[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 219 (Monday, November 15, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 61851-61852]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-29629]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Telecommunications and Information Administration


Public Telecommunications Facilities Program Grant Monitoring

ACTION: Proposed collection; comments requested.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on 
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before January 14, 
2000.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier, 
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 
5027, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230 (or via 
the Internet LE[email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions 
should be directed to Clifton Beck, NTIA, Room H-4888, U.S. Department 
of Commerce, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The purpose of the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program is 
to assist, through matching funds, in the planning and construction of 
public telecommunications facilities in order to achieve the following 
objectives:
     Extend delivery of public telecommunications services to 
as many citizens in the United States as possible by the most efficient 
and economical means, including the use of broadcast and nonbroadcast 
technologies;
     Increase public telecommunications services and facilities 
available to, operated by, and owned by minorities and women; and
     Strengthen the capability of existing public radio and 
television stations to provide public telecommunications services to 
the public.

II. Method of Collection

    The reporting requirements associated with this request have been 
reduced by 10% from the previous request approved by OMB in 1996 
through the elimination of the requirements for initial liens and 
insurance certificates. The collection continues to be by mail. Reports 
submitted by the grantees include:

 Construction schedule/planning timetable (one time)
 Performance reports (quarterly)
 Close-out materials after completion of the project (one time)
 Annual reports for the duration of the government's interest 
in the equipment (annually for ten-year period)

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0660-0001.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Public Telecommunications Facilities Program grant 
recipients (who may be non-profit corporations, public and private 
universities and colleges, state and local government agencies).

                   Burden Hours Calculations/Reporting
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                                      Hours      Number of      Burden
           Requirement               grantee      grantees      hours
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Construction Schedule/Planning              10          150        1,500
 Timetable.......................
Performance Reports..............          (1)          350        1,400
Close-outs.......................           24          130        3,120
Draft Planning Report............           40           10          400
Final Planning Report............           10           10          100
Annual Reports...................            1        1,300        1,300
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[[Page 61852]]

 
    Total........................  ...........  ...........        7,820
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1 1 x 4/year.

    Estimated Total Annual Cost to the Public: Cost to respondents is 
consistent with their normal administrative overhead. Respondents will 
not have to purchase equipment or material to provide information.

IV. Request for Comments

    Comments are invited on: (a) 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) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to the notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of the information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: November 8, 1999.
Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information 
Officer.
[FR Doc. 99-29629 Filed 11-12-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-60-P