[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 185 (Monday, September 26, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 56188]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-19091]



[[Page 56188]]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service


Notice of the Effect of Hurricane Katrina on the Minerals 
Management Service Internet Public Commenting System, Alternate Methods 
of Providing Comments

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior.

ACTION: Notice of alternate methods of commenting in the aftermath of 
Hurricane Katrina.

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SUMMARY: This notice informs the public that Hurricane Katrina 
disrupted the Minerals Management Service's Internet-based public 
commenting system, which is hosted on computers in New Orleans, 
Louisiana. It advises the public of alternate methods they may use to 
comment on documents.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Hauser (703-787-1613) or Kumkum 
Ray (703-787-1604).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Hurricane Katrina caused extensive and severe damage in the area of 
New Orleans, Louisiana. In the aftermath of the hurricane, damage to 
levees in New Orleans, Louisiana allowed water to flood the city and 
cause further damage.
    Public Connect, the Internet-based public commenting system for the 
Minerals Management Service, is hosted on computers in the agency's 
offices located in New Orleans, Louisiana. The storm and aftermath 
disrupted this system. MMS employees are assessing the damage, but it 
is not known yet how long it will take to restore this system.
    MMS currently has an open comment period for the following document 
published in the Federal Register.
    On August 24, 2005, we published in the Federal Register a Request 
for Comments on the Preparation of a New 5-Year Outer Continental Shelf 
(OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program for 2007-2012; and on the Intent to 
Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Proposed 5-Year 
Program (70 FR 49669). This notice provided that the public could 
submit comments by mail or through the Internet. Because Public Connect 
is not available in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, all comments 
must be mailed to: Renee Orr, 5-Year Program Manager, Minerals 
Management Service (MS-4010), Room 3120, 381 Elden Street, Herndon, 
Virginia 20170.
    MMS was able to receive comments that were submitted to Public 
Connect before Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, Louisiana on Monday, 
August 29. If you submitted a comment through Public Connect on or 
after Friday, August 26, you should re-submit the comment by mail to 
the address above to assure that we receive the comment.

    Dated: September 14, 2005.
R.M. ``Johnnie'' Burton,
Director, Minerals Management Service.
[FR Doc. 05-19091 Filed 9-23-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P