[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 73 (Wednesday, April 16, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18645-18646]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-9806]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management
[WO-350-4210-01]


Extension of Approved Information Collection, OMB Number 1004-
0157

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is announcing its intention to request 
renewal of existing approval to collect certain information from 
applicants who wish to acquire a right-of-way on public lands under the 
Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) of 1976. The information 
collection requirements covered by this notice are necessary to making 
a determination as to the reasonable level of reimbursement costs and 
to determine who may be entitled to an off-set against reimbursements 
of cost.

DATES: Comments on the proposed information collection must be received 
by June 16, 1997 to be considered.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to: Director (420), Bureau of Land 
Management, 1849 C Street NW., Room 401LS, Washington, DC 20240.
    Comments may be sent via Internet to: WoComment@WO[email protected]. 
Please include ``ATTN: 1004-0157'' 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.
    BLM grants rights-of-way on public lands through the authority of 
Title V of FLPMA (90 Stat. 2776, 43 U.S.C. 1761). Section 304(b) of 
FLPMA authorizes the BLM to receive payment of reasonable cost to 
reimburse the government for the cost of processing rights-of-way. In 
determining reasonable costs, BLM must consider such things as actual 
cost (exclusive of management overhead), the portion of cost incurred 
that is for the benefit of the general public rather than for the 
exclusive benefit of the applicant, the public service provided, and 
other relevant factors, to determine who may be entitled to an off-set 
against reimbursement of costs. The information collection requirements 
found at 43 CFR 2808.3 are necessary to making a determination as to 
the reasonable level of reimbursement pursuant to Section 304 (b) of 
FLPMA.
    The following is an explanation of specific items of information 
requested pursuant to 43 CFR 2808.3: Information on the monetary value 
of the rights and privileges sought by the applicant is needed to 
determine both eligibility and, if eligible, the reasonable level of

[[Page 18646]]

reimbursement. Such data consist of an estimate of the cost to 
construct the proposed project on public lands. If applicants believe 
that they are eligible for further reimbursement reductions for public 
benefit or service aspects of the proposed project, proof of such 
public benefit or service, consisting of the identification of any 
original study data developed, identification of tangible improvements, 
such as roads, trails, recreation facilities, etc., is needed. Where 
applicants believe they should be considered for additional reductions 
or a waiver of cost reimbursement requirements, a showing of 
information on the nature of a financial hardship, existence of an 
outstanding lease or permit, proof of full time residency, requirement 
for the relocation of an existing facility or the existence of other 
compelling public benefits or services are needed in accordance with 43 
CFR 2808.5 to aid in determining whether they meet specific statutory 
requirements to obtain benefits. Failure to collect the necessary 
information would result in BLM's inability to develop defendable, 
reasonable reimbursement costs for applicants in accordance with 
statutory and regulatory requirements. The effect to the government 
would be insufficient payment received for services rendered or 
increased cost to the government relating to protest and appeal actions 
contesting the accuracy of the reimbursable cost determinations.
    Based on BLM's experience administering the activities described 
above, there will be about 17 applications annually. The respondents 
are individuals or companies that seek an off-set against cost 
reimbursement. The public reporting burden for the information 
collected is estimated to average 50 hours per response. The frequency 
of response is once. The estimated total annual burden on new 
respondents is about 850 hours.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments will 
also become a matter of public record.

    Dated: April 10, 1997.
Carole J. Smith,
Information Collection Officer.
[FR Doc. 97-9806 Filed 4-15-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-84-P