In Ex Parte 699, the Board proposes to
permit parties to permit parties to engage voluntarily in
arbitration of certain types of disputes. Under the final rules,
rail carriers that are subject to the Board's jurisdiction can
participate in the arbitration program if they file a notice to
"opt in." Unlike the proposed rule, the final rule adopts the same
requirement for all railroads regardless of size.
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.