]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-07024]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Research and Innovative Technology Administration

[Docket RITA 2013-0002]


Invitation for Public Comment on Draft DOT Research, Development 
and Technology Strategic Plan (2013-2018)

AGENCY: Research and Innovative Technology Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice, request for public comments.

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) is providing 
notice of request for public comment on its draft strategic plan, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, Research, Development and Technology 
Strategic Plan FY 2013-2018. The new five-year strategic plan will 
guide the Department's research, development, and technology activities 
as required by Section 52013 of Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st 
Century Act (MAP-21), Public Law 112-141; July 6, 2012. The new plan 
places its focus on the U.S. DOT Strategic Goals: Safety; State of Good 
Repair; Economic Competitiveness; Livable Communities and Environmental 
Sustainability, along

[[Page 18675]]

with MAP-21 RD&T critical issues: Promoting safety; reducing congestion 
and improving mobility; preserving the environment; preserving existing 
transportation systems; improving the durability and extending the life 
of transportation infrastructure; and improving goods movement. The 
Research and Innovative Technology Administration's (RITA's) Office of 
Research, Development and Technology (RD&T), has coordinated this 
effort in collaboration with partner modal administrations and offices 
across the U.S. DOT. As recommended by the Government Accountability 
Office (GAO) and the National Research Council (NRC), RITA and its 
partners are seeking public stakeholder comment to ensure RD&T 
resources are invested wisely to achieve measurable improvements in our 
Nation's transportation system.

DATES: Written comments should be submitted by April 26, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by DOT Docket ID Number 
RITA 2013-0002 by any of the following methods:
    Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
    Mail: Docket Management Facility: U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Fax: 202-493-2251.
    Instructions: Identify docket number, RITA 2013-0002, at the 
beginning of your comments, and send two copies. To receive 
confirmation that DOT received your comments, include a self-addressed 
stamped postcard. Internet users may access all comments received by 
DOT at https://www.regulations.gov. All comments are posted 
electronically without charge or edits, including any personal 
information provided.
    Privacy Act: Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all 
comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf 
of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's 
complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on 
April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you may visit https://DocketInfo.dot.gov.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov or the street 
address listed above. Follow the online instructions for accessing the 
dockets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Kevin Womack, Associate 
Administrator, Office of Research Development and Technology, Research 
and Innovative Technology Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue Street 
SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001, telephone (202) 366-5447 or email 
Kevin.Womack@dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    RITA was established as a separate administration within the United 
States Department of Transportation pursuant to the Norman Y. Mineta 
Research and Special Programs Improvement Act (Pub. L. 108-426), 
November 30, 2004, with the mandate to generate greater efficiency and 
increase the effectiveness of the U.S. DOT's coordination, analysis, 
and review of research programs, progress and products and in advancing 
innovative technology.
    The new draft strategic plan, U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Research, Development and Technology Strategic Plan FY 2013-2018, is 
the Department's second since RITA's inception. The Safe, Accountable, 
Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users 
(SAFETEA-LU) enacted in 2005 called for the U.S. DOT to develop a 
strategic plan to guide its RD&T activities. The previous Plan was 
published in 2006 and served as a compendium of modal research pursuits 
at that time. Section 52013 of Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st 
Century Act (MAP-21) enacted in 2012 called for the Department to 
develop a new five-year RD&T strategic plan. The new draft Plan pursues 
a more cross-modal, collaborative and strategic process to cover the 
years 2013-2018, and responds to feedback from the National Research 
Council's review (https://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/reports/letterreport_usdotrd&tplan.pdf ), of the earlier plan published in 
2006, ``Transportation Research, Development and Technology Strategic 
Plan 2006-2010'', (https://www.rita.dot.gov/sites/default/files/rita_archives/rita_publications/transportation_rd_t_strategic_plan/), and the recommendations of the GAO report published in 
2006, ``Transportation Research: Opportunities for Improving the 
Oversight of DOT's Research Programs and User Satisfaction with 
Transportation Statistics'' (https://www.gao.gov/assets/260/251162.html). The U.S. DOT, with leadership from RITA engaged in a 
collaborative process involving all of the U.S. DOT operating 
administrations. Two cross-modal bodies participated in the process: 
the RD&T Planning Team Council (composed of the heads of the operating 
administrations, the Under Secretary for Policy, and other senior U.S. 
DOT leaders) and the RD&T Planning Team which includes the Associate 
Administrators for RD&T in each operating administration. Through this 
Notice, the U.S. DOT is seeking input from stakeholders including 
individual citizens, members of the private sector, the academic 
community, non-governmental organizations, and other interested 
parties.
    Stakeholder's comments should be aligned, if possible, with the 
U.S. DOT Strategic Goals, the RD&T critical issues as outlined in MAP-
21 and combined in the draft Plan as well as listed in the Summary 
section of this notice. All comments will be considered that are 
received by the deadline that appears in the DATES section.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on March 15, 2013.
Gregory D. Winfree,
Deputy Administrator, Research and Innovative Technology 
Administration.
[FR Doc. 2013-07024 Filed 3-26-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-HY-P
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