In 2010, EPA, in concert with its
federal partners, will begin implementation of a new Great Lakes
Restoration Initiative (GLRI) that was included in the Department
of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations
Act, 2010 (Public Law 111-88). The GLRI will invest funds in
programs and projects strategically chosen to target the most
significant environmental problems in the Great Lakes ecosystem.
The legislation calls for increased accountability for the GLRI and
directs EPA to implement a process to track, measure, and report on
progress. As part of this process, federal and non-federal entities
receiving GLRI funds will be required to submit detailed
information on GLRI projects as part of their funding agreement.
Recipients will be required to provide information on the nature of
the activity, responsible organization, organizational point of
contact, resource levels, geographic location, major milestones and
progress toward GLRI goals. The information is necessary to provide
an accurate depiction of activities, progress, and results.
Information will be updated on a quarterly basis. A web-based Great
Lakes Accountability System (GLAS) will be the primary mechanism
for collecting information on GLRI activities. GLAS will be
available at http://restore.glnpo.net:8080/glas/login.htm. The
web-site will contain a user-friendly data entry interface for
recipients to enter and submit project information directly into
the GLAS. The data entry interface consists of a series of screens
containing pull-down menus and text boxes, where users can enter
project specific information. The GLAS will provide the necessary
information for reports to the President and Congress and will be
accessible to the public via Internet.
EO: EO
13340 Name/Subject of EO: Great Lakes Interagency Task Force
PL:
Pub.L. 111 - 88 - Name of Law: Dept of Interior, Enviroment and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act
There is a decrease of 18,195
hours in the total respondent burden compared with the previous
ICR. Overall, EPA has a better understanding of how long it takes
respondents to complete forms and historical data to project new
respondents and active projects over the next three years.
Additionally, 1) there is a decrease in the number of respondents
due to overestimated figures in the previous information
collection; 2) the number of active grants will continue to
decrease, as projects are completed and fewer new grants are
awarded; and 3) the lower burden hours reflect increased respondent
familiarity with the GLAS and the information collection.
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.