[Federal Register: January 19, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 11)] [Notices] [Page 2938-2939] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr19ja99-104] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration U.S. Foreign Waterborne Transportation Statistics Program AGENCY: Maritime Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of meeting ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Maritime Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the agencies currently responsible for the U.S. Foreign Waterborne Transportation Statistics Program, are holding a public meeting to receive information from private sector U.S. maritime data users as to their ongoing requirements for such data. This information- gathering is part of the first step in development of a plan to improve the data collection, production and public access, without imposing any new reporting burden on the public. A questionnaire is available for all interested persons to indicate their data requirements, whether or not they attend the meeting. DATES: March 4, 1999, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. LOCATION: National Academy of Sciences, Lecture Room, 2101 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Hassett, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Waterborne Commerce Statistics Center, PO Box 61280, New Orleans, LA 70161-1280 [fax: 504-862-1423; phone: 504-862-1453; e-mail: susan.k.hassett@usace.army.mil]; or, Norman Tague, Maritime Administration, Office of Statistical and Economic Analysis, MAR-450, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington, DC 20590 [fax: 202-366-8886; phone: 202-366-2316; e-mail: norman.tague@marad.dot.gov]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Following a review of the U.S. Foreign Waterborne Transportation Statistics program, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) designated the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) as the ``central collection agency'' for the program, and transferred program responsibility to the Corps, with operational support from the Maritime Administration (MARAD), effective October 1, 1998. The Corps collects and publishes the data pursuant to its authority under the 1922 River and Harbor Act, as amended (33 U.S.C. 555), by which it has historically collected and published waterborne commerce statistics. The Corps and MARAD have assumed complete responsibility for the ongoing production of official monthly and annual U.S. foreign waterborne transportation statistics. Under the new arrangement, monthly and annual vessel movement and cargo data previously produced by the Bureau of the Census (Census) are now available through the Corps/MARAD. The public data products contain movement data on all vessels engaged in U.S. foreign trade and cargo data by type of service, U.S. and foreign port, country of origin/destination, commodity, value, weight, and containerized cargo. These products include: monthly and annual ``Vessel Movements'' (formerly TM/TA385 and 785), ``Waterborne Databank'' (formerly TM/TA305 and 705), quarterly and annual ``U.S. Waterborne Exports and General Imports'' (formerly TQ/TA985) and the annual ``Vessel Entrances and Clearances'' (formerly TA987). To ensure the continuity of data, these products are currently identical to those formerly produced by Census. However, [[Page 2939]] the long-term goal is to meet customer data requirements through improved data collection, production and access. This information- gathering is the beginning of that process, and provides an opportunity for public input into the redesign of the program. This is consistent with the principles of the National Performance Review to provide better delivery of Federal services. Meeting Registration Process Users of U.S. maritime data as well as any other interested persons are encouraged to participate in this information-gathering initiative. A questionnaire has been developed for pre-registration of attendees, to facilitate preparation for the meeting, and to afford an opportunity for input to persons unable to attend. This questionnaire may be obtained on the Internet at http://www.wrsc.usace.army.mil/ndc or http://marad.dot.gov/statistics or from: Ms. Sandy Schafer, Waterborne Commerce Statistics Center, 504-862-1404, 504-862-1423 (fax) e-mail:, sandra.a.schafer@usace.army.mil, PO Box 61280, New Orleans, LA 70123-1289. Persons completing the questionnaire are urged to mail, or fax it to Ms. Sandy Schafer by February 18, 1999, so that all data requirements can be adequately addressed at the meeting. The completed questionnaire will also serve as your pre-registration for the meeting, if you so indicate on the questionnaire. If you plan to attend the meeting, but are not completing a questionnaire, please notify Ms. Sandy Schafer by mail, e-mail, or fax. This will assist us in estimating attendance, and organizing meeting space. Format of the Meeting The meeting will be structured through the use of a facilitator to provide each participant with an overview of the existing program and production process, the results of the questionnaire, clarification of any of the data elements involved, and a thorough discussion of the issues. It is an opportunity for private sector data users to describe their data needs and to share any views and insights as to how the U.S. Foreign Waterborne Transportation Statistics Program might be improved. Discussion should be extremely focused, in terms of specific data elements required, why it is needed and how it is used. By Order of the Maritime Administrator. Dated: January 13, 1999. Joel C. Richard, Secretary. [FR Doc. 99-1111 Filed 1-15-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-81-P