[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 213 (Tuesday, November 4, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59766-59771]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-29340]



[[Page 59765]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part II





Office of Management and Budget





_______________________________________________________________________



Cancellation Pursuant to Line Item Veto Act; Departments of Veterans 
Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies 
Appropriations Act, 1998, and Department of Transportation and Related 
Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998; Notices

Federal Register / Vol. 62, 213 / Tuesday, November 4, 1997 / 
Notices

[[Page 59766]]



OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET


Cancellation Pursuant to Line Item Veto Act; Departments of 
Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent 
Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998, and Department of Transportation and 
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998

November 1, 1997.
    Two Special Messages from the President under the Line Item Veto 
Act are published below. The President signed these messages on 
November 1, 1997. Under the Act, the messages are required to be 
printed in the Federal Register (2 U.S.C. 691a(c)(2)).
Clarence C. Crawford,


Associate Director for Administration.

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

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:
    In accordance with the Line Item Veto Act, I hereby cancel the 
dollar amounts of discretionary budget authority, as specified in 
the attached reports, contained in the ``Departments of Veterans 
Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies 
Appropriations Act, 1998'' (Public Law 105-65; H.R. 2158). I have 
determined that the cancellation of these amounts will reduce the 
Federal budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government 
functions, and will not harm the national interest.
William J. Clinton

THE WHITE HOUSE,
    November 1, 1997.

Cancellation No. 97-65

CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY

Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130

    Bill Citation: ``Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and 
Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998'' 
(H.R. 2158).
    1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $900 
thousand for planning a new national cemetery in Oklahoma City, 
Oklahoma on page 90 of House Report 105-297, dated October 6, 1997.
    1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal 
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and 
will not harm the national interest.
    1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellations; Facts, Circumstances, and 
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellations; and 
Estimated Effect of Cancellation of Objects, Purposes, and Programs: 
This item would provide funding for the design of a new Department of 
Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemetery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The 
Department just opened one new cemetery and will open four more in the 
next two years --unprecedented since the Civil War. Activation of these 
cemeteries is a top priority. As a result of this recent expansion, the 
FY 1998 President's Budget and VA's Strategic Plan call for no new 
construction of national cemeteries over the next five years. This will 
give VA time to assess the adequacy of these new presences and to 
determine what, if any, further construction is warranted. Should 
future construction be needed, several other sites would be higher 
priority than Fort Sill in terms of veterans served. The estimated cost 
for the first phase of constructing this cemetery is $9.1 million, but 
$1.0 million a year would be needed for increased operating costs in 
the system.
    1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of 
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not 
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on 
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial 
effect on the economy.

                             Outlay changes                             
                        [In thousands of dollars]                       
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
Fiscal Year:                                                            
    1998....................................................         -39
    1999....................................................        -242
    2000....................................................        -292
    2001....................................................        -216
    2002....................................................         -82
                                                             -----------
      Total.................................................        -871
                                                                        

1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits:

    Budget authority: -$900 thousand in FY 1998.
    Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
    Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration 
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would 
occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
    2(A). Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
    2(A). Bureau: National Cemetery System
    2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Veterans Cemetery 
System (Construction, Major Projects).
    2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Oklahoma, 4th 
Congressional District.
    2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session 
in each State and District identified above: Oklahoma: one; 4th 
District: one.

Cancellation No. 97-66

CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY

Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130

    Bill Citation: ``Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and 
Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998'' 
(H.R. 2158).
    1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $15 thousand 
for an Economic Development Initiative project ``Arab Police 
Department,'' on page 96 of House Report 105-297, dated October 6, 
1997.
    1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal 
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and 
will not harm the national interest.
    1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellation; Facts, Circumstances, and 
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellation; and 
Estimated Effect of Cancellation on Objects, Purposes, and Programs: 
This project would develop a multidepartmental police training complex 
on city property in Arab, Alabama. This project is being canceled 
because: (1) funding for facilities used in the general conduct of 
government is not an eligible use of Community Development Block grant 
funding; and (2) routine police training is considered to be part of 
the general conduct of government.
    1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of 
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not 
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on 
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial 
effect on the economy.

                             Outlay Changes                             
                        [In thousands of dollars]                       
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
Fiscal Year:                                                            
    1998....................................................  ..........
    1999....................................................          -5
    2000....................................................          -7
    2001....................................................          -2
    2002....................................................          -1
                                                             -----------
      Total.................................................         -15
                                                                        

1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits

    Budget authority: $15 thousand in FY 1998.

[[Page 59767]]

    Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
    Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration 
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would 
occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
    2(A). Agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development.
    2(A). Bureau: Community Planning and Development.
    2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Economic Development 
Initiative (Community Development Block Grants).
    2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Alabama, 4th 
Congressional District.
    2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session 
in each State and District identified above: Alabama: one; 4th 
District: one.

Cancellation No. 97-67

CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY

Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130

    Bill Citation: ``Department of Veterans Affairs and Housing and 
Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998'' 
(H.R. 2158).
    1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $1,000 
thousand for Carter County Chamber of Commerce for trade and 
development activities on page 99 of the House Report 105-297, dated 
October 6, 1997.
    1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal 
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and 
will not harm the national interest.
    1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellation; Facts, Circumstances, and 
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellation; and 
Estimated Effect of Cancellation on Objects, Purposes, and Programs: 
These funds would be used to provide a grant to the Carter County 
Chamber of Commerce to search for ways to enhance their economic 
standing. Carter County plans to increase revenue for the County by 
examining possible trade and development activities in the region. The 
project is being canceled because: (1) it was not requested by the 
President; and (2) promotional and business outreach activities are not 
eligible uses of Community Development Block Grants.
    1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of 
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not 
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on 
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial 
effect on the economy.

                             Outlay changes                             
                        [In thousands of dollars]                       
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
Fiscal Year:                                                            
    1998....................................................         -20
    1999....................................................        -340
    2000....................................................        -460
    2001....................................................        -130
    2002....................................................         -40
                                                             -----------
      Total.................................................        -990
                                                                        

1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits

    Budget authority: -$1,000 thousand in FY 1998.
    Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
    Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration 
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would 
occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
    2(A). Agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development
    2(A). Bureau: Community Planning and Development
     2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Economic 
Development Initiative (Community Development Block Grants).
    2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Montana, At 
large.
    2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session 
in each State and District identified above: Montana: three.

Cancellation No. 97-68

CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY

Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130

    Bill Citation: ``Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and 
Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998'' 
(H.R. 2158).
    1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $600 
thousand for a Solar Aquatic Wastewater Treatment Demonstration Project 
on page 117 of House Report 105-297, dated October 6, 1997.
    1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal 
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and 
will not harm the national interest.
    1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellation; Facts, Circumstances, and 
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellation; and 
Estimated Effect of Cancellation on Objects, Purposes, and Programs: 
Solar Aquatic Wastewater Treatment is a demonstration project of an 
alternative wastewater treatment approach. The Congress has earmarked a 
total of $7.2 million from FY 1992 to FY 1997 to fund this project. In 
Senate Report 104-318 dated July 11, 1996, the Senate Committee on 
Appropriations notes that the ``solar aquatic wastewater treatment 
demonstration projects have received funding for several years''. The 
Report further directs EPA to report on (1) what has been achieved, (2) 
the viability of applying this technology widely, (3) an assessment of 
the costs and benefits, and (4) the amount of future Federal funding 
required. EPA's report, which was sent to the Congress on April 30, 
1997, concludes that the project ``has not yet demonstrated reliable 
attainment of all of its process goals''. The project ``does not appear 
to offer any economic advantages over conventional technologies, and 
appears to be clearly more costly than conventional processes at flow 
rates more than 100,000 gallons per day. In view of these conclusions, 
the continuation of Federal funding support for these demonstration 
projects is not warranted.''
    This project is being canceled because it: (1) was not requested in 
the President's FY 1998 Budget; (2) is earmarked for a specific 
project, thereby avoiding prioritization against other environmental 
research needs or be competitively awarded; and (3) has been evaluated 
by EPA, at the request of Congress, and found to not warrant additional 
funding.
    1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of 
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not 
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on 
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial 
effect on the economy.

                             Outlay changes                             
                        [In thousands of dollars]                       
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
Fiscal Year:                                                            
    1998....................................................        -168
    1999....................................................        -312
    2000....................................................         -96
    2001....................................................         -18
    2002....................................................          -6
                                                             -----------
      Total.................................................        -600
                                                                        

1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits

    Budget authority: -$600 thousand in FY 1998.

[[Page 59768]]

    Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
    Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration 
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would 
occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
    2(A). Agency: Environmental Protection Agency.
    2(A). Bureau: N/A.
    2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Wastewater Treatment 
Demonstration (Environmental Programs and Management).
    2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Vermont, At 
large.
    2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session 
in each State and District identified above: Vermont: one.

Cancellation No. 97-69

CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY

Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130

    Bill Citation: ``Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and 
Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998'' 
(H.R. 2158).
    1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $1,000 
thousand for the Alabama Water and Wastewater Institute on page 117 of 
House Report 105-297, dated October 6, 1997.
    1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal 
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and 
will not harm the national interest.
    1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellation; Facts, Circumstances, and 
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellation; and 
Estimated Effect of Cancellation on Objects, Purposes, and Programs: 
The Alabama Water and Wastewater Institute is a collective of personnel 
from 13 or 14 wastewater treatment plants in Alabama. In FY 1997, they 
received an earmark of $200,000 to conduct on-site operator training 
over a three year period. The $1 million earmark for FY 1998 is to be 
given to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to build a 
central facility for the Institute in Montgomery, Alabama in which to 
conduct both wastewater and drinking water operator training. This 
project is being canceled because: (1) it was not requested in the 
President's FY 1998 Budget; (2) it is earmarked for a specific 
activity, thereby avoiding prioritization against other environmental 
needs; (3) it is earmarked to a specific group, avoiding competitive 
evaluation; and (4) construction of non-Federal buildings is outside 
the scope of EPA's mission and an extraordinary use of the Agency's 
authority.
    1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of 
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not 
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on 
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial 
effect on the economy.

                             Outlay changes                             
                        [In thousands of dollars]                       
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
Fiscal Year:                                                            
    1998....................................................        -280
    1999....................................................        -520
    2000....................................................        -160
    2001....................................................         -30
    2002....................................................         -10
                                                             -----------
      Total.................................................      -1,000
                                                                        

1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits

    Budget authority: -$1,000 thousand in FY 1998.
    Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
    Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration 
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would 
occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
    2(A). Agency: Environmental Protection Agency.
    2(A). Bureau: N/A.
    2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Construction of 
Training Facility (Environmental Programs and Management).
    2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Alabama, 2nd and 
7th Congressional Districts.
    2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session 
in each State and District identified above: Alabama: two; 2nd 
District: one; 7th District: one.

Cancellation No. 97-70

CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY

Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130

    Bill Citation: ``Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and 
Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998'' 
(H.R. 2158).
    1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $500 
thousand for McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania Wastewater and Drinking Water 
System Needs on page 124 of House Report 105-297, dated October 6, 
1997.
    1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal 
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and 
will not harm the national interest.
    1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellation; Facts, Circumstances, and 
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellation; and 
Estimated Effect of Cancellation on Objects, Purposes, and Programs: 
This project would provide $500,000 to fund new water and sewer lines 
to a new industrial park in Ayr Township. As a by-product of 
constructing the water and sewer lines for the industrial park, it 
would also provide the potential for a limited number of residences 
with existing working wells and septic systems to be hooked up to the 
central water and sewer systems. The project is being canceled because: 
(1) it was not requested in the FY 1998 President's Budget; (2) it 
primarily provides benefits to a private entity; (3) the water line 
funding is outside the scope of EPA's usual mission; (4) the sewer line 
funding is outside the normal process for allocating funds to States 
who determine the environmental priority of projects, and (5) it is a 
low priority use of environmental funds primarily intended to help 
municipalities pay for Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water Act 
requirements.
    1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of 
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not 
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on 
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial 
effect on the economy.

                             Outlay changes                             
                        [In thousands of dollars]                       
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
Fiscal Year:                                                            
    1998....................................................         -20
    1999....................................................        -100
    2000....................................................        -150
    2001....................................................        -100
    2002....................................................         -50
                                                             -----------
      Total.................................................        -420
                                                                        

1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits

    Budget authority: $500 thousand in FY 1998.
    Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
    Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration 
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would

[[Page 59769]]

occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
    2(A). Agency: Environmental Protection Agency.
    2(A). Bureau: N/A.
    2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Wastewater and 
Drinking Water Infrastructure (State and Tribal Assistance Grants).
    2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Pennsylvania, 
9th Congressional District.
    2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session 
in each State and District identified above: Pennsylvania: five; 9th 
District: one.

Cancellation No. 97-71

CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY

Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130

    Bill Citation: ``Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and 
Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998'' 
(H.R. 2158).
    1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $10,000 
thousand for optical astronomy testbeds on page 131 of House Report 
105-297, dated October 6, 1997.
    1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal 
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and 
will not harm the national interest.
    1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellation; Facts, Circumstances, and 
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellation; and 
Estimated Effect of Cancellation on Objects, Purposes, and Programs: 
This line item includes two optical telescope projects, neither of 
which is appropriate for NASA to fund. Both projects are augmentations 
of ground-based, optical telescopes--one in Arizona, and one in Chile. 
The Arizona project, at the Steward Observatory at the University of 
Arizona, Tucson, duplicates of an on-going project at the Keck 
Observatory in Mauna Kea, Hawaii--a project in which NASA shares 
funding. While the Arizona experiment could enable a space-based, NASA 
facility in the future, similar to that being pursued at Keck, the Keck 
project, due to its configuration, would produce technical results 
superior to those of the Arizona project. Given that NASA is already 
investing in a superior capability in the Keck II facility, NASA should 
not fund the Arizona project.
    The Chile project is not within NASA's mission, since the project 
has no implications for space-based astronomy--the only type of 
astronomy within NASA's mission. NASA engages in ground-based astronomy 
only if such activities enable future, space-based missions.
    1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of 
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not 
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on 
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial 
effect on the economy.

                             Outlay changes                             
                        [In thousands of dollars]                       
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
Fiscal Year:                                                            
    1998....................................................      -3,600
    1999....................................................      -5,500
    2000....................................................        -900
    2001....................................................            
    2002....................................................            
                                                             -----------
      Total.................................................     -10,000
                                                                        

1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits

    Budget authority: -$10,000 thousand.
    Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
    Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration 
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would 
occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
    2(A). Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
    2(A). Bureau: N/A
    2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Science (Science, 
Aeronautics and Technology).
    2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Arizona, 5th 
Congressional District.
    2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session 
in each State and District Identified Above: Arizona: two; 5th 
District: two.

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

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:
    In accordance with the Line Item Veto Act, I hereby cancel the 
dollar amounts of discretionary budget authority, as specified in 
the attached reports, contained in the ``Department of 
Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998'' 
(Public Law 105-66; H.R. 2169). I have determined that the 
cancellation of these amounts will reduce the Federal budget 
deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and 
will not harm the national interest.
William J. Clinton
THE WHITE HOUSE,
    November 1, 1997.

Cancellation No. 97-72

CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY

Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130

    Bill Citation: ``Department of Transportation and Related Agencies 
Appropriations Act, 1998'' (H.R. 2169).
    1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $5,280 
thousand for improvements to Seward dock on page 72 of House Report 
105-313, dated October 7, 1997.
    1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal 
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and 
will not harm the national interest.
    1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellation; Facts, Circumstances, and 
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellation; and 
Estimated Effect of Cancellation on Objects, Purposes, and Programs: 
Senate Report 105-55 provided $7,000,000 funding to ``be utilized to 
expand and improve the Seward Dock, the southernmost terminus of the 
[Alaska] railroad and an important intermodal transfer point on the 
Alaska Marine Highway System. The State of Alaska, the city of Seward, 
the Alaska Railroad, and cruise ship lines that utilize the port will 
provide significant cost-share funding toward completion of the project 
this fiscal year.''
    The Conference Report, House Report 105-313 ``reduced the amount 
for improvements to the Seward dock from $7,000,000 in the Senate bill 
to $5,280,000. Such reduction will result in increased local 
participation in the project, particularly by the city of Seward. 
Therefore, the conferees direct the department to provide funding for 
the dock improvements directly to the city to complete the intermodal 
improvements on behalf of the Alaska Railroad.''
    The Alaska Railroad, a state owned railroad, owns the Seward dock 
and certain surrounding port facilities. The dock was built by the 
Federal government following the 1964 Alaska earthquake and was 
designed to handle conventional and containerized cargo, logs, 
petroleum, and steel and serves as a cruise ship terminal.
    The funding would rehabilitate the current dock, dredge, relocate a 
fishery dock, pave adjacent areas, build a new bulkhead on the current 
dock, and improve facilities for passenger movement off the docks. The 
enhanced dock would be able to handle additional freight and passenger 
ship capacity. The

[[Page 59770]]

total project cost is over $8 million. The balance of the project costs 
not covered by this appropriation would be financed by the City and the 
Alaska Railroad.
    The project is being canceled for the following reasons:
    1. The Federal Railroad Administration is charged with overseeing 
the safety of the Nation's railroads. This project is primarily an 
economic development project which, while involving a railroad, will 
primarily benefit to the City of Seward, the State of Alaska and 
private cargo haulers and passenger ships. Funding of such mixed-use 
projects would set an unfortunate precedent for spending Federal 
Railroad Administration funding.
    2. The Senate and Conference reports do not cite any independent 
investment analysis concerning the potential return of the project. No 
analysis has been done to quantify the safety or economic benefits of 
this project.
    1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of 
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not 
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on 
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial 
effect on the economy.

                             Outlay changes                             
                        (In thousands of dollars)                       
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
Fiscal Year:                                                            
    1998....................................................      -2,112
    1999....................................................      -3,168
    2000....................................................  ..........
    2001....................................................  ..........
    2002....................................................  ..........
                                                             -----------
      Total.................................................      -5,280
                                                                        

1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits

    Budget authority: -$5,280 thousand in FY 1998.
    Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
    Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration 
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would 
occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
    2(A). Agency: Department of Transportation.
    2(A). Bureau: Federal Railroad Administration.
    2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Seward Dock (Alaska 
Railroad Rehabilitation).
    2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Alaska, At 
Large.
    2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session 
in each State and District identified above: Alaska: two.

Cancellation No. 97-73

CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY

Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130

    Bill Citation: ``Department of Transportation and Related Agencies 
Appropriations Act, 1998'' (H.R. 2169).
    1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $500 
thousand for an Electronic Distribution Center for Surplus Transit-
Related Equipment on page 75 of House Report 105-313, dated October 7, 
1997.
    1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal 
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and 
will not harm the national interest.
    1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellation; Facts, Circumstances, and 
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellation; and 
Estimated Effect of Cancellation on Objects, Purposes, and Programs: 
This item provides funds to private companies for start up costs 
associated with an electronic ``bulletin board'' service for surplus 
transit equipment. The companies involved have indicated that they have 
a proprietary package that could be used for transit, and would sell 
subscriptions to fund ongoing operating costs. The merits of this 
proposal and need for this service have not been demonstrated. It is 
inappropriate to use federal funds to assist private companies that are 
not serving a demonstrated, well-defined public need.
    1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of 
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not 
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on 
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial 
effect on the economy.

                             Outlay changes                             
                        [In thousands of dollars]                       
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
Fiscal Year                                                             
    1998....................................................        -100
    1999....................................................        -150
    2000....................................................        -100
    2001....................................................        -100
    2002....................................................         -50
                                                             -----------
      Total.................................................        -500
                                                                        

1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits

    Budget authority: -$500 thousand in FY 1998.
    Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
    Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration 
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would 
occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
    2(A). Agency: Department of Transportation.
    2(A). Bureau: Federal Transit Administration.
    2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Transit Research and 
Development (Transit Planning and Research).
    2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Georgia, 3rd 
Congressional District.
    2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session 
in each State and District identified above: Georgia: two; 3rd 
District: one.

Cancellation No. 97-74

CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY

Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130

    Bill Citation: ``Department of Transportation and Related Agencies 
Appropriations Act, 1998'' (H.R. 2169).
    1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $450 
thousand for a transportation emergency preparedness and response 
demonstration project and evaluation on page 84 of House Report 105-
313, dated October 7, 1997.
    1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal 
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and 
will not harm the national interest.
    1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellation; Facts, Circumstances, and 
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellation; and 
Estimated Effect of Cancellation on Objects, Purposes, and Programs: 
The majority of the earmarked funds ($400 thousand) would be used to 
assist in the establishment of an underground emergency transportation 
management center utilizing satellite communications. The center (to be 
located in Arab, Alabama) would be used by local, State and Federal 
emergency management agencies to coordinate assistance during emergency 
situations and as a disaster field office to coordinate long-term 
recovery programs. The remaining funds ($50 thousand) would be used: 
(1) to evaluate and report on the demonstration project in order to 
share information with other communities to help them to improve their 
emergency preparedness and

[[Page 59771]]

response capabilities; and (2) to support administrative expenses 
incurred by the Department in carrying out the demonstration project. 
This project is being canceled for several reasons. The first is that 
the project is outside the scope of the Department's mission. Second, 
even if the funds were earmarked in a more appropriate agency, the 
project would not merit funding. Alabama already has an Emergency 
Operations Center (EOC) that serves the entire State. This EOC was 
built just five years ago, with half of the cost funded by the Federal 
Government. An additional emergency response center in Arab or 
elsewhere in the State would be duplicative and unnecessary. Third, a 
disaster field office is typically established at a central point 
within the disaster area. A disaster field office at a fixed location 
such as Arab may not always provide a desirable point from which to 
carry out long-term recovery efforts.
    1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of 
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not 
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on 
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial 
effect on the economy.

                             Outlay changes                             
                        [In thousands of dollars]                       
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                                                        
Fiscal Year:                                                            
    1998....................................................        -306
    1999....................................................        -144
    2000....................................................  ..........
    2001....................................................  ..........
    2002....................................................  ..........
                                                             -----------
      Total.................................................        -450
                                                                        

1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits

    Budget authority: -$450 thousand in FY 1998.
    Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
    Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration 
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would 
occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
    2(A). Agency: Department of Transportation.
    2(A). Bureau: Research and Special Programs Administration.
    2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Emergency 
Preparedness and Response (Research and Special Programs).
    2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Alabama, 4th 
Congressional District.
    2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session 
in each State and District identified above: Alabama: three; 4th 
District: two.

[FR Doc. 97-29340 Filed 11-3-97; 10:20 am]
BILLING CODE 3110-01-P