[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 144 (Wednesday, July 28, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44158-44162]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-18460]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Surface Transportation Board
49 CFR Part 1002
[Docket No. EP 542 (Sub-No. 17)]
Regulations Governing Fees for Services Performed in Connection
With Licensing and Related Services--2010 Update
AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board, DOT.
ACTION: Final rules.
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SUMMARY: The Board adopts its 2010 User-Fee Update and revises its fee
schedule to reflect increased costs associated with the January 2010
government salary increases, to reflect government fringe benefits, and
to consider changes to the Board's overhead costs.
DATES: Effective Date: These rules are effective on August 27, 2010.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David T. Groves, (202) 245-0327, or
Anne Quinlan, (202) 245-0309. [TDD for the hearing impaired: 1-800-877-
8339.]
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board's regulations at 49 CFR 1002.3
provide for annual updates of the Board's User-Fee schedule. Fees are
generally revised based on the cost-study formula set forth at 49 CFR
[[Page 44159]]
1002.3(d). The fee changes adopted here, which reflect a combination of
the increased wage costs plus changes to various Board overhead costs
(mainly decreases from their comparable 2009 levels), result from the
mechanical application of the update formula in 49 CFR 1002.3(d).
Application of the formula generally results in fee amounts in this
2010 update that either remain unchanged or decrease from their
respective 2009 update levels. No new fees are proposed in this
proceeding. Therefore, the Board finds that notice and comment are
unnecessary for this proceeding. See Regulations Governing Fees For
Services--1990 Update, 7 I.C.C.2d 3 (1990); Regulations Governing Fees
For Services--1991 Update, 8 I.C.C.2d 13 (1991); and Regulations
Governing Fees For Services--1993 Update, 9 I.C.C.2d 855 (1993).
The Board concludes that the fee changes adopted here will not have
a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities
because the Board's regulations provide for waiver of filing fees for
those entities that can make the required showing of financial
hardship.
Additional information is contained in the Board's decision. To
obtain a free copy of the full decision, visit the Board's Web site at
http://www.stb.dot.gov or call the Board's Information Officer at (202)
245-0245. [Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through
Federal Information Relay Services (FIRS): (800) 877-8339.]
List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 1002
Administrative practice and procedure, Common carriers, and Freedom
of information.
Decided: July 22, 2010.
By the Board, Chairman Elliott, Vice Chairman Mulvey, and
Comissioner Nottingham.
Jeffrey Herzig,
Clearance Clerk.
0
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, title 49, chapter X, part
1002, of the Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:
PART 1002--FEES
0
1. The authority citation for part 1002 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(A) and 553; 31 U.S.C. 9701 and 49
U.S.C. 721(a).
0
2. Section 1002.1 is amended by revising paragraphs (b) and (c);
paragraph (f)(1); the table in paragraph (g)(6); to read as follows:
Sec. 1002.1 Fees for record search, review, copying, certification,
and related services.
* * * * *
(b) Service involved in examination of tariffs or schedules for
preparation of certified copies of tariffs or schedules or extracts
therefrom at the rate of $41.00 per hour.
(c) Service involved in checking records to be certified to
determine authenticity, including clerical work, etc., identical
thereto, at the rate of $28.00 per hour.
* * * * *
(f) * * *
(1) A fee of $71.00 per hour for professional staff time will be
charged when it is required to fulfill a request for ADP data.
* * * * *
(g) * * *
(6) * * *
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Grade Rate Grade Rate
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GS-1...................................... $12.01 GS-9........................ $28.04
GS-2...................................... 13.07 GS-10....................... 30.88
GS-3...................................... 14.73 GS-11....................... 33.92
GS-4...................................... 16.54 GS-12....................... 40.66
GS-5...................................... 18.50 GS-13....................... 48.21
GS-6...................................... 20.63 GS-14....................... 57.13
GS-7...................................... 22.92 GS-15 and over.............. 67.21
GS-8...................................... 25.38
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0
3. In Sec. 1002.2, paragraph (f) is revised as follows:
Sec. 1002.2 Filing fees.
(a) * * *
(f) Schedule of filing fees.
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Type of proceeding Fee
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PART I: Non-Rail Applications or Proceedings to Enter Upon a Particular
Financial Transaction or Joint Arrangement
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(1) An application for the $4,400.
pooling or division of traffic.
(2)(i) An application involving $2,000.
the purchase, lease,
consolidation, merger, or
acquisition of control of a
motor carrier of passengers
under 49 U.S.C. 14303.
(ii) A petition for exemption $3,200.
under 49 U.S.C. 13541 (other
than a rulemaking) filed by a
non-rail carrier not otherwise
covered.
(iii) A petition to revoke an $2,600.
exemption filed under 49 U.S.C.
13541(d).
(3) An application for approval $27,600.
of a non-rail rate association
agreement. 49 U.S.C. 13703.
(4) An application for approval
of an amendment to a non-rail
rate association agreement:
(i) Significant amendment.... $4,600.
(ii) Minor amendment......... $100.
(5) An application for temporary $500.
authority to operate a motor
carrier of passengers. 49 U.S.C.
14303(i)
(6) A notice of exemption for $1,700.
transaction within a motor
passenger corporate family that
does not result in adverse
changes in service levels,
significant operational changes,
or a change in the competitive
balance with motor passenger
carriers outside the corporate
family.
(7)-(10) [Reserved]
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PART II: Rail Licensing Proceedings other than Abandonment or
Discontinuance Proceedings
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(11) (i) An application for a $7,200.
certificate authorizing the
extension, acquisition, or
operation of lines of railroad.
49 U.S.C. 10901.
[[Page 44160]]
(ii) Notice of exemption $1,800.
under 49 CFR.
1150.31-1150.35..............
(iii) Petition for exemption $12,500.
under 49 U.S.C. 10502.
(12) (i) An application involving $74,500.
the construction of a rail line.
(ii) A notice of exemption $1,800.
involving construction of a
rail line under 49 CFR
1150.36.
(iii) A petition for $74,500.
exemption under 49 U.S.C.
10502 involving construction
of a rail line.
(iv) A request for $250.
determination of a dispute
involving a rail
construction that crosses
the line of another carrier
under 49 U.S.C. 10902(d).
(13) A Feeder Line Development $2,600.
Program application filed under
49 U.S.C. 10907(b)(1)(A)(i) or
10907(b)(1)(A)(ii).
(14)(i) An application of a class $6,200.
II or class III carrier to
acquire an extended or
additional rail line under 49
U.S.C. 10902.
(ii) Notice of exemption $1,800.
under 49 CFR 1150.41-1150.45.
(iii) Petition for exemption $6,600.
under 49 U.S.C. 10502
relating to an exemption
from the provisions of 49
U.S.C. 10902.
(15) A notice of a modified $1,700.
certificate of public
convenience and necessity under
49 CFR 1150.21-1150.24.
(16) An application for a land- $6,000.
use-exemption permit for a
facility existing as of October
16, 2008 under 49 U.S.C. 10909.
(17) An application for a land- $21,100.
use-exemption permit for a
facility not existing as of
October 16, 2008 under 49 U.S.C.
10909.
(18)-(20) [Reserved]
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PART III: Rail Abandonment or Discontinuance of Transportation Services
Proceedings
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(21)(i) An application for $22,100.
authority to abandon all or a
portion of a line of railroad or
discontinue operation thereof
filed by a railroad (except
applications filed by
Consolidated Rail Corporation
pursuant to the Northeast Rail
Service Act [Subtitle E of Title
XI of Pub. L. 97-35], bankrupt
railroads, or exempt
abandonments).
(ii) Notice of an exempt $3,600.
abandonment or
discontinuance under 49 CFR
1152.50.
(iii) A petition for $6,300.
exemption under 49 U.S.C.
10502.
(22) An application for authority $450.
to abandon all or a portion of a
line of a railroad or operation
thereof filed by Consolidated
Rail Corporation pursuant to
Northeast Rail Service Act.
(23) Abandonments filed by $1,800.
bankrupt railroads.
(24) A request for waiver of $1,800.
filing requirements for
abandonment application
proceedings.
(25) An offer of financial $1,500.
assistance under 49 U.S.C. 10904
relating to the purchase of or
subsidy for a rail line proposed
for abandonment.
(26) A request to set terms and $22,600.
conditions for the sale of or
subsidy for a rail line proposed
to be abandoned.
(27) (i) A request for a trail $250.
use condition in an abandonment
proceeding under 16
U.S.C.1247(d).
(ii) A request to extend the $450.
period to negotiate a trail
use agreement.
(28)-(35) [Reserved]
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PART IV: Rail Applications to Enter Upon a Particular Financial
Transaction or Joint Arrangement
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(36) An application for use of $18,900.
terminal facilities or other
applications under 49 U.S.C.
11102.
(37) An application for the $10,200.
pooling or division of traffic.
49 U.S.C. 11322.
(38) An application for two or .....................................
more carriers to consolidate or
merge their properties or
franchises (or a part thereof)
into one corporation for
ownership, management, and
operation of the properties
previously in separate
ownership. 49 U.S.C. 11324:
(i) Major transaction........ $1,489,900.
(ii) Significant transaction. $298,000.
(iii) Minor transaction...... $7,500.
(iv) Notice of an exempt $1,700.
transaction under 49 CFR
1180.2(d).
(v) Responsive application... $7,500.
(vi) Petition for exemption $9,300.
under 49 U.S.C. 10502.
(vii) A request for waiver or $5,500.
clarification of regulations
filed in a major financial
proceeding as defined at 49
CFR 1180.2(a).
(39) An application of a non- .....................................
carrier to acquire control of
two or more carriers through
ownership of stock or otherwise.
49 U.S.C. 11324:
(i) Major transaction........ $1,489,900.
(ii) Significant transaction. $298,000.
(iii) Minor transaction...... $7,500.
(iv) A notice of an exempt $1,300.
transaction under 49 CFR
1180.2(d).
(v) Responsive application... $7,500.
(vi) Petition for exemption $9,300.
under 49 U.S.C. 10502.
(vii) A request for waiver or $5,500.
clarification of regulations
filed in a major financial
proceeding as defined at 49
CFR 1180.2(a).
(40) An application to acquire .....................................
trackage rights over, joint
ownership in, or joint use of
any railroad lines owned and
operated by any other carrier
and terminals incidental
thereto. 49 U.S.C. 11324:
(i) Major transaction........ $1,489,900.
(ii) Significant transaction. $298,000.
(iii) Minor transaction...... $7,500.
(iv) Notice of an exempt $1,200.
transaction under 49 CFR
1180.2(d).
(v) Responsive application... $7,500.
(vi) Petition for exemption $9,300.
under 49 U.S.C. 10502.
(vii) A request for waiver or $5,500.
clarification of regulations
filed in a major financial
proceeding as defined at 49
CFR 1180.2(a).
[[Page 44161]]
(41) An application of a carrier .....................................
or carriers to purchase, lease,
or contract to operate the
properties of another, or to
acquire control of another by
purchase of stock or otherwise.
49 U.S.C. 11324:
(i) Major transaction........ $1,489,900.
(ii) Significant transaction. $298,000.
(iii) Minor transaction...... $7,500.
(iv) Notice of an exempt $1,400.
transaction under 49 CFR
1180.2(d).
(v) Responsive application... $7,500.
(vi) Petition for exemption $6,600.
under 49 U.S.C. 10502.
(vii) A request for waiver or $5,500.
clarification of regulations
filed in a major financial
proceeding as defined at 49
CFR 1180.2(a).
(42) Notice of a joint project $2,400.
involving relocation of a rail
line under 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(5).
(43) An application for approval $69,700.
of a rail rate association
agreement. 49 U.S.C. 10706.
(44) An application for approval
of an amendment to a rail rate
association agreement. 49 U.S.C.
10706:
(i) Significant amendment.... $12,900.
(ii) Minor amendment......... $100.
(45) An application for authority $750.
to hold a position as officer or
director under 49 U.S.C. 11328.
(46) A petition for exemption $8,000.
under 49 U.S.C. 10502 (other
than a rulemaking) filed by rail
carrier not otherwise covered.
(47) National Railroad Passenger $250.
Corporation (Amtrak) conveyance
proceeding under 45 U.S.C. 562.
(48) National Railroad Passenger $250.
Corporation (Amtrak)
compensation proceeding under
Section 402(a) of the Rail
Passenger Service Act.
(49)-(55) [Reserved]
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PART V: Formal Proceedings
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(56) A formal complaint alleging .....................................
unlawful rates or practices of
carriers:.
(i) A formal complaint filed $350.
under the coal rate
guidelines (Stand-Alone Cost
Methodology) alleging
unlawful rates and/or
practices of rail carriers
under 49 U.S.C. 10704(c)(1).
(ii) A formal complaint $350.
involving rail maximum rates
filed under the Simplified-
SAC methodology.
(iii) A formal complaint $150.
involving rail maximum rates
filed under the Three
Benchmark methodology.
(iv) All other formal $20,600.
complaints (except
competitive access
complaints).
(v) Competitive access $150.
complaints.
(vi) A request for an order $250.
compelling a rail carrier to
establish a common carrier
rate.
(57) A complaint seeking or a $8,800.
petition requesting institution
of an investigation seeking the
prescription or division of
joint rates or charges. 49
U.S.C. 10705.
(58) A petition for declaratory .....................................
order:
(i) A petition for $1,000.
declaratory order involving
a dispute over an existing
rate or practice which is
comparable to a complaint
proceeding.
(ii) All other petitions for $1,400.
declaratory order.
(59) An application for shipper $7,000.
antitrust immunity. 49 U.S.C.
10706(a)(5)(A).
(60) Labor arbitration $250.
proceedings.
(61)(i) An appeal of a Surface $250.
Transportation Board decision on
the merits or petition to revoke
an exemption pursuant to 49
U.S.C. 10502(d).
(ii) An appeal of a Surface $350.
Transportation Board
decision on procedural
matters except discovery
rulings.
(62) Motor carrier undercharge $250.
proceedings.
(63)(i) Expedited relief for $250.
service inadequacies: A request
for expedited relief under 49
U.S.C. 11123 and 49 CFR part
1146 for service emergency.
(ii) Expedited relief for $250.
service inadequacies: A
request for temporary relief
under 49 U.S.C. 10705 and
11102, and 49 CFR part 1147
for service inadequacy.
(64) A request for waiver or $550.
clarification of regulations
except one filed in an
abandonment or discontinuance
proceeding, or in a major
financial proceeding as defined
at 49 CFR 1180.2(a).
(65)-(75) [Reserved]
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PART VI: Informal Proceedings
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(76) An application for authority $1,200.
to establish released value
rates or ratings for motor
carriers and freight forwarders
of household goods under 49
U.S.C. 14706.
(77) An application for special $100.
permission for short notice or
the waiver of other tariff
publishing requirements.
(78) The filing of tariffs, $1 per page.
including supplements, or ($24 minimum charge.)
contract summaries.
(79) Special docket applications
from rail and water carriers:
(i) Applications involving $75.
$25,000 or less.
(ii) Applications involving $150.
over $25,000.
(80) Informal complaint about $600.
rail rate applications.
(81) Tariff reconciliation
petitions from motor common
carriers:
(i) Petitions involving $75.
$25,000 or less.
(ii) Petitions involving over $150.
$25,000.
(82) Request for a determination $200.
of the applicability or
reasonableness of motor carrier
rates under 49 U.S.C.
13710(a)(2) and (3).
(83) Filing of documents for $41 per document.
recordation. 49 U.S.C. 11301 and
49 CFR 1177.3(c).
(84) Informal opinions about rate $250.
applications (all modes).
(85) A railroad accounting $1,100.
interpretation.
(86) (i) A request for an $1,400.
informal opinion not otherwise
covered.
[[Page 44162]]
(ii) A proposal to use on a $5,100.
voting trust agreement
pursuant to 49 CFR 1013 and
49 CFR 1180.4(b)(4)(iv) in
connection with a major
control proceeding as
defined at 49 CFR 1180.2(a).
(iii) A request for an $500.
informal opinion on a voting
trust agreement pursuant to
49 CFR 1013.3(a) not
otherwise covered.
(87) Arbitration of Certain
Disputes Subject to the
Statutory Jurisdiction of the
Surface Transportation Board
under 49 CFR 1108:
(i) Complaint................ $75.
(ii) Answer (per defendant), $75.
Unless Declining to Submit
to Any Arbitration.
(iii) Third Party Complaint.. $75.
(iv) Third Party Answer (per $75.
defendant), Unless Declining
to Submit to Any Arbitration.
(v) Appeals of Arbitration $150.
Decisions or Petitions to
Modify or Vacate an
Arbitration Award.
(88) Basic fee for STB $250.
adjudicatory services not
otherwise covered.
(89)-(95) [Reserved]
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PART VII: Services
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(96) Messenger delivery of $32 per delivery.
decision to a railroad carrier's
Washington, DC, agent.
(97) Request for service or $24 per list.
pleading list for proceedings.
(98) Processing the paperwork .....................................
related to a request for the
Carload Waybill Sample to be
used in a Surface Transportation
Board or State proceeding that:
(i) Does not require a Federal
Register notice:
(a) Set cost portion......... $150.
(b) Sliding cost portion..... $47 per party.
(ii) Does require a Federal
Register notice:
(a) Set cost portion......... $400.
(b) Sliding cost portion..... $47 per party.
(99)(i) Application fee for the $150.
Surface Transportation Board's
Practitioners' Exam.
(ii) Practitioners' Exam $25.
Information Package.
(100) Carload Waybill Sample
data:
(i) Requests for Public Use $250 per year.
File for all years prior to
the most current year
Carload Waybill Sample data
available, provided on CD-R.
(ii) Specialized programming $112 per hour.
for Waybill requests to the
Board.
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[FR Doc. 2010-18460 Filed 7-27-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4915-01-P