Advisory Committee Membership Background Information. OMB Number 0505-0001.

The Act provides that, in addition to the Secretary or the designee of the Secretary, the National Board shall consist of 14 members appointed by the Secretary from among representatives of:

(1) Nationally recognized entrepreneurship organizations;

(2) Regional planning and development organizations;

(3) Community-based organizations;

(4) Elected members of county governments;

(5) Elected members of State legislatures;

(6) The rural philanthropic community; and

(7) Indian tribes (as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).

An AD Form 755, Nominee Background Information, is required for each nominee. A copy of the AD Form 755 is available on the USDA Rural Development Web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/farmbill2002.html.

The term of office initially will be 4 years for 5 members, 3 years for 5 members, and 2 years for 4 members. After the initial term, the term will be for 4 years.

The responsibilities of the board include developing a national strategic investment plan for rural America and overseeing the delivery of planning and innovation grants to regional boards.

Title: Importation of Poultry Meat and Other Poultry Products from Sinaloa and Sonora, Mexico.

OMB Number: 0579-0144.

Type of Request: Extension of approval of an information collection.

Abstract : The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is responsible for protecting the health of our Nation's livestock and poultry populations by preventing the introduction of contagious, infectious, or communicable diseases of livestock and poultry and for eradicating such diseases from the United States when feasible. In connection with this mission, Veterinary Services of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA, regulates the importation of animals and animals products in order to prevent the introduction of animal diseases, such as exotic Newcastle disease, into the United States. The regulations pertaining to the importation of animals and animal products are set forth in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) in title 9, chapter I, subchapter D (9 CFR parts 91 through 99).

We currently have regulations in place that restrict the importation of poultry meat and other poultry products from Mexico and other regions of the world where exotic Newcastle disease has been determined to exist. However, we allow the importation, under specified conditions, of poultry meat and poultry products from the Mexican States of Sinaloa and Sonora because we have determined that poultry meat and products from these two Mexican States, when imported in accordance with those conditions, pose a negligible risk of introducing exotic Newcastle disease into the United States. To ensure that these items are safe for importation, we require that certain data appear on the foreign meat inspection certificate that accompanies the poultry meat or other poultry products from Sinaloa and Sonora. We also require that serially numbered seals be applied to containers carrying the poultry meat or other poultry products. These requirements necessitate the use of information collection activities.

We are asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve our use of these information collection activities for an additional 3 years.

The purpose of this notice is to solicit comments from the public (as well as affected agencies) concerning our information collection. These comments will help us:

(1) Evaluate whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the information collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4) Minimize the burden of the information collection on those who are to respond, through use, as appropriate, of automated, electronic, mechanical, and other collection technologies, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

Estimate of burden : The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response.

Respondents : Federal animal health authorities in Mexico, and personnel in Sinaloa and Sonora, Mexico, who operate slaughtering and processing plants and who engage in the export of poultry meat and other poultry products to the United States.

Estimated annual number of respondents: 10.

Estimated annual number of responses per respondent: 4.

Estimated annual number of responses: 40.

Estimated total annual burden on respondents : 40 hours. (Due to averaging, the total annual burden hours may not equal the product of the annual number of responses multiplied by the reporting burden per response.)

All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record.

The Wildlife Services (WS) program in the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) cooperates with Federal agencies, State and local governments, and private individuals to research and implement the best methods of managing conflicts between wildlife and human health and safety, agriculture, property, and natural resources. Wildlife-borne diseases that can affect domestic animals and humans are among the types of conflicts that APHIS-WS addresses. Wildlife is the dominant reservoir of rabies in the United States.

On December 7, 2000, a notice was published in the Federal Register (65 FR 76606-76607, Docket No. 00-045-1) in which the Secretary of Agriculture declared an emergency and transferred funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation to APHIS-WS for the continuation and expansion of oral rabies vaccination (ORV) programs to address rabies in the States of Ohio, New York, Vermont, Texas, and West Virginia.

On March 7, 2001, we published a notice in the Federal Register (66 FR 13697-13700, Docket No. 01-009-1) to solicit public involvement in the planning of a proposed cooperative program to stop the spread of rabies in the States of New York, Ohio, Texas, Vermont, and West Virginia. The notice also stated that a small portion of northeastern New Hampshire and the western counties in Pennsylvania that border Ohio could also be included in these control efforts, and discussed the possibility of APHIS-WS cooperating in smaller-scale ORV projects in the States of Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, and Alabama. The March 2001 notice contained detailed information about the history of the problems with raccoon rabies in eastern States and with gray fox and coyote rabies in Texas, along with information about previous and ongoing efforts using ORV baits in programs to prevent the spread of the rabies variants or “strains” of concern.

Subsequently, on May 17, 2001, we published in the Federal Register (66 FR 27489, Docket No. 01-009-2) a notice in which we announced the availability, for public review and comment, of an environmental assessment (EA) that examined the potential environmental effects of the ORV programs described in our March 2001 notice. We solicited comments on the EA for 30 days ending on June 18, 2001. We received one comment by that date. The comment was from an animal protection organization and supported APHIS' efforts toward limiting or eradicating rabies in wildlife populations. The commenter did not, however, support the use of lethal monitoring methods or local depopulation as part of an ORV program.

Finally, on August 30, 2001, we published a notice in the Federal Register (66 FR 45835-45836, Docket No. 01-009-3) in which we advised the public of APHIS' decision and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) regarding the use of oral vaccination to control specific rabies virus strains in raccoons, gray foxes, and coyotes in the United States. That decision allows APHIS-WS to purchase and distribute ORV baits, monitor the effectiveness of the ORV programs, and participate in implementing contingency plans that may involve the reduction of a limited number of local target species populations through lethal means (i.e., the preferred alternative identified in the EA). The decision was based upon the final EA, which reflected our review and consideration of the comments received from the public in response to our March 2001 and May 2001 notices and information gathered during planning/scoping meetings with State health departments, other State and local agencies, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Since the August 2001 publication of our original decision/FONSI, we have determined there is a need to expand the ORV programs to include the States of Kentucky and Tennessee to effectively stop the westward spread of raccoon rabies. The purpose of the new decision/FONSI is to facilitate planning, interagency coordination, and program management and to provide the public with our analysis of potential individual and cumulative impacts of the expanded ORV programs.

The States where APHIS-WS involvement would be continued or expanded include Kentucky, Tennessee, New York, Ohio, Texas, Vermont, Florida, Virginia, and West Virginia. A small portion of northwestern New Hampshire and the western counties in Pennsylvania that border Ohio could also be included in these control efforts. In addition, APHIS-WS may cooperate in smaller-scale ORV projects in the States of Florida, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, and Alabama as part of the proposed action. As noted above, the primary goal of the ORV programs is to stop the spread of specific strains of the rabies virus, i.e., raccoon rabies in the eastern States and gray fox and coyote rabies in Texas. The EA analyzed the proposed action and several alternatives with respect to a number of environmental and other issues raised by involved cooperating agencies and the public. Analyses of the potential impacts of ORV programs in those specific geographic areas that were not examined in the EA are presented in the supplemental decision/FONSI and have been incorporated into the decisionmaking process.

The EA, the August 2001 FONSI, and the supplemental FONSI that is the subject of this notice have been prepared in accordance with: (1) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ), (2) regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), (3) USDA regulations implementing NEPA (7 CFR part 1), and (4) APHIS' NEPA Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part 372).

On May 3, 2002, we published in the Federal Register (67 FR 22388-22389, Docket No. 98-090-2) a notice of the availability of and request for comments on a revised risk analysis of the risk of introducing classical swine fever virus in swine and swine products imported from the European Union.

Comments on the revised risk analysis were required to be received on or before July 2, 2002. We are reopening and extending the comment period on the risk analysis for an additional 15 days ending July 17, 2002. This action will allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments.

The Internet address for accessing the revised risk analysis is http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/reg-request.html . At the bottom of that Web site page, click on “Information previously submitted by Regions requesting export approval and their supporting documentation.” At the next screen, click on the triangle beside “European Union/Not Specified/Classical Swine Fever,” then on the triangle beside “Response by APHIS.” A link will then appear for “Risk Analysis for Importation of Classical Swine Fever Virus in Swine and Swine Products from the European Union December 2000.” Following that link will allow you to view the revised risk analysis.

This program is not subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, which requires consultation with State and local officials.

During the 2001 horse breeding season, horse breeders suffered from an overwhelming number of early and late term fetal losses. Even with possible improvement in the coming breeding seasons, the economic impact on breeders will present financial difficulties over an extended period. The Agency is required by section 759(c) of the Act to make loans available to eligible horse breeders who have suffered a qualifying loss as a result of MRLS. Researchers have not pinpointed the exact cause of MRLS; however, as a result of extensive studies, common factors that are believed to have been the cause have been identified. The Agency is adopting the definition of MRLS developed by experts from the equine industry that is recognized and accepted by veterinarians.

These loans will mitigate the income loss and reduction in credit availability faced by horse breeders. Assistance is limited to only those horse breeders who have suffered losses as a result of MRLS, cannot obtain sufficient credit elsewhere and meet all other requirements established in this notice. To assure that the recipients of these loans are those most impacted by the effects of MRLS, eligibility requirements are restrictive. As required by the Act, the horse breeder must derive more than 70 percent of their income from breeding, boarding, raising, training, or selling horses. The losses must have resulted from MRLS, and at least 30 percent of the mares owned, or boarded on a farm owned, operated, or leased by the breeder must have failed to conceive, miscarried, aborted or otherwise failed to produce a live, healthy foal.

All persons approved for loan assistance must execute loan instruments and legal documents to secure the loan. For entity applicants, the loan instruments and legal documents must be executed in the name of the entity and all officers or partners and any board members. Horse Breeder loans are not made under the authority of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (CONACT), (7 U.S.C. 1961 et seq. ); therefore, the Agency will service Horse Breeder loans in accordance with existing non-program Agency regulations in 7 CFR part 1951, subpart J, or its successor regulation. The Agency will not provide direct farm loan program loan servicing benefits to Horse Breeder Loan Program borrowers.

The environmental impacts of the loan program to be implemented by this NOFA have been considered in accordance with the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq. ) Based on the nature and scope of this notice, FSA has concluded that the notice will not have any significant impacts upon the human environment as documented through the completion of an environmental assessment. A copy of the environmental assessment is available for inspection and review upon request. Therefore, FSA has developed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) pursuant to NEPA, the regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), and FSA's regulations for compliance with NEPA, 7 CFR part 1940, subpart G.

A request for emergency clearance of the information collections associated with this notice has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 5 CFR 1320.13(a)(2)(iii).

In accordance with the Paperwork Burden Reduction Act of 1995, FSA will provide a regular submission of the information collection package to OMB at the end of the comment period for the following notice.

Title: Horse Breeder Loans.

OMB Control Number: 0560-NEW.

Type of request: Request for review and extension.

Abstract: The collection of the information required by this notice is required in order to certify that applicants for loans are eligible to receive benefits. The information will be collected from applicants in paper form by Agency loan approval officials in the county office that serves the applicant's geographic area. The information will be used and evaluated by the loan approval official to determine if the applicant meets the criteria established by the Agency. The information may be viewed, used and monitored by other Agency or USDA officials, and may be released in accordance with the Privacy Act or Freedom of Information Act. The information will be collected on an as needed basis. Failure to collect this information may result in persons receiving benefits other than intended program beneficiaries.

Estimate of Burden: Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to average .63 hours per response.

Respondents: Farms, individuals and businesses.

Estimated number of respondents: 800.

Estimated number of responses per respondent: 1.

Estimated total annual burden on respondents: 1258 hours.

Comments are invited on (a) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden collection on those who are to respond, including through use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. These comments should be addressed to Cathy Quayle, Senior Loan Officer, USDA, Farm Loan Programs, STOP 0522, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20250-0522. Comments are assured of having effect if received within 60 days of this notice. Comments received after that date will be considered to the extent practicable. All comments received in response to this notice, including names and addresses, will be a matter of public record. Copies of the submission may be obtained from Cathy Quayle by calling (202) 690-4018.

Additional security is property that provides security in excess of the amount of security value equal to the loan amount.

Adequate security is property that provides a security value at least equal to the amount of the loan.

Agency is the Farm Service Agency, its employees, and any successor agency.

Applicant is the individual or business entity applying for the loan.

Approval official is an Agency official who has been delegated approval authorities within applicable loan programs.

Bred is the attempt to produce offspring by sexual union or artificial insemination.

Business entity is a corporation, partnership, joint operation, trust, limited liability company, or cooperative.

Cash flow budget is a projection listing all anticipated cash inflows (including all farm income, non-farm income and all loan advances) and all cash outflows (including all farm and non-farm debt service and other expenses) to be incurred by the borrower during the period of the budget. A cash flow budget may be completed either for a 12-month period, a typical production cycle, or the life of the loan, as appropriate.

False information is information provided by an applicant, borrower, or other source to the Agency which is known by the provider to be incorrect, and was provided to the Agency in order to obtain benefits for which the applicant or borrower would not otherwise have been eligible.

Feasible plan is a plan that demonstrates that the loan will be repaid as agreed, as determined by the Agency. The plan must demonstrate that the applicant will meet all other credit needs and obligations, including judgments, for which the applicant is legally responsible.

Financial needs are ordinary and necessary expenses, and financial obligations which are incurred, in connection with the horse breeder business.

Financial obligations are the debts owed by the horse breeder that are directly related to the horse breeder business.

Horse is any mammal in the genus Equus, to include but not limited to ass, mule, pony and donkey.

Horse breeder is an individual or business entity who as of November 28, 2001, derives more than 70 percent of their gross income from the horse breeding business during the shorter of:

1. The 5-year period ending on January 1, 2001; or

2. the period the individual or business entity has been engaged in the horse breeder business.

Horse breeder business is the business of breeding, boarding, raising, training, or selling horses.

Losses are the verifiable damages of the interrupted horse reproductive process resulting from MRLS.

Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome (MRLS) is, during the period beginning April 24, 2001, and ending June 30, 2001, the occurrence of any of the following equine medical conditions:

1. Early- and late-term equine fetal losses;

2. Pericarditis;

3. Epicarditis;

4. Unilateral endophthalmitis; or

5. Panophthalmitis.

Ordinary and necessary expenses are the operating expenses directly related to the horse breeder business, including, but not limited to: taxes, feed, veterinary expenses, fixtures and farm maintenance.

Readily available is when the insurance is sold by insurance agents in the applicant's normal trade area.

Security is property or right of any kind that is subject to a real or personal property lien. Any reference to “collateral” or “security property” will be considered a reference to the term “security.”

States or United States is the United States itself, any of the fifty States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

United States non-citizen national is a person born in an outlying possession of the United States (American Samoa or Swain's Island) on or after the date the U.S. acquired the possession, or a person whose parents are U.S. non-citizen nationals (subject to certain residency requirements).

An applicant or borrower may request an appeal or review of an adverse decision made by the Agency in accordance with 7 CFR parts 11 and 780 or its successor regulation.

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible for a Horse Breeder loan:

1. Timely application. The applicant must submit a signed form FSA 410-1 completed to the best of the applicant's ability to the Agency no later than September 30, 2002.

2. Horse breeder. The applicant must be a horse breeder as defined by this notice.

3. Qualifying loss. During the period beginning January 1 and ending October 1 of any calendar year 2000, 2001 or 2002:

(a) 30 percent or more of the mares owned by the applicant failed to conceive, miscarried, aborted or otherwise failed to produce a live healthy foal; or

(b) 30 percent or more of mares boarded on a farm owned, operated or leased by the applicant failed to conceive, miscarried, aborted or otherwise failed to produce a live healthy foal.

4. Financial need. The applicant is be unable to meet financial obligations, or pay ordinary and necessary expenses incurred in connection with the horse breeder business.

5. Test for credit. The applicant must be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere at reasonable rates and terms.

(a) To establish this, the applicant must obtain written denials of credit from legally organized commercial lending institutions within reasonable proximity of the applicant that specify the reasons for the denial as follows:

(1) In the case of a loan request of $300,000 or more, two written denials of credit are required.

• One of these lenders must be the applicant's normal lender.

• Both lenders must typically make horse breeder business loans.

(2) In the case of a loan request of less than $300,000, one written denial of credit is required.

• The applicant's normal lender will be contacted unless the lender has already denied a request to continue with the applicant or extend additional credit.

• The applicant may contact another lender that makes horse breeder business loans.

(3) In the case of a loan request of $100,000 or less, the Agency may waive the requirement for obtaining a written denial of credit if the Agency determines that requiring a written denial would pose an undue burden on the applicant and based on the applicant's circumstances credit is not likely to be available.

(b) Notwithstanding the applicant's submission of the required written denial of credit, the Agency may contact other commercial lending institutions within reasonable proximity of the applicant and make an independent determination of the applicant's ability to obtain credit elsewhere.

(c) When the applicant is an entity, all individuals, members, stockholders, and partners must meet test for credit requirements.

6. Citizenship. The applicant must be a citizen of the United States, United States non-citizen national, or a qualified alien under applicable Federal immigration laws. For an entity applicant, the majority of the entity must be owned by members meeting the citizenship test or other entities that are domestically owned.

7. Legal capacity. The loan applicant must be of legal age, mental capacity, and have the authority to enter into a legally binding agreement. An entity applicant, and all entity members who will execute the promissory note, must meet this requirement.

8. Federal debt. At loan closing, the applicant and anyone who will execute the promissory note must not be delinquent on any Federal debt, other than a debt under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, nor be a federal judgment debtor on a non-tax debt.

9. Unpaid judgement. At loan closing the applicant and anyone who will execute the promissory note must not have any outstanding unpaid judgements obtained by the United States in any court.

10. False information. The applicant, in past or present dealings with the Agency, must not have knowingly provided the Agency with false information.

11. Credit history. The individual or business entity applicant and all entity members must have acceptable credit history demonstrated by debt repayment. A history of failure to repay past debts as they came due (including debts to the Internal Revenue Service) when the ability to repay was within their control will demonstrate unacceptable credit history.

12. Repayment. The applicant must submit a feasible plan as defined in this notice.

Loan funds only may be used to:

1. Pay ordinary and necessary expenses for the horse breeding business.

2. Replace mares and foals lost or disabled due to MRLS.

3. Purchase or lease additional existing pasture to replace pasture where a veterinarian or other recognized expert has determined the potential for MRLS exists.

4. Pay or refinance financial obligations as defined by this notice, provided the applicant can demonstrate a need to do so.

5. Pay loan closing costs.

1. The maximum cumulative loan amount any individual or business entity may receive under this notice is limited to $500,000.

2. The amount of the loan is further limited to the lesser of; (a) the financial needs of the applicant; or (b) the amount of loss suffered by the applicant as measured by Section XI of this notice.

3. Outstanding loan balances from Agency Farm Loan Programs, direct or guaranteed, will not affect the amount an applicant is eligible to receive under this section.

1. Loan funds may not be used to pay expenses incurred for lobbying or related activities.

2. Loan funds may not be used for any purpose which contributes to excessive erosion of highly-erodible land or to the conversion of wetlands to produce an agricultural commodity.

3. Loan funds may not be used to refinance consumer debt, such as home equity loans, automobile loans, or credit card debt unless such debt is directly attributable to the horse breeder business operation.

4. Loan funds may not be used to pay Federal judgments.

Loans may be made to Agency employees otherwise qualified for the loans.

The Agency must comply with the provisions of ECOA and the implementing regulations of the Federal Reserve System published in 12 CFR part 202.

1. The environmental and historic preservation requirements contained in 7 CFR part 1940, subpart G or its successor regulation must be met prior to approval of any loan.

2. In order to minimize the financial risk associated with contamination of real property from hazardous waste and other environmental concerns, the Agency will complete an environmental risk evaluation.

(a) The Agency will not accept as security any real estate which has significant environmental risks, such as, but not limited to the presence of known or suspected underground storage tanks or hazardous waste.

(b) If the real estate offered as security contains significant environmental risks, the Agency will provide the applicant with the option of properly correcting or removing the risk, at the applicant's expense or offering other non-contaminated property as security for the loan.

Horse Breeder loan borrowers are required to comply with all applicable:

1. Federal, State, or local laws;

2. Regulatory commission rules; and

3. Regulations which are presently in existence, or which may be later adopted including, but not limited to, those governing the following:

(a) Borrowing money, pledging security, and raising revenues for repayment of debt;

(b) Accounting and financial reporting; and

(c) Protection of the environment.

4. Any construction financed by the Agency must comply with applicable Federal, State, local, and industry building standards.

1. (a) The applicant's Federal income tax and business records will the primary source of financial information for the loss calculation. Sales, receipts, invoices, or other official sale records will document the sales price of individual animals as referenced in paragraph (2) of this section.

(b) If the applicant does not have 3 complete years of business records, the Agency will obtain the most reliable and reasonable information available from sources such as the Cooperative Extension Service, universities, and breed associations to document production and expenses for those years for which the applicant does not have a complete year of business records. To the extent such additional information is unavailable, the Agency will use the applicant's available business records to make realistic income and expense calculations.

2. To determine the value of foals lost or disabled as a result of MRLS:

(a) The average sales price of horses sold by the applicant will be determined by adding the total proceeds from the sales of horses including only: weanlings, yearlings and 2-year old offspring for the previous 3 non-loss years, and dividing by the number of horses sold during those 3 years.

(b) The average sales price will be multiplied by the number of mares shown on the veterinarian certification that failed to conceive or produce a live healthy foal due to MRLS.

3. To determine the value of all other losses:

(a) Calculate the average annual net income for the horse breeder business for the previous 3 non-loss years, and subtract the horse breeder business net income for the loss year.

(b) The annual net income for the horse breeder business will be determined by subtracting all cash business expenses and proceeds from sales of weanlings, yearlings, and 2 year old offspring, from all business income reported on Schedule F and other related schedules of the applicant's Federal income tax return. Any depreciation shown on Schedule F is not a cash expense and must not be included as an expense in loss calculations.

(c) The average annual net income for the horse breeder business shall be calculated by adding the applicant's horse breeder business annual net income from the previous 3 non-loss years and dividing by 3.

4. The results of the calculations from paragraphs 2 and 3 of this section shall be added together to determine the total amount of loss the applicant has suffered as a result of MRLS.

An Agency application Form FSA 410-1, completed to the best of the applicant's ability and submitted on or before September 30, 2002, will meet the application deadline. However, a loan decision will not be made until a complete application is received in accordance with this section. All forms listed are available at any Agency office. The Agency will not consider any application that is not complete as of June 30, 2003. A complete loan application includes all of the following items:

1. A completed form FSA 410-1.

2. If the applicant is a business entity, all legal documents evidencing the organization and any state recognition of the entity such as articles of incorporation or partnership agreements. The application must include the following information for each entity member:

(a) Name.

(b) Address.

(c) Social Security number, or IRS tax ID number for a member that is a business entity.

(d) Percent ownership interest in the entity.

(e) In the case of a member that is itself a business entity, legal documents evidencing the organization and any State recognition of the entity.

3. Verification that the applicant or individual members of an entity applicant cannot obtain credit elsewhere including a loan guarantee by a State or other Federal agency.

4. Income tax and business records for the lesser of the previous 3 years or the number of years in business.

5. A current balance sheet that was prepared within 90 days of the date of application.

6. Projected production, income and expenses, and loan repayment plan, which may be submitted on Form FSA 431-2 or other similar plan of operation acceptable to the Agency.

7. Verification of off-farm employment, and other non-farm income, if any. This will be required only when the applicant is relying on off-farm income for a feasible plan.

8. A legal description of farm, real estate property securing the loan and a copy of any lease, contract, option or agreement, or a written statement setting forth terms or conditions of any agreement entered into by the applicant which may be pertinent to consideration of the application.

9. A written certification from a licensed veterinarian, see Exhibit 1 sample, stating the number of mares:

(a) Owned or boarded that were bred.

(b) That failed to conceive or otherwise produce a live healthy foal.

10. A credit report fee of $28.00 for individual applicants, $34.00 for joint applicants and $40.00 for commercial business applicants.

11. Any other documents requested by the Agency and needed to process the application.

Loans closed in accordance with this notice will be charged interest at the rate established for Emergency loans in 7 CFR part 764. Current rates are available at any Agency office.

1. Repayment period. The Agency schedules repayment of Horse Breeder loans based on the useful life of the loan security and the applicant's repayment ability, but not to exceed 20 years. Loans secured only by collateral other than real estate shall not exceed 7 years. If necessary to improve the repayment ability of the borrower and real estate security is available, the term of the loan may be extended up to a total length not to exceed 20 years from the date of the promissory note. Balloon installments are prohibited. Balloon installments are final installments that exceed twice the amount of the regular amortized installment.

2. Minimum payment requirement. The repayment schedule must include at least one payment every year. Payments must be no less than the interest accrued on the principal balance at the time the installment is to be paid and may not result in a prohibited balloon installment.

1. The applicant shall have sufficient equity to provide adequate security for the loan. In addition, the applicant shall provide additional security, if available, not to exceed 150 percent of the loan amount.

2. Loans shall be secured by collateral that can be adequately described in security instruments.

3. The Agency will take the best lien obtainable on the following security, if available, as necessary to protect the Government's interest. The security will be taken in the order of priority as follows:

(a) Real Estate. A survey is not required if the property is adequately described. The applicant is responsible for obtaining and paying any costs for documentation necessary to properly identify the security property.

(b) Chattels and crops, other than horses. Chattels consist of equipment or livestock, other than horses. Equipment must be identified by manufacturer, model, year, and serial number, where available.

(c) Other assets owned by the applicant. Other assets owned by the applicant such as certificates of deposit may be taken as security. The applicant shall provide satisfactory documentation as to the value of the assets and their availability for Agency lien perfection.

(d) Third party pledges of property not owned by the applicant. Interests in property not owned by the applicant (such as, but not limited to: real estate, leases that provide a mortgageable value, water rights, easements, mineral rights, and royalties) can be offered as security for the loan.

(e) Horses. Horses must be identified by color, sex, and distinguishing marks (i.e., socks, blaze, registration numbers).

(f) Repayment ability. The applicant's repayment ability may be accepted as adequate security provided that the applicant can meet all of the following requirements.

(1) The applicant has pledged as security for the loan all available personal and business collateral.

(2) The feasible plan, approved by the Agency, indicates the loan will be repaid based upon the applicant's production and income history and addresses applicable income risks to the extent practicable through the use of breeder's insurance, mortality insurance, or similar risk management practices.

(3) The applicant has had positive net income from the horse breeder business in at least 3 of the past 5 years. If the applicant has been in the horse breeder business for fewer than 5 years, the applicant must have had positive net income from the horse breeder business in at least 50 percent of the years the applicant has been in the horse breeder business.

(4) The applicant has given the Agency an assignment on any USDA program payments, unencumbered installment sales proceeds, or other contractually based income.

Appraisals generally are required for real estate and chattel property used to secure a Horse Breeder loan. Real estate appraisals, however, are not required when the amount of the loan does not exceed $50,000 and the loan approval official clearly documents that the estimated value of security, less existing liens, exceeds the loan amount. Real estate and chattel appraisals shall be completed in accordance with 7 CFR 761.7.

The Agency may take a lien on Indian Trust lands as security provided that the requirements of 7 CFR part 1943, subpart A or its successor regulations are satisfied.

An applicant must obtain insurance, consistent with this section, equal to the lesser of the value of the security at the time of loan closing, or the principal of the loan.

1. Hazard insurance. All security (except growing crops) must be covered by hazard insurance if it is readily available and economically feasible.

2. Flood or mudslide insurance. Real estate security located in a special Flood Hazard Area as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, must be covered by flood or mudslide insurance.

3. Crop insurance. Growing crops used to provide adequate security must be covered by crop insurance if such insurance is readily available and economically feasible.

4. Mortality insurance. All horses used as security for the loan must be covered by mortality insurance if it is readily available and economically feasible.

5. Indemnities. An applicant must:

(a) List the Agency as loss payee for the insurance indemnity payment or as a beneficiary of a mortgagee loss payable clause; and

(b) In the case of crop and mortality insurance, execute an assignment of indemnity in favor of the Agency.

Loan requests will be funded based on the date the Agency receives the complete application. Loan approval is subject to the availability of Emergency loan funds.

The loan approval official, or designee, shall close the loan according to the following.

1. The applicant must meet all conditions specified in this notice prior to loan closing.

2. There must have been no significant changes in the plan of operation or the applicant's financial condition since the loan was approved and less than 90 days has passed since financial information has been updated.

3. The applicant shall execute all loan instruments and legal documents required by the Agency to evidence the debt, perfect the required security position in property, and protect the Government's interests in accordance with applicable State and Federal laws.

4. Horse Breeder loans with security other than real estate shall be closed in accordance with 7 CFR part 1941, subpart B, or its successor regulation.

5. Horse Breeder loans secured by real estate shall be closed in accordance with 7 CFR part 1927, subpart B, or its successor regulation. Loans with real estate security will be closed by a closing agent, selected by and paid for by the applicant.

(a) For loans over $25,000, title clearance is required when real estate is taken as security.

(b) For loans of $25,000 or less, when real estate is taken as security, a certification of ownership in real estate is required. Certification of ownership may be in the form of an affidavit which is signed by the applicant, naming the record owner of the real estate in question and listing the balances due on all known debts against the real estate. Whenever the loan approval official is uncertain of the record owner or debts against the real estate security, a title search is required.

The applicant will pay all loan closing fees including but not limited to fees for title clearance, recording any legal instruments determined to be necessary, and all notary, lien search, attorney fees and similar fees incident to loan transactions. No fees will be assessed for work performed by Agency employees.

The borrower must notify the Agency of any adverse actions related to the loan, including but not limited to, anticipated default on the loan.

If any installment is not paid according to the terms of the loan agreement, the loan is not fully satisfied at expiration of the loan agreement, or the borrower is in default on any term of the loan agreement or security instruments, the loan will be serviced in accordance with 7 CFR 1951.468 or its successor regulation, during the term of the loan.

The terms used in this notice shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the regulations governing the CACFP (7 CFR part 226).

Pursuant to sections 4, 11 and 17 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) (42 U.S.C. 1753, 1759a and 1766), section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) (42 U.S.C. 1773) and §§ 226.4, 226.12 and 226.13 of the regulations governing the CACFP (7 CFR part 226), notice is hereby given of the new payment rates for institutions participating in CACFP. These rates shall be in effect during the period July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003. As provided for under the NSLA and the CNA, all rates in the CACFP must be revised annually on July 1 to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the most recent 12-month period. In accordance with this mandate, the Department last published the adjusted national average payment rates for centers, the food service payment rates for day care homes, and the administrative reimbursement rates for sponsors of day care homes on June 27, 2001, at 66 FR 34144 (for the period July 1, 2001-June 30, 2002).

The changes in the national average payment rates for centers reflect a 2.59 percent increase during the 12-month period, May 2001 to May 2002, (from 173.1 in May 2001 to 177.6 in May 2002) in the food away from home series of the CPI for All Urban Consumers.

The changes in the food service payment rates for day care homes reflect a 1.56 percent increase during the 12-month period, May 2001 to May 2002, (from 172.8 in May 2001 to 175.5 in May 2002) in the food at home series of the CPI for All Urban Consumers.

The changes in the administrative reimbursement rates for sponsoring organizations of day care homes reflect a 1.18 percent increase during the 12-month period, May 2001 to May 2002, (from 177.7 in May 2001 to 179.8 in May 2002 in the series for all items of the CPI for All Urban Consumers, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor.

The total amount of payments available to each State agency for distribution to institutions participating in the program is based on the rates contained in this notice.

This action is not a rule as defined by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612) and thus is exempt from the provisions of that Act. This notice has been determined to be exempt under Executive Order 12866.

This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance under No. 10.558 and is subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials (See 7 CFR Part 3015, Subpart V, and final rule related notice published at 48 FR 29114, June 24, 1983).

This notice imposes no new reporting or recordkeeping provisions that are subject to Office of Management and Budget review in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3518).

The purpose and need for action in the Glady Fork project area is to increase forest health, to improve water quality and fish habitat, to enhance wildlife habitat, and to provide forest products to the local community.

The proposed activities all fall within Management Prescription 6.1 under the Monongahela National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. The primary purpose of Management Prescription 6.1 is to manage for remote habitat species intolerant of disturbance. Secondary purposes are to manage for a semi-primitive non-motorized type of recreational environment, a mix of forest products, and manage sites reverting from hardwood to conifer and the intermingled high site hardwood types.

The proposed action includes an estimated 797 acres of thinning, 689 acres of crop tree release, 51 acres of clearcuts, 96 acres of shelterwood, 345 acres of two-age harvest, and 20 acres of overstory removal. In total, approximately 1,998 acres of commercial timber harvest is proposed, which would be logged by using helicopter yarding on 1,205 acres and 793 acres of conventional ground-based skidding. Post-harvest treatments proposed include 609 acres of herbicide use, site preparation, and fencing, and 51 acres of planting.

Road management proposed in the Glady Fork project includes 2.0 miles of new road construction, 25.5 miles of road maintenance, 3.3 miles of road to be put in storage, and 10.3 miles of road to be abandoned.

Planting or seeding of willow, aspen, alder, or other native trees or shrubs along Daniels Creek is proposed to provide shade and future large woody debris. In addition, trees would be placed in Daniels Creek, McCray Run, and Nichols Lane Run to help channel stability and to provide stream structure.

The proposed action includes one stand that would be converted to a savannah, approximately 10 acres in size. An estimated 56 acres of red spruce release would occur to improve habitat for wildlife species such as the endangered West Virginia northern flying squirrel. Two wildlife openings, approximately 3 acres each, would be developed to provide open, grassy habitat for species such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and black bear.

The responsible official is Clyde N. Thompson, Monongahela National Forest Supervisor, 200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, West Virginia 26241.

The responsible official will make a determination in his decision whether the proposed action should proceed as proposed, as modified, or not at all. The decision will also include mitigation measures to be implemented with the project and associated monitoring requirements. The decision maker will also determine whether or not an amendment to the Monongahela National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan is needed.

The scoping period last for 45 days from the date this notice is published in the Federal Register . Written and oral comments from the public will be received through the postal service, via fax, or over the telephone. No public meetings, open houses, or field trips are planned at this time.

This notice of intent initiates the scoping process which guides the development of the environmental impact statement. Comments will be used to identify significant issues, which will be used to develop alternatives to the proposed action. Comments should be as specific as possible. In order for the Forest Service to consider research identified in comments, the commentor must identify why the research is pertinent to the Glady Fork project and must provide a copy of the research papers.

Early Notice of Importance of Public Participation in Subsequent Environmental Review: A draft environmental impact statement will be prepared for comment. The comment period on the draft environmental impact statement will be 45 days from the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes the notice of availability in the Federal Register. The Forest Service believes, at this early stage, it is important to give reviewers notice of several court rulings related to public participation in the environmental review process. First, reviewers of draft environmental impact statements must structure their participation in the environmental review of the proposal so that it is meaningful and alerts an agency to the reviewer's position and contentions. Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corp. v. NRDC, 435 U.S. 519, 553 (1978). Also, environmental objections that could be raised at the draft environmental impact statement stage but that are not raised until after completion of the final environmental impact statement may be waived or dismissed by the courts. City of Angoon v. Hodel, 803 F.2d 1016, 1022 (9th Cir. 1986) and Wisconsin Heritages, Inc. v. Harris, 490 F. Supp. 1334, 1338 (E.D. Wis. 1980). Because of these court rulings, it is very important that those interested in this proposed action participate by the close of the 45 day comment period so that substantive comments and objections are made available to the Forest Service at a time when it can meaningfully consider them and respond to them in the final environmental impact statement. To assist the Forest Service in identifying and considering issues and concerns on the proposed action, comments on the draft environmental impact statement should be as specific as possible. It is also helpful if comments refer to specific pages or chapters of the draft statement. Comments may also address the adequacy of the draft environmental impact statement or the merits of the alternatives formulated and discussed in the statement. Reviewers may wish to refer to the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act at 40 CFR 1503.3 in addressing these points.

The business meeting August 7th begins at 5 pm., at the Modoc National Forest Office, Conference Room, 800 West 12th St., Alturas. Agenda topics will include approval of July 10, 2002 minutes, projects submitted for the new fiscal year 2003, reports from subcommittees and review and selection of projects that will improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure, implement stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems, and restore and improve health and water quality that meet the intent of Pub. L. 106-393. Time will also be set aside for public comments at the beginning of the meeting. The business meeting August 21st begins at 5 pm., at the Modoc National Forest Office, Conference Room, 800 West 12th St., Alturas. Agenda topics will include approval of the August 7, 2002 minutes, projects submitted for the new fiscal year 2003, reports from subcommittees and selection of projects on the Modoc National Forest that meet the intent of Pub. L. 106-393. Time will be set aside for public comments at the beginning of the meeting. The business meeting September 11th begins at 5 pm., at the Modoc National Forest Office, Conference Room 800 West 12th St., Alturas. Agenda topics will include approval of the August 21, 2002 minutes, projects submitted for the new fiscal year 2003, reports from subcommittees and selection of projects on the Modoc National Forest that meet the intent of Pub. L. 106-393. Time will be set aside for public comments at the beginning of the meeting.

This notice is published pursuant to 41 U.S.C 47(a) (2) and 41 CFR 51-2.3. Its purpose is to provide interested persons an opportunity to submit comments on the possible impact of the proposed actions.

If the Committee approves the proposed additions, the entities of the Federal Government identified in this notice for each product or service will be required to procure the products and services listed below from nonprofit agencies employing persons who are blind or have other severe disabilities.

I certify that the following action will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. The major factors considered for this certification were:

1. If approved, the action will not result in any additional reporting, recordkeeping or other compliance requirements for small entities other than the small organizations that will furnish the products and services to the Government.

2. If approved, the action will result in authorizing small entities to furnish the products and services to the government.

3. There are no known regulatory alternatives which would accomplish the objectives of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46-48c) in connection with the products and services proposed for addition to the Procurement List. Comments on this certification are invited. Commenters should identify the statement(s) underlying the certification on which they are providing additional information.

The following products and services are proposed for addition to Procurement List for production by the nonprofit agencies listed:

I certify that the following action will not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities.

The major factors considered for this certification were:

1. If approved, the action will not result in any additional reporting, recordkeeping or other compliance requirements for small entities other than the small organizations that will furnish the products to the Government.

2. If approved, the action will result in authorizing small entities to furnish the products to the Government.

3. There are no known regulatory alternatives which would accomplish the objectives of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act (41 U.S.C. 46-48c) in connection with the products proposed for deletion from the Procurement List.

The following products have been proposed for deletion from the Procurement List:

As assay for detecting, measuring, or monitoring the activity of concentration of at least two proteins that have similar or overlapping properties is disclosed. The assay comprises first determining the sensitivity coefficients of the substrates for each of the proteins in which the concentrations are to be determined. This method may be used for detecting, measuring, or monitoring the activity and concentration of AChE, BChE, or both in a test sample which test sample may be whole and unprocessed blood or tissue. Also disclosed are methods of using the assay to detect a subject's exposure to an agent which affects cholinesterase, determine the efficacy or progress of a treatment, determine the amount of protection provided against exposure to an agent which affects cholinesterase, or both, screen a subject for having a drug sensitivity or a particular disease, detect a change in red blood cell count of a subject, determine whether a candidate compound affects cholinesterase. Also disclosed are devices and kits for detecting, measuring, or monitoring the activities and concentrations of AChE, BChE, or both.

Used to study gait mechanics in multiple successive strides especially during movement at walking/marching speeds.

Methods of immunizing against, treating, and preventing ricin intoxication are disclosed.

Preliminary resource issues that have been identified and will be evaluated in the joint document include but are not limited to fish passage, water supply, sediment fate, and biological resources. In addition to No Action/No Project, four alternative concepts are being considered.

This alternative concept would replace the two existing fish ladders with either one or two state-of-the-art ladders. Potential siting and configuration depends on engineering design considerations.

This alternative concept would cut a notch out of the existing dam to a height that adult fish can successfully pass. Accumulated sediment behind the dam may be dredged or released downstream naturally.

This alternative concept would create a new river channel that bypasses the existing dam. The bypass channel length and width would be determined based on engineering design considerations. Daguerre Point Dam would remain in place.

This alternative concept would remove Daguerre Point Dam. Accumulated sediment behind the dam may be dredged or released downstream naturally. The environmental review will be conducted pursuant to NEPA and CEQA, the Endangered Species Act, and other applicable laws, to analyze potential environmental impacts of implementing each feasible alternative. The Daguerre Point Dam Preliminary Fish Passage Improvement Study completed in 2001 by the USACE is the starting point for this process. Alternatives described in this report will be re-evaluated and updated to reflect current conditions and knowledge. Public input on additional alternatives or combination of alternatives that should be considered will be sought through the scoping process.

Comments, including names and addresses of respondents, are typically made available for public review. Individual respondents may request their home addresses withheld from public disclosure. These requests would be honored to the extent allowable by law. Requests to withhold your home address must be stated prominently at the beginning of your comment letter. All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be made available to the public in its entirety. A public scoping meeting for the DEIS/EIR was held on June 27, 2002 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce (meeting room), 429 10th Street, Marysville, CA 95901. (See Dates and Addresses above for more information.)

Availability of the DEIS/EIR: The DEIS/EIR is estimated to be available in early 2003.

The proposed project is located in the northwestern portion of the Port of Los Angeles, adjacent to the Wilmington and San Pedro Districts of the City of Los Angeles, CA. The proposed dredge activities would take place at various berths throughout the West Basin portion of the Port of Los Angeles, including the Berth 100-102 area, the Berth 118-131 area, and the Berth 136-147 area. Dredging would also be required if the navigation channel at Berths 121-127 was to be widened. Major areas of fill include the Southwest Slip and possibly the slip at Berths 132-134. The proposed improvement projects represent a continuation of a long-term, ongoing process of optimizing cargo handling efficiencies and thereby reducing environmental impacts of increased container terminal operations in the West Basin area. The proposed improvement projects involve dredge and fill operations, new wharf construction, renovation of existing wharfs coupled with terminal expansion on adjacent areas of existing land, and improvement of transportation infrastructure.

Optimization of terminals and infrastructure in the West Basin was initially evaluated in the West Basin Transportation Improvements Program Environmental Impact Report (WBTIP EIR, LAHD 1997a). The 1997 EIR and subsequent CEQA and NEPA assessments have been used to certify and approve many project elements in the West Basin. Since the certification of the 1997 Program EIR many project elements have been completed and others are planned.

Key objectives of the new West Basin EIS/SEIR identified in this notice of intent will be to: (1) Establish an updated baseline of current Port operations and environmental conditions with the West Basin and (2) assess potential environmental effects of implementing currently proposed projects within this part of the Port of Los Angeles. A key component of this new EIS/SEIR will be to update the cargo-handling capacity of the West Basin container terminals and update environmental impacts of ship, truck, and rail traffic associated with proposed project elements.

Construction of the proposed project would require dredging approximately 1,000,000 cubic yards of material if all project elements are implemented. Placement of sediment within the West Basin to construct additional landfill in the Southwest slip would require approximately 5,000,000 cubic yard of material and result in the permanent loss of 32 acres of open-water habitat. The placement of material generated by the federal channel deepening project in the Southwest slip to meet this need has been reviewed in terms of dredge disposal options in the Port of Los Angeles Channel Deepening Project SEIS/SEIR (2000). The potential channel widening between Berths 121 to 126 would create an additional 6 acres of open-water habitat and the potential fill between Berths 131 to 136 would remove 13 acres of open-water habitat. Additional material would originate from sources outside of the West Basin such as the Pier 400 storage area. In addition to project elements that may arise from the public scoping process will also be evaluated in the West Basin Marine Terminal Improvement Projects EIS/SEIR, the proposed improvement projects include the following elements:

(a) Berth 100-102 area Phase II and III projects.

(1) Construction and operation of a second 1,300 foot long wharf.

(2) Construct and operate container terminal backlands, buildings, facilities and infrastructure on the 43 acres created under Channel Deepening Project.

(3) Construct a bridge to the Berth 118-131 area across the Southwest Slip.

(4) Potential realignment of the Front Street road and railways around Knoll Hill.

(5) Consolidation of adjacent parcels at Berth 99, from the Front Street realignment, and the former Todd Shipyard parking lot for container terminal operators.

(6) Creation of up to 32 acres of new landfill in the adjacent Southwest Slip for construction and operation of terminal backlands and infrastructure.

(b) Improvements to the Berth 118-131 area.

(1) Construction and upgrades of up to 2,800 feet of new and reconstructed wharves to match the planned −53 foot channel depths.

(2) Wharf improvements, including upgrade to 100-foot gauge crane rail.

(3) Construction of new facilities and buildings.

(4) Redevelopment of the 20-acre marine oil terminal at Berths 118-129 to container terminal operations.

(5) Potential widening of the navigation channel at between Berths 121 to 126.

(6) Potential landfill at the slip between Berths 131 to 136 of approximately 13 acres.

(c) Improvements to the Berth 136-151 area.

(1) Consolidation of the area into a single facility.

(2) Construct and upgrade up to 2,600 feet of wharves.

(3) Wharf improvement, including upgrade to 100-foot gauge crane rail.

(4) Construct and operate additional terminal gate facilities and buildings.

(5) Construction and operation of a grade separation at Neptune Avenue.

(6) Expansion of the terminal into the 20-acre area south of the realigned Harry Bridges Blvd.

(7) Construction and operation of additional 10-acre intermodal rail and infrastructure.

(8) Consolidation of the 17-acre marine oil terminal and infrastructure at Berths 148-151 into a five to six acre site and redevelopment of the area at Berth 149 to container terminal operations.

There are several potential environmental issues that will be addressed in the EIS/SEIR. Additional issues may be identified during the scoping process. Issues initially identified as potentially significant include:

(a) Land use and planning impacts, including creation of new landfill requiring amendment of the Port Master Plan and approval by the California Coastal Commission.

(b) Geological issues including dredging and stabilization of fill areas in an area of known seismic activity.

(c) Impacts to water quality.

(d) Potential impacts to marine biological resources and endangered species of birds.

(e) Impacts to air quality.

(f) Impacts to traffic, including marine navigation and ground transportation.

(g) Potential for noise impacts.

(h) Impacts to public utilities and services.

(i) Potential impacts to aesthetic resources including increased light and glare.

(j) Potential impacts on public health and safety.

(k) Potential impacts to recreation.

(l) Cumulative impacts.

Several alternatives are being considered for the proposed improvement projects. These alternatives will be further formulated and developed during the scoping process and an appropriate range of alternatives, including the no federal action alternative, will be considered in the EIS/SEIR.

A public scoping meeting (see DATES ) will be held to receive public comment and assess public concerns regarding the appropriate scope and preparation of the Draft EIS/SEIR. Participation in the public meeting by federal, state and local agencies and other interested organizations and persons is encouraged.

The Corps will also be consulting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and with the National Marine Fisheries Service under the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Additionally, the EIS/SEIR will assess the consistency of the proposed action with the Coastal Zone Management Act and assess potential water quality impacts pursuant to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.

The Draft SEIR/EIS is expected to be published and circulated in the fall of 2002 and a public hearing will be held after the publication of the Draft EIS/SEIR.

This notice of meeting is provided per the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. 2). The executive session of the meeting will consist of discussions of information, which pertain to the conduct of various midshipmen at the Naval Academy and internal Board of Visitors matters. Discussion of such information cannot be adequately segregated from other topics, which precludes opening the executive session of this meeting to the public. In accordance with 5 U.S.C. App. 2, section 10(d), the Secretary of the Navy has determined in writing that the special committee meeting shall be partially closed to the public because it will be concerned with matters as outlined in section 552(b)(2), (5), (6), (7), and (9) of title 5 U.S.C.

The Department will award grants for the implementation of gender equity programs in schools. Examples of statutory activities under the program include—

(a) Assisting educational agencies and institutions to implement policies and practices to comply with title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972;

(b) Training for teachers, counselors, administrators, and other school personnel, especially preschool and elementary school personnel, in gender-equitable teaching and learning practices;

(c) Leadership training for women and girls to develop professional and marketable skills to compete in the global marketplace, improve self-esteem, and benefit from exposure to positive role models;

(d) School-to-work transition programs, guidance and counseling activities, and other programs to increase opportunities for women and girls to enter a technologically demanding workplace and, in particular, to enter highly skilled, high-paying careers in which women and girls have been underrepresented;

(e) Enhancing educational and career opportunities for those women and girls who suffer multiple forms of discrimination, based on sex and on race, ethnic origin, limited English proficiency, disability, socioeconomic status, or age;

(f) Assisting pregnant students and students rearing children to remain in or to return to secondary school, graduate, and prepare their preschool children to start school;

(g) Evaluating exemplary model programs to assess the ability of such programs to advance educational equity for women and girls;

(h) Introduction into the classroom of textbooks, curricula, and other materials designed to achieve equity for women and girls;

(i) Programs and policies to address sexual harassment and violence against women and girls and to ensure that educational institutions are free from threats to the safety of students and personnel;

(j) Nondiscriminatory tests of aptitude and achievement and of alternative assessments that eliminate biased assessment instruments from use;

(k) Programs to increase educational opportunities, including higher education, vocational training, and other educational programs for low-income women, including underemployed and unemployed women, and women receiving Aid to Families with Dependent Children benefits;

(l) Programs to improve representation of women in educational administration at all levels; and

(m) Planning, development, and initial implementation of:

• Comprehensive institution- or districtwide evaluatio to assess the presence or absence of gender equity in educational settings;

• Comprehensive plans for implementation of equity programs in State and local educational agencies and institutions of higher education, including community colleges; and

• Innovative approaches to school-community partnerships for educational equity.

Invitational Priority for Implementation Grants: The Secretary invites and encourages applications that meet one or more of the following three invitational priorities for implementation grants:

(1) Projects that replicate or expand, and evaluate exemplary model programs that advance educational equity and contribute to improving teaching and learning for girls and women with disabilities. The Secretary is particularly interested in projects that include one of the following:

(a) Programs involving disabled girls and women who are likely to experience, or have experienced, multiple forms of discrimination based on sex, race, ethnic origin, limited English proficiency, disability, socioeconomic status or age;

(b) Mentoring programs and leadership training for disabled girls and women; and

(c) Identification of curricula and other materials designed to achieve equity for girls and women with disabilities and the effective implementation of these materials in the classroom.

(2) Projects that assist pregnant students and students with children to:

(a) Remain in or return to secondary school and graduate;

(b) Prepare their preschool children for school with an emphasis on reading;

(c) Explore postsecondary training and education.

(3) Projects that increase the role of parents in working in partnership with educational institutions to develop programs to encourage the full educational development of girls and women

(4) Projects that seek to increase opportunities for girls and women to enter a technologically demanding workplace and, in particular, to enter highly skilled careers in which women have been underrepresented, particularly in mathematics, scientific and information technology fields.

Selection Criteria for Implementation Grants: The Secretary evaluates applications for implementation grants on the basis of the following criteria. The maximum possible score for each criterion is indicated in parentheses with the criterion. The Secretary awards up to 100 points for all of the criteria.

(1) Effectively achieving the purposes of WEEA. (10 points)

The Secretary reviews each application to determine how well the project will effectively achieve the purposes of the WEEA Program.

(2) Project as a component of a comprehensive plan. (10 points)

The Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent to which the project is a significant component of a comprehensive plan for educational equity and compliance with title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 in the particular school district, institution of higher education, vocational-technical institution, or other educational agency or institution.

(3) Implementing an institutional change strategy. (5 points)

The Secretary reviews each application to determine the extent to which the project implements an institutional change strategy with long-term impact that will continue as a central activity of the applicant after the WEEA grant has been terminated.

(4) Need for project. (10 points)

The Secretary considers the need for the proposed project. In determining the need for the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:

a. The magnitude of the need for the services to be provided or the activities to be carried out by the proposed project.

b. The extent to which the proposed project will promote equity in educational and career opportunities for those women and girls who suffer multiple forms of discrimination, based on sex and race, ethnic origin, limited English proficiency, disability, or age.

(5) Quality of the project design. (20 points)

The Secretary considers the quality of the design of the proposed project. In determining the quality of the design of the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:

a. The extent to which the goals, objectives, and outcomes to be achieved by the proposed project are clearly specified and measurable.

b. The extent to which the design of the proposed project is appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the target population or other identified needs.

c. The extent to which the design of the proposed project reflects up-to-date knowledge from research and effective practice.

d. The extent to which the project promotes the involvement of parents.

(6) Quality of Project Personnel. (10 points)

The Secretary considers the quality of the personnel who will carry out the proposed project. In determining the quality of project personnel, the Secretary considers the extent to which the applicant encourages applications for employment from persons who are members of groups that have traditionally been underrepresented based on race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. In addition, the Secretary considers the following factors:

a. The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of the project director or principal investigator.

b. The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of key project personnel.

c. The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of project consultants or subcontractors.

(7) Adequacy of resources. (5 points)

The Secretary considers the adequacy of resources for the proposed project. In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:

a. The adequacy of support, including facilities, equipment, supplies, and other resources, from the applicant organization or the lead applicant organization.

b. The extent to which the budget is adequate to support the proposed project.

(8) Quality of the management plan. (15 points)

The Secretary considers the quality of the management plan for the proposed project. In determining the quality of the management plan for the proposed project, the Secretary considers the following factors:

a. The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, time lines, and milestones for accomplishing project tasks.

b. The extent to which the time commitments of the project director and principal investigator and other key project personnel are appropriate and adequate to meet the objectives of the proposed project.

c. How the applicant will ensure that a diversity of perspectives are brought to bear in the operation of the proposed project, including those of parents, teachers, the business community, a variety of disciplinary and professional fields, recipients or beneficiaries of services, or others, as appropriate.

(9) Quality of the project evaluation. (15 points)

The Secretary considers the quality of the evaluation to be conducted of the proposed project. In determining the quality of the evaluation, the Secretary considers the following factors:

a. The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposed project.

b. The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and qualitative data to the extent possible.

c. The extent to which the methods of evaluation will provide performance feedback and permit periodic assessment of progress toward achieving intended outcomes.

d. The extent to which the evaluation will provide guidance about effective strategies suitable for replication or testing in other settings.

For Applications Contact: Education Publications Center (ED Pubs), P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398. Telephone (toll free): 1-877-433-7827. FAX: (301) 470-1244. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) you may call (toll free): 1-877-576-7734.

You may also contact ED Pubs at its Web site: http://www.ed.gov/about/ordering.jsp

Or you may contact ED Pubs at its e-mail address: edpubs@inet.ed.gov

If you request an application from ED Pubs, be sure to identify this competition as follows: CFDA number 84.363A.

For Content Information and Technical Assistance Contact: Diane Austin, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Room 3E124, Washington, DC 20202-6140. Telephone: (202) 260-1393 or via Internet: diane.austin@ed.gov

Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on request using the contact information provided under For Applications Contact.

You may view this document, as well as all other Department of Education documents published in the Federal Register , in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister

To use PDF you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free, at 1-888-293-6498; or in the Washington, DC area at (202) 512-1530.

Direct Loan Program borrowers may choose to repay their Direct Loans under the ICR plan. The attachment to this notice provides updates to examples of how the calculation of the monthly ICR amount is performed, the income percentage factors, the constant multiplier chart, and charts showing sample repayment amounts.

We have updated the income percentage factors to reflect changes based on inflation. We have revised the income percentage factor table by changing the dollar amounts of the incomes shown by a percentage equal to the estimated percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers from December 2001 to December 2002. Further, we provide examples of monthly repayment amount calculations and two charts that show sample repayment amounts for single and married or head-of-household borrowers at various income and debt levels based on the updated income percentage factors.

The updated income percentage factors, at any given income, may cause a borrower's payments to be slightly lower than they were in prior years. This updated amount more accurately reflects the impact of inflation on a borrower's current ability to repay.

You may review this document, as well as all other Department of Education documents published in the Federal Register , in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister.

To use PDF, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at this site. If you have questions about using PDF, call the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), toll free at 1-888-293-6498; or in the Washington DC, area at (202) 512-1530.

Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are those which seek to provide supplies and services to EPA. Title: Synopsis of Proposed Contract Actions and Market Research Questions (OMB Control Number 2030-0039 ; EPA ICR No. 1910.02) expiring ­12/31/02.

Abstract: EPA frequently publicizes anticipated contract actions in accordance with FAR Part 5, and also conducts market research in accordance with FAR Part 10. In both instances, the public is invited to voluntarily respond to specific questions regarding anticipated procurements or to provide comments to EPA. Comments received are used by the Agency for acquisition planning purposes. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations are listed in 40 CFR part 9 and 48 CFR Chapter 15.

The EPA would like to solicit comments to:

(i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(iv) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and record keeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 3.25 hours per response. It is estimated that any individual may respond to synopses or market research questions 5 times per year. EPA anticipates publicizing approximately 250 contract actions per year, and conducting 3800 market research inquiries. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information.

Comments: Comments shall be submitted to Gajindar Singh, Mail Code 4204M, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wastewater Management, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. Commenters who want EPA to acknowledge receipt of their comments should enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. Comments may also be submitted electronically to singh.gajindar@epa.gov or faxed to (202) 501-2396.

Electronic comments must be submitted as a Word Perfect or Word file. Electronic comments must be identified by the use of words “Construction Grants Delegation Comments.” No Confidential Business Information (CBI) should be submitted through e-mail. Comments and data will also be accepted on disks in Corel Word Perfect or Word file. The record for this proposed ICR renewal has been established in the Office of Wastewater Management, Municipal Assistance Branch, and includes supporting documentation. It does not include any information claimed as CBI. The record is available for inspection from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, at the Municipal Assistance Branch, 1201 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460. For access to the docket materials, please call (202) 564-0634 to schedule an appointment.

Affected entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are States which administer elements of the construction grants program under a delegation agreement with EPA and municipalities which received construction grants from EPA.

Title: Construction Grants Delegation to States; OMB No. 2040 0095; EPA ICR No. 0909.07 expiring 3/31/2003.

Abstract: The purpose of this ICR is to revise and extend the current clearance for the collection of information under the Construction Grants Program Delegation to States, 40 CFR part 35, subpart J, and Title II of the Clean Water Act (CWA). While the Construction Grants Program is being phased out and replaced by the State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) program, collection activities for the Construction Grants Program must continue until program completion. The program includes reporting, monitoring, and program requirements for municipalities and delegated States.

The information collection activities described in this ICR are authorized under section 205(g) of the Clean Water Act as amended, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq. , and under 40 CFR part 35, subpart J. The requested information provides the minimum data necessary for the Federal government to maintain appropriate fiscal accountability for use of section 205(g) construction grant funds. The information is also needed to assure an adequate management overview of those State project review activities that are most important to fiscal and project integrity, design performance, Federal budget control, and attainment of national goals.

Managers at the State and Federal levels both rely on the information described in this ICR. State managers rely on the information for their own program and project administration. Federal managers rely on this information to assess, control, and predict the impacts of the construction grants program on the Federal Treasury. Federal managers also use this information to respond to OMB and Congressional requests and to maintain fiscal accountability. In addition, builders of wastewater treatment plants may use the information discussed in this ICR.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations are listed in 40 CFR part 9 and 48 CFR chapter 15.

The EPA would like to solicit comments to:

(i) evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(ii) evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(iii) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(iv) minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

Burden Statement: Respondents: States and municipalities.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 15.

Frequency of Response: 47 per year.

Responses Per Respondent: 2.6 per year.

Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden: 2,297 hours.

Average Burden Hours Per Response: 52.5.

Estimated Total Annualized Cost Burden: $98,432.

Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information.

Title: (1) Superfund Orphan Share Compensation Reform Survey ICR, EPA ICR No. 2035.01. This is a new collection.

Abstract: This voluntary one-time information collection is for a survey of orphan share compensation reform participants who were offered orphan share compensation as part of the reform. The survey will be administered to a non-random sample consisting of one-third (33 percent) of the settlors and one-third (33 percent) of the non-settlors for each offer extended by the Agency, subject to a minimum of three offerees in each category. The information will not be generalized to the population of relevant offerees. The information collected from this survey will be used in a broader evaluation of the orphan share compensation reform's overall effectiveness. The information will also be used to identify any revisions to the reform necessary to achieve the goal of promoting settlements with responsible parties to perform or pay for response actions. No confidential information is being collected under this ICR.

Burden Statement: Affected Entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are persons who have participated in the orphan share compensation reform.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 300.

Frequency of Response: One time.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 825 hours.

Estimated Total Annual Cost Burden: $25,403.

Title: (2) Superfund De Minimis Settlement Reform Survey ICR, EPA ICR No. 2036.01. This is a new collection.

Abstract: This voluntary one-time information collection is for a survey of de minimis settlement reform participants who were offered a de minimis settlement as part of the reform. The survey will be administered to a non-random sample consisting of one-fifth (20 percent) of the settlors and one-fifth (20 percent) of the non-settlors for each offer extended by the Agency, subject to a minimum of three offerees in each category. The information will not be generalized to the population of relevant offerees. The information collected from this survey will be used in a broader evaluation of the de minimis settlement reform's overall effectiveness in achieving the goals of the reform (promoting early settlement with small waste contributors and minimizing their legal transaction costs) and to identify any changes necessary to achieve these goals. No confidential information is being collected under this ICR.

Respondents/Affected Entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are persons who have participated in the de minimis settlement reform.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 347.

Frequency of Response: One time.

Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden: 1041 hours.

Estimated Total Annual Cost Burden: $32,743.

Title: (3) Superfund PRP Oversight Reform Survey ICR, EPA ICR No. 2037.01. This is a new collection.

Abstract: This voluntary one-time information collection is for a survey of parties that did work during FY00 under settlement agreements with EPA that provide for payment of oversight costs. The survey will be administered to all of the approximately 210 potential respondents that are willing to voluntarily participate. The information collected from this survey will be used in a broader evaluation of the PRP Oversight Reform's overall effectiveness in promoting effective and efficient PRP oversight and identifying best practices which could be more widely applied to meet the reform's goals and objectives. No confidential information is being collected under this ICR.

Respondents/Affected Entities: Entities potentially affected by this action are parties that did work during FY00 under settlement agreements with EPA that provide for payment of oversight costs.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 210.

Frequency of Response: One time.

Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden: 682.

Estimated Total Annual Cost Burden: $21,848.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations are listed in 40 CFR part 9 and 48 CFR Chapter 15. The Federal Register document required under 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on this collection of information was published on November 9, 2001 (66 FR 56670). No comments were received. Burden Statement: The annual reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 3 hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information.

Send comments on the Agency's need for this information, the accuracy of the provided burden estimates, and any suggested methods for minimizing respondent burden, including through the use of automated collection techniques to the addresses listed above. Please refer to EPA ICR Nos. 2035.01, 2036.01 and/or 2037.01 in any correspondence.

Title: “Hazardous Remediation Waste Management Requirements (HWIR-Media),” OMB Control No. 2050-0161; EPA ICR No. 1775.03, expiration date June 30, 2002. This is a request for extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: All information collection activities required by this rule are authorized by sections 3004 and 3005 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1970, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA), as amended by the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984 (HSWA), 42 U.S.C. 6912(a), 6921, 6924, 6925, 6926, and 6927. EPA believes the information collection for this rule is necessary to balance streamlined regulations of remediation wastes with the Agency's responsibility to protect human health and the environment. The respondents are primarily owners or operators of facilities that wish to voluntarily clean up contamination of their site. The information to be collected includes the name, location and other identifying information for the site, a chemical and physical analysis of the waste or contaminated media to be managed, along with a plan for the management of such materials sufficient to determine whether the management of these materials will be protective of human health and the environment and will be in compliance with standards established pursuant to RCRA.

An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for EPA's regulations are listed in 40 CFR part 9 and 48 CFR Chapter 15. The Federal Register document required under 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on this collection of information was published on March 20, 2002 (67 FR 12988); no comments were received.

Burden Statement: The annual public reporting and record keeping burden for this collection of information is estimated to average about 28 hours per response. Burden means the total time, effort, or financial resources expended by persons to generate, maintain, retain, or disclose or provide information to or for a Federal agency. This includes the time needed to review instructions; develop, acquire, install, and utilize technology and systems for the purposes of collecting, validating, and verifying information, processing and maintaining information, and disclosing and providing information; adjust the existing ways to comply with any previously applicable instructions and requirements; train personnel to be able to respond to a collection of information; search data sources; complete and review the collection of information; and transmit or otherwise disclose the information.

Respondents/Affected Entities: Facility Owners and Operators of Hazardous Remediation Waste Management Sites.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 176.

Frequency of Response: Once.

Estimated Total Annual Hour Burden: 4,959 hours.

Estimated Total Annualized Capital, Operating/ Maintenance Cost Burden: $334.

Send comments on the Agency's need for this information, the accuracy of the provided burden estimates, and any suggested methods for minimizing respondent burden, including through the use of automated collection techniques to the addresses listed above. Please refer to EPA ICR No. 1775.03 and OMB Control No. 2050-0161 in any correspondence.

The following outline is provided to aid in locating information in this notice:

The statutory authority for this action is Clean Air Act Section 103(b)3. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number is 66.606.

Section 108(h) of the Clean Air Act (the Act) Amendments of 1990, “RACT/BACT/LAER Clearinghouse” (RBLC), requires that the Administrator of EPA make information regarding emission control technology available to States and the general public through a central data base. As prescribed in the Act, the primary sources for this information are permits to construct new and/or modified major stationary sources issued by State and local agencies. These permits are part of the New Source Review (NSR) program legislated by Congress in parts C and D of Title I of the Act. These permitting actions require that the applicants propose and that permitting agencies determine, on a case-by-case basis, Best Available Control Technology (BACT) or Lowest Achievable Emission Rate (LAER) for emission sources locating in attainment (meets National Ambient Air Quality Standards) and nonattainment areas, respectively.

In 1993, the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC) recommended that the RBLC provide information on new and emerging air pollution prevention and control technologies in addition to NSR permit technology decisions. The CAAAC is made up of representatives from industry, State and local permitting agencies, and environmental organizations. The information on new and emerging technologies would be used by all of these groups, tribes and the public at large to expedite the NSR permitting process. This permit process requires:

1. Preparation of a comprehensive permit application by industry (or their contractors) that addresses emission control and prevention options and recommends the best technology (the application also must include analyses of potential air quality and other environmental impacts, air quality monitoring data or a plan to acquire it, and compliance verification procedures);

2. Review and processing of permit applications and issuance of permits by State or local permitting agencies and tribes that require best technology; and

3. Public review and comment on the permit and technology requirements.

The EPA has concluded that the best way to address this recommendation would be through the establishment of a Web data base that would provide information on new and emerging air pollution technologies. Air pollution technologies include methods, procedures, or devices, developed in the U.S. or abroad, that are used to: monitor air quality; control or prevent air pollution; analyze air pollution and related impacts; or test, monitor and verify compliance. This new Web data base would complement the existing RBLC Web that contains data on air permit emission limits and technology decisions that have already been made. To be successful the NEAT Web needs to:

1. Rely on coordination and communications with air pollution technology developers and suppliers;

2. List supplier and vender information on a public Web page;

3. Provide links to commercial sites; and

4. Promote the NEAT Web site and its capabilities.

The EPA believes that these activities are essential to the creation and maintenance of this new Web site, and will be very beneficial to the public. These essential activities can best be accomplished by an independent organization or institution with an existing presence on the Web, and a reputation for expertise in the field of air pollution. The EPA also believes that this proposed air pollution technology data base could generate revenue and sustain itself over time once it has been established (i.e., venders and suppliers would be willing to pay a nominal fee to list their technologies and/or provide linkage to a vender/supplier Web site or E-mail). The EPA expects to negotiate a program income plan with the successful offeror that will ensure long term sustainability. (See 40 CFR 30.24(b)(1) and (h))

This project directly benefits all parties (industry, contractors, State and local agencies, and the general public) involved in the development, review and processing of NSR permit applications and permits. Funds cannot be awarded for projects intended for the direct use and benefit of the Federal Government.

The amount of Federal funds available is $ 300,000 and the number of individual awards is one. All revenue generated by the operation of the NEAT Web site shall be used to maintain, improve, and sustain the NEAT Web site.

Funds awarded under this agreement may not be used to solicit user feedback or conduct user surveys. Non-Federal funds must be used for such activities. However, funds awarded under this agreement may be used to analyze information derived from user feedback mechanisms and surveys specifically related to the implementation of the NEAT Web site.

The EPA shall provide applicants that submit a letter of intent to apply (See Section IX—How to Apply) with a Microsoft Access data base that contains information on new and emerging air pollution technologies compiled by EPA. Section XI of this notice provides a list and description of fields included in the EPA data base. The data base contains records for approximately 300 new and emerging technologies developed in the U.S. and abroad. Note that the data base is part of a system that consists of various Web interfaces that interact with the data base. These interfaces are written in Microsoft Active Server Pages (ASP) and, in order to use the interfaces, must reside on a Windows server running Microsoft Internet Information Systems (IIS). This data base (and the interfaces, if appropriate) can be used by the successful applicant as the startup data base for the NEAT Web site. The data base and interfaces to be provided by EPA for review by applicants shall be on Compact Disk (CD).

This assistance effort will last 2 years starting from the date of award.

Academic and not-for-profit institutions and organizations located in the U.S. are eligible to apply. Profit-making firms are not eligible to receive cooperative agreements from EPA under this program. Applications will be accepted from single institutions or organizations and from consortia that include more than one institution or organization. Federal agencies, national laboratories funded by Federal agencies (Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, FFRDCs), and Federal employees are not eligible to submit applications to this program and may not serve in a principal leadership role on this award.

Federal employees may not receive salaries or in other ways augment their agency's appropriations through this cooperative agreement. However, the nature of the cooperative assistance agreement mechanism, which will be used to support the NEAT Web site, contemplates collaboration between EPA personnel and the assistance provider's institution, organization or consortium. Personnel from EPA will actively consult and collaborate with the awardee in developing and maintaining the Web site. However, discussions regarding EPA collaboration will not take place until the final negotiation phase of the cooperative agreement.

The EPA reserves the right to reject all applications and proposals and make no award.

This solicitation is for a cooperative agreement. Because of RBLC staff experience in working with stakeholders and in supplying air pollution technology information, EPA anticipates that there will be substantial EPA involvement in the design and initial implementation of this proposal. Also, EPA is suppling a Web compatible data base to serve as a starting point for implementing this proposal and is prepared to advise the applicant concerning the development and maintenance of that data base.

The applicant must address the following items in the proposal:

1. Existing Web presence, equipment, capabilities, security and support.

2. Institution's/organization's level of expertise and recognition in the field of air pollution and air pollution technologies.

3. The approach that will be taken to establish a searchable Web data base (including an automated data entry procedure/system for information providers) that contains information on new, emerging and existing air technologies. These technologies shall include emission controls, pollution prevention, emissions and ambient air monitoring, air pollution modeling, and environmental management, tracking, and decision-making approaches. Provisions shall be made to include both U.S. and foreign technologies.

4. How the data base will be maintained and kept current. This should include a procedure to require venders to update their data periodically.

5. Methods that will be used to promote this data base to encourage data submittal by technology developers and suppliers and use by industry, permitting agencies, environmental groups and the general public. If applicable, indicate methods that will be used to acquire appropriate co-sponsors (e.g., industry and professional trade associations, environmental groups, etc.)

6. Basic quality assurance and security procedures to maintain the integrity of the data base.

7. Mechanism to acquire feedback from stakeholders and users that can be used in establishing and maintaining this Web data base as a relevant and reliable information source. Funds awarded under this agreement may not be used to solicit user feedback or conduct user surveys. Non-Federal funds must be used for such activities. However, funds awarded under this agreement may be used to analyze information derived from user feedback mechanisms and surveys specifically related to the implementation of the NEAT Web site.

8. Sustainability Plan—methods, procedures and time frame to make the NEAT Web site self-sustaining and ensure the viability of the site. Applicants should describe the decision-making process that will be used to identify and evaluate revenue generating procedures that can sustain this site over time. Revenue generating opportunities may include, but are not limited to, nominal fees for listing technologies, links to vender Web sites, E-mail links to venders, and including existing air technologies in the data base to increase the potential revenue base. Applicants should describe the decision-making process to determine how and when revenue generating procedures will be implemented once the NEAT Web site has established itself as a major air technologies Web site. Applicants should indicate other resources that may be used to support and sustain the NEAT Web.

9. Budget, staffing and administrative procedures. OMB circulars on regulations, cost principles, and other administrative requirements (40 CFR part 30) shall be followed. See Application Kit for Federal Assistance under Section IX (How to Apply) for more information.

10. Applicants must clearly mark any information in the application that they consider confidential. The EPA will make final confidentiality decisions in accordance with Agency regulations at 40 CFR part 2, subpart B.

Applicants must have an established presence on the World Wide Web and possess strong expertise in the field of air pollution. Applicants will be judged on the following criteria:

1. Adequacy of existing Web site (hardware and software) to support the New and Emerging Air Technologies Web. (Weight: 10%)

2. Relevant experience of the applicant (institution/organization) in the field of air pollution technology. (Weight: 10%)

3. Originality and creativity of the proposal to develop, maintain, support and promote the New and Emerging Air Technology Web site and data base. (Weight: 30%)

4. Plan to acquire and evaluate user/stakeholder input and implement improvements to generate and sustain interest in and usefulness of the site. Funds awarded under this agreement may not be used to solicit user feedback or conduct user surveys. Non-Federal funds must be used for such activities. However, funds awarded under this agreement may be used to analyze information derived from user feedback mechanisms and surveys specifically related to the implementation of the NEAT Web site. (Weight: 20%)

5. Originality and creativity of the proposal's Sustainability Plan in identifying, evaluating, selecting and implementing procedures that will generate revenue and allow the site to become self-sustaining. (Weight: 30%) All applications will be reviewed by an appropriate application review panel. The panel will be composed of EPA staff with expertise in information transfer, World Wide Web applications, air pollution prevention and control technology, and environmental monitoring, measurements and analysis.

Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” provides States the opportunity to review and comment on activities proposed for Federal funding. Where feasible, and to the extent permitted by law, State and local review processes and comments must be incorporated into Federal Programs as early in the planning stage as possible. See Application Kit for Federal Assistance under Section IX (How to Apply) for additional information.

Applicants must:

1. Send a letter of intent to apply to the address listed under ADDRESSES above (or via E-mail to blaszczak.bob@epa.gov) before submitting an application for this assistance. Letters of intent to apply must be postmarked (or sent via E-mail) no later than August 5, 2002. Letters of intent must include the name of your organization and a contact person's name, mailing address, E-mail address, phone number, and fax number.

2. Obtain, complete and submit an Application Kit for Federal Assistance. The kit and any additional forms can be acquired on the Web at < http://www.epa.gov/ogd/grants/how_to_apply.htm >. Hard copies are available from the Program Office contact listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above.

3. Include a narrative that addresses all of the areas listed under Section VI (Description/Scope); and

4. Submit one (1) original and four (4) printed copies of the application to the address listed under ADDRESSES above. Applications must be received by 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Savings Time November 1, 2002. Only a printed (hard copy) submittal will be accepted.

The EPA will conduct one conference call to allow potential applicants to ask questions. Only potential applicants who submit letters of intent to apply will be provided conference call information. The call is intended to assist applicants with questions about the proper completion and submission of their proposals. The content of the calls is entirely dependent upon the questions asked. The EPA will also take questions via E-mail that is posted (dated) on or before September 6, 2002. All E-mail questions must be sent to the Program Office Contact listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT above. All questions received by E-mail and EPA's response to the questions will be posted on the Web at < http://www.epa.gov/ttn/catc/ > no later than September 23, 2002.

In order to ensure that all applicants have access to the same information, the only forums for posing substantive questions on the competition are the conference call and E-mail procedure noted above. Except for responses to procedural questions (e.g., due dates, proposal formats), EPA will not provide other assistance prior to final submission of applications.

The following fields are in the current EPA data base:

This action is directed to the public in general. This action may, however, be of interest to persons who are or may be required to conduct testing of chemical substances under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), FIFRA, and FQPA. Since other entities may also be interested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be affected by this action. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

1. Electronically. You may obtain electronic copies of this document, and certain other related documents that might be available electronically, from the EPA Internet Home Page at http://www.epa.gov/. To access this document, on the Home Page select “Laws and Regulations,” “Regulations and Proposed Rules,” and then look up the entry for this document under the “ Federal Register — Environmental Documents.” You can also go directly to the Federal Register listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. To access the OPPTS Harmonized Guideline referenced in this document, go directly to the guidelines at http://www.epa.gov/opptsfrs/home/guidelin.htm.

A meeting agenda, EPA's position paper, questions to FIFRA SAP, and FIFRA SAP composition (i.e., members and consultants) will be available no later than July 15. In addition, the Agency may provide additional background documents as the materials become available. You may obtain electronic copies of these documents, and certain other related documents that might be available electronically, from the FIFRA SAP Internet Home Page at http://www.epa.gov/scipoly/sap.

2. In person . The Agency has established an official record for this meeting under docket ID number OPP-2002-0125. The official record consists of the documents specifically referenced in this notice, any public comments received during an applicable comment period, and other information related to this action, including any information claimed as Confidential Business Information (CBI). This official record includes the documents that are physically located in the docket, as well as the documents that are referenced in those documents. The public version of the official record does not include any information claimed as CBI. In addition, the Agency may provide additional background documents as the material becomes available. The public version of the official record, which includes printed, paper versions of any electronic comments that may be submitted during an applicable comment period, is available for inspection in the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The PIRIB telephone number is (703) 305-5805.

You may submit requests to present oral comments, written comments, or requests for special seating arrangements through the mail, in person, or electronically. Do not submit any information in your request that is considered CBI. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, it is imperative that you identify docket ID number OPP-2002-0125 in the subject line on the first page of your request.

1. Oral comments . Oral comments presented at the meetings should not be repetitive of previously submitted oral or written comments.

Although requests to present oral comments are accepted until the date of the meeting (unless otherwise stated), to the extent that time permits, interested persons may be permitted by the Chair of FIFRA SAP to present oral comments at the meeting. Each individual or group wishing to make brief oral comments to FIFRA SAP is strongly advised to submit their request to the DFO listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT no later than noon, eastern standard time, July 25, 2002, in order to be included on the meeting agenda. The request should identify the name of the individual making the presentation, the organization (if any) the individual will represent, and any requirements for audiovisual equipment (e.g., overhead projector, 35 mm projector, chalkboard). Oral comments before FIFRA SAP are limited to approximately 5 minutes unless prior arrangements have been made. In addition, the speaker should bring to the meeting 30 copies of the oral comments and presentation slides for distribution to FIFRA SAP at the meeting.

1. Written comments . Although submission of written comments are accepted until the date of the meeting (unless otherwise stated), the Agency encourages that written comments be submitted no later than noon, eastern standard time, July 22, 2002, to provide FIFRA SAP the time necessary to consider and review the written comments. There is no limit on the extent of written comments for consideration by FIFRA SAP. Persons wishing to submit written comments at the meeting should contact the DFO listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT and submit 30 copies.

2. Seating at the meeting . Seating at the meeting will be on a first-come basis. Individuals requiring special accommodations at this meeting, including wheelchair access, should contact Olga Odiott at least 5 business days prior to the meeting using the information under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

1. By mail . Submit your request or written comments to: Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Information Resources and Services Division (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460.

2. In person or by courier . Deliver your request or written comments to: Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Information Resources and Services Division (7502C), Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP), Environmental Protection Agency, Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1921 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Arlington, VA. The PIRIB is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The PIRIB telephone number is (703) 305-5805.

3. Electronically . You may submit your request or written comments electronically by e-mail to: opp-docket@epa.gov. Do not submit any information electronically that you consider to be CBI. Use WordPerfect 6.1/8.0/9.0 or ASCII file format and avoid the use of special characters and any form of encryption. Be sure to identify by docket ID number OPP-2002-0125. You may also file a request online at many Federal Depository Libraries.

The FIFRA SAP will meet to consider and review the design and scientific soundness of the Agency's draft Termite Bait Product Performance Testing Guideline, OPPTS 810.3800 - Termite Baits. The guideline outlines both the testing methodologies and performance standards for efficacy data submitted to EPA to allow evaluation of the performance of termite bait products.

The use of termite bait products has emerged as an important method of termite control. Because of the highly specialized nature of termite baits, a number of evaluation issues have arisen in the past 6 years, including minimum product performance standards needed for termite bait product registration. This meeting of the FIFRA SAP will provide a forum for experts and the public to comment on the product performance standards and testing protocols proposed by the Agency to address these and other issues related to termite bait products.

FIFRA SAP will prepare a report of its recommendations to the Agency in approximately 60 days. The meeting minutes will be posted on the FIFRA SAP web site or may be obtained by contacting the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch at the address or telephone number listed in Unit I. of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION .

This action is directed to the public in general. As such, the Agency has not attempted to describe the specific entities that this action may apply to. Although others may be affected, this action applies directly to the submitter of the premanufacture notices addressed in the action. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

1. Electronically . You may obtain copies of this document and certain other available documents from the EPA Internet Home Page at http://www.epa.gov/. On the Home Page select “Laws and Regulations”,” Regulations and Proposed Rules, and then look up the entry for this document under the “ Federal Register —Environmental Documents.” You can also go directly to the Federal Register listings at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.

2. In person . The Agency has established an official record for this action under docket ID number OPPT-2002-0028. The official record consists of the documents specifically referenced in this action, any public comments received during an applicable comment period, and other information related to this action, including any information claimed as confidential business information (CBI). This official record includes the documents that are physically located in the docket, as well as the documents that are referenced in those documents. The public version of the official record does not include any information claimed as CBI. The public version of the official record, which includes printed, paper versions of any electronic comments submitted during an applicable comment period, any test data submitted by the Manufacturer/Importer is available for inspection in the TSCA Nonconfidential Information Center, North East Mall Rm. B- 607, Waterside Mall, 401 M St., SW., Washington, DC. The Center is open from noon to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number of the Center is (202) 260-7099.

You may submit comments through the mail, in person, or electronically. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, it is imperative that you identify docket ID number OPPT-2002-0028 and the specific PMN number in the subject line on the first page of your response.

1. By mail . Submit your comments to: Document Control Office (7407), Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460.

2. In person or by courier . Deliver your comments to: OPPT Document Control Office (DCO) in EPA East Building Rm. 6428, 1201 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC. The DCO is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number for the DCO is (202) 564-8930.

3. Electronically . You may submit your comments electronically by e-mail to: “oppt.ncic@epa.gov,” or mail your computer disk to the address identified in this unit. Do not submit any information electronically that you consider to be CBI. Electronic comments must be submitted as an ASCII file avoiding the use of special characters and any form of encryption. Comments and data will also be accepted on standard disks in WordPerfect 6.1/8.0 or ASCII file format. All comments in electronic form must be identified by docket ID number OPPT-2002-0028 and the specific PMN number. Electronic comments may also be filed online at many Federal Depository Libraries.

Do not submit any information electronically that you consider to be CBI. You may claim information that you submit to EPA in response to this document as CBI by marking any part or all of that information as CBI. Information so marked will not be disclosed except in accordance with procedures set forth in 40 CFR part 2. In addition to one complete version of the comment that includes any information claimed as CBI, a copy of the comment that does not contain the information claimed as CBI must be submitted for inclusion in the public version of the official record. Information not marked confidential will be included in the public version of the official record without prior notice. If you have any questions about CBI or the procedures for claiming CBI, please consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

You may find the following suggestions helpful for preparing your comments:

1. Explain your views as clearly as possible.

2. Describe any assumptions that you used.

3. Provide copies of any technical information and/or data you used that support your views.

4. If you estimate potential burden or costs, explain how you arrived at the estimate that you provide.

5. Provide specific examples to illustrate your concerns.

6. Offer alternative ways to improve the notice or collection activity.

7. Make sure to submit your comments by the deadline in this document.

8. To ensure proper receipt by EPA, be sure to identify the docket ID number assigned to this action in the subject line on the first page of your response. You may also provide the name, date, and Federal Register citation.

Section 5 of TSCA requires any person who intends to manufacture (defined by statute to include import) a new chemical (i.e., a chemical not on the TSCA Inventory to notify EPA and comply with the statutory provisions pertaining to the manufacture of new chemicals. Under sections 5(d)(2) and 5(d)(3) of TSCA, EPA is required to publish a notice of receipt of a PMN or an application for a TME and to publish periodic status reports on the chemicals under review and the receipt of notices of commencement to manufacture those chemicals. This status report, which covers the period from May 3, 2002 to May 21, 2002, consists of the PMNs pending or expired, and the notices of commencement to manufacture a new chemical that the Agency has received under TSCA section 5 during this time period.

This status report identifies the PMNs pending or expired, and the notices of commencement to manufacture a new chemical that the Agency has received under TSCA section 5 during this time period. If you are interested in information that is not included in the following tables, you may contact EPA as described in Unit II. to access additional non-CBI information that may be available. The “S” and “G” that precede the chemical names denote whether the chemical idenity is specific or generic.

In table I, EPA provides the following information (to the extent that such information is not claimed as CBI) on the PMNs received by EPA during this period: the EPA case number assigned to the PMN; the date the PMN was received by EPA; the projected end date for EPA's review of the PMN; the submitting manufacturer; the potential uses identified by the manufacturer in the PMN; and the chemical identity.

In table II, EPA provides the following information (to the extent that such information is not claimed as CBI) on the Notices of Commencement to manufacture received:

Released: June 28, 2002.

The North American Numbering Council (NANC) has scheduled a meeting to be held Wednesday July 17, 2002, from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., and on Thursday, July 18, 2002, from 8:30 a.m., until 12 noon (if required). The meeting will be held at the Federal Communications Commission, Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW, Room TW-C305, Washington, DC.

This meeting is open to members of the general public. The FCC will attempt to accommodate as many participants as possible. The public may submit written statements to the NANC, which must be received two business days before the meeting. In addition, oral statements at the meeting by parties or entities not represented on the NANC will be permitted to the extent time permits. Such statements will be limited to five minutes in length by any one party or entity, and requests to make an oral statement must be received two business days before the meeting. Requests to make an oral statement or provide written comments to the NANC should be sent to Deborah Blue at the address under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT , stated above.

This proceeding was initiated on August 12, 1998, to gather information regarding certain apparently restrictive laws, rules and regulations of the People's Republic of China (“PRC” or “China”) with the issuance of Information Demand Orders and a Notice of Inquiry. The Commission is attempting to compile a record in order to determine if further Commission action under section 19 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 or the Foreign Shipping Practices Act of 1988 is warranted. 1 The Commission issued a Notice of Inquiry seeking information regarding the Regulations of the PRC on International Maritime Transportation (Regulations), promulgated on December 21, 2001 and effective January 1, 2002. 67 Fed. Reg. 11695-11696 (March 15, 2002). The Commission, in its effort to continue to monitor the issues identified in this proceeding, is now issuing this Further Notice of Inquiry.

Recently, the Ministry of Communications (“MOC”) issued a “Notice on Inviting Comments on the Implementing Rules for the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on International Maritime Transportation” (“Notice”) on June 21, 2002. This Notice, published on the MOC website ( http://www.moc.gov.cn ), together with the text of the proposed “Implementing Rules,” both in English, solicits comments in writing (via fax or email) by July 15, 2002.

The Commission is concerned that the proposed Implementing Rules may have significant effects on the companies currently operating in the U.S.-China trade, as well as the Commission's continuing review of potentially restrictive practices of the PRC. Therefore, the Commission is now issuing this Further Notice of Inquiry. The Commission may also formulate further Information Demand Orders, as appropriate, to ensure it has the most accurate information with regard to these issues, and so that it may in turn determine whether any current Chinese laws, rules, regulations or practices merit the initiation of a proceeding under section 19 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1920, or the Foreign Shipping Practices Act.

It appears that U.S. ocean transportation intermediaries, carriers and other transportation operators may face serious restrictions in obtaining the necessary licenses and permissions to do business in China. Indeed, it appears that wholly foreign-owned NVOCCs continue to be completely barred from engaging in a number of commercial activities, such as offering through transportation as an NVOCC. Other types of services may be permitted, but only if a foreign firm enters into a joint venture with a Chinese entity. It appears that these enterprises must be structured in such a way that the Chinese partner controls the majority of the joint venture and that Chinese nationals must control the highest levels of management. The Commission is also interested in hearing about any other impacts of the Implementing Rules on companies serving the U.S.-China trade.

The Commission is particularly seeking to establish a clear record of the likely or anticipated impact of these rules on the services U.S. NVOCCs are now permitted to perform in China, what activities are prohibited, what requirements or prerequisites are imposed and what, if any, detrimental effects these requirements and prohibitions have on U.S. companies doing business or seeking to do business in China. It would also be helpful to learn whether compliance with the Implementing Rules by ocean common carriers, agents or other entities has affected or is likely to affect the ability of U.S. NVOCCs to do business and serve customers in China and the U.S.

In light of the publication of the Notice and Implementing Rules by the Government of the People's Republic of China, the Commission encourages companies affected by the Regulations and the Implementing Rules to submit comments to MOC. The Commission would also welcome comments from any carrier, shipper, intermediary or any other party directly or indirectly affected by the Implementing Rules. Providing such comments will assist the Commission in measuring the effects of the Implementing Rules. Specifically, the Commission is seeking information with regard to how companies serving the U.S.-China trade will be affected by the Implementing Rules. Any supporting documentation would be especially welcome. Upon request, the Commission may hold information submitted in response to this Further Notice of Inquiry confidential, pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 876(h) and 46 U.S.C. 1710a(d)(3). The Commission cannot, however, ensure the confidentiality of documents submitted via e-mail due to the nature of such transmissions.

Persons who have commented on the Commission's prior NOI may wish to take this opportunity to supplement their comments, if necessary, in light of these new implementing rules.

Now therefore, it is ordered, that this Further Notice of Inquiry be published in the Federal Register .

FDA is announcing its intention to accept and consider a single source application from UMCP for a cooperative agreement to support JIFSAN. FDA's authority to enter into grants and cooperative agreements is set out in section 301 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 241). FDA's research program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No. 93.103. Before entering into cooperative agreements, FDA carefully considers the benefits such agreements will provide to the public. This application is not subject to review under Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs (45 CFR part 100).

The Public Health Service (PHS) strongly encourages all award recipients to provide a smoke-free workplace and to discourage the use of all tobacco products. This is consistent with the PHS mission to protect and advance the physical and mental health of the American people.

FDA is committed to achieving the health promotion and disease prevention objectives of “Healthy People 2010,” a national effort to reduce morbidity and mortality and to improve quality of life. Applicants may obtain a paper copy of the “Healthy People 2010” objectives, volumes I and II, conference edition (B0074) for $22 per set, by writing to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Communication Support Center (Center), P.O. Box 37366, Washington, DC 20013-7366. Each of the 28 chapters of “Healthy People 2010” is priced at $2 per copy. Telephone orders can be placed to the Center on 301-468-5690. The Center also sells the complete conference edition in CD-ROM format (B0071) for $5. This publication is available as well on the Internet at http://health.gov/healthypeople. Internet viewers should proceed to “Publications.”

Through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between FDA and UMCP, JIFSAN was established in April 1996. JIFSAN creates a partnership that allows for more efficient use of research, education, and outreach resources, thereby enhancing overall public health by expanding and improving food safety and nutrition programs as well as in other program areas that impact on public health policy. The primary focus of JIFSAN is food safety and nutrition, specifically as related to risk analysis, applied microbiology, natural toxins, chemical contaminants, animal health sciences, biotechnology and food composition and nutrition. JIFSAN also encompasses other program areas such as cosmetics, dietary supplements, and food labeling.

In the Federal Register of May 22, 1997 (62 FR 28049), FDA published a request for a single source application for a cooperative agreement to support JIFSAN. The application was reviewed and approved by an ad hoc panel of experts. The panel's approval recommendation was then approved by the National Advisory Environmental Health Sciences Council in September 1997. FDA awarded the cooperative agreement to UMCP on September 30, 1997.

In the Federal Register of July 26, 1999 (64 FR 40380), FDA published a notice of its intention to noncompetitively supplement the cooperative agreement with UMCP. FDA awarded the noncompetitive supplement to the cooperative agreement with UMCP on September 29, 1999.

JIFSAN is a jointly administered, multidisciplinary research, education, and outreach program. Under the cooperative agreement, UMCP has established and staffed the JIFSAN at the UMCP campus. UMCP has established core facilities that enable FDA and the University to share resources, such as major laboratory instrumentation, and has initiated a mechanism to permit access to the university's library facilities for appropriate FDA employees. Programs initiated by JIFSAN have demonstrated that the benefits from this partnership are substantial. The unique administrative structure of JIFSAN allows it to most effectively use resources to plan, organize, and run multidisciplinary, multiinstitutional programs in research, education, and outreach. The structure and policies of a major land-grant university offer the flexibility needed to enable JIFSAN to create and operate strategic alliances involving multiple partners and multiple funding sources. JIFSAN provides a neutral environment in which experts from industry, consumer and trade groups, international organizations, government agencies, and academia pool their resources and ideas to provide the scientific bases for the development of sound public health policy.

FDA believes that the cooperative research with UMCP through JIFSAN will further research related to food safety, will help to ensure the security of the American food supply, and will provide opportunities to leverage additional resources so that important national and international problems in food, nutrition, animal health science activities, cosmetics, dietary supplements, biotechnology, and food labeling can be addressed in a timely manner. FDA also believes that cooperative research through JIFSAN will promote the efficient use of the complementary resources (e.g., major instrumentation, space, information, and computer technologies) of both parties. All research will be related to FDA program requirements that ensure the safety of food.

The purpose of this cooperative agreement will be to continue to:

1. Develop a critical mass of scientific expertise to address ongoing and increasingly complex key public health issues, to provide early warning of emerging problems, to provide support during emergencies and crisis situations, and to provide scientific expertise in close proximity to FDA's administrative office to expedite regulatory policy and decisions. (All official regulatory activities, however, will be performed by FDA employees only);

2. Provide a collaborative environment and expertise for more efficient use of current resources devoted to risk analysis and biotechnology research and related activities;

3. Develop more effective methods for communicating public health policy and risk associated with both microbial and chemical hazards to the general public by going beyond the study of the science to the study of how that science is heard and understood;

4. Share resources to enhance the research infrastructure and provide for effective use of increasingly sophisticated scientific equipment with high acquisition, installation, and maintenance costs and the corresponding expertise of both parties; and

5. Establish mechanisms for exchange of technical information and scientific concepts between FDA, other Federal and State agencies, industry, academia, consumer and trade groups, and international organizations.

The MOU between FDA and UMCP continues to provide the essential foundation for a vigorous, high quality scientific research program to support sound regulatory policy and performance. FDA faces an increasing number of critical and complex food safety issues. Having a nearby source of complementary and specialized scientific expertise and facilities, enhances FDA's ability to respond rapidly to regulatory challenges and to expedite regulatory policy and decisions. FDA believes that JIFSAN is a sound investment to ensure the public health of American consumers. It provides an opportunity for extensive cooperation with University scientists, and it will significantly stimulate collaborative efforts between Government, academia, industry, and consumers to improve and ensure a safe food supply.

The American people will benefit from this type of collaboration because it will ensure that FDA is positioned to respond rapidly in crisis situations to protect, promote, and enhance the health of the public.

Support of this program, if awarded, will be in the form of a cooperative agreement. In FY 2002, FDA anticipates providing up to $3 million (direct and indirect costs) for this award. It is anticipated that funding will remain at this level in the subsequent noncompetitive years unless appropriations change. The award will be subject to all policies and requirements that govern the research grant programs of the PHS, including the provisions of 42 CFR part 52, 45 CFR part 74, and the PHS grants policy statement.

The length of support will be 1 year, with the possibility of an additional 4 years of noncompetitive support. Continuation, beyond the first year, will be based upon satisfactory performance during the preceding year and the availability of Federal fiscal year appropriations.

UMCP is uniquely qualified to fulfill the objectives of the proposed cooperative agreement. UMCP is in close proximity to the congressionally directed location of FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition's (CFSAN's) and Center for Veterinary Medicine's (CVM's) offices and laboratories in Prince Georges's County, MD. UMCP has vast resources, which complement and greatly expand FDA's research, scientific, and outreach resources. UMCP is the Washington region's most comprehensive research institution, with numerous academic programs relevant to FDA's mission and the resources to support CFSAN's areas of interest, including: Microbiology, chemistry, food science, animal health sciences, biotechnology, agriculture, public policy, risk assessment, computational science, economics, and survey methodology. UMCP serves as the primary center for graduate study and research and provides undergraduate instruction across a broad spectrum of academic disciplines. The University extends its vast intellectual resources to the community through innovative projects designed to serve individuals, governments, and the private sector throughout the State of Maryland, the nation, and the international community. In 1988 the General Assembly of Maryland designated UMCP as the flagship institution for the University of Maryland System, which consists of 11 campuses across the State and offers programs at some 200 sites worldwide.

The University has developed core facilities to provide effective use of state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation with high acquisition, installation, and maintenance costs to conduct research at the forefront of science. An electron microscopy facility jointly supported by FDA and the University opened in 2000. CFSAN has moved its nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) instrumentation and personnel to the University's NMR facility in the Chemistry building. These instrumentation centers complement CFSAN's resources and expertise.

The University has developed a food safety risk analysis clearinghouse with oversight from the interagency risk assessment consortium (RAC) established under the auspices of the former administration's Food Safety Initiative. The intent of the clearinghouse is to provide a centralized information source in areas of risk analysis related to food safety with initial emphasis on microbial pathogens and their toxins. The unique feature of this clearinghouse model lies in the examinations and documentation of state-of-the-art methods, data sources, and current results of on-going risk assessments so that a much more complete and up-to-date picture of risk assessment is assembled.

Acknowledging the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to knowledge, the University maintains organized research units outside the usual department structures (i.e., Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Department of Molecular, Cell and Microbial Biology, etc.). Through the collaborative projects, FDA has access to additional University resources that include: (1) The Center for Research in Public Communication, where cooperative projects related to risk communication studies could be developed; (2) the Survey Research Center and the Institute for Philosophy and Public Policy, which will promote more efficient development and dissemination of public policy; (3) the University of Maryland's Biotechnology Institute, including its Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, which will facilitate the development of a biotechnology program focused on food safety and nutrition; and (4) the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, which will facilitate the maintenance of emergency response readiness credentials of the FDA Safety Staff who are responsible for maintaining and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance at FDA facilities where collaborative research is conducted.

Collaboration between the public and the private sectors has proven to be an efficient means for both FDA and the University to remain current with scientific and technical advances related to food safety and applied nutrition. These collaborative programs produce knowledge and expertise that can be used by all segments of the food safety and nutrition community, as well as by public health organizations, other Federal agencies, and academic institutions in the performance of their roles. The partnership between FDA and UMCP provides both the technical and educational expertise for effective creation of technology transfer mechanisms that facilitate the movement of new technology and provides fundamental food safety and nutrition information to the public and private sector.

Program progress reports and financial status reports will be required annually, based on date of award. These reports will be due within 90 days after the end of the budget period. A final program progress report and financial status report will be due 90 days after expiration of the project period of the cooperative agreement.

Substantive involvement by the awarding agency is inherent in the cooperative agreement award. Accordingly, FDA will have substantial involvement in the program activities of the projects funded by the cooperative agreement. Substantive involvement includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. FDA will have prior approval of the appointment of all key administrative and scientific personnel proposed by the grantee.

2. FDA will be directly involved in the guidance and development of the program and of the personnel management structure for the program.

3. FDA scientists will participate, with the grantee, in determining and carrying out the methodological approaches to be used. Collaboration will also include data analysis, interpretation of findings, and, where appropriate, coauthorship of publications.

First, the grants management and program staff will review the application submitted in response to this request for application (RFA) for responsiveness. To be responsive, an application must: (1) Be received by the specified due date, (2) be submitted in accordance with sections VIII. “Submission Requirements” and IX.A. “Submission Instructions” of this document, (3) not exceed the recommended funding amount stated in the SUMMARY of this document, (4) address the specific program goals and objectives as detailed in section II.B. “Project Emphasis”, and (5) bear the original signatures of both the principal investigator and the University's authorized official. Staff will consider the application nonresponsive if it does not contain the information set forth in this section. If the application is found to be nonresponsive, the staff will return the application to the applicant without further consideration. The staff will also consider an application nonresponsive for any of the following reasons: (1) The applicant organization is ineligible, (2) it is received after the specified receipt date, (3) it is incomplete, (4) it is illegible, (5) it is not responsive to the RFA, or (6) the material presented is insufficient to permit an adequate review.

Next, if the application is responsive, it will undergo a dual peer review. A responsive application will be reviewed first for scientific and technical merit by an ad hoc panel of experts in areas associated with food safety, nutrition, animal health sciences, biotechnology, and risk analysis. The application will then be presented to the National Advisory Environmental Health Sciences Council for their concurrence with the ad hoc panel's recommendation.

The original and two copies of the completed Grant Application Form PHS 398 (rev. 4/98 or Rev. 5/01) with copies of the appendices for each of the copies, must be delivered to Peggy Jones (see ADDRESSES ). No supplemental or addendum material will be accepted after the receipt date.

An application from UMCP will be accepted during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, on or before the established receipt date. The application will be considered received on time if sent or mailed on or before the receipt date as evidenced by a legible U.S. Postal Service dated postmark or a legible dated receipt from a commercial carrier, unless it arrives too late for orderly processing. Private metered postmarks shall not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing. An application not received on time will not be considered for review and will be returned to the applicant. (The applicant should note that the U.S. Postal Service does not uniformly provide dated postmarks. Before relying on this method, applicants should check with their local post office.) Do not send the application to the CSR, NIH. The application must be submitted via mail or hand delivered as stated above. FDA is unable to receive the application electronically. The applicant is advised that FDA does not adhere to the page limitations or the type size and line spacing requirements imposed by NIH for its applications.

Submission of the application must be on Grant Application Form PHS 398 (Rev. 4/98 or Rev. 5/01). All “General Instructions” and “Specific Instructions” in the application kit must be followed with the exception of the receipt dates and the mailing label address.

The face page of the application must reflect the request for application number, RFA-FDA CFSAN-02-3.

Data and information included in the application, if identified by the applicant as trade secret or confidential commercial information will be given treatment as such to the extent permitted by the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552(b)(4)) and FDA's implementing regulations (21 CFR 20.61).

Information collection requirements requested on Form PHS 398 and the instructions have been submitted by PHS to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and were approved and assigned OMB control number 0925-001.

FDA is announcing the withdrawal of 53 individual product labeling guidances. These labeling guidances, currently available on the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) guidance list, were intended to provide sponsors of abbreviated new drug applications (ANDAs) with product specific templates for package insert labeling that would be accepted by the Office of Generic Drugs (OGD). Package insert labeling for innovator products changes frequently, and it is difficult to keep the guidances updated. The guidances are being withdrawn because they are outdated and of limited use to the generic drug industry.

The withdrawal of these 53 product specific labeling guidances is part of a long-term effort in OGD to review guidance documents on the development of generic drug products with the goal of identifying documents that need to be revised, reformatted, or withdrawn because they are no longer current (64 FR 36886, July 8, 1999).

The following guidances are withdrawn:

In May 2000, the agency issued the guidance for industry entitled “Revising ANDA Labeling Following Revision of the RLD Labeling.” This guidance provides information on how to access current package insert labeling on OGD's Labeling Review Branch Web site at http://www.fda.gov/cder/ogd/rld/labeling_review_branch.htm.

Interested persons may submit written or electronic comments to the Dockets Management Branch (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. Two copies of any comments are to be submitted, except that individuals may submit one copy. Comments are to be identified with the docket number found in brackets in the heading of this document. Received comments are available for public examination in the Dockets Management Branch between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Persons with access to the Internet may obtain CDER guidance documents at http://www.fda.gov/cder/guidance/index.htm.

The Department is submitting the proposed information collection to OMB for review; as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended).

This Notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information to: (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

This Notice also lists the following information:

Title of Proposal: Request for Credit Approval of Substitute Mortgagor.

OMB Control Number, if applicable: 2502-0036.

Description of the need for information and proposed use: This information collection is used by HUD to approve the credit of a substitute mortgagor who desires to assume an FHA-insured mortgage. The information is also needed to document the financial stability of the mortgagor.

Agency form numbers, if applicable: HUD-92210.

Estimation of the total numbers of hours needed to prepare the information collection including number of respondents, frequency of response, and hours of response: The estimated total number of hours needed to prepare the information collection is 10,000, the number of respondents is 1,000 generating approximately 10,000 annual responses, the frequency of response is on occasion, and the number of hours per response is one.

Status of the proposed information collection: Reinstatement, without change, of a previously approved collection for which approval has expired.

The Department is submitting the proposed information collection to OMB for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended).

This Notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information to: (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

This Notice also lists the following information:

Title of Proposal: Flexible Subsidy, Capital Improvement Loan Program.

OMB Control Number, if applicable: 2502-0395.

Description of the need for the information and proposed use: The collection of such information is necessary to the Department to determine which projects will best benefit from Flexible Subsidy loans in order to improve financial soundness, improve management and maintain affordability. In addition, this information provides the Department with a means to account for, on a project specific basis, the use of flexible subsidy dollars and the progress being made by each project toward its physical, financial, and management improvement goals.

Agency form numbers, if applicable: HUD-9823A, 9823B, 9824B, 9835, 9835A, and 9835B.

Estimation of the total numbers of hours needed to prepare the information collection including number of respondents, frequency of response, and hours of response: The estimated total number of hours needed to prepare the information collection is 760, the number of respondents is 20 generating approximately 320 annual responses, the frequency of response is monthly, quarterly, and annually, and the number of hours per response varies from one to 20 hours.

Status of the proposed information collection: Reinstatement, with change, of a previously approved collection for which approval has expired.

The Department is submitting the proposed information collection to OMB for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, as amended).

This Notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information: (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology e.g. , permitting electronic submission of responses.

This Notice also lists the following information:

Title of Proposal: Contractor's Requisition Project Mortgages.

OMB Control Number, if applicable: 2502-0028.

Description of the need for the information and proposed use: This information is collected on form HUD-92448 from contractors and is used to obtain program benefits, consisting of distribution of insured mortgage proceeds when construction costs are involved. The information regarding completed work items is used by the Multifamily Hub Centers to ensure that payments from mortgage proceeds are made for work actually completed in a satisfactory manner. The certification regarding prevailing wages is used by the Multifamily Hub Centers to ensure compliance with prevailing wage rates.

Agency form numbers, if applicable: HUD-92448.

Estimation of the total numbers of hours needed to prepare the information collection including number of respondents, frequency of response, and hours of response: The number of respondents is 1,000 generating 12,000 responses annually, the estimated time needed to prepare each response is approximately 6 hours, the frequency of response is monthly, and the total burden hours requested is 72,000.

Status of the proposed information collection: Reinstatement, with change, of a previously approved collection for which approval has expired.