[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 73 (Wednesday, April 16, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18645-18646]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-9806]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Land Management
[WO-350-4210-01]
Extension of Approved Information Collection, OMB Number 1004-
0157
AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.
ACTION: Notice and request for comments.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is announcing its intention to request
renewal of existing approval to collect certain information from
applicants who wish to acquire a right-of-way on public lands under the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) of 1976. The information
collection requirements covered by this notice are necessary to making
a determination as to the reasonable level of reimbursement costs and
to determine who may be entitled to an off-set against reimbursements
of cost.
DATES: Comments on the proposed information collection must be received
by June 16, 1997 to be considered.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to: Director (420), Bureau of Land
Management, 1849 C Street NW., Room 401LS, Washington, DC 20240.
Comments may be sent via Internet to: [email protected]140@attmail.com.
Please include ``ATTN: 1004-0157'' and your name and return address in
your Internet message.
Comments may be hand-delivered to the Bureau of Land Management
Administrative Record, Room 401, 1620 L Street, NW., Washington, DC.
Comments will be available for public review at the L Street
address during regular business hours (7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.), Monday
through Friday.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carl C. Gammon, (202) 452-7777.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with 5 CFR 1320.12(a), BLM is
required to provide 60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning a
collection of information contained in a published current rule to
solicit comments on (a) Whether the proposed collection of information
is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency,
including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the
accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed
collection of information, including the validity of the methodology
and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize
the burden of the collection of information on those who are to
respond, including through the use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology. BLM will receive and analyze any
comments sent in response to this notice and include them with its
request for approval from the Office of Management and Budget under 44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
BLM grants rights-of-way on public lands through the authority of
Title V of FLPMA (90 Stat. 2776, 43 U.S.C. 1761). Section 304(b) of
FLPMA authorizes the BLM to receive payment of reasonable cost to
reimburse the government for the cost of processing rights-of-way. In
determining reasonable costs, BLM must consider such things as actual
cost (exclusive of management overhead), the portion of cost incurred
that is for the benefit of the general public rather than for the
exclusive benefit of the applicant, the public service provided, and
other relevant factors, to determine who may be entitled to an off-set
against reimbursement of costs. The information collection requirements
found at 43 CFR 2808.3 are necessary to making a determination as to
the reasonable level of reimbursement pursuant to Section 304 (b) of
FLPMA.
The following is an explanation of specific items of information
requested pursuant to 43 CFR 2808.3: Information on the monetary value
of the rights and privileges sought by the applicant is needed to
determine both eligibility and, if eligible, the reasonable level of
[[Page 18646]]
reimbursement. Such data consist of an estimate of the cost to
construct the proposed project on public lands. If applicants believe
that they are eligible for further reimbursement reductions for public
benefit or service aspects of the proposed project, proof of such
public benefit or service, consisting of the identification of any
original study data developed, identification of tangible improvements,
such as roads, trails, recreation facilities, etc., is needed. Where
applicants believe they should be considered for additional reductions
or a waiver of cost reimbursement requirements, a showing of
information on the nature of a financial hardship, existence of an
outstanding lease or permit, proof of full time residency, requirement
for the relocation of an existing facility or the existence of other
compelling public benefits or services are needed in accordance with 43
CFR 2808.5 to aid in determining whether they meet specific statutory
requirements to obtain benefits. Failure to collect the necessary
information would result in BLM's inability to develop defendable,
reasonable reimbursement costs for applicants in accordance with
statutory and regulatory requirements. The effect to the government
would be insufficient payment received for services rendered or
increased cost to the government relating to protest and appeal actions
contesting the accuracy of the reimbursable cost determinations.
Based on BLM's experience administering the activities described
above, there will be about 17 applications annually. The respondents
are individuals or companies that seek an off-set against cost
reimbursement. The public reporting burden for the information
collected is estimated to average 50 hours per response. The frequency
of response is once. The estimated total annual burden on new
respondents is about 850 hours.
All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the
request for Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments will
also become a matter of public record.
Dated: April 10, 1997.
Carole J. Smith,
Information Collection Officer.
[FR Doc. 97-9806 Filed 4-15-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-84-P
