[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 179 (Friday, September 16, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54798-54801]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-18487]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration


Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment 
Request

AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice.

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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 (ICRs) 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 November 15, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on any or all of the following 
proposed activities by mail to either: Mr. Robert Brogan, Office of 
Safety, Planning and Evaluation Division, RRS-21, Federal Railroad 
Administration, 1120 Vermont Ave., NW., Mail Stop 17, Washington, DC 
20590, or Mr. Victor Angelo, Office of Support Systems, RAD-20, Federal 
Railroad Administration, 1120 Vermont Ave., NW., 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 2130-0505, or OMB 
control number 2130-0548, or OMB control number 2130-0556.'' 
Alternatively, comments may be transmitted via facsimile to (202) 493-
6265 or (202) 493-6170, or e-mail to Mr. Brogan at 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#2e5c414c4b5c5a004c5c41494f406e485c4f004a415a00494158"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ee9c818c8b9c9ac08c9c81898f80ae889c8fc08a819ac0898198">[email protected]</span></a>, or to Mr. Victor Angelo at 
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#90e6f9f3e4ffe2bef1fef7f5fcffd0f6e2f1bef4ffe4bef7ffe6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="9ceaf5ffe8f3eeb2fdf2fbf9f0f3dcfaeefdb2f8f3e8b2fbf3ea">[email protected]</span></a>. 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: Mr. Robert Brogan, Office of Planning 
and Evaluation Division, RRS-21, Federal Railroad Administration, 1120 
Vermont Ave., NW., Mail Stop 17, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 
493-6292) or Victor Angelo, Office of Support Systems, RAD-20, Federal 
Railroad Administration, 1120 Vermont Ave.,

[[Page 54799]]

NW., Mail Stop 35, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 493-6470). 
(These telephone numbers are not toll-free.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), 
Public Law 104-13, section 2, 109 Stat. 163 (1995) (codified as revised 
at 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 
1320, require Federal agencies to 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 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 currently approved ICRs that FRA 
will submit for clearance by OMB as required under the PRA:
    Title: Inspection and Maintenance Standards for Steam Locomotives.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-0505.
    Abstract: The Locomotive Boiler Inspection Act (LBIA) of 1911 
required each railroad subject to the Act to file copies of its rules 
and instructions for the inspection of locomotives. The original LBIA 
was expanded to cover the entire steam locomotive and tender and all 
its parts and appurtenances. This Act then requires carriers to make 
inspections and to repair defects to ensure the safe operation of steam 
locomotives. The collection of information is used by tourist or 
historic railroads and by locomotive owners/operators to provide a 
record for each day a steam locomotive is placed in service, as well as 
a record that the required steam locomotive inspections are completed. 
The collection of information is also used by FRA Federal inspectors to 
verify that necessary safety inspections and tests have been completed 
and to ensure that steam locomotives are indeed ``safe and suitable'' 
for service and are properly operated and maintained.
    Affected Public: Businesses.
    Respondent Universe: 82 owners/operators.
    Frequency of Submission: On occasion; annually.
    Reporting Burden:

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                                  Respondent      Total annual     Average time    Total annual    Total annual
         CFR section               universe        responses       per response    burden hours     burden cost
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
230.6--Waivers...............  82 owners......  2 waiver         1 hour.........           2                  68
                                                 letters.
230.12--Conditions for         82 owners/       10 tags........  6 minutes......           1                  30
 movement--Non-Complying        operators.
 Locomotives.
230.14--31 Service Day         82 owners/       100 reports....  20 minutes.....          33                 990
 Inspection.                    operators.
--Notifications..............  82 owners/       2 notifications  5 minutes......            .17                6
                                operators.
230.15--92 Service Day         82 owners/       100 reports....  20 minutes.....          33                 990
 Inspection.                    operators.
230.16--Annual Inspection....  82 owners/       100 reports....  30 minutes.....          50               1,500
                                operators.
--Notifications..............  82 owners/       100              5 minutes......           8                 272
                                operators.       notifications.
230.17--1,472 Service Day      82 owners/       10 forms.......  30 minutes.....           5                 150
 Inspection.                    operators.
230.20--Alteration Reports     82 owners/       5 reports......  1..............           5                 150
 for Steam Locomotive Boilers.  operators.
230.21--Steam Locomotive       82 owners/       1 document.....  2 minutes......            .033               1
 Number Change.                 operators.
230.33--Welded Repairs/        82 owners/       5 letters......  10 minutes.....           1                  34
 Alterations.                   operators.
--Written Request to FRA for   82 owners/       5 letters......  10 minutes.....           1                  34
 Approval--.                    operators.
Unstayed Surfaces
230.34--Riveted Repairs/       82 owners/       10 requests....  5 minutes......           1                  34
 Alterations.                   operators.
230.49--Setting of Safety      82 owners/       38 tags........  2 minutes......           1.25               38
 Relief Valves.                 operators.
230.96--Main, Side, and Valve  82 owners/       1 letter.......  10 minutes.....            .17                5
 Motion Rods.                   operators.
------------------------------
                                           Recordkeeping Requirements
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230.13--Daily Inspection       82 owners/       3,650 reports..  2 minutes......         122               3,660
 Reports.                       operators.
230.17--1,472 Service Day      82 owners/       10 reports.....  15 minutes.....           3                  90
 Inspection.                    operators.
230.18--Service Day Report...  82 owners/       150 reports....  15 minutes.....          38               1,140
                                operators.
230.19--Posting of Copy......  82 owners/       300 forms......  1 minute.......           5                  15
                                operators.
230.41--Flexible Stay Bolts    82 owners/       10 entries.....  1 minute.......            .17                5
 with Caps.                     operators.
230.46--Badge Plates.........  82 owners/       3 reports......  30 minutes.....           2                  60
                                operators.
230.47--Boiler Number........  82 owners/       1 report.......  15 minutes.....            .25                8
                                operators.
230.75--Stenciling Dates of    82 owners/       50 tests.......  15 minute......           1                  30
 Tests and Cleaning.            operators.
230.98--Driving, Trailing,     82 owners/       1 stamp........  15 minutes.....            .25                8
 and Engine Truck Axles--       operators.
 Journal Diameter Stamped.

[[Page 54800]]

 
230.116--Oil Tanks...........  82 owners/       10 signs.......  1 minute.......            .17                5
                                operators.
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    Total Responses: 4,674.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 314 .
    Status: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection.
    Title: Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-0548.
    Abstract: Prior to the enactment of the Transportation Equity Act 
for the 21st Century (``TEA 21''), Title V of the Railroad 
Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976 (the ``Act''), 45 
U.S.C. 821 et seq., authorized FRA to provide railroad financial 
assistance through the purchase of preference shares (45 U.S.C. 825), 
and the issuance of loan guarantees (45 U.S.C. 831). The FRA 
regulations implementing the preference share program were eliminated 
on February 9, 1996, due to the fact that the authorization for the 
program expired (28 FR 4937). The FRA regulations implementing the loan 
guarantee provisions of Title V of the Act are contained in 49 CFR part 
260. Section 7203 of TEA 21, Public Law 105-178 (June 9, 1998), 
replaces the existing Title V financing programs. The collection of 
information is used by FRA staff to determine the financial eligibility 
of applicants for a loan or loan guarantee regarding eligible projects 
for the improvement/rehabilitation of rail equipment or facilities, the 
refinancing of outstanding debt for these purposes, or the development 
of new intermodal or railroad facilities. The aggregate unpaid 
principal amounts of obligations can not exceed $3.5 billion at any one 
time and not less than $1 billion is to be available solely for 
projects benefitting freight railroads other than Class I carriers.
    Affected Public: State and local governments, governments sponsored 
authorities and corporations, railroads (including Amtrak), and joint 
ventures that include at least one railroad.
    Respondent Universe: 21,956 potential applicants.
    Frequency of Submission: Annual.
    Reporting Burden:

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                                                                 Average (hours)
         CFR section              Respondent      Total annual       time per      Total annual    Total annual
                                   universe        responses         response      burden hours     burden cost
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
260.23--Form and content of    21,956           20 applications             20               400         $16,036
 application generally.         potential
                                applicants.
260.25--Additional             555 applicants.  18 financial                40               720          27,936
 information for applicants                      document pkgs.
 without credit ratings.
260.31--Execution and filing
 of application:
    --Certificate of           21,956 pot.      20 certificates               .6              12             526
     President.                 applicants.
    --Certificate of Chief     21,956 pot.      20 certificates               .6              12             519
     Financial Officer.         applicants.
    --Transmittal letter.....  21,956 pot.      20 letters.....               .6              12             519
                                applicants.
    --Copy/mail app. pkg.....  21,956 pot.      20 app. pkgs...              1.5              30             912
                                applicants.
260.33--Information Request..  21,956 pot.      20 statements..              1                20             851
                                applicants.
260.35--Environmental          21,956 pot.      1 envir. Doc...          4,475             4,475         537,000
 Assessment.                    applicants.
260.43--Inspection and         21,956 pot.      20 Docs........             10               200           8,510
 Reporting.                     applicants.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Total Responses: 159.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 5,881 hours.
    Status: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection.
    Title: U.S. Locational Requirement for Dispatching U.S. Rail 
Operations.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-0556.
    Abstract: Part 241 requires, in the absence of a waiver, that all 
dispatching of railroad operations that occurs in the United States be 
performed in this country, with a minor exception. A railroad is 
allowed to conduct extraterritorial dispatching from Mexico or Canada 
in emergency situations, but only for the duration of the emergency. A 
railroad relying on the exception must provide written notification of 
its action to the FRA Regional Administrator of each FRA region in 
which the railroad operation occurs; such notification is not required 
before addressing the emergency situation. The information collected 
under this rule will be used as part of FRA's oversight function to 
ensure that extraterritorial dispatchers comply with applicable safety 
regulations.
    Affected Public: Railroads.
    Respondent Universe: 4 Railroads.
    Frequency of Submission: On Occasion.
    Reporting Burden:

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                                                                  Total annual          Average time per     Total annual burden    Total annual burden
            CFR section                Respondent universe          responses               response                hours                   cost
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
241.7--Waivers--(a) General........  4 railroads...........  1 waiver petition.....  4 hours..............  4 hours..............  $1.57.
(b) Special Dispensation--           4 railroads...........  4 waiver petitions....  4 hours..............  16 hours.............  $628.
 Extraterritorial Dispatching.
(c) Fringe Border Dispatching......  4 railroads...........  2 waiver petitions....  4 hours..............  8 hours..............  $314.

[[Page 54801]]

 
241.9--Prohibition against           4 railroads...........  1 notification........  8 hours..............  8 hours..............  $314.
 extraterritorial dispatching,
 exceptions--Notification.
241.11--Prohibition against          4 railroads...........  Included under Sec.     Included under Sec.    Included under Sec.    Included under Sec.
 conducting a railroad operation                              241.9.                  241.9.                 241.9.                 241.9.
 dispatched by an extraterritorial
 dispatcher; exceptions.
241.13--Prohibitions against track   4 railroads...........  Included under Sec.     Included under Sec.    Included under Sec.    Included under Sec.
 owner's requiring or permitting                              241.9.                  241.9.                 241.9.                 241.9.
 use of its line for a railroad
 operation dispatched by an
 extraterritorial dispatcher;
 exceptions.
241.15--Penalties--False Reports/    $628..................  None..................  N/A..................  N/A..................  N/A.
 Records.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Total Responses: 8.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 36 hours.
    Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3507(a) and 5 CFR 1320.5(b), 
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 September 13, 2005.
D.J. Stadtler,
Director, Office of Budget, Federal Railroad Administration.
[FR Doc. 05-18487 Filed 9-15-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-06-P


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