2017-10996. Opportunity for Designation in the Aberdeen Area; Request for Comments on the Official Agency Servicing This Area

AGENCY:

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The designation of the official agency listed below will end on September 30, 2017. We are asking persons or governmental agencies interested in providing official services in the areas presently served by this agency to submit an application for designation. In addition, we are asking for comments on the quality of services provided by the following designated agency: Aberdeen Grain Inspection, Inc. (Aberdeen).

DATES:

Applications and comments must be received by June 29, 2017.

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: Jacob Thein, Compliance Officer, USDA, GIPSA, FGIS, QACD, 10383 North Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153.
• Fax: Jacob Thein, 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:

Jacob Thein, 816-866-2223 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 no longer than five years, unless terminated by the Secretary, and 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 USGSA, the following geographic area in the States 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 line; the Burlington-Northern 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; and bounded on the west by the western South Dakota State line north; the western North Dakota State line north to U.S. Route 12.

Opportunity for Designation

Interested persons or governmental agencies may apply for designation to provide official services in the geographic area specified above under the provisions of section 79(f) of the USGSA and 7 CFR 800.196. Designation in the specified geographic area in North Dakota and South Dakota is for the period beginning October 1, 2017, to September 30, 2022. To apply for designation or to request more information, contact Jacob Thein at the address listed above or visit GIPSA's Web site at (https://fgis.gipsa.usda.gov/​default_​home_​FGIS.aspx).

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 official agency. In the designation process, we are particularly interested in receiving comments citing reasons and pertinent data supporting or objecting to the designation of the applicant. Submit all comments to Jacob Thein 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.

Randall D. Jones,

Acting Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration.