Fees: Licensing and related services; 2006 update,
[Federal Register: March 20, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 53)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 13939-13942]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20mr06-6]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Surface Transportation Board
[STB Ex Parte No. 542 (Sub-No. 13)]
Regulations Governing Fees for Services Performed in Connection With Licensing and Related Services--2006 Update
AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board.
ACTION: Final rule.
SUMMARY: The Board adopts its 2006 User Fee Update and revises its fee schedule to recover the costs associated with the January 2006 Government salary increases and to reflect changes in overhead costs to the Board.
DATES: Effective Date: These rules are effective April 19, 2006.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David T. Groves, (202) 565-1551, or Anne Quinlan, (202) 565-1727. [TDD for the hearing impaired: 1-800-877- 8339.]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board's regulations at 49 CFR 1002.3 require that the Board's user fee schedule be updated annually. The regulation at 49 CFR 1002.3(a) provides that the entire fee schedule or selected fees can be modified more than once a year, if necessary. Fees are revised based on the cost study formula set forth at 49 CFR 1002.3(d).
Because Board employees received a salary increase of 3.44% in January 2006, the Board is updating its user fees to recover the increased personnel costs. With certain exceptions, all fees, including those adopted or amended in Regulations Governing Fees For Services Performed In Connection With Licensing And Related Services--2002 New Fees, STB Ex Parte No. 542 (Sub-No. 4) (STB served Mar. 29, 2004) will be updated based on the cost formula contained in 49 CFR 1002.3(d). In addition, changes to the overhead costs borne by the Board are reflected in the revised fee schedule.
The fee increases adopted here result from the mechanical application of the update formula in 49 CFR 1002.3(d), which was adopted through notice and comment procedures in Regulations Governing Fees for Services--1987 Update, 4 I.C.C.2d 137 (1987). No new fees are being proposed in this proceeding. Therefore, the Board finds that notice and comment are unnecessary for this proceeding. See Regulations Governing Fees For Services--1990 Update, 7 I.C.C.2d 3 (1990); Regulations Governing Fees For Services--1991 Update, 8 I.C.C.2d 13 (1991); and Regulations Governing Fees For Services--1993 Update, 9 I.C.C.2d 855 (1993).
The Board concludes that the fee changes adopted here will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities because the Board's regulations provide for waiver of filing fees for those entities that can make the required showing of financial hardship.
Additional information is contained in the Board's decision. To obtain a free copy of the full decision, visit the Board's Web site at http://www.stb.dot.gov or call the Board's Information Officer at (202)
565-1500. To purchase a copy of the decision, write to, call, e-mail, or pick up in person from ASAP Document Solutions, 9332 Annapolis Road, Suite 103 Lanham, MD 20706, (202) 306-4004, asapdc@verizon.net.
[Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through Federal Information Relay Services (FIRS): (800) 877-8339.]
List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 1002
Administrative practice and procedure, Common carriers, Freedom of information, User fees.
Decided: March 13, 2006.
By the Board, Chairman Buttrey and Vice Chairman Mulvey. Vernon A. Williams, Secretary.
0 For the reasons set forth in the preamble, title 49, chapter X, part 1002, of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:
PART 1002--FEES
0 1. The authority citation for part 1002 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(A) and 553; 31 U.S.C. 9701 and 49 U.S.C. 721(a).
0 2. Section 1002.1 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (b), (d) and (f)(1); and the table in paragraph (g)(6) and paragraph (g)(7) to read as follows:
Sec. 1002.1 Fees for record search, review, copying, certification, and related services.
* * * * *
(a) Certificate of the Secretary, $14.00.
(b) Service involved in examination of tariffs or schedules for preparation of certified copies of tariffs or schedules or extracts therefrom at the rate of $35.00 per hour. * * * * *
(d) Photocopies of tariffs, reports, and other public documents, at the rate of $1.20 per letter or legal size exposure. A minimum charge of $6.00 will be made for this service. * * * * *
(f) * * *
(1) A fee of $62.00 per hour for professional staff time will be charged when it is required to fulfill a request for ADP data. * * * * *
(g) * * *
(6) * * *
Grade
Rate
GS-1....................................................... $10.43 GS-2.......................................................
11.36 GS-3.......................................................
12.80 GS-4.......................................................
14.37 GS-5.......................................................
16.08 GS-6.......................................................
17.92 GS-7.......................................................
19.91 GS-8.......................................................
22.05 GS-9.......................................................
24.36 GS-10......................................................
26.82 GS-11......................................................
29.47 GS-12......................................................
35.32 GS-13......................................................
42.00 GS-14......................................................
49.64 GS-15 and over.............................................
58.39
(7) The fee for photocopies shall be $1.20 per letter or legal size exposure with a minimum charge of $6.00. * * * * *
0 3. In Sec. 1002.2, paragraph (f) is revised as follows:
Sec. 1002.2 Filing fees.
(a) * * *
(f) Schedule of filing fees.
[[Page 13940]]
Type of proceeding
Fee
PART I: Non-Rail Applications or Proceedings to Enter Upon a Particular Financial Transaction or Joint Arrangement: (1) An application for the pooling or division $3,700 of traffic. (2)(i) An application involving the purchase, 1,700 lease, consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control of a motor carrier of passengers under 49 U.S.C. 14303.
(ii) A petition for exemption under 49
2,700 U.S.C. 13541 (other than a rulemaking) filed by a non-rail carrier not otherwise covered.
(iii) A petition to revoke an exemption 2,200 filed under 49 U.S.C. 13541(d). (3) An application for approval of a non-rail 23,300 rate association agreement. 49 U.S.C. 13703. (4) An application for approval of an amendment to a non-rail rate association agreement:
(i) Significant amendment................... 3,900
(ii) Minor amendment........................ 80 (5) An application for temporary authority to 400 operate a motor carrier of passengers. 49 U.S.C. 14303(i). (6) A notice of exemption for transaction within 1,400 a motor passenger corporate family that does not result in adverse changes in service levels, significant operational changes, or a change in the competitive balance with motor passenger carriers outside the corporate family. (7)-(10) [Reserved] PART II: Rail Licensing Proceedings other than Abandonment or Discontinuance Proceedings: (11)(i) An application for a certificate
6,100 authorizing the extension, acquisition, or operation of lines of railroad. 49 U.S.C. 10901.
(ii) Notice of exemption under 49 CFR
1,500 1150.31-1150.35.
(iii) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10,600 10502. (12)(i) An application involving the
62,900 construction of a rail line.
(ii) A notice of exemption involving
1,500 construction of a rail line under 49 CFR 1150.36.
(iii) A petition for exemption under 49 62,900 U.S.C. 10502 involving construction of a rail line.
(iv) A request for determination of a
200 dispute involving a rail construction that crosses the line of another carrier under 49 U.S.C. 10902(d). (13) A Feeder Line Development Program
2,600 application filed under 49 U.S.C. 10907(b)(1)(A)(i) or 10907(b)(1)(A)(ii). (14)(i) An application of a class II or class 5,200 III carrier to acquire an extended or additional rail line under 49 U.S.C. 10902.
(ii) Notice of exemption under 49 CFR
1,500 1150.41-1150.45.
(iii) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 5,600 10502 relating to an exemption from the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 10902. (15) A notice of a modified certificate of
1,400 public convenience and necessity under 49 CFR 1150.21-1150.24. (16)-(20) [Reserved] PART III: Rail Abandonment or Discontinuance of Transportation Services Proceedings: (21)(i) An application for authority to abandon 18,700 all or a portion of a line of railroad or discontinue operation thereof filed by a railroad (except applications filed by Consolidated Rail Corporation pursuant to the Northeast Rail Service Act [Subtitle E of Title XI of Pub. L. 97-35], bankrupt railroads, or exempt abandonments).
(ii) Notice of an exempt abandonment or 3,100 discontinuance under 49 CFR 1152.50.
(iii) A petition for exemption under 49 5,300 U.S.C. 10502. (22) An application for authority to abandon all 400 or a portion of a line of a railroad or operation thereof filed by Consolidated Rail Corporation pursuant to Northeast Rail Service Act. (23) Abandonments filed by bankrupt railroads... 1,600 (24) A request for waiver of filing requirements 1,500 for abandonment application proceedings. (25) An offer of financial assistance under 49 1,300 U.S.C. 10904 relating to the purchase of or subsidy for a rail line proposed for abandonment. (26) A request to set terms and conditions for 19,100 the sale of or subsidy for a rail line proposed to be abandoned. (27)(i) A request for a trail use condition in 200 an abandonment proceeding under 16 U.S.C.1247(d).
(ii) A request to extend the period to
350 negotiate a trail use agreement. (28)-(35) [Reserved] PART IV: Rail Applications to Enter Upon a Particular Financial Transaction or Joint Arrangement: (36) An application for use of terminal
16,000 facilities or other applications under 49 U.S.C. 11102. (37) An application for the pooling or division 8,600 of traffic. 49 U.S.C. 11322. (38) An application for two or more carriers to consolidate or merge their properties or franchises (or a part thereof) into one corporation for ownership, management, and operation of the properties previously in separate ownership. 49 U.S.C. 11324:
(i) Major transaction....................... 1,257,600
(ii) Significant transaction................ 251,500
(iii) Minor transaction..................... 6,500
(iv) Notice of an exempt transaction under 1,400 49 CFR 1180.2(d).
(v) Responsive application.................. 6,500
(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 7,900 10502.
(vii) A request for waiver or clarification 4,600 of regulations filed in a major financial proceeding as defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a). (39) An application of a non-carrier to acquire control of two or more carriers through ownership of stock or otherwise. 49 U.S.C. 11324:
(i) Major transaction....................... 1,257,600
(ii) Significant transaction................ 251,500
(iii) Minor transaction..................... 6,500
(iv) A notice of an exempt transaction under 1,100 49 CFR 1180.2(d).
(v) Responsive application.................. 6,500
(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 7,900 10502.
(vii) A request for waiver or clarification 4,600 of regulations filed in a major financial proceeding as defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a).
[[Page 13941]]
(40) An application to acquire trackage rights over, joint ownership in, or joint use of any railroad lines owned and operated by any other carrier and terminals incidental thereto. 49 U.S.C. 11324:
(i) Major transaction....................... 1,257,600
(ii) Significant transaction................ 251,500
(iii) Minor transaction..................... 6,500
(iv) Notice of an exempt transaction under 1,000 49 CFR 1180.2(d).
(v) Responsive application.................. 6,500
(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 7,900 10502.
(vii) A request for waiver or clarification 4,600 of regulations filed in a major financial proceeding as defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a). (41) An application of a carrier or carriers to purchase, lease, or contract to operate the properties of another, or to acquire control of another by purchase of stock or otherwise. 49 U.S.C. 11324:
(i) Major transaction....................... 1,257,600
(ii) Significant transaction................ 251,500
(iii) Minor transaction..................... 6,500
(iv) Notice of an exempt transaction under 1,200 49 CFR 1180.2(d).
(v) Responsive application.................. 6,500
(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 5,600 10502.
(vii) A request for waiver or clarification 4,600 of regulations filed in a major financial proceeding as defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a). (42) Notice of a joint project involving
2,000 relocation of a rail line under 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(5). (43) An application for approval of a rail rate 58,800 association agreement. 49 U.S.C. 10706. (44) An application for approval of an amendment to a rail rate association agreement. 49 U.S.C. 10706:
(i) Significant amendment................... 10,900
(ii) Minor amendment........................ 80 (45) An application for authority to hold a 650 position as officer or director under 49 U.S.C. 11328. (46) A petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 6,700 10502 (other than a rulemaking) filed by rail carrier not otherwise covered. (47) National Railroad Passenger Corporation 200 (Amtrak) conveyance proceeding under 45 U.S.C. 562. (48) National Railroad Passenger Corporation 200 (Amtrak) compensation proceeding under Section 402(a) of the Rail Passenger Service Act. (49)-(55) [Reserved] PART V: Formal Proceedings: (56) A formal complaint alleging unlawful rates or practices of carriers:
(i) A formal complaint filed under the coal 140,600 rate guidelines (Stand-Alone Cost Methodology) alleging unlawful rates and/or practices of rail carriers under 49 U.S.C. 10704(c)(1).
(ii) A formal complaint involving rail
150 maximum rates filed under the small rate case procedures.
(iii) All other formal complaints (except 13,900 competitive access complaints).
(iv) Competitive access complaints.......... 150
(v) A request for an order compelling a rail 200 carrier to establish a common carrier rate. (57) A complaint seeking or a petition
7,400 requesting institution of an investigation seeking the prescription or division of joint rates or charges. 49 U.S.C. 10705. (58) A petition for declaratory order:
(i) A petition for declaratory order
1,000 involving a dispute over an existing rate or practice which is comparable to a complaint proceeding.
(ii) All other petitions for declaratory 1,400 order. (59) An application for shipper antitrust
5,900 immunity. 49 U.S.C. 10706(a)(5)(A). (60) Labor arbitration proceedings.............. 200 (61)(i) An appeal of a Surface Transportation 200 Board decision on the merits or petition to revoke an exemption pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10502(d).
(ii) An appeal of a Surface Transportation 300 Board decision on procedural matters except discovery rulings. (62) Motor carrier undercharge proceedings...... 200 (63)(i) Expedited relief for service
200 inadequacies: A request for expedited relief under 49 U.S.C. 11123 and 49 CFR part 1146 for service emergency.
(ii) Expedited relief for service
200 inadequacies: A request for temporary relief under 49 U.S.C. 10705 and 11102, and 49 CFR part 1147 for service inadequacies. (64) A request for waiver or clarification of 500 regulations except one filed in an abandonment or discontinuance proceeding, or in a major financial proceeding as defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a). (65)-(75) [Reserved] PART VI: Informal Proceedings: (76) An application for authority to establish 1,000 released value rates or ratings for motor carriers and freight forwarders of household goods under 49 U.S.C. 14706. (77) An application for special permission for 100 short notice or the waiver of other tariff publishing requirements. (78) The filing of tariffs, including
$1 per page supplements, or contract summaries.
($20 minimum charge). (79) Special docket applications from rail and water carriers:
(i) Applications involving $25,000 or less.. 50
(ii) Applications involving over $25,000.... 100 (80) Informal complaint about rail rate
500 applications. (81) Tariff reconciliation petitions from motor common carriers:
(i) Petitions involving $25,000 or less..... 50
(ii) Petitions involving over $25,000....... 100 (82) Request for a determination of the
200 applicability or reasonableness of motor carrier rates under 49 U.S.C. 13710(a)(2) and (3).
[[Page 13942]]
(83) Filing of documents for recordation. 49 $34 per document. U.S.C. 11301 and 49 CFR 1177.3(c). (84) Informal opinions about rate applications 200 (all modes). (85) A railroad accounting interpretation....... 950 (86)(i) A request for an informal opinion not 1,200 otherwise covered.
(ii) A proposal to use on a voting trust 4,300 agreement pursuant to 49 CFR 1013 and 49 CFR 1180.4(b)(4)(iv) in connection with a major control proceeding as defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a).
(iii) A request for an informal opinion on a 400 voting trust agreement pursuant to 49 CFR 1013.3(a) not otherwise covered. (87) Arbitration of Certain Disputes Subject to the Statutory Jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board under 49 CFR 1108:
(i) Complaint............................... 75
(ii) Answer (per defendant), Unless
75 Declining to Submit to Any Arbitration.
(iii) Third Party Complaint................. 75
(iv) Third Party Answer (per defendant), 75 Unless Declining to Submit to Any Arbitration.
(v) Appeals of Arbitration Decisions or 150 Petitions to Modify or Vacate an Arbitration Award. (88) Basic fee for STB adjudicatory services not 200 otherwise covered. (89)-(95) [Reserved] PART VII: Services: (96) Messenger delivery of decision to a
$27 per delivery. railroad carrier's Washington, DC, agent. (97) Request for service or pleading list for $20 per list. proceedings. (98) Processing the paperwork related to a request for the Carload Waybill Sample to be used in a Surface Transportation Board or State proceeding that:
(i) Does not require a Federal Register notice: (a) Set cost portion.................... 100 (b) Sliding cost portion................ $39 per party.
(ii) Does require a Federal Register notice: (a) Set cost portion.................... 350 (b) Sliding cost portion................ $39 per party. (99)(i) Application fee for the Surface
150 Transportation Board's Practitioners' Exam.
(ii) Practitioners' Exam Information Package 25 (100) Uniform Railroad Costing System (URCS) software and information:
(i) Initial PC version URCS Phase III
50 software program and manual.
(ii) Updated URCS PC version Phase III cost $25 per year. file--per year.
(iii) Public requests for Source Codes to 100 the PC version URCS Phase III. (101) Carload Waybill Sample data on recordable compact disk (R-CD):
(i) Requests for Public Use File on R-CD-- $250 per year. per year.
(ii) Waybill--Surface Transportation Board $500 per year. or State proceedings on R-CD--per year.
(iii) User Guide for latest available
50 Carload Waybill Sample.
(iv) Specialized programming for Waybill $93 per hour. requests to the Board.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 06-2662 Filed 3-17-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P
