[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 123 (Tuesday, June 25, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 32705-32706]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-16099]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Maritime Administration

46 CFR Parts 252 and 272

[Docket No. R-167]
RIN 2133-AB27


Operating Differential Subsidy for Bulk Cargo Vessels Engaged in 
Worldwide Services; Requirements and Procedures for Conducting Surveys 
and Administering Maintenance and Repair Subsidy; Removal of Obsolete 
Regulations

AGENCY: Maritime Administration, Transportation.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is removing obsolete 
provisions governing operating-differential subsidy for cargo vessels 
engaged in worldwide services.

EFFECTIVE DATE: June 25, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael P. Ferris, Director, Office of 
Costs and Rates, Maritime Administration, 400 Seventh St. S.W., Room 
8117, Tel. (202)-366-2324.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 46 CFR Parts 252 and 272 prescribe 
regulations implementing Title VI of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as 
amended (46 App. U.S.C. 1171-1176 and 1178-1181), governing operating-
differential subsidy (ODS) for cargo vessels engaged in carrying bulk 
cargo in essential services in the foreign commerce of the United 
States. Part 252 addresses eligibility to receive ODS for vessel 
operations, calculation of subsidy rates, and subsidy payment and 
billing procedures. Part 2 272 prescribes the requirements and 
procedures for determining the condition of vessels receiving ODS, for 
reporting and substantiating maintenance and repair (M&R) expenses for 
those vessels that receive M&R under their ODS agreements, and for 
determining whether an M&R expense is subsidizable.
    These regulations apply only to bulk vessels. The last of the 
current bulk vessel ODS contracts will expire on December 31, 2000. No 
new subsidy contracts for bulk vessels are anticipated.
    When Part 252 was amended in 1993 (58 FR 17349, April 2, 1993), 
effective January 1, 1993, section 252.32(c)(1) and (c)(2) became 
obsolete. Paragraph (c)(1) became obsolete because the calculation of 
ODS for M&R was no longer based on the specified 24-36 month period. 
The calculation and payment of ODS for M&R became based on a percentage 
rate requiring an allocation between subsidized and unsubsidized vessel 
days. Paragraph (c)(2) is redundant because its provision is already 
included in the introductory paragraph of section 252.32(c).
    Furthermore, allocation of costs with respect to M&R subsidy, as 
required by paragraphs (e), (f) and (g) of 46 CFR 272.41, has not been 
applicable since the 1986 amendments to parts 252 and 382 and reference 
to such should have been removed from part 272 at that time. When 46 
CFR 252.40 was amended in 1993, it provided that ``the ratio of 
subsidized to unsubsidized days during the calendar year'' be used to 
allocate M&R costs, creating a conflict with provisions in Part 272 
that remained.
    Accordingly, MARAD is hereby removing as obsolete 46 CFR 
252.32(c)(1) and (c)(2), and 272.41(e), (f), and (g) in this final 
rule.

Rulemaking Analyses and Notices

Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review)

    This rulemaking is not considered to be an economically significant 
regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866. Also, it 
is not a

[[Page 32706]]

major rule under Pub. L. 104-121, 5 U.S.C. 804, or a significant rule 
under the Department's Regulatory Policies and Procedures. Accordingly, 
it has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.
    MARAD has determined that this rulemaking presents no substantive 
issue which it could reasonably expect to produce meaningful public 
comment since it is merely removing obsolete regulations. Accordingly, 
MARAD has determined that the notice and public comment procedure 
otherwise required by the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 
553(c), is unnecessary and good cause exists, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
553(d)(3), to make the changes effective upon publication.

Federalism

    The Maritime Administration has analyzed this rulemaking in 
accordance with the principles and criteria contained in Executive 
order 12612, and it has been determined that these regulations do not 
have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a 
Federalism Assessment.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Maritime Administration certifies that this rulemaking will not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities.

Environmental Assessment

    The Maritime Administration has considered the environmental impact 
on this rulemaking and has concluded that an environmental impact 
statement is not required under the National Environmental Policy Act 
of 1969.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rulemaking contains no reporting requirement that is subject 
to OMB approval under 5 CFR Part 1320, pursuant to the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.)

List of Subjects in 46 CFR Parts 252 and 272

    Grant programs--transportation, Maritime carriers, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements.

    Accordingly, MARAD hereby amends 46 CFR Parts 252 and 272 as 
follows:

PART 252--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for Part 252 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 46 App. U.S.C. 1114(b), 1117, 1121, 1171, 1173 and 
1175; 49 CFR 1.66.

    2. Section 252.1  Purpose is amended in the parenthetical United 
States Code citation by inserting ``App.'' between ``46 and ``U.S.C.''
    3. Section 252.32  Maintenance (upkeep) and repairs, is amended by 
removing paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2).

PART 272--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for Part 272 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 46 App. U.S.C. 1114(b), 1173, 1176; 49 CFR 1.66.

    2. Section 272.41  Requirements for examination and allocation of 
M&R expenses, is amended by removing paragraphs (e), (f), and (g).

    Dated: June 20, 1996.

    By Order of the Maritime Administrator.
Joel C. Richard,
Secretary, Maritime Administration.
[FR Doc. 96-16099 Filed 6-24-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-81-P