[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 133 (Wednesday, July 12, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39395-39396]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-10830]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

 Surface Transportation Board


Information and Collection; Notice and Request for Comments

SUMMARY: The Surface Transportation Board (Board), as part of its 
continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. (PRA), gives 
notice that the Board will seek from the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) an extension of approval for the currently approved 
collection of maps in abandonment exemption proceedings. The Board is 
seeking comments from persons who have sought, or anticipate seeking, 
authority to abandon or discontinue rail service through the Board's 
exemption procedures concerning (1) Whether the collection of maps is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Board, 
including whether the collection has practical utility; (2) the 
accuracy of the Board's burden estimates; (3) ways to enhance the 
quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and (4) 
ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the 
respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology when appropriate. Submitted 
comments will

[[Page 39396]]

be summarized and included in the Board's request for OMB approval.

Description of Collection

    Title: Maps Required in Abandonment Exemption Proceedings.
    OMB Control Number: 2140-0008.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Extension without change.
    Respondents: Railroads initiating abandonment exemption 
proceedings.
    Number of Respondents: 91.
    Estimated Time per Response: 1 hour, based on average time reported 
in informal survey of respondents conducted in 2003.
    Frequency of Response: 1.
    Total Annual Burden Hours: 91.
    Total Annual ``Non-Hour Burden'' Cost: None have been identified.
    Needs and Uses: Under 49 CFR 1152.50(d)(2) and 1152.60(b), the 
Board requires in each abandonment exemption proceeding a detailed map 
of the rail line, depicting the line's relation to other rail lines, 
roads, water routes, and population centers. The Board uses this 
information to determine the scope and the impact of the proposed 
abandonment. In addition, this information is posted on the Board's Web 
site and serves as a form of notice to current and/or potential 
shippers, and to persons who might want to make an offer of financial 
assistance under 49 U.S.C. 10904; acquire the line as a trail under the 
National Trails System Act, 16 U.S.C. 1247(d); or acquire the line for 
another public purpose under 49 U.S.C. 10905.
    Deadline: Persons wishing to comment on this information collection 
should submit comments by September 11, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Direct all comments to Marilyn Levitt, Surface 
Transportation Board, Room 614, 1925 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 
20423 or [email protected] or by fax at (202) 565-9001. When 
submitting comments refer to the OMB number and title of the 
information collection.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara G. Saddler, (202) 565-1656. 
Requests for a copy of the regulations pertaining to this information 
collection may be obtained by contacting Barbara G. Saddler at (202) 
565-1656 or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA, a Federal agency conducting 
or sponsoring a collection of information must display a currently 
valid OMB control number. Collection of information, which is defined 
in 44 U.S.C. 3502(3) and 5 CFR 1320.3(c), includes agency requirements 
that persons submit reports, keep records, or provide information to 
the agency, third parties, or the public. Under section 3506(c)(2)(A) 
of the PRA, Federal agencies are required to provide a 60-day notice 
and comment period through publication in the Federal Register 
concerning each proposed collection of information, including each 
proposed extension of an existing collection of information, before 
submitting the collection to OMB for approval.

    Dated: July 12, 2006.
Vernon A. Williams,
Secretary.
 [FR Doc. E6-10830 Filed 7-11-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P