Notice of Availability of Proposed Guidance on New and Small Starts Policies and Procedures, 21170-21171 [E8-8463]

Download as PDF 21170 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 76 / Friday, April 18, 2008 / Notices minutes 48 seconds West, 127.82 feet to the north line of the northerly 438.36 feet of the southerly 550 feet of the Northeast Quarter of said Section 17; thence North 89 degrees 14 minutes 52 seconds East, along said north line, 242.69 feet to the west line of the east 80.00 feet of said Northeast Quarter; thence South 00 degrees 50 minutes 04 seconds East, along said west line, 550 feet to the Point of Beginning, in Sugar Grove Township, Kane County, Illinois. Containing 0.9776 acres, more or less. The above described two parcels of land together contain 1.1542 acres, more or less. Issued in Des Plaines, Illinois on April 9, 2008. Mia Ratcliff, Acting Manager, Chicago Airports District Office, FAA, Great Lakes Region. [FR Doc. E8–8219 Filed 4–17–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–M DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration Notice of Clarification of Solicitation of Applications and Notice of Funding Availability for the Capital Assistance to States—Intercity Passenger Rail Service Program Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Clarification regarding solicitation for applications and notice of funding availability. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: On February 19, 2008, FRA published a Solicitation of Applications and Notice of Funding Availability for the Capital Assistance to States— Intercity Passenger Rail Service Program. This notice provides clarifying information related to elements of the February 19, 2008 notice. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peter Schwartz, Office of Railroad Development (RDV–11), Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Phone: (202) 493–6360; Fax: (202) 493–6330. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Following publication of the notice, FRA received a number of inquires from interested States seeking additional clarification from the agency with respect to some of the items included in the notice. In order to assist applicants, FRA is issuing this supplemental notice to provide additional clarification on three items of interest. Accordingly, the sections of the February 19, 2008 notice labeled ‘‘Eligible Projects’’ and ‘‘Eligible VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:38 Apr 17, 2008 Jkt 214001 Planning Projects’’ are amended to read as follows. Eligible Projects: Eligible projects must be intended to result in significant benefits to intercity passenger rail service. Projects which meet this criterion, but for which the majority of benefits, as calculated by one or more measures of transportation production, may be projected to accrue to commuter or freight rail service, may be considered for funding subject to the reasonableness of the terms of the cost sharing arrangement between the parties affected by the proposed improvements. Only new projects will be eligible; projects for which construction has commenced before the date of the application will not be considered. Preaward costs, dating from no earlier than the date of application, may be considered for funding, although an applicant will bear all risk for such costs in the event no award is made. Proposed projects must be specifically included in the applicant State’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan at the time of application to be eligible. Matching funding must be in the form of new financial commitments toward the proposed project by the applicant and/or its partners. Expenditures which occurred prior to the date of application and expenditures on unrelated projects will not be considered. Eligible Planning Projects: Congress has allowed up to ten percent ($3,000,000) of the funding available under the program to be used for planning activities that lead directly to the development of a passenger rail corridor investment plan. Only proposed planning projects which lead to (1) a programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for the purpose of route selection, and/or (2) a corridor transportation plan prepared in accordance with the methodologies set forth in FRA’s publication, entitled ‘‘Railroad Corridor Transportation Plans: A Guidance Manual,’’ available at https://www.fra.dot.gov/Downloads/ RRdev/corridor_planning.pdf, will be considered for funding, subject to the Selection Criteria outlined below. Issued in Washington, DC, on April 11, 2008. Mark E. Yachmetz, Associate Administrator for Railroad Development. [FR Doc. E8–8424 Filed 4–17–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration [Docket Number: FTA–2008–0020] Notice of Availability of Proposed Guidance on New and Small Starts Policies and Procedures Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Proposed Guidance on New and Small Starts Policies and Procedures and requests your comments on it. The guidance explains proposed changes to the New and Small Starts programs that will become effective upon the issuance of Final Guidance, which will be announced in a subsequent Federal Register notice. FTA requests comments on the Proposed Guidance, which is available in DOT’s electronic docket and on FTA’s Web site. DATES: Comments must be received within 30 days after publication in the Federal Register. Late filed comments will be considered to the extent practicable. You may submit comments [identified by the Docket Number FTA– 2008–0020] by any of the following methods: Web site: https://regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site. Fax: 202–493–2251. Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Washington, DC 20590. Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., Washington, DC 20590, 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–2007–0020). 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 federal government Web site located at https:// regulations.gov. This means that if your ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\18APN1.SGM 18APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 76 / Friday, April 18, 2008 / Notices comment includes any personal identifying information, such information will be made available to users of Web site. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron Fisher, Office of Planning and Environment, telephone (202) 366– 4033. FTA is located at 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., East Building, Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 1. Background On August 10, 2005, President Bush signed the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, 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 Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) fixed guideway capital investment program known as ‘‘New Starts,’’ and created a new program category known as ‘‘Small Starts.’’ This notice announces the availability of FTA’s Proposed Guidance on New and Small 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:// regulations.gov at any time, or you can view the document on FTA’s Web site at https://www.fta.dot.gov/planning/ newstarts/ planning_environment_5615.html. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES A. Proposed Changes for the New and Small Starts Program The purpose of this policy guidance is to solicit comments on the policies and procedures for the New and Small Starts programs. The changes, once announced as final, will apply to all New and Small Starts submittals received after the effective date announced in the Notice of Availability published in the Federal Register for the Final Guidance. FTA proposes minor changes to its ratings by introducing a rating for reliability, which could affect the project justification rating. FTA proposes this change to honor the spirit of SAFETEA– LU, which established this new criterion for project justification, while refraining from making the more significant changes in SAFETEA–LU that are appropriate for rulemaking. Other changes proposed will support FTA’s efforts to streamline studies for projects seeking New and Small Starts funding. They include an initiation package for alternatives analysis, an easing of the eligibility requirements for the Small Starts program, and documentation of the uncertainties in VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:38 Apr 17, 2008 Jkt 214001 the predictions of capital costs and ridership. It is this last proposed provision that is expected to have the greatest impact on expediting FTA reviews, as a more explicit representation of project uncertainties should facilitate communication between FTA and project sponsors over capital cost and ridership uncertainties. FTA also proposes that its ratings include additional attention to the adequacy of the local financial commitment for ongoing recapitalization of the existing transit system. Finally, FTA proposes to allow review and comment by contractors of information submitted for the Before and After Study so that their roles can be accurately portrayed. Comments received will be used to develop the ratings, evaluations, and procedures for projects seeking funds from the New and Small Starts programs, and will be issued in June 2008. FTA will respond to comments received in response to this Notice in a second Federal Register notice to be published after the close of the comment period. The notice will announce the availability of the Reporting Instructions for the section 5309 New Starts Criteria and the Interim Guidance for Small Starts, reflecting the changes implemented as a result of this policy guidance and comments received thereon. Issued in Washington, DC this 9th day April 2008. James S. Simpson, Administrator. [FR Doc. E8–8463 Filed 4–17–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–57–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket No. MARAD–2008 0035] 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 FABIOLA II. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 21171 listed below. The complete application is given in DOT docket MARAD–2008 0035 at https://www.regulations.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 May 19, 2008. ADDRESSES: Comments should refer to docket number MARAD–2008 0035. Written comments may be submitted by hand or by mail to the Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. You may also send comments electronically via the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov. 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:// www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joann Spittle, U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W21–203, Washington, DC 20590. Telephone 202– 366–5979. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As described by the applicant the intended service of the vessel FABIOLA II is: Intended Use: ‘‘limited charter.’’ Geographic Region: ‘‘Maryland, Maine, Florida & Rhode Island.’’ Privacy Act Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may E:\FR\FM\18APN1.SGM 18APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 76 (Friday, April 18, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 21170-21171]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-8463]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Transit Administration

[Docket Number: FTA-2008-0020]


Notice of Availability of Proposed Guidance on New and Small 
Starts Policies and Procedures

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) Proposed Guidance on New and Small Starts 
Policies and Procedures and requests your comments on it. The guidance 
explains proposed changes to the New and Small Starts programs that 
will become effective upon the issuance of Final Guidance, which will 
be announced in a subsequent Federal Register notice. FTA requests 
comments on the Proposed Guidance, which is available in DOT's 
electronic docket and on FTA's Web site.

DATES: Comments must be received within 30 days after publication in 
the Federal Register. Late filed comments will be considered to the 
extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments [identified by the Docket Number 
FTA-2008-0020] by any of the following methods:
    Web site: https://regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for 
submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site.
    Fax: 202-493-2251.
    Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., 
Washington, DC 20590.
    Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Ave., SE., Washington, DC 20590, 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-2007-0020). 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 federal government Web 
site located at https://regulations.gov. This means that if your

[[Page 21171]]

comment includes any personal identifying information, such information 
will be made available to users of Web site.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron Fisher, Office of Planning and 
Environment, telephone (202) 366-4033. FTA is located at 1200 New 
Jersey Ave., SE., East Building, Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are 
from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Background

    On August 10, 2005, President Bush signed the Safe, Accountable, 
Flexible, 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 Federal Transit Administration's 
(FTA) fixed guideway capital investment program known as ``New 
Starts,'' and created a new program category known as ``Small Starts.'' 
This notice announces the availability of FTA's Proposed Guidance on 
New and Small 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://regulations.gov at any time, or you can 
view the document on FTA's Web site at https://www.fta.dot.gov/planning/
newstarts/planning_environment_5615.html.

A. Proposed Changes for the New and Small Starts Program

    The purpose of this policy guidance is to solicit comments on the 
policies and procedures for the New and Small Starts programs. The 
changes, once announced as final, will apply to all New and Small 
Starts submittals received after the effective date announced in the 
Notice of Availability published in the Federal Register for the Final 
Guidance. FTA proposes minor changes to its ratings by introducing a 
rating for reliability, which could affect the project justification 
rating. FTA proposes this change to honor the spirit of SAFETEA-LU, 
which established this new criterion for project justification, while 
refraining from making the more significant changes in SAFETEA-LU that 
are appropriate for rulemaking. Other changes proposed will support 
FTA's efforts to streamline studies for projects seeking New and Small 
Starts funding. They include an initiation package for alternatives 
analysis, an easing of the eligibility requirements for the Small 
Starts program, and documentation of the uncertainties in the 
predictions of capital costs and ridership. It is this last proposed 
provision that is expected to have the greatest impact on expediting 
FTA reviews, as a more explicit representation of project uncertainties 
should facilitate communication between FTA and project sponsors over 
capital cost and ridership uncertainties. FTA also proposes that its 
ratings include additional attention to the adequacy of the local 
financial commitment for ongoing recapitalization of the existing 
transit system. Finally, FTA proposes to allow review and comment by 
contractors of information submitted for the Before and After Study so 
that their roles can be accurately portrayed.
    Comments received will be used to develop the ratings, evaluations, 
and procedures for projects seeking funds from the New and Small Starts 
programs, and will be issued in June 2008. FTA will respond to comments 
received in response to this Notice in a second Federal Register notice 
to be published after the close of the comment period. The notice will 
announce the availability of the Reporting Instructions for the section 
5309 New Starts Criteria and the Interim Guidance for Small Starts, 
reflecting the changes implemented as a result of this policy guidance 
and comments received thereon.

    Issued in Washington, DC this 9th day April 2008.
James S. Simpson,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. E8-8463 Filed 4-17-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-57-P

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