Petition for Waiver of Compliance, 39946-39947 [2017-17738]

Download as PDF 39946 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 161 / Tuesday, August 22, 2017 / Notices rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to https://www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https://www.dot.gov/ privacy. I. Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption for two years if it finds ‘‘such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.’’ The statute also allows the Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the two-year period. The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding epilepsy found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person: Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause the loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES In addition to the regulations, FMCSA has published advisory criteria to assist Medical Examiners in determining whether drivers with certain medical conditions are qualified to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. [49 CFR part 391, APPENDIX A TO PART 391— MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA, section H. Epilepsy: § 391.41(b)(8), paragraphs 3, 4, and 5.] The five individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of their exemptions from the Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), in accordance with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, FMCSA has evaluated these applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. II. Request for Comments Interested parties or organizations possessing information that would otherwise show that any, or all, of these drivers are not currently achieving the statutory level of safety should immediately notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted and, if safety is being compromised or if continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption of a driver. III. Basis for Renewing Exemptions Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no longer VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:00 Aug 21, 2017 Jkt 241001 than two years from its approval date and may be renewed upon application. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of the five applicants has satisfied the conditions for obtaining an exemption from the Epilepsy and Seizure Disorder requirements and were published in the Federal Register 78 FR 41979, 80 FR 55164, 80 FR 57034. In addition, for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders, the Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) and the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) are searched for crash and violation data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviews the driving records from the State Driver’s Licensing Agency (SDLA). These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver’s ability to continue to safely operate a CMV in interstate commerce. The five drivers in this notice remain in good standing with the Agency, have maintained their medical monitoring and have not exhibited any medical issues that would compromise their ability to safely operate a CMV during the previous two-year exemption period. FMCSA has concluded that renewing the exemptions for each of these applicants is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. Therefore, FMCSA has decided to renew each exemption for a two-year period for the following applicants: Prince Austin, Jr. (OH) Frank Cekovic (PA) Martin L. Ford (MS) Roger Green (PA) Michael R. Weymouth (NH) IV. Conditions and Requirements The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: (1) Each driver must remain seizure-free and maintain a stable treatment during the two-year exemption period; (2) each driver must submit annual reports from their treating physicians attesting to the stability of treatment and that the driver has remained seizure-free; (3) each driver must undergo an annual medical examination by a certified Medical Examiner, as defined by 49 CFR 390.5; and (4) each driver must provide a copy of the annual medical certification to the employer for retention in the driver’s qualification file, or keep a copy of his/her driver’s qualification file if he/she is self-employed. The driver must also have a copy of the exemption when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) The person fails to comply with the terms and PO 00000 Frm 00198 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. V. Preemption During the period the exemption is in effect, no State shall enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with this exemption with respect to a person operating under the exemption. VI. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the five exemption applications, FMCSA renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders requirement in 49 CFR 391.41 (b)(8). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each exemption will be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. Issued on: August 10, 2017. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2017–17721 Filed 8–21–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA–2001–10654] Petition for Waiver of Compliance Under part 211 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document provides the public notice that on July 13, 2017, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) has petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for an extension and expansion of an existing waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR part 213. FRA assigned the petition docket number FRA–2001–10654. AAR, on behalf of its member railroads, received permission from FRA to operate trains at Class 5 speeds over ‘‘heavy-point’’ frogs (HPF) with guard check gages conforming to the standards for Class 4 track frogs on April 22, 2003. AAR requested and was granted two extensions, dated February 25, 2008 and January 18, 2013. The current waiver will expire on January 18, 2018. In the current petition, AAR requests an extension of the existing relief from 49 CFR 213.143—Frog guard rails and guard faces; gage, to continue operating trains at FRA Class 5 speeds over HPF with guard-check gage conforms to the standards prescribed for FRA Class 4 E:\FR\FM\22AUN1.SGM 22AUN1 sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 161 / Tuesday, August 22, 2017 / Notices track frog guard check and face gage dimensions. In addition, AAR is requesting that FRA amend the waiver to include relief from 49 CFR 213.355— Frog guard rails and guard faces; gage to allow trains to operate at Class 6 speeds over HPF designs with guardcheck gages conforming to the standards for Class 4 track frog guard check and face gage dimensions. A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications concerning the petition, is available for review online at www.regulations.gov and in person at the Department of Transportation’s Docket Operations Facility, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. The Docket Operations Facility is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested parties desire an opportunity for oral comment, they should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for their request. All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the appropriate docket number and may be submitted by any of the following methods: • Web site: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Operations Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. Communications received by October 6, 2017 will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered if practicable. Anyone can search the electronic form of any written communications and comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the document, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). Under 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its processes. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:25 Aug 21, 2017 Jkt 241001 described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https:// www.transportation.gov/privacy. See also https://www.regulations.gov/ privacyNotice for the privacy notice of regulations.gov. Issued in Washington, DC, on August 17, 2017. John Karl Alexy, Director, Office of Safety Analysis. [FR Doc. 2017–17738 Filed 8–21–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–06–P Federal Transit Administration Pilot Program for Nonprofit Cooperative Procurements Federal Transit Administration, DOT. Notice; request for expressions of interest to participate. ACTION: The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announces the establishment of the Pilot Program for Nonprofit Cooperative Procurements (Pilot Program) and solicits expressions of interest from eligible nonprofit entities to participate. The Pilot Program is aimed at increasing innovation, promoting efficiency, and demonstrating the effectiveness of cooperative procurement contracts for rolling stock and related equipment administered by eligible nonprofit entities. DATES: Expressions of interest to become one of the selected nonprofit entities in the Pilot Program for Nonprofit Cooperative Procurements must be received by October 23, 2017. ADDRESSES: Expressions of interest may be submitted via U.S. mail, electronic mail, or fax. Mail submissions must be addressed to the Office of Acquisition Management, Federal Transit Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room E42–332, Washington, DC 20590. Email submissions must be sent to NonprofitPilotProgram@dot.gov. Facsimile submissions must be submitted to the attention of Nonprofit Pilot Program at 817–978–0575. If there is an insufficient number of eligible nonprofit entities that meet the requirements of the Pilot Program, FTA may solicit additional interest in the future. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For program matters, James Harper, FTA Office of Acquisition Management, telephone (202) 366–1127 or email SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00199 Fmt 4703 James.Harper@dot.gov. For legal matters, Eldridge Onco, FTA Office of Chief Counsel, telephone (817) 978– 0557 or email Eldridge.Onco@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents I. Background II. Pilot Program Description III. Eligibility Information IV. Expression of Interest Submission Process V. Application Review VI. Pilot Program Administration I. Background DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AGENCY: 39947 Sfmt 4703 Section 3019 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, Public Law 114–94, permits FTA grantees to purchase rolling stock and related equipment from cooperative procurement contracts entered into by either a State government or an eligible nonprofit entity and 1 or more vendors. Section 3019 was designed to address the high purchasing costs attributable to the relatively small size of the procurements for rolling stock and related equipment, particularly for small and rural public transportation providers. Many States currently have authority to enter into cooperative purchasing contracts, also known as ‘‘state schedules.’’ However, such authority was not previously extended to nonprofit entities. The statute creates a pilot program to demonstrate the effectiveness of cooperative procurement contracts administered by nonprofit entities. These contracts are intended to be separate from State cooperative purchasing contracts and provide another opportunity for public transportation systems of all sizes to enhance their purchasing options. II. Pilot Program Description Section 3019(b)(3) establishes a Pilot Program to demonstrate the effectiveness of cooperative procurement contracts administered by eligible nonprofit entities. The objective of this innovative procurement approach is to enhance the purchasing options for all public transportation systems. FTA plans to assess the benefits and effectiveness of the Pilot Program to assist grantees in developing more efficient and innovative approaches to acquiring rolling stock and related equipment. A cooperative procurement contract in the Pilot Program means a contract between an eligible nonprofit entity and 1 or more vendors under which the vendors agree to provide an option to purchase rolling stock and related equipment to multiple grantee participants. Where permitted by State E:\FR\FM\22AUN1.SGM 22AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 161 (Tuesday, August 22, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39946-39947]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-17738]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket Number FRA-2001-10654]


Petition for Waiver of Compliance

    Under part 211 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
(CFR), this document provides the public notice that on July 13, 2017, 
the Association of American Railroads (AAR) has petitioned the Federal 
Railroad Administration (FRA) for an extension and expansion of an 
existing waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal 
railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR part 213. FRA assigned 
the petition docket number FRA-2001-10654.
    AAR, on behalf of its member railroads, received permission from 
FRA to operate trains at Class 5 speeds over ``heavy-point'' frogs 
(HPF) with guard check gages conforming to the standards for Class 4 
track frogs on April 22, 2003. AAR requested and was granted two 
extensions, dated February 25, 2008 and January 18, 2013. The current 
waiver will expire on January 18, 2018.
    In the current petition, AAR requests an extension of the existing 
relief from 49 CFR 213.143--Frog guard rails and guard faces; gage, to 
continue operating trains at FRA Class 5 speeds over HPF with guard-
check gage conforms to the standards prescribed for FRA Class 4

[[Page 39947]]

track frog guard check and face gage dimensions. In addition, AAR is 
requesting that FRA amend the waiver to include relief from 49 CFR 
213.355--Frog guard rails and guard faces; gage to allow trains to 
operate at Class 6 speeds over HPF designs with guard-check gages 
conforming to the standards for Class 4 track frog guard check and face 
gage dimensions.
    A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications 
concerning the petition, is available for review online at 
www.regulations.gov and in person at the Department of Transportation's 
Docket Operations Facility, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE., W12-140, 
Washington, DC 20590. The Docket Operations Facility is open from 9 
a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
    Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings 
by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate 
scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since 
the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested parties 
desire an opportunity for oral comment, they should notify FRA, in 
writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for 
their request.
    All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the 
appropriate docket number and may be submitted by any of the following 
methods:
     Web site: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 
instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: Docket Operations Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., W12-140, Washington, DC 
20590.
     Hand Delivery: 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W12-140, 
Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal Holidays.
    Communications received by October 6, 2017 will be considered by 
FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date 
will be considered if practicable.
    Anyone can search the electronic form of any written communications 
and comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the 
individual submitting the comment (or signing the document, if 
submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
Under 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better 
inform its processes. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including 
any personal information the commenter provides, to 
www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/
ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at https://www.transportation.gov/privacy. See also https://www.regulations.gov/privacyNotice for the 
privacy notice of regulations.gov.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on August 17, 2017.
John Karl Alexy,
Director, Office of Safety Analysis.
[FR Doc. 2017-17738 Filed 8-21-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-06-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.