Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request, 61229-61231 [2024-16732]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 146 / Tuesday, July 30, 2024 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket No. FRA–2010–0039, –2010–0045, –2010–0051, –2010–0056, and –2010–0060] Railroads’ Joint Request To Amend Their Positive Train Control Safety Plans and Positive Train Control Systems Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of availability and request for comments. AGENCY: This document provides the public with notice that on July 11, 2024, five host railroads submitted a joint request for amendment (RFA) to their FRA-approved Positive Train Control Safety Plans (PTCSP). As this joint RFA may involve requests for FRA’s approval of proposed material modifications to FRA-certified positive train control (PTC) systems, FRA is publishing this notice and inviting public comment on railroads’ joint RFA to their PTCSPs. DATES: FRA will consider comments received by August 19, 2024. FRA may consider comments received after that date to the extent practicable and without delaying implementation of valuable or necessary modifications to PTC systems. ADDRESSES: Comments: Comments may be submitted by going to https:// www.regulations.gov and following the online instructions for submitting comments. Instructions: All submissions must include the agency name and the applicable docket number. The relevant PTC docket numbers for the host railroads that filed a joint RFA to their PTCSPs are cited above and in the Supplementary Information section of this notice. For convenience, all active PTC dockets are hyperlinked on FRA’s website at https://railroads.dot.gov/ research-development/program-areas/ train-control/ptc/railroads-ptc-dockets. All comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov; this includes any personal information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gabe Neal, Staff Director, Signal, Train Control, and Crossings Division, telephone: 816–516–7168, email: Gabe.Neal@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In general, Title 49 United States Code (U.S.C.) Section 20157(h) requires FRA to certify that a host railroad’s PTC system complies with Title 49 Code of Federal khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:51 Jul 29, 2024 Jkt 262001 Regulations (CFR) part 236, subpart I, before the technology may be operated in revenue service. Before making certain changes to an FRA-certified PTC system or the associated FRA-approved PTCSP, a host railroad must submit, and obtain FRA’s approval of, an RFA to its PTCSP under 49 CFR 236.1021. Under 49 CFR 236.1021(e), FRA’s regulations provide that FRA will publish a notice in the Federal Register and invite public comment in accordance with 49 CFR part 211, if an RFA includes a request for approval of a material modification of a signal or train control system. Accordingly, this notice informs the public that the five host railroads listed below recently filed a joint RFA to their PTCSPs, which is available in their respective public PTC dockets, and this notice provides an opportunity for public comment. Specifically, on July 11, 2024, the following five host railroads jointly submitted an RFA to their respective PTCSPs for their Interoperable Electronic Train Management Systems (I–ETMS): BNSF Railway, Caltrain, New Mexico Rail Runner Express, Norfolk Southern Railway Company, and South Florida Regional Transportation Authority. This RFA includes a proposed process for emergencies that would affect a significant portion or the entire fleet of these railroads’ PTCequipped trains. Their joint RFA is available in Docket Numbers FRA– 2010–0039, –2010–0045, –2010–0051, –2010–0056, and –2010–0060. Interested parties are invited to comment on this RFA by submitting written comments or data. During FRA’s review of these railroads’ joint RFA, FRA will consider any comments or data submitted within the timeline specified in this notice and to the extent practicable, without delaying implementation of valuable or necessary modifications to PTC systems. See 49 CFR 236.1021; see also 49 CFR 236.1011(e). Under 49 CFR 236.1021, FRA maintains the authority to approve, approve with conditions, or deny these railroads’ joint RFA to their PTCSPs at FRA’s sole discretion. Privacy Act Notice In accordance with 49 CFR 211.3, FRA solicits comments from the public to better inform its decisions. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to https:// www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL– 14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https://www.transportation.gov/privacy. See https://www.regulations.gov/ privacy-notice for the privacy notice of PO 00000 Frm 00172 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 61229 regulations.gov. To facilitate comment tracking, we encourage commenters to provide their name, or the name of their organization; however, submission of names is completely optional. If you wish to provide comments containing proprietary or confidential information, please contact FRA for alternate submission instructions. Issued in Washington, DC. Carolyn R. Hayward-Williams, Director, Office of Railroad Systems and Technology. [FR Doc. 2024–16750 Filed 7–29–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket No. FRA–2024–0026] Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment. AGENCY: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its implementing regulations, FRA seeks approval of the Information Collection Request (ICR) summarized below. Before submitting this ICR to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified in the ICR. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before September 30, 2024. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed ICR should be submitted on regulations.gov to the docket, Docket No. FRA–2024– 0026. All comments received will be posted without change to the docket, including any personal information provided. Please refer to the assigned OMB control number (2130–New) in any correspondence submitted. FRA will summarize comments received in a subsequent 30-day notice and include them in its information collection submission to OMB. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Arlette Mussington, Information Collection Clearance Officer, at email: arlette.mussington@dot.gov or telephone: (571) 609–1285 or Ms. Joanne Swafford, Information Collection Clearance Officer, at email: joanne.swafford@dot.gov or telephone: (757) 897–9908. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\30JYN1.SGM 30JYN1 61230 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 146 / Tuesday, July 30, 2024 / Notices The PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501–3520, and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, require Federal agencies to provide 60-days’ notice to the public to allow comment on information collection activities before seeking OMB approval of the activities. See 44 U.S.C. 3506, 3507; 5 CFR 1320.8 through 1320.12. Specifically, FRA invites interested parties to comment on the following ICR regarding: (1) whether the information collection activities are necessary for FRA to properly execute its functions, including whether the activities will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of FRA’s estimates of the burden of the information collection activities, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used to determine the estimates; (3) ways for FRA to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information being collected; and (4) ways for FRA to minimize the burden of information collection activities on the public, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. See 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FRA believes that soliciting public comment may reduce the administrative and paperwork burdens associated with the collection of information that Federal regulations mandate. In summary, comments received will advance three objectives: (1) reduce reporting burdens; (2) organize information collection requirements in a ‘‘user-friendly’’ format to improve the use of such information; and (3) accurately assess the resources expended to retrieve and produce information requested. See 44 U.S.C. 3501. The summary below describes the ICR that FRA will submit for OMB clearance as the PRA requires: Title: Uniform Report of Small Business (SB) Commitments/Awards and Payments. OMB Control Number: 2130–New. Abstract: The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is statutorily mandated and intended to assist small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals compete fairly in the Department’s transportation funding programs for certain highway, transit, and aviation programs. The DBE program is implemented by recipients of DOT financial assistance. The DOT DBE does not include rail assistance programs and FRA does not have a mandated DBE program. Rather, FRA issues and manages rail assistance programs in compliance with the DOT regulations for implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 found at 49 CFR part 21 and the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards found at 2 CFR part 200. Specifically, 2 CFR 200.321 (a) through (b)(6) provides affirmative steps a non-Federal entity must take to assure that minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible. In 2015, Congress instructed the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a nationwide disparity and availability study on the availability and use of small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and veteranowned small businesses in publicly funded intercity rail passenger transportation projects. The report for the study was provided to Congress in 2022. The report noted a gap in data available for analysis to determine if there is any disparity in rail transportation grant awards. To address the data gap identified in the report, FRA is proposing to add new form, FRA F 6180.281 titled, Small Business (SB) Commitments/Awards and Payments. The proposed data collection will address this gap and aid future considerations of the application of the DBE program. The purpose of FRA F 6180.281 is to collect data from grant recipients to determine the amount of dollars from FRA grants and contracts that flow to small, women-owned and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE). This would identify all prime contractors, sub-contractors, consultants, and vendors that FRA grant recipients worked with and on which they spent grant funds. Additionally, the proposed new form, FRA F 6180.281 ‘‘SB Commitments/Awards and Payments’’ would be used by FRA to carry out its oversight responsibilities of non-Federal entities receiving grant funds. This collection of information aligns with DOT’s Strategic Goal of Equity as it supports establishing economic equity for small businesses owned by disadvantaged individuals and promoting development opportunities. Type of Request: Approval of a new collection of information. Affected Public: Generally, includes States and local governments and railroads. Form(s): FRA F 6180.281. Respondent Universe: 140 grant recipients. Frequency of Submission: Annually. REPORTING BURDEN Form name khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Total ................................... FRA F 281 ....................... 140 ................................... 1 The dollar equivalent cost is derived from the May 2022 Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor VerDate Sep<11>2014 Total annual responses Average time per response Total annual burden hours Wage rate Total cost equivalent in U.S. dollars (A) (B) (C = A * B) (E) 1 (D = C * E) 140 ................................... 140 responses ................. 357 hours ................ N/A .......................... 49,980 ..................... 49,980 ..................... Form No. 16:51 Jul 29, 2024 Jkt 262001 Statistics (BLS), using the median hourly wage rate for a Management Analyst 13–1111 of $45.81. PO 00000 Frm 00173 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\30JYN1.SGM 30JYN1 $45.81 N/A $2,289,584 2,289,584 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 146 / Tuesday, July 30, 2024 / Notices Total Estimated Annual Responses: 140. Total Estimated Annual Burden: 49,980 hours. Total Estimated Annual Burden Hour Dollar Cost Equivalent: $2,289,584. FRA informs all interested parties that it may not conduct or sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, a collection of information that does not display a currently valid OMB control number. Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501–3520. Christopher S. Van Nostrand, Deputy Chief Counsel. [FR Doc. 2024–16732 Filed 7–29–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket No. FRA–2024–0009] Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment. AGENCY: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its implementing regulations, this notice announces that FRA is forwarding the Information Collection Request (ICR) summarized below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR describes the information collection and its expected burden. On May 28, 2024, FRA published a notice providing a 60-day period for public comment on the ICR. FRA received no comments in response to the notice. DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before August 29, 2024. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed ICR should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find the particular ICR by selecting ‘‘Currently under Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Arlette Mussington, Information Collection Clearance Officer, at email: arlette.mussington@dot.gov or telephone: (571) 609–1285 or Ms. Joanne Swafford, Information Collection Clearance Officer, at email: khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:51 Jul 29, 2024 Jkt 262001 joanne.swafford@dot.gov or telephone: (757) 897–9908. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The PRA, 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. See 44 U.S.C. 3506, 3507; 5 CFR 1320.8 through 1320.12. On May 28, 2024, FRA published a 60-day notice in the Federal Register soliciting public comment on the ICR for which it is now seeking OMB approval. See 89 FR 46302. FRA has received no comments related to the proposed collection of information. Before OMB decides whether to approve this proposed collection of information, it must provide 30 days’ notice for public comment. 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. The 30-day notice informs the regulated community of their opportunity to file relevant comments and affords the agency adequate time to consider 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. Comments are invited on the following ICR regarding: (1) whether the information collection activities are necessary for FRA to properly execute its functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of FRA’s estimates of the burden of the information collection activities, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used to determine the estimates; (3) ways for FRA to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information being collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of information collection activities on the public, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. The summary below describes the ICR that FRA will submit for OMB clearance as the PRA requires: Title: Federal Railroad Administration Alleged Violation and Inquiry Form. OMB Control Number: 2130–0590. Abstract: The FRA Alleged Violation and Inquiry Form is a response to section 307(b) of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, which requires FRA to ‘‘provide a mechanism for the public to submit written reports PO 00000 Frm 00174 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 61231 of potential violations of Federal railroad safety and hazardous materials transportation laws, regulations, and orders to the Federal Railroad Administration.’’ The FRA Alleged Violation and Inquiry Form allows the public to submit alleged violations, complaints, or inquiries directly to FRA. The form allows FRA to collect information necessary to investigate the alleged violation, complaint, or inquiry, and to follow up with the submitting party. FRA may share the information collected with partnering States under its State Rail Safety Participation Program and with law enforcement agencies. Type of Request: Extension without change (with changes in estimates) of a currently approved information collection. Affected Public: Public. Form(s): FRA F 6180.151 Respondent Universe: Public. Frequency of Submission: On occasion. Total Estimated Annual Responses: 1000. Total Estimated Annual Burden: 120 hours. Total Estimated Annual Burden Hour Dollar Cost Equivalent: $5,173. FRA informs all interested parties that it may not conduct or sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, a collection of information that does not display a currently valid OMB control number. Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501–3520. Christopher S. Van Nostrand, Deputy Chief Counsel. [FR Doc. 2024–16731 Filed 7–29–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket No. FRA–2024–0010] Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment. AGENCY: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its implementing regulations, this notice announces that FRA is forwarding the Information Collection Request (ICR) summarized below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR describes SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\30JYN1.SGM 30JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 146 (Tuesday, July 30, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 61229-61231]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-16732]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket No. FRA-2024-0026]


Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment 
Request

AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.

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

SUMMARY: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA) and its 
implementing regulations, FRA seeks approval of the Information 
Collection Request (ICR) summarized below. Before submitting this ICR 
to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, FRA is 
soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities 
identified in the ICR.

DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before 
September 30, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed ICR 
should be submitted on regulations.gov to the docket, Docket No. FRA-
2024-0026. All comments received will be posted without change to the 
docket, including any personal information provided. Please refer to 
the assigned OMB control number (2130-New) in any correspondence 
submitted. FRA will summarize comments received in a subsequent 30-day 
notice and include them in its information collection submission to 
OMB.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Arlette Mussington, Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, at email: [email protected] or 
telephone: (571) 609-1285 or Ms. Joanne Swafford, Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, at email: [email protected] or 
telephone: (757) 897-9908.

[[Page 61230]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The PRA, 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520, and its 
implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, require Federal agencies to 
provide 60-days' notice to the public to allow comment on information 
collection activities before seeking OMB approval of the activities. 
See 44 U.S.C. 3506, 3507; 5 CFR 1320.8 through 1320.12. Specifically, 
FRA invites interested parties to comment on the following ICR 
regarding: (1) whether the information collection activities are 
necessary for FRA to properly execute its functions, including whether 
the activities will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of FRA's 
estimates of the burden of the information collection activities, 
including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used to 
determine the estimates; (3) ways for FRA to enhance the quality, 
utility, and clarity of the information being collected; and (4) ways 
for FRA to minimize the burden of information collection activities on 
the public, including the use of automated collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology. See 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A); 5 
CFR 1320.8(d)(1).
    FRA believes that soliciting public comment may reduce the 
administrative and paperwork burdens associated with the collection of 
information that Federal regulations mandate. In summary, comments 
received will advance three objectives: (1) reduce reporting burdens; 
(2) organize information collection requirements in a ``user-friendly'' 
format to improve the use of such information; and (3) accurately 
assess the resources expended to retrieve and produce information 
requested. See 44 U.S.C. 3501.
    The summary below describes the ICR that FRA will submit for OMB 
clearance as the PRA requires:
    Title: Uniform Report of Small Business (SB) Commitments/Awards and 
Payments.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-New.
    Abstract: The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program is 
statutorily mandated and intended to assist small businesses owned and 
controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals 
compete fairly in the Department's transportation funding programs for 
certain highway, transit, and aviation programs. The DBE program is 
implemented by recipients of DOT financial assistance. The DOT DBE does 
not include rail assistance programs and FRA does not have a mandated 
DBE program. Rather, FRA issues and manages rail assistance programs in 
compliance with the DOT regulations for implementing Title VI of the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964 found at 49 CFR part 21 and the Uniform 
Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements 
for Federal Awards found at 2 CFR part 200. Specifically, 2 CFR 200.321 
(a) through (b)(6) provides affirmative steps a non-Federal entity must 
take to assure that minority businesses, women's business enterprises, 
and labor surplus area firms are used when possible.
    In 2015, Congress instructed the Secretary of Transportation to 
conduct a nationwide disparity and availability study on the 
availability and use of small businesses owned and controlled by 
socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and veteran-owned 
small businesses in publicly funded intercity rail passenger 
transportation projects.
    The report for the study was provided to Congress in 2022. The 
report noted a gap in data available for analysis to determine if there 
is any disparity in rail transportation grant awards. To address the 
data gap identified in the report, FRA is proposing to add new form, 
FRA F 6180.281 titled, Small Business (SB) Commitments/Awards and 
Payments. The proposed data collection will address this gap and aid 
future considerations of the application of the DBE program.
    The purpose of FRA F 6180.281 is to collect data from grant 
recipients to determine the amount of dollars from FRA grants and 
contracts that flow to small, women-owned and Disadvantaged Business 
Enterprises (DBE). This would identify all prime contractors, sub-
contractors, consultants, and vendors that FRA grant recipients worked 
with and on which they spent grant funds. Additionally, the proposed 
new form, FRA F 6180.281 ``SB Commitments/Awards and Payments'' would 
be used by FRA to carry out its oversight responsibilities of non-
Federal entities receiving grant funds.
    This collection of information aligns with DOT's Strategic Goal of 
Equity as it supports establishing economic equity for small businesses 
owned by disadvantaged individuals and promoting development 
opportunities.
    Type of Request: Approval of a new collection of information.
    Affected Public: Generally, includes States and local governments 
and railroads.
    Form(s): FRA F 6180.281.
    Respondent Universe: 140 grant recipients.
    Frequency of Submission: Annually.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The dollar equivalent cost is derived from the May 2022 
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), using the 
median hourly wage rate for a Management Analyst 13-1111 of $45.81.

                                                                    Reporting Burden
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                            Total cost
            Form name                    Form No.            Total annual        Average time per    Total annual burden     Wage rate     equivalent in
                                                               responses             response               hours                          U.S. dollars
                                                         (A).................  (B).................  (C = A * B)........         (E) \1\     (D = C * E)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   FRA F 281...........  140.................  357 hours...........  49,980.............          $45.81      $2,289,584
Total............................  140.................  140 responses.......  N/A.................  49,980.............             N/A       2,289,584
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 61231]]

    Total Estimated Annual Responses: 140.
    Total Estimated Annual Burden: 49,980 hours.
    Total Estimated Annual Burden Hour Dollar Cost Equivalent: 
$2,289,584.
    FRA informs all interested parties that it may not conduct or 
sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, a collection 
of information that does not display a currently valid OMB control 
number.
    Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.

Christopher S. Van Nostrand,
Deputy Chief Counsel.
[FR Doc. 2024-16732 Filed 7-29-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P


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