[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 22 (Monday, February 3, 1997)] [Notices] [Page 5066] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-2550] [[Page 5066]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Reports, Forms and Recordkeeping Requirements Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review AGENCY: Office of the Secretary (DOT). ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Information Collection Request (ICR) abstracted below has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on October 23, 1996 [FR 61, page 55067]. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before March 5, 1997. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Weaver, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone 202-366-2811. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Maritime Administration Title: 46 CFR Part 298--Title XI Obligation Guarantees. Type of Request: Extension of currently approved information collection. OMB Control Number: 2133-0018. Form Number(s): MA-163. Affected Public: Individuals/businesses interested in obtaining loan guarantees for construction/reconstruction of vessels satisfying criteria under the Act. Abstract: Under title XI of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended (46 U.S.C. 1271-1279) (the Act), the Maritime Administration (MARAD) is authorized to execute a full faith and credit guarantee by the United States of debt obligations issued to finance or refinance the construction or reconstruction of vessels. In November 1994, the title XI program was expanded to permit issuance of loan guarantees for financing export vessels built in the United States and for shipyard modernization and improvement projects. Need and Use of the Information: Prior to execution of a loan guarantee, the Act requires the Secretary of Transportation must, among other things, make determinations of economic soundness of the project and financial and operating capability of the applicant. The Secretary of Transportation has delegated this authority (See 49 CFR 1.66(e)) to the Maritime Administrator. The information collected is necessary to evaluate the project and capabilities, make the required determinations, and administer any agreements executed upon approval of loan guarantees. Annual Burden: 2,000 hours. Address: Send all comments to the Office of Management and Budget, 725-17th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20503, Attention DOT Desk Officer. Comments: Send all comments regarding whether this information collection is necessary for proper performance of the function of the agency and will have practical utility, accuracy of the burden estimates, ways to minimize this burden, and ways to enhance quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. Issued in Washington, DC, on January 28, 1997. Phillip A. Leach, Clearance Officer, United States Department of Transportation. [FR Doc. 97-2550 Filed 1-31-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-62-P