Notices. Notice of petitions for exemption received

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BILLING CODE 4910-13-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [Summary Notice No. PE-2006-30] Petitions for Exemption; Summary of Petitions Received AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of petitions for exemption received. SUMMARY: Pursuant to FAA's rulemaking provisions governing the application, processing, and disposition of petitions for exemption part 11 of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), this notice contains a summary of certain petitions seeking relief from specified requirements of 14 CFR.

The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of FAA's regulatory activities. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of any petition or its final disposition. DATES: Comments on petitions received must identify the petition docket number involved and must be received on or before October 16, 2006. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments [identified by DOT DMS Docket Number FAA-2006-24997] by any of the following methods: *Web site: http://dms.dot.gov.* Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site. *Fax:* 1-202-493-2251. *Mail:* Docket Management Facility;

U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-001. *Hand Delivery:* 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. *Docket:* For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to *http://dms.dot.gov* at any time or to 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Lender

(202)267-8029 or John Linsenmeyer

(202)267-5174, Office of Rulemaking (ARM-1), Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591. This notice is published pursuant to 14 CFR 11.85 and 11.91. Issued in Washington, DC, on September 6, 2006. Ida M. Klepper, Acting Director, Office of Rulemaking. Petitions for Exemption [Docket No.: FAA-2006-24997] *Petitioner:* Peter L. Model. *Section of 14 CFR Affected:* 14 CFR 65.104. *Description of Relief Sought:* The exemption, if granted, would permit Peter L. Model to obtain an experimental repairman certificate, despite the fact that he is not an American citizen. The petitioner is a Swiss national. He has worked on his Lancair IV-P experimental aircraft for 14 years. The aircraft will be operated in Switzerland in the future. He will be the only person to perform routine maintenance on the aircraft. Mr. Model has a U.S. pilot certificate and the plane is currently in Florida. [FR Doc. E6-15715 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [Summary Notice No. PE-2006-27] Petitions for Exemption; Summary of Petitions Received AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of petitions for exemption received. SUMMARY: Pursuant to FAA's rulemaking provisions governing the application, processing, and disposition of petitions for exemption part 11 of Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), this notice contains a summary of certain petitions seeking relief from specified requirements of 14 CFR. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, this aspect of FAA's regulatory activities. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion or omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of any petition or its final disposition. DATES: Comments on petitions received must identify the petition docket number involved and must be received on or before October 16, 2006. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments [identified by DOT DMS Docket Number FAA-2002-11986] by any of the following methods: *Web site: http://dms.dot.gov.* Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the DOT electronic docket site. *Fax:* 1-202-493-2251. *Mail:* Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-001. *Hand Delivery:* 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. *Docket:* For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to *http://dms.dot.gov* at any time or to 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Adams

(202)267-8033, Sandy Buchanan-Sumter

(202)267-7271, or John Linsenmeyer

(EAA)to include the use of light-sport aircraft with a special light-sport certificate under this exemption. EAA also requests that an addition is made to the current condition and limitation that permits a pilot to hold at least a private pilot certificate. They request that the pilot be able to hold a recreational pilot, or a sport pilot certificate with the appropriate category, class, type-rating, or logbook endorsement, if necessary, for the aircraft to be used under this exemption in accordance with § 61.31(a), (d), (e), (f), (h), (i), and part 61 subpart D, E, or J as appropriate. The pilots who conduct the Young Eagle flights for EAA under this exemption are required to hold a third-class medical certificate in accordance with § 61.23(a)(3); however, EAA is requesting that a private pilot, recreational pilot, or sport pilot be required to hold a current medical certificate appropriate to the pilot certificate held in accordance with § 61.23(a)(3)(i), § 61.23(a)(3)(ii), or § 61.23(c)(1)(ii). [FR Doc. E6-15716 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration Petition for Waiver of Compliance In accordance with part 211 of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), notice is hereby given that the Federal Railroad Administration

(FRA)received a request for a waiver of compliance with certain requirements of its safety standards. The individual petition is described below, including the party seeking relief, the regulatory provisions involved, the nature of the relief being requested, and the petitioner's arguments in favor of relief. Quantum Engineering, Inc. (Waiver Petition Docket Number FRA-2006-25794) Quantum Engineering, Inc. (Quantum) seeks a waiver of compliance with certain requirements of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations

(CFR)part 232, subpart E— *End-of-Train Devices* , published January 17, 2001. Specifically, 49 CFR 232.403(g)(2) states: “If power is supplied by one or more batteries, the operating life shall be a minimum of 36 hours at 0 °C.” Quantum requests a waiver to allow a minimum of 12 hours of battery reserve for the two batteries they propose using in their Model Q39 end-of-train devices. According to Quantum, the Q39 end-of-train device will be powered by an air turbine-powered alternator (which has been in service for several years). Both the batteries and the alternator are continuously connected to provide electrical power to components of the device. The batteries are charged by the air-driven alternator during normal train operations and provide backup power when the alternator is not functioning ( *e.g.* , during switching operations when train line air pressure is cut out). Quantum provided test data indicating that the end-of-train device will operate for approximately 16 hours with two new self-contained lead acid batteries at 0 °C after loss of train line air. Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires an opportunity for oral comment, they should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for their request. All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the appropriate docket number (FRA-2006-25794) and must be submitted to the Docket Clerk, DOT Docket Management Facility, Room PL-401 (Plaza Level), 400 7th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Communications received within 45 days of the date of this notice will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered as far as practicable. All written communications concerning these proceedings are available for examination during regular business hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the above facility. All documents in the public docket are also available for inspection and copying on the Internet at the docket facility's Web site at *http://dms.dot.gov.* Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, *etc.* ). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the **Federal Register** published on April 11, 2000, (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78). The Statement may also be found at *http://dms.dot.gov.* Issued in Washington, DC on September 20, 2006. Grady C. Cothen, Jr., Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety Standards and Program Development. [FR Doc. E6-15751 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-06-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration Petition for Waiver of Compliance In accordance with Part 211 of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), notice is hereby given that the Federal Railroad Administration

(FRA)has received a request for a waiver of compliance with certain requirements of its safety standards. The individual petition is described below, including the party seeking relief, the regulatory provisions involved, the nature of the relief being requested, and the petitioner's arguments in favor of relief. The South Carolina Railroad Museum, Inc. [Docket Number FRA-2006-25452] The South Carolina Railroad Museum, Inc.

(SCMZ)seeks a permanent waiver of compliance from *Control of Alcohol and Drug Use* , 49 CFR Part 219 Subparts D through J, which require a railroad to conduct reasonable suspicion alcohol and/or drug testing, pre-employment drug testing, random alcohol and drug testing, and to have voluntary referral and co-worker report policies, and which also specify drug and alcohol testing procedures and recordkeeping requirements. The railroad is a nonprofit railroad museum located near Winnsboro, South Carolina. As part of its museum activity, it operates excursion passenger trains, primarily on certain weekends and on special charters. The museum only runs scheduled excursion trains on 15 days in the calendar year. On those days, it runs four trains over the 10.2-mile round trip. In addition to the regularly scheduled operating days, it runs excursion trains on a charter basis. In 2005, SCMZ operated charters on 26 days. In each case, only one train was operated on the respective charter. A portion (4,650 feet) of the museums's track is subject to a recent Lead Track Agreement between the museum and Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS), whereby NS will provide limited rail service to a commercial facility located along the museum's track. This service will not involve SCMZ volunteers but will be conducted entirely by NS employees. The waiver would cover the museum's operation of excursion trains on the museum's trackage between Rockton, South Carolina, and Rion, South Carolina (approximately 5.1 miles). SCMZ has hours of service volunteers only. Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires an opportunity for oral comment, they should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for their request. All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the appropriate docket number ( *e.g.* , Waiver Petition Docket Number FRA-2006-25452) and must be submitted to the Docket Clerk, DOT Central Docket Management Facility, Room PL-401, 400 7th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. Communications received within 45 days of the date of this notice will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered as far as practicable. All written communications concerning these proceedings are available for examination during regular business hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the above facility. All documents in the public docket are also available for inspection and copying on the Internet at the docket facility's Web site at *http://dms.dot.gov.* FRA wishes to inform all potential commenters that anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, *etc.* ). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the **Federal Register** published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78), or you may visit *http://dms.dot.gov.* Issued in Washington, DC on September 20, 2006. Grady C. Cothen, Jr., Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety Standards and Program Development. [FR Doc. E6-15753 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-06-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration Petition for Waiver of Compliance In accordance with Part 211 of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), notice is hereby given that the Federal Railroad Administration

(FRA)received a request for a waiver of compliance with certain requirements of its safety standards. The individual petition is described below, including the party seeking relief, the regulatory provisions involved, the nature of the relief being requested, and the petitioner's arguments in favor of relief. Union Pacific Railroad Company [Waiver Petition Docket Number FRA-2006-25764] Union Pacific Railroad Company

(UP)seeks a waiver of compliance with certain requirements of 49 CFR, 232.205, *Class I Brake Test-Initial Terminal inspection* , published January 17, 2001, and 49 CFR 215— *Railroad Freight Car Safety Standards* , published April 21, 1980, for freight cars received in interchange from the Ferrocarriles Nacionales de Mexico Railroad (FXE), at Calexico, California. Specifically, UP seeks approval to move the equipment from the interchange point, at MP 708.5 on the Calexico Subdivision, to the UP rail yard in El Centro, California (a distance of 10.1 miles), without performing the inspections and tests specified. According to UP, a Class III brake test-trainline continuity inspection would be performed per the requirements of 49 CFR 232.211, prior to departing Calexico, and the equipment would be inspected to ensure safe movement to El Centro at a train speed not to exceed 20 mph. Equipment found unsafe for movement to El Centro for repairs would be set out of the train at Calexico. The train would be equipped with a compliant end-of-train device per 49 CFR 232, Subpart E. UP currently receives approximately 50 freight cars per day from FXE at the interchange point in Calexico. The volume has grown steadily in recent years and stands to grow even more as the effects of both the NAFTA and GATT trade agreements. United States Customs conduct inspections of the equipment at Heber, which usually takes more than an hour. If the equipment is “off air” for more than 4 hours at Heber, a “transfer train brake test” per the requirements of 49 CFR 232.215, would be performed prior to departure. From Heber, the train would move to El Centro (a distance of 4.6 miles), where a Class I brake test-initial terminal inspection would be performed per the requirements of 49 CFR 232.205. UP states that the capacity of the existing railroad facility in Calexico is inadequate to handle current volume and the waiver is necessary to facilitate movement and to avoid restricting the volume of rail cars handled through this gateway. UP asserts that Calexico is a “bottleneck” that causes delays to international commerce on both sides of the border, and granting the requested waiver, will have no adverse effect on safety. UP also references current railroad operations at border crossings in Brownsville and Laredo, Texas, where trains move several miles from the border without performing a Class I air test. Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires an opportunity for oral comment, they should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for their request. All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the appropriate docket number (FRA-2006-25764) and must be submitted to the Docket Clerk, DOT Docket Management Facility, Room PL-401 (Plaza Level), 400 7th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Communications received within 45 days of the date of this notice will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered as far as practicable. All written communications concerning these proceedings are available for examination during regular business hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the above facility. All documents in the public docket are also available for inspection and copying on the Internet at the docket facility's Web site at *http://dms.dot.gov* . Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, *etc* .). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the **Federal Register** published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78). The Statement may also be found at *http://dms.dot.gov* . Issued in Washington, DC, on September 20, 2006. Grady C. Cothen, Jr., Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety Standards and Program Development. [FR Doc. E6-15752 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-06-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration Petition for a Waiver of Compliance In accordance with Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Sections 211.9 and 211.41, notice is hereby given that the Federal Railroad Administration

(FRA)has received a request for a waiver of compliance with certain requirements of Federal railroad safety regulations. The individual petitions are described below, including the party seeking relief, the regulatory provisions involved, the nature of the relief being requested, and the petitioner's arguments in favor of relief. Union Pacific Railroad Company [Waiver Petition Docket Number FRA-2006-25862] The above parties seek a waiver for relief of sanctions from 49 CFR Part 240.117(e)(1) through (4), 49 CFR Part 240.305(a)(1) through

(4)and

(6)[excluding supervisors as indicated], and 49 CFR Part 240.307. These sections of the regulation relate to punitive actions that are required to be taken against locomotive engineers for the violation of certain railroad operating rules. Refer to 49 CFR Part 240 for a detailed listing of these sections. The Union Pacific Railroad

(UP)and the employees of UP's North Platte Service Unit, represented by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen

(BLET)and the United Transportation Union (UTU), desire to participate in a Close Call Reporting System

(C3RS)Demonstration Pilot Project sponsored by FRA's Office of Research and Development. The C3RS Demonstration Pilot Project is one of the action items included in FRA's Rail Safety Action Plan announced on January 25, 2006. In other industries such as aviation, implementation of close call reporting systems that shield the reporting employee from discipline (and the employer from punitive sanctions levied by the regulation) have contributed to major reductions in accidents. In March 2005, FRA completed an overarching memorandum of understanding with railroad labor organizations and management to develop pilot programs to document close calls, *i.e.* , unsafe events that do not result in a reportable accident, but very well could have. Participating railroads will be expected to develop corrective actions to address the problems that may be revealed. The aggregate data may prove useful in FRA's decision-making concerning regulatory and other options to address human factor-caused accidents. Experiences on the Norwegian Railway (Sernbaneverket) showed a 40 percent reduction in accidents after 3 years of implementation of a similar program. In a manufacturing environment, Syncrude, a mining company, experienced a 33 percent reduction in lost time frequency after 1 year of implementing a close call system. The UP, BLET, and UTU have developed and signed an implementing memorandum of understanding (IMOU), based on the FRA's overarching memorandum of understanding, as a first step in commencing the demonstration pilot project. The project would involve approximately 1,200 yard and road service employees headquartered in North Platte, Nebraska. This IMOU was sent to FRA for consideration and acceptance on August 28, 2006. As referenced in the IMOU, certain close calls may be properly reported by the employee(s) involved and later discovered by UP, for example, through subsequent retrospective analysis of locomotive event recorder data, *etc* . In order to encourage employee reporting of close calls, the IMOU contains provisions to shield the reporting employee from UP discipline. The UP, BLET, and UTU also desire to shield the reporting employee(s) and UP from punitive sanctions that would otherwise arise as provided in selected sections of 49 CFR Part 240 for properly reported close call events as defined in the C3RS IMOU. The waiver petition is requested for the duration of the C3RS demonstration project (5 years from implementation or until the demonstration project is completed or parties to the IMOU withdraw as described in the IMOU, whichever is first). Note: Article 7.2 (of the IMOU) *Conditions under which a Reporting Employee is Not Protected from UP Discipline and/or Decertification and from FRA Enforcement:* UP employees included in this C3RS/IMOU receive no protection from discipline and/or decertification or from FRA enforcement action when one or more of the following conditions occur: 1. The employee's action or lack of action was intended to damage UP or another entity's operations or equipment or to injure other individuals, or the employee's action or lack of action purposely places others in danger ( *e.g.* , sabotage); 2. The employee's action or lack of action involved a criminal offense; 3. The employee's behavior involved substance abuse or inappropriate use of controlled substances; 4. The close call report contains falsified information as determined by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics; 5. The event resulted in a railroad accident/incident that qualifies as reportable under 49 CFR Part 225.11; 6. The event resulted in an identifiable release of a hazardous material; or 7. The event was observed in real-time and reported to UP management (such as a train dispatcher or operator observing a signal violation) or was observed as part of Operating Practices testing. Operating Practices testing ( *e.g.* , operating rule efficiency testing, signal compliance testing) generally consists of real-time observations and do not qualify for exemption. Similarly, an employee is not exempt from discipline and/or decertification for a violation that UP or FRA identifies contemporaneously ( *e.g.* , a block circuit is occupied by a train without authority, and the train dispatcher notices it before the train backs off the circuit) before the employee files a close call report. In such situations, UP or FRA may use event recorder information to support discipline and/or decertification and/or enforcement. For example, a UP official, who observes a train operating past a signal that requires a stop, may use any relevant data recorded by the locomotive's event recorder in pursuing disciplinary action against the train crew, regardless of whether a member of the crew files a close call report in a timely manner. UP and other parties signatory to the IMOU dated August 25, 2006, believe the data from these properly reported close call incidents as defined in the IMOU will be invaluable in analysis and development of effective corrective actions. Without the requested waiver of sanctions and exemption from mandatory revocation of the engineer's certificate, the employee(s) involved in the incidents described above will not file a report of the incident. The incident(s) will likely go undetected and there will be no opportunity for analysis, data trending or appropriate corrective actions. All parties signatory to the IMOU and participating in the demonstration pilot project believe that the close calls demonstration project and granting this waiver petition is in the public interest and consistent with improving railroad safety. All parties believe that the improvement in safety experienced in Norway as stated above: “the Norwegian Railway (Sernbaneverket) showed a 40 percent reduction in accidents after 3 years of implementation of a similar program.” These results of improved safety performance have also been observed in other modes of transportation and other industries following the implementation of a close calls reporting system. The Federal Aviation Administration

(FAA)reports numerous safety benefits from their close calls reporting system compared to non-U.S. flight operations (See FAA Web site). Examples of close call reporting system benefits from the U.S. Coast Guard include: “Response costs decline 30-40 percent, resulting in potential USCG savings of $12-$16 million and potential shipping industry savings of $39-$52 million: potential reduction in seamen injuries and claims category savings range between 15-45 percent; potential savings on an industry-wide scale = $100s of millions.” The parties are confident that railroad operations will benefit from this demonstration pilot project, and by full implementation of a close call reporting system, public and railroad safety will be improved. Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires an opportunity for oral comment, they should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for their request. All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the appropriate docket number ( *e.g.* , Waiver Petition Docket Number 2006-25862) and must be submitted to the Docket Clerk, DOT Docket Management Facility, Room PL-401 (Plaza Level), 400 7th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Communications received within 20 days of the date of this notice will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered as far as practicable. All written communications concerning these proceedings are available for examination during regular business hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the above facility. All documents in the public docket are also available for inspection and copying on the Internet at the docket facility's Web site at *http://dms.dot.gov* . Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the **Federal Register** published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78). The Statement may also be found at *http://dms.dot.gov* . Issued in Washington, DC on September 20, 2006. Grady C. Cothen, Jr., Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety Standards and Program Development. [FR Doc. E6-15754 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-06-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [USCG-2004-17696] Freeport McMoRan Energy L.L.C. Main Pass Energy Hub Liquefied Natural Gas Deepwater Port License Application Amendment; Final Public Hearings, Environmental Assessment and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact AGENCY: Maritime Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of availability; notice of public hearings; request for comments. SUMMARY: The Maritime Administration (MARAD) and U.S. Coast Guard announce the availability of the Environmental Assessment

(EA)and Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on the Main Pass Energy Hub

(MPEH)Deepwater Port Amended License Application. We are also announcing the dates and locations of public hearings for input regarding the approval or denial of the license application. The application and the amendment describe a project that would be located in the Gulf of Mexico in Main Pass Lease Block 299 (MP 299), approximately 16 miles southeast of Venice, Louisiana. Draft and final Environmental Impact Statements

(EIS)evaluating the original application were published on June 17, 2005 and March 14, 2006, respectively. The Main Pass Energy Hub Deepwater Port License Application originally proposed the use of “open-loop” open rack vaporization (ORV). In the amended application, the applicant is proposing a “closed-loop” system using submerged combustion vaporization with selective catalytic reduction (SCV/SCR). Though similar, a more generic SCV/SCR system was analyzed in detail in the Final EIS

(FEIS)as an alternative. The amended application provides expanded and refined design information regarding the proposed changes. The EA was prepared to provide analysis of the actual SCV/SCR design now being proposed and to determine if there were any significant impacts resulting from this change in proposed regassification technology in addition to or different from those previously assessed in the FEIS. The original application and environmental analysis contained in the FEIS still apply, including facilities, offshore and onshore pipelines, and salt cavern gas storage. Previous comments on the FEIS and application will continue to be considered in this process and need not be repeated. Based upon the EA, we have determined that the project changes as proposed in this amended application will not have a significant impact on the environment and we are therefore issuing a Draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for public review and comment. DATES: Public hearings will be held in Grand Bay, Alabama on October 3, 2006; Pascagoula, Mississippi on October 4, 2006; and New Orleans, Louisiana, on October 5, 2006. Each public hearing will begin at 6 p.m. and end at 8 p.m., and will be preceded by an informational open house from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The public hearings may end later than the stated time, depending on the number of attendees requesting to speak. Material submitted in response to the request for comments must reach the Docket Management Facility on or before November 6, 2006, which is the end of the 45 day public comment period. Federal and State agencies must submit comments on the application as amended, recommended conditions for licensing, or letters of no objection by November 20, 2006 (45 days after the final public hearings). Also by November 20, 2006 the Governors of the adjacent coastal states of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi may approve, disapprove, or notify MARAD of inconsistencies with State programs relating to environmental protection, land and water use, and coastal zone management, in which case MARAD will condition any license granted to make it consistent with state programs. MARAD will issue a record of decision

(ROD)to approve, approve with conditions, or deny the DWP license application by January 3, 2007 (90 days after the final public hearing). ADDRESSES: The first public hearing and informational open house will be held on October 3, 2006, at the Grand Bay St. Elmo Community Center, 11610 Highway 90 West, Grand Bay, Alabama, phone: 251-865-4010. The second public hearing and informational open house will be held on October 4, 2006, at the La Font Inn, 2703 Denny Avenue, Pascagoula, Mississippi, phone: 228-762-7111. The third public hearing and informational open house will be held on October 5, 2006, at the New Orleans Marriott, 555 Canal Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, phone: 504-581-1000. A copy of the EA, FEIS, license application, license application amendment, comments and associated documentation is available for view at the DOT's docket management Web site: *http://dms.dot.gov* under docket number 17696. Copies of the EA and FEIS are also available for review at the Pascagoula Jackson-George Regional Headquarters Public Library, Pascagoula, MS, 228-769-3227 ; Bayou La Batre City Public Library, AL, 251-824-4213; Mobile Public Main Library, AL, 251-208-7106; New Orleans Public Main Library, LA, 504-529-7989. Address docket submissions for USCG-2004-17696 to: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. The Docket Management Facility accepts hand-delivered submissions and makes docket contents available for public inspection and copying, at this address, in room PL-401, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Facility's telephone is 202-366-9329, its fax is 202-493-2251, and its Web site for electronic submissions or for electronic access to docket contents is *http://dms.dot.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Roddy C. Bachman, U.S. Coast Guard, telephone: 202-372-1451, e-mail: *Roddy.C.Bachman@uscg.mil.* If you have questions on viewing the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone: 202-493-0402. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public Hearings, Open Houses and Request for Comments We invite you to learn about the proposed deepwater port at the informational open houses. We also invite you to comment at the public hearings on the proposed action and the evaluation contained in the FEIS, EA, the license application and amendment. Relevant comments previously submitted on the FEIS and the application will continue to be considered in the license application process and need not be resubmitted. Speaker registration will be available at the door. In order to allow everyone a chance to speak, we may limit speaker time, or extend the hearing hours, or both. You must identify yourself, and any organization you represent, by name. Your remarks will be recorded or transcribed for inclusion in the public docket. You may submit written material at the public hearing, either in place of or in addition to speaking. Written material must include your name and address, and will be included in the public docket. Public docket materials will be made available to the public on the Docket Management Facility's Docket Management System (DMS). See ”Request for Comments” for information about DMS and your rights under the Privacy Act. If you plan to attend either the open house or the public hearing, and need special assistance such as sign language interpretation or other reasonable accommodation, please notify the Coast Guard (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ) at least 3 business days in advance. Include your contact information as well as information about your specific needs. You can submit material to the Docket Management Facility during the public comment period (see DATES ). MARAD and the Coast Guard will consider all comments submitted during the public comment period. Submissions should include: • Docket number USCG-2004-17696. • Your name and address. • Your reasons for making each comment or for bringing information to our attention. Submit comments or material using only one of the following methods: • Electronic submission to DMS, *http://dms.dot.gov.* • Fax, mail, or hand delivery to the Docket Management Facility (see ADDRESSES ). Faxed or hand delivered submissions must be unbound, no larger than 8 1/2 by 11 inches, and suitable for copying and electronic scanning. If you mail your submission and want to know when it reaches the Facility, include a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. Regardless of the method used for submitting comments or material, all submissions will be posted, without change, to the DMS Web site ( *http://dms.dot.gov* ), and will include any personal information you provide. Therefore, submitting this information makes it public. You may wish to read the Privacy Act notice that is available on the DMS Web site, or the Department of Transportation Privacy Act Statement that appeared in the **Federal Register** on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477). You may view docket submissions at the Docket Management Facility (see ADDRESSES ), or electronically on the DMS Web site. Proposed Action We published a notice of application for the proposed Main Pass Energy Hub deepwater port at 69 FR 32363 (June 9, 2004); a notice of intent to prepare an EIS at 69 FR 45337 (July 29, 2004); announced the availability of the draft EIS

(DEIS)at 70 FR 35277 (June 17, 2005); the Final EIS at 71 FR 13213 (March 14, 2006); and the amended application, intent to prepare an EA, and request for comments at 71 FR 45899 (August 10, 2006). The proposed action requiring environmental review is the Federal licensing decision on the proposed deepwater port application as originally submitted and subsequently amended. Alternatives Being Considered The alternatives available for this action are:

(1)License the facility according to the application as amended,

(2)license the facility according to the application as amended with conditions (including conditions designed to mitigate environmental impact), and

(3)deny the application, which for purposes of environmental review is the “no-action” alternative. These alternatives are more fully discussed in the FEIS and EA. Background MARAD and the Coast Guard, as the lead Federal agencies for the license review process under the Deepwater Port Act

(DWPA)and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), completed a Draft EIS that was released on June 17, 2005. A Final EIS was released on March 14, 2006. To seek public involvement and comply with the requirements of the DWPA and NEPA, open houses and public hearings were held in all adjacent coastal states for:

(1)Scoping,

(2)the DEIS, and

(3)the FEIS in Grand Bay, Alabama; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Pascagoula, Mississippi. During this public review process, extensive public and agency comments were submitted that discussed the project and both “open-loop” ORV and “closed-loop” SCV technologies as reasonable alternatives for the regasification technology. For this and other reasons, the Final EIS included detailed discussion and evaluation of both SCV and ORV technologies. On May 5, 2005, Governor Blanco of Louisiana, exercising authority granted under the DWPA, disapproved the Main Pass application based on the use of ORV. In her letter of disapproval she indicated support for closed-loop systems. On May 31, 2006, the Coast Guard and MARAD received an amendment to the original application from the applicant. The applicant in this amended application now proposes to change the project to use SCV in place of ORV. On June 21, 2006, the Administrator of MARAD issued a ROD stating that a license for the project as originally planned would not be issued and no further action would be taken on the application as originally submitted. MARAD and the Coast Guard further determined that they would process the amended application according to the applicable provisions of the DWPA and NEPA. The application amendment contains the actual SCV/SCR design that would be used. Because a more generic SCV/SCR system was fully evaluated as a reasonable alternative in sufficient detail in the EIS to provide an opportunity for in-depth public review, the Coast Guard and MARAD determined, in coordination with other involved Federal agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, that an Environmental Assessment that incorporates by reference and tiers from the FEIS would provide the appropriate level of NEPA review and analysis. After the EA was completed, we determined that a FONSI for the amended application was applicable for the action and that the applicant's change in preferred regassification technology from ORV to SCV/SCR that was previously evaluated in the FEIS would not have a significant effect on the environment in addition to or different from those impacts previously assessed and disclosed in the FEIS. The EA describes the project changes and focuses on the evaluation of the amendment, incorporating by reference and tiering from the FEIS. Our review indicates the SCV/SCR proposal provides a reduction in impacts in several key resource areas. In addition, a number of comments from the public, and from State and Federal agencies discussed and supported closed-loop SCV as a preferred alternative. On August 10, 2006, (71 FR 45899) we provided notice of the availability of the amended application; the intent to prepare an EA; and request for comments. Summary of the Application Amendment In the original application, the applicant proposed open rack vaporization

(ORV)as their preferred alternative. In this application amendment, the applicant is now proposing a “closed-loop” vaporization system known as submerged combustion vaporization with selective catalytic reduction (SCV/SCR). This change would eliminate seawater usage; replace water-cooled generators with low emission, air-cooled gas turbine generators; propose use of sodium hydroxide to neutralize the SCV process water; would move Platform No. 3 from its current position to the Terminal to support vaporization equipment; and make other minor changes to Terminal operations and infrastructure to support SCV/SCR operations. Proposed non-Terminal construction and operations were not changed by the amended application. All other aspects of the original application and environmental analysis contained in the EIS continue to apply, including facilities, pipelines, and salt cavern gas storage. SCV/SCR vaporization was analyzed in detail in the EIS as an alternative technology (EIS Option 1d). In summary, the key differences in this proposed change from the original ORV proposal (EIS Option 2b) include: • Elimination of 134 million gallons per day of seawater intake and discharge. Elimination of seawater intakes and outfall structures. The SCV/SCR system uses no seawater. • Elimination of potential biological impacts from vaporization seawater intake due to impingement or entrainment and reduced discharge temperature plume. • Elimination of the use of sodium hypochlorite chlorination requirements. • Discharge of 345,000 gallons per day (at peak 1.6 bcfd vaporization) process water produced through SCV/SCR operation. Ph would be managed between 6 and 9 through injection of 20% by weight caustic soda solution (sodium hydroxide) into the stream. The neutralization reaction produces sodium carbonate and water. This would also require the addition of a 50,000 gallon storage tank. • Installation of eight SCV/SCR units (EIS Option 1d) as replacements for the six ORV units previously proposed (EIS Option 2b). • Relocation and remodeling the existing MPEH Platform No. 3 to a position north of Bridge 11 between Platforms BS-8 and BS-Y7 to accommodate three of the eight SCV/SCR vaporizers and three gas turbine generators relocated from Platform No. 1. Existing well conductors and jacket main piles would be removed and the jacket installed on the new site. Structural and system modifications to the deck of existing Platform BS-8 and existing Bridge No. 11 would also be required. • Injection of 240 gallons per day of 19.5% (by weight) aqueous ammonia solution into the gas stream of the SCR. This would require installation of a 7200 gallon tank. • Operational air emissions of the SCV/SCR amendment are reduced from the original proposal. Total emissions attributed to construction over 5 years would be approximately 7% higher than the original proposal due to the need to move one platform. • Direct burning of 1-1.5% of natural gas for LNG vaporization—removing this resource from the nation's energy supply. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity The onshore portion of this project shoreward of the mean high water line falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Freeport-McMoRan has received FERC authorization to construct and operate the Coden pipeline conditioned on receiving the license for the DWP from MARAD (FERC Order Issuing Certificate issued May 18, 2006, FERC Docket Nos. CP04-68 and CP04-69). This is the 5.1 mile Bayou La Batre alternative in the FEIS. Department of Army Permits On July 22, 2005, the New Orleans District, Army Corps of Engineers issued a joint public notice advising all interested parties of the proposed activity for which Department of the Army Section 404 and Section 10 permits are being sought, and solicited comments and information necessary to evaluate the probable impact on the public interest. This comment period is now closed. As this amendment falls under the environmental review of the DWPA, and not Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act and does not change the Section 404 and Section 10 reviews, an additional comment period is not required by the Army Corps of Engineers. Dated: September 21, 2006. By order of the Maritime Administrator. Joel C. Richard, Secretary, Maritime Administration. [FR Doc. E6-15756 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-81-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Finance Docket No. 34930] Brandon Railroad LLC—Acquisition Exemption—Brandon Corp. Brandon Railroad, LLC (BRR), a noncarrier, has filed a verified notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1150.31 for the acquisition of approximately 17.3 miles of rail line from the Brandon Corporation (Brandon) in the former Omaha-South Omaha switching district in Omaha, NE. Prior to 1978, the lines were operated by the South Omaha Terminal Railroad Company and have no mileposts associated with them. The lines were expected to be conveyed by Brandon to BRR on or shortly after September 8, 2006. BRR certifies that its projected annual revenues as a result of the transaction will not result in BRR becoming a Class II or Class I rail carrier, and will not exceed $5 million. The exemption became effective on September 8, 2006 (7 days after the exemption was filed). If the notice contains false or misleading information, the exemption is void *ab initio* . Petitions to revoke the exemption under 49 U.S.C. 10502(d) may be filed at any time. The filing of a petition to revoke will not automatically stay the transaction. An original and ten copies of all pleadings, referring to STB Finance Docket No. 34930, must be filed with the Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20423-0001. In addition, one copy of each pleading must be served on Karl Morell, Of Counsel., Ball Janik LLP, 1455 F Street, NW., Suite 225, Washington, DC 20005. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at *www.stb.dot.gov* . Decided: September 19, 2006. By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of Proceedings. Vernon A. Williams, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-15728 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915-01-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board The No FEAR Act Notice AGENCY: Surface Transportation Board. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Surface Transportation Board (Board) gives notice of the “Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination Act of 2002,” the No FEAR Act, to former and current STB employees and to applicants for STB employment. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vernon A. Williams, Secretary to the Board

(202)565-1718. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 15, 2002, Congress enacted the “Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002,” which is now known as the No FEAR Act. One purpose of the Act is to “require that Federal agencies be accountable for violations of antidiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws.” Public Law 107-174, Summary. In support of this purpose, Congress found that “agencies cannot be run effectively if those agencies practice or tolerate discrimination.” Public Law 107-174, Title I, General Provisions, section 101(1). The Act also requires agencies, including the Board to provide this notice to Board employees, former Board employees and applicants for Board employment to inform you of the rights and protections available to you under Federal antidiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws. Antidiscrimination Laws A Federal agency cannot discriminate against an employee or applicant with respect to the terms, conditions or privileges of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status or political affiliation. Discrimination on these bases is prohibited by one or more of the following statutes: 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(1), 29 U.S.C. 206(d), 631, 633a and 791, and 42 U.S.C. 2000e-16. If you believe that you have been the victim of unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability, you must contact an Equal Employment Opportunity

(EEO)counselor within 45 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory action, or, in the case of a personnel action, within 45 calendar days of the effective date of the action, before you can file a formal complaint with your agency (see contact information below). *See, e.g.* 29 CFR 1614. If you believe that you have been the victim of unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, you must either contact an EEO counselor as noted above or give notice of intent to sue to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

(EEOC)within 180 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory action. If you are alleging discrimination based on marital status or political affiliation, you may file a written complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel

(OSC)( *see* contact information below). In the alternative (or in some cases in addition), you may pursue a discrimination complaint by filing a grievance through your agency's administrative or negotiated grievance procedures, if such procedures apply and are available. Whistleblower protection Laws A Federal employee with authority to take, direct others to take, recommend or approve any personnel action must not use that authority to take or fail to take, or threaten to take or fail to take, a personnel action against an employee or applicant because of disclosure of information by that individual that is reasonably believed to evidence violations of law, rule or regulation; gross mismanagement; gross waste of funds; an abuse of authority; or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety, unless disclosure of such information is specifically prohibited by law and such information is specifically required by Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or the conduct of foreign affairs. Retaliation against an employee or applicant for making a protected disclosure is prohibited by 5 U.S.C. 2302(b)(8). If you believe that you have been the victim of whistleblower retaliation, you may file a written complaint (Form OCC-11) with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel at 1730 M Street, NW., Suite 218, Washington, DC 20036-4505 or online through the OSC Web site: *http://www.osc.gov.* Retaliation for Engaging in Protected Activity A Federal agency cannot retaliate against an employee or applicant because that individual exercises his or her rights under any of the Federal antidiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws listed above. If you believe that you are the victim of retaliation for engaging in protected activity you must follow, as appropriate, the procedures described in the Antidiscrimination Laws and Whistleblower Protection Laws or, if applicable, in administrative or negotiated grievance procedures in order to pursue any legal remedy. Disciplinary Actions Under existing laws, each agency retains the right, where appropriate, to discipline a Federal employee for conduct that is inconsistent with Federal Antidiscrimination and Whistleblower Protection Laws up to and including removal. If OCS has initiated an investigation under 5 U.S.C. 1214, however, according to 5 U.S.C. 1214(f), agencies must seek approval from the Special Counsel to discipline employees for, among other activities, engaging in prohibited retaliation. Nothing in the No FEAR Act alters existing laws or permits an agency to take unfounded disciplinary action against a Federal employee or to violate the procedural rights of a Federal employee who has been accused of discrimination. Additional Information For further information regarding the No FEAR Act regulations, refer to 5 CFR part 724, as well as the appropriate offices within the Board ( *e.g.* , EEO or human resources office). Additional information regarding Federal antidiscrimination, whistleblower protection and retaliation laws can be found at the EEOC Web site: *http://www.eeoc.gov* and the OSC Web site: *http://www.osc.gov.* Existing Rights Unchanged Pursuant to section 205 of the No FEAR Act, neither the Act nor this notice creates, expands or reduces any rights otherwise available to any employee, former employee or applicant under the laws of the United States, including the provisions of law specified in 5 U.S.C. 2302(d). Contact Information Employees and former employees of the Surface Transportation Board, and applicants for employment with Board, who wish to consult with an EEO counselor should contact: Lee Kramer Associates, 919 18th Street, NW., 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20006, telephone: 202-667-3137, fax: 202-667-0089, e-mail: *LKramer@radix.net.* Dated: September 21, 2006. Vernon A. Williams, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-15727 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915-01-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Proposed Collection; Comment Request for Form 8082 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 Form 8082, Notice of Inconsistent Treatment or Administrative Adjustment Request (AAR). DATES: Written comments should be received on or before November 27, 2006 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Glenn P. Kirkland, Internal Revenue Service, room 6516, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20224. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the form and instructions 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:* Notice of Inconsistent Treatment or Administrative Adjustment Request (AAR). *OMB Number:* 1545-0790. *Form Number:* 8082. *Abstract:* A partner, S corporation shareholder, or the holder of a residual interest in a real estate mortgage investment conduit (REMIC) generally must report items consistent with the way they were reported by the partnership or S corporation on Schedule K-1 or by the REMIC on Schedule Q. Also, an estate or domestic trust beneficiary, or a foreign trust owner or beneficiary, is subject to the consistency reporting requirements for returns filed after August 5, 1997. Form 8082 is used to notify the IRS of any inconsistency between the tax treatment of items reported by the partner, shareholder, etc., and the way the pass-through entity treated and reported the same item on its tax return. *Current Actions:* There are no changes being made to the form at this time. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Affected Public:* Business or other for-profit organizations, individuals, and farms. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 7,067. *Estimated Time per Respondent:* 7 hr., 13 min. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 51,024. *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: September 12, 2006. Larnice Mack, IRS Reports Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E6-15696 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830-01-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Open Meeting of the Area 3 Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (Including the States of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and the Territory of Puerto Rico) AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: An open meeting of the Area 3 Taxpayer Advocacy Panel 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, October 17, 2006 from 11:30 a.m. e.t. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sallie Chavez at 1-888-912-1227, or 954-423-7979. 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 Area 3 Taxpayer Advocacy Panel will be held Tuesday, October 17, 2006 at 11:30 a.m. e.t. via a telephone conference call. If you would like to have the TAP consider a written statement, please call 1-888-912-1227 or 954-423-7979, or write Sallie Chavez, TAP Office, 1000 South Pine Island Rd., Suite 340, Plantation, FL 33324. Due to limited conference lines, notification of intent to participate in the telephone conference call meeting must be made with Sallie Chavez. Ms. Chavez can be reached at 1-888-912-1227 or 954-423-7979, or post comments to the Web site: *http://www.improveirs.org.* *The agenda will include:* Various IRS issues. Dated: September 15, 2006. Venita H. Gardner, Acting Director, Taxpayer Advocacy Panel. [FR Doc. E6-15697 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830-01-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Open Meeting of the Area 2 Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (Including the States of Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia) AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: An open meeting of the Area 2 Taxpayer Advocacy Panel 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 Wednesday, October 18, 2006, at 2:30 p.m. e.t. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Inez E. De Jesus at 1-888-912-1227, or 954-423-7977. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given pursuant to section 10

(2)of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App.

(1988)that an open meeting of the Area 2 Taxpayer Advocacy Panel will be held Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 2:30 p.m. e.t. via a telephone conference call. If you would like to have the TAP consider a written statement, please call 1-888-912-1227 or 954-423-7977, or write Inez E. De Jesus, TAP Office, 1000 South Pine Island Rd., Suite 340, Plantation, FL 33324. Due to limited conference lines, notification of intent to participate in the telephone conference call meeting must be made with Inez E. De Jesus. Ms. De Jesus can be reached at 1-888-912-1227 or 954-423-7977, or post comments to the Web site: *http://www.improveirs.org.* The agenda will include the following: Various IRS issues. Dated: September 15, 2006. Venita H. Gardner, Acting Director, Taxpayer Advocacy Panel. [FR Doc. E6-15698 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830-01-P 71 186 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 Presidential Documents Title 3— The President Proclamation 8054 of September 20, 2006 Gold Star Mother's Day, 2006 By The President of the United States of America A Proclamation Since America's founding, every generation has produced patriots willing to sacrifice for our great Nation. Many of these proud sons and daughters have given everything for our freedom, and America has mourned the loss of every life. On Gold Star Mother's Day, we pay special tribute to the mothers of those lost while defending our country and extending the blessings of liberty to others. Gold Star Mothers have long borne the hardships of war with dignity and devotion. Through heartbreaking loss and unimaginable grief, they continue to support each other through difficult times, stand up for those wearing the uniform of the United States, and serve their communities in the best traditions of the American spirit. Their strength, compassion, and determination are an inspiration to all and a source of great pride for our Nation. America lives in freedom because of the sacrifices of America's finest citizens and of the mothers who raised them. In the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944, “There is nothing adequate which anyone in any place can say to those who are entitled to display the gold star in their windows.” Each year, this observance is an opportunity to offer our solemn respect to Gold Star Mothers and renew our ongoing pledge that America will always remember those who died while wearing the uniform of the United States and forever honor their families' sacrifice. The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895 as amended), has designated the last Sunday in September as “Gold Star Mother's Day” and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in its observance. On this day, we express our deep gratitude to our Nation's Gold Star Mothers, and we ask God's blessings on them and on their families. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, September 24, 2006, as Gold Star Mother's Day. I call upon all Government officials to display the flag of the United States over Government buildings on this solemn day. I also encourage the American people to display the flag and hold appropriate ceremonies as a public expression of our Nation's sympathy and respect for our Gold Star Mothers. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first. GWBOLD.EPS [FR Doc. 06-8286 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am]

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