[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 160 (Monday, August 21, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56919-56920]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-17911]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Transit Administration

[FTA Docket No. FTA 2023-0016]


Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: New 
Freedom Program

AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation 
(DOT).

ACTION: Notice of request for comments.

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SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 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 ICR describe the nature of the 
information collection and their expected burdens.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before September 20, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed 
information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of 
this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular 
information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--
Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function.
    Comments are Invited On: Whether the proposed collection of 
information is 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 estimate of the burden of the 
proposed information collection; ways to enhance the quality, utility, 
and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize 
the burden of the collection 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tia Swain, Office of Administration, 
Management Planning Division, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Mail Stop TAD-
10, Washington, DC 20590 (202) 366-0354 or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), 
Public Law 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 May 25, 2023, FTA published a 60-day notice (88 FR 33963) 
in the Federal Register soliciting comments on the ICR that the agency 
was seeking OMB approval. FTA received no comments after issuing this 
60-day 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 
requirements are being submitted for clearance by OMB as required by 
the PRA.
    Title: 49 U.S.C. 5317-New Freedom Program.
    OMB Control Number: 2132-0565.
    Background: The purpose of the New Freedom program was to make 
grants available to assist states and designated recipients to reduce 
barriers to transportation services and expand the transportation 
mobility options available to people with disabilities beyond the 
requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. The 
New Freedom program was repealed in 2012 with the enactment of the 
Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). However, 
funds previously authorized for programs repealed by MAP-21 remain 
available for their originally authorized purposes until the period of 
availability expires, the funds are fully expended, the funds are 
rescinded by Congress, or the funds are otherwise reallocated. To meet 
program oversight responsibilities, FTA must continue to collect

[[Page 56920]]

information until the period of availability expires, the funds are 
fully expended, the funds are rescinded by Congress, or the funds are 
otherwise reallocated. Grant recipients are required to make 
information available to the public and to publish a program of 
projects which identifies the sub-recipients and projects for which the 
State or designated recipient is applying for financial assistance. FTA 
uses the information to monitor the grantees' progress in implementing 
and completing project activities. FTA collects performance information 
annually from designated recipients in rural areas, small urbanized 
areas, other direct recipients for small urbanized areas, and 
designated recipients in urbanized areas of 200,000 persons or greater.
    Respondents: State or local government, private non-profit 
organizations and public transportation authorities.
    Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 33.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden: 1,320.
    Frequency: Annually.

Emily Anderson,
Director, Office of Management Planning.
[FR Doc. 2023-17911 Filed 8-18-23; 8:45 am]
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