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

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.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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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