Extension of Approved Information Collection, OMB Number 1004- 0153

In accordance with 5 CFR 1320.8(d), BLM is required to provide 60-day notice in the Federal Register concerning a proposed collection of information to solicit comments on (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Section 209 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), 43 U.S.C. 1719, states that the Secretary of the Interior may convey mineral interests owned by the United States where the surface is or will be in non-federal ownership if he finds that there are no known mineral values in the land or that the reservation of the mineral rights in the United States is interfering with or precluding appropriate non-mineral development is a more beneficial use of the land than mineral development. BLM adopted implementing regulations at 43 CFR Part 2720 in 1979 (44 FR 1342, January 4, 1979) and amended them in 1986 (51 FR 9657, March 20, 1986). The regulations establish a procedure whereby any individual seeking to acquire the federally owned (reserved) mineral interest underlying their surface must make application and provide information essential to compliance with the law, regulations, and procedures. The regulations at 43 CFR 2720.1-2 specify what information must be included in the application in narrative form: Name, address, and phone number. The name, mailing address, and telephone number of the existing or prospective record title owner of the land is necessary to identify and locate the individual for transacting business and communication. The phone number is necessary for direct communication with the applicant. Proof of ownership. Proof of ownership of land included in the application is necessary to assure the applicant is the record title owner of the surface. In the case of a prospective owner, the application must include a copy of the contract or a statement describing the method by which ownership will be obtained. Supporting survey evidence. The applicant must include a copy of any patent or other instrument conveying the land included in the application, with supporting survey information. This information is necessary to legally describe the land in the application. Statement. The applicant must include a statement concerning: (1) The nature of the federally owned or reserved mineral values in the land, (2) the existing and proposed uses of the land, (3) why the mineral reservation is interfering with or precluding appropriate non- mineral development of the land, (4) how and why such development would be a more beneficial use than mineral development, and (5) a showing that the proposed use complies or will comply with state and local zoning or planning requirements. This information is necessary to assure that the application meets statutory requirements for receiving benefits. BLM uses the information collected to analyze and approve applications for purchase of federally owned mineral interests. If the information required by 43 CFR 2720.1-2 was not collected, BLM would be unable to carry out the mandate of Section 209 of FLPMA, and beneficial development of the surface would be precluded. Based on its experience administering the regulations at 43 CFR Part 2720, BLM estimates that the public reporting burden for the information collection is 8 hours per application. The respondents are non-federal owners of the surface of the land in which the mineral interests are reserved or otherwise owned by the United States who seek to acquire those mineral interests. The frequency of response is one per application. BLM estimates that 29 applications for conveyance of federally owned mineral interests will be filed annually. The estimated total annual burden on respondents is collectively 232 hours. We will summarize all responses to this notice and include them in the

request for Office of Management and Budget approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.

Dated: April 5, 1999. Carole J. Smith, Bureau of Land Management Information Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 99-9555 Filed 4-15-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-84-M