2022-18276. Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Rail Fixed Guideway System; State Safety Oversight

AGENCY:

Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION:

Notice of request for comments.

SUMMARY:

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces that the Information Collection Requirements (ICRs) abstracted below have been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR describe the nature of the information collection and their expected burdens.

DATES:

Comments must be submitted on or before September 23, 2022.

ADDRESSES:

Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain Find this particular information collection by selecting “Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function.

Comments are Invited On: Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the Department's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and 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 of this notice in the Federal Register .

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Tia Swain, Office of Administration, Management Planning Division, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Mail Stop TAD-10, Washington, DC 20590, [phone] or [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Pub. L. 104-13, Section 2, 109 Stat. 163 (1995) (codified as revised at 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, require Federal agencies to issue two notices seeking public comment on information collection activities before OMB may approve paperwork packages. 44 U.S.C. 3506, 3507; 5 CFR 1320.5, 1320.8(d)(1), 1320.12. On April 22, 2022, FTA published a 60-day notice (87 FR 24222) in the Federal Register soliciting comments on the ICR that the agency was seeking OMB approval. FTA received no comments after issuing this 60-day notice. Accordingly, DOT announces that these information collection activities have been re-evaluated and certified under 5 CFR 1320.5(a) and forwarded to OMB for review and approval pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12(c).

Before OMB decides whether to approve these proposed collections of information, it must provide 30 days for public comment. 44 U.S.C. 3507(b); 5 CFR 1320.12(d). Federal law requires OMB to approve or disapprove paperwork packages between 30 and 60 days after the 30-day notice is published. 44 U.S.C. 3507 (b)-(c); 5 CFR 1320.12(d); see also60 FR 44978, 44983, Aug. 29, 1995. OMB believes that the 30-day notice informs the regulated community to file relevant comments and affords the agency adequate time to digest public comments before it renders a decision. 60 FR 44983, Aug. 29, 1995. Therefore, respondents should submit their respective comments to OMB within 30 days of publication to best ensure having their full effect. 5 CFR 1320.12(c); see also60 FR 44983, Aug. 29, 1995.

The summaries below describe the nature of the information collection requirements (ICRs) and the expected burden. The requirements are being submitted for clearance by OMB as required by the PRA.

Title: Rail Fixed Guideway Systems; State Safety Oversight.

OMB Control Number: 2132-0558.

Background: FTA administers a national program for public transportation safety under 49 U.S.C. Section 5329. One element of this program, at 49 U.S.C. 5329(e), requires States to oversee the safety of the rail transit agencies (RTAs) in their jurisdictions, including heavy and light rail systems, streetcars, inclined planes, cable cars, monorail/automated guideways and hybrid rail. Through this program, State Safety Oversight Agencies (SSOAs) ensure that RTAs identify and address safety risks, follow their safety rules and procedures, and take corrective action to address safety deficiencies.

The information collection activities request is for a renewal without change of a currently approved collection. The information collection focus is on the activities of SSOAs and RTAs to report information to FTA. This request for renewal of an existing information collection does not reflect any changes as a result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In the event that FTA updates State Safety Oversight requirements, FTA will seek comment from stakeholders through the publication of a separate Federal Register notice outside of the Paperwork Reduction Act process.

The information collection request includes the annual report FTA requires from SSOAs, FTA's grant management reporting requirement and the triennial audit program, which requires information from both SSOAs and RTAs. Further, the information collection continues to reflect requirements for SSOAs and RTAs to respond to FTA directives and advisories, and SSOAs participation in monthly teleconference calls with FTA. Finally, the information collection request includes RTA event notifications to FTA.

Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 96 respondents.

Estimated Annual Number of Responses: 1,454.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 16,366 hours.

Frequency: Annually.

Nadine Pembleton,

Deputy Associate Administrator, Office of Administration.