[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 6, 1996)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 4389-4390] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-2299] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 28 CFR Part 35 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services AGENCY: Department of Justice. ACTION: Notice of extension of deadline for public comment. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: On November 27, 1995, the Department of Justice published in the Federal Register (60 FR 58462) a proposed rule to amend the Department's regulation implementing title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act to clarify the requirement for installation of curb ramps at existing pedestrian walkways. The period for accepting comments on the proposed rule was to end on January 26, 1996. Due to the government shutdown and the Department's resulting inability to receive and process requests for copies of the proposed rule, the comment period is extended. DATES: The comment period is extended through March 1, 1996. ADDRESSES: Written comments on the proposed rule published on November 27, 1995, should be sent to: John L. Wodatch, Chief, Disability Rights Section, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice, Rulemaking Docket 007, P.O. Box 65485, Washington, DC 20035. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Janet Blizard, (202) 307-0663. The ADA Information Line, Disability Rights Section, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC 20530, (800) 514-0301 (voice), (800) 514-0383 (TTY). These telephone numbers are not toll-free numbers. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The proposed rule published in the Federal Register on November 27, 1995, (60 FR 58462) would amend the regulation of the Department of Justice implementing title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act to clarify the requirement for installation of curb ramps at existing pedestrian walkways. The proposal would extend the time period for compliance to January 26, 2000, for curb ramps serving State and local government facilities, transportation, places of public accommodation, other places of employment, and at the residences of individuals with disabilities. It would extend the time period for providing curb ramps at existing pedestrian walkways in other areas until January 26, 2005, and it would require public entities to include a schedule for the implementation of these requirements in their transition plans. The proposed rule provided that comments should be received prior to January 26, 1996, and that comments received after that closing date would be considered only to the extent practicable. From December 16, 1995, through January 5, 1996, Federal government employees were furloughed, which forced the closing of the ADA Information Line and prevented the Disability Rights Section from receiving or processing requests for copies of the proposed rule. Due to the extended furlough, the Department is extending the comment period to ensure [[Page 4390]] that all interested parties have an adequate opportunity to comment. To be assured of consideration, comments must be in writing and must be received on or before March 1, 1996. Comments that are received after the closing date will be considered to the extent practicable. Dated: January 24, 1996. Deval Patrick, Assistant Attorney General. [FR Doc. 96-2299 Filed 2-5-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410-01-M