March 12, 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), an Agency within the Rural Development mission area, announces the availability of grants of up to $50,000 per application from the Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) program for fiscal year (FY) 2009, to be competitively awarded. For multi-state projects, grant funds of up to $150,000 will be available on a competitive basis. These limits do not apply to specific funding for certain specifically designated rural areas as discussed below. This notice is being issued prior to passage of a final appropriations bill, which may or may not provide funding for this program, to allow applicants sufficient time to apply for and obtain leverage financing, submit applications, and give the Agency time to process applications within the current fiscal year. The Agency will publish a subsequent notice identifying the amount received in the appropriations, if any. Expenses incurred in developing applications will be at the applicant's risk.

The Coast Guard proposes to change the drawbridge operation regulations of the Eltham Bridge (SR33/30), at mile 1.0, across Pamunkey River at West Point, Virginia. This proposal would allow the bridge to open on signal if at least four hours notice is given. This proposal would provide for the reasonable needs of navigation, due to the anticipated infrequency of requests for vessel openings of the drawbridge.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

This document denies a Petition for Reconsideration filed by Word Power, Inc., directed to the Report and Order in this proceeding, which had denied Word Power's counterproposal and had granted a mutually exclusive rulemaking petition. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, infra.

The Federal Aviation Administration is requesting public comment on Princeton Airport (39N), Princeton, New Jersey, notice of proposed release from aeronautical use of approximately 7.2 acres of airport property, to allow for non-aeronautical development. The parcel is located on the southeast corner of Princeton Airport. The tract currently consists of 7.2 acres of land and it is currently vacant. The requested release is for the purpose of permitting the airport owner to sell and convey title of 7.2 Acres for use as a medical office building. Documents reflecting the Sponsor's request are available, by appointment only, for inspection at the Airport Manager's office and the FAA New York Airport District Office.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-21), this notice announces that the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs, will submit the collection of information abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The PRA submission describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden and it includes the actual data collection instrument.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Act), Public Law 111-5 amends the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to add new sections 3002 and 3003. The new section 3003 of the PHSA establishes the HIT Standards Committee to make recommendations to the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology on standards, implementation specifications, and certification criteria for the electronic exchange and use of health information for purposes of health information technology adoption. The HIT Standards Committee members are to be appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services with the National Coordinator taking a leading role. Membership of the HIT Standards Committee should at least reflect the following categories of stakeholders and will include other individuals: providers, ancillary healthcare workers, consumers, purchasers, health plans, technology vendors, researchers, relevant Federal agencies, and individuals with technical expertise on health care quality, privacy and security, and on the electronic exchange and use of health information. In addition, we also seek nominations to the HIT Policy Committee (established by the new section 3002 of the PHSA), which makes recommendations to the National Coordinator on the implementation of a nationwide health information technology infrastructure. The HIT Policy Committee will consist of at least 20 members. Three of these members will be appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Of the three members, one must be a representative of the Department of Health and Human Services and one must be a public health official. If, 45 days after the enactment of the Act, an official authorized under the Act to make appointments to the HIT Policy Committee has failed to make an appointment(s), the Act authorizes the Secretary of HHS to make such appointments. The Department of Health and Human Services is consequently accepting nominations for the HIT Policy Committee. New section 3008 of the PHSA allows the Secretary to recognize the NeHC (if modified to be consistent with the requirements of section 3002 and 3003 of the Act and other federal laws) as either the HIT Policy Committee or the HIT Standards Committee. At this time, the Department of Health and Human Services is evaluating options regarding the National eHealth Collaborative and its role in relation to those Committees. For appointments to either the HIT Standards Committee or the HIT Policy Committee, I am announcing the following: Letters of nomination and resumes should be submitted by March 16, 2009 to ensure adequate opportunity for review and consideration of nominees prior to appointment of members.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or Agency), National Center for Environmental Innovation (NCEI) is giving notice of the availability of its solicitation for proposals from institutions that are interested in organizing two symposia over four years to promote sharing and transfer of innovative environmental protection approaches among States, EPA, and other primarily governmental representatives. The solicitation is available at the Agency's State Innovation Grant Web site: https://www.epa.gov/innovation/ 2010symposium.htm, or may be requested from the Agency by e-mail to: innovationstategrants@gov, telephone, or by mail. Eligible recipients include States, territories, Indian Tribes, interstate organizations, intrastate organizations, and possessions of the U.S., including the District of Columbia, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, other public or private nonprofit institutions, and individuals. Nonprofit organizations described in Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code that engage in lobbying activities as defined in Section 3 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 are not eligible to apply. For-profit organizations are generally not eligible for funding.

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) publishes notice at least once monthly of certain Federal agency requests for records disposition authority (records schedules). Once approved by NARA, records schedules provide mandatory instructions on what happens to records when no longer needed for current Government business. They authorize the preservation of records of continuing value in the National Archives of the United States and the destruction, after a specified period, of records lacking administrative, legal, research, or other value. Notice is published for records schedules in which agencies propose to destroy records not previously authorized for disposal or reduce the retention period of records already authorized for disposal. NARA invites public comments on such records schedules, as required by 44 U.S.C. 3303a(a).

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard intends to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR) and Analysis to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requesting an extension of its approval for the following collection of information: 1625-0071, Boat Owner's ReportPossible Safety Defect. Before submitting this ICR to OMB, the Coast Guard is inviting comments as described below.

The Rural Utilities Service, an Agency delivering the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Utilities Programs, hereinafter referred to as Rural Development and/or Agency, has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to meet its responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 7 CFR 1794 related to possible financial assistance to Associated Electric Cooperative Incorporated (AECI) for the construction of a new 540- megawatt (MW) gas-fired combustion combined-cycle generation unit at the existing Chouteau Power Plant in Mayes County, Oklahoma. The proposed new unit is needed to provide additional electric generating capacity that would allow AECI to meet its projected electrical peaking demand in 2011-2016. AECI is also proposing to construct a new substation approximately two miles east of the existing plant, a 161- kilovolt (kV) transmission line from the existing plant to the new substation, and a single circuit 345-kV line from the new substation to the nearby Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) Coal-Fired Power Plant I, Mayes County, Oklahoma. The proposed new transmission facilities are needed to provide an outlet for the additional electric power that would be generated at the Chouteau Power Plant as a result of the installation of the proposed new combustion turbine (CT). AECI is requesting financial assistance from the Agency for the proposed action.

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard intends to submit Information Collection Requests (ICRs) and Analyses to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) requesting an extension of its approval for the following collections of information: (1) 1625-0033, Display of Fire Control Plans for Vessels; and (2) 1625-0039, Declaration of Inspection Before Transfer of Liquid Cargo in Bulk. Before submitting these ICRs to OMB, the Coast Guard is inviting comments as described below.

We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared an environmental assessment relative to the control of Russian knapweed, Acroptilon repens. The environmental assessment considers the effects of, and alternatives to, the release of a gall midge, Jaapiella ivannikovi, into the continental United States for use as a biological control agent to reduce the severity of Russian knapweed infestations. We are making the environmental assessment available to the public for review and comment.

The Department of Labor (DOL), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Employment Standards Administration is soliciting comments concerning its proposal to extend OMB approval of the information collection: Health Insurance Claim Form (OWCP-1500). A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the office listed below in the addresses section of this Notice.

The USDA Forest Service will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) to disclose environmental effects on a proposed action to improve forest health and reduce the fire hazard within the Vinegar Creek and Little Boulder/Deerhorn Creek subwatersheds. The Galena Project planning area, located approximately 2 miles west of Bates, Oregon, encompasses approximately 38,200 acres of National Forest System Lands administered by the Blue Mountain Ranger District, Malheur National Forest.

On February 11, 2009, President Obama signed into law the DTV Delay Act, which extended the deadline for the digital conversion and the coupon application period for the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Program (Coupon Program) by four months.\1\ The DTV Delay Act also authorized the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to issue replacement coupons to households whose coupons have otherwise expired unredeemed. These changes to the Coupon Program were conditioned upon enactment of new budget authority for the Coupon Program, which was recently provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.\2\

The NRC has recently submitted to OMB for review the following proposal for the collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). The NRC hereby informs potential respondents that an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and that a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The NRC published a Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period on this information collection on December 10, 2008. 1. Type of Submission, New, Revision, or Extension: Extension. 2. The Title of the Information Collection: 10 CFR Part 30Rules of General Applicability to Domestic Licensing of Byproduct Material. Current OMB Approval Number: 3150-0017. 3. The Form Number if Applicable: N/A. 4. How Often the Collection is Required: Required reports are collected and evaluated on a continuing basis as events occur. There is a one-time submittal of information to receive a license. Renewal applications are submitted every 10 years. Information submitted in previous applications may be referenced without being resubmitted. In addition, recordkeeping must be performed on an on-going basis. 5. Who Will be Required or Asked to Report: All persons applying for or holding a license to manufacture, produce, transfer, receive, acquire, own, possess, or use radioactive byproduct material. 6. An Estimate of the Number of Annual Responses: 38,407 (6,623 NRC Licensee responses (2,754 Responses + 3,869 Recordkeepers) and 31,784 Agreement State Licensee responses (13,213 Responses + 18,571 Recordkeepers)). 7. The Estimated Number of Annual Respondents: 22,440 (3,869 NRC licensees and 18,571 Agreement State licensees). 8. An Estimate of the Total Number of Hours Needed Annually to Complete the Requirement or Request: 314,844 (NRC licensees 54,250 hours (24,633 reporting + 29,617 recordkeeping) and Agreement State licensees 260,594 hours (118,597 reporting + 141,997 recordkeeping)). 9. Abstract: 10 CFR Part 30 establishes requirements that are applicable to all persons in the United States governing domestic licensing of radioactive byproduct material. The application, reporting and recordkeeping requirements are necessary to permit the NRC to make a determination whether the possession, use, and transfer of byproduct material is in conformance with the Commission's regulations for protection of the public health and safety. A copy of the final supporting statement may be viewed free of charge at the NRC Public Document Room, One White Flint North, 11555 Rockville Pike, Room O-1 F21, Rockville, MD 20852. OMB clearance requests are available at the NRC worldwide Web site: https:// www.nrc.gov/public-involve/doc-comment/omb/. The document will be available on the NRC home page site for 60 days after the signature date of this notice. Comments and questions should be directed to the OMB reviewer listed below by April 13, 2009. Comments received after this date will be considered if it is practical to do so, but assurance of consideration cannot be given to comments received after this date.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), take this action pursuant to a settlement agreement and court order that vacated, in part, the August 9. 2005 final rule that designated critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), for the Roswell springsnail (Pyrgulopsis roswellensis), Koster's springsnail (Juturnia kosteri), Noel's amphipod (Gammarus desperatus), and Pecos assiminea (Assiminea pecos) with respect to lands at the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Accordingly, the February 12, 2002, proposed critical habitat designation is reinstated for these invertebrates with respect to Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge and we announce the reopening of the public comment period for the February 12, 2002, proposed rule in order to reconsider designation of these lands. This re-evaluation of the designation of critical habitat at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge does not affect the designation of critical habitat at Diamond Y Spring and Sandia Spring. Comments previously submitted on the February 12, 2002, proposed rule (67 FR 6459) need not be resubmitted as they have been incorporated into the public record as part of this reopening of the comment period and will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule. Additionally, so that we may fully consider any new information available, we are also soliciting comments and information on the final economic analysis and final environmental assessment that were made available concurrent with the August 9, 2005, final designation of critical habitat.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is scheduled to file the plat of survey of the lands described below thirty (30) calendar days from the date of this publication in the BLM Wyoming State Office, Cheyenne, Wyoming.

This notice announces actions taken by the USACE that are final within the meaning of 23 U.S.C. 139 (I)(1). The actions relate to a proposed highway project, Fayetteville Outer Loop, from I-95 south of Fayetteville to U.S. 401 (Ramsey Street) in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Cumberland and Robeson Counties, North Carolina. Those actions grant a permit and approvals for the project.

The FHWA, on behalf of Caltrans, is issuing this notice to announce actions taken by Caltrans, that are final within the meaning of 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1). The actions relate to a proposed highway project, replacement of the Spanish Creek Bridge (Bridge No. 09-0015) on State Route 70, in the County of Plumas, State of California. Those actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the project.