Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities: Notice of Request for Reinstatement of a Previously Approved Information Collection
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Federal Highway Administration wants to start collecting some information from states again, and they are asking people to tell them what they think about it by May 12, 2025. This is like when you ask your friends if it's okay to use their toys before you play with them.
Summary AI
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), part of the Department of Transportation, has requested the reinstatement of a previously approved information collection related to state right-of-way acquisition data. This process follows the guidelines of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Interested parties are invited to provide public comments by May 12, 2025. The collection aims to gather annual reports from 56 respondents, including state transportation departments and territories, estimating a total annual burden of about 280 hours.
Abstract
The FHWA has forwarded the information collection request described in this notice to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to reinstate a previously approved information collection. We are required to publish this notice in the Federal Register by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is a formal notice seeking public comments on the reinstatement of a previously approved information collection activity. The purpose of this request is to gather annual state right-of-way acquisition data, which aligns with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This act mandates federal agencies to obtain approval before collecting certain kinds of information from the public to avoid unnecessary burdens.
Summary of the Document
The document outlines plans by the FHWA to collect annual reports from 56 respondents, including state transportation departments and U.S. territories. Each respondent is expected to provide specific data about their acquisition activities as part of a federally mandated summary report. The submission deadline for public comments is May 12, 2025.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues arise from the document that could potentially impact comprehension and participation from stakeholders and the broader public:
Purpose and Outcome Clarity: The document does not clearly communicate the purpose of collecting this data or the intended use. A clearer understanding of the expected outcomes or benefits would be helpful.
Data Utilization and Privacy: There is no mention of how the collected information will be used or how privacy and data protection will be ensured. These are critical concerns that need addressing to engage stakeholders effectively.
Workload Estimation Transparency: While the total annual burden is estimated at 280 hours, detailed calculations or a breakdown of these hours are lacking. Such detailed information would help respondents better understand their workload.
Public Comment Process: The invitation for public comments does not provide specific details on the format or mechanisms for feedback, which could deter participation. Moreover, there is no clarity on how public feedback will be integrated into the policy-making process.
Context for Legal References: The document references specific laws and acts without providing explanations. Including brief context or explanations would make the document more accessible to those unfamiliar with these references.
Impact on the Public
The request for information could have varying impacts. On a broad level, the public might perceive this effort as a routine governmental data collection; however, the underlying implications could affect how transportation projects are managed concerning real estate services.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For state transportation departments and territories, the requirement signifies an additional reporting responsibility. This could be seen as either an administrative burden or a positive step toward more standardized data management in real estate acquisitions, depending on the implementation process and the support provided by the FHWA.
Without clear guidance on these concerns, stakeholders might feel burdened or unclear about their role in the process, potentially impacting their willingness to comply and collaborate. More transparent communication and supportive resources from the FHWA could mitigate these impacts.
Overall, while the effort to solicit public commentary reflects transparency in federal operations, addressing these issues could enhance understanding, participation, and overall effectiveness of the information collection process.
Issues
• The document does not specify the purpose or outcome expected from the data collection, making it unclear why this activity is necessary or beneficial.
• There is no explanation as to how the information collected will be used or who will benefit from it, making it difficult to assess its value.
• The document does not provide any information on how the collected data will be protected or how the privacy of respondents will be maintained.
• The burden hours estimation (280 hours total annually) is mentioned without any specific breakdown on how this was calculated, which may make it unclear or confusing to stakeholders assessing the workload.
• The language around the invitation for public comments is somewhat vague and does not specify a clear mechanism or format for submitting feedback, which could discourage public participation.
• There is no mention of how or whether the feedback (comments) received during the public comment period will be used or potentially alter the information collection process or policy.
• The document references laws and amendments (e.g., Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act) without providing a brief explanation or context, which could make it difficult for individuals unfamiliar with these references to fully understand the implications.