This OMB control number is mandatory for those seeking grants to enhance state and local emergency response training programs. These grants help to increase the knowledge of emergency responders and increase their effectiveness in handling incidents involving hazardous materials. In order to receive these grants, State Emergency Response Commission (SERCs) submit information to PHMSA as part of the annual grants application process. This information is then used by PHMSA to determine how grant money is distributed for the purpose of emergency response training. This revision stems from a GAO recommendation (GAO-17-91) to develop a process for regularly collecting information to ensure that SERCs are receiving and distributing information provided from the railroads regarding certain hazardous materials shipments to local planning entities. In response to this recommendation, PHMSA is adding questions to grant applications in order to determine if SERCs have received copies of the information provided by railroads and if the SERCs are disseminating this information to local planning entities. PHMSA is estimating an increase in burden because of these additional questions. Commissions (SERCs) are receiving and distributing information provided from the railroads regarding certain hazardous materials shipments to local planning entities. In response to this recommendation, PHMSA is adding questions to grant applications in order to determine if SERCs have received copies of the information provided by railroads and if the SERCs are disseminating this information to local planning entities. PHMSA is estimating an increase in burden because of this additional questions.
This revision stems from a GAO recommendation (GAO-17-91) to develop a process for regularly collecting information to ensure that SERCs are receiving and distributing information provided from the railroads regarding certain hazardous materials shipments to local planning entities. In response to this recommendation, PHMSA is adding questions to grant applications in order to determine if SERCs have received copies of the information provided by railroads and if the SERCs are disseminating this information to local planning entities. PHMSA is estimating an increase in burden because of these additional questions.
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.