03-19435. Notice of Public Information Collection Submitted to OMB for Review

AGENCY:

Surface Transportation Board, DOT.

ACTION:

Extension of a currently approved collection.

SUMMARY:

The Surface Transportation Board has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval the following proposal for collection of information as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35).

Title: Maps To Be Submitted in Abandonment Exemption Proceedings.

OMB Form Number: 2140-0008.

No. of Respondents: 54.

Total Burden Hours: 54.

DATES:

Persons wishing to comment on this information collection should submit comments by September 2, 2003.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all comments to the Surface Transportation Board, Room 706, 1925 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20423. When submitting comments refer to the OMB number and title of the information collection.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Barbara G. Saddler, [phone]. Requests for copies of the information collection may be obtained by contacting Barbara G. Saddler [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Surface Transportation Board is, by statute, responsible for the economic regulation of surface transportation carriers operating in interstate and foreign commerce. The ICC Termination Act of 1995, Public Law 104-88, 109 Stat. 803 (1995), which took effect on January 1, 1996, abolished the Interstate Commerce Commission and transferred the responsibility for regulating rail transportation, including the proposed abandonment and discontinuance of rail lines, to the Surface Transportation Board. The Board needs, in each abandonment exemption proceeding, a detailed map of the rail line, depicting its relation to other rail lines, roads, water routes, and population centers. The Board will use this information to facilitate informed decision making. Respondents will be railroads initiating abandonment exemption proceedings.

Dated: July 28, 2003.

Vernon A. Williams,

Secretary.