81_FR_59883 81 FR 59715 - Assumption of Authorities

81 FR 59715 - Assumption of Authorities

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 168 (August 30, 2016)

Page Range59715-59717
FR Document2016-20818

The Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act builds on the authorities and requirements in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) and the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The FAST Act also builds on efforts under FHWA's Every Day Counts to accelerate delivery of surface transportation projects by institutionalizing best practices and expediting complex infrastructure projects. The Secretary, in cooperation with the States, must submit recommendations to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate recommendations on legislation to permit the assumption of additional authorities by States. The FAST Act specifically asks for recommendations in the areas of real estate acquisition and project design. In order to implement section 1316 of the FAST Act, FHWA is soliciting feedback from States and other stakeholders on additional authorities to assume under title 23, including real estate acquisition and project design. The FHWA will collect suggestions during a 60-day period. At the end of that period, FHWA will assess suggestions prior to providing a Report to Congress.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 168 (Tuesday, August 30, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 168 (Tuesday, August 30, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59715-59717]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20818]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration

[Docket No: FHWA-2016-0018]


Assumption of Authorities

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA); Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act builds 
on the authorities and requirements in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, 
Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) 
and the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The 
FAST Act also builds on efforts under FHWA's Every Day Counts to 
accelerate delivery of surface transportation projects by 
institutionalizing best practices and expediting complex infrastructure 
projects.
    The Secretary, in cooperation with the States, must submit 
recommendations to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure 
of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Environment and 
Public Works of the Senate recommendations on legislation to permit the 
assumption of additional authorities by States. The FAST Act 
specifically asks for recommendations in the areas of real estate 
acquisition and project design.
    In order to implement section 1316 of the FAST Act, FHWA is 
soliciting feedback from States and other stakeholders on additional 
authorities to assume under title 23, including real estate acquisition 
and project design. The FHWA will collect suggestions during a 60-day 
period. At the end of that period, FHWA will assess suggestions prior 
to providing a Report to Congress.

DATES: Comments must be received by October 31, 2016.

ADDRESSES: To ensure that you do not duplicate your docket submissions, 
please submit them by only one of the following means:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
     Electronic Mail: [email protected].
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Dockets 
Management Facility, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., 
Washington, DC 20590- 0001.
     Hand Delivery: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 
1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., between 9 a.m. 5p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The telephone number is (202) 366-9329.
    All comments must include the docket number DOT-FHWA-2016-0018 at 
the beginning of the submission.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Michael Howell, Office of 
Information Technology Services, (202) 366-5707, 
[email protected], Federal Highway Administration, 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, Ms. Janet Myers, Office of Chief 
Counsel, 202-366-2019,

[[Page 59716]]

[email protected], Federal Highway Administration, 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, or Ms. Cynthia Essenmacher, Office of 
Infrastructure (Detail), Federal Highway Administration, 315 W. Allegan 
St., Ste. 201, Lansing, MI 48913, (517) 702-1839, 
[email protected], Office Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 
p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    The FAST Act builds on the authorities and requirements in SAFETEA-
LU and MAP-21, and on efforts under FHWA's Every Day Counts in an 
effort to accelerate delivery of surface transportation projects by 
institutionalizing best practices and expediting complex infrastructure 
projects. This includes promoting the transition from FHWA project-
level ``full-oversight'' of the Federal-aid highway program (FAHP) to a 
risk-based approach to FHWA oversight activities. The FHWA's use of a 
risk-based approach to stewardship and oversight is intended to 
optimize the successful delivery of projects and to ensure compliance 
with Federal requirements by focusing FHWA resources on activities with 
the highest potential impacts on the success of the FAHP.
    Section 1316(a) of the FAST Act directs the Secretary of 
Transportation to use the authority under 23 U.S.C. 106(c) to the 
maximum extent practicable to allow a State to assume the 
responsibilities described in 23 U.S.C. 106(c) on both a project-
specific and programmatic basis. Section 1316 of the FAST Act seeks to 
expand the use of the 23 U.S.C. 106(c) authority for State assumption 
of responsibilities, and to solicit legislative recommendations for 
additional authorities for State assumption. Assumption is a key part 
of the transition to risk-based oversight of the FAHP. The Secretary, 
in cooperation with the States, must submit recommendations to the 
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of 
Representatives and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of 
the Senate recommendations on legislation to permit the assumption of 
additional authorities by States. The FAST Act specifically asks for 
recommendations in the areas of real estate acquisition and project 
design.
    The FHWA may not assign its decisionmaking responsibilities to a 
State department of transportation (SDOT) unless authorized by law. 
Section 106(c) of title 23, United States Code (U.S.C.), authorizes the 
State to assume project responsibilities for design, plans, 
specifications, estimates, contract awards, and inspections. For 
projects that receive funding under title 23, U.S.C., and are on the 
National Highway System (NHS), including projects on the Interstate 
System, the State may assume the responsibilities unless FHWA, acting 
under a delegation of authority from the Secretary, determines that the 
assumption is not appropriate (23 U.S.C. 106(c)(1)). For non-NHS 
projects, States must assume such responsibilities (23 U.S.C. 
106(c)(2)).
    Section 106(c)(3) requires FHWA and the SDOT to enter into an 
agreement relating to the extent to which the SDOT assumes project and 
program responsibilities. This Stewardship and Oversight Agreement (S&O 
Agreement) includes information on which entity is responsible for 
specific project approvals and related responsibilities. The S&O 
Agreement also contains provisions relating to FHWA oversight of the 
FAHP, as part of the oversight program required by 23 U.S.C. 106(g).
    In 2015 and 2016, all S&O Agreements with the SDOTs were updated 
and executed. The new S&O Agreements contain specific project and 
program level assumptions of responsibilities agreed upon between FHWA 
and the respective SDOTs (Attachment A). Examples of responsibilities 
assumed by some States include approvals and related responsibilities 
affecting real property as provided in 23 CFR 710.201(i) and any 
successor regulation in 23 CFR part 710.
    The agreements also include a broader list of title 23 program 
actions and agency points of contact (Attachment B). In addition, some 
States have assumed authorities under other statutory provisions, such 
as National Environmental Policy Act categorical exclusion approval 
actions assigned though a programmatic agreement pursuant to Section 
1318(d) of MAP-21 and 23 CFR 771.117(g).
    Commenters may wish to consider Attachments A & B, as well as other 
authorities that presently permit or prohibit State assumption, when 
developing their comments on additional authorities for SDOTs to 
assume. The S&O Agreements are available at the following Web site: 
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/federalaid/stewardship/.

II. Objectives of This Notice

    The FHWA is soliciting feedback from States and other stakeholders 
on additional authorities to permit States to assume responsibilities 
of the Secretary under title 23, U.S.C., including real estate 
acquisition and project design. The intent of this Notice is to seek 
feedback on ways in which FHWA could change existing regulations, 
policies, guidance, and/or administrative practices to better reflect 
the legislative purpose of section 1316, and to seek suggestions on 
legislative changes meeting the requirements of section 1316(b) of the 
FAST Act. Section 1316(b) requires the Secretary, in cooperation with 
the States, to submit recommendations for legislation to permit the 
assumption of additional authorities by States, including with respect 
to real estate acquisition and project design. This notice gives States 
and other stakeholders an opportunity to share comments and make 
recommendations to allow further State assumption of authorities for 
any project phase.

III. Request for Comments

    In accordance with section 1316 of the FAST Act, FHWA seeks input 
from States and other stakeholders on what legislation, regulations, or 
policy they believe would accelerate project delivery. Recommendations 
may address any aspect of the FAHP, including, but not limited to, 
project design, real estate acquisition, plans, specifications, 
estimates, contract awards, and inspection of projects, on both a 
project-specific and programmatic basis.
    The FHWA is soliciting feedback from States and other stakeholders 
on additional authorities States may wish to assume under title 23, 
including real estate acquisition and project design. The FHWA's goal 
is to understand which additional authorities of the Secretary States 
might wish to assume, and what revisions to existing legislation, 
regulations, policies, guidance and/or administrative practices are 
needed to permit such assumptions. Specifically, FHWA welcomes 
suggestions on:
    (1) Additional authorities States could assume for project plans, 
specifications, estimates, contract awards, and inspection of projects,
    (2) Additional authorities States could assume for the real estate 
acquisition and project design process, and
    (3) Additional project or program level authorities, including new 
laws, regulations and policies, that would accelerate project delivery.
    Commenters are encouraged to address any or all of the areas above. 
In responding, commenters may wish to address: Current assumptions 
contained in State S&O agreements, the additional responsibilities the 
commenter would like States to be able to assume, the

[[Page 59717]]

commenter's specific goals for proposed assumption of additional 
authorities, changes to legislation, non-legislative actions FHWA might 
take to achieve those goals, the benefits and costs associated with the 
proposed assumption of authority, whether the proposal affects only 
FHWA or may have impacts on the responsibilities of other Federal 
agencies, the rationale and evidence to support the recommendation, and 
the roles of other stakeholders. Legislative recommendations and 
specific, actionable proposals for the revision of existing 
regulations, policies, guidance, and/or administrative practices are 
most useful. As a result, commenters are encouraged to focus on matters 
within the control of FHWA and Congress.

    Issued on: August 22, 2016.
Gregory G. Nadeau,
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration.
[FR Doc. 2016-20818 Filed 8-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-22-P



                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 168 / Tuesday, August 30, 2016 / Notices                                          59715

                                                  measures the operator has taken or                      covered by the provisions of Section                  Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
                                                  proposes to take to reduce existing non-                47506 of the Act. These functions are                 Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for
                                                  compatible uses and prevent the                         inseparable from the ultimate land use                Users (SAFETEA–LU) and the Moving
                                                  introduction of additional non-                         control and planning responsibilities of              Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century
                                                  compatible uses.                                        local government. These local                         Act (MAP–21). The FAST Act also
                                                     The FAA has completed its review of                  responsibilities are not changed in any               builds on efforts under FHWA’s Every
                                                  the noise exposure maps and                             way under Part 150 or through FAA’s                   Day Counts to accelerate delivery of
                                                  accompanying documentation                              review of noise exposure maps.                        surface transportation projects by
                                                  submitted by the Mayland Aviation                       Therefore, the responsibility for the                 institutionalizing best practices and
                                                  Administration. The documentation that                  detailed overlaying of noise exposure                 expediting complex infrastructure
                                                  constitutes the ‘‘Noise Exposure Maps’’                 contours onto the map depicting                       projects.
                                                  (NEM) as defined in Section 150.7 of                    properties on the surface rests                          The Secretary, in cooperation with the
                                                  part 150 includes: 2014 Base Year NEM                   exclusively with the airport operator                 States, must submit recommendations to
                                                  Figure (20) and 2019 Future Year NEM                    that submitted those maps, or with                    the Committee on Transportation and
                                                  Figure (21). The Noise Exposure Maps                    those public agencies and planning                    Infrastructure of the House of
                                                  contain current and forecast                            agencies with which consultation is                   Representatives and the Committee on
                                                  information, including the depiction of                 required under Section 47503 of the                   Environment and Public Works of the
                                                  the airport and its boundaries, the                     Act. The FAA has relied on the                        Senate recommendations on legislation
                                                  runway configurations, and land uses                    certification by the airport operator,                to permit the assumption of additional
                                                  such as residential, open space,                        under Section 150.21 of FAR Part 150,                 authorities by States. The FAST Act
                                                  commercial/office, community facilities,                that the statutorily required consultation            specifically asks for recommendations
                                                  libraries, churches, open space,                        has been accomplished.                                in the areas of real estate acquisition
                                                  infrastructure, vacant and warehouse                      Copies of the full noise exposure map               and project design.
                                                  and those areas within the Day Night                    documentation and of the FAA’s                           In order to implement section 1316 of
                                                  Average Sound Level (DNL) 65, 70 and                    evaluation of the maps are available for              the FAST Act, FHWA is soliciting
                                                  75 noise contours. Estimates for the area               examination at the following locations:               feedback from States and other
                                                  within these contours for the 2014 Base                                                                       stakeholders on additional authorities to
                                                                                                          Federal Aviation Administration,
                                                  Year are shown in Table 3–1 and Table                                                                         assume under title 23, including real
                                                                                                            Eastern Region, Airports Division,
                                                  15; and in Chapter 5 of the NEM.                                                                              estate acquisition and project design.
                                                                                                            AEA–600, 1 Aviation Plaza, Jamaica,
                                                  Estimates of the future residential                                                                           The FHWA will collect suggestions
                                                                                                            New York 11434.
                                                  population within the 2019 Future Year                                                                        during a 60-day period. At the end of
                                                                                                          Federal Aviation Administration,
                                                  noise contours are shown in Table 15                                                                          that period, FHWA will assess
                                                                                                            Washington Airports District Office,
                                                  and in Chapter 5 of the NEM. Figure 24                                                                        suggestions prior to providing a Report
                                                                                                            23723 Air Freight Lane, Suite 210,
                                                  displays the location of noise                                                                                to Congress.
                                                                                                            Dulles, VA 20166.
                                                  monitoring sites. Flight tracks for the
                                                                                                          Maryland Aviation Administration, 991                 DATES: Comments must be received by
                                                  existing and the five-year forecast Noise
                                                                                                            Corporate Boulevard, Linthicum, MD                  October 31, 2016.
                                                  Exposure Maps are found in Chapter 4
                                                                                                            21090.                                              ADDRESSES: To ensure that you do not
                                                  and Appendix F. The type and
                                                  frequency of aircraft operations                        FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:                      duplicate your docket submissions,
                                                  (including nighttime operations) are                    Washington Airports District Office                   please submit them by only one of the
                                                  found in Appendix C. The FAA has                        (WAS ADO), Marcus Brundage,                           following means:
                                                  determined that these noise exposure                    Environmental Protection Specialist,                     • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
                                                  maps and accompanying documentation                     Federal Aviation Administration, WAS                  http://www.regulations.gov and follow
                                                  are in compliance with applicable                       ADO, 23723 Air Freight Lane, Suite 210,               the online instructions for submitting
                                                  requirements. This determination is                     Dulles, VA 17011, Telephone: (703)                    comments.
                                                  effective on August 17, 2016.                           661–1354.                                                • Electronic Mail: Section1316FRN@
                                                     FAA’s determination on an airport                      Issued in Dulles, VA, on August 17, 2016.
                                                                                                                                                                Sharepointmail.dot.gov.
                                                  operator’s noise exposure maps is                                                                                • Mail: U.S. Department of
                                                                                                          Matthew J. Thys,
                                                  limited to a finding that the maps were                                                                       Transportation, Dockets Management
                                                                                                          Manager, Washington Airports District Office,         Facility, Room W12–140, 1200 New
                                                  developed in accordance with the                        Eastern Region.
                                                  procedures contained in Appendix A of                                                                         Jersey Ave. SE., Washington, DC 20590–
                                                                                                          [FR Doc. 2016–20795 Filed 8–29–16; 8:45 am]
                                                  FAR Part 150. Such determination does                                                                         0001.
                                                  not constitute approval of the
                                                                                                          BILLING CODE 4910–13–P                                   • Hand Delivery: West Building
                                                  applicant’s data, information or plans;                                                                       Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
                                                  or a commitment to approve a noise                                                                            New Jersey Ave. SE., between 9 a.m.
                                                                                                          DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                          5p.m., Monday through Friday, except
                                                  compatibility program or to fund the
                                                  implementation of that program. If                      Federal Highway Administration                        Federal holidays. The telephone number
                                                  questions arise concerning the precise                                                                        is (202) 366–9329.
                                                  relationship of specific properties to                  [Docket No: FHWA–2016–0018]                              All comments must include the
                                                  noise exposure contours depicted on a                                                                         docket number DOT–FHWA–2016–0018
                                                                                                          Assumption of Authorities                             at the beginning of the submission.
                                                  noise exposure map submitted under
                                                  Section 47503 of the Act, it should be                                                                        FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                          AGENCY: Federal Highway
                                                  noted that the FAA is not involved in                   Administration (FHWA); Department of                  Michael Howell, Office of Information
                                                  any way in determining the relative                     Transportation (DOT).                                 Technology Services, (202) 366–5707,
                                                  locations of specific properties with                   ACTION: Notice; request for comments.                 michael.howell@dot.gov, Federal
                                                  regard to the depicted noise contours, or                                                                     Highway Administration, 1200 New
                                                  in interpreting the noise exposure maps                 SUMMARY:   The Fixing America’s Surface               Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC
                                                  to resolve questions concerning, for                    Transportation (FAST) Act builds on the               20590, Ms. Janet Myers, Office of Chief
                                                  example, which properties should be                     authorities and requirements in the                   Counsel, 202–366–2019,


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                                                  59716                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 168 / Tuesday, August 30, 2016 / Notices

                                                  janet.myers@dot.gov, Federal Highway                    design, plans, specifications, estimates,             estate acquisition and project design.
                                                  Administration, 1200 New Jersey                         contract awards, and inspections. For                 The intent of this Notice is to seek
                                                  Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, or                    projects that receive funding under title             feedback on ways in which FHWA
                                                  Ms. Cynthia Essenmacher, Office of                      23, U.S.C., and are on the National                   could change existing regulations,
                                                  Infrastructure (Detail), Federal Highway                Highway System (NHS), including                       policies, guidance, and/or
                                                  Administration, 315 W. Allegan St., Ste.                projects on the Interstate System, the                administrative practices to better reflect
                                                  201, Lansing, MI 48913, (517) 702–1839,                 State may assume the responsibilities                 the legislative purpose of section 1316,
                                                  cynthia.essenmacher@dot.gov, Office                     unless FHWA, acting under a delegation                and to seek suggestions on legislative
                                                  Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,                  of authority from the Secretary,                      changes meeting the requirements of
                                                  e.t., Monday through Friday, except                     determines that the assumption is not                 section 1316(b) of the FAST Act.
                                                  Federal holidays.                                       appropriate (23 U.S.C. 106(c)(1)). For                Section 1316(b) requires the Secretary,
                                                  SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              non-NHS projects, States must assume                  in cooperation with the States, to submit
                                                                                                          such responsibilities (23 U.S.C.                      recommendations for legislation to
                                                  I. Background                                           106(c)(2)).                                           permit the assumption of additional
                                                     The FAST Act builds on the                              Section 106(c)(3) requires FHWA and                authorities by States, including with
                                                  authorities and requirements in                         the SDOT to enter into an agreement                   respect to real estate acquisition and
                                                  SAFETEA–LU and MAP–21, and on                           relating to the extent to which the SDOT              project design. This notice gives States
                                                  efforts under FHWA’s Every Day Counts                   assumes project and program                           and other stakeholders an opportunity
                                                  in an effort to accelerate delivery of                  responsibilities. This Stewardship and                to share comments and make
                                                  surface transportation projects by                      Oversight Agreement (S&O Agreement)                   recommendations to allow further State
                                                  institutionalizing best practices and                   includes information on which entity is               assumption of authorities for any project
                                                  expediting complex infrastructure                       responsible for specific project                      phase.
                                                  projects. This includes promoting the                   approvals and related responsibilities.
                                                                                                          The S&O Agreement also contains                       III. Request for Comments
                                                  transition from FHWA project-level
                                                  ‘‘full-oversight’’ of the Federal-aid                   provisions relating to FHWA oversight                    In accordance with section 1316 of
                                                  highway program (FAHP) to a risk-based                  of the FAHP, as part of the oversight                 the FAST Act, FHWA seeks input from
                                                  approach to FHWA oversight activities.                  program required by 23 U.S.C. 106(g).                 States and other stakeholders on what
                                                  The FHWA’s use of a risk-based                             In 2015 and 2016, all S&O                          legislation, regulations, or policy they
                                                  approach to stewardship and oversight                   Agreements with the SDOTs were                        believe would accelerate project
                                                  is intended to optimize the successful                  updated and executed. The new S&O                     delivery. Recommendations may
                                                  delivery of projects and to ensure                      Agreements contain specific project and               address any aspect of the FAHP,
                                                  compliance with Federal requirements                    program level assumptions of                          including, but not limited to, project
                                                  by focusing FHWA resources on                           responsibilities agreed upon between                  design, real estate acquisition, plans,
                                                  activities with the highest potential                   FHWA and the respective SDOTs                         specifications, estimates, contract
                                                  impacts on the success of the FAHP.                     (Attachment A). Examples of                           awards, and inspection of projects, on
                                                     Section 1316(a) of the FAST Act                      responsibilities assumed by some States               both a project-specific and
                                                  directs the Secretary of Transportation                 include approvals and related                         programmatic basis.
                                                  to use the authority under 23 U.S.C.                    responsibilities affecting real property                 The FHWA is soliciting feedback from
                                                  106(c) to the maximum extent                            as provided in 23 CFR 710.201(i) and                  States and other stakeholders on
                                                  practicable to allow a State to assume                  any successor regulation in 23 CFR part               additional authorities States may wish
                                                  the responsibilities described in 23                    710.                                                  to assume under title 23, including real
                                                  U.S.C. 106(c) on both a project-specific                   The agreements also include a broader              estate acquisition and project design.
                                                  and programmatic basis. Section 1316 of                 list of title 23 program actions and                  The FHWA’s goal is to understand
                                                  the FAST Act seeks to expand the use                    agency points of contact (Attachment B).              which additional authorities of the
                                                  of the 23 U.S.C. 106(c) authority for                   In addition, some States have assumed                 Secretary States might wish to assume,
                                                  State assumption of responsibilities, and               authorities under other statutory                     and what revisions to existing
                                                  to solicit legislative recommendations                  provisions, such as National                          legislation, regulations, policies,
                                                  for additional authorities for State                    Environmental Policy Act categorical                  guidance and/or administrative
                                                  assumption. Assumption is a key part of                 exclusion approval actions assigned                   practices are needed to permit such
                                                  the transition to risk-based oversight of               though a programmatic agreement                       assumptions. Specifically, FHWA
                                                  the FAHP. The Secretary, in cooperation                 pursuant to Section 1318(d) of MAP–21                 welcomes suggestions on:
                                                  with the States, must submit                            and 23 CFR 771.117(g).                                   (1) Additional authorities States could
                                                  recommendations to the Committee on                        Commenters may wish to consider                    assume for project plans, specifications,
                                                  Transportation and Infrastructure of the                Attachments A & B, as well as other                   estimates, contract awards, and
                                                  House of Representatives and the                        authorities that presently permit or                  inspection of projects,
                                                  Committee on Environment and Public                     prohibit State assumption, when                          (2) Additional authorities States could
                                                  Works of the Senate recommendations                     developing their comments on                          assume for the real estate acquisition
                                                  on legislation to permit the assumption                 additional authorities for SDOTs to                   and project design process, and
                                                  of additional authorities by States. The                assume. The S&O Agreements are                           (3) Additional project or program
                                                  FAST Act specifically asks for                          available at the following Web site:                  level authorities, including new laws,
                                                  recommendations in the areas of real                    http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/federalaid/                   regulations and policies, that would
                                                  estate acquisition and project design.                                                                        accelerate project delivery.
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                          stewardship/.
                                                     The FHWA may not assign its                                                                                   Commenters are encouraged to
                                                  decisionmaking responsibilities to a                    II. Objectives of This Notice                         address any or all of the areas above. In
                                                  State department of transportation                         The FHWA is soliciting feedback from               responding, commenters may wish to
                                                  (SDOT) unless authorized by law.                        States and other stakeholders on                      address: Current assumptions contained
                                                  Section 106(c) of title 23, United States               additional authorities to permit States to            in State S&O agreements, the additional
                                                  Code (U.S.C.), authorizes the State to                  assume responsibilities of the Secretary              responsibilities the commenter would
                                                  assume project responsibilities for                     under title 23, U.S.C., including real                like States to be able to assume, the


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                                                                               Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 168 / Tuesday, August 30, 2016 / Notices                                          59717

                                                  commenter’s specific goals for proposed                 FHWA–2016–0020 by any one of the                      vehicle safety, public transportation,
                                                  assumption of additional authorities,                   following methods:                                    motor carrier safety, hazardous
                                                  changes to legislation, non-legislative                    Fax: 1–202–493–2251;                               materials safety, rail, and research,
                                                  actions FHWA might take to achieve                         Mail: U.S. Department of                           technology and statistics programs.
                                                  those goals, the benefits and costs                     Transportation, Docket Operations, M–                    Section 1421 of the FAST Act,
                                                  associated with the proposed                            30, West Building Ground Floor, Room                  ‘‘Productive and Timely Expenditure of
                                                  assumption of authority, whether the                    W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                  Funds,’’ states that the Secretary shall
                                                  proposal affects only FHWA or may                       Washington, DC 20590;                                 develop guidance that encourages the
                                                  have impacts on the responsibilities of                    Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of                  use of programmatic approaches to
                                                  other Federal agencies, the rationale and               Transportation, Docket Operations,                    project delivery, expedited and prudent
                                                  evidence to support the                                 West Building Ground Floor, Room                      procurement techniques, and other best
                                                  recommendation, and the roles of other                  W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                  practices to facilitate productive,
                                                  stakeholders. Legislative                               Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.                  effective, and timely expenditure of
                                                  recommendations and specific,                           and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,                    funds for projects eligible for funding
                                                  actionable proposals for the revision of                except Federal holidays; or                           under title 23, United States Code. The
                                                  existing regulations, policies, guidance,               electronically through the Federal                    Secretary is directed to work with States
                                                  and/or administrative practices are most                eRulemaking Portal: http://                           to ensure that any guidance developed
                                                  useful. As a result, commenters are                     www.regulations.gov. Follow the online                under section 1421(a) is consistently
                                                  encouraged to focus on matters within                   instructions for submitting comments.                 implemented by States and the Federal
                                                  the control of FHWA and Congress.                          Instructions: All submissions must                 Highway Administration to avoid
                                                                                                          include the agency name, docket name                  unnecessary delays in completing
                                                    Issued on: August 22, 2016.
                                                                                                          and docket number for this notice                     projects; minimize cost overruns; and
                                                  Gregory G. Nadeau,                                                                                            ensure the effective use of Federal
                                                                                                          (FHWA–2016–0020). The DOT posts
                                                  Administrator, Federal Highway                                                                                funding.
                                                  Administration.
                                                                                                          these comments, without edit, including
                                                                                                          any personal information the                             For the purposes of section 1421,
                                                  [FR Doc. 2016–20818 Filed 8–29–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                          commenter provides, to                                FHWA interprets the term
                                                  BILLING CODE 4910–22–P
                                                                                                          www.regulations.gov, as described in                  ‘‘programmatic approach’’ to mean a
                                                                                                          the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–                method, procedure, tool, or technique
                                                                                                          14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at                    that promotes increased efficiency by
                                                  DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION                                                                                  taking advantage of economy of scale
                                                                                                          www.dot.gov/privacy.
                                                                                                             Docket: For access to the docket to                (e.g., a construction contract that
                                                  Federal Highway Administration                                                                                provides for the replacement of bridges
                                                                                                          read background documents or
                                                                                                                                                                at multiple locations in lieu-of separate
                                                  [FHWA Docket No. FHWA–2016–0020]                        comments received, go to http://
                                                                                                                                                                contracts for each bridge). The term
                                                                                                          www.regulations.gov at any time or to
                                                                                                                                                                ‘‘programmatic agreement’’ means an
                                                  Fixing America’s Surface                                U.S. Department of Transportation,
                                                                                                                                                                agreement that sets procedures for
                                                  Transportation Act—Productive and                       Docket Operations, M–30, West
                                                                                                                                                                consultation, review, and compliance
                                                  Timely Expenditure of Funds                             Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
                                                                                                                                                                with Federal laws. Programmatic
                                                                                                          1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
                                                  AGENCY: Federal Highway                                                                                       agreements allow repetitive actions to
                                                                                                          Washington, DC 20950, between 9 a.m.
                                                  Administration (FHWA), Department of                                                                          be handled on a program basis rather
                                                                                                          and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
                                                  Transportation (DOT).                                                                                         than on a project-by-project basis (e.g.,
                                                                                                          except Federal holidays.
                                                  ACTION: Notice; request for comments.                                                                         an agreement between a State
                                                                                                          FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.                  department of transportation and an
                                                  SUMMARY:   By this notice, FHWA                         Gerald Yakowenko, FHWA Office of                      FHWA Division Office concerning the
                                                  announces a new Web site providing                      Program Administration, 202–366–1562,                 roles and responsibilities associated
                                                  information and guidance on the use of                  or via email at gerald.yakowenko@                     with review and approval of changes in
                                                  programmatic approaches to project                      dot.gov. For legal questions, please                  Interstate-System Access). Programmatic
                                                  delivery in accordance with section                     contact Ms. Jennifer Mayo, FHWA                       approaches may include programmatic
                                                  1421 of the Fixing America’s Surface                    Office of the Chief Counsel, 202–366–                 agreements.
                                                  Transportation (FAST) Act (‘‘Productive                 1523, or via email at jennifer.mayo@                     The FHWA invites public comment
                                                  and Timely Expenditure of Funds’’).                     dot.gov. Office hours for the FHWA are                on the following:
                                                  The FHWA requests comments on what                      from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., ET, Monday                     1. As it relates to section 1421, what
                                                  procedures, techniques, programmatic                    through Friday, except Federal holidays.              procedures, techniques, programmatic
                                                  approaches, or best practices should be                 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                            approaches, or best practices should be
                                                  considered for inclusion on the Web                                                                           considered for inclusion on the Web
                                                                                                          Electronic Access
                                                  site. In addition, FHWA is requesting                                                                         site?
                                                  comment on any information resources                      An electronic copy of this document                    2. What information resources are
                                                  that are readily available regarding                    may be downloaded from the Federal                    readily available that will provide
                                                  practices and procedures that avoid                     Register’s home page at: http://                      documentation regarding procedures
                                                  unnecessary delays, minimize cost                       www.archives.gov and the Government                   that avoid unnecessary delays,
                                                  overruns, and ensure the effective use of               Printing Office’s database at: http://                minimize cost overruns, and ensure the
                                                                                                                                                                effective use of funds?
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES




                                                  Federal funds.                                          www.access.gpo.gov/nara.
                                                                                                                                                                   An example list of resources is
                                                  DATES: Comments must be received on                     Background                                            available at the following Web site:
                                                  or before October 31, 2016. Late                          On December 4, 2015, President                      http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/construction/
                                                  comments will be considered to the                      Obama signed into law the FAST Act.                   contracts/section1421.cfm. The FHWA
                                                  extent practicable.                                     The FAST Act authorizes $305 billion                  will consider posting information
                                                  ADDRESSES:  You may submit comments                     over fiscal years 2016 through 2020 for               regarding the recommended procedures,
                                                  identified by the docket number                         DOT’s highway, highway and motor                      techniques, programmatic approaches,


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Document Created: 2018-02-09 11:42:29
Document Modified: 2018-02-09 11:42:29
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice; request for comments.
DatesComments must be received by October 31, 2016.
ContactMr. Michael Howell, Office of Information Technology Services, (202) 366-5707, [email protected], Federal Highway Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, Ms. Janet Myers, Office of Chief Counsel, 202-366-2019, [email protected], Federal Highway Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, or Ms. Cynthia Essenmacher, Office of Infrastructure (Detail), Federal Highway Administration, 315 W. Allegan St., Ste. 201, Lansing, MI 48913, (517) 702-1839, [email protected], Office Hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
FR Citation81 FR 59715 

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