[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 96 (Monday, May 19, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 27271]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-12957]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service


Agency Information Collection Activities: Submitted for Office of 
Management and Budget Review; Comment Request

    Title: Cooperative Agreements, OMB Control Number 1010-0087.
    Comments: This collection of information has been submitted to the 
Office of Management and Budget for approval. In compliance with the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Section 3506 (c)(2)(A), each agency 
shall provide notice and otherwise consult with members of the public 
and affected agencies concerning this collection of information in 
order to solicit comment to (a) Evaluate whether the proposed 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall 
have practical utility, (b) evaluate the accuracy of the agency's 
estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, c) 
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be 
collected, and (d) minimize the burden of the collection of information 
on those who are to respond, including through the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
    Comments should be made directly to the Attention: Desk Officer for 
the Interior Department, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 
Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503; telephone (202) 
395-7340. Comments should also be directed to the agency. The U.S. 
Postal Service address is Minerals Management Service, Royalty 
Management Program, Rules and Publications Staff, P.O. Box 25165, MS 
3101, Denver, Colorado, 80225-0165; the courier address is Building 85, 
Room A-212, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225; and the 
e:mail address is David2/3G[email protected]. OMB has up to 60 days to 
approve or disapprove the information collection but may respond after 
30 days; therefore, public comments should be submitted to OMB within 
30 days in order to assure their maximum consideration.
    Copies of the proposed information collection and related 
explanatory material may be obtained by contacting Dennis C. Jones, 
Rules and Publications Staff, telephone (303) 231-3046, FAX (303) 231-
3194, e-mail Dennis__C__J[email protected].

DATES: Written comments should be received on or before June 18, 1997.

SUMMARY: The Secretary of the Interior is authorized by the Federal Oil 
and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 at 30 U.S.C. 1732 to enter into 
cooperative agreements utilizing the capabilities of States and Tribes 
to carry out royalty audits and related investigation and enforcement 
activities. Cooperative agreements benefit both the Minerals Management 
Service (MMS) and the State or Tribe involved by helping to ensure 
proper product valuation, correct and timely production reporting, and 
correct and timely royalty payment through the application of an 
aggressive and comprehensive audit program. To be considered for a 
cooperative agreement States and Indian Tribes must comply with the 
regulations at 30 CFR 228 by submitting a request to the Director of 
MMS and preparing an application detailing the work to be done. While 
working under a cooperative agreement, the State or Tribe must submit 
quarterly vouchers to claim reimbursement for the cost of eligible 
activities.
    Description of Respondents: States and Tribes
    Frequency: When States and Tribes request to enter into Cooperative 
Agreements and annually and quarterly thereafter.
    Number of Respondents: 17.
    Annual Responses: 85.
    Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden: 72 hours (160 hours 
during the initial application year).
    Annual Burden Hours: 1,224 hours.
    Bureau Clearance Officer: Jo Ann Lauterbach, (202) 208-7744.

    Dated: May 2, 1997.
Lucy Querques Denett,
Associate Director for Royalty Management.
[FR Doc. 97-12957 Filed 5-16-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P