[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 234 (Friday, December 5, 1997)] [Notices] [Page 64402] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-31890] [[Page 64402]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Request for Comments on the National Park Service Franchise Fee Determination Guideline SUMMARY: The National Park Service (NPS) is considering revising that portion of its concession management guideline (NPS-48) that concerns the franchise fees to be charged NPS concessioners. This portion of NPS-48 (Chapter 24, Section D) was adopted on December 31, 1986, after receipt and consideration of public comment solicited by an August 7, 1985 Federal Register notice. It was amended on July 20, 1995, after consideration of public comment received in response to a January 17, 1995, Federal Register notice. It was clarified on August 11, 1997, after consideration of public comment received in response to a May 28, 1997, Federal Register notice. NPS invites further public comment on Section D, Chapter 24, or NPS-48 in order to assist it in considering possible revisions to the document. Comments may suggest, among other matters, specific proposed changes to Section D as it now exists or alternative methods, in concept or in detail, for dealing with concession contract franchise fees. All written comments received will be duly considered by NPS. COMMENT DATE: Comments on this notice must be received no later than January 5, 1998 to be assured of consideration. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NPS notes that NPS-48 is an agency staff manual and as such is not required to be published in the Federal Register pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552 nor promulgated as a rule after public notice and comment pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553. In addition, NPS notes that the rulemaking requirements of 5 U.S.C. 553, even if otherwise applicable to an agency staff manual such as NPS-48, are expressly not applicable to matters relating to agency management or personnel or to public property, loans, grants, benefits or contracts. NPS-48, as a matter concerning the administration of public property and contracts, falls within this exemption to the extent it may be considered a rule or regulation within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 553. Nonetheless, NPS, as a matter of policy, seeks further public comment on Section D of Chapter 24, NPS-48, for the reasons stated above. Dated: November 14, 1997. Robert K. Yearout, Concession Program Manager. [FR Doc. 97-31890 Filed 12-4-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-70-M