Agency information collection activities: Proposed collection; comment request,

[Federal Register: November 15, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 219)]

[Notices]

[Page 61851-61852]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr15no99-54]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Public Telecommunications Facilities Program Grant Monitoring

ACTION: Proposed collection; comments requested.

SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before January 14, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier, Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 5027, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet LEngelme@doc.gov).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to Clifton Beck, NTIA, Room H-4888, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Abstract

   The purpose of the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program is to assist, through matching funds, in the planning and construction of public telecommunications facilities in order to achieve the following objectives:

   ‹bullet› Extend delivery of public telecommunications services to as many citizens in the United States as possible by the most efficient and economical means, including the use of broadcast and nonbroadcast technologies;

   ‹bullet› Increase public telecommunications services and facilities available to, operated by, and owned by minorities and women; and

   ‹bullet› Strengthen the capability of existing public radio and television stations to provide public telecommunications services to the public.

2. Method of Collection

   The reporting requirements associated with this request have been reduced by 10% from the previous request approved by OMB in 1996 through the elimination of the requirements for initial liens and insurance certificates. The collection continues to be by mail. Reports submitted by the grantees include:

   ‹bullet› Construction schedule/planning timetable (one time) ‹bullet› Performance reports (quarterly) ‹bullet› Close-out materials after completion of the project (one time) ‹bullet› Annual reports for the duration of the government's interest in the equipment (annually for ten-year period)

3. Data

   OMB Number: 0660-0001.

   Form Number: None.

   Type of Review: Regular submission.

   Affected Public: Public Telecommunications Facilities Program grant recipients (who may be non-profit corporations, public and private universities and colleges, state and local government agencies).

   Burden Hours Calculations/Reporting

   Hours Number of Burden Requirement

   grantee grantees hours

   Construction Schedule/Planning

   10

   150

   1,500 Timetable....................... Performance Reports..............

   (‹SUP›1‹/SUP›)

   350

   1,400 Close-outs.......................

   24

   130

   3,120 Draft Planning Report............

   40

   10

   400 Final Planning Report............

   10

   10

   100 Annual Reports...................

   1

   1,300

   1,300

   [[Page 61852]]

   Total........................ ........... ...........

   7,820

   ‹SUP›1‹/SUP› 1 x 4/year.

   Estimated Total Annual Cost to the Public: Cost to respondents is consistent with their normal administrative overhead. Respondents will not have to purchase equipment or material to provide information.

4. Request for Comments

   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 shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

   Comments submitted in response to the notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of the information collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

   Dated: November 8, 1999. Linda Engelmeier, Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer.

   [FR Doc. 99-29629Filed11-12-99; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 3510-60-P