02-19102. Reports, Forms and Recordkeeping Requirements; Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review

AGENCY:

Maritime Administration, DOT.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Information Collection abstracted below has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The nature of the information collection is described as well as its expected burden. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on March 26, 2002. No comments were received.

DATES:

Comments must be submitted on or before August 28, 2002.

ADDRESSES:

Send comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503, Attention MARAD Desk Officer.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Kenneth Kline, Maritime Administration, 400 Seventh Street, Southwest, Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: [phone]; FAX: [phone], or e-mail: [e-mail]. Copies of this collection can also be obtained from that office.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Maritime Administration (MARAD).

Title: Obligation Guarantees—46 CFR part 298, Title XI.

OMB Control Number: 2133-0018.

Type of Request: Extension of currently approved collection.

Affected Public: Individuals/businesses interested in obtaining loan guarantees for construction or reconstruction of vessels satisfying criteria under the Merchant Marine Act.

Form(s): MA-163, MA-163A.

Abstract: In accordance with the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, MARAD is authorized to execute a full faith and credit guarantee by the United States of debt obligations issued to finance or refinance the construction or reconstruction of vessels. In addition, the program allows for financing shipyard modernization and improvement projects.

Annual Estimated Burden Hours: 1470 hours.

Comments Are Invited 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 information collection; (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 respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

A comment to OMB is best assured of having its full effect if OMB receives it within 30 days of publication.

Issued in Washington, DC on July 24, 2002.

Joel C. Richard,

Secretary, Maritime Administration.