Low-Power Television and Translator Digital-to-Analog Conversion Program, 50782-50783 [E8-19992]

Download as PDF 50782 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 168 / Thursday, August 28, 2008 / Notices Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before this Council for discussion, those issues may not be the subjects of formal final Council action during these meetings. Council action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under section 305 (c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, provided the public has been notified of the Council’s intent to take final action to address the emergency. Except for advertised (scheduled) public hearings and public comment, the times and sequence specified on this agenda are subject to change. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to the Council office (see ADDRESSES) by September 11, 2008. Dated: August 25, 2008. Tracey L. Thompson, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E8–19972 Filed 8–27–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Telecommunications and Information Administration [Docket No: 070920527–81110–02] Low-Power Television and Translator Digital-to-Analog Conversion Program National Telecommunications and Information Administration, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Amendment to Notice of Availability of Funds. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: On October 29, 2007, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the establishment of the Low-Power Television and Translator Digital-to-Analog Conversion Program (Conversion Program) and announcing $8 million in funds available for grants. Pursuant to the requirements of the DTV Transition Assistance Act, Public Law No. 110– 295, NTIA has determined that the full funding amount is not necessary for the Conversion Program and herein announces the funds available for these grants to be $3.5 million. NTIA also announces certain changes in the application submission deadlines. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:36 Aug 27, 2008 Jkt 214001 The deadline for applications is February 17, 2009. However, NTIA will not be able to guarantee the availability of funds for those applications submitted (postmarked) after November 17, 2008. For applications submitted (postmarked) on or after November 18, 2008, through February 17, 2009, NTIA will use no more than $1 million of any of the $3.5 million remaining after November 17, 2008 and will process applications on a first-come, first-served basis until the $1 million is exhausted. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William Cooperman, Broadcasting Division Director, at telephone (202) 482–5802; fax (202) 482–2156; e-mail wcooperman@ntia.doc.gov; or mail National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room H– 4812, Washington, DC 20230. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATES: The Low-Power Television and Translator Digital-to-Analog Conversion Program Section 3008 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (Deficit Reduction Act), Public Law No. 109–171, 120 Stat. 4, 25–26 (2006), established the LowPower Television and Translator Digitalto-Analog Conversion Program (Conversion Program) to assist lowpower television stations so that they can continue analog broadcasting after the February 17, 2009 digital television transition of full-power television stations. The Deficit Reduction Act authorizes $10 million for NTIA to provide funding during fiscal years 2008 and 2009 to eligible low-power television stations so that they may purchase digital-to-analog conversion devices that enable them to convert the incoming digital signal of their corresponding full-power television station to analog format for transmission on the low-power stations’ analog channel. On October 29, 2007, NTIA published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the Conversion Program; establishing the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and award amounts for the program; and announcing the availability of $8 million for the grants.1 NTIA also distributed information about the Conversion Program through postings on https://www.grants.gov maintained by the Office of Management and Budget and NTIA’s Web site (https:// www.ntia.doc.gov/lptv), through two 1 See 72 FR 61109 (2007), also available on NTIA’s Web site at: https://www.mtia.doc.gov/ ntiahome/frnotices/2007/LPTVfund_102907.pdf. PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 mailings to each low-power television licensee, and through information disseminated at industry meetings by NTIA officials. As of July 31, 2008, NTIA had received applications from 749 low-power television facilities, including 689 applications from television translators, 50 applications from low-power television stations, and 10 applications from Class A television stations. The DTV Transition Assistance Act On July 31, 2008, the DTV Transition Assistance Act (Assistance Act), Public Law No. 110–295, 122 Stat. 2972 (2008), was enacted. Section 2(a) of the Assistance Act amends Section 3008 of the Deficit Reduction Act to require NTIA to determine whether the full $10 million authorized for the Conversion Program will be needed to assist eligible low-power television stations.2 The Assistance Act also provides that this determination may be adjusted from time to time. After reviewing the number of lowpower stations potentially eligible for the Conversion Program; the number of requests received through July 31, 2008; and the number of facilities that have received authorizations from the Federal Communications Commission to upgrade to digital transmission via flash-cut, NTIA determined that the full funding amount will not be necessary for payments to eligible low-power television stations. NTIA has determined that $3.5 million should adequately cover the amounts needed for payments to eligible low-power television facilities under the Conversion Program. NTIA has also determined to reduce this amount three months prior to February 17, 2009, digital transition deadline. Amendments to the Conversion Program Current program guidance provides that NTIA will accept applications through February 17, 2009, the deadline provided in Section 3008 of the Deficit Reduction Act. To assure maximum effectiveness of the funding for both the Conversion Program and the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, NTIA believes that the application process for the Conversion Program should be expedited. Therefore, to encourage earlier submission of Conversion Program applications, NTIA will make 2 The Assistance Act authorizes NTIA to use the remaining amounts from the Conversion Program for consumer education and technical assistance regarding the digital television transition and the digital-to-analog converter box program authorized by section 3005 of the Deficit Reduction Act (TV Converter Box Coupon Program). E:\FR\FM\28AUN1.SGM 28AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 168 / Thursday, August 28, 2008 / Notices the full $3.5 million available for payment to eligible low-power facilities for those applications submitted (postmarked) by November 17, 2008. For applications submitted (postmarked) on or after November 18, 2008, through February 17, 2009, NTIA will use no more than $1 million of any of the $3.5 million remaining after November 17, 2008 and will process applications on a first-come, first-served basis until the $1 million is exhausted. All other application requirements and procedures contained in the October 29, 2007, Federal Register Notice remain in effect. Executive Order 12866. This action has been determined to be not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866. Administrative Procedure Act and Regulatory Flexibility Act. Prior notice and comment are not required under 5 U.S.C. 553, or any other law, for rules relating to public property, loans, grants, benefits or contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)). Because prior notice and an opportunity for public comment are not required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law, the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. et seq.) are inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required and has not been prepared. Bernadette McGuire-Rivera, Associate Administrator, Office of Telecommunications Applications. [FR Doc. E8–19992 Filed 8–27–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–60–P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Air Force Pentagon, Suite 220, Washington, DC 20330–1800. Mr. Tommy Lee at (703) 696–6518. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of the Air Force notices for systems of records subject to the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended, have been published in the Federal Register and are available from the address above. The proposed systems reports, as required by 5 U.S.C. 552a(r) of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, were submitted on August 22, 2008, to the House Committee on Government Oversight and Reform, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) pursuant to paragraph 4c of Appendix I to OMB Circular No. A–130, ‘‘Federal Agency Responsibilities for Maintaining Records About Individuals,’’ dated February 8, 1996 (February 20, 1996, 61 FR 6427). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dated: August 22, 2008. Patricia L. Toppings, OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. Department of the Air Force, Department of Defense. ACTION: Notice To Add a System of Records. AGENCY: The Department of the Air Force is proposing to add a system of records to its inventory of record systems subject to the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), as amended. DATES: The changes will be effective on September 29, 2008 unless comments are received that would result in a contrary determination. ADDRESSES: Send comments to the Air Force Privacy Act Office, Office of Warfighting Integration and Chief Information Officer, SAF/XCPPI, 1800 jlentini on PROD1PC65 with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:36 Aug 27, 2008 Jkt 214001 PURPOSE(S): To determine applicant eligibility; record attendance, training and completion or elimination; serve as a locator of students and provide a source of statistical information. ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE SYSTEM INCLUDING CATEGORIES OF USERS AND THE PURPOSES OF SUCH USE: In addition to those disclosures generally permitted under 5 U.S.C. 552a(b) of the Privacy Act of 1974, these records or information contained therein may be specifically disclosed outside the Department of Defense as a routine use pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(b)(3) as follows: The ‘‘Blanket Routine Uses’’ published at the beginning of the Air Force’s compilation of systems of records notices apply to this system. POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR STORING, RETRIEVING, ACCESSING, RETAINING, AND DISPOSING OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM: Paper records in file folders and electronic storage media. SYSTEM NAME: The Service Chiefs’ Program Records. SYSTEM NAME: Headquarters, United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM)/J8, Futures Capabilities Division, 901, SAC Blvd., Offutt AFB, NE 68113–6800 and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), 3701 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA 22203–1714. CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE SYSTEM: Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records Establishment of Training Programs; USSTRATCOM Instruction 234–1, USSTRATCOM–DARPA Intern Program; and E.O. 9397 (SSN). STORAGE: F0 36 USSC A Department of the Air Force [Docket ID: USAF–2008–0018] 50783 Military personnel in grades 0–3 through 0–5 assigned to Headquarters, United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), USSTRATCOM Joint Forces Component Commands, Global Innovation Strategy Center or the Center for Weapons of Mass Destruction who apply for the USSTRATCOM–DARPA Intern Program. RETRIEVABILITY: Records are retrieved by the applicant/student’s name, and/or Social Security Number (SSN). SAFEGUARDS: Paper records are kept in file cabinets located in a secured area and building. Electronic records are stored on computer systems employing software programs that monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information. Access to computer systems is password and/or Public Key Infrastructure controlled. The building is under armed guard control 24 hours per day and video camera monitoring 24 hours per day. RETENTION AND DISPOSAL: Individual’s name, Social Security Number (SSN), mailing address, military applications, student academic records including course completion records, locator information, and related training/educational records. Records are retained until the individual has completed the program. Paper records are destroyed by shredding, macerating, burning, or tearing to preclude reconstruction. Computer records are disposed of by deleting the information from the database, degaussing, or over-writing. AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM: SYSTEM MANAGER AND ADDRESS: 5 U.S.C. 301, Departmental Regulations; 10 U.S.C. 8013, Secretary of the Air Force; 5 U.S.C. 4103, Chief, Capability Resource Analysis Division, USSTRATCOM/J81, 901 SAC Blvd., Offutt AFB, NE 68113–6800. CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM: PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\28AUN1.SGM 28AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 168 (Thursday, August 28, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50782-50783]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-19992]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

[Docket No: 070920527-81110-02]


Low-Power Television and Translator Digital-to-Analog Conversion 
Program

AGENCY: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 
Department of Commerce.

ACTION: Amendment to Notice of Availability of Funds.

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

SUMMARY: On October 29, 2007, the National Telecommunications and 
Information Administration (NTIA) published a notice in the Federal 
Register announcing the establishment of the Low-Power Television and 
Translator Digital-to-Analog Conversion Program (Conversion Program) 
and announcing $8 million in funds available for grants. Pursuant to 
the requirements of the DTV Transition Assistance Act, Public Law No. 
110-295, NTIA has determined that the full funding amount is not 
necessary for the Conversion Program and herein announces the funds 
available for these grants to be $3.5 million. NTIA also announces 
certain changes in the application submission deadlines.

DATES: The deadline for applications is February 17, 2009. However, 
NTIA will not be able to guarantee the availability of funds for those 
applications submitted (postmarked) after November 17, 2008. For 
applications submitted (postmarked) on or after November 18, 2008, 
through February 17, 2009, NTIA will use no more than $1 million of any 
of the $3.5 million remaining after November 17, 2008 and will process 
applications on a first-come, first-served basis until the $1 million 
is exhausted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William Cooperman, Broadcasting 
Division Director, at telephone (202) 482-5802; fax (202) 482-2156; e-
mail wcooperman@ntia.doc.gov; or mail National Telecommunications and 
Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 
Constitution Avenue, NW., Room H-4812, Washington, DC 20230.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Low-Power Television and Translator Digital-to-Analog Conversion 
Program

    Section 3008 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (Deficit 
Reduction Act), Public Law No. 109-171, 120 Stat. 4, 25-26 (2006), 
established the Low-Power Television and Translator Digital-to-Analog 
Conversion Program (Conversion Program) to assist low-power television 
stations so that they can continue analog broadcasting after the 
February 17, 2009 digital television transition of full-power 
television stations. The Deficit Reduction Act authorizes $10 million 
for NTIA to provide funding during fiscal years 2008 and 2009 to 
eligible low-power television stations so that they may purchase 
digital-to-analog conversion devices that enable them to convert the 
incoming digital signal of their corresponding full-power television 
station to analog format for transmission on the low-power stations' 
analog channel.
    On October 29, 2007, NTIA published a notice in the Federal 
Register announcing the Conversion Program; establishing the 
eligibility criteria, application requirements, and award amounts for 
the program; and announcing the availability of $8 million for the 
grants.\1\ NTIA also distributed information about the Conversion 
Program through postings on https://www.grants.gov maintained by the 
Office of Management and Budget and NTIA's Web site (https://
www.ntia.doc.gov/lptv), through two mailings to each low-power 
television licensee, and through information disseminated at industry 
meetings by NTIA officials. As of July 31, 2008, NTIA had received 
applications from 749 low-power television facilities, including 689 
applications from television translators, 50 applications from low-
power television stations, and 10 applications from Class A television 
stations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ See 72 FR 61109 (2007), also available on NTIA's Web site 
at: https://www.mtia.doc.gov/ntiahome/frnotices/2007/LPTVfund_
102907.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The DTV Transition Assistance Act

    On July 31, 2008, the DTV Transition Assistance Act (Assistance 
Act), Public Law No. 110-295, 122 Stat. 2972 (2008), was enacted. 
Section 2(a) of the Assistance Act amends Section 3008 of the Deficit 
Reduction Act to require NTIA to determine whether the full $10 million 
authorized for the Conversion Program will be needed to assist eligible 
low-power television stations.\2\ The Assistance Act also provides that 
this determination may be adjusted from time to time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ The Assistance Act authorizes NTIA to use the remaining 
amounts from the Conversion Program for consumer education and 
technical assistance regarding the digital television transition and 
the digital-to-analog converter box program authorized by section 
3005 of the Deficit Reduction Act (TV Converter Box Coupon Program).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    After reviewing the number of low-power stations potentially 
eligible for the Conversion Program; the number of requests received 
through July 31, 2008; and the number of facilities that have received 
authorizations from the Federal Communications Commission to upgrade to 
digital transmission via flash-cut, NTIA determined that the full 
funding amount will not be necessary for payments to eligible low-power 
television stations. NTIA has determined that $3.5 million should 
adequately cover the amounts needed for payments to eligible low-power 
television facilities under the Conversion Program. NTIA has also 
determined to reduce this amount three months prior to February 17, 
2009, digital transition deadline.

Amendments to the Conversion Program

    Current program guidance provides that NTIA will accept 
applications through February 17, 2009, the deadline provided in 
Section 3008 of the Deficit Reduction Act. To assure maximum 
effectiveness of the funding for both the Conversion Program and the TV 
Converter Box Coupon Program, NTIA believes that the application 
process for the Conversion Program should be expedited. Therefore, to 
encourage earlier submission of Conversion Program applications, NTIA 
will make

[[Page 50783]]

the full $3.5 million available for payment to eligible low-power 
facilities for those applications submitted (postmarked) by November 
17, 2008. For applications submitted (postmarked) on or after November 
18, 2008, through February 17, 2009, NTIA will use no more than $1 
million of any of the $3.5 million remaining after November 17, 2008 
and will process applications on a first-come, first-served basis until 
the $1 million is exhausted. All other application requirements and 
procedures contained in the October 29, 2007, Federal Register Notice 
remain in effect.
    Executive Order 12866. This action has been determined to be not a 
significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.
    Administrative Procedure Act and Regulatory Flexibility Act. Prior 
notice and comment are not required under 5 U.S.C. 553, or any other 
law, for rules relating to public property, loans, grants, benefits or 
contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)). Because prior notice and an opportunity 
for public comment are not required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 or any 
other law, the analytical requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (5 U.S.C. et seq.) are inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory 
flexibility analysis is not required and has not been prepared.

Bernadette McGuire-Rivera,
Associate Administrator, Office of Telecommunications Applications.
[FR Doc. E8-19992 Filed 8-27-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-60-P
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