[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 124 (Wednesday, June 28, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 36756-36757]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-10145]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Census Bureau


2007 Economic Census of the Island Areas

ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.

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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 August 28, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at [email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions 
should be directed to Lee R. Wentela, U.S. Census Bureau, Room 1183, 
Building 3, Washington, DC 20233-6400 (301-763-7270 or via the Internet 
at [email protected]).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The economic census, conducted under authority of Title 13, United 
States Code (U.S.C.), is the primary source of facts about the 
structure and functioning of the United States economy, including 
Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin 
Islands, and American Samoa. The economic census, is the primary source 
of dependable facts about each of the island areas' economies, and 
features the only recognized source of data at a geographic level 
equivalent to U.S. counties. Economic census statistics for the island 
areas serve to benchmark estimates of local net income and gross 
product, and provide essential information for government (Federal and 
local), business, and the general public. Economic data are the Census 
Bureau's primary program commitment during nondecennial census years. 
The 2007 Economic Census of the Island Areas will cover the following 
sectors (as defined by the North American Industry Classification 
System (NAICS)): Mining, Utilities, Construction, Manufacturing; 
Wholesale and Retail Trades, Transportation and Warehousing, 
Information; Finance and Insurance; Real Estate and Rental and Leasing; 
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services; Management of 
Companies and Enterprises; Administrative and Support, Waste Management 
and Remediation Services, Educational Services; Health Care and Social 
Assistance; Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation; Accommodation and Food 
Services, and Other Services (except Public Administration). This scope 
is equivalent to that of the stateside economic census. The information 
collected will produce basic statistics by kind of business on the 
number of establishments, sales/shipments/receipts/revenue, payroll, 
and employment. It will also yield a variety of industry-specific 
statistics, including sales/receipts by commodity/ merchandise/receipt 
line, sales/shipments by class of customer, inventories, and number of 
hotel rooms. Primary strategies for reducing burden in Census Bureau 
economic data collections are to increase reporting through 
standardized questionnaires and broader electronic data collection 
methods.

II. Method of Collection

    The 2007 Economic Census of the Island Areas will be conducted 
using mailout/mailback procedures. Establishments will be selected from 
the Census Bureau's Business Register. An establishment will be 
included in the 2007 Economic Census of Island Areas if: (a) It is 
engaged in any of the sectors within the scope of the census listed 
above; (b) it is an active operating establishment with payroll; and 
(c) it is located in Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, 
the U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa. Generally, non-employer 
establishments are excluded from the Economic Census of the Island 
Areas. However, non-employer establishments are included in the data 
collection in American Samoa due to the unique structure of the economy 
for this area as well as the lack of economic statistics. The data for 
non-employer establishments in American Samoa will be collected through 
an enumeration conducted by employees of the government of American 
Samoa. This enumeration will follow guidelines provided by the Census 
Bureau, which will include the requirement that all staff are sworn to 
uphold all confidentiality requirements of Title 13, U.S.C.

III. Data

    OMB Number: Not available.
    Form Number: The forms used to collect information in Puerto Rico 
are tailored to specific industries or groups of industries. Puerto 
Rico forms are available in English as well as Spanish. Only one form, 
covering all economic activity within the scope of the census, is used 
for each of the remaining areas. The forms are too numerous to list 
individually in this notice. The contact named above can provide 
interested parties with complete information on the forms to be 
included in this information collection.
    Type of Review: Regular review.
    Affected Public: Local governments, businesses, or other for profit 
or nonprofit institutions or organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: Puerto Rico 50,000; Guam 3,250; 
Northern Mariana Islands 1,500; U.S. Virgin Islands 3,000; American 
Samoa 1,250 (includes non-employers); Total 59,000.

[[Page 36757]]

    Estimated Time per Response: Puerto Rico 1 hour; Guam 30 minutes; 
Northern Mariana Islands 30 minutes; U.S. Virgin Islands 30 minutes; 
American Samoa 30 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 54,500.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: $1,344,515.
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
    Legal Authority: Title 13, U.S.C. 131 and 224.

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; and (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 this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: June 22, 2006.
Madeleine Clayton,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
 [FR Doc. E6-10145 Filed 6-27-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P