[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 54 (Monday, March 22, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 13843]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-6848]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration
[Docket No. FHWA-99-5219]


Notice of Request for Clearance of a New Information Collection: 
National Ferry Study

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the requirements of section 3506(c)(2)(A) 
of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the 
intention of the FHWA to request the Office of Management and Budget's 
(OMB) approval for a new information collection related to the Nation's 
ferry operations. The information to be collected will be used to: (1) 
Inventory existing ferry operations; (2) determine the potential for 
new ferry routes; (3) determine the potential for alternative fuel 
ferries; and (4) determine the potential for high speed ferries.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before May 21, 1999.

ADDRESSES: All signed, written comments should refer to the docket 
number that appears in the heading of this document and must be 
submitted to the Docket Clerk, U.S. DOT Dockets, Room PL-401, 400 
Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590-0001. All comments received 
will be available for examination at the above address between 10 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., E.T., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Those 
desiring notification of receipt of comments must include a self-
addressed stamped envelope or postcard.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert Gorman, (202) 366-5001, 
Office of Intermodal and Statewide Planning, Federal Highway 
Administration, Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW, 
Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., E.T., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Title: National Ferry Study.
    Background: The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century 
(TEA-21), section 1207(c), directs the Secretary of Transportation to 
conduct a study of ferry transportation in the United States and its 
possessions. The FHWA's Office of Intermodal and Statewide Planning 
will conduct a survey of approximately 250 operators of existing ferry 
services to identify: (1) The existing ferry operations including the 
location and routes served; (2) the source and amount, if any, of funds 
derived from Federal, State, or local governments supporting ferry 
construction or operations; (3) the potential domestic ferry routes in 
the United States and its possessions and to develop information on 
those routes; and (4) the potential for use of high speed ferry 
services and alternative-fueled ferry services. The information will be 
collected by telephone from approximately 250 operators of ferry 
services. Before the telephone surveys begin, the Passenger Vessel 
Association and the American Association of State Highway and 
Transportation Officials will mail letters to their respective members 
advising them of the purpose of the survey and encouraging their 
participation. The survey will request the respondents to provide 
information such as: (1) The points served; (2) the amount and source 
of Federal, State, and/or local funds used in the past three years; (3) 
the type of ownership; (4) the number of passengers and vehicles 
carried in the past year; (5) any new routes expected to be added 
within the next five years; and (6) the highways that are connected by 
the ferries.
    Respondents: The respondents to the survey will be 250 operators of 
existing ferry services in the United States.
    Estimated Average Burden per Response: The estimated average burden 
per response is 20 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: The estimated total annual burden is 
83 hours.
    Frequency: This is a one-time survey.
    Public Comments Invited: Interested parties are invited to send 
comments regarding any aspect of this information collection, 
including, but not limited to: (1) The necessity and utility of the 
information collection for the proper performance of the functions of 
the FHWA; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways to enhance 
the quality, utility, and clarity of the collected information; and (4) 
ways to minimize the collection burden without reducing the quality of 
the collected information. Comments submitted in response to this 
notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB's 
clearance of this information collection.
    Electronic Access: Internet users can access all comments received 
by the U.S. DOT Dockets, Room PL-401, by using the universal resource 
locator (URL): http://dms.dot.gov. It is available 24 hours each day, 
365 days each year. Please follow the instructions online for more 
information and help. An electronic copy of this document may be 
downloaded using a modem and suitable communications software from the 
Government Printing Office Electronic Bulletin Board Service at 
telephone number 202-512-1661. Internet users may reach the Federal 
Register's home page at http://www.nara.gov/fedreg and the Government 
Printing Office's database at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara.

    Authority: The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, 
(Pub. L. 105-178), section 1207(c); and 49 CFR 1.48.

    Issued on: March 15, 1999.
Michael J. Vecchietti,
Director, Office of Information and Management Services.
[FR Doc. 99-6848 Filed 3-19-99; 8:45 am]
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