[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