[Federal Register: September 9, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 174)] [Notices] [Page 53215] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr09se03-158] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration [FTA Docket No. 2003-16095 Notice of Request for the Extension of Currently Approved Information Collection AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the intention of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to extend the following currently approved information collection: Metropolitan and Statewide Transportation Planning. DATES: Comments must be submitted before November 10, 2003. ADDRESSES: All written comments must refer to the docket number that appears at the top of this document and be submitted to the United States Department of Transportation, Central Dockets Office, PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. All comments received will be available for examination at the above address from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. Those desiring notification of receipt of comments must include a self- addressed, stamped postcard/envelope. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Candace Noonan, Office of Planning, (202) 366-1648. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Interested parties are invited to send comments regarding any aspect of this information collection, including: (1) The necessity and utility of the information collection for the proper performance of the functions of the FTA; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the collected information; and (4) ways to minimize the collection burden without reducing the quality of the collected information. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB extension of this information collection. Title: Metropolitan and Statewide Transportation Planning (OMB Number: 2132-0529). Background: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) jointly carry out the federal mandate to improve urban and rural transportation. 49 U.S.C. 5303 and 23 U.S.C 134 and 135 authorize the use of federal funds to assist Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), states, and local public bodies in developing transportation plans and programs to serve the transportation needs of urbanized areas over 50,000 in population. The information collection activities involved in developing the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), the Metropolitan Transportation Plan, the Statewide Transportation Plan, the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), and the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) are necessary to identify and evaluate the transportation issues and needs in each urbanized area and throughout every state. These products of the transportation planning process are essential elements in the reasonable planning and programming of federally funded transportation investments. In addition to serving as a management tool for MPOs and state DOTs, the UPWP is used by both FTA and FHWA to monitor the transportation planning activities of those agencies. It is also needed to establish national outyear budgets and regional program plans, develop policy on using funds, monitor state and local compliance with national technical emphasis areas, respond to Congressional inquiries, prepare congressional testimony, and ensure efficiency in the use and expenditure of federal funds by determining that planning proposals are both reasonable and cost-effective. 49 U.S.C. 5303 and 23 U.S.C. 134(h) require the development of TIPs for urbanized, STIPs are mandated by 23 U.S.C. 235(f). After approval by the Governor and MPO, metropolitan TIPs in attainment areas are to be incorporated directly into the STIP. For nonattainment areas, FTA/FHWA must make a conformity finding on the TIPs before including them into the STIP. The complete STIP is then jointly reviewed and approved or disapproved by FTA and FHWA. These conformity findings and approval actions constitute the determination that states are complying with the requirements of 23 U.S.C. 235 and 49 U.S.C. Section 5303 as a condition of eligibility for federal-aid funding. Without these documents, approvals and findings, capital and/ or operating assistance cannot be provided. Respondents: State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and Metropolitan Planning Organizations. Estimated Annual Burden on Respondents: 634.7 hours for each of the 453 respondents. Estimated Total Annual Burden: 287,519 hours. Frequency: Annual. Issued: September 4, 2003. Rita L. Wells, Associate Administrator for Administration. [FR Doc. 03-22924 Filed 9-8-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-57-M