[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 3, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5191-5194]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-2428]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Surface Transportation Board

49 CFR Part 1002

[STB Ex Parte No. 542 (Sub-No. 3)]


Regulations Governing Fees For Services Performed in Connection 
With Licensing and Related Services--1999 Update

AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board, DOT.

ACTION: Final rules.

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SUMMARY: The Board adopts its 1999 User Fee Update and revises its fee 
schedule at this time to recover the cost associated with the January 
1999 Government salary increases plus increases to its Federal Register 
publication costs.

EFFECTIVE DATE: These rules are effective on March 5, 1999.

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 3.68% in 
January 1999, we are updating our user fees to recover the increased 
personnel cost.

[[Page 5192]]

We also are increasing the fees to take into account a 12.7% increase 
in our publication costs. 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 being adopted here will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities 
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: January 27, 1999.

    By the Board, Chairman Morgan and Vice Chairman Clyburn.
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 (b) through (d) 
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.

* * * * *
    (b) Service involved in examination of tariffs or schedules for 
preparation of certified copies of tariffs or schedules or extracts 
therefrom at the rate of $26.00 per hour.
    (c) Service involved in checking records to be certified to 
determine authenticity, including clerical work, etc., incidental 
thereto, at the rate of $18.00 per hour.
    (d) Electrostatic copies of tariffs, reports, and other public 
documents, at the rate of $0.90 per letter or legal size exposure. A 
minimum charge of $5.00 will be made for this service.
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (1) A fee of $46.00 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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GS-1.........................................................      $7.83
GS-2.........................................................       8.52
GS-3.........................................................       9.60
GS-4.........................................................      10.78
GS-5.........................................................      12.06
GS-6.........................................................      13.44
GS-7.........................................................      14.94
GS-8.........................................................      16.54
GS-9.........................................................      18.27
GS-10........................................................      20.12
GS-11........................................................      22.11
GS-12........................................................      26.50
GS-13........................................................      31.51
GS-14........................................................      37.24
GS-15 and over...............................................      43.80
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* * * * *
    2. In Sec. 1002.2 paragraph (f) is revised to read as follows:


Sec. 1002.2  Filing fees.

* * * * *
    (f) Schedule of filing fees.

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                      Type of proceeding                           Fee
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PART I: Non-Rail Applications or Proceedings to Enter Upon a
     Particular Financial Transaction or Joint Arrangement
 
(1) An application for the pooling or division of traffic.....    $2,900
(2) An application involving the purchase, lease,
 consolidation, merger, or acquisition of control of a motor
 carrier of passengers under 49 U.S.C. 14303..................     1,300
(3) An application for approval of a non-rail rate association
 agreement. 49 U.S.C. 13703...................................    18,100
(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 authority to operate a motor
 carrier of passengers. 49 U.S.C. 14303(i)....................       300
(6)-(10) [Reserved]
 
 PART II: Rail Licensing Proceedings other than Abandonment or
                  Discontinuance Proceedings
 
(11):
    (i) An application for a certificate authorizing the
     extension, acquisition, or operation of lines of
     railroad. 49 U.S.C. 10901................................     4,700
    (ii) Notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1150.31-1150.35.....     1,200
    (iii) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502........     8,200
(12):
    (i) An application involving the construction of a rail
     line.....................................................    48,800
    (ii) A notice of exemption involving construction of a
     rail line under 49 CFR 1150.36...........................     1,200
    (iii) A petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502
     involving construction of a rail line....................    48,800
(13) A Feeder Line Development Program application filed under
 49 U.S.C. 10907(b)(1)(A)(i) or 10907(b)(1)(A)(ii)............     2,600
(14):
    (i) An application of a class II or class III carrier to
     acquire an extended or additional rail line under 49
     U.S.C. 10902.............................................     4,100
    (ii) Notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1150.41-1150.45.....     1,200
    (iii) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502
     relating to an exemption from the provisions of 49 U.S.C.
     10902....................................................     4,300
(15) A notice of a modified certificate of public convenience
 and necessity under 49 CFR 1150.21-1150.24...................     1,100
(16)-(20) [Reserved]
 
PART III: Rail Abandonment or Discontinuance of Transportation
                     Services Proceedings
 
(21):
    (i) An application for authority to 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).........    14,500
    (ii) Notice of an exempt abandonment or discontinuance
     under 49 CFR 1152.50.....................................     2,500
    (iii) A petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502......     4,100

[[Page 5193]]

 
(22) An application for authority to 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..................................................       300
(23) Abandonments filed by bankrupt railroads.................     1,200
(24) A request for waiver of filing requirements for
 abandonment application proceedings..........................     1,100
(25) An offer of financial assistance under 49 U.S.C. 10904
 relating to the purchase of or subsidy for a rail line
 proposed for abandonment.....................................     1,000
(26) A request to set terms and conditions for the sale of or
 subsidy for a rail line proposed to be abandoned.............    14,800
(27) A request for a trail use condition in an abandonment
 proceeding under 16 U.S.C.1247(d)............................       150
(28)-(35) [Reserved]
 
     PART IV: Rail Applications to Enter Upon a Particular
          Financial Transaction or Joint Arrangement
 
(36) An application for use of terminal facilities or other
 applications under 49 U.S.C. 11102...........................    12,400
(37) An application for the pooling or division of traffic. 49
 U.S.C. 11322.................................................     6,700
(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.....................................   976,500
    (ii) Significant transaction..............................   195,300
    (iii) Minor transaction...................................     5,200
    (iv) Notice of an exempt transaction under 49 CFR
     1180.2(d)................................................     1,100
    (v) Responsive application................................     5,200
    (vi) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502.........     6,100
(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.....................................   976,500
    (ii) Significant transaction..............................   195,300
    (iii) Minor transaction...................................     5,200
    (iv) A notice of an exempt transaction under 49 CFR
     1180.2(d)................................................       900
    (v) Responsive application................................     5,200
    (vi) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502.........     6,100
(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.....................................   976,500
    (ii) Significant transaction..............................   195,300
    (iii) Minor transaction...................................     5,200
    (iv) A notice of an exempt transaction under 49 CFR
     1180.2(d)................................................       800
    (v) Responsive application................................     5,200
    (vi) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502.........     6,100
(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.....................................   976,500
    (ii) Significant transaction..............................   195,300
    (iii) Minor transaction...................................     5,200
    (iv) Notice of an exempt transaction under 49 CFR
     1180.2(d)................................................       950
    (v) Responsive application................................     5,200
    (vi) Petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502.........     4,300
(42) Notice of a joint project involving relocation of a rail
 line under 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(5)...............................     1,600
(43) An application for approval of a rail rate association
 agreement. 49 U.S.C. 10706...................................    45,700
(44) An application for approval of an amendment to a rail
 rate association agreement. 49 U.S.C. 10706:
    (i) Significant amendment.................................     8,500
    (ii) Minor amendment......................................        60
(45) An application for authority to hold a position as
 officer or director under 49 U.S.C. 11328....................       500
(46) A petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502 (other
 than a rulemaking) filed by rail carrier not otherwise
 covered......................................................     5,200
(47) National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)
 conveyance proceeding under 45 U.S.C. 562....................       150
(48) National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)
 compensation proceeding under Section 402(a) of the Rail
 Passenger Service Act........................................       150
(49)-(55) [Reserved]
 
                  PART V: Formal Proceedings
 
(56) A formal complaint alleging unlawful rates or practices
 of carriers:
    (i) A formal complaint filed under 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).......................................    54,500
    (ii) All other formal complaints (except competitive
     access complaints).......................................     5,400
    (iii) Competitive access complaints.......................       150
(57) A complaint seeking or a petition requesting institution
 of an investigation seeking the prescription or division of
 joint rates or charges. 49 U.S.C. 10705......................    5,800.
(58) A petition for declaratory order:
    (i) A petition for declaratory order involving a dispute
     over an existing rate or practice which is comparable to
     a complaint proceeding...................................     1,000
    (ii) All other petitions for declaratory order............     1,400
(59) An application for shipper antitrust immunity. 49 U.S.C.
 10706(a)(5)(A)...............................................     4,600
(60) Labor arbitration proceedings............................       150
(61) Appeals to a Surface Transportation Board decision and
 petitions to revoke an exemption pursuant to 49 U.S.C.
 10502(d).....................................................       150
(62) Motor carrier undercharge proceedings....................       150
(63)-(75) [Reserved]
 
                 PART VI: Informal Proceedings
 
(76) An application for authority to establish released value
 rates or ratings for motor carriers and freight forwarders of
 household goods under 49 U.S.C. 14706........................       800
(77) An application for special permission for short notice or
 the waiver of other tariff publishing requirements...........        80
(78):
    (i) The filing of tariffs, including supplements, or
     contract summaries (per page, $16 minimum charge)........         1
    (ii) Tariffs transmitted by fax (per page)................         1
(79) Special docket applications from rail and water carriers:
    (i) Applications involving $25,000 or less................        50
    (ii) Applications involving over $25,000..................       100
(80) Informal complaint about rail rate applications..........       400
(81) Tariff reconciliation petitions from motor common
 carriers:
    (i) Petitions involving $25,000 or less...................        50
    (ii) Petitions involving over $25,000.....................       100
(82) Request for a determination of the applicability or
 reasonableness of motor carrier rates under 49 U.S.C.
 13710(a)(2) and (3)..........................................       150
(83) Filing of documents for recordation. 49 U.S.C. 11301 and
 49 CFR 1177.3(c) (per document)..............................        26
(84) Informal opinions about rate applications (all modes)....       150
(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 Declining to Submit to
     Any Arbitration..........................................        75
    (iii) Third Party Complaint...............................        75

[[Page 5194]]

 
    (iv) Third Party Answer (per defendant), Unless Declining
     to Submit to Any Arbitration.............................        75
    (v) Appeals of Arbitration Decisions or Petitions to
     Modify or Vacate an Arbitration Award....................       150
(88)-(95) [Reserved]
 
                      PART VII: Services
 
(96) Messenger delivery of decision to a railroad carrier's
 Washington, DC, agent (per delivery).........................        21
(97) Request for service or pleading list for proceedings (per
 list)........................................................        16
(98):
    (i) Processing the paperwork related 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........................       200
    (ii) Processing the paperwork related 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.......................       400
(99):
    (i) Application fee for the Surface Transportation Board's
     Practitioners' Exam......................................       100
    (ii) Practitioners' Exam Information Package..............        25
(100) Uniform Railroad Costing System (URCS) software and
 information:
    (i) Initial PC version URCS Phase III software program and
     manual...................................................        50
    (ii) Updated URCS PC version Phase III cost file, if
     computer disk provided by requestor......................        10
    (iii) Updated URCS PC version Phase III cost file, if
     computer disk provided by the Board......................        20
    (iv) Public requests for Source Codes to the PC version
     URCS Phase III...........................................       500
    (v) PC version or mainframe version URCS Phase II.........       400
    (vi) PC version or mainframe version Updated Phase II
     databases................................................        50
    (vii) Public requests for Source Codes to PC version URCS
     Phase II.................................................     1,500
(101) Carload Waybill Sample data on recordable compact disk
 (R-CD):
    (i) Requests for Public Use File on R-CD--First Year......       450
    (ii) Requests for Public Use File on R-CD Each Additional
     Year.....................................................       150
    (iii) Waybill--Surface Transportation Board or State
     proceedings on R-CD--First Year..........................       650
    (iv) Waybill--Surface Transportation Board or State
     proceedings on R-CD--Second Year on same R-CD............       450
    (v) Waybill--Surface Transportation Board or State
     proceeding on R-CD--Second Year on different R-CD........       500
    (vi) User Guide for latest available Carload Waybill
     Sample...................................................       450
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[FR Doc. 99-2428 Filed 2-2-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-00-P