Agency information collection activities: Proposed collection; comment request,

[Federal Register: June 24, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 121)]

[Notices]

[Page 34472]

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

[DOCID:fr24jn98-114]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[WO-350-4210-01]

Extension of Approved Information Collection, OMB Number 1004- 0060

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces its intention to request an extension of its existing approval to collect certain information from entities desiring a right-of-way across public lands. These entities are required to use a consolidated form, which BLM and several other agencies use for several purposes, including to determine whether or not applicants are qualified to hold right-of-way grants across Federal lands.

DATES: Comments on the proposed information collection must be received by August 24, 1998, to be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to: Director (420), Bureau of Land Management, 1849 C Street NW, Room 401LS, Washington, D.C. 20240.

Comments may be sent via Internet to: WoComment@WOblm.gov. Please include ATTN: 1004-0060 and your name and return address in your Internet message.

Comments may be hand-delivered to the Bureau of Land Management Administrative Record; Room 401, 1620 L Street, NW, Washington, DC.

Comments will be available for public review at the L Street address during regular business hours (7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.) Monday through Friday.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carl C. Gammon, (202) 452-7777.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with 5 CFR 1320.12(a), BLM is required to provide 60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning a collection of information contained in a published current rule to solicit comments 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 collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (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 those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. BLM will receive and analyze any comments sent in response to this notice and include them with its request for approval from the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.

Title XI of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of December 2, 1980, requires the use of a consolidated form by the Department of Agriculture, Interior and Transportation in connection with applications for rights-of-way (R/W's) for transportation and utility systems. This form is called SF-299, ``Application for Transportation and Utility System and Facility.'' BLM uses the same form for R/W's under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 and the Mineral Leasing Act. The National Park Service requested that it be able to use the form for R/W applications across lands that it administers. The information collection package being sent to OMB will reflect this request.

The Federal agencies using this form use it to identify and communicate with applicants, to evaluate the applicant's qualifications, and to identify the project location. The project's location is needed to determine impacts, the project's compatibility with other existing and proposed land uses, and alternative routes and modes considered by the applicant. If the agencies do not have this information, they cannot determine if the applicant is qualified to hold a R/W authorization. Lack of information would also affect the Government's ability to determine cost reimbursement and rental amounts due. The result would be the loss of revenue due to the Government or excessive payments from private sector businesses and individuals.

Based on BLM's experience processing R/W applications and information from the other agencies using this form, there are an estimated 4,900 applications annually. The respondents are individuals, companies, and State and local government agencies, seeking a R/W across land administered by the federal government. The public reporting burden for the information collection is estimated to average 2 hours per response. The frequency of response is once. The estimated total annual burden on new respondents is about 9,800 hours.

All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.

Dated: June 12, 1998. Carole J. Smith, Bureau of Land Management Clearance Officer.

[FR Doc. 98-16739Filed6-23-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-84-M