The information collected is used by
FRA to monitor regulatory compliance with 49 CFR Part 213. The
information collected under section 213.234 is used by FRA to
ensure that automated track inspections of track constructed with
concrete crossties are carried out as specified in this section to
supplement visual inspections and to ensure that qualified rail
personnel take appropriate remedial action, where necessary. This
collection of information is mandatory and it involves both
reporting and recordkeeping requirements. The collection frequency
of the required information occurs on an occasional basis. There is
also one requirement occurring on an annual basis which pertains to
employee training.
The current OMB inventory for
this information collection shows a total burden of 4,875 hours and
2,318 responses, while the present submission exhibits a total
burden of 279 hours and 2,405 responses. Overall, the burden for
this information collection has decreased by 4,596 hours and
increased by 87 responses from the last submission. The decrease in
burden is solely the result of adjustments. FRA provided a thorough
review of this package and determined that many of the PRA
estimates were outdated, some estimates were not PRA requirements,
and others were double counted. Additionally, the amount of time to
create a report has been significantly reduced since the reports
are system generated. The cost to respondents increased by $15 from
the last submission. This change in cost is due to an adjustment in
the estimate for the number of exception report copies (from 75
copies to 125 copies, which changed the estimated cost from $23 to
$38). The specific information on any burden that has changed is
reported in question 15 of the supporting justification.
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.