Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing, 22764-22765 [2021-08893]

Download as PDF 22764 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 81 / Thursday, April 29, 2021 / Notices drivers from the vision requirement in § 391.41(b)(10), subject to the requirements cited above. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each exemption will be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2021–08892 Filed 4–28–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0154; FMCSA–2013–0121; FMCSA–2013–0124; FMCSA–2014–0102; FMCSA–2014–0103; FMCSA–2014–0104; FMCSA–2014–0106; FMCSA–2014–0107; FMCSA–2018–0135; FMCSA–2018–0136; FMCSA–2018–0137] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 27 individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: Each group of renewed exemptions were applicable on the dates stated in the discussions below and will expire on the dates provided below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical Programs Division, (202) 366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64–224, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Dockets Operations, (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES I. Public Participation A. Viewing Comments To view comments go to www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket number, FMCSA–2012–0154, FMCSA– 2013–0121, FMCSA–2013–0124, FMCSA–2014–0102, FMCSA–2014– VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Apr 28, 2021 Jkt 253001 0103, FMCSA–2014–0104, FMCSA– 2014–0106, FMCSA–2014–0107, FMCSA–2018–0135, FMCSA–2018– 0136, or FMCSA–2018–0137 in the keyword box, and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, sort the results by ‘‘Posted (NewerOlder),’’ choose the first notice listed, and click ‘‘Browse Comments.’’ If you do not have access to the internet, you may view the docket online by visiting Dockets Operations in Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590–0001, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 366–9317 or (202) 366– 9826 before visiting Dockets Operations. B. Privacy Act In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. 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 www.transportation.gov/privacy. II. Background On March 17, 2021, FMCSA published a notice announcing its decision to renew exemptions for 27 individuals from the hearing standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) to operate a CMV in interstate commerce and requested comments from the public (86 FR 14668). The public comment period ended on April 17, 2021, and no comments were received. FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and determined that renewing these exemptions would achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved by complying with § 391.41(b)(11). The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing found in § 391.41(b)(11) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person first perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet with or without the use of a hearing aid or, if tested by use of an audiometric device, does not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid when the audiometric device is calibrated to American National Standard (formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5—1951. This standard was adopted in 1970 and was revised in 1971 to allow drivers to be qualified under this standard PO 00000 Frm 00140 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 while wearing a hearing aid, 35 FR 6458, 6463 (April 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 3, 1971). III. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received no comments in this proceeding. IV. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the 27 renewal exemption applications, FMCSA announces its decision to exempt the following drivers from the hearing requirement in § 391.41 (b)(11). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following groups of drivers received renewed exemptions in the month of March and are discussed below: As of March 3, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following nine individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (86 FR 14668): Kevin Beacham (MD) Joseph Conversa (IL) Tyjuan Davis (VA) Scott Friede (NE) Kimothy McLeod (GA) Dustin Miller (MI) Brandon Veronie (LA) Charles Whitworth (LA) Anthony Witcher (MI) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2012–0154, FMCSA– 2014–0103, FMCSA–2014–0106, FMCSA–2018–0135, or FMCSA–2018– 0136. Their exemptions were applicable as of March 3, 2021, and will expire on March 3, 2023. As of March 10, 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 hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (86 FR 14668): David Helgerson (WI) and Susan Helgerson (WI) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2013–0124. Their exemptions were applicable as of March 10, 2021, and will expire on March 10, 2023. As of March 13, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following three individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (86 FR 14668): John Huey (AZ); Jared Katakura (HI); and Scott Putman (TX) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2014–0103 or FMCSA– E:\FR\FM\29APN1.SGM 29APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 81 / Thursday, April 29, 2021 / Notices 2014–0107. Their exemptions were applicable as of March 13, 2021, and will expire on March 13, 2023. As of March 19, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), Victor Morales-Contreras (TX) has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers. This driver was included in docket number FMCSA–2014–0106. The exemption was applicable as of March 19, 2021, and will expire on March 19, 2023. As of March 22, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following five individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers: William Britt, Jr. (TN) Robert Hefner (SC) Patrick Johnson (MI) Lawrence Lam (CA) Phillip Shook, Jr. (MS) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2018–0137. Their exemptions were applicable as of March 22, 2021, and will expire on March 22, 2023. As of March 29, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following seven individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers: Richard Boggs (OH) Jeremy Brandyberry (NE) Kenneth Harris (TX) Joseph Kelly (PA) Timothy Laporte (NY) Brandon Londo (TX) Jesse Shelander (TX) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2013–0124, FMCSA– 2014–0102, FMCSA–2014–0103, FMCSA–2014–0104, or FMCSA–2014– 0106. Their exemptions were applicable as of March 29, 2021, and will expire on March 29, 2023. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b), each exemption will be valid for 2 years from the effective date unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if the following occurs: (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 prior to being granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption 22765 would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b). Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2021–08893 Filed 4–28–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Funding Opportunities; Small Dollar Loan Program; 2021 Funding Round Funding Opportunity Title: Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) inviting Applications for the fiscal year (FY) 2021 Funding Round of the Small Dollar Loan Program (SDL Program). Announcement Type: Announcement of funding opportunity. Funding Opportunity Number: CDFI– 2021–SDL. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number: 21.025. Dates: jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES TABLE 1—FY 2021 SMALL DOLLAR LOAN PROGRAM FUNDING ROUND CRITICAL DEADLINES FOR APPLICANTS Description Deadline Time (eastern time-ET) Submission method OMB Standard Form (SF)-424 Mandatory form ... Last day to enter EIN and DUNS numbers in AMIS. Last day to contact SDL Program Staff ................ May 28, 2021 ........ May 28, 2021 ........ 11:59 p.m. ET ....... 11:59 p.m. ET ....... June 25, 2021 ....... 5:00 p.m. ET ......... Last day to contact Certification, Compliance Monitoring and Evaluation (CCME) staff. Last day to contact IT Help desk re AMIS support and Application submission. SDL Program Application and Required Attachments. June 25, 2021 ....... 5:00 p.m. ET ......... June 29, 2021 ....... 5:00 p.m. ET ......... June 29, 2021 ....... 5:00 p.m. ET ......... Electronically via Grants.gov. Electronically via Awards Management Information System (AMIS). Service Request via AMIS or CDFI Fund Helpdesk: 202–653–0421 or sdlp@ cdfi.treas.gov. CCME Helpdesk: 202–653–0423 or Compliance and Reporting AMIS Service Request. CDFI Fund IT Helpdesk: 202–653–0422 or IT AMIS Service Request. Electronically via AMIS. Executive Summary: The Small Dollar Loan Program (SDL Program) is administered by the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund). Through the SDL Program, the CDFI Fund provides (1) grants for Loan Loss Reserves (LLR) to enable a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) establish a loan loss reserve fund in order to defray the costs of a small dollar loan program established or maintained by such institution; and (2) grants for Technical Assistance (TA) for technology, staff support, and other eligible activities to enable a Certified CDFI to establish and maintain a small dollar loan program. All awards VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:32 Apr 28, 2021 Jkt 253001 provided through this Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) are subject to funding availability. I. Program Description A. Authorizing Statute: The SDL Program is a new program, authorized by Title XII—Improving Access to Mainstream Financial Institutions Act of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111–203), which amended the Riegle Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103–325) to include the SDL Program (12 U.S.C. 4719). For a complete understanding of the program, the CDFI Fund encourages Applicants to review PO 00000 Frm 00141 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the SDL Program funding application (referred to hereafter as the ‘‘Application,’’ meaning the application submitted in response to this NOFA) and the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR part 1000), which is the Department of the Treasury’s codification of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) government-wide framework for grants management at 2 CFR part 200 (Uniform Requirements). Each capitalized term used in this NOFA, but not defined herein, shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in the Application or the Uniform E:\FR\FM\29APN1.SGM 29APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 81 (Thursday, April 29, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 22764-22765]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-08893]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2012-0154; FMCSA-2013-0121; FMCSA-2013-0124; FMCSA-
2014-0102; FMCSA-2014-0103; FMCSA-2014-0104; FMCSA-2014-0106; FMCSA-
2014-0107; FMCSA-2018-0135; FMCSA-2018-0136; FMCSA-2018-0137]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department 
of Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of final disposition.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 27 
individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier 
Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle 
(CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf 
individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

DATES: Each group of renewed exemptions were applicable on the dates 
stated in the discussions below and will expire on the dates provided 
below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, 
Medical Programs Division, (202) 366-4001, [email protected], FMCSA, 
Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64-224, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., 
ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have 
questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, 
contact Dockets Operations, (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Public Participation

A. Viewing Comments

    To view comments go to www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket 
number, FMCSA-2012-0154, FMCSA-2013-0121, FMCSA-2013-0124, FMCSA-2014-
0102, FMCSA-2014-0103, FMCSA-2014-0104, FMCSA-2014-0106, FMCSA-2014-
0107, FMCSA-2018-0135, FMCSA-2018-0136, or FMCSA-2018-0137 in the 
keyword box, and click ``Search.'' Next, sort the results by ``Posted 
(Newer-Older),'' choose the first notice listed, and click ``Browse 
Comments.'' If you do not have access to the internet, you may view the 
docket online by visiting Dockets Operations in Room W12-140 on the 
ground floor of the DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. To be sure someone is there to 
help you, please call (202) 366-9317 or (202) 366-9826 before visiting 
Dockets Operations.

B. Privacy Act

    In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the 
public to better inform its rulemaking process. 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 
www.transportation.gov/privacy.

II. Background

    On March 17, 2021, FMCSA published a notice announcing its decision 
to renew exemptions for 27 individuals from the hearing standard in 49 
CFR 391.41(b)(11) to operate a CMV in interstate commerce and requested 
comments from the public (86 FR 14668). The public comment period ended 
on April 17, 2021, and no comments were received.
    FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and 
determined that renewing these exemptions would achieve a level of 
safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved 
by complying with Sec.  391.41(b)(11).
    The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing 
found in Sec.  391.41(b)(11) states that a person is physically 
qualified to drive a CMV if that person first perceives a forced 
whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet with or 
without the use of a hearing aid or, if tested by use of an audiometric 
device, does not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater 
than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a 
hearing aid when the audiometric device is calibrated to American 
National Standard (formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5--1951.
    This standard was adopted in 1970 and was revised in 1971 to allow 
drivers to be qualified under this standard while wearing a hearing 
aid, 35 FR 6458, 6463 (April 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 3, 1971).

III. Discussion of Comments

    FMCSA received no comments in this proceeding.

IV. Conclusion

    Based upon its evaluation of the 27 renewal exemption applications, 
FMCSA announces its decision to exempt the following drivers from the 
hearing requirement in Sec.  391.41 (b)(11).
    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following 
groups of drivers received renewed exemptions in the month of March and 
are discussed below:
    As of March 3, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 
31315(b), the following nine individuals have satisfied the renewal 
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in 
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (86 FR 14668):

Kevin Beacham (MD)
Joseph Conversa (IL)
Tyjuan Davis (VA)
Scott Friede (NE)
Kimothy McLeod (GA)
Dustin Miller (MI)
Brandon Veronie (LA)
Charles Whitworth (LA)
Anthony Witcher (MI)

    The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2012-0154, FMCSA-
2014-0103, FMCSA-2014-0106, FMCSA-2018-0135, or FMCSA-2018-0136. Their 
exemptions were applicable as of March 3, 2021, and will expire on 
March 3, 2023.
    As of March 10, 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 hearing requirement in 
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (86 FR 14668):

David Helgerson (WI) and Susan Helgerson (WI)

    The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2013-0124. Their 
exemptions were applicable as of March 10, 2021, and will expire on 
March 10, 2023.
    As of March 13, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 
31315(b), the following three individuals have satisfied the renewal 
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in 
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (86 FR 14668):

John Huey (AZ); Jared Katakura (HI); and Scott Putman (TX)

    The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2014-0103 or 
FMCSA-

[[Page 22765]]

2014-0107. Their exemptions were applicable as of March 13, 2021, and 
will expire on March 13, 2023.
    As of March 19, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 
31315(b), Victor Morales-Contreras (TX) has satisfied the renewal 
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in 
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers.
    This driver was included in docket number FMCSA-2014-0106. The 
exemption was applicable as of March 19, 2021, and will expire on March 
19, 2023.
    As of March 22, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 
31315(b), the following five individuals have satisfied the renewal 
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in 
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers:

William Britt, Jr. (TN)
Robert Hefner (SC)
Patrick Johnson (MI)
Lawrence Lam (CA)
Phillip Shook, Jr. (MS)

    The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2018-0137. Their 
exemptions were applicable as of March 22, 2021, and will expire on 
March 22, 2023.
    As of March 29, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 
31315(b), the following seven individuals have satisfied the renewal 
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in 
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers:

Richard Boggs (OH)
Jeremy Brandyberry (NE)
Kenneth Harris (TX)
Joseph Kelly (PA)
Timothy Laporte (NY)
Brandon Londo (TX)
Jesse Shelander (TX)

    The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2013-0124, FMCSA-
2014-0102, FMCSA-2014-0103, FMCSA-2014-0104, or FMCSA-2014-0106. Their 
exemptions were applicable as of March 29, 2021, and will expire on 
March 29, 2023.
    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b), each exemption will be valid 
for 2 years from the effective date unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. 
The exemption will be revoked if the following occurs: (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 
prior to being 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).

Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2021-08893 Filed 4-28-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P

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