Notices. Notice of Public Listening Sessions

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BILLING CODE 4910-22-M DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA-2006-24674] National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of Public Listening Sessions. SUMMARY: FMCSA announces two Public Listening Sessions. The Listening Sessions will continue the dialogue on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NCRME) program for interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers.

DATES: The First NCRME Listening Session will be held from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on June 29, 2006. The Second NCRME Listening Session will be held from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on July 26, 2006. (Registration begins at 8 a.m). ADDRESSES: The first meeting will take place at the Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island, 1960 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. The second meeting will take place at the Renaissance Grand Hotel, 800 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63101. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical Qualifications Division, 202-366-4001, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. *Information on Services for Individuals with Disabilities:* For information on facilities or services for individuals with disabilities or to request special assistance at the June and July meetings, contact Ms. Margo Weeks, Axiom Resource Management, Inc., 703-575-8192, ext 266.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 4116 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU, Pub. L. 109-59) requires the Secretary of Transportation “to establish and maintain a current national registry of medical examiners who are qualified to perform examinations and issue medical certificates.” To implement this requirement, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is developing the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NCRME) program that was announced at a June 22, 2005, public meeting in Arlington, Virginia (70 FR 28596;

May 18, 2005). The NRCME program would be comprised, in part, of a training and testing program that would result in a public registry of certified medical examiners who are authorized to conduct medical examinations of interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers and determine their physical qualifications to operate in interstate commerce as defined in 49 CFR 391.41. Once the program is implemented, FMCSA would accept only medical examinations conducted by medical examiners listed on the Registry.

The NRCME program would require training using a standardized curriculum, a certification test, and procedures to maintain the quality of the program in accordance with national accreditation standards. Participation in Public Listening Sessions We encourage all interested persons to attend, including medical examiners, motor carriers, and drivers. We also encourage other interested parties to attend such as representatives of medical associations, certification and accreditation organizations, medical training organizations, state motor carrier enforcement agencies and safety organizations.

View the following Web site for more information: *http://www.nrcme.fmcsa.dot.gov.* Issued on: May 12, 2006. Rose A. McMurray, Associate Administrator, Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. E6-7539 Filed 5-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [FMCSA Docket No. FMCSA-2006-24016] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Application From Thomas Deke; Diabetes AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of final disposition. SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to exempt Mr. Thomas Deke from its rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus

(ITDM)from operating commercial motor vehicles

(CMVs)in interstate commerce. The exemption will enable Mr. Deke to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The exemption is effective May 18, 2006. The exemption expires on May 18, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Mary D. Gunnels, Chief, Physical Qualifications Division,

(202)366-4001, *maggi.gunnels@dot.gov* , FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room 8301, Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access You may see all the comments online through the Document Management System

(DMS)at: *http://dmses.dot.gov* . *Docket:* For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to *http://dms.dot.gov* and/or Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. *Privacy Act:* Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments received into any of DOT's dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or of the person signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, or other entity). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the **Federal Register** (65 FR 19477, April 11, 2000). This statement is also available at *http://dms.dot.gov* . Background Current applicant has had ITDM since 2002. This applicant reports no hypoglycemic reaction that resulted in loss of consciousness or seizure, that required the assistance of another person, or resulted in impaired cognitive function without warning symptoms in the past 5 years (with one year of stability following any such episode). An endocrinologist has verified that the driver has demonstrated willingness to properly monitor and manage their diabetes, received education related to diabetes management, and is on a stable insulin regimen. This driver reports no other disqualifying conditions, including diabetes-related complications. He meets the vision standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). The qualifications and medical condition of this applicant were stated and discussed in detail in the April 06, 2006, **Federal Register** Notice (70 FR 75236). Because there were no docket comments on the specific merits or qualifications of any applicant, we have not repeated the individual's profile here. The Agency would like to publish a correction to Mr. Deke's Profile. Mr. Deke was published as having a Class A Commercial Driver's License

(CDL)from the State of Montana when he actually holds a Class A CDL from the State of Missouri. Basis for Exemption Determination Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption from the diabetes standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) if the exemption is likely to achieve an equivalent or greater level of safety than would be achieved without the exemption. The exemption allows the applicant to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. To evaluate the effect of this exemption on safety, FMCSA considered medical reports about the applicant's ITDM and vision, and reviewed the treating endocrinologist's medical opinion related to the ability of the driver to safely operate a CMV while using insulin. Consequently, FMCSA finds that exempting this applicant from the diabetes standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. The Agency is granting the exemption for the 2-year period allowed by 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 to Thomas G. Deke. Conditions and Requirements The terms and conditions of the exemption will be provided to the applicant in the exemption document. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received four comments in this proceeding. The comments are considered and discussed below. Three letters of recommendation were received in favor of granting the Federal diabetes exemption to Mr. Thomas Deke. They suggested that this applicant be granted the Federal diabetes exemption due to his high level of professionalism and safety while driving. One individual commented that the application process is burdensome and discriminatory. She also stated that she feels that many diabetic drivers are not forthcoming with medical information during their physical examinations because they fear they will lose their commercial license. FMCSA has initiated numerous improvements in the application process for exemption program applicants, including developing Web-based solutions to streamline the application process and redrafting the application to incorporate SAFETEA-LU changes and to make it user friendly. FMCSA notes that SAFETEA-LU provides specific changes to the driving requirement for interstate operators with ITDM. These changes eliminate the three-year CMV driving requirement and significantly reduce the required time for management of the diabetic condition with insulin treatment. FMCSA's exemption process supports drivers with ITDM who seek to operate in interstate commerce. In addition, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) are not contrary to the Americans with Disabilities Act

(ADA)of 1990. The mandates of the ADA do not require that FMCSA alter the driver qualification requirements contained in 49 CFR part 391. The Senate report on the ADA, submitted by its Committee on Labor and Human Resources, included the following explanation: With respect to covered entities subject to rules promulgated by the Department of Transportation regarding physical qualifications for drivers of certain classifications of motor vehicles, it is the Committee's intent that a person with a disability applying for or currently holding a job subject to these standards must be able to satisfy these physical qualification standards in order to be considered a qualified individual with a disability under Title I of this legislation. S. Rep. 101-116, at 27 (1989). FMSCA relies on the expert medical opinion of the endocrinologist and the medical examiner, who are required to analyze individual ability to control and manage the diabetic condition, including the individual ability and willingness of the driver to monitor blood glucose level on an ongoing basis. Until the Agency issues a Final Rule, however, insulin-treated diabetic drivers must continue to apply for exemptions from FMCSA, and request renewals of such exemptions in a timely manner. FMCSA will grant exemptions only to those applicants who meet the specific conditions and comply with all the requirements of the exemption. Conclusion After considering the comments to the docket and based upon its evaluation of the exemption application, FMCSA exempts Thomas G. Deke from the ITDM standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3), subject to the conditions listed under “Conditions and Requirements” above. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, the exemption will be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if:

(1)The person fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption;

(2)the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or

(3)continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136. If the exemption is still effective at the end of the 2-year period, the person may apply to FMCSA for a renewal under procedures in effect at that time. Issued on: May 12, 2006. Rose A. McMurray, Associate Administrator, Policy and Program Development. [FR Doc. E6-7540 Filed 5-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration Agency Information Collection Activities AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of OMB approvals. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 *et seq.* ) and 5 CFR 1320.5(b), this notice announces that new information collections requirements

(ICRs)listed below have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). These new ICRs pertain to 49 CFR parts 213, 216, 229, and 238. Additionally, FRA hereby announces that other ICRs listed below have been re-approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). These ICRs pertain to parts 230, 241, and 260. The OMB approval numbers, titles, and expiration dates are included herein under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Robert Brogan, Office of Planning and Evaluation Division, RRS-21, Federal Railroad Administration, 1120 Vermont Ave., NW., Mail Stop 25, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone:

(202)493-6292), or Victor Angelo, Office of Support Systems, RAD-43, Federal Railroad Administration, 1120 Vermont Ave., NW., Mail Stop 35, Washington, DC 20590 (telephone:

(202)493-6470). (These telephone numbers are not toll-free.) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Public Law 104-13, § 2,109 Stat. 163

(1995)(codified as revised at 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), and its implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 1320, require Federal agencies to display OMB control numbers and inform respondents of their legal significance once OMB approval is obtained. The following new FRA information collections were approved in the past four months:

(1)OMB No. 2130-0010, Track Safety Standards (Continuous Welded Rail) (49 CFR 213) (Interim Final Rule). The expiration date for this collection of information is January 31, 2009.

(2)OMB No. 2130-0544, Passenger Equipment Safety Standards (49 CFR 216, 229, and 238) (NPRM). The expiration date for this collection of information is March 31, 2009.

(3)OMB No. 2130-0568, Emergency Order No. 24. The expiration date for this collection of information is June 30, 2006.

(4)OMB No. 2130-0570, Work Schedules and Sleep Patterns of Railroad Dispatchers (Forms FRA F 6180.122 and FRA F 6180.123). The expiration date for this collection of information is February 28, 2009. The following information collections were re-approved:

(1)OMB No. 2130-0505, Inspection and Maintenance Standards for Steam Locomotives (49 CFR 230) (Forms FRA-1, FRA-2, FRA-3, FRA-4, FRA-5, FRA-19). The new expiration date for this information collection is February 28, 2009.

(2)OMB No. 2130-0500, Accident/Incident Reporting and Recordkeeping (49 CFR 2225) (Forms FRA F 6180.54/55/55a/56/57/78/81/97/98/99/107). The new expiration date for this information collection is December 31, 2007.

(3)OMB No. 2130-0548, Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program (49 CFR 260). The new expiration date for this information collection is February 28, 2009.

(4)OMB No. 2130-0556, U.S. Locational Requirement for Dispatching U.S. Rail Operations (49 CFR 241). The new expiration date for this information collection is February 28, 2009. Persons affected by the above referenced information collections are not required to respond to any collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. These approvals by the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)certify that FRA has complied with the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) and with 5 CFR 1320.5(b) by informing the public about OMB's approval of the information collection requirements of the above cited forms and regulations. Authority: 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520. Issued in Washington, DC on May 11, 2006. Belinda Ashton, Acting Director, Office of Budget, Federal Railroad Administration. [FR Doc. E6-7517 Filed 5-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-06-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration Notice of Limitation on Claims Against Proposed Public Transportation Projects AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of limitation on claims. SUMMARY: This notice announces final environmental actions taken by the Federal Transit Administration

(FTA)for public transportation projects in Norfolk, Virginia; Nashville, Tennessee; Phoenix, Arizona; San Francisco, California; and Portland, Oregon. The purpose of this notice is to activate the limitation on any claims that may challenge these final FTA environmental actions. DATES: By this notice, FTA is advising the public of final agency actions subject to 23 U.S.C. 139(l). A claim seeking judicial review of any of the FTA actions announced herein for the listed public transportation projects will be barred unless the claim is filed on or before November 14, 2006. If the Federal law that authorizes judicial review of a claim provides a time period of less than 180 days for filing such claim, then the shorter time period applies. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carl Bausch, Director, Office of Human and Natural Environment,

(202)366-1626. FTA is located at 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that FTA has taken final agency actions by issuing certain approvals for the public transportation projects listed below. The actions on these projects, as well as the laws under which such actions were taken, are described in the documentation issued in connection with the project to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and in other documents in the FTA administrative record for the project. The final agency environmental decision documents—Records of Decision

(RODs)and Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSIs)—for the listed projects are available online at *http://www.fta.dot.gov/18087_ENG_HTML.htm* or may be obtained by contacting the FTA Regional Office for the urbanized area where the project is located. Contact information for the FTA Regional Offices may be found at *http://www.fta.dot.gov/about/offices/4978_ENG_HTML.htm* . This notice applies to all FTA decisions on the listed projects as of the issuance date of this notice and all laws under which such actions were taken, including, but not limited to, the National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA)[42 U.S.C. 4321-4375], section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 [49 U.S.C. 303], section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 [16 U.S.C. 470f], and the Clean Air Act [42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q]. The projects and actions that are the subject of this notice are: 1. *Project name and location:* Norfolk Light Rail Transit Project, Norfolk, Virginia. *Project sponsor:* Hampton Roads Transit. *FTA Regional Office:* Region III in Philadelphia. *Project description:* The project is a 7.4-mile light rail transit

(LRT)system consisting of an exclusive double-track guideway that generally follows the Norfolk Southern Railroad's South Beach Branch right-of-way, with street-running operations through downtown Norfolk to the Eastern Virginia Medical Center. The project includes 11 LRT stations, a vehicle storage-and-maintenance facility, and park-and-ride lots at four of the LRT stations. *Final agency actions:* ROD issued April 26, 2006; Section 4(f) Finding; Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement; project-level Air Quality Conformity Determination. *Supporting documentation:* Final Environmental Impact Statement issued October 28, 2005. 2. *Project name and location:* Nashville Central Station Project, Nashville, Tennessee. *Project sponsor:* Nashville Metropolitan Transit Authority. *FTA Regional Office:* Region IV in Atlanta. *Project description:* The project involves building a downtown bus transit center and transfer station. *Final agency actions:* FONSI issued February 6, 2006; project-level Air Quality Conformity Determination. *Supporting documentation:* Environmental Assessment, issued in June 2005, revised in February 2006. 3. *Project name and location:* Central Phoenix/East Valley Light-Rail Project, in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona. *Project sponsor:* Valley Metro Rail. *FTA Regional Office:* Region IX in San Francisco. *Project description:* The project is a 20-mile light rail transit

(LRT)line from the vicinity of Phoenix Spectrum Mall, through Tempe, to the East Valley Institute of Technology

(EVIT)in Mesa. The LRT line will generally operate at grade on dual tracks in the center or at the side of existing streets, with crossings over the Grand and Tempe Canals and Tempe Town Lake. The project includes 28 stations, a maintenance facility and storage yard for the light rail vehicles, park-and-ride facilities at nine of the stations, off-street bus transfer facilities at five of the stations, and an operations control center. *Final agency actions:* ROD issued January 24, 2003; Section 4(f) finding; Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement; project-level Air Quality Conformity Determination. *Supporting documentation:* Final Environmental Impact Statement issued November 1, 2002. 4. *Project name and location:* Transbay Terminal/Caltrain Downtown Extension/Redevelopment Project in San Francisco, California. *Project sponsor:* Transbay Joint Powers Authority. *FTA Regional Office:* Region IX in San Francisco. *Project description:* The project consists of three major components: a new, multi-modal Transbay Transit Center on the site of the present Transbay Terminal; the extension of Caltrain commuter rail line from its current San Francisco terminus at Fourth and Townsend streets to a new underground station underneath the new Transbay Transit Center; and the establishment of a redevelopment area with related development activities, including transit-oriented development on publicly owned land in the vicinity of the new Transbay Transit Center. *Final agency actions:* ROD issued February 8, 2005; Section 4(f) finding; Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement; project-level Air Quality Conformity Determination. *Supporting documentation:* Final Environmental Impact Statement issued April 2, 2004. 5. *Project name and location:* South Corridor I-205/Portland Mall Light Rail Transit Project. *Project sponsors:* Portland Metro and Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District. *FTA Regional Office:* Region X in Seattle. *Project description:* The project has two major components: a 6.5-mile light rail transit

(LRT)line along I-205 from the Clackamas Town Center to the Gateway Transit Center where it connects to the existing Banfield LRT line; and a 1.8-mile downtown transit mall LRT segment connecting into the existing light rail system at the Steel Bridge. The I-205 segment includes eight new LRT stations and five new park-and-ride lots. The Portland Mall segment adds seven pairs of LRT stations on 5th and 6th Avenues. The project includes the expansion of the Ruby Junction light rail vehicle storage and maintenance facility. Final agency actions: ROD issued February 22, 2005; Section 4(f) Finding; Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement; project-level Air Quality Conformity Determination. Supporting documentation: Final Environmental Impact Statement issued December 17, 2004. Issued on: May 11, 2006. Ronald Fisher, Acting Associate Administrator for Planning and Environment, Washington, DC. [FR Doc. E6-7527 Filed 5-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-57-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Docket No. AB-55 (Sub-No. 664X)] CSX Transportation, Inc.—Abandonment Exemption—in Anderson County, SC On April 28, 2006, CSX Transportation, Inc.

(CSXT)filed with the Surface Transportation Board a petition under 49 U.S.C. 10502 for exemption from the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 10903 to abandon a 12.74-mile rail line between milepost AKL 26.26 near Belton, the end of the line, and milepost AKL 39.00, near Pelzer, on the Southern Region, Florence Division, Belton Subdivision, in Anderson County, SC. The line traverses United States Postal Service Zip Codes 29627 and 29654 and includes one station, the Belton Station, at milepost AKL 31.0. CSXT states that, based on information in its possession, the line does not contain federally granted rights-of-way. Any documentation in CSXT's possession will be made available promptly to those requesting it. The interest of railroad employees will be protected by the conditions set forth in *Oregon Short Line R. Co.—Abandonment—Goshen* , 360 I.C.C. 91 (1979). By issuance of this notice, the Board is instituting an exemption proceeding pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10502(b). A final decision will be issued by August 16, 2006. Any offer of financial assistance

(OFA)under 49 CFR 1152.27(b)(2) will be due no later than 10 days after service of a decision granting the petition for exemption. Each offer must be accompanied by a $1,300 filing fee. *See* 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(25). All interested persons should be aware that, following abandonment of rail service and salvage of the line, the line may be suitable for other public use, including interim trail use. Any request for a public use condition under 49 CFR 1152.28 or for trail use/rail banking under 49 CFR 1152.29 will be due no later than June 7, 2006. Each trail use request must be accompanied by a $200 filing fee. *See* 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(27). All filings in response to this notice must refer to STB Docket No. AB-55 (Sub-No. 664X), and must be sent to:

(1)Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20423-0001, and

(2)Louis E. Gitomer, 1455 F Street, NW., Suite 225, Washington, DC 20005. Replies to CSXT's petition are due on or before June 7, 2006. Persons seeking further information concerning abandonment procedures may contact the Board's Office of Public Services at

(202)565-1592 or refer to the full abandonment or discontinuance regulations at 49 CFR part 1152. Questions concerning environmental issues may be directed to the Board's Section of Environmental Analysis

(SEA)at

(202)565-1539. [Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal Information Relay Service

(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8339.] An environmental assessment

(EA)(or environmental impact statement (EIS), if necessary) prepared by SEA will be served upon all parties of record and upon any agencies or other persons who commented during its preparation. Other interested persons may contact SEA to obtain a copy of the EA (or EIS). EAs in these abandonment proceedings normally will be made available within 60 days of the filing of the petition. The deadline for submission of comments on the EA will generally be within 30 days of its service. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at *http://www.stb.dot.gov.* Decided: May 10, 2006. By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of Proceedings. Vernon A. Williams, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-7398 Filed 5-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915-01-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service [REG-103320-00] Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Regulation Project AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury, 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, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). Currently, the IRS is soliciting comments concerning an existing final regulation, REG-103320-00, Disclosure of Returns and Return Information to Designee of Taxpayer. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before July 17, 2006 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Glenn Kirkland, Internal Revenue Service, room 6516, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20224. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of this regulation should be directed to Allan Hopkins, at

(202)622-6665, or at Internal Revenue Service, room 6516, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20224, or through the Internet, at *Allan.M.Hopkins@irs.gov* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title* : Disclosure of Returns and Return Information to Designee of Taxpayer. *OMB Number:* 1545-1816. *Regulation Project Number:* REG-103320-00. *Abstract:* Abstract Regulation section 301.6103(c)-1 generally authorizes the IRS and its agents to disclose returns and return information to such person or persons as the taxpayer may designate in a written request for or consent to disclosure, or to any other person at the taxpayer's written or nonwritten request to the extent necessary to comply with a request for information or assistance made by the taxpayer to such other person. The regulation requires a taxpayer who wishes to authorize disclosure of his or her returns or return information to provide the IRS or its agents with certain information, such as information identifying the taxpayer, the returns or return information to be disclosed, and the person to whom the disclosure is to be made. *Current Actions:* There is no change to this final regulation. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Affected Public:* Individuals or households, business or other for-profit organizations, not-for-profit institutions, farms, and Federal, state, local or tribal governments. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 4,000. *Estimated Time Per Respondent:* 12 minutes. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 800. *The following paragraph applies to all of the collections of information covered by this notice:* An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a collection of information must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any internal revenue law. Generally, tax returns and tax return information are confidential, as required by 26 U.S.C. 6103. *Request for Comments:* Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. Comments are invited on:

(a)Whether the 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 collection of information;

(c)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;

(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; and

(e)estimates of capital or start-up costs and costs of operation, maintenance, and purchase of services to provide information. Approved: April 27, 2006. Allan Hopkins, IRS Reports Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E6-7534 Filed 5-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830-01-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Earned Income Tax Credit Issue Committee AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service

(IRS)Treasury. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: An open meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Earned Income Tax Credit Issue Committee will be conducted (via teleconference). The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel is soliciting public comments, ideas and suggestions on improving customer service at the Internal Revenue Service. DATES: The meeting will be held Tuesday, June 13, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Audrey Y. Jenkins at 1-888-912-1227 (toll-free), or 718-488-2085 (non toll-free). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App.

(1988)that an open meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Earned Income Tax Credit Issue Committee will be held Tuesday, June 13, 2006 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. ET via a telephone conference call. The public is invited to make oral comments. Individual comments will be limited to 5 minutes. For information or to confirm attendance, notification of intent to attend the meeting must be made with Audrey Y. Jenkins. Ms. Jenkins may be reached at 1-888-912-1227 or

(718)488-2085, send written comments to Audrey Y. Jenkins, TAP Office, 10 MetroTech Center, 625 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 or post comments to the Web site: *http://www.improveirs.org* . Due to limited conference lines, notification of intent to participate in the telephone conference call meeting must be made in advance. The agenda will include various IRS issues. Dated: May 11, 2006. John Fay, Acting Director, Taxpayer Advocacy Panel. [FR Doc. E6-7535 Filed 5-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830-01-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Open Meeting of the Area 5 Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (Including the States of Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas) AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: An open meeting of the Area 5 Taxpayer Advocacy Panel will be conducted. The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel is soliciting public comment, ideas, and suggestions on improving customer service at the Internal Revenue Service. DATES: The meeting will be held Tuesday, June 13, 2006, at 9:30 a.m. Central Time. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Ann Delzer at 1-888-912-1227, or

(414)231-2365. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App.

(1988)that a meeting of the Area 5 Taxpayer Advocacy Panel will be held Tuesday, June 13, 2006, at 9:30 a.m. Central Time via a telephone conference call. You can submit written comments to the panel by faxing to

(414)231-2363, or by mail to Taxpayer Advocacy Panel, Stop1006MIL, 211 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203-2221, or you can contact us at *http://www.improveirs.org* . This meeting is not required to be open to the public, but because we are always interested in community input, we will accept public comments. Please contact Mary Ann Delzer at 1-888-912-1227 or

(414)231-2365 for additional information. The agenda will include the following: Various IRS issues. Dated: May 11, 2006. John Fay, Acting Director, Taxpayer Advocacy Panel. [FR Doc. E6-7536 Filed 5-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830-01-P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0017] Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

(PRA)of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the **Federal Register** concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection and allow 60 days for public comment in response to this notice. This notice solicits comments on the information needed to ensure that fiduciary's are properly administering VA beneficiaries' compensation and pension payments. DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before July 17, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail: *nancy.kessinger@va.gov.* Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0017” in any correspondence. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy J. Kessinger at

(202)273-7079 or FAX

(202)275-5947. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA. With respect to the following collection of information, VBA invites comments on:

(1)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2)the accuracy of VBA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;

(3)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology. *Title:* a. Annual-Final Report and Account, VA Form 21-4706. b. Federal Fiduciary's Account, VA Form 21-4706b. c. Court Appointed Fiduciary's Account, VA Form 21-4706c. d. Account Book, VA Form 21-4718. e. Certificate of Balance on Deposit and Authorization to Disclose Financial Records (Pursuant to Title 38, U.S.C., Chapter 55 and Title 12, U.S.C., Chapter 35), VA Form 27-4718a. *OMB Control Number:* 2900-0017. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Abstract:* VA maintain supervision of the distribution and use of VA benefits paid to fiduciaries on behalf of VA claimants who are incompetent, a minor, or under legal disability. The forms are used to verify beneficiaries' deposit remaining at a financial institution against a fiduciary's accounting. The following forms will be used to ensure claimants' benefits payments are administered properly. a. VA Forms 21-4706, 4706b and 4706c are used by estate to determine proper usage of benefits paid to fiduciaries. The 21-4706 and 21-4706b are both necessary to conform to requirement of various state courts. b. VA Form 21-4718 is provided to VA fiduciaries to submit accountings to either State courts or the VA. It is not a reporting form per se, but a vehicle to assist the fiduciary in accurately maintaining records of monies received and spent. c. VA Form 21-4718a—Fiduciaries are required to obtain certifications that the balances remaining on deposit in financial institutions as shown on accountings are correct. Certifying official at a financial institution completing the form must affix the institution's official seal or stamp. The data collected is used to appoint an appropriate fiduciary for a VA beneficiary and to prevent fiduciaries from supplying false certification, embezzling funds, and possibly prevent and/or identify fraud, waste and abuse of government funds paid to fiduciaries on behalf of VA beneficiaries. *Affected Public:* Individuals or households. *Estimated Annual Burden:* 29,566. a. Annual-Final Report and Account, VA Form 21-4706—1,100. b. Federal Fiduciary's Account, VA Form 21-4706b—6,300. c. Court Appointed Fiduciary's Account, VA Form 21-4706c—2,000. d. Account Book, VA Form 21-4718—20,000. e. Certificate of Balance on Deposit and Authorization to Disclose Financial Records, VA Form 27-4718a—165. *Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:* a. Annual-Final Report and Account, VA Form 21-4706—30 minutes. b. Federal Fiduciary's Accounts, VA Form 21-4706b—27 minutes. c. Court Appointed Fiduciary's Account, VA Form 21-4706c—30 minutes. d. Account Book, VA Form 21-4718—2 1/2 hours. e. Certificate of Balance on Deposit and Authorization to Disclose Financial Records, VA Form 27-4718a—3 minutes. *Frequency of Response:* Annually. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 31,512. a. Annual-Final Report and Account, VA Form 21-4706—2,200. b. Federal Fiduciary's Accounts, VA Form 21-4706b—14,000. c. Court Appointed Fiduciary's Account, VA Form 21-4706c—4,000. d. Account Book, VA Form 21-4718—8,000. e. Certificate of Balance on Deposit and Authorization to Disclose Financial Records, VA Form 27-4718a—3,312. Dated: May 4, 2006. By direction of the Secretary. Denise McLamb, Program Analyst, Records Management Service. [FR Doc. E6-7541 Filed 5-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0110] Agency Information Collection Activities Under OMB Review AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act

(PRA)of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3521), this notice announces that the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs, has submitted the collection of information abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review and comment. The PRA submission describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden; it includes the actual data collection instrument. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before June 19, 2006. For Further Information or a Copy of the Submission Contact: Denise McLamb, Records Management Service (005G2), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420,

(202)565-8374, FAX

(202)565-6950 or e-mail: *denise.mclamb@mail.va.gov* . Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0110.” Send comments and recommendations concerning any aspect of the information collection to VA's Desk Officer, OMB Human Resources and Housing Branch, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503

(202)395-7316. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0110” in any correspondence. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* Application for Assumption Approval and/or Release from Personal Liability to the Government on a Home Loan, VA Form 26-6381. *OMB Control Number:* 2900-0110. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Abstract:* Veteran-borrows complete VA Form 26-6381 to sell their home by assumption rather than requiring the purchaser to obtain their own financing to pay off the VA guaranteed home loan. In order for the veteran-borrower to be release from personal liability, the loan must be current and the purchaser must assume all of the veteran's liability to the Government and to the mortgage holder and meet the credit and income requirements. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The **Federal Register** Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on this collection of information was published on January 31, 2006 at pages 5120-5121. *Affected Public:* Individuals or households, Business or other for profit. *Estimated Annual Burden:* 500 hours. *Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:* 10 minutes. *Frequency of Response:* One-time. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 3,000. *By direction of the Secretary:* Dated: May 4, 2006. Denise McLamb, Program Analyst, Records Management Service. [FR Doc. E6-7542 Filed 5-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-New (IL)] Agency Information Collection Activities Under OMB Review AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act

(PRA)of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-21), this notice announces that the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs, has submitted the collection of information abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review and comment. The PRA submission describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden; it includes the actual data collection instrument. DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before June 19, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Denise McLamb, Records Management Service (005G2), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420,

(202)565-8374, FAX

(202)565-6950 or e-mail *denise.mclamb@mail.va.gov* . Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-New (IL).” Send comments and recommendations concerning any aspect of the information collection to VA's OMB Desk Officer, OMB Human Resources and Housing Branch, New Executive Office Building, Room 10235, Washington, DC 20503,

(202)395-7316. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-New (IL)” in any correspondence. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* Preliminary Independent Living

(IL)Assessment, VA Form 28-0791. *OMB Control Number:* 2900-New (IL). *Type of Review:* New collection. *Abstract:* VA case managers use VA Form 28-0791 while evaluating the independent living needs of veterans with severe disabilities. The data is used to determine the scope of the veteran's independent living needs under the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. The **Federal Register** Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on this collection of information was published on December 9, 2005 at pages 73328-73329. *Affected Public:* Individuals or households. *Estimated Annual Burden:* 2,500 hours. *Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent:* 1 hour. *Frequency of Response:* One-time. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 2,500. Dated: May 4, 2006. By direction of the Secretary. Denise McLamb, Program Analyst, Records Management Service. [FR Doc. E6-7543 Filed 5-17-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Health Services Research and Development Service Merit Review Board; Notice of Meeting The Department of Veterans Affairs

(VA)gives notice under Public Law 92-463, Federal Advisory Committee Act, that a meeting of the Health Services Research and Development Service Merit Review Board will be held August 28-30, 2006 at the Hyatt Harborside Hotel, 101 Harborside Drive, Boston, MA. Various subcommittees of the Board will meet during that period. Each subcommittee meeting of the Merit Review Board will be open to the public the first day from 8 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. to cover administrative matters and to discuss the general status of the program. The remaining portion of each meeting will be closed. The closed portion of the meeting will involve discussion, examination, reference to, and oral review of the research proposals and critiques. On Monday, August 28, 2006, an orientation session will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Tuesday, August 29, 2006, five subcommittees will convene from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.—Implementation and Management Research Science, Chronic Disease Management & Long Term Aging, General Health Services Research, Special Populations and the Nursing Research Initiative (NRI). On Wednesday, August 30, 2006, five subcommittees will convene from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.—Implementation and Management Research Science (continuation), Special Populations (continuation) General Health Services Research (continuation), Chronic Disease Management (continuation) and Equity/Women's Health review group. The purpose of Board is to review research and development applications concerned with the measurement and evaluation of health care services, the testing of new methods of health care delivery and management, and nursing research. Applications are reviewed for scientific and technical merit. Recommendations regarding funding are prepared for the Chief Research and Development Officer. After the subcommittees meet there will be a debriefing provided to members of Health Services Research & Development Service Merit Review Board. This debriefing, by teleconference, will be to discuss the outcomes of the review sessions and to ensure the integrity and consistency of the review process. During the closed portion of the meeting, discussion and recommendations will include qualifications of the personnel conducting the studies (the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy), as well as research information (the premature disclosure of which would be likely to compromise significantly the implementation of proposed agency action regarding such research projects). As provided by subsection 10(d) of Public Law 92-463, as amended by Public Law 94-409, closing portions of these meetings is in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(6) and (9)(B). Those who plan to attend the open session should contact the Scientific Merit Review Program Manager (124R), Health Services Research and Development Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, 1722 Eye Street, NW., Washington, DC 20006 at least five days before the meeting. For further information, call

(202)254-0207. By Direction of the Secretary. Dated: May 9, 2006. E. Philip Riggin, Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. 06-4643 Filed 5-17-06; 8:45am]

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