Prevailing Rate Systems; Redefinition of the Harrisburg, PA and Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, PA, Appropriated Fund Federal Wage System Wage Areas, 45616-45617 [2015-18746]

Download as PDF 45616 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 80, No. 147 Friday, July 31, 2015 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT 5 CFR Part 532 RIN 3206–AN18 Prevailing Rate Systems; Redefinition of the Harrisburg, PA and ScrantonWilkes-Barre, PA, Appropriated Fund Federal Wage System Wage Areas U.S. Office of Personnel Management. ACTION: Proposed rule with request for comments. AGENCY: The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing a proposed rule that would redefine the geographic boundaries of the Harrisburg, PA, and Scranton-WilkesBarre, PA, appropriated fund Federal Wage System (FWS) wage areas. The proposed rule would redefine Montour County, PA, from the Harrisburg wage area to the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre wage area. This change is based on a recent consensus recommendation of the Federal Prevailing Rate Advisory Committee (FPRAC) to best match the county proposed for redefinition to a nearby FWS survey area. DATES: We must receive comments on or before August 31, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by ‘‘RIN 3206–AN18,’’ using any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Mail: Brenda L. Roberts, Deputy Associate Director for Pay and Leave, Employee Services, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Room 7H31, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415–8200. Email: pay-leave-policy@opm.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Madeline Gonzalez, (202) 606–2858; email pay-leave-policy@opm.gov; or FAX: (202) 606–4264. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OPM is issuing a proposed rule that would redefine the geographic boundaries of rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:28 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 235001 the Harrisburg, PA, and ScrantonWilkes-Barre, PA, appropriated fund FWS wage areas. The proposed rule would redefine Montour County, PA, from the Harrisburg wage area to the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre wage area. OPM considers the following regulatory criteria under 5 CFR 532.211 when defining FWS wage area boundaries: (i) Distance, transportation facilities, and geographic features; (ii) Commuting patterns; and (iii) Similarities in overall population, employment, and the kinds and sizes of private industrial establishments. In addition, OPM regulations at 5 CFR 532.211 do not permit splitting Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) for the purpose of defining a wage area, except in very unusual circumstances. Columbia and Montour Counties, PA, comprise the Bloomsburg-Berwick, PA MSA. The Bloomsburg-Berwick MSA is split between the Harrisburg and Scranton-Wilkes-Barre wage areas. Columbia County is part of the area of application of the Scranton-WilkesBarre wage area, and Montour County is part of the area of application of the Harrisburg wage area. Based on an analysis of the regulatory criteria for Columbia County, the core county in the Bloomsburg-Berwick MSA, the entire Bloomsburg-Berwick MSA would be defined to the ScrantonWilkes-Barre wage area. When measuring to cities and host installations, the distance criterion favors the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre wage area more than the Harrisburg wage area. The commuting patterns criterion also favors the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre wage area. Columbia County does not resemble one survey area more than another survey area in terms of the overall population, employment, and the kinds and sizes of private industrial establishments criteria. Based on this analysis, we believe Columbia County is appropriately defined to the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre wage area. OPM regulations at 5 CFR 532.211 permit splitting MSAs only in very unusual circumstances. There appear to be no unusual circumstances that would permit splitting the Bloomsburg-Berwick MSA. To comply with OPM regulations not to split MSAs, Montour County would be redefined to the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre wage area. There are currently no FWS employees working in Montour County. PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 FPRAC, the national labormanagement committee responsible for advising OPM on matters concerning the pay of FWS employees, recommended this change by consensus. This change would be effective on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after 30 days following publication of the final regulations. Regulatory Flexibility Act I certify that these regulations would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities because they would affect only Federal agencies and employees. List of Subjects in 5 CFR Part 532 Administrative practice and procedure, Freedom of information, Government employees, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Wages. U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Beth F. Cobert, Acting Director. Accordingly, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management is proposing to amend 5 CFR part 532 as follows: PART 532—PREVAILING RATE SYSTEMS 1. The authority citation for part 532 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5343, 5346; § 532.707 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552. Appendix C to Subpart B of Part 532— Appropriated Fund Wage and Survey Areas 2. Appendix C to subpart B is amended by revising the wage area listings for the Harrisburg, PA, and Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, PA, wage areas to read as follows: * * * * * ■ PENNSYLVANIA Harrisburg Survey Area Pennsylvania: Cumberland Dauphin Lebanon York Area of Application. Survey area plus: Pennsylvania: Adams Berks Juniata Lancaster E:\FR\FM\31JYP1.SGM 31JYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 147 / Friday, July 31, 2015 / Proposed Rules Lycoming (Allenwood Camp portion only) Mifflin Northumberland Perry Schuylkill Snyder Union Federal Prison * * * * * Scranton-Wilkes-Barre Survey Area Pennsylvania: Lackawanna Luzerne Monroe Area of Application. Survey area plus: Pennsylvania: Bradford Columbia Lycoming (Excluding Allenwood Federal Prison Camp) Montour Sullivan Susquehanna Wayne Wyoming * * * * * [FR Doc. 2015–18746 Filed 7–30–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6325–39–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Bombardier, ˆ Inc., 400 Cote Vertu Road West, Dorval, ´ Quebec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone: 514–855–5000; fax: 514–855–7401; email: thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet https://www.bombardier.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. ADDRESSES: 14 CFR Part 39 Examining the AD Docket [Docket No. FAA–2015–3140; Directorate Identifier 2015–NM–063–AD] You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– 3140; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone: 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Assata Dessaline, Aerospace Engineer, Avionics and Services Branch, ANE– 172, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone: 516–228–7301; fax: 516–794–5531. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model BD–100–1A10 (Challenger 300) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by multiple reports of a short circuit between the heater element and the metal sheath of the pitot-static probe heater. This proposed AD would require replacement of the left and right pitotstatic probes with newly redesigned left and right pitot-static probes. We are proposing this AD to prevent degradation of the heating ability of the pitot-static probe heater, resulting in erroneous airspeed indication during flight in icing conditions and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 14, 2015. rmajette on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 13:28 Jul 30, 2015 Jkt 235001 45617 2015–NM–063–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), which is the aviation authority for Canada, has issued Canadian AD CF–2015–04, dated March 17, 2015 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model BD–100–1A10 (Challenger 300) airplanes. The MCAI states: There have been several reports where the pitot-static probe heater came on and remained on regardless of the heater control selected position. Investigation determined that the root cause is a short circuit between the heater element and the metal sheath. If not corrected, this condition may degrade the heating, resulting in erroneous Airspeed Indication when flying in icing condition [and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane]. This [Canadian] AD mandates the replacement of the pitot-static probes with a redesigned probe which will prevent this failure mode. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– 3140. Comments Invited Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 We reviewed Bombardier Service Bulletin 100–34–38, dated January 9, 2014. The service information describes procedures for replacement of the left and right pitot-static probes with newly redesigned left and right pitot-static probes, part numbers 0856WC3 and 0856WC4 respectively. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this NPRM. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2015–3140; Directorate Identifier FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\31JYP1.SGM 31JYP1

Agencies

Office of Personnel Management

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 147 (Friday, July 31, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45616-45617]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-18746]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 147 / Friday, July 31, 2015 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 45616]]



OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

5 CFR Part 532

RIN 3206-AN18


Prevailing Rate Systems; Redefinition of the Harrisburg, PA and 
Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, PA, Appropriated Fund Federal Wage System Wage 
Areas

AGENCY: U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

ACTION: Proposed rule with request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is issuing a 
proposed rule that would redefine the geographic boundaries of the 
Harrisburg, PA, and Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, PA, appropriated fund 
Federal Wage System (FWS) wage areas. The proposed rule would redefine 
Montour County, PA, from the Harrisburg wage area to the Scranton-
Wilkes-Barre wage area. This change is based on a recent consensus 
recommendation of the Federal Prevailing Rate Advisory Committee 
(FPRAC) to best match the county proposed for redefinition to a nearby 
FWS survey area.

DATES: We must receive comments on or before August 31, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by ``RIN 3206-AN18,'' 
using any of the following methods:
    Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments.
    Mail: Brenda L. Roberts, Deputy Associate Director for Pay and 
Leave, Employee Services, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Room 
7H31, 1900 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20415-8200.
    Email: pay-leave-policy@opm.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Madeline Gonzalez, (202) 606-2858; 
email pay-leave-policy@opm.gov; or FAX: (202) 606-4264.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OPM is issuing a proposed rule that would 
redefine the geographic boundaries of the Harrisburg, PA, and Scranton-
Wilkes-Barre, PA, appropriated fund FWS wage areas. The proposed rule 
would redefine Montour County, PA, from the Harrisburg wage area to the 
Scranton-Wilkes-Barre wage area.
    OPM considers the following regulatory criteria under 5 CFR 532.211 
when defining FWS wage area boundaries:
    (i) Distance, transportation facilities, and geographic features;
    (ii) Commuting patterns; and
    (iii) Similarities in overall population, employment, and the kinds 
and sizes of private industrial establishments.
    In addition, OPM regulations at 5 CFR 532.211 do not permit 
splitting Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) for the purpose of 
defining a wage area, except in very unusual circumstances.
    Columbia and Montour Counties, PA, comprise the Bloomsburg-Berwick, 
PA MSA. The Bloomsburg-Berwick MSA is split between the Harrisburg and 
Scranton-Wilkes-Barre wage areas. Columbia County is part of the area 
of application of the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre wage area, and Montour 
County is part of the area of application of the Harrisburg wage area.
    Based on an analysis of the regulatory criteria for Columbia 
County, the core county in the Bloomsburg-Berwick MSA, the entire 
Bloomsburg-Berwick MSA would be defined to the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre 
wage area. When measuring to cities and host installations, the 
distance criterion favors the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre wage area more than 
the Harrisburg wage area. The commuting patterns criterion also favors 
the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre wage area. Columbia County does not resemble 
one survey area more than another survey area in terms of the overall 
population, employment, and the kinds and sizes of private industrial 
establishments criteria.
    Based on this analysis, we believe Columbia County is appropriately 
defined to the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre wage area. OPM regulations at 5 
CFR 532.211 permit splitting MSAs only in very unusual circumstances. 
There appear to be no unusual circumstances that would permit splitting 
the Bloomsburg-Berwick MSA. To comply with OPM regulations not to split 
MSAs, Montour County would be redefined to the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre 
wage area. There are currently no FWS employees working in Montour 
County.
    FPRAC, the national labor-management committee responsible for 
advising OPM on matters concerning the pay of FWS employees, 
recommended this change by consensus. This change would be effective on 
the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after 
30 days following publication of the final regulations.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    I certify that these regulations would not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities because they 
would affect only Federal agencies and employees.

List of Subjects in 5 CFR Part 532

    Administrative practice and procedure, Freedom of information, 
Government employees, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Wages.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Beth F. Cobert,
Acting Director.

    Accordingly, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management is proposing 
to amend 5 CFR part 532 as follows:

PART 532--PREVAILING RATE SYSTEMS

0
1. The authority citation for part 532 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5343, 5346; Sec.  532.707 also issued under 
5 U.S.C. 552.

Appendix C to Subpart B of Part 532--Appropriated Fund Wage and Survey 
Areas

0
2. Appendix C to subpart B is amended by revising the wage area 
listings for the Harrisburg, PA, and Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, PA, wage 
areas to read as follows:
* * * * *

 
 
 
                              PENNSYLVANIA
                               Harrisburg
 
                               Survey Area
 
Pennsylvania:
  Cumberland
  Dauphin
  Lebanon
  York
 
                 Area of Application. Survey area plus:
 
Pennsylvania:
  Adams
  Berks
  Juniata
  Lancaster

[[Page 45617]]

 
  Lycoming (Allenwood Federal Prison Camp portion only)
  Mifflin
  Northumberland
  Perry
  Schuylkill
  Snyder
  Union
 
                                * * * * *
                          Scranton-Wilkes-Barre
                               Survey Area
 
Pennsylvania:
  Lackawanna
  Luzerne
  Monroe
                 Area of Application. Survey area plus:
 
Pennsylvania:
  Bradford
  Columbia
  Lycoming (Excluding Allenwood Federal Prison Camp)
  Montour
  Sullivan
  Susquehanna
  Wayne
  Wyoming
 

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 2015-18746 Filed 7-30-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6325-39-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.