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###### Department of Agriculture

###### Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration

# AGENCY:

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA), USDA.

# ACTION:

Notice of opportunity for designation.

# SUMMARY:

The designation of the official agency listed below will end on March 31, 2018. We are asking persons or governmental agencies interested in providing official services in the areas presently served by this agency to submit an application for designation. In addition, we are asking for comments on the quality of services provided by the following designated agency: Midsouth Grain Inspection Service (Midsouth).

# DATES:

Applications and comments must be received by October 5, 2017.

# ADDRESSES:

Submit applications and comments concerning this notice using any of the following methods:
      -  Applying for Designation on the Internet:                          Use FGISonline (                         https://fgis.gipsa.usda.gov/​default_​home_​FGIS.aspx ) and then click on the Delegations/Designations and Export Registrations (DDR) link. You will need to obtain an FGISonline customer number and USDA eAuthentication username and password prior to applying.                    
      -  Submit Comments Using the Internet:                          Go to                          Regulations.gov                          (                         http://www.regulations.gov ). Instructions for submitting and reading comments are detailed on the site.                    
      -  Mail, Courier or Hand Delivery:                          Mark Wooden, Compliance Officer, USDA, GIPSA, FGIS, QACD, 10383 North Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153.                    
      -  Fax:                          Mark Wooden, 816-872-1257.                    
      -  Email: FGIS.QACD@usda.gov .                    

*Read Applications and Comments:*                         All applications and comments will be available for public inspection at the office above during regular business hours (7 CFR 1.27(c)).                    

# FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

                        Mark Wooden, 816-659-8413 or                         *FGIS.QACD@usda.gov*.                    

# SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Section 7(f) of the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA) authorizes the Secretary to designate a qualified applicant to provide official services in a specified area after determining that the applicant is better able than any other applicant to provide such official services (7 U.S.C. 79(f)). Under section 7(g) of the USGSA, designations of official agencies are effective for no longer than five years, unless terminated by the Secretary, and may be renewed according to the criteria and procedures prescribed in section 7(f) of the USGSA.

## Areas Open for Designation

### Midsouth

Pursuant to Section 7(f)(2) of the United States Grain Standards Act, the following geographic area in the States of Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas is assigned to this official agency.

#### In Arkansas

The entire State of Arkansas.

#### In Mississippi

The entire State of Mississippi, except export port locations within the State, which are serviced by GIPSA.

#### In Tennessee

Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Haywood, Henderson, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Shelby, and Tipton Counties. 

#### In Texas 

Bowie and Cass Counties.
      ( print page 41912)    
The following grain elevator is part of this geographic area assignment. In Cairo Grain Inspection Agency, Inc.'s area: Cargill, Inc., Tiptonville, Lake County, Tennessee.

## Opportunity for Designation

Interested persons or governmental agencies may apply for designation to provide official services in the geographic area specified above under the provisions of section 7(f) of the USGSA and 7 CFR 800.196. Designation in the specified geographic area in Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas is for the period beginning April 1, 2018, to March 31, 2023. To apply for designation or to request more information, contact Mark Wooden at the address listed above.

## Request for Comments

                    We are publishing this notice to provide interested persons the opportunity to comment on the quality of services provided by the Midsouth official agency. In the designation process, we are particularly interested in receiving comments citing reasons and pertinent data supporting or objecting to the designation of the applicant. Submit all comments to Mark Wooden at the above address or at                     *http://www.regulations.gov.*

We consider applications, comments, and other available information when determining which applicants will be designated.

Authority:7 U.S.C. 71-87k.

Randall D. Jones,

Acting Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration.

[FR Doc. 2017-18632 Filed 9-1-17; 8:45 am]

 BILLING CODE 3410-KD-P