[Federal Register: June 26, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 123)]
[Notices]               
[Page 34954-34955]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr26jn98-170]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Office of the Secretary

 
Reports, Forms and Recordkeeping Requirements; Agency Information 
Collection Activity Under OMB Review

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, DOT.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act 1995 (44 USC 
Chapter 35), this notice announces that the Information Collection 
Request (ICR) abstracted below has been forwarded to the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR describes 
the nature of the information collection and its expected burden. The 
Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting 
comments on the following collection of information was published on 
February 17, 1998 [63 FR 7849-7850].

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before July 27, 1998.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Arlene Kennedy, Office of 
Information Services, (202) 366-9458, Department of Transportation, 
Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20590. Office hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., e.t., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

    Title: Certification of Enforcement of the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax.
    OMB Number: 2125-0541.
    Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Form(s): N/A
    Affected Public: State highway agencies.
    Abstract: Title 23, United States Code, Section 141(d), provides 
that a State's apportionment of funds under 23 U.S.C. 104(b)(5) shall 
be reduced in an amount up to 25 percent of the amount to be 
apportioned during any fiscal year beginning after September 30, 1984, 
if vehicles subject to the Federal heavy vehicle use tax are lawfully 
registered in the State without having presented proof of payment of 
the tax. The annual certification of collection of the heavy vehicle 
use tax submitted by each State serves as the primary means of 
determining State compliance with 23 U.S.C. 141(d) by the FHWA. Under 
the rulemaking authority granted to the Secretary of Transportation by 
23 U.S.C. 315, the FHWA has determined that an annual certification of 
compliance by each State is the least obtrusive means of administering 
the provisions of the legislative mandate.
    Evidence of compliance with 23 U.S.C. 141(d) is comprised of two 
elements: reporting and recordkeeping. The reporting element consists 
of a simple certification submitted to FHWA on an annual basis by the 
State's Governor or designated official. The recordkeeping element 
consists of a one-year retention of Schedule 1, Form 2290, by the 
States (or other suitable alternative provided by regulation).
    Compliance reviews are periodically conducted by FHWA to determine 
if the certification is adequate to ensure effective administration of 
23 U.S.C.141(d).
    The certification requirement is the critical factor in 
establishing a manageable and reasonable procedure for determining 
State compliance with the statute. Without annual certification and 
supporting records, determinations of compliance would involve frequent 
reviews of State registration procedures and practices and would 
clearly be an obtrusive Federal presence in State programs.
    Estimated Annual Burden Hours: 612.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to the Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725-17th Street, NW., 
Washington, DC 20503, Attention FHWA Desk Officer. 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.


[[Page 34955]]


    Issued in Washington, DC, on June 22,1998.
Vanester M. Williams,
Clearance Officer, United States Department of Transportation
[FR Doc. 98-17068 Filed 6-25-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-62-P