[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 138 (Tuesday, July 18, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44542-44543]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-18091]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Land Management

[WO-350-1430-EU-01-24 1A]


Extension of Approved Information Collection, OMB Number 1004-
0157

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is announcing its intention to request 
renewal of an existing approval to collect certain information from 
applicants who wish to acquire a right-of-way on public lands under the 
Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) of 1976. Section 304(b) 
of FLPMA (90 Stat. 2765, 43 U.S.C. 1734) authorizes the Secretary to 
require applicants to reimburse the United States in advance for the 
expected reasonable administrative costs incurred by the United States 
to process rights-of-way applications. The information collection 
requirements found at 43 CFR 2808.3 are necessary for making a 
determination as to the reasonable level of reimbursement pursuant to 
Section 304(b) of FLPMA and to determine who may be granted a reduction 
or waiver of cost reimbursement.

DATES: Comments on the proposed information collection must be received 
by September 18, 2000 to be considered.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to: Regulatory Affairs Group (630), 
Bureau of Land Management, 1849 C Street NW, Room 401LS, Washington, DC 
20240.
    Comments may be sent via Internet to: [email protected]. Please 
include ``ATTN: 1004-0157'' and your name and return address in your 
Internet message.
    Comments may be hand-delivered to the Bureau of Land Management, 
Administrative Record, Room 401, 1620 L Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 
20036.
    Comments will be available for public review at the L Street 
address during regular business hours (7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday 
through Friday).

[[Page 44543]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alzata L. Ransom, Lands and Realty 
Group 202-452-7772.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with 5 CFR 1320.12(a), the BLM 
is required to provide 60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning 
a collection of information contained in a published current rule to 
solicit comments on (a) Whether the proposed collection of information 
is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the 
accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed 
collection of information, including the validity of the methodology 
and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and 
clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize 
the burden of the collection of information on those who are to 
respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology. The BLM will receive and analyze 
any comments sent in response to this notice and include them with its 
request for approval from the Office of Management and Budget under 44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
    The BLM grants rights-of-way on public lands through the authority 
of Title V of the FLPMA (90 Stat. 2776, 43 U.S.C. 1761). Section 304(b) 
of FLPMA authorizes the BLM to receive payment of reasonable cost to 
reimburse the government for the cost of processing rights-of-way 
applications. In determining reasonable cost, BLM must consider such 
things as actual cost (exclusive of management overhead), the portion 
of cost incurred that is for the benefit of the general public rather 
than for the exclusive benefit of the applicant, the public service 
provided, and other relevant factors must be considered to determine 
who may be entitled to an off-set against reimbursement of costs. The 
information collection requirements found at 43 CFR 2808.3 are 
necessary to making a determination as to the reasonable level of 
reimbursement pursuant to Section 304(b) of FLPMA. The following is an 
explanation of specific items of information requested pursuant to 43 
CFR 2803.3: Information on the monetary value of the rights and 
privileges sought by the applicant is needed to determine both 
eligibility and, if eligible, the reasonable level of reimbursement. 
Such data consist of an estimate of the cost to construct the proposed 
project on public lands. If applicants believe that they are eligible 
for further reimbursement reductions for public benefit or service 
aspects of the proposed project, proof of such public benefit or 
service, consisting of the identification of any original study data 
developed, identification of tangible improvements, such as roads, 
trails, recreation facilities, etc., are needed. Where applicants 
believe they should be considered for additional reductions or a waiver 
of cost reimbursement requirements, a showing of information on the 
nature of a financial hardship, existence of an outstanding lease or 
permit, proof of full time residency, requirements for the relocation 
of an existing facility or the existence of other compelling public 
benefits or services are needed in accordance with 43 CFR 2808.5 to aid 
in determining whether the applicant meets specific statutory 
requirements to obtain benefits. Failure to collect the necessary 
information would result in the inability of the BLM to develop 
defendable, reasonable reimbursement costs for applicants in accordance 
with statutory and regulatory requirements. The effect to the 
government would be insufficient payment received for services rendered 
or increased cost to the government relating to protest and appeal 
actions contesting the accuracy of the reimbursement cost 
determinations.
    The respondents are individuals or companies who request a 
reduction or waiver of cost reimbursement. The frequency of response is 
once per applicant. The BLM estimates approximately 14 requests are 
received annually. Based on the BLM's experience it will take an 
average of three hours for a respondent to supply the necessary 
information. Based on the estimated 14 requests received annually and 
the average time of three hours it takes to supply the necessary 
information, the total annual burden is collectively 42 hours.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments will 
also become a matter of public record.

    Dated: July 12, 2000.
Shirlean Beshir,
BLM Information Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 00-18091 Filed 7-17-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-84-M