76434 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 181 / Wednesday, September 18, 2024 / Rules and Regulations 

judgments of conviction, charging 

documents, plea agreements, and 

sentencing orders. Information will be 

provided within 30 days of sentencing, 

or as soon as practicable if the Unit 

encounters delays in receiving the 

necessary information from the court, as 

required by 42 CFR 1007.11(g)(3). 

H. The Unit reports qualifying cases, 

as defined by 45 CFR 60.5, to the 

National Practitioner Data Bank, or 

successor data bases, within 30 days of 

sentencing or other reportable action. 

Performance Standard 9—Program 

Recommendations 

A Unit makes statutory or 

programmatic recommendations, when 

warranted and appropriate, to the State 

government. To determine whether a 

Unit meets this standard, OIG will 

consider the following performance 

indicators: 

A. The Unit, when warranted and 

appropriate, makes statutory 

recommendations to the State 

legislature to improve the operation or 

effectiveness of the Unit, including 

amendments to the enforcement 

provisions of the State code. 

B. The Unit, when warranted and 

appropriate, makes other regulatory or 

administrative recommendations 

regarding program integrity issues to the 

State Medicaid agency and to other 

agencies responsible for Medicaid 

operations or funding. 

C. The Unit monitors and maintains 

records regarding actions taken by the 

State legislature and the State Medicaid 

agency or other agencies in response to 

Unit recommendations. 

Performance Standard 10—Agreement 

With Medicaid Agency 

A Unit periodically reviews its 

memorandum of understanding (MOU) 

with the State Medicaid agency to 

ensure that the MOU reflects current 

practice, policy, and legal requirements. 

To determine whether a Unit meets this 

standard, OIG will consider the 

following performance indicators: 

A. The MOU complies with Federal 

regulations contained in 42 CFR 

1007.9(d), ‘‘Relationship and agreement 

between Unit and Medicaid agency,’’ 

including: (1) an agreement for regularly 

scheduled meetings or communication 

with the Medicaid agency (and 

procedures for how the two agencies 

will coordinate their efforts), (2) 

procedures (as applicable) for managed 

care referrals as required by 42 CFR 

438.608(a)(7), (3) a requirement that the 

Unit reviews the MOU at least every 5 

years, and (4) an agreement that the Unit 

renegotiates the MOU as necessary to 

ensure that it addresses current law and 

practice. 

B. The MOU meets other current 

Federal legal requirements as contained 

in law or regulation, including 42 CFR 

455.21, ‘‘Cooperation with State 

Medicaid fraud control units,’’ and 42 

CFR 455.23, ‘‘Suspension of payments 

in cases of fraud.’’ 

C. The MOU is consistent with 

current Federal and State policy, 

including any policies issued by OIG or 

the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid 

Services (CMS). 

D. Consistent with Performance 

Standard 4, the MOU establishes a 

process to encourage the receipt of an 

adequate volume and quality of referrals 

to the Unit from the State Medicaid 

agency and, as applicable, from 

managed care organizations. 

E. The MOU incorporates by reference 

CMS’s ‘‘Performance Standard for 

Referrals of Suspected Fraud from a 

Single State Agency to a Medicaid 

Fraud Control Unit.’’ 

F. Consistent with 42 CFR 1007.11(c), 

the MOU specifies that overpayments 

will be referred to the State agency 

when the Unit is unable to recover such 

overpayments as a part of a fraud action. 

Performance Standard 11—Fiscal 

Control 

A Unit exercises proper fiscal control 

over Unit resources. To determine 

whether a Unit meets this standard, OIG 

will consider the following performance 

indicators: 

A. The Unit promptly submits to OIG 

its preliminary budget estimates, 

proposed budget application, and 

Federal financial expenditure reports. 

B. The Unit limits its requests for 

grant funding, including its requested 

staffing levels, to operational amounts 

and staffing levels that it reasonably 

expects to fulfill in the upcoming fiscal 

period. 

C. The Unit makes reasonable efforts 

to employ the number of staff that is 

included in the Unit’s budget 

application request as approved by OIG. 

D. The Unit maintains a property 

inventory that is updated regularly to 

reflect all equipment (as defined under 

2 CFR 200.1) under the Unit’s control 

and includes all property that may 

contain personally identifiable 

information or sensitive information or 

may be a potential security concern, 

such as computing devices, weapons, 

and investigative tools (e.g., surveillance 

video or audio equipment). 

E. The Unit maintains an effective 

time and attendance system and 

personnel activity records. 

F. The Unit applies generally 

accepted accounting principles in its 

control of Unit funding. 

G. The Unit employs a financial 

system in compliance with the 

standards for financial management 

systems contained in Federal grant 

administration requirements. 

Performance Standard 12—Training 

A Unit conducts training that aids the 

mission of the Unit. To determine 

whether a Unit meets this standard, OIG 

will consider the following performance 

indicators: 

A. The Unit maintains a training plan 

for each professional discipline that 

includes an annual minimum number of 

training hours and that is at least as 

stringent as required for professional 

certification. 

B. The Unit ensures that professional 

staff comply with their training plans 

and maintains records of completed 

training. 

C. Professional certifications are 

maintained for all staff, including those 

that fulfill continuing education 

requirements. 

D. The Unit participates in MFCUrelated training, including training 

offered by OIG, other MFCUs, and other 

relevant organizations, as such training 

is available and as funding permits. 

E. The Unit participates in crosstraining with the fraud detection staff of 

the State Medicaid agency. As part of 

such training, Unit staff provide training 

on the elements of successful fraud 

referrals and receive training on the role 

and responsibilities of the State 

Medicaid agency. Unit training of 

Medicaid staff should be supplemented 

as appropriate with training for staff of 

managed care special investigations 

units. 

Christi A. Grimm, 

Inspector General. 

[FR Doc. 2024–20416 Filed 9–17–24; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE P 

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD 

49 CFR Part 1002 

[Docket No. EP 542 (Sub-No. 32)] 

Fees for Services Performed in 

Connection With Licensing and 

Related Services—2024 Update 

AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board. 

ACTION: Final rule. 

SUMMARY: The Board updates for 2024 

the fees that the public must pay to file 

certain cases and pleadings with the 

Board. Pursuant to this update, 95 of the 


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Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 181 / Wednesday, September 18, 2024 / Rules and Regulations 76435 

Board’s 136 fees will increase, and 41 

fees will remain at their current levels. 

DATES: This final rule is effective 

October 18, 2024. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Laura Mizner, (202) 245–0318, or 

Andrea Pope-Matheson, (202) 245–0363. 

If you require an accommodation under 

the Americans with Disabilities Act, 

please call (202) 245–0245. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 

Board’s regulations at 49 CFR 1002.3(a) 

provide for an annual update of the 

Board’s entire user-fee schedule. Fees 

are generally revised based on the cost 

study formula set forth at 49 CFR 

1002.3(d), which looks to changes in 

salary costs, publication costs, and 

Board overhead cost factors. Applying 

that formula, 95 of the Board’s 136 fees 

will be increased and 41 will remain at 

their current levels. 

Additional information is contained 

in the Board’s decision. To obtain a free 

copy of the full decision, visit the 

Board’s website at www.stb.gov or call 

(202) 245–0245. If you require an 

accommodation under the Americans 

with Disabilities Act, please call (202) 

245–0245. 

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 1002 

Administrative practice and 

procedure, Common carriers, Freedom 

of information. 

Decided: September 13, 2024. 

By the Board, Board Members Fuchs, 

Hedlund, Primus, and Schultz. 

Jeffrey Herzig, 

Clearance Clerk. 

For the reasons set forth in the 

preamble, the Surface Transportation 

Board amends 49 CFR part 1002 as 

follows: 

PART 1002—FEES 

■ 1. The authority citation for part 1002 

continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(A), (a)(6)(B), 

and 553; 31 U.S.C. 9701; and 49 U.S.C. 1321. 

Section 1002.1(f)(11) is also issued under 5 

U.S.C. 5514 and 31 U.S.C. 3717. 

■ 2. Section 1002.1 is amended by 

revising paragraphs (a) through (c) to 

read as follows: 

§ 1002.1 Fees for records search, review, 

copying, certification, and related services. 

* * * * * 

(a) Certificate of the Records Officer, 

$25.00. 

(b) Services involved in examination 

of tariffs or schedules for preparation of 

certified copies of tariffs or schedules or 

extracts therefrom at the rate of $54.00 

per hour. 

(c) Services involved in checking 

records to be certified to determine 

authenticity, including clerical work, 

etc. incidental thereto, at a rate of 

$37.00 per hour. 

* * * * * 

■ 3. Section 1002.2 is amended by 

revising paragraph (f) to read as follows: 

§ 1002.2 Filing fees. 

* * * * * 

(f) Schedule of filing fees. 

Type of proceeding Fee 

PART I: Non-Rail Applications or Proceedings to Enter Into a Particular Financial Transaction or Joint Arrangement 

(1) An application for the pooling or division of traffic ............................................................................................................... $6,500. 

(2)(i) An application involving the purchase, lease, consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control of a motor carrier of 

passengers under 49 U.S.C. 14303.

$2,900. 

(ii) A petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 13541 (other than a rulemaking) filed by a non-rail carrier not otherwise 

covered.

$4,500. 

(iii) A petition to revoke an exemption filed under 49 U.S.C. 13541(d) ............................................................................. $3,800. 

(3) An application for approval of a non-rail rate association agreement. 49 U.S.C. 13703 .................................................... $40,600. 

(4) An application for approval of an amendment to a non-rail rate association agreement: 

(i) Significant amendment ................................................................................................................................................... $6,700. 

(ii) Minor amendment .......................................................................................................................................................... $150. 

(5) An application for temporary authority to operate a motor carrier of passengers. 49 U.S.C. 14303(i) .............................. $700. 

(6) A notice of exemption for transaction within a motor passenger corporate family that does not result in adverse 

changes in service levels, significant operational changes, or a change in the competitive balance with motor passenger carriers outside the corporate family.

$2,300. 

(7)–(10) [Reserved] 

PART II: Rail Licensing Proceedings other than Abandonment or Discontinuance Proceedings 

(11)(i) An application for a certificate authorizing the extension, acquisition, or operation of lines of railroad. 49 U.S.C. 

10901.

$10,600. 

(ii) Notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1150.31 through 1150.35 ..................................................................................... $2,500. 

(iii) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502 ............................................................................................................ $18,400. 

(12)(i) An application involving the construction of a rail line ................................................................................................... $109,900. 

(ii) A notice of exemption involving construction of a rail line under 49 CFR 1150.36 ..................................................... $2,500. 

(iii) A petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502 involving construction of a rail line ................................................. $109,900. 

(iv) A request for determination of a dispute involving a rail construction that crosses the line of another carrier under 

49 U.S.C. 10902(d).

$350. 

(13) A Feeder Line Development Program application filed under 49 U.S.C. 10907(b)(1)(A)(i) or 10907(b)(1)(A)(ii) ............. $2,600. 

(14)(i) An application of a class II or class III carrier to acquire an extended or additional rail line under 49 U.S.C. 10902 .. $9,000. 

(ii) Notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1150.41 through 1150.45 ..................................................................................... $2,500. 

(iii) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502 relating to an exemption from the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 10902 .... $9,600. 

(15) A notice of a modified certificate of public convenience and necessity under 49 CFR 1150.21 through 1150.24 .......... $2,400. 

(16) An application for a land-use-exemption permit for a facility existing as of October 16, 2008 under 49 U.S.C. 10909 .. $8,800. 

(17) An application for a land-use-exemption permit for a facility not existing as of October 16, 2008 under 49 U.S.C. 

10909.

$31,100. 

(18)–(20) [Reserved] 


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76436 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 181 / Wednesday, September 18, 2024 / Rules and Regulations 

Type of proceeding Fee 

PART III: Rail Abandonment or Discontinuance of Transportation Services Proceedings 

(21)(i) An application for authority to abandon all or a portion of a line of railroad or discontinue operation thereof filed by 

a railroad (except applications filed by Consolidated Rail Corporation pursuant to the Northeast Rail Service Act [Subtitle E of Title XI of Pub. L. 97–35], bankrupt railroads, or exempt abandonments).

$32,600. 

(ii) Notice of an exempt abandonment or discontinuance under 49 CFR 1152.50 ........................................................... $5,200. 

(iii) A petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502 ......................................................................................................... $9,200. 

(22) An application for authority to abandon all or a portion of a line of a railroad or operation thereof filed by Consolidated Rail Corporation pursuant to Northeast Rail Service Act.$700. 

(23) Abandonments filed by bankrupt railroads ........................................................................................................................ $2,800. 

(24) A request for waiver of filing requirements for abandonment application proceedings .................................................... $2,600. 

(25) An offer of financial assistance under 49 U.S.C. 10904 relating to the purchase of or subsidy for a rail line proposed 

for abandonment.

$2,300. 

(26) A request to set terms and conditions for the sale of or subsidy for a rail line proposed to be abandoned ................... $33,400. 

(27) (i) Request for a trail use condition in an abandonment proceeding under 16 U.S.C. 1247(d) ....................................... $350. 

(ii) A request to extend the period to negotiate a trail use agreement .............................................................................. $650. 

(28)–(35) [Reserved] 

PART IV: Rail Applications to Enter Into a Particular Financial Transaction or Joint Arrangement 

(36) An application for use of terminal facilities or other applications under 49 U.S.C. 11102 ................................................ $27,800. 

(37) An application for the pooling or division of traffic. 49 U.S.C. 11322 ............................................................................... $15,000. 

(38) An application for two or more carriers to consolidate or merge their properties or franchises (or a part thereof) into 

one corporation for ownership, management, and operation of the properties previously in separate ownership. 49 

U.S.C. 11324: 

(i) Major transaction ............................................................................................................................................................ $2,195,500. 

(ii) Significant transaction ................................................................................................................................................... $439,100. 

(iii) Minor transaction .......................................................................................................................................................... $10,300. 

(iv) Notice of an exempt transaction under 49 CFR 1180.2(d) .......................................................................................... $2,300. 

(v) Responsive application ................................................................................................................................................. $10,300. 

(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502 ............................................................................................................ $13,700. 

(vii) A request for waiver or clarification of regulations filed in a major financial proceeding as defined at 49 CFR 

1180.2(a).

$8,100. 

(39) An application of a non-carrier to acquire control of two or more carriers through ownership of stock or otherwise. 49 

U.S.C. 11324: 

(i) Major transaction ............................................................................................................................................................ $2,195,500. 

(ii) Significant transaction ................................................................................................................................................... $439,100. 

(iii) Minor transaction .......................................................................................................................................................... $10,300. 

(iv) A notice of an exempt transaction under 49 CFR 1180.2(d) ....................................................................................... $1,800. 

(v) Responsive application ................................................................................................................................................. $10,300. 

(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502 ............................................................................................................ $13,700. 

(vii) A request for waiver or clarification of regulations filed in a major financial proceeding as defined at 49 CFR 

1180.2(a).

$8,100. 

(40) An application to acquire trackage rights over, joint ownership in, or joint use of any railroad lines owned and operated by any other carrier and terminals incidental thereto. 49 U.S.C. 11324: 

(i) Major transaction ............................................................................................................................................................ $2,195,500. 

(ii) Significant transaction ................................................................................................................................................... $439,100. 

(iii) Minor transaction .......................................................................................................................................................... $10,300. 

(iv) Notice of an exempt transaction under 49 CFR 1180.2(d) .......................................................................................... $1,600. 

(v) Responsive application ................................................................................................................................................. $10,300. 

(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502 ............................................................................................................ $13,700. 

(vii) A request for waiver or clarification of regulations filed in a major financial proceeding as defined at 49 CFR 

1180.2(a).

$8,100. 

(41) An application of a carrier or carriers to purchase, lease, or contract to operate the properties of another, or to acquire control of another by purchase of stock or otherwise. 49 U.S.C. 11324: 

(i) Major transaction ............................................................................................................................................................ $2,195,500. 

(ii) Significant transaction ................................................................................................................................................... $439,100. 

(iii) Minor transaction .......................................................................................................................................................... $10,300. 

(iv) Notice of an exempt transaction under 49 CFR 1180.2(d) .......................................................................................... $1,900. 

(v) Responsive application ................................................................................................................................................. $10,300. 

(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502 ............................................................................................................ $9,600. 

(vii) A request for waiver or clarification of regulations filed in a major financial proceeding as defined at 49 CFR 

1180.2(a).

$8,100. 

(42) Notice of a joint project involving relocation of a rail line under 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(5) ..................................................... $3,300. 

(43) An application for approval of a rail rate association agreement. 49 U.S.C. 10706 ......................................................... $102,800. 

(44) An application for approval of an amendment to a rail rate association agreement. 49 U.S.C. 10706: 

(i) Significant amendment ................................................................................................................................................... $18,900. 

(ii) Minor amendment .......................................................................................................................................................... $150. 

(45) An application for authority to hold a position as officer or director under 49 U.S.C. 11328 ........................................... $1,100. 

(46) A petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502 (other than a rulemaking) filed by rail carrier not otherwise covered .. $11,700. 

(47) National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) conveyance proceeding under 45 U.S.C. 562 ................................ $350. 

(48) National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) compensation proceeding under section 402(a) of the Rail Passenger Service Act.$350. 


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Type of proceeding Fee 

(49)–(55) [Reserved] 

PART V: Formal Proceedings 

(56) A formal complaint alleging unlawful rates or practices of carriers: 

(i) A formal complaint filed under the coal rate guidelines (Stand-Alone Cost Methodology) alleging unlawful rates 

and/or practices of rail carriers under 49 U.S.C. 10704(c)(1).

$350. 

(ii) A formal complaint involving rail maximum rates filed under the Simplified-SAC methodology .................................. $350. 

(iii) A formal complaint involving rail maximum rates filed under the Three Benchmark methodology ............................. $150. 

(iv) A formal complaint involving rail maximum rates filed under the Final Offer Rate Review procedure ....................... $150. 

(v) All other formal complaints (except competitive access complaints) ........................................................................... $350. 

(vi) Competitive access complaints .................................................................................................................................... $150. 

(vii) A request for an order compelling a rail carrier to establish a common carrier rate .................................................. $350. 

(57) A complaint seeking or a petition requesting institution of an investigation seeking the prescription or division of joint

rates or charges. 49 U.S.C. 10705.

$13,000. 

(58) A petition for declaratory order: 

(i) A petition for declaratory order involving a dispute over an existing rate or practice which is comparable to a complaint proceeding.$1,000. 

(ii) All other petitions for declaratory order ......................................................................................................................... $1,400. 

(59) An application for shipper antitrust immunity. 49 U.S.C. 10706(a)(5)(A) .......................................................................... $10,200. 

(60) Labor arbitration proceedings ............................................................................................................................................ $350. 

(61)(i) An appeal of a Surface Transportation Board decision on the merits or petition to revoke an exemption pursuant to 

49 U.S.C. 10502(d).

$350. 

(ii) An appeal of a Surface Transportation Board decision on procedural matters except discovery rulings ................... $550. 

(62) Motor carrier undercharge proceedings ............................................................................................................................. $350. 

(63)(i) Expedited relief for service inadequacies: A request for expedited relief under 49 U.S.C. 11123 and 49 CFR part 

1146 for service emergency.

$350. 

(ii) Expedited relief for service inadequacies: A request for temporary relief under 49 U.S.C. 10705 and 11102, and 

49 CFR part 1147 for service inadequacy.

$350. 

(64) A request for waiver or clarification of regulations except one filed in an abandonment or discontinuance proceeding, 

or in a major financial proceeding as defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a).

$850. 

(65)–(75) [Reserved] 

PART VI: Informal Proceedings 

(76) An application for authority to establish released value rates or ratings for motor carriers and freight forwarders of 

household goods under 49 U.S.C. 14706.

$1,800. 

(77) An application for special permission for short notice or the waiver of other tariff publishing requirements ................... $150. 

(78)(i) The filing of tariffs, including supplements, or contract summaries ............................................................................... $1. per page. 

($36. min. charge.) 

(ii) The filing of water carrier annual certifications ............................................................................................................. $36. 

(79) Special docket applications from rail and water carriers: 

(i) Applications involving $25,000 or less ........................................................................................................................... $75. 

(ii) Applications involving over $25,000 .............................................................................................................................. $200. 

(80) Informal complaint about rail rate applications .................................................................................................................. $900. 

(81) Tariff reconciliation petitions from motor common carriers: 

(i) Petitions involving $25,000 or less ................................................................................................................................ $75. 

(ii) Petitions involving over $25,000 ................................................................................................................................... $200. 

(82) Request for a determination of the applicability or reasonableness of motor carrier rates under 49 U.S.C. 13710(a)(2) 

and (3).

$350. 

(83) Filing of documents for recordation. 49 U.S.C. 11301 and 49 CFR 1177.3(c). ................................................................ $60. per document. 

(84) Informal opinions about rate applications (all modes) ....................................................................................................... $350. 

(85) A railroad accounting interpretation ................................................................................................................................... $1,600. 

(86)(i) A request for an informal opinion not otherwise covered ............................................................................................... $2,200. 

(ii) A proposal to use on a voting trust agreement pursuant to 49 CFR part 1013 and 49 CFR 1180.4(b)(4)(iv) in connection with a major control proceeding as defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a).$7,500. 

(iii) A request for an informal opinion on a voting trust agreement pursuant to 49 CFR 1013.3(a) not otherwise covered.$750. 

(87) Arbitration of certain disputes subject to the statutory jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board under 49 CFR 

part 1108: 

(i) Complaint ....................................................................................................................................................................... $75. 

(ii) Answer (per defendant), Unless Declining to Submit to Any Arbitration ...................................................................... $75. 

(iii) Third Party Complaint ................................................................................................................................................... $75. 

(iv) Third Party Answer (per defendant), Unless Declining to Submit to Any Arbitration .................................................. $75. 

(v) Appeals of Arbitration Decisions or Petitions to Modify or Vacate an Arbitration Award ............................................. $150. 

(88) Basic fee for STB adjudicatory services not otherwise covered ....................................................................................... $350. 

(89)–(95) [Reserved] 

PART VII: Services 

(96) Messenger delivery of decision to a railroad carrier’s Washington, DC agent ................................................................. $47. per delivery. 

(97) Request for service or pleading list for proceedings ......................................................................................................... $36. per list. 

(98) Processing the paperwork related to a request for the Carload Waybill Sample to be used in an STB or State proceeding that: 


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Type of proceeding Fee 

(i) Annual request does not require a Federal Register (FR) notice: 

(A) Set cost portion ..................................................................................................................................................... $200. 

(B) Sliding cost portion ................................................................................................................................................ $69. per party. 

(ii) Annual request does require a FR notice: 

(A) Set cost portion ..................................................................................................................................................... $500. 

(B) Sliding cost portion ................................................................................................................................................ $69. per party. 

(iii) Quarterly request does not require a FR notice: 

(A) Set cost portion ..................................................................................................................................................... $60. 

(B) Sliding cost portion ................................................................................................................................................ $17. per party. 

(iv) Quarterly request does require a FR notice: 

(A) Set cost portion ..................................................................................................................................................... $245. 

(B) Sliding cost portion ................................................................................................................................................ $17. per party. 

(v) Monthly request does not require a FR notice: 

(A) Set cost portion ..................................................................................................................................................... $20. 

(B) Sliding cost portion ................................................................................................................................................ $5. per party. 

(vi) Monthly request does require a FR notice: 

(A) Set cost portion ..................................................................................................................................................... $182. 

(B) Sliding cost portion ................................................................................................................................................ $5. per party. 

(99)(i) Application fee for the STB’s Practitioners’ Exam .......................................................................................................... $250. 

(ii) Practitioners’ Exam Information Package ..................................................................................................................... $25. 

(100) Carload Waybill Sample data: 

(i) Requests for Public Use File for all years prior to the most current year Carload Waybill Sample data available, 

provided on CD–R.

$250. per year. 

(ii) Specialized programming for Waybill requests to the Board ........................................................................................ $148. per hour. 

* * * * * 

[FR Doc. 2024–21270 Filed 9–17–24; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4915–01–P 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration 

50 CFR Part 622 

[Docket No. 240910–0234] 

RIN 0648–BM98 

Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of 

Mexico, and South Atlantic; Reef Fish 

Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico; Lane 

Snapper Catch Limits 

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries 

Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 

Commerce. 

ACTION: Final rule. 

SUMMARY: NMFS issues regulations to 

implement management measures 

described in an abbreviated framework 

action under the Fishery Management 

Plan for the Reef Fish Resources of the 

Gulf of Mexico (FMP) as prepared by the 

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management 

Council (Council). This final rule 

modifies the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) lane 

snapper catch limits. The purpose of 

this final rule is to modify the Gulf lane 

snapper catch limits based on the best 

scientific information available. This 

final rule also revises reporting and 

compliance requirements for Gulf reef 

fish commercial permit holders using 

vessel monitoring systems (VMS). 

DATES: This final rule is effective 

October 18, 2024. 

ADDRESSES: Electronic copies of the 

abbreviated framework action, which 

includes a Regulatory Flexibility Act 

(RFA) analysis and a regulatory impact 

review, may be obtained from the 

Southeast Regional Office website at 

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/ 

gulf-mexico-lane-snapper-catch-limitsabbreviated-framework. 

Written comments regarding the 

burden hour estimates or any other 

aspects of the collection of information 

requirements contained in this final rule 

may be submitted at any time by email 

to Carolyn Sramek, NMFS Southeast 

Regional Office, carolyn.sramek@

noaa.gov or to www.reginfo.giv/public/ 

do/PRAMain. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan 

Luers, NMFS Southeast Regional Office, 

telephone: 727–824–5305, email: 

daniel.luers@noaa.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS, 

with the advice of the Council, manages 

the Gulf reef fish fishery, which 

includes lane snapper, under the FMP. 

The FMP was prepared by the Council, 

approved by the Secretary of Commerce, 

and is implemented by NMFS through 

regulations at 50 CFR part 622 under the 

authority of the Magnuson-Stevens 

Fishery Conservation and Management 

Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). 

Background 

The Magnuson-Stevens Act requires 

NMFS, with the advice from the 

regional fishery management councils, 

to prevent overfishing and achieve, on 

a continuing basis, the optimum yield 

(OY) from federally managed fish 

stocks. These mandates are intended to 

ensure fishery resources are managed 

for the greatest overall benefit to the 

Nation, particularly with respect to 

providing food production and 

recreational opportunities and 

protecting marine ecosystems. 

On June 17, 2024, NMFS published a 

proposed rule for the abbreviated 

framework action and requested public 

comment (89 FR 51295). Comments 

received on the proposed rule are 

summarized and responded to in the 

Comments and Responses section of this 

final rule. 

Unless otherwise noted, all weights in 

this final rule are in round weight. 

Lane snapper occur in estuaries and 

shelf waters of the Gulf and are 

particularly abundant off south and 

southwest Florida. Lane snapper in the 

Gulf exclusive economic zone are 

managed as a single stock, with a 

combined annual catch limit (ACL) for 

the commercial and recreational sectors 

that is set equal to the acceptable 

biological catch (ABC). The fishing 

season is open year-round, January 1 

through December 31 unless a closure is 

required to constrain landings to the 

ACL. Currently, the lane snapper 

overfishing limit (OFL) is 1,053,834 

pounds (lb) (478,011 kilograms (kg)), 

and the ABC is 1,028,973 lb (466,734 

kg). These catch limits are based on the 

results of an update to the Southeast 

Data, Assessment, and Review 49 

(SEDAR 49) that was completed in 2019 

and used recreational landings estimates 

generated by the Marine Recreational 

Information Program (MRIP) Fishing 


khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES