[Federal Register: June 28, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 124)]
[Notices]
[Page 36756-36757]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr28jn06-50]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Census Bureau
2007 Economic Census of the Island Areas
ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort
to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public
and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on
proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C.
3506(c)(2)(A)).
DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before August 28, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th
and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet
at DHynek@doc.gov).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions
should be directed to Lee R. Wentela, U.S. Census Bureau, Room 1183,
Building 3, Washington, DC 20233-6400 (301-763-7270 or via the Internet
at lee.r.wentela@census.gov).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Abstract
The economic census, conducted under authority of Title 13, United
States Code (U.S.C.), is the primary source of facts about the
structure and functioning of the United States economy, including
Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin
Islands, and American Samoa. The economic census, is the primary source
of dependable facts about each of the island areas' economies, and
features the only recognized source of data at a geographic level
equivalent to U.S. counties. Economic census statistics for the island
areas serve to benchmark estimates of local net income and gross
product, and provide essential information for government (Federal and
local), business, and the general public. Economic data are the Census
Bureau's primary program commitment during nondecennial census years.
The 2007 Economic Census of the Island Areas will cover the following
sectors (as defined by the North American Industry Classification
System (NAICS)): Mining, Utilities, Construction, Manufacturing;
Wholesale and Retail Trades, Transportation and Warehousing,
Information; Finance and Insurance; Real Estate and Rental and Leasing;
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services; Management of
Companies and Enterprises; Administrative and Support, Waste Management
and Remediation Services, Educational Services; Health Care and Social
Assistance; Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation; Accommodation and Food
Services, and Other Services (except Public Administration). This scope
is equivalent to that of the stateside economic census. The information
collected will produce basic statistics by kind of business on the
number of establishments, sales/shipments/receipts/revenue, payroll,
and employment. It will also yield a variety of industry-specific
statistics, including sales/receipts by commodity/ merchandise/receipt
line, sales/shipments by class of customer, inventories, and number of
hotel rooms. Primary strategies for reducing burden in Census Bureau
economic data collections are to increase reporting through
standardized questionnaires and broader electronic data collection
methods.
II. Method of Collection
The 2007 Economic Census of the Island Areas will be conducted
using mailout/mailback procedures. Establishments will be selected from
the Census Bureau's Business Register. An establishment will be
included in the 2007 Economic Census of Island Areas if: (a) It is
engaged in any of the sectors within the scope of the census listed
above; (b) it is an active operating establishment with payroll; and
(c) it is located in Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands,
the U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa. Generally, non-employer
establishments are excluded from the Economic Census of the Island
Areas. However, non-employer establishments are included in the data
collection in American Samoa due to the unique structure of the economy
for this area as well as the lack of economic statistics. The data for
non-employer establishments in American Samoa will be collected through
an enumeration conducted by employees of the government of American
Samoa. This enumeration will follow guidelines provided by the Census
Bureau, which will include the requirement that all staff are sworn to
uphold all confidentiality requirements of Title 13, U.S.C.
III. Data
OMB Number: Not available.
Form Number: The forms used to collect information in Puerto Rico
are tailored to specific industries or groups of industries. Puerto
Rico forms are available in English as well as Spanish. Only one form,
covering all economic activity within the scope of the census, is used
for each of the remaining areas. The forms are too numerous to list
individually in this notice. The contact named above can provide
interested parties with complete information on the forms to be
included in this information collection.
Type of Review: Regular review.
Affected Public: Local governments, businesses, or other for profit
or nonprofit institutions or organizations.
Estimated Number of Respondents: Puerto Rico 50,000; Guam 3,250;
Northern Mariana Islands 1,500; U.S. Virgin Islands 3,000; American
Samoa 1,250 (includes non-employers); Total 59,000.
[[Page 36757]]
Estimated Time per Response: Puerto Rico 1 hour; Guam 30 minutes;
Northern Mariana Islands 30 minutes; U.S. Virgin Islands 30 minutes;
American Samoa 30 minutes.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 54,500.
Estimated Total Annual Cost: $1,344,515.
Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
Legal Authority: Title 13, U.S.C. 131 and 224.
IV. Request for Comments
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of
the agency, including whether the information shall have practical
utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;
(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 respondents, including through the use of
automated collection techniques or other forms of information
technology.
Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.
Dated: June 22, 2006.
Madeleine Clayton,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. E6-10145 Filed 6-27-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P