[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 213 (Tuesday, November 4, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59766-59771]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-29340]
[[Page 59765]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part II
Office of Management and Budget
_______________________________________________________________________
Cancellation Pursuant to Line Item Veto Act; Departments of Veterans
Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies
Appropriations Act, 1998, and Department of Transportation and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998; Notices
Federal Register / Vol. 62, 213 / Tuesday, November 4, 1997 /
Notices
[[Page 59766]]
OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
Cancellation Pursuant to Line Item Veto Act; Departments of
Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent
Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998, and Department of Transportation and
Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998
November 1, 1997.
Two Special Messages from the President under the Line Item Veto
Act are published below. The President signed these messages on
November 1, 1997. Under the Act, the messages are required to be
printed in the Federal Register (2 U.S.C. 691a(c)(2)).
Clarence C. Crawford,
Associate Director for Administration.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:
In accordance with the Line Item Veto Act, I hereby cancel the
dollar amounts of discretionary budget authority, as specified in
the attached reports, contained in the ``Departments of Veterans
Affairs and Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies
Appropriations Act, 1998'' (Public Law 105-65; H.R. 2158). I have
determined that the cancellation of these amounts will reduce the
Federal budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government
functions, and will not harm the national interest.
William J. Clinton
THE WHITE HOUSE,
November 1, 1997.
Cancellation No. 97-65
CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY
Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130
Bill Citation: ``Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and
Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998''
(H.R. 2158).
1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $900
thousand for planning a new national cemetery in Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma on page 90 of House Report 105-297, dated October 6, 1997.
1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and
will not harm the national interest.
1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellations; Facts, Circumstances, and
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellations; and
Estimated Effect of Cancellation of Objects, Purposes, and Programs:
This item would provide funding for the design of a new Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemetery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The
Department just opened one new cemetery and will open four more in the
next two years --unprecedented since the Civil War. Activation of these
cemeteries is a top priority. As a result of this recent expansion, the
FY 1998 President's Budget and VA's Strategic Plan call for no new
construction of national cemeteries over the next five years. This will
give VA time to assess the adequacy of these new presences and to
determine what, if any, further construction is warranted. Should
future construction be needed, several other sites would be higher
priority than Fort Sill in terms of veterans served. The estimated cost
for the first phase of constructing this cemetery is $9.1 million, but
$1.0 million a year would be needed for increased operating costs in
the system.
1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial
effect on the economy.
Outlay changes
[In thousands of dollars]
Fiscal Year:
1998.................................................... -39
1999.................................................... -242
2000.................................................... -292
2001.................................................... -216
2002.................................................... -82
-----------
Total................................................. -871
1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits:
Budget authority: -$900 thousand in FY 1998.
Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would
occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
2(A). Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
2(A). Bureau: National Cemetery System
2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Veterans Cemetery
System (Construction, Major Projects).
2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Oklahoma, 4th
Congressional District.
2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session
in each State and District identified above: Oklahoma: one; 4th
District: one.
Cancellation No. 97-66
CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY
Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130
Bill Citation: ``Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and
Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998''
(H.R. 2158).
1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $15 thousand
for an Economic Development Initiative project ``Arab Police
Department,'' on page 96 of House Report 105-297, dated October 6,
1997.
1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and
will not harm the national interest.
1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellation; Facts, Circumstances, and
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellation; and
Estimated Effect of Cancellation on Objects, Purposes, and Programs:
This project would develop a multidepartmental police training complex
on city property in Arab, Alabama. This project is being canceled
because: (1) funding for facilities used in the general conduct of
government is not an eligible use of Community Development Block grant
funding; and (2) routine police training is considered to be part of
the general conduct of government.
1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial
effect on the economy.
Outlay Changes
[In thousands of dollars]
Fiscal Year:
1998.................................................... ..........
1999.................................................... -5
2000.................................................... -7
2001.................................................... -2
2002.................................................... -1
-----------
Total................................................. -15
1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits
Budget authority: $15 thousand in FY 1998.
[[Page 59767]]
Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would
occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
2(A). Agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development.
2(A). Bureau: Community Planning and Development.
2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Economic Development
Initiative (Community Development Block Grants).
2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Alabama, 4th
Congressional District.
2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session
in each State and District identified above: Alabama: one; 4th
District: one.
Cancellation No. 97-67
CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY
Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130
Bill Citation: ``Department of Veterans Affairs and Housing and
Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998''
(H.R. 2158).
1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $1,000
thousand for Carter County Chamber of Commerce for trade and
development activities on page 99 of the House Report 105-297, dated
October 6, 1997.
1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and
will not harm the national interest.
1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellation; Facts, Circumstances, and
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellation; and
Estimated Effect of Cancellation on Objects, Purposes, and Programs:
These funds would be used to provide a grant to the Carter County
Chamber of Commerce to search for ways to enhance their economic
standing. Carter County plans to increase revenue for the County by
examining possible trade and development activities in the region. The
project is being canceled because: (1) it was not requested by the
President; and (2) promotional and business outreach activities are not
eligible uses of Community Development Block Grants.
1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial
effect on the economy.
Outlay changes
[In thousands of dollars]
Fiscal Year:
1998.................................................... -20
1999.................................................... -340
2000.................................................... -460
2001.................................................... -130
2002.................................................... -40
-----------
Total................................................. -990
1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits
Budget authority: -$1,000 thousand in FY 1998.
Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would
occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
2(A). Agency: Department of Housing and Urban Development
2(A). Bureau: Community Planning and Development
2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Economic
Development Initiative (Community Development Block Grants).
2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Montana, At
large.
2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session
in each State and District identified above: Montana: three.
Cancellation No. 97-68
CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY
Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130
Bill Citation: ``Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and
Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998''
(H.R. 2158).
1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $600
thousand for a Solar Aquatic Wastewater Treatment Demonstration Project
on page 117 of House Report 105-297, dated October 6, 1997.
1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and
will not harm the national interest.
1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellation; Facts, Circumstances, and
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellation; and
Estimated Effect of Cancellation on Objects, Purposes, and Programs:
Solar Aquatic Wastewater Treatment is a demonstration project of an
alternative wastewater treatment approach. The Congress has earmarked a
total of $7.2 million from FY 1992 to FY 1997 to fund this project. In
Senate Report 104-318 dated July 11, 1996, the Senate Committee on
Appropriations notes that the ``solar aquatic wastewater treatment
demonstration projects have received funding for several years''. The
Report further directs EPA to report on (1) what has been achieved, (2)
the viability of applying this technology widely, (3) an assessment of
the costs and benefits, and (4) the amount of future Federal funding
required. EPA's report, which was sent to the Congress on April 30,
1997, concludes that the project ``has not yet demonstrated reliable
attainment of all of its process goals''. The project ``does not appear
to offer any economic advantages over conventional technologies, and
appears to be clearly more costly than conventional processes at flow
rates more than 100,000 gallons per day. In view of these conclusions,
the continuation of Federal funding support for these demonstration
projects is not warranted.''
This project is being canceled because it: (1) was not requested in
the President's FY 1998 Budget; (2) is earmarked for a specific
project, thereby avoiding prioritization against other environmental
research needs or be competitively awarded; and (3) has been evaluated
by EPA, at the request of Congress, and found to not warrant additional
funding.
1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial
effect on the economy.
Outlay changes
[In thousands of dollars]
Fiscal Year:
1998.................................................... -168
1999.................................................... -312
2000.................................................... -96
2001.................................................... -18
2002.................................................... -6
-----------
Total................................................. -600
1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits
Budget authority: -$600 thousand in FY 1998.
[[Page 59768]]
Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would
occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
2(A). Agency: Environmental Protection Agency.
2(A). Bureau: N/A.
2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Wastewater Treatment
Demonstration (Environmental Programs and Management).
2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Vermont, At
large.
2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session
in each State and District identified above: Vermont: one.
Cancellation No. 97-69
CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY
Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130
Bill Citation: ``Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and
Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998''
(H.R. 2158).
1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $1,000
thousand for the Alabama Water and Wastewater Institute on page 117 of
House Report 105-297, dated October 6, 1997.
1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and
will not harm the national interest.
1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellation; Facts, Circumstances, and
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellation; and
Estimated Effect of Cancellation on Objects, Purposes, and Programs:
The Alabama Water and Wastewater Institute is a collective of personnel
from 13 or 14 wastewater treatment plants in Alabama. In FY 1997, they
received an earmark of $200,000 to conduct on-site operator training
over a three year period. The $1 million earmark for FY 1998 is to be
given to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to build a
central facility for the Institute in Montgomery, Alabama in which to
conduct both wastewater and drinking water operator training. This
project is being canceled because: (1) it was not requested in the
President's FY 1998 Budget; (2) it is earmarked for a specific
activity, thereby avoiding prioritization against other environmental
needs; (3) it is earmarked to a specific group, avoiding competitive
evaluation; and (4) construction of non-Federal buildings is outside
the scope of EPA's mission and an extraordinary use of the Agency's
authority.
1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial
effect on the economy.
Outlay changes
[In thousands of dollars]
Fiscal Year:
1998.................................................... -280
1999.................................................... -520
2000.................................................... -160
2001.................................................... -30
2002.................................................... -10
-----------
Total................................................. -1,000
1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits
Budget authority: -$1,000 thousand in FY 1998.
Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would
occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
2(A). Agency: Environmental Protection Agency.
2(A). Bureau: N/A.
2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Construction of
Training Facility (Environmental Programs and Management).
2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Alabama, 2nd and
7th Congressional Districts.
2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session
in each State and District identified above: Alabama: two; 2nd
District: one; 7th District: one.
Cancellation No. 97-70
CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY
Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130
Bill Citation: ``Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and
Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998''
(H.R. 2158).
1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $500
thousand for McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania Wastewater and Drinking Water
System Needs on page 124 of House Report 105-297, dated October 6,
1997.
1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and
will not harm the national interest.
1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellation; Facts, Circumstances, and
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellation; and
Estimated Effect of Cancellation on Objects, Purposes, and Programs:
This project would provide $500,000 to fund new water and sewer lines
to a new industrial park in Ayr Township. As a by-product of
constructing the water and sewer lines for the industrial park, it
would also provide the potential for a limited number of residences
with existing working wells and septic systems to be hooked up to the
central water and sewer systems. The project is being canceled because:
(1) it was not requested in the FY 1998 President's Budget; (2) it
primarily provides benefits to a private entity; (3) the water line
funding is outside the scope of EPA's usual mission; (4) the sewer line
funding is outside the normal process for allocating funds to States
who determine the environmental priority of projects, and (5) it is a
low priority use of environmental funds primarily intended to help
municipalities pay for Clean Water and Safe Drinking Water Act
requirements.
1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial
effect on the economy.
Outlay changes
[In thousands of dollars]
Fiscal Year:
1998.................................................... -20
1999.................................................... -100
2000.................................................... -150
2001.................................................... -100
2002.................................................... -50
-----------
Total................................................. -420
1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits
Budget authority: $500 thousand in FY 1998.
Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would
[[Page 59769]]
occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
2(A). Agency: Environmental Protection Agency.
2(A). Bureau: N/A.
2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Wastewater and
Drinking Water Infrastructure (State and Tribal Assistance Grants).
2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Pennsylvania,
9th Congressional District.
2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session
in each State and District identified above: Pennsylvania: five; 9th
District: one.
Cancellation No. 97-71
CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY
Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130
Bill Citation: ``Departments of Veterans Affairs and Housing and
Urban Development, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998''
(H.R. 2158).
1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $10,000
thousand for optical astronomy testbeds on page 131 of House Report
105-297, dated October 6, 1997.
1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and
will not harm the national interest.
1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellation; Facts, Circumstances, and
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellation; and
Estimated Effect of Cancellation on Objects, Purposes, and Programs:
This line item includes two optical telescope projects, neither of
which is appropriate for NASA to fund. Both projects are augmentations
of ground-based, optical telescopes--one in Arizona, and one in Chile.
The Arizona project, at the Steward Observatory at the University of
Arizona, Tucson, duplicates of an on-going project at the Keck
Observatory in Mauna Kea, Hawaii--a project in which NASA shares
funding. While the Arizona experiment could enable a space-based, NASA
facility in the future, similar to that being pursued at Keck, the Keck
project, due to its configuration, would produce technical results
superior to those of the Arizona project. Given that NASA is already
investing in a superior capability in the Keck II facility, NASA should
not fund the Arizona project.
The Chile project is not within NASA's mission, since the project
has no implications for space-based astronomy--the only type of
astronomy within NASA's mission. NASA engages in ground-based astronomy
only if such activities enable future, space-based missions.
1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial
effect on the economy.
Outlay changes
[In thousands of dollars]
Fiscal Year:
1998.................................................... -3,600
1999.................................................... -5,500
2000.................................................... -900
2001....................................................
2002....................................................
-----------
Total................................................. -10,000
1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits
Budget authority: -$10,000 thousand.
Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would
occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
2(A). Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
2(A). Bureau: N/A
2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Science (Science,
Aeronautics and Technology).
2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Arizona, 5th
Congressional District.
2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session
in each State and District Identified Above: Arizona: two; 5th
District: two.
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TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:
In accordance with the Line Item Veto Act, I hereby cancel the
dollar amounts of discretionary budget authority, as specified in
the attached reports, contained in the ``Department of
Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998''
(Public Law 105-66; H.R. 2169). I have determined that the
cancellation of these amounts will reduce the Federal budget
deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and
will not harm the national interest.
William J. Clinton
THE WHITE HOUSE,
November 1, 1997.
Cancellation No. 97-72
CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY
Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130
Bill Citation: ``Department of Transportation and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 1998'' (H.R. 2169).
1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $5,280
thousand for improvements to Seward dock on page 72 of House Report
105-313, dated October 7, 1997.
1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and
will not harm the national interest.
1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellation; Facts, Circumstances, and
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellation; and
Estimated Effect of Cancellation on Objects, Purposes, and Programs:
Senate Report 105-55 provided $7,000,000 funding to ``be utilized to
expand and improve the Seward Dock, the southernmost terminus of the
[Alaska] railroad and an important intermodal transfer point on the
Alaska Marine Highway System. The State of Alaska, the city of Seward,
the Alaska Railroad, and cruise ship lines that utilize the port will
provide significant cost-share funding toward completion of the project
this fiscal year.''
The Conference Report, House Report 105-313 ``reduced the amount
for improvements to the Seward dock from $7,000,000 in the Senate bill
to $5,280,000. Such reduction will result in increased local
participation in the project, particularly by the city of Seward.
Therefore, the conferees direct the department to provide funding for
the dock improvements directly to the city to complete the intermodal
improvements on behalf of the Alaska Railroad.''
The Alaska Railroad, a state owned railroad, owns the Seward dock
and certain surrounding port facilities. The dock was built by the
Federal government following the 1964 Alaska earthquake and was
designed to handle conventional and containerized cargo, logs,
petroleum, and steel and serves as a cruise ship terminal.
The funding would rehabilitate the current dock, dredge, relocate a
fishery dock, pave adjacent areas, build a new bulkhead on the current
dock, and improve facilities for passenger movement off the docks. The
enhanced dock would be able to handle additional freight and passenger
ship capacity. The
[[Page 59770]]
total project cost is over $8 million. The balance of the project costs
not covered by this appropriation would be financed by the City and the
Alaska Railroad.
The project is being canceled for the following reasons:
1. The Federal Railroad Administration is charged with overseeing
the safety of the Nation's railroads. This project is primarily an
economic development project which, while involving a railroad, will
primarily benefit to the City of Seward, the State of Alaska and
private cargo haulers and passenger ships. Funding of such mixed-use
projects would set an unfortunate precedent for spending Federal
Railroad Administration funding.
2. The Senate and Conference reports do not cite any independent
investment analysis concerning the potential return of the project. No
analysis has been done to quantify the safety or economic benefits of
this project.
1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial
effect on the economy.
Outlay changes
(In thousands of dollars)
Fiscal Year:
1998.................................................... -2,112
1999.................................................... -3,168
2000.................................................... ..........
2001.................................................... ..........
2002.................................................... ..........
-----------
Total................................................. -5,280
1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits
Budget authority: -$5,280 thousand in FY 1998.
Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would
occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
2(A). Agency: Department of Transportation.
2(A). Bureau: Federal Railroad Administration.
2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Seward Dock (Alaska
Railroad Rehabilitation).
2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Alaska, At
Large.
2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session
in each State and District identified above: Alaska: two.
Cancellation No. 97-73
CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY
Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130
Bill Citation: ``Department of Transportation and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 1998'' (H.R. 2169).
1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $500
thousand for an Electronic Distribution Center for Surplus Transit-
Related Equipment on page 75 of House Report 105-313, dated October 7,
1997.
1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and
will not harm the national interest.
1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellation; Facts, Circumstances, and
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellation; and
Estimated Effect of Cancellation on Objects, Purposes, and Programs:
This item provides funds to private companies for start up costs
associated with an electronic ``bulletin board'' service for surplus
transit equipment. The companies involved have indicated that they have
a proprietary package that could be used for transit, and would sell
subscriptions to fund ongoing operating costs. The merits of this
proposal and need for this service have not been demonstrated. It is
inappropriate to use federal funds to assist private companies that are
not serving a demonstrated, well-defined public need.
1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial
effect on the economy.
Outlay changes
[In thousands of dollars]
Fiscal Year
1998.................................................... -100
1999.................................................... -150
2000.................................................... -100
2001.................................................... -100
2002.................................................... -50
-----------
Total................................................. -500
1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits
Budget authority: -$500 thousand in FY 1998.
Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would
occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
2(A). Agency: Department of Transportation.
2(A). Bureau: Federal Transit Administration.
2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Transit Research and
Development (Transit Planning and Research).
2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Georgia, 3rd
Congressional District.
2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session
in each State and District identified above: Georgia: two; 3rd
District: one.
Cancellation No. 97-74
CANCELLATION OF DOLLAR AMOUNT OF DISCRETIONARY BUDGET AUTHORITY
Report Pursuant to the Line Item Veto Act, P.L. 104-130
Bill Citation: ``Department of Transportation and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 1998'' (H.R. 2169).
1(A). Dollar Amount of Discretionary Budget Authority: $450
thousand for a transportation emergency preparedness and response
demonstration project and evaluation on page 84 of House Report 105-
313, dated October 7, 1997.
1(B). Determinations: This cancellation will reduce the Federal
budget deficit, will not impair any essential Government functions, and
will not harm the national interest.
1(C), (E). Reasons for Cancellation; Facts, Circumstances, and
Considerations Relating to or Bearing Upon the Cancellation; and
Estimated Effect of Cancellation on Objects, Purposes, and Programs:
The majority of the earmarked funds ($400 thousand) would be used to
assist in the establishment of an underground emergency transportation
management center utilizing satellite communications. The center (to be
located in Arab, Alabama) would be used by local, State and Federal
emergency management agencies to coordinate assistance during emergency
situations and as a disaster field office to coordinate long-term
recovery programs. The remaining funds ($50 thousand) would be used:
(1) to evaluate and report on the demonstration project in order to
share information with other communities to help them to improve their
emergency preparedness and
[[Page 59771]]
response capabilities; and (2) to support administrative expenses
incurred by the Department in carrying out the demonstration project.
This project is being canceled for several reasons. The first is that
the project is outside the scope of the Department's mission. Second,
even if the funds were earmarked in a more appropriate agency, the
project would not merit funding. Alabama already has an Emergency
Operations Center (EOC) that serves the entire State. This EOC was
built just five years ago, with half of the cost funded by the Federal
Government. An additional emergency response center in Arab or
elsewhere in the State would be duplicative and unnecessary. Third, a
disaster field office is typically established at a central point
within the disaster area. A disaster field office at a fixed location
such as Arab may not always provide a desirable point from which to
carry out long-term recovery efforts.
1(D). Estimated Fiscal, Economic, and Budgetary Effect of
Cancellation: As a result of the cancellation, Federal outlays will not
increase, as specified below. This will have a commensurate effect on
the Federal budget deficit and, to that extent, will have a beneficial
effect on the economy.
Outlay changes
[In thousands of dollars]
Fiscal Year:
1998.................................................... -306
1999.................................................... -144
2000.................................................... ..........
2001.................................................... ..........
2002.................................................... ..........
-----------
Total................................................. -450
1(F). Adjustments to Non-Defense Discretionary Spending Limits
Budget authority: -$450 thousand in FY 1998.
Outlays: The estimated outlay effect for each year is shown above.
Evaluation of Effects of These Adjustments upon Sequestration
Procedures: If a sequestration were required, such sequestration would
occur at levels that are reduced by the amounts above.
2(A). Agency: Department of Transportation.
2(A). Bureau: Research and Special Programs Administration.
2(A). Governmental Function/Project (Account): Emergency
Preparedness and Response (Research and Special Programs).
2(B). States and Congressional Districts Affected: Alabama, 4th
Congressional District.
2(C). Total Number of Cancellations (inclusive) in Current Session
in each State and District identified above: Alabama: three; 4th
District: two.
[FR Doc. 97-29340 Filed 11-3-97; 10:20 am]
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