2012-13018. Opportunity for Designation in the West Sacramento, CA; Frankfort, IN; Indianapolis, IN; and Richmond, VA Areas; Request for Comments on the Official Agencies Servicing These Areas

AGENCY:

Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The designations of the official agencies listed below will end on December 31, 2012. We are asking persons or governmental agencies interested in providing official services in the areas presently served by these agencies to submit an application for designation. In addition, we are asking for comments on the quality of services provided by the following designated agencies: California-Agri Inspection Company, Ltd. (Cal-Agri); Frankfort Grain Inspection, Inc. (Frankfort); Indianapolis Grain Inspection and Weighing Service, Inc. (Indianapolis); and Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Virginia).

DATE:

Applications and comments must be received by June 29, 2012.

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: Eric J. Jabs, Chief, USDA, GIPSA, FGIS, QACD, QADB, 10383 North Ambassador Drive, Kansas City, MO 64153.
• Fax: Eric J. Jabs, 816-872-1258
• 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:

Eric J. Jabs, 816-659-8408 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 three years unless terminated by the Secretary, but may be renewed according to the criteria and procedures prescribed in section 79(f) of the USGSA.

Areas Open for Designation

Cal-Agri

Pursuant to Section 79(f)(2) of the USGSA, the following geographic area, in the State of California, is assigned to this official agency. Bounded on the North by the northern California State line east to the eastern California State line; Bounded on the East by the eastern California State line south to the southern San Bernardino County line; Bounded on the South by the southern San Bernardino and Orange County lines west to the western California State line; and Bounded on the West by the western California State line north to the northern California State line. California Agri's assigned geographic area does not include the export port locations inside California Agri's area which are serviced by GIPSA.

Frankfort

Pursuant to Section 79(f)(2) of the Act, the following geographic area, in the State of Indiana, is assigned to this official agency. Bounded on the North by the northern Fulton County line; Bounded on the East by the eastern Fulton County line south to State Route 19; State Route 19 south to State Route 114; State Route 114 southeast to the eastern Fulton and Miami County lines; the northern Grant County line east to County Highway 900E; County Highway 900E south to State Route 18; State Route 18 east to the Grant County line; the eastern and southern Grant County lines; the eastern Tipton County line; the eastern Hamilton County line south to State Route 32; Bounded on the South by State Route 32 west to the Boone County line; the eastern and southern Boone County lines; the southern Montgomery County line; and Bounded on the West by the western and northern Montgomery County lines; the western Clinton County line; the western Carroll County line north to State Route 25; State Route 25 northeast to Cass County; the western Cass and Fulton County lines.

Indianapolis

Pursuant to Section 79(f)(2) of the Act, the following geographic area, in the State of Indiana, is assigned to this official agency. Bartholomew; Brown; Hamilton, south of State Route 32; Hancock; Hendricks; Johnson; Madison, west of State Route 13 and south of State Route 132; Marion; Monroe; Morgan; and Shelby Counties.

Virginia

Pursuant to Section 79(f)(2) of the Act, the following geographic area, the entire State of Virginia, except those export port locations within the State, is assigned to this official agency.

Opportunity for Designation

Interested persons or governmental agencies may apply for designation to provide official services in the geographic areas specified above under the provisions of section 79(f) of the USGSA and 7 CFR 800.196(d). Designation in the specified geographic areas is for the period beginning January 1, 2013 and ending December 31, 2015. To apply for designation or for more information, contact Eric J. Jabs at the address listed above or visit GIPSA's Web site at http://www.gipsa.usda.gov.

Request for Comments

We are publishing this notice to provide interested persons the opportunity to comment on the quality of services provided by the Cal-Agri, Frankfort, Indianapolis, and Virginia official agencies. In the designation process, we are particularly interested in receiving comments citing reasons and pertinent data supporting or objecting to the designation of the applicants. Submit all comments to Eric J. Jabs 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.

Alan R. Christian,

Acting Administrator, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration.