[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 75 (Monday, April 19, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 20962]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-8711]



[[Page 20962]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration


Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment 
Request

AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Information 
Collection Requirements (ICRs) abstracted below have been forwarded to 
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The 
ICRs describes the nature of the information collections and their 
expected burdens. The Federal Register notice with a 60-day comment 
period soliciting comments on the following collections of information 
was published on February 17, 2004 (69 FR 7535).

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before May 19, 2004.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert Brogan, Office of Planning 
and Evaluation Division, RRS-21, Federal Railroad Administration, 1120 
Vermont Ave., NW., Mail Stop 25, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 
493-6292), or Debra Steward, Office of Information Technology and 
Productivity Improvement, RAD-20, Federal Railroad Administration, 1120 
Vermont Ave., NW., Mail Stop 35, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone: (202) 
493-6139). (These telephone numbers are not toll-free.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), 
Pub. L. 104-13, section 2, 109 Stat. 163 (1995) (codified as revised at 
44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR Part 
1320, require Federal agencies to issue two notices seeking public 
comment on information collection activities before OMB may approve 
paperwork packages. 44 U.S.C. 3506, 3507; 5 CFR 1320.5, 1320.8(d)(1), 
1320.12. On February 17, 2004, FRA published a 60-day notice in the 
Federal Register soliciting comment on ICRs that the agency was seeking 
OMB approval. 69 FR 7535. FRA received no comments after issuing this 
notice. Accordingly, DOT announces that these information collection 
activities have been re-evaluated and certified under 5 CFR 1320.5(a) 
and forwarded to OMB for review and approval pursuant to 5 CFR 
1320.12(c).
    Before OMB decides whether to approve these proposed collections of 
information, it must provide 30 days for public comment. 44 U.S.C. 
3507(b); 5 CFR 1320.12(d). Federal law requires OMB to approve or 
disapprove paperwork packages between 30 and 60 days after the 30 day 
notice is published. 44 U.S.C. 3507 (b)-(c); 5 CFR 1320.12(d); see also 
60 FR 44978, 44983, Aug. 29, 1995. OMB believes that the 30 day notice 
informs the regulated community to file relevant comments and affords 
the agency adequate time to digest public comments before it renders a 
decision. 60 FR 44983, Aug. 29, 1995. Therefore, respondents should 
submit their respective comments to OMB within 30 days of publication 
to best ensure having their full effect. 5 CFR 1320.12(c); see also 60 
FR 44983, Aug. 29, 1995.
    The summaries below describe the nature of the information 
collection requirements (ICRs) and the expected burden. The revised 
requirements are being submitted for clearance by OMB as required by 
the PRA.
    Title: Passenger Train Emergency Preparedness.
    OMB Control Number: 2130-0545.
    Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Affected Public: Railroads.
    Form(s): None.
    Abstract: The collection of information is due to the passenger 
train emergency regulations set forth in 49 CFR Parts 223 and 239 which 
require railroads to meet minimum Federal standards for the 
preparation, adoption, and implementation of emergency preparedness 
plans connected with the operation of passenger trains, including 
freight railroads hosting operations of rail passenger service. The 
regulations require luminescent or lighted emergency markings so that 
passengers and emergency responders can readily determine where the 
closest and most accessible exit routes are located and how the 
emergency exit mechanisms are operated. Windows and doors intended for 
emergency access by responders for extrication of passengers must be 
marked with retro-reflective material so that emergency responders, 
particularly in conditions of poor visibility, can easily distinguish 
them from the less accessible doors and windows. Records of the 
inspection, maintenance, and repair of emergency windows and door 
exits, as well as records of operational efficiency tests, will be used 
to ensure compliance with the regulations.
    Annual Estimated Burden: 4,595 hours.
    Addressee: Send comments regarding these information collections to 
the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management 
and Budget, 725 Seventeenth Street, NW., Washington, DC, 20503, 
Attention: FRA Desk Officer.
    Comments are invited on the following: Whether the proposed 
collections of information are necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of the Department, including whether the information will 
have practical utility; the accuracy of the Department's estimates of 
the burden of the proposed information collections; ways to enhance the 
quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and 
ways to minimize the burden of the collections of information on 
respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology.
    A comment to OMB is best assured of having its full effect if OMB 
receives it within 30 days of publication of this notice in the Federal 
Register.

    Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on April 13, 2004.
Kathy A. Weiner,
Director, Office of Information Technology and Support Systems, Federal 
Railroad Administration.
[FR Doc. 04-8711 Filed 4-16-04; 8:45 am]
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