Notice of Establishment of Emergency Relief Docket for Calendar Year 2021, 702-704 [2020-29252]

Download as PDF 702 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 3 / Wednesday, January 6, 2021 / Notices 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 5-year period. FMCSA grants medical exemptions from the FMCSRs for a 2year period to align with the maximum duration of a driver’s medical certification. 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. In addition to the regulations, FMCSA has published advisory criteria 1 to assist medical examiners in determining whether drivers with certain medical conditions are qualified to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. The 10 individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of their exemptions from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in § 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 2-year period. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES III. 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(b), FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption of a driver. IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each of the 10 applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition. The 10 drivers in this notice remain in good standing with the Agency, have maintained their medical monitoring and have not exhibited any 1 These criteria may be found in APPENDIX A TO PART 391—MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA, section H. Epilepsy: § 391.41(b)(8), paragraphs 3, 4, and 5, which is available on the internet at https:// www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2015-title49-vol5/pdf/ CFR-2015-title49-vol5-part391-appA.pdf. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:08 Jan 05, 2021 Jkt 253001 medical issues that would compromise their ability to safely operate a CMV during the previous 2-year exemption period. In addition, for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders, the Commercial Driver’s License Information System and the Motor Carrier Management Information System are searched for crash and violation data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviews the driving records from the State Driver’s Licensing Agency. These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver’s ability to continue to safely operate a CMV in interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes that extending the exemption for each renewal applicant for a period of 2 years is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following groups of drivers received renewed exemptions in the month of January and are discussed below. As of January 1, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following eight individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers: Scott D. Engelman (PA) Scott I. Habeck (SD) Todd W. Hines (OH) Jordan M. Hyster (OH) Everett J. Letourneau (ND) Scott A. Ready, Sr. (WI) Douglas J. Simms, Jr. (NC) Ronald E. Wagner (OH) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2015–0323, FMCSA– 2016–0007, FMCSA–2016–0008, FMCSA–2018–0051, FMCSA–2018– 0052, and FMCSA–2018–0056. Their exemptions are applicable as of January 1, 2021, and will expire on January 1, 2023. As of January 1, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following two individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers: Brian Porter (PA) Michael W. Thomas (KS) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2006–25854 and FMCSA–2010–0203. Their exemptions are applicable as of January 15, 2021, and will expire on January 15, 2023. V. Conditions and Requirements The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: (1) Each PO 00000 Frm 00203 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 driver must remain seizure-free and maintain a stable treatment during the 2-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 ME, as defined by § 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 selfemployed. 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 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(b). VI. 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. VII. Conclusion Based on its evaluation of the 10 exemption applications, FMCSA renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in § 391.41(b)(8). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each exemption will be valid for 2 years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2020–29258 Filed 1–5–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration [Docket FTA–2021–0001] Notice of Establishment of Emergency Relief Docket for Calendar Year 2021 Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: By this notice, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is establishing an Emergency Relief Docket for calendar year 2021, so that grant SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\06JAN1.SGM 06JAN1 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 3 / Wednesday, January 6, 2021 / Notices recipients and sub-recipients affected by a national or regional emergency or disaster may request temporary relief from FTA administrative and statutory requirements. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bonnie L. Graves, Attorney-Advisor, Office of Chief Counsel, Federal Transit Administration, 90 Seventh Street, Ste. 15–300, San Francisco, CA 94103; phone: (202) 366–0944, fax: (415) 734– 9489, or email, Bonnie.Graves@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to 49 CFR 601.42, FTA is establishing the Emergency Relief Docket for calendar year 2021. In the case of a national or regional emergency or disaster, or in anticipation of such an event, when FTA requirements impede a recipient or sub-recipient’s ability to respond to the emergency or disaster, a recipient or sub-recipient may submit a request for relief from specific FTA requirements. If FTA determines that a national or regional emergency or disaster has occurred, or in anticipation of such an event, FTA will place a message on its web page (https://www.transit.dot.gov) indicating that the Emergency Relief Docket has been opened and including the docket number. All petitions for relief from FTA administrative or statutory requirements must be posted in the docket in order to receive consideration by FTA. The docket is publicly available and can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via the internet at www.regulations.gov. Any recipient or sub-recipient submitting petitions for relief or comments to the docket must include the agency name (Federal Transit Administration) and docket number FTA–2021–0001. Interested parties may consult 49 CFR part 601, subpart D for information on FTA’s emergency procedures for public transportation systems. FTA strongly encourages recipients and subrecipients to contact their FTA regional office and notify FTA of the intent to submit a petition to the docket. A recipient or sub-recipient seeking relief has three avenues for submitting a petition. First, a recipient or subrecipient may submit a petition for waiver of FTA requirements to www.regulations.gov, for posting in the docket (FTA–2021–0001). Alternatively, a recipient or sub-recipient may submit a petition in duplicate (two copies) to the FTA Administrator, via U.S. mail or hand delivery to Federal Transit Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20590; via fax to (202) 366–3472; or via email to Bonnie.Graves@dot.gov; or via U.S. mail VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:08 Jan 05, 2021 Jkt 253001 or hand delivery to the DOT Docket Management Facility, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. Thirdly, in the event that a recipient or sub-recipient needs to request immediate relief and does not have access to electronic means to request that relief, the recipient or subrecipient may contact any FTA regional office or FTA headquarters and request that FTA staff submit the petition on its behalf. Federal public transportation law at 49 U.S.C. 5324(d) provides that a grant awarded under Section 5324, or under 49 U.S.C. 5307 or 49 U.S.C. 5311, that is made to address an emergency shall be subject to the terms and conditions the Secretary determines are necessary. This language allows FTA to waive certain statutory, as well as administrative, requirements. An FTA recipient or sub-recipient receiving financial assistance under 49 U.S.C. 5324, 5307, or 5311 that is affected by a national or regional emergency or disaster may request a waiver of provisions of Chapter 53 of Title 49 of the United States Code in connection with such financial assistance, when a recipient or sub-recipient demonstrates that the requirement(s) will limit a recipient’s or sub-recipient’s ability to respond to a national or regional emergency or disaster. Pursuant to 49 CFR 601.42, a recipient or sub-recipient must include certain information when requesting a waiver of statutory or administrative requirements. A petition for relief shall: (a) Include the agency name (Federal Transit Administration) and docket number FTA–2021–0001; (b) Identify the recipient or subrecipient and its geographic location; (c) Identify the section of Chapter 53 of Title 49 of the United States Code, or the portion of an FTA policy statement, circular, guidance document or rule, from which the recipient or subrecipient seeks relief; (d) Specifically address how a requirement in Chapter 53 of Title 49 of the United States Code, or an FTA requirement in a policy statement, circular, agency guidance or rule, will limit a recipient’s or sub-recipient’s ability to respond to a national or regional emergency or disaster; and (e) Specify if the petition for relief is one-time or ongoing, and if ongoing identify the time period for which the relief is requested. The time period may not exceed three months; however, additional time may be requested through a second petition for relief. Pursuant to 49 CFR 601.46, a petition for relief from administrative requirements will be conditionally PO 00000 Frm 00204 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 703 granted for a period of three (3) business days from the date it is submitted to the Emergency Relief Docket. FTA will review the petition after the expiration of the three business days and review any comments submitted regarding the petition. FTA may contact the recipient or sub-recipient that submitted the request for relief, or any party that submits comments to the docket, to obtain more information prior to making a decision. FTA shall then post a decision to the Emergency Relief Docket. FTA’s decision will be based on whether the petition meets the criteria for use of these emergency procedures, the substance of the request, and any comments submitted regarding the petition. If FTA does not respond to the request for relief to the docket within three business days, the recipient or sub-recipient may assume its petition is granted for a period not to exceed three months until and unless FTA states otherwise. A petition for relief from statutory requirements will not be conditionally granted and requires a written decision from the FTA Administrator. Further, recipients seeking a waiver from Buy America requirements must follow the procedures in 49 CFR part 661. Buy America waivers will not be granted through the Emergency Relief Docket. An FTA decision, either granting or denying a petition, shall be posted in the Emergency Relief Docket and shall reference the document number of the petition to which it relates. FTA reserves the right to reconsider any decision made pursuant to these emergency procedures based upon its own initiative, based upon information or comments received subsequent to the three-business day comment period, or at the request of a recipient or subrecipient upon denial of a request for relief. FTA shall notify the recipient or sub-recipient if FTA plans to reconsider a decision. Pursuant to FTA’s Charter Rule at 49 CFR 604.2(f), recipients and subrecipients may assist with evacuations or other movement of people that might otherwise be considered charter transportation when that transportation is in response to an emergency declared by the President, governor or mayor, or in an emergency requiring immediate action prior to a formal declaration, even if a formal declaration of an emergency is not eventually made by the President, governor or mayor. Therefore, a request for relief is not necessary in order to provide this service. However, if the emergency lasts more than 45 calendar days and the recipient will continue to provide service that would otherwise be E:\FR\FM\06JAN1.SGM 06JAN1 704 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 3 / Wednesday, January 6, 2021 / Notices considered charter service, the recipient or sub-recipient shall follow the procedures set out in this notice. The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies. Recipients and subrecipients should refer to FTA’s regulations, including 49 CFR part 601, for requirements for submitting a request for emergency relief. Issued in Washington, DC. K. Jane Williams, Deputy Administrator. [FR Doc. 2020–29252 Filed 1–5–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Proposed Collection; Form 15227 Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. AGENCY: ACTION: Notice; supplement. The IRS published a document in the Federal Register on September 8, 2020, concerning requests for comments on Form 15227. This form does not require an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number, further public comments are not being solicited. SUMMARY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information should be directed to Martha R. Brinson, at (202) 317–5753, or at Internal Revenue Service, Room 6526, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20224, or through the internet at Martha.R.Brinson@irs.gov. The IRS published a document at 85 FR 55579 in the Federal Register of September 8, 2020, concerning requests for comments on Form 15227. Under 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(1), the form does not require an OMB control number, further public comments are not being solicited. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Approved: December 16, 2020. Chakinna B. Clemons, Supervisory Tax Analyst. [FR Doc. 2020–28145 Filed 1–5–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830–01–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:08 Jan 05, 2021 Jkt 253001 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Internal Revenue Service Request for the Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan Departmental Offices, Department of the Treasury. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Department of the Treasury will submit the following information collection requests to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, on or after the date of publication of this notice. The public is invited to submit comments on these requests. DATES: Comments should be received on or before February 5, 2021 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/ PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Copies of the submissions may be obtained from Molly Stasko by emailing PRA@treasury.gov, calling (202) 622– 8922, or viewing the entire information collection request at www.reginfo.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Title: Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan. OMB Control Number: 1545–1610. Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection. Description: The Annual Return/ Report of Employee Benefit Plan is an annual information return filed by employee benefit plans. The IRS uses this information for a variety of matters, including ascertainment whether a qualified retirement plan appears to conform to requirements under the Internal Revenue Code or whether the plan should be audited for compliance. Form 5500–EZ (OMB Number: 1545– 0956) is an annual return filed by a one participant (owners/partners and their spouses) retirement plan or a foreign plan to satisfy certain annual reporting and filing requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Code (Code). The IRS uses this data to determine if the plan appears to be operating properly as PO 00000 Frm 00205 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 required under the Code or whether the plan should be audited. The revisions to the collection are: not releasing Form 5500–SUP; adding a checkbox to Form 5500, 5500–SF, and Form 5500–EZ for an initial plan retroactively adopted as permitted by SECURE Act section 201; and adding checkboxes for an extension of time to Form 5500–EZ. Form: 5500 and Schedules. Affected Public: Businesses or other for-profit organization, Individuals and Households, and Not-for-profit institutions. Estimated Number of Respondents: 929,000. Frequency of Response: Annually. Estimated Total Number of Annual Responses: 929,000. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 934,830 hours. Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. Dated: December 31, 2020. Molly Stasko, Treasury PRA Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2020–29304 Filed 1–5–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830–01–P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Joint Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development and Clinical Science Research and Development Services Scientific Merit Review Board, Notice of Meeting The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) gives notice under Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App.2, that a meeting of the Joint Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development and Clinical Science Research and Development Services Scientific Merit Review Board (JBL/CS SMRB) will be held Wednesday, January 21, 2021, via WebEx. The meeting will begin at 3:00 p.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. Eastern daylight time. The meeting will have an open session from 3:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. and a closed session from 3:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The JBL/CS provides expert review of the scientific quality, budget, safety and mission-relevance of investigatorinitiated research applications submitted for VA merit review consideration and to offer advice for research program officials on program priorities and policies. The purpose of the open session is to meet with the JBL/CS Service Directors to discuss the overall policies and process for scientific review, as well as disseminate information among the Board members regarding the VA research priorities. E:\FR\FM\06JAN1.SGM 06JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 6, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 702-704]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-29252]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Transit Administration

[Docket FTA-2021-0001]


Notice of Establishment of Emergency Relief Docket for Calendar 
Year 2021

AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: By this notice, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is 
establishing an Emergency Relief Docket for calendar year 2021, so that 
grant

[[Page 703]]

recipients and sub-recipients affected by a national or regional 
emergency or disaster may request temporary relief from FTA 
administrative and statutory requirements.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bonnie L. Graves, Attorney-Advisor, 
Office of Chief Counsel, Federal Transit Administration, 90 Seventh 
Street, Ste. 15-300, San Francisco, CA 94103; phone: (202) 366-0944, 
fax: (415) 734-9489, or email, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Pursuant to 49 CFR 601.42, FTA is establishing the Emergency Relief 
Docket for calendar year 2021. In the case of a national or regional 
emergency or disaster, or in anticipation of such an event, when FTA 
requirements impede a recipient or sub-recipient's ability to respond 
to the emergency or disaster, a recipient or sub-recipient may submit a 
request for relief from specific FTA requirements.
    If FTA determines that a national or regional emergency or disaster 
has occurred, or in anticipation of such an event, FTA will place a 
message on its web page (https://www.transit.dot.gov) indicating that 
the Emergency Relief Docket has been opened and including the docket 
number.
    All petitions for relief from FTA administrative or statutory 
requirements must be posted in the docket in order to receive 
consideration by FTA. The docket is publicly available and can be 
accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via the internet at 
www.regulations.gov. Any recipient or sub-recipient submitting 
petitions for relief or comments to the docket must include the agency 
name (Federal Transit Administration) and docket number FTA-2021-0001.
    Interested parties may consult 49 CFR part 601, subpart D for 
information on FTA's emergency procedures for public transportation 
systems. FTA strongly encourages recipients and sub-recipients to 
contact their FTA regional office and notify FTA of the intent to 
submit a petition to the docket.
    A recipient or sub-recipient seeking relief has three avenues for 
submitting a petition. First, a recipient or sub-recipient may submit a 
petition for waiver of FTA requirements to www.regulations.gov, for 
posting in the docket (FTA-2021-0001). Alternatively, a recipient or 
sub-recipient may submit a petition in duplicate (two copies) to the 
FTA Administrator, via U.S. mail or hand delivery to Federal Transit 
Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20590; via fax 
to (202) 366-3472; or via email to [email protected]; or via U.S. 
mail or hand delivery to the DOT Docket Management Facility, 1200 New 
Jersey Ave. SE, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590. Thirdly, in the 
event that a recipient or sub-recipient needs to request immediate 
relief and does not have access to electronic means to request that 
relief, the recipient or sub-recipient may contact any FTA regional 
office or FTA headquarters and request that FTA staff submit the 
petition on its behalf.
    Federal public transportation law at 49 U.S.C. 5324(d) provides 
that a grant awarded under Section 5324, or under 49 U.S.C. 5307 or 49 
U.S.C. 5311, that is made to address an emergency shall be subject to 
the terms and conditions the Secretary determines are necessary. This 
language allows FTA to waive certain statutory, as well as 
administrative, requirements. An FTA recipient or sub-recipient 
receiving financial assistance under 49 U.S.C. 5324, 5307, or 5311 that 
is affected by a national or regional emergency or disaster may request 
a waiver of provisions of Chapter 53 of Title 49 of the United States 
Code in connection with such financial assistance, when a recipient or 
sub-recipient demonstrates that the requirement(s) will limit a 
recipient's or sub-recipient's ability to respond to a national or 
regional emergency or disaster.
    Pursuant to 49 CFR 601.42, a recipient or sub-recipient must 
include certain information when requesting a waiver of statutory or 
administrative requirements. A petition for relief shall:
    (a) Include the agency name (Federal Transit Administration) and 
docket number FTA-2021-0001;
    (b) Identify the recipient or sub-recipient and its geographic 
location;
    (c) Identify the section of Chapter 53 of Title 49 of the United 
States Code, or the portion of an FTA policy statement, circular, 
guidance document or rule, from which the recipient or sub-recipient 
seeks relief;
    (d) Specifically address how a requirement in Chapter 53 of Title 
49 of the United States Code, or an FTA requirement in a policy 
statement, circular, agency guidance or rule, will limit a recipient's 
or sub-recipient's ability to respond to a national or regional 
emergency or disaster; and
    (e) Specify if the petition for relief is one-time or ongoing, and 
if ongoing identify the time period for which the relief is requested. 
The time period may not exceed three months; however, additional time 
may be requested through a second petition for relief.
    Pursuant to 49 CFR 601.46, a petition for relief from 
administrative requirements will be conditionally granted for a period 
of three (3) business days from the date it is submitted to the 
Emergency Relief Docket. FTA will review the petition after the 
expiration of the three business days and review any comments submitted 
regarding the petition. FTA may contact the recipient or sub-recipient 
that submitted the request for relief, or any party that submits 
comments to the docket, to obtain more information prior to making a 
decision. FTA shall then post a decision to the Emergency Relief 
Docket. FTA's decision will be based on whether the petition meets the 
criteria for use of these emergency procedures, the substance of the 
request, and any comments submitted regarding the petition. If FTA does 
not respond to the request for relief to the docket within three 
business days, the recipient or sub-recipient may assume its petition 
is granted for a period not to exceed three months until and unless FTA 
states otherwise.
    A petition for relief from statutory requirements will not be 
conditionally granted and requires a written decision from the FTA 
Administrator. Further, recipients seeking a waiver from Buy America 
requirements must follow the procedures in 49 CFR part 661. Buy America 
waivers will not be granted through the Emergency Relief Docket.
    An FTA decision, either granting or denying a petition, shall be 
posted in the Emergency Relief Docket and shall reference the document 
number of the petition to which it relates. FTA reserves the right to 
reconsider any decision made pursuant to these emergency procedures 
based upon its own initiative, based upon information or comments 
received subsequent to the three-business day comment period, or at the 
request of a recipient or sub-recipient upon denial of a request for 
relief. FTA shall notify the recipient or sub-recipient if FTA plans to 
reconsider a decision.
    Pursuant to FTA's Charter Rule at 49 CFR 604.2(f), recipients and 
sub-recipients may assist with evacuations or other movement of people 
that might otherwise be considered charter transportation when that 
transportation is in response to an emergency declared by the 
President, governor or mayor, or in an emergency requiring immediate 
action prior to a formal declaration, even if a formal declaration of 
an emergency is not eventually made by the President, governor or 
mayor. Therefore, a request for relief is not necessary in order to 
provide this service. However, if the emergency lasts more than 45 
calendar days and the recipient will continue to provide service that 
would otherwise be

[[Page 704]]

considered charter service, the recipient or sub-recipient shall follow 
the procedures set out in this notice.
    The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of 
law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. This document is 
intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing 
requirements under the law or agency policies. Recipients and sub-
recipients should refer to FTA's regulations, including 49 CFR part 
601, for requirements for submitting a request for emergency relief.

    Issued in Washington, DC.
K. Jane Williams,
Deputy Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2020-29252 Filed 1-5-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P

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