2014-08481. Opportunity for Designation in the Aberdeen, SD; Hastings, NE; Fulton, IL; the State of Missouri, and the State of South Carolina Areas; 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 September 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: Aberdeen Grain Inspection, Inc. (Aberdeen); Hastings Grain Inspection, Inc. (Hastings); John R. McCrea Agency, Inc. (McCrea); Missouri Department of Agriculture (Missouri); and South Carolina Department of Agriculture (South Carolina).

DATES:

Applications and comments must be received by May 15, 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: 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

Aberdeen

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

In North Dakota and South Dakota

Bounded on the North by U.S. Route 12 east to State Route 22; State Route 22 north to the Burlington-Northern (BN) line; the Burlington-Northern (BN) line east to State Route 21; State Route 21 east to State Route 49; State Route 49 south to the North Dakota-South Dakota State line; the North Dakota-South Dakota State line east to U.S. Route 83; U.S. Route 83 north to State Route 13; State Route 13 east and north to McIntosh County; the northern McIntosh County line east to Dickey County; the northern Dickey County line east to U.S. Route 281; U.S. Route 281 south to the North Dakota-South Dakota State line; the North Dakota-South Dakota State line east;

Bounded on the East by the eastern South Dakota State line (the Big Sioux River) to A54B;

Bounded on the South by A54B west to State Route 11; State Route 11 north to State Route 44 (U.S. 18); State Route 44 west to the Missouri River; the Missouri River south-southeast to the South Dakota State line; the southern South Dakota State line west;

Bounded on the West by the western South Dakota State line north; the western North Dakota State line north to U.S. Route 12.

Hastings

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

In Nebraska

Bounded on the North by the northern Nebraska State line from the western Sioux County line east to the eastern Knox County line;

Bounded on the East by the eastern and southern Knox County lines; the eastern Antelope County line; the northern Madison County line east to U.S. Route 81; U.S. Route 81 south to the southern Madison County line; the southern Madison County line; the eastern Boone, Nance, and Merrick County lines; the Platte River southwest; the eastern Hamilton County line; the northern and eastern Fillmore County lines; the southern Fillmore County line west to U.S. Route 81; U.S. Route 81 south to State Highway 8; State Highway 8 west to the County Road 1 mile west of U.S. Route 81; the County Road south to southern Nebraska State line;

Bounded on the South by the southern Nebraska State line, from the County Road 1 mile west of U.S. Route 81, west to the western Dundy County line;

Bounded on the West by the western Dundy, Chase, Perkins, and Keith County lines; the southern and western Garden County lines; the southern Morrill County line west to U.S. Route 385; U.S. Route 385 north to the southern Box Butte County line; the southern and western Sioux County lines north to the northern Nebraska State line.

The following grain elevators are part of this geographic area assignment. In Kansas Grain Inspection Service, Inc.'s area: Farmers Coop, Big Springs, Deuel County, Nebraska; and Big Springs Elevator, Big Springs, Deuel County, Nebraska. In Fremont Grain Inspection Department, Inc.'s area: Huskers Cooperative Grain Company, Columbus, Platte County, Nebraska.

McCrea

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

In Illinois

Carroll and Whiteside Counties.

In Iowa

Clinton and Jackson Counties.

Missouri

Pursuant to Section 7(f)(2) of the Act, the following geographic area, in the State of Missouri, is assigned to this official agency:

In Missouri

The entire State of Missouri.

South Carolina

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

In South Carolina

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

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 October 1, 2014 and ending September 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 Aberdeen, Hastings, McCrea, Missouri, and South Carolina 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.