Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review, 52945-52947 [2021-20559]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 182 / Thursday, September 23, 2021 / Notices written materials to be reviewed during the meeting must be received no later than October 6, 2021. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held virtually. Virtual attendance information will be provided upon registration. A detailed agenda will be available on the REDAC internet website at https://www.faa.gov/go/redac at least one week before the meeting, along with copies of the meeting minutes after the meeting. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chinita Roundtree-Coleman, REDAC PM/Lead, FAA/U.S. Department of Transportation, at chinita.roundtreecoleman@faa.gov or (609) 485–7149. Any committee related request should be sent to the person listed in this section. reasonably accommodated during the meeting, the FAA may conduct a lottery to determine the speakers. Speakers are requested to submit a written copy of their prepared remarks for inclusion in the meeting records and for circulation to REDAC members before the deadline listed in the DATES section. All prepared remarks submitted on time will be accepted and considered as part of the meeting’s record. Any member of the public may present a written statement to the committee at any time. Issued in Washington, DC, this 17th day of September, 2021. Chinita Roundtree-Coleman, REDAC PM/Lead, Federal Aviation Administration. [FR Doc. 2021–20576 Filed 9–22–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–9X–P SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION The Research, Engineering, and Development Advisory Committee was created under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), in accordance with Public Law 100–591 (1988) and Public Law 101–508 (1990) to provide advice and recommendations to the FAA Administrator in support of the Agency’s Research and Development (R&D) portfolio. At the meeting, the agenda will cover the following topics: • FAA Research and Development Strategies, Initiatives and Planning, • Impacts of emerging technologies, new entrant vehicles and dynamic operations within the National Airspace System. III. Public Participation The U.S. Department of Transportation is committed to providing equal access to this meeting for all participants. If you need alternative formats or services because of a disability, such as sign language, interpretation, or other ancillary aids, please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 [FTA Docket No. FTA 2021–0013] 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, this notice announces that the Information Collection Requirements (ICR) 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. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before October 25, 2021. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/ PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function. 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 SUMMARY: II. Agenda section. There will be 45 minutes allotted for oral comments from members of the public joining the meeting. To accommodate as many speakers as possible, the time for each commenter may be limited. Individuals wishing to reserve speaking time during the meeting must submit a request at the time of registration, as well as the name, address, and organizational affiliation of the proposed speaker. If the number of registrants requesting to make statements is greater than can be VerDate Sep<11>2014 Federal Transit Administration 17:19 Sep 22, 2021 Jkt 253001 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 52945 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. 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 June 24, 2021, FTA published a 60-day notice (86 FR 33473) in the Federal Register soliciting comments on the ICR for which the agency was seeking OMB approval. FTA received no comments after issuing this 60-day notice. Accordingly, DOT announces that these information collection activities have been reevaluated 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 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 (ICR) and the expected burden. The requirements are being submitted for clearance by OMB as required by the PRA. Title: Transit COVID–19 Response Program. OMB Control Number: 2132–0581. E:\FR\FM\23SEN1.SGM 23SEN1 lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 52946 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 182 / Thursday, September 23, 2021 / Notices Type of Request: Extension without change of a currently approved collection. Abstract: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is requesting Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 3-year approval for this existing information collection previously authorized under emergency approval. FTA is collecting monthly data related to impacts from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19) on public transportation agencies, including transit workforce counts; transit service levels; counts of COVID–19 positives, fatalities, recoveries, and unvaccinated employees; whether or not a transit agency has implemented the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Order and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Directive requiring workers and passengers to wear masks; and whether or not the agency has used FTA funds to support vaccine access services. FTA uses this data to inform FTA’s COVID–19 response and recovery actions, including monitoring of safety measures and impacts, development of technical assistance and safety advisories, monitoring use of FTA grant funds to address COVID–19 considerations, and monitoring compliance with Federal requirements. FTA began the Transit COVID–19 Response Program Information Collection in April 2021 under OMB emergency approval and is seeking renewal of this approval through OMB’s standard PRA clearance process. On June 24, 2021, FTA issued a 60-day Federal Register Notice requesting the extension of the approved information collection. This subsequent 30-day Federal Register Notice for public comments follows OMB’s PRA clearance process. There have been no substantive changes to the information collection application and associated data since the initial request. FTA is requesting information collection approval for up to three years. COVID– 19 continues to pose significant challenges for the transit industry. Although some transit providers have suspended service and a greater number have reduced service throughout the COVID–19 public health emergency, transit agencies across the country continue to provide millions of trips to lifeline services, including transporting healthcare personnel and other essential workers on the front line of the Nation’s COVID–19 response. Transit agencies also offer additional essential services to support communities during the public health emergency, such as meal delivery VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:19 Sep 22, 2021 Jkt 253001 and Wi-Fi access in underserved areas, and offer a range of COVID–19 vaccine access services. Accordingly, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency designates transit workers as essential critical infrastructure workers. Transit agencies and other stakeholders have expressed concerns about the risk of COVID–19 to the transit industry and, along with the FTA, have taken steps to address these concerns. To support the transit industry’s COVID–19 response, FTA allocated $25 billion in emergency relief funding to the U.S. transit industry through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Pub. L. 116–136) and another $14 billion through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA) (Pub. L. 116–260). The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP), enacted on March 11, 2021, includes an additional $30.5 billion in Federal funding to support the nation’s public transportation systems as they continue to respond to the COVID–19 pandemic and support vaccination of the U.S. population. Funding through the ARP Act and CRRSAA, like the CARES Act, is at 100-percent Federal share with no local match required. In addition, for Fiscal Year 2020, FTA apportioned over $12.5 billion in funding authorized under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) (Pub. L. 114–94) and the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (Pub. L. 116–94). Numerous transit agencies have implemented mitigations to limit the transmission of SARS–CoV–2, the virus that causes COVID–19, among their workers and within their systems. Despite these efforts, frontline transit workers remain at high risk for workrelated exposure to SARS–CoV–2 because their work-related duties must be performed on-site and involve being in close proximity (<6 feet) to the public or to coworkers. In addition, many transit workers fall within racial and socioeconomic demographics that are at increased risk of getting sick and dying from COVID–19. On January 29, 2021, CDC issued an Order requiring the wearing of masks by persons using or working in certain transportation services, including on public transportation, to prevent spread of the virus that causes COVID–19. Pursuant to the CDC Order, which implements Presidential Executive Order 13998, transportation operators must require that all persons wear masks when boarding, disembarking, and for the duration of travel, with certain exemptions. Operators of PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 transportation hubs, which include bus terminals and subway stations, must require all persons wear a mask when entering or on the premises of a transportation hub. Since June 10, 2021, CDC is not enforcing the wearing of masks by persons while outdoors on transportation vehicles or while outdoors in transportation hubs. TSA issued a Security Directive on February 1, 2021 that implements the CDC Order. On August 20, 2021, TSA extended the Security Directive through January 18, 2022 to curb the spread of COVID–19. This information collection allows FTA to assess compliance with the Federal mask mandates. According to data from the CDC, 70 percent of adult Americans had received at least one vaccination shot by August 2, 2021. Continued concerns regarding vaccine access and hesitancy among transit workers and the U.S. public present challenges to increasing this percentage further. FTA’s information collection captures the number of transit workers that have reported that they have been vaccinated. The communities served by transit agencies continue to rely on them to provide critical transportation services every day— including transportation to vaccination sites. This information collection allows FTA to monitor the number of vaccinated transit workers and captures information on transit agencies’ efforts to use Federal resources, including ARP, CARES, and CRRSAA funds, to support vaccine access for their communities— both critical data points to support FTA response activity. New, more transmissible variants of the virus have recently emerged, including the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant. Between June 30, 2021 and July 31, 2021, after five months of decreasing trends in COVID–19 cases and hospitalizations, data show that cases and hospitalizations have increased substantially. In light of the Delta variant and increased spread and hospitalizations, CDC reversed its May recommendations that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks indoors and now recommends that all Americans in areas of surging COVID– 19 transmission should wear masks while indoors, regardless of their vaccination status. FTA plays a critical role in providing risk-based guidance and support for the COVID–19 recovery efforts of the transit industry. Accordingly, FTA will continue to require that respondents provide the following information using a fillable electronic online application: • Transit Worker Counts: Total number of transit operators, other E:\FR\FM\23SEN1.SGM 23SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 182 / Thursday, September 23, 2021 / Notices frontline essential personnel, and other workers during the reporting period. • COVID–19 Impacts on Transit Agency Service Levels: Yes or no responses to indicate if the agency suspended service, reduced service, or operated at normal levels during the reporting period. • COVID–19 Impacts on Transit Workforce: Cumulative counts of transit worker COVID–19 positives, fatalities, recoveries, and unvaccinated employees during the reporting period, and yes or no responses on whether the agency is requiring workers to be vaccinated, whether the agency has implemented the CDC Order and TSA Security Directive requiring workers and passengers to wear masks, and whether or not the agency has used FTA funds to support vaccine access services and the types of vaccine access services the agency provides. Respondents: FTA will require this information, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 5334, from recipients and sub-recipients of FTA funds under the Urbanized Area Formula Funding program (49 U.S.C. 5307) or the Formula Grants for Rural Areas program (49 U.S.C. 5311) that operate transit systems or pass-through funds to sub-recipients that operate transit systems. Recipients of FTA funds under the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program (49 U.S.C. 5310) may be requested to provide this information on a voluntary basis in the future. Estimated Average Total Annual Respondents: 2,390 respondents. Estimated Average Total Responses: 28,680. Estimated Annual Burden Hours: 10,356. Estimated Annual Burden per Response: 10 minutes per Section 5307 or 5311 respondent, 400 minutes per Section 5311 State respondent, and 16 minutes per Section 5310 transit operator respondent. Frequency: Monthly. Nadine Pembleton, Director Office of Management Planning. [FR Doc. 2021–20559 Filed 9–22–21; 8:45 am] lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 BILLING CODE P VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:19 Sep 22, 2021 Jkt 253001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration [Docket No.: PHMSA–2021–0095; Notice No. 2021–08] Hazardous Materials: Public Meeting Notice for the Research, Development & Technology Forum Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s (PHMSA) Office of Hazardous Materials Safety (OHMS) will hold a public Research, Development & Technology Forum October 12-15, 2021, virtually on Microsoft Teams (MS Teams) to present the results of recently completed projects, brief new project plans, and obtain stakeholder input on the direction of current and future research projects on topics including mitigation of climate change, risk management and mitigation, packaging integrity, emerging technology, and technical analysis to aid risk assessment. DATES: The meeting will be held virtually on MS Teams from October 12 to 15, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on each day. ADDRESSES: DOT requests that attendees pre-register for these meetings by completing the form, at: https:// forms.office.com/Pages/Response Page.aspx?id=WyTNxPBElUOhqjhI0l j3i42Qs1CodOdEpKD7 cpFYhKRUNE9LRTlWVkI3QjlFSkhIUVF ZNVFNWEpUSi4u. Conference call-in and ‘‘live meeting’’ capability will be provided. Specific information about conference call-in and live meeting access will be posted at: https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/ research-and-development/hazmat/rdmeetings-and-events under ‘‘Upcoming Events.’’ SUMMARY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andy Leyder or Britain Bruner, Ph.D., Office of Hazardous Materials Safety, Research, Development & Technology, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, DC. Telephone: (202) 360–0664 and (202) 366–8830. Email: Andrew.Leyder@ dot.gov or Britain.Bruner@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: During the meeting, OHMS will solicit comments related to new research topics that may be considered for inclusion in its future work. OHMS is particularly interested PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 52947 in the research gaps associated with energetic materials (explosives) characterization and transport, safe transportation of energy products (e.g., crude oil), safe containment and transportation of compressed gases, and safe packaging and transportation of charge storage devices (e.g., lithium ion batteries), and how these might aid in mitigation of climate change. The forum will also include an opportunity for stakeholder input that identifies other research gaps related to the transportation of hazardous materials. Issued in Washington, DC, on September 20, 2021, under authority delegated in 49 CFR 1.97. William S. Schoonover, Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. [FR Doc. 2021–20599 Filed 9–22–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–60–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of Foreign Assets Control Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions Office of Foreign Assets Control, Treasury. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is publishing the names of one or more persons that have been placed on OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) based on OFAC’s determination that one or more applicable legal criteria were satisfied. All property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction of these persons are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. DATES: See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for effective date. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: OFAC: Andrea Gacki, Director, tel.: 202–622–2480; Associate Director for Global Targeting, tel.: 202–622–2420; Assistant Director for Licensing, tel.: 202–622–2480; Assistant Director for Regulatory Affairs, tel.: 202–622–4855; or the Assistant Director for Sanctions Compliance & Evaluation, tel.: 202–622– 2490. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Electronic Availability The Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List and additional information concerning OFAC sanctions programs are available on OFAC’s website (www.treasury.gov/ofac). E:\FR\FM\23SEN1.SGM 23SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 182 (Thursday, September 23, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52945-52947]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-20559]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Transit Administration

[FTA Docket No. FTA 2021-0013]


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, this 
notice announces that the Information Collection Requirements (ICR) 
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.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before October 25, 2021.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed 
information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of 
this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular 
information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--
Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function.
    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.

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 June 24, 2021, FTA published a 60-day notice (86 FR 33473) 
in the Federal Register soliciting comments on the ICR for which the 
agency was seeking OMB approval. FTA received no comments after issuing 
this 60-day 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 
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 (ICR) and the expected burden. The requirements 
are being submitted for clearance by OMB as required by the PRA.
    Title: Transit COVID-19 Response Program.
    OMB Control Number: 2132-0581.

[[Page 52946]]

    Type of Request: Extension without change of a currently approved 
collection.
    Abstract: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 
1995, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is requesting Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) 3-year approval for this existing 
information collection previously authorized under emergency approval. 
FTA is collecting monthly data related to impacts from the coronavirus 
disease 2019 (COVID-19) on public transportation agencies, including 
transit workforce counts; transit service levels; counts of COVID-19 
positives, fatalities, recoveries, and unvaccinated employees; whether 
or not a transit agency has implemented the U.S. Centers for Disease 
Control and Prevention (CDC) Order and Transportation Security 
Administration (TSA) Security Directive requiring workers and 
passengers to wear masks; and whether or not the agency has used FTA 
funds to support vaccine access services. FTA uses this data to inform 
FTA's COVID-19 response and recovery actions, including monitoring of 
safety measures and impacts, development of technical assistance and 
safety advisories, monitoring use of FTA grant funds to address COVID-
19 considerations, and monitoring compliance with Federal requirements.
    FTA began the Transit COVID-19 Response Program Information 
Collection in April 2021 under OMB emergency approval and is seeking 
renewal of this approval through OMB's standard PRA clearance process. 
On June 24, 2021, FTA issued a 60-day Federal Register Notice 
requesting the extension of the approved information collection. This 
subsequent 30-day Federal Register Notice for public comments follows 
OMB's PRA clearance process. There have been no substantive changes to 
the information collection application and associated data since the 
initial request. FTA is requesting information collection approval for 
up to three years. COVID-19 continues to pose significant challenges 
for the transit industry. Although some transit providers have 
suspended service and a greater number have reduced service throughout 
the COVID-19 public health emergency, transit agencies across the 
country continue to provide millions of trips to lifeline services, 
including transporting healthcare personnel and other essential workers 
on the front line of the Nation's COVID-19 response. Transit agencies 
also offer additional essential services to support communities during 
the public health emergency, such as meal delivery and Wi-Fi access in 
underserved areas, and offer a range of COVID-19 vaccine access 
services. Accordingly, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security 
Agency designates transit workers as essential critical infrastructure 
workers.
    Transit agencies and other stakeholders have expressed concerns 
about the risk of COVID-19 to the transit industry and, along with the 
FTA, have taken steps to address these concerns. To support the transit 
industry's COVID-19 response, FTA allocated $25 billion in emergency 
relief funding to the U.S. transit industry through the Coronavirus 
Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Pub. L. 116-136) and 
another $14 billion through the Coronavirus Response and Relief 
Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA) (Pub. L. 116-260). The 
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP), enacted on March 11, 2021, 
includes an additional $30.5 billion in Federal funding to support the 
nation's public transportation systems as they continue to respond to 
the COVID-19 pandemic and support vaccination of the U.S. population. 
Funding through the ARP Act and CRRSAA, like the CARES Act, is at 100-
percent Federal share with no local match required. In addition, for 
Fiscal Year 2020, FTA apportioned over $12.5 billion in funding 
authorized under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST 
Act) (Pub. L. 114-94) and the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 
2020 (Pub. L. 116-94).
    Numerous transit agencies have implemented mitigations to limit the 
transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, among their 
workers and within their systems. Despite these efforts, frontline 
transit workers remain at high risk for work-related exposure to SARS-
CoV-2 because their work-related duties must be performed on-site and 
involve being in close proximity (<6 feet) to the public or to 
coworkers. In addition, many transit workers fall within racial and 
socioeconomic demographics that are at increased risk of getting sick 
and dying from COVID-19.
    On January 29, 2021, CDC issued an Order requiring the wearing of 
masks by persons using or working in certain transportation services, 
including on public transportation, to prevent spread of the virus that 
causes COVID-19. Pursuant to the CDC Order, which implements 
Presidential Executive Order 13998, transportation operators must 
require that all persons wear masks when boarding, disembarking, and 
for the duration of travel, with certain exemptions. Operators of 
transportation hubs, which include bus terminals and subway stations, 
must require all persons wear a mask when entering or on the premises 
of a transportation hub. Since June 10, 2021, CDC is not enforcing the 
wearing of masks by persons while outdoors on transportation vehicles 
or while outdoors in transportation hubs. TSA issued a Security 
Directive on February 1, 2021 that implements the CDC Order. On August 
20, 2021, TSA extended the Security Directive through January 18, 2022 
to curb the spread of COVID-19. This information collection allows FTA 
to assess compliance with the Federal mask mandates.
    According to data from the CDC, 70 percent of adult Americans had 
received at least one vaccination shot by August 2, 2021. Continued 
concerns regarding vaccine access and hesitancy among transit workers 
and the U.S. public present challenges to increasing this percentage 
further. FTA's information collection captures the number of transit 
workers that have reported that they have been vaccinated. The 
communities served by transit agencies continue to rely on them to 
provide critical transportation services every day--including 
transportation to vaccination sites. This information collection allows 
FTA to monitor the number of vaccinated transit workers and captures 
information on transit agencies' efforts to use Federal resources, 
including ARP, CARES, and CRRSAA funds, to support vaccine access for 
their communities--both critical data points to support FTA response 
activity.
    New, more transmissible variants of the virus have recently 
emerged, including the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant. Between June 30, 2021 
and July 31, 2021, after five months of decreasing trends in COVID-19 
cases and hospitalizations, data show that cases and hospitalizations 
have increased substantially. In light of the Delta variant and 
increased spread and hospitalizations, CDC reversed its May 
recommendations that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear 
masks indoors and now recommends that all Americans in areas of surging 
COVID-19 transmission should wear masks while indoors, regardless of 
their vaccination status. FTA plays a critical role in providing risk-
based guidance and support for the COVID-19 recovery efforts of the 
transit industry. Accordingly, FTA will continue to require that 
respondents provide the following information using a fillable 
electronic online application:
     Transit Worker Counts: Total number of transit operators, 
other

[[Page 52947]]

frontline essential personnel, and other workers during the reporting 
period.
     COVID-19 Impacts on Transit Agency Service Levels: Yes or 
no responses to indicate if the agency suspended service, reduced 
service, or operated at normal levels during the reporting period.
     COVID-19 Impacts on Transit Workforce: Cumulative counts 
of transit worker COVID-19 positives, fatalities, recoveries, and 
unvaccinated employees during the reporting period, and yes or no 
responses on whether the agency is requiring workers to be vaccinated, 
whether the agency has implemented the CDC Order and TSA Security 
Directive requiring workers and passengers to wear masks, and whether 
or not the agency has used FTA funds to support vaccine access services 
and the types of vaccine access services the agency provides.
    Respondents: FTA will require this information, pursuant to 49 
U.S.C. 5334, from recipients and sub-recipients of FTA funds under the 
Urbanized Area Formula Funding program (49 U.S.C. 5307) or the Formula 
Grants for Rural Areas program (49 U.S.C. 5311) that operate transit 
systems or pass-through funds to sub-recipients that operate transit 
systems. Recipients of FTA funds under the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors 
and Individuals with Disabilities program (49 U.S.C. 5310) may be 
requested to provide this information on a voluntary basis in the 
future.
    Estimated Average Total Annual Respondents: 2,390 respondents.
    Estimated Average Total Responses: 28,680.
    Estimated Annual Burden Hours: 10,356.
    Estimated Annual Burden per Response: 10 minutes per Section 5307 
or 5311 respondent, 400 minutes per Section 5311 State respondent, and 
16 minutes per Section 5310 transit operator respondent.
    Frequency: Monthly.

Nadine Pembleton,
Director Office of Management Planning.
[FR Doc. 2021-20559 Filed 9-22-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
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