[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 192 (Tuesday, October 6, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51255-51256]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-23972]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

U.S. Census Bureau


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Construction 
Progress Reporting Survey

AGENCY: U.S. Census Bureau.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort 
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general

[[Page 51256]]

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: To ensure consideration, written comments must be submitted on 
or before December 7, 2009.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 7845, 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 Michael Davis, U.S. Census Bureau, 7K081, 
Washington, DC 2033-6900, (301) 763-1605 (or via the Internet at 
[email protected]).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Abstract

    The Census Bureau plans to request a three-year extension of a 
currently approved collection for forms C-700, Private Construction 
Projects; C-700(R), Multifamily Residential Projects; and C-700(SL), 
State and Local Government Projects. These forms are used to conduct 
the Construction Progress Reporting Surveys (CPRS) to collect 
information on the dollar value of construction put in place by private 
companies, individuals, private multifamily residential buildings, and 
state and local governments.
    The Census Bureau is the preeminent collector and provider of 
timely, relevant and quality data about the people and economy of the 
United States. The Form C-700, Private Construction Projects, collects 
construction put in place data for nonresidential projects owned by 
private companies or individuals. The Form C-700(R), Multifamily 
Residential Projects, collects construction put in place data for 
private multifamily residential buildings. The Form C-700(SL), State 
and Local Government Projects, collects construction put in place data 
for state and local government projects.
    The Census Bureau uses the information from these surveys to 
publish the value of construction put in place series. Published 
estimates are used by a variety of private business and trade 
associations to estimate the demand for building materials and to 
schedule production, distribution, and sales efforts. They also provide 
various government agencies with a tool to evaluate economic policy and 
to measure progress towards established goals. For example, Bureau of 
Economic Analysis staff use data to develop the construction components 
of gross private domestic investment in the gross domestic product. The 
Federal Reserve Board and the Department of the Treasury use the value 
in place data to predict the gross domestic product, which is presented 
to the Board of Governors and has an impact on monetary policy.

II. Method of Collection

    An independent systematic sample of projects is selected each month 
according to predetermined sample rates. Once a project is selected, it 
remains in the sample until completion of the project. Preprinted forms 
are mailed monthly to respondents to fill in current month data and any 
revisions to previous months. Some respondents are later called by a 
Census interviewer and report data over the phone. Having the 
information available from a database at the time of the interview 
greatly helps reduce the time respondents spend on the phone. 
Interviews are scheduled at the convenience of the respondent, which 
further reduces their burden.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0607-0153.
    Form Number: C-700, C-700(R), C-700(SL).
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Individuals, Businesses or Other for Profit, Not-
for-Profit Institutions, Small Businesses or Organizations, and State 
and Local Governments.
    Estimated Number of Respondents:
C-700 = 6,500.
C-700(R) = 1,500.
C-700(SL) = 10,500.
TOTAL = 18,500.

    Estimated Time per Response: 5 to 15 minutes per month.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 48,100.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: $1.5 million.
    Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.
    Legal Authority: Title 13, U.S.C., Section 182.

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: September 30, 2009.
Glenna Mickelson,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. E9-23972 Filed 10-5-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-09-P