Notice of Information Collection and Request for Public Comment, 45186-45187 [2018-19194]

Download as PDF 45186 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 172 / Wednesday, September 5, 2018 / Notices daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES development and promotion. Interviews revealed: (1) inconsistent preparation and use of an ITP as is required for employees; (2) perceptions that training requirements for flexing from an Analyst 1 to Analyst 2 position are clearly spelled out, but not for advancement beyond an Analyst 2 position; (3) concerns that training opportunities are too limited or not available; and (4) some employees have not had a performance review in several years. Based on this input, the Audit Team suggests that the DOT&PF focus on additional ways to improve implementation of their Training Plan. d) Regarding training needs, DOT&PF staff indicated a need for Section 4(f) training, according to interviews in all three regions and SEO. Multiple interviewees also identified a need for training in noise and floodplains. Training needs cited at a lesser frequency included ESA, cumulative effects, Section 408, EA/EIS, QA/QC, Planning and Environmental Linkages, stream enhancement, NEPA, conflict resolution and mediation. Given that the DOT&PF is now implementing additional environmental review responsibilities based on the MOU, and staff recognize the need to be prepared to embrace those responsibilities, the Audit Team urges the DOT&PF to address these training needs expeditiously, and be sensitive to ongoing training needs. Performance Measures The DOT&PF has demonstrated it has taken an active interest in developing, monitoring, and implementing the performance measures required by the MOU. The March 21, 2018, DOT&PF NEPA Assignment Self-Assessment Summary Report contained the results of the DOT&PF’s first report of its assessment of NEPA Assignment and DOT&PF procedures compliance. The DOT&PF’s March 1, 2017, response to FHWA’s PAIR included answers to questions posed on performance measures. Because of the information provided in these two documents, combined with the fact that a relatively brief period of time has transpired since the MOU became effective, the Audit Team has not identified any observations or successful practices here. However, the following discussion describes the current status of the DOT&PF’s performance measures. The DOT&PF’s performance measure to assess change in communication among the DOT&PF, Federal and State resource agencies, and the public resulting from assumption of responsibilities under this MOU was based on the experience of a single EA VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:04 Sep 04, 2018 Jkt 244001 project, according to DOT&PF’s selfassessment summary report. Through interviews, the Audit Team learned that the DOT&PF believes the resource agencies will observe little change in communication and consultation because DOT&PF had been operating under a 23 U.S.C. 326 MOU since September 2009. The DOT&PF’s self-assessment summary report suggests some early efficiencies have been observed, but the consensus from interviews was that it is too early to determine if substantial increased efficiencies and timeliness will result from the program. Some individuals indicated that over time the program should result in increased efficiencies and timeliness. Through interviews, the Audit Team learned that data for performance measures are being collected and presented quarterly to DOT&PF management for use in decisionmaking. Also, that DOT&PF believes the existing performance measures are comprehensive and adequate. The DOT&PF leadership said that performances measures will be evaluated annually to determine if adjustment is needed. Legal Sufficiency Interviews with both staff and management attorneys emphasized the legal sufficiency review process emulated FHWA’s ‘‘early legal involvement’’ concept, i.e., bringing a lawyer onto the reviewing team at an early stage in project development. We learned that DOT&PF staff do not need to go through management to talk to an attorney, but may call or email at any time (and, with regard to EAs, have done so under NEPA Assignment). Management noted specific review steps are to take place at the both draft and final stages for assigned EISs and Individual Section 4(f) Evaluations. At this time, the Alaska Department of Law (DOL) expressed no intention of expanding the number of staff attorneys assigned to document review; however, it has a contingency plan should workload increase significantly in future. Specifically, should DOT&PF be sued over an assigned project, DOL tentatively intends to contract with outside counsel (per 23 U.S.C. 327[a][2][G]) to handle the litigation rather than make a single staff attorney divide his time between document review and defending the case. The Transportation Section attorney would act as support counsel to the litigators in a manner similar to the way FHWA counsel provide litigation support to the U.S. Department of Justice when it PO 00000 Frm 00099 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 defends FHWA’s environmental decisions in court. (MOU Section 6.1.1) Next Steps The FHWA provided this draft audit report to DOT&PF for a 14-day review and comment period. The Audit Team considered DOT&PF comments in developing this draft audit report. The FHWA will publish a notice in the Federal Register for a 30-day comment period in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 327(g). No later than 60 days after the close of the comment period, FHWA will respond to all comments submitted to finalize this draft audit report pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327(g)(B). The FHWA will publish the final audit report in the Federal Register. [FR Doc. 2018–19184 Filed 9–4–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–22–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Notice of Information Collection and Request for Public Comment Notice and request for public comment. ACTION: The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13. Currently, the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund), Department of the Treasury, is soliciting comments concerning the Community Development Financial Institutions Program—Certification Application, which will be submitted through the Awards Management Information System (AMIS). DATES: Written comments must be received on or before November 5, 2018 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Submit your comments via email to Tanya McInnis, Acting Program Manager for the Office of Certification, Compliance Monitoring and Evaluation, CDFI Fund, at ccme@cdfi.treas.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tanya McInnis, Acting Program Manager for the Office of Certification, Compliance Monitoring and Evaluation, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, U.S. Department of the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington DC 20220 or by phone SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\05SEN1.SGM 05SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 172 / Wednesday, September 5, 2018 / Notices daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES at (202) 653–0300. Other information regarding the CDFI Fund and its programs may be obtained through the CDFI Fund’s website at https:// www.cdfifund.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Community Development Financial Institutions Program— Certification Application. OMB Number: 1559–0028. Type of Review: Regular Review. Abstract: A certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) is a specialized financial institution that works in market niches that are underserved by traditional financial institutions. CDFIs provide a unique range of financial products and services in economically distressed target markets, such as mortgage financing for low-income and first-time homebuyers and not-for-profit developers, flexible underwriting and risk capital for needed community facilities, and technical assistance, commercial loans and investments to small start-up or expanding businesses in low-income areas. CDFIs include regulated institutions such as community development banks and credit unions, and non-regulated institutions such as loan and venture capital funds. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:04 Sep 04, 2018 Jkt 244001 CDFI certification is a designation conferred by the CDFI Fund and is a requirement for accessing financial and technical assistance awards from the CDFI Fund through the CDFI Program and Native American CDFI Assistance Program, as well as certain benefits under the Bank Enterprise Award Program, to support an organization’s established community development financing programs. A financial institution seeking to become a certified CDFI and qualify to access assistance from the CDFI Fund must complete the CDFI Certification Application. The revised application includes four (4) administrative changes designed to provide clarification and consistency to better understand the work of the CDFI Certification Applicant. Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit institutions, non-profit entities, and State, local, and Tribal entities participating in CDFI Fund programs. Estimated Number of Respondents: 300. Estimated Annual Time per Respondent: 37.5 hours. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 11,250 hours. Request for Comments: Comments submitted in response to this notice will PO 00000 Frm 00100 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 45187 be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on all aspects of the information collection, but commentators may wish to focus particular attention on: (a) The cost for CDFIs to operate and maintain the services/systems required to provide the required information; (b) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (c) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper evaluation of the effectiveness and impact of the CDFI Fund’s programs, including whether the information has practical utility; (d) the accuracy of the CDFI Fund’s estimate of the burden of the collection of information, and; (e) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information including through the use of technology. Authority: 12 U.S.C. 4703, 4703 note, 4704, 4706, 4707, 4717; 12 CFR part 1805. Mary Ann Donovan, Director, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. [FR Doc. 2018–19194 Filed 9–4–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810–70–P E:\FR\FM\05SEN1.SGM 05SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 172 (Wednesday, September 5, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 45186-45187]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-19194]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Community Development Financial Institutions Fund


Notice of Information Collection and Request for Public Comment

ACTION: Notice and request for public comment.

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SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing 
effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general 
public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment 
on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Currently, the 
Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund), 
Department of the Treasury, is soliciting comments concerning the 
Community Development Financial Institutions Program--Certification 
Application, which will be submitted through the Awards Management 
Information System (AMIS).

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before November 5, 2018 
to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Submit your comments via email to Tanya McInnis, Acting 
Program Manager for the Office of Certification, Compliance Monitoring 
and Evaluation, CDFI Fund, at [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tanya McInnis, Acting Program Manager 
for the Office of Certification, Compliance Monitoring and Evaluation, 
Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, U.S. Department of 
the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington DC 20220 or by 
phone

[[Page 45187]]

at (202) 653-0300. Other information regarding the CDFI Fund and its 
programs may be obtained through the CDFI Fund's website at https://www.cdfifund.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Title: Community Development Financial Institutions Program--
Certification Application.
    OMB Number: 1559-0028.
    Type of Review: Regular Review.
    Abstract: A certified Community Development Financial Institution 
(CDFI) is a specialized financial institution that works in market 
niches that are underserved by traditional financial institutions. 
CDFIs provide a unique range of financial products and services in 
economically distressed target markets, such as mortgage financing for 
low-income and first-time homebuyers and not-for-profit developers, 
flexible underwriting and risk capital for needed community facilities, 
and technical assistance, commercial loans and investments to small 
start-up or expanding businesses in low-income areas. CDFIs include 
regulated institutions such as community development banks and credit 
unions, and non-regulated institutions such as loan and venture capital 
funds.
    CDFI certification is a designation conferred by the CDFI Fund and 
is a requirement for accessing financial and technical assistance 
awards from the CDFI Fund through the CDFI Program and Native American 
CDFI Assistance Program, as well as certain benefits under the Bank 
Enterprise Award Program, to support an organization's established 
community development financing programs. A financial institution 
seeking to become a certified CDFI and qualify to access assistance 
from the CDFI Fund must complete the CDFI Certification Application. 
The revised application includes four (4) administrative changes 
designed to provide clarification and consistency to better understand 
the work of the CDFI Certification Applicant.
    Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit institutions, non-
profit entities, and State, local, and Tribal entities participating in 
CDFI Fund programs.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 300.
    Estimated Annual Time per Respondent: 37.5 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 11,250 hours.
    Request for Comments: Comments submitted in response to this notice 
will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All 
comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on 
all aspects of the information collection, but commentators may wish to 
focus particular attention on: (a) The cost for CDFIs to operate and 
maintain the services/systems required to provide the required 
information; (b) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of 
the information to be collected; (c) whether the collection of 
information is necessary for the proper evaluation of the effectiveness 
and impact of the CDFI Fund's programs, including whether the 
information has practical utility; (d) the accuracy of the CDFI Fund's 
estimate of the burden of the collection of information, and; (e) ways 
to minimize the burden of the collection of information including 
through the use of technology.

    Authority:  12 U.S.C. 4703, 4703 note, 4704, 4706, 4707, 4717; 
12 CFR part 1805.

Mary Ann Donovan,
Director, Community Development Financial Institutions Fund.
[FR Doc. 2018-19194 Filed 9-4-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4810-70-P


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