[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 180 (Friday, September 17, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Page 56112]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-21011]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

[Docket No. FAA-2004-18925]


Airport Improvement Program Grant Assurances; Extension of 
Comment Period

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, FAA.

ACTION: Advance notice of modification of Airport Improvement Program 
grant assurances and the opportunity to comment; extension of comment 
period.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is extending to 
November 8, 2004, the comment period for the opportunity to comment 
that appeared in the Federal Register of August 24, 2004 (69 FR 52057). 
In the opportunity to comment, FAA requested comments on proposed 
modifications to the Airport Improvement Program Grant Assurances. The 
agency is taking this action in response to requests for an extension 
to allow interested persons additional time to submit comments.

DATES: Submit written and electronic comments by November 8, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit written comments to the, FAA, Airports Financial 
Assistance Division, APP-500, Attn: Mr. Kendall Ball, Room 619, 800 
Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Kendall Ball, Airport Improvement 
Program Branch, APP 520, Airports Financial Assistance Division, Room 
619, FAA, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591, Telephone 
(202) 267-7436, or e-mail: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    In the Federal Register of August 24, 2004 (69 FR 52057), FAA 
published a notice of modification of Airport Improvement Program (AIP) 
grant assurances and for additional assurances with a 30-day comment 
period to request comments on the modified and proposed additional AIP 
grant assurances. The Secretary must receive certain assurances from a 
sponsor (applicant) seeking financial assistance for airport planning, 
airport development, noise compatibility planning or noise mitigation 
under Title 49, U.S.C., as amended. These assurances are submitted as 
part of a sponsor's application for Federal assistance and are 
incorporated into all grant agreements. As need dictates, these 
assurances are modified to reflect new Federal requirements. Notice of 
such proposed modifications is published in the Federal Register, and 
an opportunity for public comment is provided.
    The agency has received multiple requests for either a 45-day or 
60-day extension of the comment period for the notice of modification. 
Each request conveyed concern that the current 30-day comment period 
does not allow sufficient time to develop a meaningful or thoughtful 
response to the notice of modification. All of the requests explained 
that an extension is necessary due to the impact of the grant 
assurances on airport costs and operating efficiency. FAA has 
considered the requests and is extending the comment period for the 
notice of modification for 45 days, until November 8, 2004. The agency 
believes that a 45-day extension allows adequate time for interested 
persons to submit comments without significantly delaying the 
implementation of the grant assurances.

II. Request for Comments

    Interested persons may, on or before November 8, 2004, submit to 
the FAA, Airports Financial Assistance Division, APP-500, Attn: Mr. 
Kendall Ball, Room 619, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 
20591.

    Dated: September 13, 2004.
Ben DeLeon,
Deputy Director, Office of Airport Planning and Programming.
[FR Doc. 04-21011 Filed 9-16-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M