Public Law 105-203 (National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Act of 1998) authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Network to Freedom (Network). The Network is a collection of sites, facilities, and programs, both governmental and nongovernmental, around the United States. All entities must have a verifiable association with the historic Underground Railroad movement. Federal agencies, State Historic Preservation Offices, other State agencies, local governments, organizations, and individuals who wish to become members of the Network complete the Network Application Form. We review the completed form to verify the historical associations and management activities.
We are reporting 37 annual responses totaling 876 annual burden hours, which is a net decrease of 23 responses and 624 burden hours from our previous submission.
We are reporting as an adjustment, a decrease of 25 responses and 625 burden hours. This is a result of a decrease in the number of responses based on our experience in administering this collection over the last several years.
We are reporting as a program change, an increase of 2 responses and 1 annual burden hour. This increase is associated with requests to become a partner, not reported in our previous submission.
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.