Supporting_Statement_truck_parking_initiative_regular_app_Oct_4_2006[1]

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

TRUCK PARKING INITIATIVE

INTRODUCTION

This is to request an extension to an approved information collection, from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for an information collection entitled, Truck Parking Initiative. This request is for a 3-year approval.

Part A. Justification.

1. Circumstances that make collection of information necessary.

The Truck Parking Facilities Initiative Grant Program was created in Section 1305 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) (Pub. L. 109-59; Aug. 10, 2005). Information collected is necessary to administer the program and award grants to ensure the most effective use of public funds. This program, and the information collected, supports the DOT Strategic Goal of Safety and Congestion Relief.

2. How, by whom, and for what purpose is the information used.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will collect this information from State Transportation Agencies. Applicants are limited to State Transportation Agencies. The applications are submitted by the State Transportation Agency through the FHWA Division Offices to the FHWA’s Office of Freight Management and Operations. Information will be used to award project and report on project awards to Congress and the general public.

3. Extent of automated information collection.

Applications will be submitted via e-mail. As all State Transportation Agencies have integrated currently available technology into their business practices, it is anticipated that all of the applications will be submitted via e-mail.

4. Efforts to identify duplication.

There is no duplication or existing source for the information to be collected.

5. Efforts to minimize the burden on small businesses.

Applicants are limited to State Transportation Agencies and there is no burden on small business.

6. Impact of less frequent collection of information.

Information will only be collected once annually to administer the program. As annual awards are required, information cannot be collected less frequently.

7. Special circumstances.

None

8. Compliance with 5 CFR 1320.8:

The FHWA published a Federal Register notice on Monday, June 26, 2006, (Vol.71, No.122 pages 36384-36386). Docket No. FHWA-2006-25066. All three comments received were in support of the program.

9. Payments or gifts to respondents.

Not applicable.

10. Assurance of confidentiality:

The information will only be used for administration of the Truck Parking Facilities initiative.

11. Justification for collection of sensitive information:

No sensitive information will be collected.

12. Estimate of burden hours for information requested:

Respondents are limited to State Transportation Agencies. Projects may only be awarded for projects deemed eligible by Section 1305 of SAFETEA-LU. It is anticipated that FHWA will receive 30 total applications. Each response will take an estimated 39 hours and 35 minutes, totaling 1187 (rounded down from 1187.499) burden hours for the estimated 30 applications. Accordingly, the estimated annual salary cost is $100,895 (based on the rounded down 1187 hours).

13. Estimate of total annual costs to respondents

There are no additional costs above those in item 12.

14. Estimate of cost to the Federal government.

The estimated annual cost to the Federal Government for this information collection is $31,394. The Federal Government will incur cost to announce the information collection, to respond to comments, to analyze the information, etc. It is estimated that the Federal government will incur significantly more costs, in terms of labor hours. For review and award of the data, it is anticipated that each reviewer will take 2 hours to review each proposal. It is anticipated that there will be 6 federal employees on the review panel. Each employee will require 60 hours of review time plus 20 hours of discussion for a total of 80 hours to complete the review. With six employees spending 80 hours each to review the applications, this equates to 480 hours. In addition another 80 hours will be needed for one employee who will make the announcements, handle awards, and handle the maintenance of data. The total labor hour’s burden to the Federal government will be 560 labor hours. The staff handling these tasks average to a GS 13- step 5, which has an hourly rate of $42.15. This gives us a total federal hourly cost with an additional 1/3 overhead cost of $56.06. This gives us a total federal cost of $31,394.

15. Explanation of program changes or adjustments.

There are no changes requested for this renewal.

16. Publication of results of data collection.

Notice of awards will be published on the FHWA Office of Operations website. In addition, all applicants will be notified of the awards via memorandum from the Director of the Office of Freight Management and Operations.

17. Approval for not displaying the expiration date of OMB approval.

Not applicable.

18. Exceptions to certification statement.

Not applicable.

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