FRA seeks to collect data from railroads/public authorities to increase safety at highway-rail grade crossings by requiring that train horns be sounded or equivalent measures be taken safety at them when not sounded.
The burden for this information collection has decreased by 61,619 hours. The change in burden resulted is due solely to adjustments, based on the fact that the majority of requirements have already been fulfilled by public authorities and railroads, and based on revised estimates resulting from data that FRA has received over the past three years in monitoring and implementing this regulation. [** Please see the answer to question 15 of the Supporting Justification for a complete itemization of all adjustments.]
The current OMB inventory presently shows 67,194 total burden hours, while this information collection submission exhibits a total burden of 5,575 hours. Hence, there is a burden decrease of 61,619 hours.
The total new cost for respondents is $620,000 for recurring costs, while the previous estimate for law enforcement and public awareness programs plus recurring costs amounted to $1,768,000. This change in cost is due to an adjustment in estimate. Total cost to respondents has decreased by $1,148,000 since one-time set-up costs for law enforcement and public awareness programs have already been incurred.
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.