Published 30-day FRN (87 FR 8864)

8864

Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 32 / Wednesday, February 16, 2022 / Notices

calculated for AAFs: Gross rent factors
and shelter rent factors. The gross rent
factor accounts for inflation in the cost
of both the rent of the residence and the
utilities used by the unit; the shelter
rent factor accounts for the inflation in
the rent of the residence but does not
reflect any change in the cost of utilities.
The gross rent inflation factor is
designated as ‘‘Highest Cost Utility
Included’’ and the shelter rent inflation
factor is designated as ‘‘Highest Cost
Utility Excluded.’’
AAFs are calculated using CPI data on
‘‘rent of primary residence’’ and ‘‘fuels
and utilities.’’ 1 The CPI inflation index
for rent of primary residence measures
the inflation of all surveyed units
regardless of whether utilities are
included in the rent of the unit or not.
In other words, it measures the inflation
of the ‘‘contract rent’’ which includes
units with all utilities included in the
rent, units with some utilities included
in the rent, and units with no utilities
included in the rent. In producing a
gross rent inflation factor and a shelter
rent inflation factor, HUD decomposes
the contract rent CPI inflation factor into
parts to represent the gross rent change
and the shelter rent change. This is done
by applying data from the Consumer
Expenditure Survey (CEX) on the
percentage of renters who pay for heat
(a proxy for the percentage of renters
who pay shelter rent) and, also,
American Community Survey (ACS)
data on the ratio of utilities to rents.2
The BLS does not produce local
inflation estimates for Puerto Rico.
Therefore, HUD uses analogous
estimates from the Puerto Rico
Department of Labor and Human
Resources (DTRH), Bureau of Statistics.

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Survey Data Used To Produce AAFs
The rent inflation factor and fuel and
utilities inflation factor for each large
metropolitan area and Census region are
based, respectively, on changes in the
CPI index for rent of primary residence
and the CPI index for fuels and utilities
from 2019 to 2020. The CEX data used
to decompose the contract rent inflation
factor into gross rent and shelter rent
inflation factors come from a special
tabulation of 2020 CEX survey data
produced for HUD. The utility-to-rent
ratio used to produce AAFs comes from
2019 ACS median rent and utility costs.
Geographic Areas
Beginning with the data collection for
2018, BLS revised the sample for the
1 CPI

indexes SEHA and SAH2 respectively.
formulas used to produce these factors can
be found in the Annual Adjustment Factors
overview and in the FMR documentation at
www.HUDUSER.gov.
2 The

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CPI to be based on Core Based Statistical
Areas (CBSAs). Previously the sample
was based on Metropolitan Statistical
Areas (MSAs) as defined in 1998. In
addition, the population required to be
designated a Class A CPI city was
increased from 1.5 million to 2.5
million. The following major
metropolitan areas were eliminated
under the new sample design:
Pittsburgh PA, Cincinnati-Hamilton OHKY-IN, Cleveland-Akron OH,
Milwaukee-Racine WI, Kansas City MOKS, and Portland-Salem OR-WA. With
the change in metropolitan area
definitions and the designation of Class
A cities, the number of CPI cities
declined from 28 metropolitan areas to
23 metropolitan areas (Riverside-San
Bernardino has been split off from the
Los Angeles survey area). This decline
has resulted in fewer metropolitan
component areas receiving local CPI
adjustments. The 2018 CPI data with
new metropolitan area definitions was
first used with the FY 2020 AAFs. This
change did not impact Puerto Rico
which applies an island-wide CPI to all
metropolitan and nonmetropolitan
areas.
Each metropolitan area that uses a
local CPI update factor is listed
alphabetically in the tables and each
HUD Metro FMR Area (HMFA) is listed
alphabetically within its respective
CBSA. Each AAF applies to a specific
geographic area and to units of all
bedroom sizes. AAFs are provided:
• For metropolitan areas at the MSA
or HMFA level, and counties that are
currently designated as
nonmetropolitan, but are part of the
metropolitan area defined in the local
CPI survey.
• For the four Census Regions (to be
used for those metropolitan areas that
are not covered by a CPI metropolitan
survey, and non-metropolitan areas).
AAFs use the same Office of
Management and Budget (OMB)
metropolitan area definitions, as revised
by HUD, that are used for the FY 2022
FMRs.
Area Definitions
To make certain that they are using
the correct AAFs, users should refer to
the Area Definitions Table section at
http://www.huduser.gov/portal/
datasets/aaf.html. The Area Definitions
Table lists CPI areas in alphabetical
order by state, and the associated
Census region is shown next to each
state name. Areas whose AAFs are
determined by local CPI surveys are
listed first. All metropolitan areas with
local CPI survey areas have separate
AAF schedules and are shown with
their corresponding county definitions

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or as metropolitan counties. In the six
New England states, the listings are for
counties or parts of counties as defined
by towns or cities. The remaining
counties use the CPI for the Census
Region and are not separately listed in
the Area Definitions Table at http://
www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/
aaf.html.
As a result of the implementation of
the OMB metropolitan area definitions
contained in OMB Bulletin—18–04 with
FY 2022 FMRs, Madison County, VA
now uses the AAF for the WashingtonArlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
MSA.
Puerto Rico uses its own AAFs
calculated from the inflation estimates
from the Puerto Rico Department of
Labor and Human Resources (DTRH),
Bureau of Statistics, and adjusted by the
ACS. The Virgin Islands uses the South
Region AAFs, and the Pacific Islands
use the West Region AAFs.
Todd M. Richardson,
General Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy
Development and Research.
[FR Doc. 2022–03237 Filed 2–15–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210–67–P

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS–HQ–NWRS–2021–N210;
FXRS12630900000–212–FF09R81000; OMB
Control Number 1018–0102]

Agency Information Collection
Activities; Submission to the Office of
Management and Budget for Review
and Approval; National Wildlife Refuge
Special Use Permit Applications and
Reports
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of information collection;
request for comment.
AGENCY:

In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(Service), are proposing to revise an
existing collection of information.
DATES: Interested persons are invited to
submit comments on or before March
18, 2022.
ADDRESSES: Written comments and
recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent
within 30 days of publication of this
notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/
PRAMain. Find this particular
information collection by selecting
‘‘Currently under Review—Open for
Public Comments’’ or by using the
search function. Please provide a copy
SUMMARY:

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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 32 / Wednesday, February 16, 2022 / Notices
of your comments to the Service
Information Collection Clearance
Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
MS: PRB (JAO/3W), 5275 Leesburg Pike,
Falls Church, VA 22041–3803 (mail); or
by email to [email protected]. Please
reference OMB Control 1018–0102 in
the subject line of your comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Madonna L. Baucum, Service
Information Collection Clearance
Officer, by email at [email protected],
or by telephone at (703) 358–2503.
Individuals who are hearing or speech
impaired may call the Federal Relay
Service at 1–800–877–8339 for TTY
assistance. You may also view the
Information Collection Request (ICR) at
http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/
PRAMain.
In
accordance with the PRA and 5 CFR
1320.8(d)(1), we provide the general
public and other Federal agencies with
an opportunity to comment on new,
proposed, revised, and continuing
collections of information. This helps us
assess the impact of our information
collection requirements and minimize
the public’s reporting burden. It also
helps the public understand our
information collection requirements and
provide the requested data in the
desired format.
On July 13, 2021, we published a
notice in the Federal Register (86 FR
36762) announcing our intent to revise
this information collection. We solicited
public comment for 60 days, ending on
September 13, 2021. We received one
comment in response to the notice;
however, the commenter did not
address the information collection
requirements. No response is required.
As part of our continuing effort to
reduce paperwork and respondent
burdens, we are again soliciting
comments from the public and other
Federal agencies on the proposed ICR
that is described below. We are
especially interested in public comment
addressing the following:
(1) Whether or not the collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
agency, including whether or not the
information will have practical utility;
(2) The accuracy of our estimate of the
burden for this collection of
information, including the validity of
the methodology and assumptions used;
(3) Ways to enhance the quality,
utility, and clarity of the information to
be collected; and
(4) How might the agency minimize
the burden of the collection of
information on those who are to
respond, including through the use of

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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

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appropriate automated, electronic,
mechanical, or other technological
collection techniques or other forms of
information technology, e.g., permitting
electronic submission of response.
Comments that you submit in
response to this notice are a matter of
public record. Before including your
address, phone number, email address,
or other personal identifying
information in your comment, you
should be aware that your entire
comment—including your personal
identifying information—may be made
publicly available at any time. While
you can ask us in your comment to
withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we
cannot guarantee that we will be able to
do so.
Abstract: The National Wildlife
Refuge System Administration Act of
1966 (Administration Act; 16 U.S.C.
668dd–668ee), as amended by the
National Wildlife Refuge System
Improvement Act of 1997, consolidated
all refuge units into a single National
Wildlife Refuge System (system). It also
authorized us to offer visitor and public
programs, including those facilitated by
commercial visitor and management
support services, on lands of the system
when we find that the activities are
appropriate and compatible with the
purpose(s) for which the refuge was
established and the system’s mission.
The Refuge Recreation Act of 1962
(Recreation Act; 16 U.S.C. 460k–460k–4)
allows the use of refuges for public
recreation when it is not inconsistent or
does not interfere with the primary
purpose(s) of the refuge. The Alaska
National Interest Lands Conservation
Act (ANILCA; 16 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.)
provides specific authorization and
guidance for the administration and
management of national wildlife refuges
within the State of Alaska. Its provisions
provide for the issuance of permits
under certain circumstances.
We issue special use permits for a
specific period as determined by the
type and location of the management
activity or visitor service provided.
These permits authorize activities such
as:
• Agricultural activities (haying and
grazing, 50 CFR 29.1 and 50 CFR 29.2).
• Beneficial management tools that
we use to provide the best habitat
possible on some refuges (50 CFR 30.11,
50 CFR 31.14, 50 CFR 31.16, and 50 CFR
36.41).
• Special events, group visits, and
other one-time events (50 CFR 25.41, 50
CFR 25.61, 50 CFR 26.36, and 50 CFR
36.41).

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8865

• Recreational visitor service
operations (50 CFR 25.41, 50 CFR 25.61,
and 50 CFR 36.41).
• Guiding for fishing, hunting,
wildlife education, and interpretation
(50 CFR 25.41 and 50 CFR 36.41).
• Commercial filming (43 CFR 5, 50
CFR 27.71) and other commercial
activities (50 CFR 29.1 and 50 CFR
36.41).
• Building and using cabins to
support subsistence or commercial
activities (in Alaska) (50 CFR 26.35 and
50 CFR 36.41).
• Research, inventory and
monitoring, and other noncommercial
activities (50 CFR 26.36 and 50 CFR
36.41).
We use three forms to collect
applicant information:
• FWS Form 3–1383–G (General
Activities Special Use Permit
Application).
• FWS Form 3–1383–C (Commercial
Activities Special Use Permit
Application).
• FWS Form 3–1383–R (Research and
Monitoring Special Use Permit
Application).
The information we collect helps
ensure that: (1) Applicants are aware of
the types of information that may be
needed for permit issuance; (2)
requested activities are appropriate and
compatible with the purpose(s) for
which the refuge was established and
the system’s mission; and (3) the
applicant is eligible or is the most
qualified applicant to receive the special
use permit.
We may collect the necessary
information in a non-form format
(through discussions in person or over
the phone, over the internet, by email,
or by letter). In some instances,
respondents will be able to provide
information verbally. Often, a simple
email or letter describing the activity
will suffice. For activities that might
have a large impact on refuge resources
(e.g., commercial visitor services,
research, etc.), we may require
applicants to provide more detail on
operations, techniques, and locations.
Because of the span of activities covered
by special use permits and the different
management needs and resources at
each refuge, respondents may not be
required to answer all questions.
Depending on the requested activity,
refuge managers have the discretion to
ask for less information than appears on
the forms. However, refuge managers
must not ask for more or different
information.
We issue permits for a specific period
as determined by the type and location
of the use or service provided. We use
these permits to ensure that the

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Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 32 / Wednesday, February 16, 2022 / Notices

applicant is aware of the requirements
of the permit and his/her legal rights.
Refuge-specific special conditions may
be required for the permit. We identify
conditions as an addendum to the
permit. Most of the special conditions
pertain to how a permitted activity may
be conducted and do not require the
collection of information. However,
some special conditions, such as
activity reports, before and after site
photographs, or data sharing, would
qualify as an information collection, and
we have included the associated burden
below.
We also use FWS Form 3–1384, ‘‘Bid
Sheet—National Wildlife Refuge
System,’’ to streamline collection of the
necessary pre-award information from
applicants during bidding processes to
conduct economic uses on Service
lands, such as livestock, harvesting hay
and stock feed, or removing timber (50
CFR 29.21). This form simplifies the
pre-award selection/bidding process for
bidders and for refuge staff by enabling
them to understand what information
the refuge needs in order to select bids
for economic use, and, therefore,
reduces the time and burden for the
public and Service staff in the preaward selection bidding process. This
form is customizable to the individual
economic use being awarded. We will
use the Commercial Special Use Permit
(FWS Form 3–1383–C) as the actual
award document that will outline the
terms and conditions of the economic
use on Service lands.
Proposed Revisions to This Information
Collection
With this submission, we are
proposing the following revisions to the
existing information collection:

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Activity Reports/Associated Document
Requirements
In addition to the previously
approved activity report criteria, the
Service will also collect data associated
with client use days and their fees. The
Service has also updated the reporting
rate for permits issued for both
Commercial Use and Research to reflect
current requirements.
ePermits Initiative
The Service’s new ‘‘ePermits’’
initiative is an automated permit
application system that will allow the
agency to move towards a streamlined
permitting process to reduce public
burden. Public burden reduction is a
priority for the Service; the Assistant
Secretary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks;
and senior leadership at the Department
of the Interior. The intent of the
ePermits initiative is to fully automate

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the permitting process to improve the
customer experience and to reduce time
burden on respondents. This new
system will enhance the user experience
by allowing users to enter data from any
device that has internet access,
including PCs, tablets, and
smartphones. It will also link the permit
applicant to the Pay.gov system for
payment of the associated permit
application fee. We anticipate including
the following Service forms in the
ePermits system: 3–1383–G, 3–1383–C,
3–1383–R, and 3–1384.
Once these forms are automated in the
new ePermits system, we anticipate a
reduction in the amount of time
necessary for an applicant to apply for
a permit and perform regular actions
related to that permit (e.g., amend,
renew, report). Through the ePermits
account registration, we will track and
be able to more accurately report the
number of small business applicants,
along with the type of business (forprofit, farm, not-for profit). This
information will allow the Service to be
more responsive in identifying the
possibility of additional burden
reduction on small businesses.
We also plan to eliminate the
necessity for physical mail-in
applications (though this will remain an
option for those who either don’t have
access to the internet or prefer to use
mail-in applications), thus further
reducing public burden. With ePermits,
an applicant will be able to establish an
account and apply for multiple permits
through a single interface. The system
allows the applicant to track all their
applications, permits and permit-related
actions, as well as all communications
between Service staff and the permittee/
applicant within the same interface,
significantly reducing the burden on the
government to process these
applications and manage permit-related
actions. The decrease in submissions of
paper-based forms is expected to reduce
the government cost of administering
and processing permit applications.
Amendments and Renewals
Through our review of the special use
permitting process in preparation for
automation in the ePermits system, we
discovered that we need to account for
amendments to and renewals of special
use permits separately from the initial
applications, because amendments/
renewals have time burdens that are
different from those of the initial
submissions. The revised burden table
below includes our initial estimates for
amendments and renewals.
Title of Collection: National Wildlife
Refuge Special Use Permit Applications

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and Reports, 50 CFR 25, 26, 27, 29, 30,
31, 32, & 36.
OMB Control Number: 1018–0102.
Form Number: FWS Forms 3–1383–G,
3–1383–C, 3–1383–R, and 3–1384.
Type of Review: Revision of a
currently approved collection.
Respondents/Affected Public:
Individuals and households; businesses
and other for-profit organizations;
nonprofit organizations; farms; and
State, local, or tribal governments.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Respondents: 13,903.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Responses: 13,903.
Estimated Completion Time per
Response: Varies from 25 minutes to 5
hours, depending on activity.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Burden Hours: 21,446.
Respondent’s Obligation: Required to
obtain or retain a benefit.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion
for applications; annually or on
occasion for reports.
Total Estimated Annual Nonhour
Burden Cost: $337,500 for fees
associated with applications for
commercial use activities ($100.00 × an
estimated 3,375 applications
(individuals and private sector
respondents only)).
An agency may not conduct or
sponsor and a person is not required to
respond to a collection of information
unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number.
The authority for this action is the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Madonna Baucum,
Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2022–03305 Filed 2–15–22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333–15–P

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS–HQ–LE–2021–N214; FF09L00000/FX/
LE18110900000/212; OMB Control Number
1018–0092]

Agency Information Collection
Activities; Submission to the Office of
Management and Budget; Federal Fish
and Wildlife Applications and
Reports—Law Enforcement
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of information collection;
request for comment.
AGENCY:

In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

SUMMARY:

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