[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 212 (Thursday, October 31, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 56215]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-27974]


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 Notices
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules 
 or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings 
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  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 212 / Thursday, October 31, 1996 / 
Notices  

[[Page 56215]]



DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
[Docket No. 96-087-1]


Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved 
Information Collection

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Approved information collection extension; comment request.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's 
intention to request an extension of a currently approved information 
collection in support of the National Agricultural Pest Information 
System.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by December 30, 1996 to 
be assured of consideration.

ADDRESSES: Send comments regarding the accuracy of burden estimate, 
ways to minimize the burden (such as the use of automated collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology), or any other 
aspect of this collection of information to: Docket No. 96-087-1, 
Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, suite 3C03, 4700 River 
Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please send an original and 
three copies, and state that your comments refer to Docket 96-087-1. 
Comments received may be inspected at USDA, room 1141, South Building, 
14th Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, between 8 a.m. 
and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing 
to inspect comments are requested to call ahead on (202) 690-2817 to 
facilitate entry into the comment reading room.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: For information on the National Agricultural 
Pest Information System, contact Mr. C. David McNeal, Jr., Operations 
Officer, Plant Protection and Quarantine, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 
139, Riverdale, MD 20737-1236, (301) 734-8295; or e-mail: 
DM[email protected]. For copies of more detailed information, 
contact Ms. Cathy McDuffie, APHIS' Support Services Specialist, at 
(301) 734-5190.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: National Agricultural Pest Information System.
    OMB Number: 0579-0010.
    Expiration Date of Approval: 12/31/96.
    Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Abstract: Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ), Animal and Plant 
Health Inspection Service, United States Department of Agriculture, has 
joined forces with the States to create a program called the 
Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey. This program allows the States 
and PPQ to conduct surveys to detect and measure the presence of plant 
pests and to place survey data into a national computer-based system 
called the National Agricultural Pest Information System. This, in 
turn, allows us to obtain a more comprehensive picture of pest 
conditions in the United States.
    The information generated by this program is used by the States to 
predict potential pest situations. It is used by Federal interests to 
promptly detect and respond to the occurrence of new pests and to 
record the location of those pest incursions that could directly hinder 
the export of U.S. farm commodities.
    The Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey employs several forms to 
carry out its information gathering activities. We are seeking OMB 
approval to continue the use of these forms.
    The Cooperative Agreement is an agreement between PPQ and the 
States in which the States agree to participate in the Survey, and to 
carry out Survey activities according to our instructions.
    During the course of their Survey activities, State cooperators 
gather a significant amount of information which must then be relayed 
to us either in writing, via telephone, or via computer.
    We are seeking OMB approval to continue the use of these forms.
    The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from the public 
(as well as affected agencies) concerning our information collection. 
We need this outside input to help us:
    (1) 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;
    (2) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the 
proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
    (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and
    (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, through use, as appropriate, of automated, 
electronic, mechanical, and other collection technologies, e.g., 
permitting electronic submission of responses.
    Estimate of Burden: Public reporting burden for this collection of 
information is estimated to average .0062 hours per response.
    Respondents: State Cooperators.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 50.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 601.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents: 188 hours.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information 
collection.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 25th day of October 1996.
A. Strating,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 96-27974 Filed 10-30-96; 8:45 am]
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