Notices. Notice of intent to hold public scoping meetings and prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA)
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BILLING CODE 3410-EN-P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rural Utilities Service Georgia Transmission Corporation; Notice of Intent To Hold Public Scoping Meetings and Prepare an Environmental Assessment AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of intent to hold public scoping meetings and prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA). SUMMARY: USDA Rural Development administers rural utilities programs through the Rural Utilities Service. USDA Rural Development (the Agency) intends to hold public scoping meetings and prepare an Environmental Assessment
(EA)in connection with potential impacts related to projects proposed by Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC), with headquarters in Tucker, Georgia. The proposal consists of the construction of approximately 55 miles of 500 kilovolt transmission line and approximately 13 miles of 230 kilovolt transmission line, a 500/230 kilovolt substation and a switching station. The 500-kilovolt transmission line project would be located in Putnam, Morgan, Walton and Oconee Counties, Georgia. The 230 kilovolt transmission line projects would be located in Walton County, Georgia. The substation and switching station are also located in Walton County, Georgia. In addition, a 230 kilovolt transmission line in Walton and Oconee Counties and a 230/115 kilovolt substation in Oconee County are included in the proposal as a connected action. GTC is requesting the Agency provide financing for the proposed action. DATES: The Agency will conduct two Scoping Meetings in an open house format, seeking the input of the public and other interested parties. The meetings will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., on April 17 & 18, 2006. ADDRESSES: The April 17, 2006 meeting will be held at the Carver Middle School Gymnasium, Monroe, Georgia, ZIP: 30655, Phone: 770 270-7741 or 770 267-6000. The address is 1095 Good Hope Road, Monroe, Georgia. The April 18, 2006 meeting will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, Madison, Georgia, ZIP: 30650-1640, Phone: 706-342-4743. The Community Center address is 434 South Main Street, located on South Main Street between Foster Street and Hill Street. An Electric Alternatives Evaluation and Macro Corridor Study Report, prepared by Georgia Transmission Corporation, will be presented at the public scoping meetings. The Report will be available for public review at the Agency's address provided in this notice, at the Agency's Web site: *http://www.usda.gov/rus/ water/ees/ea.htm* , at Georgia Transmission Corporation, 2100 East Exchange Place, Tucker, Georgia 30084 and at the: *Morgan County Library:* 1131 East Avenue, Madison, GA, 706-342-1206. *Eatonton Putnam County Library:* 309 North Madison Avenue, Eatonton, GA, 706-485-6768. *Walton-Monroe Public Library:* 217 West Spring Street, Monroe, GA 30655, Phone:
(770)267-4630. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephanie Strength, Environmental Protection Specialist, USDA Rural Development, Utilities Programs, Engineering and Environmental Staff, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Stop 1571, Washington, DC 20250-1571, telephone
(202)720-0468. Mrs. Strength's e-mail address is *stephanie.strength@wdc.usda.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Georgia Transmission Corporation proposes to construct a 500 kilovolt transmission line between the proposed East Walton 500/230 kV Substation located in the vicinity of Highway 186 and Jones Woods Road in Walton County, Georgia to Georgia Power Company's proposed Rockville Switching Station that would be located approximately 3 miles southwest of Wallace Dam and 1 mile east of the intersection of the existing Scherer-Warthen 500 kV and Eatonton Primary-Wallace Dam 230 kV Transmission Lines in Putnam County, Georgia. The approximate length of the 500 kV Transmission Line is 55 miles. Georgia Transmission Corporation also proposes to construct a 230 kilovolt transmission line between the proposed East Walton 500/230 kV Substation and the proposed Bostwick Switching Station. The proposed Bostwick Switching Station would be located in the vicinity of the intersection of Georgia Transmission Corporation's existing East Social Circle-East Watkinsville 230 kV Transmission Line and the proposed East Walton-Rockville 500 kV Transmission Line. The approximate length of the East Walton-Bostwick 230 kV Transmission Line would be 3 miles. In addition, Georgia Transmission proposes to construct a 230 kilovolt transmission line between the proposed East Walton 500/230 kV Substation and MEAG Power's proposed Jack's Creek Switching Station that would be located in the proximity of GTC's LG&E Monroe Substation. The approximate length of the proposed East Walton-Jack's Creek 230 kilovolt Transmission Line is 9 miles. Lattice steel towers ranging in height from 80- to 150-feet would support the proposed East Walton-Rockville 500 kV conductors. It would require a right-of-way of 180 feet. Guyed and unguyed concrete or steel poles ranging in height from 80- to 120-feet would support the East Walton-Bostwick 230 kV and the East Walton-Jack's Creek 230 kV conductors. Both lines would require a right-of-way of 35 feet if located parallel to a road; 75-feet if located parallel to an existing transmission line; or 100-feet if located cross country. It is anticipated that all of the facilities would be in service in 2011. Government agencies, private organizations, and the public are invited to participate in the planning and analysis of the proposed project. Representatives from the Agency and Georgia Transmission Corporation will be available at the scoping meeting to discuss the Agency's environmental review process, describe the project, the need for the project, macro corridors under consideration, and to discuss the scope of environmental issues to be considered, answer questions, and accept comments. Comments regarding the proposed action may be submitted (orally or in writing) at the public scoping meetings or in writing for receipt no later than May 18, 2006 to the Agency at the address provided in this notice. From information provided in the alternative evaluation and site selection study, input that may be provided by government agencies, private organizations, and the public, Georgia Transmission Corporation will use to prepare an environmental analysis to be submitted to the Agency for review. The Agency will use the environmental analysis to determine the significance of the impacts of the project and if acceptable will adopt it as its environmental assessment of the project. The Agency's environmental assessment of the project would be available for review and comment for 30 days. Should the Agency determine, based on the Environmental Assessment of the project, that the impacts of the construction and operation of the transmission line would not have a significant environmental impact, it will prepare a finding of no significant impact. Public notification of a finding of no significant impact would be published in the **Federal Register** and in newspapers with a circulation in the project area. Any final action by the Agency related to the proposed project will be subject to, and contingent upon, compliance with environmental review requirements as prescribed by the Agency's environmental policies and procedures (7 CFR part 1794). Dated: March 29, 2006. Mark S. Plank, Director, Engineering and Environmental Staff, USDA/Rural Development/Utilities Programs. [FR Doc. E6-4879 Filed 4-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-15-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request The Department of Commerce has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). *Agency:* National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). *Title:* Feedback Survey for Annual Tsunami Warning Communications Test. *Form Number(s):* None. *OMB Approval Number:* None. *Type of Request:* Regular submission. *Burden Hours:* 45. *Number of Respondents:* 400. *Average Hours Per Response:* 5 minutes for survey; 5 minutes for respondent follow-up phone call; and 10 minutes for follow-up phone calls to additional contacts. *Needs and Uses:* To assess the effectiveness of NOAA/National Weather Service's Tsunami Warning communications system, the survey is required to gather specific feedback immediately following testing, which is conducted annually in September. The post-test feedback will be requested from emergency managers, the media, law enforcement officials, and local government agencies/officials. This will be a web-based survey. The responses will be solicited for a limited period immediately following completion of this test, not to exceed two weeks. This web-based survey will allow for a rapid and efficient collection of information regarding the effectiveness of the Tsunami Warning System, particularly with respect to communications systems and related processes. *Affected Public:* State, Local or Tribal Government, Federal Government; individuals or households. *Frequency:* Annually. *Respondent's Obligation:* Voluntary. *OMB Desk Officer:* David Rostker,
(202)395-3897. Copies of the above information collection proposal can be obtained by calling or writing Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer,
(202)482-0266, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at *dHynek@doc.gov* ). Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to David Rostker, OMB Desk Officer, FAX number
(202)395-7285, or *David_Rostker@omb.eop.gov.* Dated: March 30, 2006. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E6-4884 Filed 4-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-KE-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request The Department of Commerce has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). *Agency:* National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). *Title:* Southern Resident Killer Whale Watching Industry Socioeconomic Study. *Form Number(s):* None. *OMB Approval Number:* None. *Type of Request:* Regular submission. *Burden Hours:* 401. *Number of Respondents:* 283. *Average Hours Per Response:* Surveys: 1 hour; interviews: 2.5 hours; and meetings: 40 minutes. *Needs and Uses:* The Southern Resident Killer Whales of the Greater Puget Sound have recently been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act and protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. One industry that is dependent on the whales is the whale watching industry of the Greater Puget Sound. This study aims to create a profile of the industry and understanding the characteristics of the industry. In the event future actions by the federal government result in regulatory actions, laws such as NEPA and the Regulatory Flexibility Act require social and economic impacts analysis. The information obtained in this study will provide information to the agency to assist any future impact analysis that may be required. . *Affected Public:* Business or other for-profit organizations; not-for-profit institutions; individuals or households. *Frequency:* One-time only. *Respondent's Obligation:* Voluntary. *OMB Desk Officer:* David Rostker,
(202)395-3897. Copies of the above information collection proposal can be obtained by calling or writing Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer,
(202)482-0266, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at *dHynek@doc.gov* ). Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent by April 30, 2006 to David Rostker, OMB Desk Officer, FAX number
(202)395-7285, or *David_Rostker@omb.eop.gov.* Dated: March 30, 2006. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E6-4885 Filed 4-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request The Department of Commerce has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). *Agency:* U.S. Census Bureau. *Title:* Annual Survey of Local Government Finances (School Systems). *Form Number(s):* F-33, F-33-1, F-33-L1, F-33-L2, F-33-L3. *Agency Approval Number:* 0607-0700. *Type of Request:* Revision of a currently approved collection. *Burden:* 4,009 hours. *Number of Respondents:* 3,269. *Average Hours Per Response:* 1 hour and 13 minutes. *Needs and Uses:* The Census Bureau's collection of school district finance data and associated publications is the most comprehensive sources for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 finance data. The data are collected from the universe of school districts using uniform definitions and concepts of revenue, expenditure, debt, and assets. This effort is part of the Census Bureau's Annual Survey of State and Local Governments. Data collected from cities, counties, states, and special district governments are combined with data collected from local school systems to produce state and national totals of government spending. Local school system spending comprises a significant portion of total government spending. In 2002, public elementary-secondary expenditure accounted for over 30% of total local government outlays. In addition to the historical significance in the state and local government statistics community, this collection of school system finance data has taken on added importance within the area of education statistics. With the reauthorization of the Elementary Secondary Education Act
(ESEA)by the No Child Left Behind Act
(NCLB)in 2001, there is increased demand for detailed information about our Nation's public schools. This focus has led to a demand for data reflecting student performance, graduation rates, and school finance policy. State legislatures, local leaders, university researchers, and parents increasingly rely on data to make substantive decisions about education. School district finance is a vital sector of the education data spectrum used by these stakeholders to form policy, develop new education strategies, and even decide where to locate their families. We are requesting modifications to Form F-33. Minor local revenue items will be added to the Part I.A Local Revenue section. These items include revenue from “Sales of property and other capital assets,” “Fines and forfeits,” “Rents,” “Royalties,” and “Private donations.” In previous surveys, respondents were instructed to report these items under “Miscellaneous other local revenue.” They will be included as separate items beginning with this survey cycle to coincide with other government surveys conducted by the Census Bureau. The impact of reporting these new items is discussed in Question 5 and Question 12. The education finance data collected and processed by the Census Bureau are an essential component of the government finances program and provide unique products for education data user groups. *Affected Public:* State, local or tribal Government. *Frequency:* Annually. *Respondent's Obligation:* Voluntary. *Legal Authority:* Title 13, Section 161, of the United States Code requires the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a census of governments every fifth year. Section 182 allows the Secretary to make annual surveys in other years. These authorizations include, but are not limited to, collecting and disseminating “data on taxes * * * governmental receipts, expenditures, indebtedness * * * of states, counties, cities, and other governmental units.” *OMB Desk Officer:* Susan Schechter,
(202)395-5103. Copies of the above information collection proposal can be obtained by calling or writing Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, (202)482-0266, Department of Commerce, room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at *dhynek@doc.gov).* Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to Susan Schechter, OMB Desk Officer either by fax (202-395-7245) or e-mail ( *susan_schechter@omb.eop.gov)* . Dated: March 30, 2006. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E6-4887 Filed 4-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-07-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request The Department of Commerce has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). *Agency:* National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). *Title:* NOAA Community-based Restoration Program Progress Reports. *Form Number(s):* None. *OMB Approval Number:* 0648-0472. *Type of Request:* Regular submission. *Burden Hours:* 8,240. *Number of Respondents:* 200. *Average Hours Per Response:* Interim reports, 9 hours and 45 minutes; final reports, 11 hours and 45 minutes. *Needs and Uses:* This collection is needed to assist with the administration and evaluation of the NOAA Community-based Restoration Program (CRP), which has provided financial assistance on a competitive basis to over 1,200 habitat restoration projects since 1996. The information is used to provide accountability for the CRP and NOAA on the expenditure of federal funds used for restoration, contributes to the Government Performance and Results Act
(GPRA)“acres restored” measure and to the President's Wetlands Initiative goal of 3 million acres of wetland restoration, enhancement and protection by 2010. The information is required only from parties receiving CRP funds. *Affected Public:* Not-for-profit institutions; business or other for-profit organiaations; State, Local or Tribal Government. *Frequency:* Semi-annually and one-time only. *Respondent's Obligation:* Required to obtain or retain benefits. *OMB Desk Officer:* David Rostker,
(202)395-3897. Copies of the above information collection proposal can be obtained by calling or writing Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer,
(202)482-0266, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at *dHynek@doc.gov* ). Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to David Rostker, OMB Desk Officer, FAX number
(202)395-7285, or *David_Rostker@omb.eop.gov.* Dated: March 30, 2006. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E6-4894 Filed 4-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Economic Analysis Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Foreign Airline Operators' Revenues and Expenses in the United States ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before 5 p.m. June 5, 2006. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diane Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at *dhynek@doc.gov* ). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Edward Dozier, Current Account Services Branch, Balance of Payments Division, (BE-58), Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230; phone:
(202)606-9559; fax:
(202)606-5314; or via the Internet at *edward.dozier@bea.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The Bureau of Economic Analysis
(BEA)is responsible for the compilation of the U.S. international transactions accounts (ITA), which it publishes quarterly in news releases, on its Web site, and in its monthly journal, the *Survey of Current Business.* These accounts provide a statistical summary of all U.S. international transactions and, as such, are one of the major statistical products of BEA. They are used extensively by both government and private organizations for national and international economic policy formulation and for analytical purposes. The information collected in this survey is used to develop the “transportation” portion of the ITA. Without this information, an integral component of the ITA would be omitted. No other Government agency collects comprehensive quarterly data on foreign airline operators' revenues and expenses in the United States. The survey requests information from U.S. agents of foreign air carriers operating in the United States. The information is collected on a quarterly basis from foreign air carriers with annual total covered revenues or annual total covered expenses incurred in the United States of $5,000,000 or more. Foreign air carriers with annual total covered revenues and annual total covered expenses each below $5,000,000 are exempt from reporting. There are no changes proposed to the form or instructions. II. Method of Collection Form BE-9 is a quarterly report that must be filed within 50 days after the end of each quarter. Potential respondents are U.S. offices, agents, or other representatives of foreign airline operators that transport passengers or freight and express to or from the United States, and that have total covered revenues or total covered expenses incurred in the United States of $5 million or more during the previous year, or are expected to have total covered revenues or total covered expenses of $5 million or more during the current year. III. Data *OMB Number:* 0608-0068. *Form Number:* BE-9. *Type of Review:* Regular submission. *Affected Public:* Businesses or other for-profit organizations. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 60 per quarter; 240 annually. *Estimated Time Per Response:* 8 hours. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 1,920. *Estimated Total Annual Cost:* $76,800 (based on an estimated reporting burden of 1,920 hours and an estimated hourly cost of $40). *Respondent's Obligation:* Mandatory. *Legal Authority:* The International Investment and Trade in Services Survey Act, 22 U.S.C. 3101-3108, as amended. IV. Request for Comments *Comments are invited on:*
(a)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;
(b)the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;
(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. Dated: March 30, 2006. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E6-4888 Filed 4-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-06-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Economic Analysis Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Foreign Ocean Carriers' Expenses in the United States ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before 5 p.m. June 5, 2006. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diane Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at *dhynek@doc.gov* ). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Edward Dozier, Current Account Services Branch, Balance of Payments Division, (BE-58), Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230; phone:
(202)606-9559; fax:
(202)606-5314; or via the Internet at *edward.dozier@bea.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The Bureau of Economic Analysis
(BEA)is responsible for the compilation of the U.S. international transactions accounts (ITA), which it publishes quarterly in news releases, on its Web site, and in its monthly journal, the *Survey of Current Business* . These accounts provide a statistical summary of all U.S. international transactions and, as such, are one of the major statistical products of BEA. They are used extensively by both government and private organizations for national and international economic policy formulation and for analytical purposes. The information collected in this survey is used to develop the “transportation” portion of the ITA. Without this information, an integral component of the ITA would be omitted. No other Government agency collects comprehensive annual data on foreign ocean carriers' expenses in the United States. The survey requests information from U.S. agents of foreign ocean carriers operating in the United States. The information is collected on an annual basis from U.S. agents who handle 40 or more port calls by foreign ocean vessels, and covered expenses for all foreign ocean vessels handled by the U.S. agent were $250,000 or more. U.S. agents who handle less than 40 port calls or where the total annual covered expenses for all foreign ocean vessels handled by the U.S. agent are below $250,000 are exempt from reporting. There are no changes proposed to the form or instructions. II. Method of Collection Form BE-29 is an annual report that must be filed within 90 days after the end of the calendar year. Potential respondents are U.S. agents or other persons representing foreign carriers in arranging ocean transportation between U.S. and foreign ports and in arranging for port services in the United States, and that handle 40 or more port calls by foreign vessels and covered expenses for all foreign ocean vessels handled by the U.S. agent were $250,000 or more. III. Data *OMB Number:* 0608-0012. *Form Number:* BE-29. *Type of Review:* Regular submission. *Affected Public:* Businesses or other for-profit organizations. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 156 annually. *Estimated Time Per Response:* 4 hours. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 624. *Estimated Total Annual Cost:* $24,960 (based on an estimated reporting burden of 624 hours and an estimated hourly cost of $40). *Respondent's Obligation:* Mandatory. Legal Authority The International Investment and Trade in Services Survey Act, 22 U.S.C. 3101-3108, as amended. IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on:
(a)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;
(b)the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;
(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. Dated: March 30, 2006. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E6-4889 Filed 4-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-06-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Bureau of Economic Analysis Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Ocean Freight Revenues and Foreign Expenses of United States Carriers—BE-30; U.S. Airline Operators' Foreign Revenues and Expenses—BE-37 ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before 5 p.m. June 5, 2006. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diane Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at *dhynek@doc.gov* ). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Edward Dozier, Current Account Services Branch, Balance of Payments Division, (BE-58), Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230; phone:
(202)606-9559; fax:
(202)606-5314; or via the Internet at *edward.dozier@bea.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The Bureau of Economic Analysis
(BEA)is responsible for the compilation of the U.S. international transactions accounts (ITA), which it publishes quarterly in news releases, on its Web site, and in its monthly journal, the *Survey of Current Business* . These accounts provide a statistical summary of all U.S. international transactions and, as such, are one of the major statistical products of BEA. They are used extensively by both government and private organizations for national and international economic policy formulation and for analytical purposes. The information collected in these surveys is used to develop the “transportation” portion of the ITA. Without this information, an integral component of the ITA would be omitted. No other Government agency collects comprehensive quarterly data on U.S. ocean carriers' freight revenues and foreign expenses or U.S. airline operators' foreign revenues and expenses. These surveys request information from U.S. ocean and air carriers engaged in international transportation of goods and/or passengers. The information is collected on a quarterly basis from U.S. ocean and air carriers whose total annual covered revenues or total annual covered expenses are, or are expected to be, $500,000 or more. U.S. ocean and air carriers whose total annual covered revenues and total annual covered expenses are, or are expected to be, each below $500,000 are exempt from reporting. There are no changes proposed to the form or instructions. II. Method of Collection Forms BE-30 and BE-37 are quarterly reports that must be filed within 50 days after the end of each quarter. Potential respondents are U.S. ocean and air carriers that transport passengers and/or freight and express to or from the United States or between foreign points, and that have total annual covered revenues or total annual covered expenses of $500,000 or more. III. Data *OMB Number:* 0608-0011. *Form Number:* BE-30 and BE-37. *Type of Review:* Regular submission. *Affected Public:* Businesses or other for-profit organizations. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 39 per quarter; 156 annually (BE-30); 19 per quarter; 76 annually (BE-37). *Estimated Time Per Response:* 5 hours (BE-30); 4 hours (BE-37). *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 780 hours (BE-30); 304 hours (BE-37). *Estimated Total Annual Cost:* For the BE-30, $31,200 (based on an estimated reporting burden of 780 hours and an estimated hourly cost of $40). For the BE-37, $12,160 (based on an estimated reporting burden of 304 hours and an estimated hourly cost of $40). *Respondent's Obligation:* Mandatory. *Legal Authority:* The International Investment and Trade in Services Survey Act, 22 U.S.C. 3101-3108, as amended. IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on:
(a)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;
(b)the accuracy of the Agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;
(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. Dated: March 30, 2006. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E6-4890 Filed 4-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-06-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews and Deferral of Administrative Reviews AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews and Deferral of Administrative Reviews. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce (the Department) has received requests to conduct administrative reviews of various antidumping and countervailing duty orders and findings with February anniversary dates. In accordance with the Department's regulations, we are initiating those administrative reviews. The Department also received requests to defer the initiation of an administrative review for one antidumping duty order and one countervailing duty order. EFFECTIVE DATE: April 5, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sheila E. Forbes, Office of AD/CVD Operations, Office 4, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20230, telephone:
(202)482-4697. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The Department has received timely requests, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.213(b)(2004), for administrative reviews of various antidumping and countervailing duty orders and findings with February anniversary dates. With respect to the antidumping duty orders on Frozen Warmwater Shrimp from Brazil, Ecuador, India, Thailand, the People's Republic of China and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the initiation of the antidumping duty administrative review for these cases will be published in a separate initiation notice. The Department also received timely requests in accordance with 19 CFR 351.213
(c)from Eurodif S.A. (Eurodif), the sole producer/exporter for which a review was requested, to defer for one year the initiation of the February 1, 2005 through January 31,2006 administrative review of the antidumping duty order on Low Enriched Uranium from France (A-427-818) and the January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005 administrative review of the countervailing duty order on Low Enriched Uranium from France (C-427-819). In its requests, Eurodif stated that once the remands, pursuant to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit decision that SWU contracts constitute the sale of services not goods (Eurodif S.A. v. United States, 423 F.3d 1275 (Fed. Cir. 2005)), are finalized, there will be no need to conduct these reviews. The petitioner, USEC and United States Enrichment Corporation (collectively, “USEC”), filed a timely response to Eurodif's deferral requests in accordance with 19 CFR 351.213 (c)(1)(ii) and 351.213 (c)(2). USEC stated that, although it disagreed with the reasoning for the deferrals set forth by Eurodif, it did not object to the deferrals on the grounds that such deferrals would give the parties, including the Department, more time to focus on the appeals. No other party filed comments or objections pursuant to 19 CFR 351.213 (c)(1)(ii). Although the Department disagrees with the reasoning set forth in Eurodif's requests for deferral, we find that these deferrals will conserve resources and permit all of the parties to focus on the litigation issues. Accordingly, we have decided to defer the initiation of these administrative reviews for one year in accordance with 19 CFR 351.213 (c)(3). Initiation of Reviews In accordance with 19 CFR 351.221(c)(1)(i), we are initiating administrative reviews of the following antidumping and countervailing duty orders and findings. We intend to issue the final results of these reviews not later than February 28, 2007. Also, in accordance with 19 CFR 351.213(c), we are deferring for one year the initiation of the February 1, 2005 through January 31, 2006 administrative review of the antidumping duty order on Low Enriched Uranium from France (A-427-818) and the January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005 administrative review of the countervailing duty order on Low Enriched Uranium from France (C-427-819) with respect to one producer/exporter. Antidumping Duty Proceedings Period to be Reviewed BRAZIL: Frozen Warmwater Shrimp 1 A-351-838 8/4/04 - 1/31/06 ECUADOR: Frozen Warmwater Shrimp 2 A-331-802 8/4/04 - 1/31/06 INDIA: Certain Preserved Mushrooms A-533-813 2/1/05 - 1/31/06 Agro Dutch Industries, Ltd. Himalaya International, Ltd. INDIA: Stainless Steel Bar A-533-810 2/1/05 - 1/31/06 Akai Asian Atlas Stainless Bhansali Facor Steels Limited Isibars, Ltd. Grand Foundry Meltroll Mukand, Ltd. Sindia Steel Snowdrop Trading Venus Wire Viraj Alloys, Ltd.; Viraj Forgings, Ltd.; Viraj Impoexpo, Ltd.; Viraj Smelting; Viraj Profiles; and VSL Wires, Ltd 3 INDIA: Forged Stainless Steel Flanges A-533-809 2/1/05 - 1/31/06 Echjay Forging Pvt. Ltd. Kunj Forgings Pvt. Ltd. Micro Forge (India) Ltd. Pradeep Metals Limited Rollwell Forge, Ltd. Shree Ganesh Forgings, Ltd. INDIA: Frozen Warmwater Shrimp 4 A-533-840 8/4/04 - 1/31/06 MALAYSIA: Stainless Steel Butt-Weld Pipe Fittings A-557-809 2/1/05 - 1/31/06 Kanzen Tetsu Sdn Bhd Sapura-Schulz Hydroforming Sdn Bhd Schulz (Mfg.) Sdn. Bhd PHILIPPINES: Stainless Steel Butt-Weld Pipe Fittings A-565-801 2/1/05 - 1/31/06 Tung Fong Industrial Co., Inc. Enlin Steel Corporation THAILAND: Frozen Warmwater Shrimp 5 A-549-822 8/4/04 - 1/31/06 THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Axes/Adzes 6 A-570-803 2/1/05 - 1/31/06 Iron Bull Industrial Co., Ltd. Jafsam Metal Products Shanghai Machinery Import & Export Corp. (“SMIE”) Shanghai Xinke Trading Company Shandong Huarong Machinery Co., Ltd. (“Huarong”) Shandong Jinma Industrial Group Co., Ltd. Shandong Machinery Import and Export Corporation (“SMC”) Tianjin Machinery Import and Export Corporation (“TMC”) Truper Herramientas S.A. de C.V. THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Bars/Wedges* A-570-803 2/1/05 - 1/31/06 Iron Bull Industrial Co., Ltd. Jafsam Metal Products Shanghai Machinery Import & Export Corp. (“SMIE”) Shanghai Xinke Trading Company Shandong Huarong Machinery Co., Ltd. (“Huarong”) Shandong Jinma Industrial Group Co., Ltd. Shandong Machinery Import and Export Corporation (“SMC”) Tianjin Machinery Import and Export Corporation (“TMC”) Truper Herramientas S.A. de C.V. THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Frozen Warmwater Shrimp 7 A-570-893 7/16/04 - 1/31/06 THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA:Hammers/Sledges* A-570-803 2/1/05 - 1/31/06 Iron Bull Industrial Co., Ltd. Jafsam Metal Products Shanghai Machinery Import & Export Corp. (“SMIE”) Shanghai Xinke Trading Company Shandong Huarong Machinery Co., Ltd. (“Huarong”) Shandong Jinma Industrial Group Co., Ltd. Shandong Machinery Import and Export Corporation (“SMC”) Tianjin Machinery Import and Export THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Picks/Mattocks* A-570-803 2/1/05 - 1/31/06 Iron Bull Industrial Co., Ltd. Jafsam Metal Products Shanghai Machinery Import & Export Corp. (“SMIE”) Shanghai Xinke Trading Company Shandong Huarong Machinery Co., Ltd. (“Huarong”) Shandong Jinma Industrial Group Co., Ltd. Shandong Machinery Import and Export Corporation (“SMC”) Tianjin Machinery Import and Export THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Certain Preserved Mushrooms 8 A-570-851 2/1/05 - 1/31/06 Blue Field (Sichuan) Food Industrial Co., Ltd. China National Cereals, Oils, & Foodstuffs Import & Export Corporation China Processed Food Import & Export Company COFCO (Zhangzhou) Food Industrial Co., Ltd. Gerber Food (Yunnan) Co., Ltd. Green Fresh Foods (Zhangzhou) Co., Ltd. Guangxi Hengxian Pro-Light Foods, Inc. Guangxi Eastwing Trading Co., Ltd. Guangxi Yulin Oriental Food Co., Ltd. Primera Harvest (Xiangfan) Co., Ltd. Raoping CXF Foods Co., Inc. Raoping Yucun Canned Foods Factory Shandong Jiufa Edible Fungus Co., Ltd. Xiamen Jiahua Import & Export Trading Co., Ltd. SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM: Frozen Warmwater Shrimp 9 A-552-802 7/16/04 - 1/31/06 Countervailing Duty Proceedings GERMANY: Low Enriched Uranium C-428-821 1/1/05 - 12/31/05 Urenco Deutschland GmbH REPUBLIC OF KOREA: Certain Cut-to-Length Carbon-Quality Steel Plate C-580-837 1/1/05 - 12/31/05 Dongkuk Steel Mill Co., Ltd. THE NETHERLANDS: Low Enriched Uranium C-421-809 1/1/05 - 12/31/05 Urenco Nederland BV UNITED KINGDOM: Low Enriched Uranium C-412-821 1/1/05 - 12/31/05 Urenco (Capenhurst) Ltd. Suspension Agreements None. Deferral of Initiation of Administrative Reviews FRANCE: Low Enriched Uranium A-427-818 2/1/05 - 1/31/06 Eurodif S.A./COGEMA FRANCE: Low Enriched Uranium C-427-819 1/1/05 -12/31/05 Eurodif S.A./COGEMA 1 The administrative review for the above referenced case will be published in a separate initiation notice. 2 The administrative review for the above referenced case will be published in a separate initiation notice. 3 The Department revoked the order in part, with respect to entries of subject merchandise produced and exported by Viraj (Viraj Alloys, Ltd.; Viraj Forgings, Ltd.; and Viraj Impoexpo, Ltd.), effective February 1, 2003. *See Stainless Steel Bar From India; Final Results, Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review in Part, and Determination to Revoke in Part* , 69 FR 55409, 55410-11 (September 14, 2004). The Department is conditionally initiating a review with respect to Viraj Alloys, Ltd.; Viraj Forgings, Ltd.; Viraj Impoexpo, Ltd.; Viraj Smelting; Viraj Profiles; and VSL Wires, Ltd., pending further information from the requestor as to sales of subject merchandise not covered by the revocation. 4 The administrative review for the above referenced case will be published in a separate initiation notice. 5 The administrative review for the above referenced case will be published in a separate initiation notice. 6 (*) If the one of the above-named companies does not qualify for a separate rate, all other exporters of Heavy Forged Hand Tools from the People's Republic of China who have not qualified for a separate rate are deemed to be covered by this review as part of the single PRC entity of which the named exporters are a part. 7 The administrative review for the above referenced case will be published in a separate initiation notice. 8 If one of the above-named companies does not qualify for a separate rate, all other exporters of certain preserved mushrooms from the People's Republic of China who have not qualified for a separate rate are deemed to be covered by this review as part of the single PRC entity of which the named exporters are a part. 9 The administrative review for the above referenced case will be published in a separate initiation notice. During any administrative review covering all or part of a period falling between the first and second or third and fourth anniversary of the publication of an antidumping duty order under § 351.211 or a determination under § 351.218(f)(4) to continue an order or suspended investigation (after sunset review), the Secretary, if requested by a domestic interested party within 30 days of the date of publication of the notice of initiation of the review, will determine, consistent with *FAG Italia* v. *United States,* 291 F.3d 806 (Fed. Cir. 2002), as appropriate, whether antidumping duties have been absorbed by an exporter or producer subject to the review if the subject merchandise is sold in the United States through an importer that is affiliated with such exporter or producer. The request must include the name(s) of the exporter or producer for which the inquiry is requested. Interested parties must submit applications for disclosure under administrative protective orders in accordance with 19 CFR 351.305. These initiations and this notice are in accordance with section 751(a) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1675(a)), and 19 CFR 351.221(c)(1)(i). Dated: March 30, 2006. Thomas F. Futtner, Acting Office Director,AD/CVD Operations, Office 4 Import Administration. [FR Doc. E6-4938 Filed 4-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE International Trade Administration [A-821-811] Continuation of Suspended Antidumping Duty Investigation: Ammonium Nitrate from the Russian Federation AGENCY: Import Administration, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. SUMMARY: As a result of the determinations by the Department of Commerce (“the Department”) and the International Trade Commission (“ITC”) that termination of the suspended antidumping duty investigation on ammonium nitrate from the Russian Federation (“Russia”) would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping and material injury to an industry in the United States, the Department is publishing this notice of continuation of this suspended investigation. EFFECTIVE DATE: April 5, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Judith Wey Rudman or Aishe Allen, Import Administration, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230; telephone:
(202)482-0192, or 482-0172, respectively. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On March 31 and April 1, 2005, respectively, the ITC instituted, and the Department initiated, a sunset review of the Agreement Suspending the Antidumping Duty Investigation of Solid Fertilizer Grade Ammonium Nitrate from the Russian Federation (“ *Suspension Agreement* ”), pursuant to section 751(c) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (“the Act”). *See ITC Investigation Nos. 731-TA-856 (Review), Ammonium Nitrate from Russia* , 70 FR 16517 (March 31, 2005) and *Initiation of Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews* , 70 FR 16800 (April 1, 2005). As a result of its review, pursuant to sections 751(c) and 752 of the Act, the Department determined that termination of the suspended antidumping duty investigation on ammonium nitrate from Russia would likely lead to a continuation or recurrence of dumping and notified the ITC of the magnitude of the margin likely to prevail should the *Suspension Agreement* be terminated. *See Final Results of Five-Year Sunset Review of Suspended Antidumping Duty Investigation on Ammonium Nitrate from the Russian Federation* , 71 FR 11177 (March 6, 2006). On March 30, 2006, pursuant to section 751(c) of the Act, the ITC determined that termination of the suspended investigation on ammonium nitrate from Russia would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury to an industry in the United States within a reasonably foreseeable time. See *Ammonium Nitrate from Russia* , 71 FR 16177 (March 30, 2006) and USITC Publication 3844 (March 2006), titled *Ammonium Nitrate From Russia* (Investigation No. 731-TA-856 (Review)). Therefore, pursuant to Section 351.218(f)(4) of the Department's regulations, the Department is publishing this notice of the continuation of the suspended investigation on ammonium nitrate from Russia. Scope The products covered by the sunset review of the suspended antidumping duty investigation on ammonium nitrate from Russia include solid, fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate products, whether prilled, granular or in other solid form, with or without additives or coating, and with a bulk density equal to or greater than 53 pounds per cubic foot. Specifically excluded from this scope is solid ammonium nitrate with a bulk density less than 53 pounds per cubic foot (commonly referred to as industrial or explosive grade ammonium nitrate). The merchandise subject to this review is classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (“HTSUS”) at subheading 3102.30.00.00. Although the HTSUS subheadings are provided for convenience and customs purposes, the written description of the merchandise within the scope of this sunset review is dispositive. Determination As a result of the determinations by the Department and the ITC that termination of the suspended investigation would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping and material injury to an industry in the United States, pursuant to section 751(d)(2) of the Act, the Department hereby orders the continuation of the *Suspension Agreement* . The effective date of continuation of this suspended investigation will be the date of publication in the **Federal Register** of this Notice of Continuation. Pursuant to sections 751(c)(2) and 751(c)(6) of the Act, the Department intends to initiate the next five-year sunset review of this *Suspension Agreement* not later than March 2011. This five-year (sunset) review and notice are in accordance with section 751(c) of the Act and published pursuant to section 777(i)(1) of the Act. Dated: March 30, 2006. David M. Spooner, Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E6-4937 Filed 4-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-DS-S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Northwest Region Logbook Family of Forms AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before June 5, 2006. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at *dHynek@doc.gov* ). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Becky Renko, 206-526-6110, or at *Becky.Renko@noaa.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract This collection contains certain reporting and recordkeeping requirements for vessels in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the states of Washington, Oregon, and California. These requirements affect processing vessels in the catcher processor, and both processing vessels and catcher boats in the mothership sector of the Pacific whiting fishery. The information collected is needed to monitor catch, effort, and production for fishery management purposes. II. Method of Collection Forms are used for most requirements. These may be submitted by computer or by facsimile machine. III. Data *OMB Number:* 0648-0271. *Form Number:* None. *Type of Review:* Regular submission. *Affected Public:* Business or other for-profit organizations. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 50. *Estimated Time Per Response:* 13 minutes per day for a Daily Fishing and Cumulative Production Log (DFCPL) from a catcher vessel; 26 minutes per day for a DFCPL from a catcher-processor; 13 minutes per day for a Daily Report of Fish Received and Cumulative Production Log from a mothership; 4 minutes per day for a Weekly/Daily Production Report; 20 minutes for a Product Transfer/Offloading Logbook; and 1 minute for a Start or Stop Notification Report. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 1,070. *Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public:* $9,590. IV. Request for Comments Comments are invited on:
(a)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility;
(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information;
(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record. Dated: March 30, 2006. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E6-4883 Filed 4-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [Docket No. 060324085-6085-01; I.D. 032906F] Science on a Sphere Installation Cooperative Agreements AGENCY: Office of Education (OEd), Office of the Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere (USEC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice and request for proposals. SUMMARY: The NOAA Office of Education
(OEd)is issuing a request for applications from informal education institutions with interest in displaying NOAA's Science on a Sphere. Awards will be made as one-year cooperative agreements and will be issued in fiscal year 2006 (FY06). Funded projects will support informal education institutions in incorporating this data visualization technology and compatible environmental data products into public exhibits. The goal of this program is to build environmental literacy among the general public through increased use of NOAA or NOAA-related data and data products in informal education institutions. See NOAA's Education Plan for more details on this goal and strategy: ( *http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/NOAA_Ed_Plan.pdf* ). It is anticipated that final recommendations for funding under this announcement will be made by June 30, 2006, and that projects funded under this announcement will have a start date no earlier than October 1, 2006. DATES: The deadline for full applications is 5 p.m., EDT May 5, 2006. It is anticipated that final recommendations for funding under this announcement will be made by June 30, 2006, and that projects funded under this announcement will have a start date no earlier than October 1, 2006. ADDRESSES: Full applications should be submitted through Grants.gov APPLY ( *http://www.grants.gov* ). It is strongly suggested that Grants.gov be accessed using Internet Explorer for maximum compatibility. Because registration with Grants.gov can take up to three weeks, it is strongly recommended that this registration process is completed as soon as possible. Also, even if an applicant has registered with Grants.gov previously, the applicant's password may have expired. It is recommended that submission through Grants.gov be attempted 2 days prior to the deadline to avoid electronic submission errors. See the Office of Education's frequently asked questions site *http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/sos_faqs.html* for more details. If an applicant does not have Internet access, application kits must be requested from Carrie McDougall, completed, signed, and one hard copy should be sent to Carrie McDougall, DOC/NOAA Office of Education, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 6863, Washington, DC 20230. If submitting a hard copy, applicants are requested to provide a CD-ROM of the application, including scanned signed forms or forms with electronic signatures. Printed forms from Grants.gov submitted in hard copy will not be accepted. Please note: Hard copies submitted via the U.S. Postal Service can take up to 4 weeks to reach this office; applicants are recommended to send hard copies via expedited shipping methods (e.g., Airborne Express, DHL, Fed Ex, UPS). See the Office of Education's frequently asked questions site *http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/sos_faqs.html* for more details. This announcement will also be available at: *http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/funding_opps.html* or by contacting the program official identified in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carrie McDougall, telephone 202-482-0875; e-mail *carrie.mcdougall@noaa.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The NOAA Office of Education
(OEd)is issuing a request for applications from informal education institutions with interest in displaying NOAA's Science on a Sphere. Awards will be made as one-year cooperative agreements and will be issued in FY06. The goal of this program is to build environmental literacy among the general public through increased use of NOAA data or NOAA-related data and data products in informal education institutions. See NOAA's Education Plan for more details on this goal and strategy: ( *http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/NOAA_Ed_Plan.pdf* ). It is anticipated that final recommendations for funding under this announcement will be made by June 30, 2006, and that projects funded under this announcement will have a start date no earlier than October 1, 2006. NOAA's Science on a Sphere
(SOS)is a complete data visualization system consisting of a 68-inch diameter opaque sphere onto which 4 video projectors project seamless “movies” of animated earth system dynamics or other solar system objects. NOAA data and NOAA-related data, models, and near real-time whole-earth satellite imagery are provided with the SOS system. The current version of the standard, turnkey system will be provided to successful applicants. See *http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/sos_faqs.html* for more details. A detailed description for each program priority is in the full funding opportunity announcement that can be accessed via the Grants.gov Web site, the NOAA Web site at *http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/funding_opps.html* , or by contacting the program official identified in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . Electronic Access The full text of the full funding opportunity announcement for this OEd program can be accessed via the Grants.gov FIND Web site. That announcement will also be available at this NOAA Web site: *http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/funding_opps.html* or by contacting the program official identified under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . Applicants must read and comply with all requirements contained in the full funding opportunity announcement. This **Federal Register** notice is available through the NOAA Home page at: *http://www.noaa.gov/* . Statutory Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1540; Public Law 109-108, Department of Commerce and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006. *CFDA:* 11.469, Congressionally Identified Awards and Projects. Funding Availability NOAA announces the availability of approximately $200,000 of Federal financial assistance in FY 2006 for Science on a Sphere Installation Cooperative Agreements. Approximately 2 to 4 awards in the form of cooperative agreements will be made. NOAA will only consider projects that have duration of one year. The total Federal amount that may be requested from NOAA shall not exceed $100,000 including direct and indirect costs. Applications requesting Federal support from NOAA of more than $100,000 in total costs will not be considered for funding. Publication of this notice does not oblige DOC/NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds. If an applicant incurs any costs prior to receiving an award agreement signed by an authorized NOAA Grants Officer, the applicant would do so solely at one's own risk of such costs not being included under the award. Eligibility Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education, other nonprofits, commercial organizations, and state, local and Indian tribal governments. Federal agencies are not eligible to receive Federal assistance under this announcement, but may be project partners. Among those eligible applicants are K through 12 public and independent schools and school systems, and science centers and museums. The Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (DOC/NOAA) is strongly committed to increasing the participation of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), i.e., Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribal colleges and universities, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian institutions, and institutions that work in underserved communities. Applications are encouraged that involve any of the above institutions. Cost Sharing Requirements There are no cost-sharing requirements. Evaluation and Selection Procedures NOAA published its agency-wide solicitation entitled ”Omnibus Notice Announcing the Availability of Grant Funds for Fiscal Year 2006” for projects for Fiscal Year 2006 in the **Federal Register** on June 30, 2005 (70 FR 37766). The evaluation criteria and selection procedures for projects contained in that omnibus notice are applicable to this solicitation. Copies of the notice are available on the Internet at: *http://www.ago.noaa.gov/grants/funding.shtml* . Further details on evaluation and selection criteria can be found in the full funding opportunity announcement. Intergovernmental Review Applications under this program are not subject to Executive Order 12372, ”Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” Limitation of Liability In no event will NOAA or the Department of Commerce be responsible for application preparation costs if these programs fail to receive funding or are cancelled because of other agency priorities. Publication of this announcement does not oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available funds. National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA)NOAA must analyze the potential environmental impacts, as required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for applicant projects or proposals which are seeking NOAA Federal funding opportunities. Detailed information on NOAA compliance with NEPA can be found at the following NOAA NEPA Web site: *http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/* , including our NOAA Administrative Order 216-6 for NEPA, *http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/NAO216 6 TOC.pdf* , and the Council on Environmental Quality implementation regulations, *http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/nepa/regs/ceq/toc ceq.htm* . Consequently, as part of an applicant's package, and under their description of their program activities, applicants are required to provide detailed information on the activities to be conducted, locations, sites, species and habitat to be affected, possible construction activities, and any environmental concerns that may exist (e.g., the use and disposal of hazardous or toxic chemicals, introduction of nonindigenous species, impacts to endangered and threatened species, aquaculture projects, and impacts to coral reef systems). In addition to providing specific information that will serve as the basis for any required impact analyses, applicants may also be requested to assist NOAA in drafting of an environmental assessment, if NOAA determines an assessment is required. Applicants will also be required to cooperate with NOAA in identifying feasible measures to reduce or avoid any identified adverse environmental impacts of their proposal. The failure to do so shall be grounds for not selecting an application. In some cases if additional information is required after an application is selected, funds can be withheld by the Grants Officer under a special award condition requiring the recipient to submit additional environmental compliance information sufficient to enable NOAA to make an assessment on any impacts that a project may have on the environment. The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the **Federal Register** notice of December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389), are applicable to this solicitation. Paperwork Reduction Act This document contains collection-of information requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The use of Standard Forms 424, 424A, 424B, and SF-LLL and CD-346 has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)under the respective control numbers 0348-0043, 0348-0044, 0348-0040, 0348-0046, and 0605-0001. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of the PRA unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number. Executive Order 12866 This notice has been determined to be not significant for purposes of Executive Order 12866. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism) It has been determined that this notice does not contain policies with Federalism implications as that term is defined in Executive Order 13132. Administrative Procedure Act/Regulatory Flexibility Act Prior notice and an opportunity for public comment are not required by the Administrative Procedure Act or any other law for rules concerning public property, loans, grants, benefits, and contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2)). Because notice and opportunity for comment are not required pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law, the analytical requirements for the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) are inapplicable. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis has not been prepared. Dated: March 30, 2006. Helen Hurcombe, Director, NOAA Acquisitions and Grants, U.S. Department of Commerce. [FR Doc. E6-4868 Filed 4-4-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-KC-P DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary [No. DoD-2006-OS-0059] Proposed Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, DoD. ACTION: Notice. In compliance with section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs announces the proposed extension of a public information collection and seeks public comment on the provisions thereof. Comments are invited on:
(a)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility;
(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed information collection;
(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(d)ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Consideration will be given to all comments by June 5, 2006. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number and title, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: *http://www.regulations.gov* . Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Federal Docket Management System Office, 1160 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-1160. *Instructions:* All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number for this **Federal Register** document. The general policy for comments and other submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the Internet at *http://www.regulations.gov* as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: To request more information on this proposed information collection or to obtain a copy of the proposal and associated collection instruments, please write to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, ATTN: CR&PL (Ms. Cynthia Minnick), 1400 Defense, The Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-1400, or call the Directorate for Programs and Community Relations at
(703)695-2113. *Title; Associated Form; and OMB Number:* Request for Armed Forces Participation in Public Events (Non-Aviation), DD Form 2536 and Request for Military Aerial Support, DD Form 2535; OMB Number 0704-0290. *Needs and Uses:* This information collection requirement is necessary to evaluate the eligibility of events to receive Armed Forces community relations support and to determine whether requested military assets are available. *Affected Public:* Individuals or households; State or local governments; Federal agencies or employees; non-profit institutions. *Annual Burden Hours:* 5,547. *Number of Respondents:* 43,000. *Responses Per Respondent:* 1. *Average Burden Per Response:* 8 minutes. *Frequency:* On occasion. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Summary of Information Collection Respondents are individuals or representatives of Federal and non-Federal government agencies, community groups, non-profit organizations, and civic organizations requesting Armed Forces support for patriotic events conducted in the civilian domain. DD Forms 2535 and 2536 record the type of military support requested, event data, and sponsoring organization information. The completed forms provide the Armed Forces the minimum information necessary to determine whether an event is eligible for military participation and whether the desired support is permissible and/or available. If the forms are not provided, the review process is greatly increased because the Armed Forces must make additional written and telephonic inquiries with the event sponsor. In addition, use of the forms reduces the event sponsor's preparation time because the forms provide a detailed outline of information required, eliminate the need for a detailed letter, and contain concise information necessary for determining appropriateness of military support. Use of the forms is essential to reduce preparation and processing time, increase productivity, and maximize responsiveness to the public. Dated: March 29, 2006. Patricia L. Toppings, Alternate OSD Federal Register Liaison Officer, Department of Defense. [FR Doc. 06-3251 Filed 4-4-06; 8:45 am]
Connectionstraces to 11
Traces to 11 documents
U.S. Code
CFR
6 references not yet in our index
- 7 CFR 1794
- Pub. L. 104-13
- 22 USC 3101-3108
- 423 F.3d 1275
- 291 F.3d 806
- Pub. L. 109-108
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Notices
Notice of intent to hold public scoping meetings and prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA)
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