Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review, 15453-15454 [2018-07255]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 10, 2018 / Notices in procedures, guidance, or policy. For example, when the handbook for compliance with ESA was first completed, it was the subject of a NEPA chat. The team is aware of recent changes TxDOT made to the handbook related to a non-compliance related to ESA compliance. Based on information gained from interviews, the team learned that the changes to the ESA SOP/ handbook were not followed by a NEPA chat. As a result, we confirmed that most of the TxDOT Biology SMEs were unaware of the handbook changes. The team appreciates that TxDOT has revised its ESA handbook and urges staff to implement training or other outreach to inform TxDOT staff of these revisions. Audit #4 Observation #8: FAST Act training. The Fixing America’s Transportation (FAST) Act included several new statutory requirements for the environmental review process, as well as other changes that change NEPA procedures and requirements. The FHWA’s Office of Project Development and Environmental Review has released some guidance on how to implement these requirements and anticipates releasing additional information. Even though additional information on these changes is forthcoming, States under NEPA assignment are required to implement these changes. The team learned through TxDOT’s PAIR #4, and through interviews, that TxDOT has neither developed nor delivered training to its staff concerning new requirements for the FAST Act for environmental review. In response to this observation, TxDOT is currently collaborating with FHWA to develop a presentation on this topic for its annual environmental conference. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES Status of Non-Compliance Observations and Other Observations from Audit #3 (April 2017) Audit #3 Non-Compliance Observations 1. Section 7 Consultation—TxDOT ENV made revisions to their ESA procedures that they have shared with FHWA and USFWS via partnering sessions. TxDOT implementation and training efforts are still pending by ENV management on the revised procedures to ENV and district staff. 2. Noise Policy—TxDOT has informed the team that TxDOT is in the process of updating the 2011 Noise Guidelines. TxDOT will submit those guidelines to FHWA for review and approval once they are updated. TxDOT has not indicated whether they intend to provide training on these guidelines for TxDOT District Office and consultant staff. 3. Public Involvement—TxDOT updated their FHWA approved Handbook in November 2016. There was one recurrence of a non-compliant action that was reported in Audit #3 during Audit #4. TxDOT informed FHWA that ENV will request that FHWA review their Texas Administrative Code in lieu of their previous request that FHWA review only their Public Involvement Handbook. 4. Section 4(f)—FHWA did not have any non-compliance observations in regards to TxDOT carrying out their assigned Section 4(f) responsibilities during Audit #4. VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:56 Apr 09, 2018 Jkt 244001 Audit #3 Observations 1. A certified project had an incomplete review—TxDOT continues to certify NEPA approvals for projects on a list provided to FHWA. This audit review identified an error of the inclusion of a project on a certified list. 2. Inconsistent and contradictory information in some project files—TxDOT has made ECOS software upgrades recently that address this problem. This audit review continued to identify project file errors in the consistency of information. 3. TxDOT’s QA/QC performance measure could demonstrate continuous improvement—Since Audit #3, TxDOT has developed a new approach to the QA/QC performance measure. For CE reviews, the methodology is based on ‘‘yes/no/NA’’ answers to 50 questions (for EA projects there are 100 questions) based on requirements in the TxDOT handbooks. The measures are an average of the individual projects reviewed. TxDOT has not addressed how this new measure may demonstrate continuous improvement. 4. Consider implementing more meaningful timeliness measures—TxDOT’s response to the pre-audit information request as well as in their self-assessment summary included detailed discussions of the timeliness measures for CEs as well as for EA projects that are meaningful. 5. TxDOT’s ability to monitor the certification and competency status of their qualified staff—TxDOT has included on its training SharePoint site a database that identifies each environmental staff member, a complete list of training they have completed, and when that training occurred. TxDOT’s training coordinator is responsible for monitoring this database to ensure all staff maintain their competency and qualification status per State law as well as the ongoing training requirement specified by the ENV director. Finalization of Report The FHWA received seven responses to the Federal Register Notice during the public comment period for this draft report. None of comments were substantive; one from the American Road and Transportation Builders Association voiced support of this program. Six comments were unrelated to this report. This report is a finalized draft version of this report without substantive changes. [FR Doc. 2018–07293 Filed 4–9–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–22–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration [FTA Docket No. FTA 2018–0002] Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of request for comments. In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00100 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 15453 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), 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 ICR describe the nature of the information collection 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 December 11, 2017 (82 FR 58270). DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before May 10, 2018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tia Swain, Office of Administration, Management Planning Division, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Mail Stop TAD– 10, Washington, DC 20590, (202) 366– 0354 or tia.swain@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Public Law 104–13, Section 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 December 11, 2017, FTA published a 60-day notice (82 FR 27958) in the Federal Register soliciting comments on the ICR that the agency was seeking OMB approval. FTA received (1) comment after issuing this 60-day notice. However, that comment was posted five days after the comment period expired and the comment was outside the scope of the Paperwork Reduction Act and made no reference to the grant program or any FTA related programs. 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 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 E:\FR\FM\10APN1.SGM 10APN1 15454 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 69 / Tuesday, April 10, 2018 / Notices 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 requirements are being submitted for clearance by OMB as required by the PRA. Title: Clean Fuel Cell Grant Program. OMB Control Number: 2132–0573. Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: The Clean Fuels Grant Program was developed to assist nonattainment and maintenance areas in achieving or maintaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and carbon monoxide (CO). The program also supported emerging clean fuel and advanced propulsion technologies for transit buses and markets for those technologies. The Clean Fuels Grant Program was repealed under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP–21). However, funds previously authorized for programs repealed by MAP–21 remain available for their originally authorized purposes until the period of availability expires, the funds are fully expended, the funds are rescinded by Congress, or the funds are otherwise reallocated. Annual Estimated Total Burden Hours: 168 hours. 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. Alternatively, comments may be sent via email to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), Office of Management and Budget, at the following address: oira_submissions@ omb.eop.gov. 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. daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES ADDRESSES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:56 Apr 09, 2018 Jkt 244001 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. William Hyre, Deputy Associate Administrator for Administration. [FR Doc. 2018–07255 Filed 4–9–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P Dated: April 5, 2018. Jelessa M. Burney, Federal Advisory Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. 2018–07341 Filed 4–9–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900–0688] DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS VA Prevention of Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Advisory Committee, Notice of Meeting The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) gives notice under the Federal Advisory Committee Act that the VA Prevention of Fraud, Waste, and Abuse Advisory Committee will be held on May 17, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (CST) and May 18, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (CST) at the Financial Services Center, 7600 Metropolis Drive, Austin, TX 78744. The sessions are closed to the public while the Committee conducts tours of VA facilities, participating in off-site events, and participating in workgroup sessions. The sessions are also closed because the Committee is likely to disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. The purpose of the Committee is to advise the Secretary, through the Assistant Secretary for Management and Chief Financial Officer, on matters relating to improving and enhancing VA’s efforts to identify, prevent, and mitigate fraud, waste, and abuse across VA in order to improve the integrity of VA’s payments and the efficiency of its programs and activities. The agenda will include detailed discussion of data analytics relating to VA’s Office of Community Care, Office of Inspector General, claims processing system, and Treasury Partnership. During the closed meeting the Committee will discuss VA beneficiary and patient information in which there is a clear unwarranted invasion of the Veteran or beneficiary privacy. For additional information about the meeting, please contact Ms. Tamika Barrier, Designated Federal Officer, at (757) 254–8630 or email at tamika.barrier@va.gov. PO 00000 Frm 00101 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Agency Information Collection Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR), Security for Government Financing The Office of Management (OM), Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, this notice announces that the Office of Management (OM), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), will submit the collection of information abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The PRA submission describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden and it includes the actual data collection instrument. SUMMARY: Comments must be submitted on or before May 10, 2018. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information through www.Regulations.gov, or to Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Attn: VA Desk Officer; 725 17th St. NW, Washington, DC 20503 or sent through electronic mail to oira_submission@ omb.eop.gov. Please refer to ‘‘OMB Control No. 2900–0688’’ in any correspondence. DATES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cynthia Harvey-Pryor, Enterprise Records Service (005R1B), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420, (202) 461–5870 or email cynthia.harveypryor@va.gov. Please refer to ‘‘OMB Control No. 2900–0688’’ in any correspondence. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority: Public Law 104–13; 44 U.S.C. 3501–3521. Title: Department Of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) 832.202–4, Security for Government Financing. OMB Control Number: 2900–0688. Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection. E:\FR\FM\10APN1.SGM 10APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 10, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15453-15454]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-07255]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Transit Administration

[FTA Docket No. FTA 2018-0002]


Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review

AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), 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 
ICR describe the nature of the information collection 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 December 11, 2017 (82 FR 58270).

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before May 10, 2018.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tia Swain, Office of Administration, 
Management Planning Division, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Mail Stop TAD-
10, Washington, DC 20590, (202) 366-0354 or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), 
Public Law 104-13, Section 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 December 11, 2017, FTA published a 60-day notice (82 FR 
27958) in the Federal Register soliciting comments on the ICR that the 
agency was seeking OMB approval. FTA received (1) comment after issuing 
this 60-day notice. However, that comment was posted five days after 
the comment period expired and the comment was outside the scope of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act and made no reference to the grant program or 
any FTA related programs. 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 
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

[[Page 15454]]

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 
requirements are being submitted for clearance by OMB as required by 
the PRA.
    Title: Clean Fuel Cell Grant Program.
    OMB Control Number: 2132-0573.
    Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Abstract: The Clean Fuels Grant Program was developed to assist 
non-attainment and maintenance areas in achieving or maintaining the 
National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone and carbon monoxide 
(CO). The program also supported emerging clean fuel and advanced 
propulsion technologies for transit buses and markets for those 
technologies. The Clean Fuels Grant Program was repealed under the 
Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). However, 
funds previously authorized for programs repealed by MAP-21 remain 
available for their originally authorized purposes until the period of 
availability expires, the funds are fully expended, the funds are 
rescinded by Congress, or the funds are otherwise reallocated.
    Annual Estimated Total Burden Hours: 168 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. 
Alternatively, comments may be sent via email to the Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), Office of Management and 
Budget, at the following address: [email protected].
    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. 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.

William Hyre,
Deputy Associate Administrator for Administration.
[FR Doc. 2018-07255 Filed 4-9-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE P

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