Notice of Availability of Guidance on New Starts Policies and Procedures and Request for Comments, 3149-3150 [E6-563]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 12 / Thursday, January 19, 2006 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration Federal Transit Administration Notice of Availability of Final Environmental Assessment with a Finding of No Significant Impact and Record of Decision (FONSI/ROD) for the Midwest Airspace Enhancement (MASE) Project [Docket Number: FTA–2006–23636] Notice of Availability of Guidance on New Starts Policies and Procedures and Request for Comments Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of availability; Request for comments. AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. AGENCY: Notice of Availability of the MASE Final Environmental Assessment with FONSI/ROD. ACTION: SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Terminal Service Area, is issuing this notice to advise the public of the availability of the Final Environmental Assessment Final (EA) and FONSI/ROD for the MASE project. Ms. Annette Davis, Federal Aviation Administration, Central Terminal Operations Service Area, 2300 East Devon Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018, (847) 294–8091 or MASE Web site, http:/www.faa.gov/ats/nar/ mase.htm. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The MASE project would implement new en route and terminal airspace procedures to increase efficiency and enhance safety of aircraft movements in the airspace overlying and beyond the Cleveland and Detroit Metropolitan areas. The MASE airspace redesign would integrate high-altitude and en route airspace changes with low-altitude terminal airspace changes to provide for a more seamless operation between the two airspace areas. In addition, MASE would allow for more efficient utilization of the runway configurations at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County and Cleveland Hopkins International airports. Overall, MASE would maintain safety while reducing delays, accommodating growth, and incorporating new technology. * * * * * sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Issued in Des Plaines, Illinois, on January 5, 2006. Nancy B. Kort, Area Director, Central Terminal Operations Service Area. [FR Doc. 06–492 Filed 1–18–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–M VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:38 Jan 18, 2006 Jkt 208001 SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA’s) Guidance on New Starts Policies and Procedures and requests your comments on it. The guidance explains proposed changes to the New Starts program that will become effective April 30, 2006 and longer-term changes to the New Starts program that FTA plans to be the subject of rulemaking in the future. FTA requests comments on both aspects of the guidance, which is available in DOT’s electronic docket and on FTA’s Web site. DATES: Comments must be received by March 10, 2006. Late filed comments will be considered to the extent practicable. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments [identified by DOT DMS Docket Number FTA–2006–23636] by any of the following methods: Web site: https://dms.dot.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site. Fax: 202–493–2251. Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, PL–401, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Instructions: You must include the agency name (Federal Transit Administration) and the docket number (FTA–2006–23636). You should submit two copies of your comments if you submit them by mail. If you wish to receive confirmation that FTA received your comments, you must include a self-addressed stamped postcard. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to the Department’s Docket Management System (DMS) Web site located at https://dms.dot.gov. This means that if your comment includes any personal identifying information, such information will be made available to users of DMS. PO 00000 Frm 00101 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 3149 Ron Fisher, Office of Planning and Environment, telephone (202) 366– 4033, Federal Transit Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590 or Ron.Fisher@fta.dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 1. Background On August 10, 2005, President Bush signed the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act—A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA– LU). Section 3011 of SAFETEA–LU made a number of changes to 49 U.S.C. 5309, which authorizes the FTA’s fixed guideway capital investment program known as ‘‘New Starts.’’ This notice announces the availability of FTA’s Guidance on New Starts Policies and Procedures and requests your comment as described below. The document is available in the docket, which can be accessed by going to https://dms.dot.gov at any time, or you can view the document on FTA’s Web site at https:// www.fta.dot.gov/ 15052_ENG_HTML.htm. A. New Starts Program Changes To Be Effective April 30, 2006 The first purpose of the policy guidance is to solicit comments on and document the changes to FTA’s New Starts project development and program management procedures that are proposed to become effective on April 30, 2006. The changes apply to all New Starts submittals received after that date and prior to the effective date of future New Starts rulemaking. The proposed improvements to the project review and evaluation process and criteria include: National Environmental Policy Act interfaces; preservation of information for the before and after study; certification of technical methods, planning assumptions and project development procedures; development of costs and ridership forecasts; project development agreements; setting the New Starts maximum dollar funding level at the time of final design approval; and use of mode specific constants. Comments received will be used to develop the New Starts ratings, evaluations and procedures which will be issued in Spring 2006. FTA will respond to comments received on this Notice in a second Federal Register notice to be published after the close of the comment period, which will announce the availability of the Reporting Instructions for the Section 5309 New Starts Criteria reflecting the changes implemented as a result of this policy guidance and comments received thereon. E:\FR\FM\19JAN1.SGM 19JAN1 3150 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 12 / Thursday, January 19, 2006 / Notices B. Long-term New Starts Program Changes for Future Rulemaking The second purpose of the policy guidance is to discuss various New Starts implementation issues relating to SAFETEA–LU, discuss the merits of alternative approaches, and solicit input, through a series of questions, on the options that FTA is considering. Issues discussed include project eligibility; project evaluation and ratings; and project development procedures. Comments received will be considered and addressed in future rulemaking for the New Starts program, which FTA hopes to initiate later in 2006. Issued in Washington, DC, this 12th day of January 2006. David B. Horner, Chief Counsel. [FR Doc. E6–563 Filed 1–18–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–57–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket No. 2006–23613] Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation. ACTION: Invitation for public comments on a requested administrative waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws for the vessel ADIRONDACK. sroberts on PROD1PC70 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: As authorized by Pub. L. 105– 383 and Pub. L. 107–295, the Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below. The complete application is given in DOT docket 2006–23613 at https://dms.dot.gov. Interested parties may comment on the effect this action may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag vessels. If MARAD determines, in accordance with Pub. L. 105–383 and MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR part 388 (68 FR 23084; April 30, 2003), that the issuance of the waiver will have an unduly adverse effect on a U.S.-vessel builder or a business that uses U.S.-flag vessels in that business, a waiver will not be granted. Comments should refer to the docket number of this notice and the vessel name in order for MARAD to properly consider the comments. VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:38 Jan 18, 2006 Jkt 208001 Comments should also state the commenter’s interest in the waiver application, and address the waiver criteria given in § 388.4 of MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR part 388. DATES: Submit comments on or before February 21, 2006. ADDRESSES: Comments should refer to docket number MARAD–2006–23613. Written comments may be submitted by hand or by mail to the Docket Clerk, U.S. DOT Dockets, Room PL–401, Department of Transportation, 400 7th St., SW., Washington, DC 20590–0001. You may also send comments electronically via the Internet at https:// dmses.dot.gov/submit/. All comments will become part of this docket and will be available for inspection and copying at the above address between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., E.T., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. An electronic version of this document and all documents entered into this docket is available on the World Wide Web at https://dms.dot.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joann Spittle, U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, MAR–830 Room 7201, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone 202–366–5979. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As described by the applicant the intended service of the vessel ADIRONDACK is: Intended Use: ‘‘Occasional charter of short trips on Lake Superior, mostly around the Apostle Islands, but may include trips to Minnesota and/or Michigan.’’ Geographic Region: Lake Superior, including Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Dated: January 11, 2006. By order of the Maritime Administrator. Joel C. Richard, Secretary, Maritime Administration. [FR Doc. E6–562 Filed 1–18–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–81–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket No. 2006–23614] Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation. ACTION: Invitation for public comments on a requested administrative waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws for the vessel ARCTIC TRAVELLER. AGENCY: SUMMARY: As authorized by Pub. L. 105– 383 and Pub. L. 107–295, the Secretary PO 00000 Frm 00102 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below. The complete application is given in DOT docket 2006–23614 at https://dms.dot.gov. Interested parties may comment on the effect this action may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag vessels. If MARAD determines, in accordance with Pub. L. 105–383 and MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR part 388 (68 FR 23084; April 30, 2003), that the issuance of the waiver will have an unduly adverse effect on a U.S.-vessel builder or a business that uses U.S.-flag vessels in that business, a waiver will not be granted. Comments should refer to the docket number of this notice and the vessel name in order for MARAD to properly consider the comments. Comments should also state the commenter’s interest in the waiver application, and address the waiver criteria given in § 388.4 of MARAD’s regulations at 46 CFR part 388. DATES: Submit comments on or before February 21, 2006. ADDRESSES: Comments should refer to docket number MARAD–2006–23614. Written comments may be submitted by hand or by mail to the Docket Clerk, U.S. DOT Dockets, Room PL–401, Department of Transportation, 400 7th St., SW., Washington, DC 20590–0001. You may also send comments electronically via the Internet at https:// dmses.dot.gov/submit/. All comments will become part of this docket and will be available for inspection and copying at the above address between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. An electronic version of this document and all documents entered into this docket is available on the World Wide Web at https://dms.dot.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joann Spittle, U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, MAR–830 Room 7201, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone 202–366–5979. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As described by the applicant the intended service of the vessel ARCTIC TRAVELLER is: Intended Use: ‘‘We intend to provide hands-on Trawler operation training emphasizing active participation in all aspects of offshore and inshore passage making. Our emphasis will be on full participation and skill development at E:\FR\FM\19JAN1.SGM 19JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 12 (Thursday, January 19, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3149-3150]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-563]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Transit Administration

[Docket Number: FTA-2006-23636]


Notice of Availability of Guidance on New Starts Policies and 
Procedures and Request for Comments

AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of availability; Request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of the Federal Transit 
Administration's (FTA's) Guidance on New Starts Policies and Procedures 
and requests your comments on it. The guidance explains proposed 
changes to the New Starts program that will become effective April 30, 
2006 and longer-term changes to the New Starts program that FTA plans 
to be the subject of rulemaking in the future. FTA requests comments on 
both aspects of the guidance, which is available in DOT's electronic 
docket and on FTA's Web site.

DATES: Comments must be received by March 10, 2006. Late filed comments 
will be considered to the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments [identified by DOT DMS Docket Number 
FTA-2006-23636] by any of the following methods:
    Web site: https://dms.dot.gov. Follow the instructions for 
submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site.
    Fax: 202-493-2251.
    Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
    Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif 
Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Instructions: You must include the agency name (Federal Transit 
Administration) and the docket number (FTA-2006-23636). You should 
submit two copies of your comments if you submit them by mail. If you 
wish to receive confirmation that FTA received your comments, you must 
include a self-addressed stamped postcard. Note that all comments 
received will be posted without change to the Department's Docket 
Management System (DMS) Web site located at https://dms.dot.gov. This 
means that if your comment includes any personal identifying 
information, such information will be made available to users of DMS.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron Fisher, Office of Planning and 
Environment, telephone (202) 366-4033, Federal Transit Administration, 
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, 
DC 20590 or Ron.Fisher@fta.dot.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Background

    On August 10, 2005, President Bush signed the Safe, Accountable, 
Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act--A Legacy for Users 
(SAFETEA-LU). Section 3011 of SAFETEA-LU made a number of changes to 49 
U.S.C. 5309, which authorizes the FTA's fixed guideway capital 
investment program known as ``New Starts.'' This notice announces the 
availability of FTA's Guidance on New Starts Policies and Procedures 
and requests your comment as described below. The document is available 
in the docket, which can be accessed by going to https://dms.dot.gov at 
any time, or you can view the document on FTA's Web site at https://
www.fta.dot.gov/15052_ENG_HTML.htm.

A. New Starts Program Changes To Be Effective April 30, 2006

    The first purpose of the policy guidance is to solicit comments on 
and document the changes to FTA's New Starts project development and 
program management procedures that are proposed to become effective on 
April 30, 2006. The changes apply to all New Starts submittals received 
after that date and prior to the effective date of future New Starts 
rulemaking. The proposed improvements to the project review and 
evaluation process and criteria include: National Environmental Policy 
Act interfaces; preservation of information for the before and after 
study; certification of technical methods, planning assumptions and 
project development procedures; development of costs and ridership 
forecasts; project development agreements; setting the New Starts 
maximum dollar funding level at the time of final design approval; and 
use of mode specific constants. Comments received will be used to 
develop the New Starts ratings, evaluations and procedures which will 
be issued in Spring 2006. FTA will respond to comments received on this 
Notice in a second Federal Register notice to be published after the 
close of the comment period, which will announce the availability of 
the Reporting Instructions for the Section 5309 New Starts Criteria 
reflecting the changes implemented as a result of this policy guidance 
and comments received thereon.

[[Page 3150]]

B. Long-term New Starts Program Changes for Future Rulemaking

    The second purpose of the policy guidance is to discuss various New 
Starts implementation issues relating to SAFETEA-LU, discuss the merits 
of alternative approaches, and solicit input, through a series of 
questions, on the options that FTA is considering. Issues discussed 
include project eligibility; project evaluation and ratings; and 
project development procedures. Comments received will be considered 
and addressed in future rulemaking for the New Starts program, which 
FTA hopes to initiate later in 2006.

    Issued in Washington, DC, this 12th day of January 2006.
David B. Horner,
Chief Counsel.
[FR Doc. E6-563 Filed 1-18-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-57-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.