The National Underground Railroad Freedom Act of 1998 authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Network to Freedom (the Network). The Network is designed to be a collection of historic sites, archival facilities, and educational programs. The form is to determine that all entities accepted into the Network should have a verifiable association with the historic Underground Railroad movement, and be managed in a manner consistent with the preservation, education, and commemorative goals of the establishing act. The Network application collects the minimum amount of information necessary to verify historical association and determine a minimum level of professional management. Respondents include individuals, non-profit organizations, and Federal, State, and Local government agencies.
The National Park Service estimates 10 less applications received per year based on most recent years data. Also, NPS estimates an increase in burden hour per application from 15 hours per application to 25 hours per application based on public outreach feedback.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.