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 Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration [Docket No. FRA 2015-0071-N-3]
 AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT).
 ACTION: Notice.
 SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and its implementing regulations, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) hereby announces that it is seeking renewal of the following currently approved information collection activities. Before submitting these information collection requirements for clearance by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), FRA is soliciting public comment on specific aspects of the activities identified below.
 DATES: Comments must be received no later than May 4, 2015.
 ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on any or all of the following proposed activities by mail to Ms. Kimberly Toone, Office of Information Technology, RAD-20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop 35, Washington, DC 20590. Commenters requesting FRA to acknowledge receipt of their respective comments must include a self-addressed stamped postcard stating, “Comments on OMB control number 2130-0548.” Alternatively, comments may be transmitted via facsimile to (202) 493-6170, or via email to Ms. Toone at 
                        *kim.toone@dot.gov.*
                         Please refer to the assigned OMB control number in any correspondence submitted. FRA will summarize comments received in response to this notice in a subsequent notice and include them in its information collection submission to OMB for approval.
 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Kimberly Toone, Office of Information Technology, RAD-20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., Mail Stop 35, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 493-6132). (These telephone numbers are not toll-free.)


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Public Law 104-13, 2, 109 Stat. 163 (1995) (codified as revised at 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, require Federal agencies to provide 60-days notice to the public for comment on information collection activities before seeking approval for reinstatement or renewal by OMB. 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1), 1320.10(e)(1), 1320.12(a). Specifically, FRA invites interested respondents to comment on the following summary of proposed information collection activities regarding (i) whether the information collection activities are necessary for FRA to properly execute its functions, including whether the activities will have practical utility; (ii) 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; (iii) ways for FRA to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information being collected; and (iv) ways for FRA to minimize the burden of information collection activities on the public by automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology (
                    *e.g.,*
                     permitting electronic submission of responses). See 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)(I)-(iv); 5 CFR 1320.8(d)(1)(I)-(iv). FRA believes that soliciting public comment will promote its efforts to reduce the administrative 
                    ( print page 11519)
                    and paperwork burdens associated with the collection of information mandated by Federal regulations. In summary, FRA reasons that comments received will advance three objectives: (i) Reduce reporting burdens; (ii) ensure that it organizes information collection requirements in a “user friendly” format to improve the use of such information; and (iii) accurately assess the resources expended to retrieve and produce information requested. See 44 U.S.C. 3501. Below is a brief summary of the information collection activities that FRA will submit for clearance by OMB as required under the PRA: *Title:*
                     Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program (RRIF). *OMB Control Number:*
                     2130-0548. *Abstract:*
                     Title V of the Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (Act), 45 U.S.C. 821 
                    *et seq.,*
                     authorized FRA to provide railroads financial assistance through the purchase of preference shares, and the issuance of loan guarantees. Section 7203 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century of 1998, Public Law 105-178 (1998) (TEA 21), and subsequent amendments in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, Public Law 109-59 (2005) SAFETEA-LU and the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (RSIA), Division A of Public Law 110-432 have since replaced the previous Title V financing program. On July 6, 2000, FRA published a final rule (FR) with procedures and requirements to cover applications of financial assistance in the form of direct loans and loan guarantees consistent with the changes made to Title V of the Act by section 7203 of TEA 21. On September 29, 2010, FRA published a Notice Regarding Consideration and Processing of Applications for Financial Assistance Under the RRIF Program. The collection of information is used by FRA staff to determine the legal and financial eligibility of applicants for direct loans regarding eligible projects. Eligible projects include: (1) Acquisition, improvement or rehabilitation of intermodal or rail equipment or facilities (including tracks, components of tracks, bridges, yards, buildings, and shops); (2) Refinancing outstanding debt incurred for these purposes; or (3) Development or establishment of new intermodal or railroad facilities. The aggregate unpaid principal amounts of obligations cannot exceed $35.0 billion at any one time, and not less than $7.0 billion is to be available solely for projects benefitting freight railroads other than Class I carriers. The Secretary of Transportation has delegated his authority under the RRIF Program to the FRA Administrator in 1 CFR 1.49. On September 29, 2010, FRA published a Notice Regarding Consideration and Processing of Applications for Financial Assistance Under the RRIF Program. As explained in the notice, FRA's RRIF Buy America policy furthers two of the RRIF program's eight priorities described in 45 U.S.C. 822(c): (3) Promote economic development, and (4) Enable U.S. companies to be more competitive in international markets. *Form Number(s):*
                     FRA Forms 217, 219 and 229. *Affected Public:*
                     State and local governments, government sponsored authorities and corporations, railroads, and joint ventures that include at least one railroad. Reporting Burden—Applications
CFR section
Respondent universe
Total annual responses
Average
                             time per 
                             response 
                             (hours)
Total annual
                             burden 
                             hours260.23—Form and Content of Application
75,635 potential applicants
18 applications
20
360260.25—Additional Information Loan Guarantees
640 potential
15 financial documents
50
750260.31—Execution and Filing Application
75,635 potential
18 executed applications
.6
10.8Certificates with Original Application
75,635 potential
18 certificates
.6
10.8Transmittal Letters
75,635 potential
18 letters
.6
10.8Application Packages
75,635 potential
18 packages
1.5
27260.33—Information Statements
75,635 potential
18 statements
* 30
9260.35—Environmental Impact Statements
75,635 potential
1 impact statement
15,552
15,552Environmental Assessment
75,635 potential
2 assessments
4,992
9,984Categorical Exclusions
75,635 potential
15 exclusions
176
2,640Environmental Consultations
75,635 potential
5 consultations
1
5260.41—Inspection and Reporting—Financial Records and Other
75,635 potential
18 financial records
10
180* In minutes.
 Reporting Burden—Buy America Act Requirements
Item No.
Respondent universe
Total annual responses
Average
                             time per 
                             response
Total annual
                             burden 
                             hours1.1—Certification of Compliance or Non-Compliance with Buy America Requirements for Steel, Iron, or Manufactured Products being produced by Borrower
18 Borrowers
2,376 compliance certifications
3 hours
7,1281.2—Certification of Compliance with Buy America for Rolling Stock
18 Borrowers
1 certification
62 hours
622.1—Waivers—Requests/Applications for Waivers, including FRA Form 229
18 Borrowers
12 waiver requests
198 hours
2,3492.2—Public Comment on Waiver Requests
6 Rail Car Manufacturers/3 Associations/Public
18 comments
4 hours
72( print page 11520)2.3—Consultations with Organizations/Associations Knowledgeable about Sources of Domestic Goods
3 Associations/6 Rail Car Manufacturers
12 consultations
1 hour
123.1—Financial Assistance Agreements with FRA
18 Borrowers
18 agreements
60 minutes
183.2—Borrower Request for Proposal (RFP) with Buy America Notice
18 Borrowers
18 RFPs
75 minutes
233.3—Bidder/Offeror Written Explanation concerning Incomplete/Incorrect Certification
11 Bidders/Offerors
3 written Explanations
6 hours
183.4—Borrower/Borrower's Designee Request for Additional Information from Bidder/Offeror
18 Borrowers 11 Bidders/Offerors
1 request + 1 document
2 hours + 6 hours
83.5—Borrower Determination to Accept/Reject Bidder's/Offeror's Written Explanation + Notification to FRA of Borrower's Final Determination
18 Borrowers
3 determination/3 notifications
2 hours + 6 minutes
6.253.6—Additional Information from Bidder/Offeror/Borrower after FRA Request
11 Bidders/Offerors
1 document
2 hours
24.1—Petition to FRA to Investigate Compliance of Successful Bidder/Offeror with Bidder's/Offeror's Certification by Interested Party
Interested Parties
1 requests/petitions
12 hours
124.2—Borrower Investigations (including FRA initiated investigations)
18 Borrowers
3 investigations
333 hours
9994.3—Bidder/Offeror Documentation of Compliance Submitted to Borrower after FRA Determination to Conduct Investigation and Letter from Borrower
11 Bidders/Offerors
2 letters + 2 documents
1 hour + 8 hours
184.4—Borrower direct reply to FRA after request to conduct investigation of bidder/offeror
18 Borrowers
2 replies
1 hour
24.5—Bidder/Offeror Notice to Borrower that it will respond directly to FRA
11 Bidders/Offerors
2 notices
60 minutes
24.6—Direct Consultation by FRA with Bidder/Offeror
11 Bidders/Offerors
1 consultations
1 hour
14.7—Additional Documents to FRA from Borrower/Investigated Party
18 Borrowers/1 Investigated Parties
1 document
4 hours
44.8—Transmission of Borrower/Bidder/Offeror Reply to Petitioner
18 Borrowers
2 replies
30 minutes
14.9—Petitioner Comment to FRA on Reply
1 Petitioners
1 comment
8 hours
84.10—Petitioner Comment Copy to Borrower/Investigated Bidder/Offeror
11 Bidders/Offerors
12 comment copies
15 minutes
34.11—Borrower/Investigated Bidder/Offeror respond to Petitioner Comment
11 Bidders/Offerors
1 comment responses
8 hours
84.12—Written request to FRA for information bearing on substance of investigation which has been submitted by petitioner, interested parties, or borrowers
Interested Parties
1 request
4 hours
44.13—Detailed Statement to FRA Regarding Confidentiality of Previously Submitted Information to Agency
18 Borrowers/11 Bidders/Offerors
1 detailed Statement
8 hours
84.14—Borrower Determination to make award before resolution of investigation one of this sections specified reasons
18 Borrowers
1 determination
40 hours
404.15—Notification to FRA by Borrower to make award during pendency of investigation
18 Borrowers
1 notification
1 hour
14.16—Request to FRA for Reconsideration of Initial Decision by Party Involved in Investigations
Interested Parties
1 request
80 hours
805.1—Pre-Award Audit
18 Borrowers
1 audit
33 hours
335.2—List by Bidder/Offeror Detailing Facility Assembly Activities
11 Bidders/Offerors
1 list
8 hours
85.3—Formal Final Contract between Borrower and Bidder/Offeror
18 Borrowers
1 formal contract
16 hours
165.4—Post Award Audit
18 Borrowers
1 audit
256 hours
2565.5—Written Agreement by Bidder/Offeror/Successful Contractor to allow Borrower, its Designee, or FRA to Complete All Audits, Inspections, and Provide All Requested Information
11 Bidders/Offerors/Successful Contractors
1 agreement
4 hours
45.6—Rolling Stock Domestic Content Improvement Plans
11 Bidders/Offerors
1 plan
120 hours
120( print page 11521)Totals
n/a
12,090
n/a
11,326
 *Total Estimated Annual Burden:*
                     40,865 hours. Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3507(a) and 5 CFR 1320.5(b) and 1320.8(b)(3)(vi), 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 unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Authority:
                    44 U.S.C. 3501-3520. Issued in Washington, DC, on February 25, 2015. Rebecca Pennington, Chief Financial Officer.


[FR Doc. 2015-04351 Filed 3-2-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-06-P