2013-30709. Opportunity for Designation in the State of Georgia and State of Montana; Request for Comments on the Official Agencies Servicing These Areas

AGENCY:

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The designations of the official agencies listed below will end on June 30, 2014. We are asking persons or governmental agencies interested in providing official services in the areas presently served by these agencies to submit an application for designation. In addition, we are asking for comments on the quality of services provided by the following designated agencies: Georgia Department of Agriculture (Georgia) and Montana Department of Agriculture (Montana).

DATES:

Applications and comments must be received by January 27, 2014.

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.
• 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: Eric J. Jabs, Chief, USDA, GIPSA, FGIS, QACD, QADB, 10383 North Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153
• Fax: Eric J. Jabs, 816-872-1257
• Email: [e-mail]

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:

Eric J. Jabs, 816-659-8408 or [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Section 79(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 79(g) of the USGSA, designations of official agencies are effective for three years unless terminated by the Secretary, but may be renewed according to the criteria and procedures prescribed in section 79(f) of the USGSA.

Areas Open for Designation

Georgia

Pursuant to Section 79(f)(2) of the United States Grain Standards Act, the following geographic area, in the State of Georgia, is assigned to this official agency:

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

Montana

Pursuant to Section 79(f)(2) of the United States Grain Standards Act, the following geographic area, in the State of Montana, is assigned to this official agency:

The entire State of Montana.

Opportunity for Designation

Interested persons or governmental agencies may apply for designation to provide official services in the geographic areas specified above under the provisions of section 79(f) of the USGSA and 7 CFR 800.196. Designation in the specified geographic areas is for the period beginning July 1, 2014, and ending June 30, 2017. To apply for designation or for more information, contact Eric J. Jabs at the address listed above or visit GIPSA's Web site at http://www.gipsa.usda.gov.

Request for Comments

We are publishing this notice to provide interested persons the opportunity to comment on the quality of services provided by the Georgia and Montana official agencies. In the designation process, we are particularly interested in receiving comments citing reasons and pertinent data supporting or objecting to the designation of the applicants. Submit all comments to Eric J. Jabs 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.

Larry Mitchell,

Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration.