Notice of Proposed Audit Delegation for the State of Alaska

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service

Notice of Proposed Audit Delegation for the State of Alaska

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of proposal.

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SUMMARY: The State of Alaska (State) is requesting a delegation of

audit and investigation authority from the Minerals Management Service

(MMS). This Notice gives members of the public an opportunity to review

and comment on the State's proposal.

DATES: Submit written comments on or before July 19, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Mr. Mark Peterson, State and Indian Compliance Division,

Royalty Management Program, Minerals Management Service, P.O. Box

25165, MS 3660, Denver, CO 80225-0165, telephone number (303) 275-7465,

fax number (303) 275-7470, e-mail: [email protected]; or Mr. Matt

Rader, Division of Oil and Gas, Department of Natural Resources, State

of Alaska, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 800, Anchorage, Alaska 99501-

3510, telephone number (907) 269-8776, fax number (907) 269-8938, e-

mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public comments should be submitted to Mr.

Mark Peterson, at the address listed in the ADDRESSES section.

The State's proposal was received by MMS on May 7, 1999. In

accordance with 30 CFR Section 227.101(a)(1) (1998) (30 U.S.C. 1735; 30

U.S.C. 196; Pub. L. 102-154), the State requests that MMS delegate the

royalty management functions of conducting audits and investigations.

The State requests delegation of these functions for producing Federal

oil and gas leases within the State, producing Federal oil and gas

leases in the Outer Continental Shelf subject to revenue sharing under

8(g) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, 43 U.S.C. 1337(g), and

for other producing solid mineral or geothermal Federal leases within

the State. The State does not request delegation of royalty and

production reporting functions.

The State requests 100 percent funding of the delegated functions

for a 3-year period beginning October 1, 1999, with the option to

extend for an additional 3-year period. The State had a previous 205

audit delegation agreement with MMS from January 18, 1985, through

September 30, 1987. Therefore, MMS has determined a formal hearing for

comments will not be

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held under 30 CFR Section 227.105. This Notice serves as the public's

opportunity for review and comment on the State's proposal.

The State's proposal can be viewed and printed from the Internet

at:

http://www.rmp.mms.gov/library/readroom/pubcomm/RMPPubRdg.htm.

A paper copy can be obtained by contacting Mr. Mark Peterson at the

address listed above.

Dated: June 11, 1999.

Lucy Querques Denett,

Associate Director for Royalty Management.

[FR Doc. 99-15443 Filed 6-16-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P