[United States Government Manual] [July 01, 1995] [Pages 665-667] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]PANAMA CANAL COMMISSION Suite 1050, 1825 Eye Street NW., Washington, DC 20006-5402 Phone, 202-634-6441 Official in Washington: Secretary Michael Rhode, Jr. Officials in the Republic of Panama: Administrator Gilberto Guardia Deputy Administrator Raymond P. Laverty [For the Panama Canal Commission statement of organization, see the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 35, Part 9] ________________________________________________________________________ The Panama Canal Commission operates, maintains, and improves the Panama Canal to provide efficient, safe, and economical transit service for the benefit of world commerce. The Panama Canal Commission was established as an independent agency in the executive branch of the Government by the Panama Canal Act of 1979 (22 U.S.C. 3601). The Commission is supervised by a nine-member Board of which not fewer than five members are nationals of the United States, with the remaining members being nationals of the Republic of Panama. All members of the Board are appointed by the President. The members who are United States nationals are appointed with the advice and consent of the Senate. Activities The Commission was established by Congress on October 1, 1979, to carry out the responsibilities of the United States with respect to the Panama Canal under the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977. In fulfilling these obligations, the Commission manages, operates, and maintains the Canal, its complementary works, installations, and equipment, and [[Page 666]] [[Page 667]] provides for the orderly transit of vessels through the Canal. This U.S. agency will perform these functions until the treaty terminates on December 31, 1999, at which time the Republic of Panama will assume full responsibility for the Canal. Sources of Information Marine Operations Director, Marine Bureau, Panama. Phone, 011-507-52- 4500. Economic and Marketing Information Director, Office of Executive Planning, Panama. Phone, 011-507-52-7961. Procurement Office of Logistical Support, 4400 Dauphine Street, New Orleans, LA 70146-6800. Phone, 504-948-5299. Panama Canal Commission Unit 2300, APO AA 34011-2300. Telex, 3034 PCCAMRM PG. For further information, contact the Office of the Secretary, Panama Canal Commission, Suite 1050, 1825 Eye Street NW., Washington, DC 20006- 5402. Phone, 202-634-6441. ________________________________________________________________________