2023-01100. Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: 49 U.S.C. Section 5337 State of Good Repair Program

AGENCY:

Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION:

Notice of request for comments.

SUMMARY:

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces that the Information Collection Requirements (ICRs) abstracted below have been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR describe the nature of the information collection and their expected burdens.

DATES:

Comments must be submitted on or before February 21, 2023.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain Find this particular information collection by selecting “Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function.

Comments are Invited On: Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the Department's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. A comment to OMB is best assured of having its full effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication of this notice in the Federal Register .

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Tia Swain, Office of Administration, Management Planning Division, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Mail Stop TAD-10, Washington, DC 20590 [phone] or [e-mail].

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 issue two notices seeking public comment on information collection activities before OMB may approve paperwork packages. 44 U.S.C. 3506, 3507; 5 CFR 1320.5, 1320.8(d)(1), 1320.12. On November 10, 2022, FTA published a 60-day notice (87 FR 67996) in the Federal Register soliciting comments on the ICR that the agency was seeking OMB approval. FTA received no comments after issuing this 60-day notice. Accordingly, DOT announces that these information collection activities have been re-evaluated and certified under 5 CFR 1320.5(a) and forwarded to OMB for review and approval pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12(c).

Before OMB decides whether to approve these proposed collections of information, it must provide 30 days for public comment. 44 U.S.C. 3507(b); 5 CFR 1320.12(d). Federal law requires OMB to approve or disapprove paperwork packages between 30 and 60 days after the 30-day notice is published. 44 U.S.C. 3507 (b)-(c); 5 CFR 1320.12(d); see also60 FR 44978, 44983, Aug. 29, 1995. OMB believes that the 30-day notice informs the regulated community to file relevant comments and affords the agency adequate time to digest public comments before it renders a decision. 60 FR 44983, Aug. 29, 1995. Therefore, respondents should submit their respective comments to OMB within 30 days of publication to best ensure having their full effect. 5 CFR 1320.12(c); see also60 FR 44983, Aug. 29, 1995.

The summaries below describe the nature of the information collection requirements (ICRs) and the expected burden. The requirements are being submitted for clearance by OMB as required by the PRA.

Title: 49 U.S.C. Section 5337 State of Good Repair Program.

OMB Number: 2132-0577.

Background:49 U.S.C. 5337, the State of Good Repair Grants Program authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to designated recipients to maintain, replace, and rehabilitate high intensity fixed guideway systems and high intensity motorbus systems in a state of good repair. Projects that are eligible for the State of Good Repair Program funds must be in a recipient's Transit Asset Management plan. Eligible recipients include state and local governmental authorities in urbanized areas with high intensity fixed guideway systems and/or high intensity motorbus systems operating for at least seven years. Projects are funded at 80 percent federal with a 20 percent local match requirement by statute. FTA will apportion funds to designated recipients. The designated recipients will then allocate funds as appropriate to recipients that are public entities in the urbanized areas. FTA can make grants to direct recipients after sub- allocation of funds. Recipients apply for grants electronically, and FTA collects milestone and financial status reports from designated recipients on a quarterly basis. The Competitive Rail Vehicle Replacement Grant (Rail Program) is a discretionary grant program to assist in funding the replacement of rail rolling stock. The Rail Program (49 U.S.C. 5337(f)) a set-aside of the State of Good Repair Formula Grants Program (49 U.S.C. 5337).

The information submitted ensures FTA's compliance with applicable federal laws.

Respondents: States and local governmental authorities.

Estimated Annual Number of Responses: 1,097.

Estimated Total Respondents: 68.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 13,729 hours

Frequency: Annual.

Nadine Pembleton,

Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Administration.