June 17, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In order to develop more consistent and efficient processes, SBA is streamlining the procedures for the submission of 504 loan applications to its Sacramento Loan Processing Center (SLPC) on a Pilot program basis. The Pilot's modifications to the existing procedures fall into two categories: (1) Changes in documentation submitted to SLPC that apply to all CDCs; and (2) Changes in process that apply to CDCs meeting certain requirements. Any existing procedures not addressed in this document are not affected and will continue with no change.

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (``PBGC'') is requesting that the Office of Management and Budget (``OMB'') approve a revision of a collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The purpose of the information collection is to enable the PBGC to pay benefits to participants and beneficiaries in plans covered by the PBGC insurance program. The PBGC created an electronic facility, My Pension Benefit Account (``MyPBA''), on its Web site at https:// www.pbgc.gov, through which plan participants can conduct electronic transactions with the PBGC. The PBGC is adding additional transactions to MyPBA: applying for benefits, designating a beneficiary, providing payee and general information, and requesting an estimate. This notice informs the public of the PBGC's request to OMB for approval of this revision and solicits public comment on the collection of information.

In accordance with section 10 (a) (2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, FEMA announces the following committee meeting: Name: Board of Visitors (BOV) for the National Fire Academy. Dates of Meeting: July 12-13, 2005. Place: Building H, Room 300, National Emergency Training Center, Emmitsburg, Maryland. Time: July 12, 8:30 a.m.5 p.m., and July 13, 8:30 a.m.4 p.m. Proposed Agenda: Review National Fire Academy Program Activities.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has submitted the following information collection to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). The submission describes the nature of the information collection, the categories of respondents, the estimated burden (i.e., the time, effort and resources used by respondents to respond) and cost, and includes the actual data collection instruments FEMA will use. Title: Fire Management Assistance Grant Program. OMB Number: 1660-0058. Abstract: The collection of information is used by both State and FEMA Regional staff to facilitate the declaration request and grant administration processes of FMAGP, as well as end of year internal reporting of overall declaration requests and estimated grant outlays. The following information collections are used: FEMA-State Agreement and Amendment. Federal assistance under Section 420 of the Stafford Act must be provided in accordance with the FEMA-State Agreement for FMAGP. The State Governor and the Regional Director must sign the Agreement, which contains the necessary terms and conditions consistent with the provisions of applicable laws, executive orders, and regulations, and specifies the type and extent of Federal assistance to be provided. The Agreement is an annual agreement applicable only for the calendar year in which it is signed. Amendments to the FEMA-State Agreement may be executed throughout the calendar year as necessary. One amendment, Exhibit E, must be completed upon each approval of a fire management assistance declaration. Exhibit E confirms the name, incident period, location, and official designation number of the fire. Other amendments modifying the standing agreement may be added throughout the year to reflect changes in the program or signatory parties. FEMA Form 90-133, Request for Fire Management Assistance Subgrant, is used by State, local and tribal governments to state their interest in applying for sub-grants under a approved fire management assistance grant. The form provides essential subgrantee contact information. FEMA Form 90-58, Request for Fire Management Assistance Declaration, is used by the State to provide information in support of its request for a fire management assistance declaration. This form must be completed by the Governor or Governor's Authorized Representative (GAR) and forwarded to FEMA's Regional Director for review and transmittal to FEMA's National Office in Washington DC. Additional supporting information may be furnished by the State or requested by FEMA after the initial request has been received. FEMA Form 90-32, Principal Advisor's Report, form is used to provide FEMA with technical assessment of a fire or fire complex for which the State is requesting a fire management assistance declaration. FEMA will review all information submitted in the State's request along with the Principal Advisor's assessment and Regional summary and will render a determination. A State Administrative Plan for FMAGP must be developed by the State for the administration of fire management assistance grants. The plan must describe the procedures for the administration of FMAGP, designate the State agency to serve as Grantee, and ensure State compliance with the provisions of law and regulation applicable to fire management assistance grants. The plan must also identify staffing functions, the sources of staff to fill these functions, and the management and oversight responsibilities of each. The plan should describe the procedures to notify potential applicants of the availability of the program, assist FEMA in determining applicant eligibility, review PWs, process payment of subgrants, and audit and reconcile subgrants. The plan should also outline the processes to be used to facilitate close-out of the fire management assistance grant in accordance with 44 CFR part 13, subpart D. The Regional Director must ensure that the State has an up-to-date Administrative Plan or approve a new plan prior to approval of the SF 424. The State may request the Regional Director to provide technical assistance in the preparation of the State Administrative Plan. Training sessions are provided primarily for Regional staff and State officials who administer FMAGP for the purpose of instructing and updating attendees on the laws, regulations, policies, and process that govern the program, as well as to discuss any program issues. Appeals. When a State's request for a fire management assistance declaration is denied, the Governor of a State or GAR may appeal the decision in writing pursuant to 44 CFR 204.26. The State may submit this one-time request for reconsideration in writing, with additional information, to the Director, Recovery Division. The appeal must be submitted within 30 days of the date of the letter denying the State's/ Indian tribal government's request. A time extension of 30 days may be granted by the Director if the Governor or GAR submits a written request for a time extension within the 30-day period. Similarly, applicants may appeal any cost or eligibility determination under an approved declaration within 60 days after receipt of the notice of the action that is being appealed. The request must be submitted in writing to FEMA through the Grantee in accordance with the appeal procedures detailed in 44 CFR 204.60. Appeals usually consist of a letter briefly describing the reason for the appeal and any new supporting documentation the State or applicant submits to FEMA for review. Duplication of Benefits. Applicants are required to notify FEMA of all benefits, actual or anticipated, received from other sources for the same loss for which they are applying to FEMA for assistance. Notification can be accomplished in a letter, accompanied by supporting documentation. Affected Public: State, local or tribal government and Federal government. Number of Respondents: 36. Estimated Time per Respondent:

As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, CBP invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on an information collection requirement concerning the Crews Effects Declaration. This request for comment is being made pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3505(c)(2)).

The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the Department of Homeland Security has submitted the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995: Certificate of Origin. This is a proposed extension of an information collection that was previously approved. CBP is proposing that this information collection be extended with no change to the burden hours. This document is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register (70 FR 19496) on April 13, 2005, allowing for a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10.

The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the Department of Homeland Security has submitted the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995: Permit to Transfer Containers to a Container Station. This is a proposed extension of an information collection that was previously approved. CBP is proposing that this information collection be extended with no change to the burden hours. This document is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register (70 FR 19495-19496) on April 13, 2005, allowing for a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10.

The Department Homeland Security, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, CBP invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on an information collection requirement concerning the Entry and Immediate Delivery Application. This request for comment is being made pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the Department of Homeland Security has submitted the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995: Alien Crewman Landing Permit. This is a proposed extension of an information collection that was previously approved. CBP is proposing that this information collection be extended with no change to the burden hours. This document is published to obtain comments form the public and affected agencies. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register (69 FR 51317) on August 18, 2004, allowing for a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10.

The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the Department of Homeland Security has submitted the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995: Line Release Regulations. This is a proposed extension of an information collection that was previously approved. CBP is proposing that this information collection be extended with no change to the burden hours. This document is published to obtain comments form the public and affected agencies. This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register (70 FR 19496-19497) on April 13, 2005, allowing for a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10.

The Department of Homeland Security, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, CBP invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on an information collection requirement concerning the Foreign Trade Zone Annual Reconciliation Certification and Record Keeping Requirement. This request for comment is being made pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3505(c)(2)).

Notice is hereby given of a public meeting concerning the development of a national system of marine protected areas (MPAs) pursuant to Executive Order 13158 (May 26, 2000). The Gulf of Mexico Region Public Dialogue will be held July 18, 2005, 6:30-9 p.m. in New Orleans, Louisiana. This is the third in a series of regional dialogues to be held around the United States to solicit input from the public concerning their views on a national system of MPAs. Additional meetings will be announced and scheduled pending available resources. Refer to the Web page listed below for background information concerning the development of the national system of MPAs. Meeting room capacity is limited to 75 people, and as such interested participants are required to RSVP via the e-mail address (preferable), fax number, or phone number listed below, by no later than 5 p.m. e.d.t. on July 8, 2005. Attendance will be available to the first 75 people who respond. Those who wish to attend but cannot due to space or schedule limitations can find background materials at the Web page listed below and may submit written statements to the e-mail, fax, or mailing address below. A written summary of the meeting will be posted on the Web site within one month of its occurrence.

The Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services announces a funding priority for the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research's (NIDRR) Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers Program, Rehabilitation Research and Training Centers (RRTC) program. This priority may be used for competitions in fiscal year (FY) 2005 and later years. We take this action to focus research attention on areas of national need. We intend this priority to improve rehabilitation services and outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

This proposed notice announces the availability of funds and award procedures for FY 2005 Targeted Assistance Program (TAP) grants to States for services to refugees under the Refugee Resettlement Program (RRP). These grants are for service provision in localities with large refugee populations, high refugee concentrations, and where specific needs exist for supplementation of currently available resources. Qualification of counties for eligibility for targeted assistance program grants is determined once every three years as stated in the FY 1999 Notice of Proposed Availability of Targeted Assistance Allocations to States which was published in the Federal Register on March 10, 1999 (64 FR 11927). The FY 2002-FY 2004 three-year project cycle has expired. FY 2005 is the year for the re-qualification of counties for the three-year project cycle, FY 2005, FY 2006, and FY 2007 for TAP funds. This notice proposes that the qualification of counties be based on the arrivals of refugees (see Footnote 1, eligible population) during the 5-year period from FY 2000 through FY 2004, and on the concentration of the arrivals population as a percentage of the general population. Counties that could potentially qualify for TAP FY 2005 funds on the basis of the most current 5-year population are listed in this proposed notice in Table 1, Table 2, Table 4, and Table 6. Under this qualification proposal, a total of 47 counties (Table 1) would qualify for targeted assistance grants. Of these, 6 new counties (Table 2) would qualify for targeted assistance grants, and 11 counties (Table 3) which previously received targeted assistance grants would no longer qualify for targeted assistance program funding.

We propose to revise our regulations that pertain to the processing of claims for disability benefits under title II and title XVI of the Social Security Act (the Act). The proposed revisions would make the language in the rules we use under title II of the Act for making findings about medical equivalence consistent with the language in the rules that we use under title XVI of the Act. The proposed revisions would also clarify our rules about the evidence we use when we make findings about medical equivalence for adults and children. We also propose to update and clarify our rules that explain the Listing of Impairments (the listings) and how your impairment(s) can meet a listing.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 3 is issuing a notice of intent to delete MM&G Superfund Site (Site) located in Frackville, Schuylkill County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, from the National Priorities List (NPL) and requests public comments on this notice of intent. The NPL, promulgated pursuant to section 105 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, as amended, is found at appendix B of 40 CFR part 300 which is the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). The EPA and the State of Pennsylvania, through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), have determined that all appropriate response actions under CERCLA have been completed. However, this deletion does not preclude future actions under Superfund. In the ``Rules and Regulations'' section of today's Federal Register, EPA is publishing a direct final notice of deletion of MM&G Superfund Site without prior notice of intent to delete because EPA views this as a noncontroversial revision and anticipate no adverse comment. EPA has explained its reasons for this deletion in the preamble to the direct final notice of deletion. If no adverse comment(s) are received on this notice of intent to delete or the direct final notice of deletion, EPA will not take further action on this notice of intent to delete. If adverse comment(s) are received, EPA will withdraw the direct final notice of deletion and it will not take effect. EPA will, as appropriate, address all public comments in a subsequent final deletion notice based on this notice of intent to delete. EPA will not institute a second comment period on this notice of intent to delete. Any parties interested in commenting must do so at this time. For additional information, see the direct final notice of deletion which is located in the Rules section of this Federal Register.

The Farm Credit Administration (FCA, we, our) issues this final rule changing our regulatory capital standards on recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, residual interests, asset- and mortgage-backed securities, claims on securities firms, and certain residential loans. We are modifying our risk-based capital requirements to more closely match a Farm Credit System (FCS or System) institution's relative risk of loss on these credit exposures to its capital requirements. In doing so, our rule risk-weights recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, residual interests, asset- and mortgage-backed securities, and claims on securities firms based on external credit ratings from nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSROs). In addition, our rule will make our regulatory capital treatment more consistent with that of the other financial regulatory agencies for transactions and assets involving similar risk and address financial structures and transactions developed by the market since our last update. We also make a number of nonsubstantive changes to our regulations to make them easier to use.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the electrical connectors of the fire extinguisher bottles for the forward and aft baggage compartments and for the auxiliary power unit and engine nacelles to determine if they are connected correctly; and doing related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. This AD is prompted by reports of the electrical connectors for the fire bottles in the forward and aft baggage compartments being cross connected. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cross connection of the fire extinguisher bottles, which could result in failure of the fire bottles to discharge and consequent inability to extinguish a fire in the affected areas.

This proposed rule would establish the Medicare Integrity Program (MIP) and implement program integrity activities that are funded from the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. This proposed rule would set forth the definition of eligible entities; services to be procured; competitive requirements based on Federal acquisition regulations and exceptions (guidelines for automatic renewal); procedures for identification, evaluation, and resolution of conflicts of interest; and limitations on contractor liability. This proposed rule would bring certain sections of the Medicare regulations concerning fiscal intermediaries and carriers into conformity with the Social Security Act (the Act). The rule would distinguish between those functions that the statute requires to be included in agreements with fiscal intermediaries and those that may be included in the agreements. It would also provide that some or all of the functions may be included in carrier contracts. Currently all these functions are mandatory for carrier contracts.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission) proposes to revise its regulations for filings by persons holding interlocking positions and for utilities listing their twenty largest purchasers of electricity. The proposed revisions provide for electronic filing. The modifications in this Proposed Rule are the result of a review conducted by the Commission's Information Assessment Team (FIAT), identifying the Commission's current information collections, evaluating their original purposes and current uses, and proposing ways to reduce the reporting burden on industry through the elimination, reduction, streamlining or reformatting of current collections.