[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 18, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8145-8148]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-3807]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Surface Transportation Board
49 CFR Part 1002
[STB Ex Parte No. 542 (Sub-No. 2)]
Regulations Governing Fees for Services Performed in Connection
With Licensing and Related Services--1998 Update
AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board.
ACTION: Final rules.
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SUMMARY: The Board adopts its 1998 User Fee Update and revises its fee
schedule at this time to recover the cost associated with the January
1998 Government salary increases.
EFFECTIVE DATE: These rules are effective March 20, 1998.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David T. Groves, (202) 565-1551, or
Anne Quinlan, (202) 565-1652. [TDD for the hearing impaired: (202) 565-
1695.]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board's regulations in 49 CFR 1002.3
require the Board's user fee schedule to be updated annually. The
Board's regulations in 49 CFR 1002.3(a) provide that the entire fee
schedule or selected fees can be modified more than once a year, if
necessary. The Board's fees are revised based on the cost study formula
set forth at 49 CFR 1002.3(d). Also, in some previous years, selected
fees were modified to reflect new cost study data or changes in Board
or Interstate Commerce Commission fee policy.
Because Board employees received a salary increase of 2.45% in
January 1998, we are updating our user fees to recover our increased
personnel cost. With certain exceptions, all fees will be updated based
on our cost formula contained in 49 CFR 1002.3(d).
The fee increases involved here result only 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). Therefore, we
believe that notice and comment is 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).
We conclude that the fee changes, which are being adopted here,
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities
[[Page 8146]]
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 copy of the full decision, write, call, or pick up in person
from DC News & Data, Inc., Suite 210, Surface Transportation Board,
1925 K Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20423-0001. Telephone: (202) 289-
4357. [Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through TDD
services (202) 565-1695.]
List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 1002
Administrative practice and procedure, Common carriers, Freedom of
information, User fees.
Decided: February 9, 1998.
By the Board, Chairman Morgan and Vice Chairman Owen
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
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
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).
2. Section 1002.1 is amended by revising paragraphs (a) and (e)(1)
and the chart in paragraph (f)(6) to read as follows:
Sec. 1002.1 Fees for record search, review, copying, certification,
and related services.
* * * * *
(a) Certificate of the Secretary, $11.00.
* * * * *
(e) * * *
(1) A fee of $45.00 per hour for professional staff time will be
charged when it is required to fulfill a request for ADP data.
* * * * *
(f) * * *
(6) * * *
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Grade Rate Grade Rate
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GS-1...................... $7.55 GS-9...................... $17.63
GS-2...................... 8.22 GS-10..................... 19.41
GS-3...................... 9.26 GS-11..................... 21.32
GS-4...................... 10.40 GS-12..................... 25.56
GS-5...................... 11.63 GS-13..................... 30.39
GS-6...................... 12.97 GS-14..................... 35.92
GS-7...................... 14.41 GS-15 and over............ 42.25
GS-8...................... 15.96
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* * * * *
2. In Sec. 1002.2 paragraph (f) is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 1002.2 Filing fees.
(a) * * *
(f) Schedule of filing fees.
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Type of proceeding Fee
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PART I: Non-Rail Applications or Proceedings
to Enter Upon a Particular Financial
Transaction or Joint Arrangement:
(1) An application for the pooling or $2,800
division of traffic.
(2) An application involving the 1,300
purchase, lease, consolidation, merger,
or acquisition of control of a motor
carrier of passengers under 49 U.S.C.
14303.
(3) An application for approval of a non- 17,900
rail rate association agreement. 49
U.S.C. 13706.
(4) An application for approval of an
amendment to a non-rail rate association
agreement:
(i) Significant amendment............ 3,000
(ii) Minor amendment................. 60
(5) An application for temporary 300
authority to operate a motor carrier of
passengers. 49 U.S.C. 14303(i).
(6)-(10) [Reserved]
PART II: Rail Licensing Proceedings other
than Abandonment or Discontinuance
Proceedings:
(11) (i) An application for a certificate 4,700
authorizing the extension, acquisition,
or operation of lines of railroad. 49
U.S.C. 10901.
(ii) Notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1,200
1150.31-1150.35.
(iii) Petition for exemption under 49 8,100
U.S.C. 10502.
(12) (i) An application involving the 48,300
construction of a rail line.
(ii) A notice of exemption involving 1,200
construction of a rail line under 49
CFR 1150.36.
(iii) A petition for exemption under 48,300
49 U.S.C. 10502 involving
construction of a rail line.
(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 4,000
class III carrier to acquire an extended
or additional rail line under 49 U.S.C.
10902.
(ii) Notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1,200
1150.41-1150.45.
(iii) Petition for exemption under 49 4,300
U.S.C. 10502 relating to an
exemption from the provisions of 49
U.S.C. 10902.
(15) A notice of a modified certificate 1,100
of 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 14,300
abandon 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 2,400
or discontinuance under 49 CFR
1152.50.
(iii) A petition for exemption under 4,100
49 U.S.C. 10502.
(22) An application for authority to 300
abandon all 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 1,200
railroads.
(24) A request for waiver of filing 1,100
requirements for abandonment application
proceedings.
(25) An offer of financial assistance 1,000
under 49 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 14,600
conditions for the sale of or subsidy
for a rail line proposed to be abandoned.
(27) A request for a trail use condition 150
in an abandonment proceeding under 16
U.S.C. 1247(d).
(28)-(35) [Reserved]
PART IV: Rail Applications to Enter Upon a
Particular Financial Transaction or Joint
Arrangement:
(36) An application for use of terminal 12,300
facilities or other applications under
49 U.S.C. 11102.
(37) An application for the pooling or 6,600
division of traffic. 49 U.S.C. 11322.
[[Page 8147]]
(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................ 966,700
(ii) Significant transaction......... 193,300
(iii) Minor transaction.............. 5,000
(iv) Notice of an exempt transaction 1,100
under 49 CFR 1180.2(d).
(v) Responsive application........... 5,000
(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 6,100
U.S.C. 10502.
(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................ 966,700
(ii) Significant transaction......... 193,300
(iii) Minor transaction.............. 5,000
(iv) Notice of an exempt transaction 900
under 49 CFR 1180.2(d).
(v) Responsive application........... 5,000
(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 6,100
U.S.C. 10502.
(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................ 966,700
(ii) Significant transaction......... 193,300
(iii) Minor transaction.............. 5,000
(iv) Notice of an exempt transaction 800
under 49 CFR 1180.2(d).
(v) Responsive application........... 5,000
(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 6,100
U.S.C. 10502.
(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................ 966,700
(ii) Significant transaction......... 193,300
(iii) Minor transaction.............. 5,000
(iv) Notice of an exempt transaction 950
under 49 CFR 1180.2(d).
(v) Responsive application........... 5,000
(vi) Petition for exemption under 49 4,300
U.S.C. 10502.
(42) Notice of a joint project involving 1,600
relocation of a rail line under 49 CFR
1180.2(d)(5).
(43) An application for approval of a 45,200
rail rate 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............ 8,400
(ii) Minor amendment................. 60
(45) An application for authority to hold 500
a position as officer or director under
49 U.S.C. 11328.
(46) A petition for exemption under 49 5,200
U.S.C. 10502 (other than a rulemaking)
filed by rail carrier not otherwise
covered.
(47) National Railroad Passenger 150
Corporation (Amtrak) conveyance
proceeding under 45 U.S.C. 562.
(48) National Railroad Passenger 150
Corporation (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 27,000
the coal rate guidelines (Stand-
Alone Cost Methodology) alleging
unlawful rates and/or practices of
rail carriers under 49 U.S.C.
10704(c)(1) except a complaint filed
by small shipper.
(ii) A formal complaint involving 1,000
rail maximum rates filed by a small
shipper.
(iii) All other formal complaints 2,600
(except competitive access
complaints).
(iv) Competitive access complaints... 150
(57) A complaint seeking or a petition 5,700
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 1,400
declaratory order.
(59) An application for shipper antitrust 4,500
immunity. 49 U.S.C. 10706(a)(5)(A).
(60) Labor arbitration proceedings....... 150
(61) Appeals to a Surface Transportation 150
Board decision and petitions to revoke
an exemption pursuant to 49 U.S.C.
10502(d).
(62) Motor carrier undercharge 150
proceedings.
(63)-(75) [Reserved]
PART VI: Informal Proceedings:
(76) An application for authority to 800
establish 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 80
permission for short notice or the
waiver of other tariff publishing
requirements.
(78) (i) The filing of tariffs, including $1 per page
supplements, or contract summaries. ($16 minimum charge.)
(ii) Tariffs transmitted by fax...... $1 per page
[[Page 8148]]
(79) Special docket applications from
rail and water carriers:
(i) Applications involving $25,000 or 50
less.
(ii) Applications involving over 100
$25,000.
(80) Informal complaint about rail rate 350
applications
(81) Tariff reconciliation petitions from
motor common carriers:
(i) Petitions involving $25,000 or 50
less.
(ii) Petitions involving over $25,000 100
(82) Request for a determination of the 150
applicability or reasonableness of motor
carrier rates under 49 U.S.C. 13710(a)
(2) and (3).
(83) Filing of documents for recordation. 26 per document
49 U.S.C. 11301 and 49 CFR 1177.3(c).
(84) Informal opinions about rate 150
applications (all modes).
(85) A railroad accounting interpretation 700
(86) An operational interpretation....... 950
(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 75
defendant), Unless Declining to
Submit to Any Arbitration.
(v) Appeals of Arbitration Decisions 150
or Petitions to Modify or Vacate an
Arbitration Award.
(88)-(95) [Reserved]
PART VII: Services:
(96) Messenger delivery of decision to a 20 per delivery
railroad carrier's Washington, DC, agent.
(97) Request for service or pleading list 15 per list
for proceedings.
(98) (i) Processing the paperwork related 200
to a request for the Carload Waybill
Sample to be used in a Surface
Transportation Board or State proceeding
that does not require a Federal Register
notice.
(ii) Processing the paperwork related 400
to a request for Carload Waybill
Sample to be used for reasons other
than a Surface Transportation Board
or State proceeding that requires a
Federal Register notice.
(99) (i) Application fee for the Surface 100
Transportation Board's Practitioners'
Exam.
(ii) Practitioners' Exam Information 25
Package.
(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 10
III cost file, if computer disk
provided by requestor.
(iii) Updated URCS PC version Phase 20
III cost file, if computer disk
provided by the Board.
(iv) Public requests for Source Codes 500
to the PC version URCS Phase III.
(v) PC version or mainframe version 400
URCS Phase II.
(vi) PC version or mainframe version 50
Updated Phase II databases.
(vii) Public requests for Source 1,500
Codes to PC version URCS Phase II.
(101) Carload Waybill Sample data on
recordable compact disk (R-CD):
(i) Requests for Public Use File on R- 450
CD--First Year.
(ii) Requests for Public Use File on 150
R-CD Each Additional Year.
(iii) Waybill--Surface Transportation 650
Board or State proceedings on R-CD--
First Year.
(iv) Waybill--Surface Transportation 450
Board or State proceedings on R-CD--
Second Year on same R-CD.
(v) Waybill--Surface Transportation 500
Board or State proceeding on R-CD--
Second Year on different R-CD.
(vi) User Guide for latest available 50
Carload Waybill Sample.
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[FR Doc. 98-3807 Filed 2-17-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P