2014-05994. Opportunity for Designation in Unassigned Areas of Southeast Texas

AGENCY:

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) is asking persons or governmental agencies interested in providing official services in unassigned areas of Southeast Texas to submit an application for designation.

DATES:

Applications and comments must be received by April 18, 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.
• Mail, Courier or Hand Delivery: Dexter Thomas, Acting Chief of Staff, USDA, GIPSA, OA, Room 2055-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250.
• Fax: Dexter Thomas, 202-205-9237.
• 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:

Dexter Thomas, 202-720-6529 or [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

GIPSA previously announced an opportunity for designation in unassigned areas of Southeast Texas in the Federal Register on September 27, 2013 (78 FR 59647). Applications were due by October 28, 2013. GIPSA received seven comments, representing five grain companies and two trade associations. All commenters supported Gulf Country Grain Inspection Service, Inc. (Gulf Country) designation for the geographical area announced in the Federal Register on September 27, 2013. Five commenters specifically recommended that Gulf Country's designation be expanded to include the Rio Grande Valley geographical area in South Texas. Two of those five commenters stated that Gulf Country could provide an equal or greater level of service at a better cost than GIPSA. Accordingly, GIPSA is announcing the opportunity for designation for unassigned areas of Southeast Texas including additional geographical area in South Texas.

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

Pursuant to Section 79(f)(2) of the United States Grain Standards Act, the following unassigned area is available for designation.

In Texas

Bounded on the north by northern Lampasas, Coryell, McLennan, Limestone, Freestone, Anderson, Cherokee, Nacogdoches, San Augustine, and Sabine County Line east to the Texas State Line;

Bounded on the east by the Eastern Texas State Line.

Bounded on the south by the Southern Texas State Line.

Bounded on the west by the western Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, Zapata, Duval, McMullen, Atascosa, Bexar, Comal, Blanco, Burnet and Lampasas County Lines.

Excludes export port locations serviced by GIPSA's League City Field Office, Beaumont Sub-office, and Corpus Christi Duty Point.

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 a period of no more than three years and will be concurrent with any existing designation. To apply for designation or for more information, contact Dexter Thomas at the address listed above or visit GIPSA's Web site at http://www.gipsa.usda.gov.

Request for Comments

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 Dexter Thomas at the above address or at http://www.regulations.gov.

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

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

Larry Mitchell,

Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration.