[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 204 (Monday, October 23, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 54349]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-26193]



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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-5318-7]


Agency Information Collection Activities Up for Renewal

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 
et. seq.), this notice announces that the Information Collection 
Request (ICR) listed below is coming up for renewal. Before submitting 
the renewal package to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), EPA 
is soliciting comments on specific aspects of the collection as 
described below.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before December 22, 1995.

ADDRESSES: U.S. EPA; Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds; Oceans 
and Coastal Protection Division (4504F); 401 M Street SW; Washington, 
DC 20460.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Slaughter; phone 202-260-1051; 
fax 202-260-9960.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Affected entities: Entities affected by this 
action are those which receive grants under Section 320 of the Clean 
Water Act, the National Estuary Program (NEP).
    Title: National Estuary Program; ICR #1500.02; OMB control #2040-
0138; expiration date: 12/31/95.
    Abstract: The National Estuary Program (NEP) involves collecting 
information from one source: The state or local agency which receives 
funds under section 320 of the Clean Water Act. The regulation 
requiring this information is found at 40 CFR Part 35. The prospective 
recipient is seeking grant funds to carry out a three to five-year 
program resulting in the completion of a Comprehensive Conservation and 
Management Plan. In order to receive grant funds, grantees must submit 
an annual workplan to EPA. This workplan is the only information 
required from the grantee beyond that which is required in the standard 
government grant application. The workplan is reviewed by EPA, and it 
then provides the basis for the scope of work written into the grant 
agreement. The annual workplan consists of two parts: progress on 
projects funded previously, and new projects proposed with dollar 
amounts and completion dates. Once incorporated into the grant 
agreement, the workplan is then used to track performance. As of this 
date, there are 28 grantees nationally. The current ICR renewal will 
propose no changes in burden.
    EPA simplifies the burden by providing guidance on how to prepare 
the workplan and by issuing planning targets to each grantee so that 
workplans can target a known funding level. EPA also provides direct 
assistance to prospective grantees in preparing the annual workplan by 
reviewing and commenting on drafts.
    An Agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control number for EPA's 
regulations are displayed in 40 CFR Part 9.
    The EPA would like to solicit comments to:
    (i) Evaluate 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;
    (ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
of the proposed collection of information;
    (iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
to be collected; and
    (iv) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., 
permitting electronic submission of responses.
    Burden Statement: The estimated burden for the 28 estuaries in the 
program totals 4900 hours. This estimate includes the time needed to 
review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain 
the data needed, and complete and review the collection of information.
    Send comments regarding these matters, or any other aspect of the 
information collection, including suggestions for reducing the burden, 
to the address listed above.

    Dated: September 30, 1995.
Robert H. Wayland III,
Director, Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds.
[FR Doc. 95-26193 Filed 10-20-95; 8:45 am]
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