The development and maintenance of a cumulative database of all CMAQ projects is required by 23 U.S.C. 149(i)(1). This database must include specific information about each project such as name, location, sponsor, cost, and to the extent already measured by the project sponsor, cost-effectiveness based on reductions in emissions and congestion. The database must be readily available for public review either by publication or in electronically accessible format and means. States provide annual reports on all CMAQ obligations and deobligations taking place in each fiscal year. These reports include obligations of program funds; descriptions of individual projects; and potential impacts on air quality and congestion. The data provided in the annual reports and the CMAQ Public Access System allows for transparency, showing that the program continues to provide incremental benefits through enhanced regional and local air quality improvement, and through contributions to congestion relief.
In order to populate the database, FHWA division offices, State DOTs, and MPOs develop a process for entering and approving project data in a timely manner. State DOTs submit the annual report to be approved by the FHWA Division by March 1 and FHWA HQ approves it by July 1 following the end of the previous Federal fiscal year (September 30). The annual report covers all CMAQ obligations for that previous fiscal year. Thus, State DOTs and MPOs report the data early enough that FHWA has time to review and comment on the report.
Due to the renewal of this IC, the burden hours have been reduced from 6,375 hours to 500 hours. In addition, there was an agency discrepancy between the estimate of total burden hours in the previous approval.
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.