Notices. Notice; Medical Review Board (MRB) public meeting

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BILLING CODE 4910-13-M DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration Environmental Impact Statement: Polk County, IA AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT, Polk County. SUMMARY: The FHWA and Iowa DOT are issuing this notice to advise the public an EIS will be prepared for a proposed roadway project in Polk County, Iowa. The planned EIS will evaluate potential transportation improvement alternatives for serving northwest Des Moines and its neighboring communities between IA 415 and Euclid Avenue.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael La Pietra, Environment and Realty Manager, FHWA Iowa Division Office, 105 Sixth Street, Ames, IA 50010, Phone 515-233-7302; or James P. Rost, Director, Office of Location and Environment, Iowa Department of Transportation, 800 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010, Phone 515-239-1798. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access An electronic copy of this document is available for free download from the Federal Bulletin Board (FBB). The FBB is a free electronic bulletin board service of the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.

Government Printing Office (GPO). The FBB may be accessed in four ways:

(1)Via telephone in dial-up mode or via the Internet through

(2)telnet,

(3)FTP, and

(4)the World Wide Web. For dial-up mode a user needs a personal computer, modem, telecommunications software package, and telephone line. A hard disk is recommended for file transfers. For Internet access a user needs Internet connectivity. Users can telnet or FTP to: fedbbs.access.gpo.gov. Users can access the FBB via the World Wide Web at *http://fedbbs.access.gpo.gov.* User assistance for the FBB is available from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except federal holidays) by calling the GPO Office of Electronic Information Dissemination Services at 202-512-1530, toll-free at 888-293-6498; sending an e-mail to *gpoaccess@gpo.gov* ; or sending a fax to 202-512-1262. Access to this notice is also available to Internet users through the **Federal Register** 's home page at *http://www.nara.gov/fedreg.* Background The FHWA, in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Transportation and Polk County will prepare an EIS for the roadway improvements between IA 415/NW 26th Street and Euclid Avenue/M.L. King Parkway in Des Moines. The proposed project would include an interchange with I-35/80 at NW 26th Street and also provide access to Morningstar Drive. The purpose of the NW 26th Street extension is to provide increased system continuity between Des Moines, Ankeny, and Polk City, by providing a continuous route between IA 5 and IA 415 via NW 26th Street, M.L. King Parkway, and Fleur Drive. The proposed corridor improvements would relieve north-south traffic congestion on both Merle Hay Road and 2nd Avenue. The improvement of NW 26th Street would also provide direct access via IA 415 to the Saylorville/Big Creek Recreation Area, Polk City, and Ankeny. Alternatives under consideration include:

(1)Taking no action;

(2)widening existing roadways;

(3)Transportation System Management/Transportation Demand Management (TSM/TDM) strategies; and,

(4)constructing a roadway on a new location. The build alternative will include consideration of various alignments and grades. Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will be sent to appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, and to private organizations and citizens who have previously expressed or are known to have interest in this proposal. A series of public meetings will be held in 2006 and 2007. In addition, a public hearing will be held upon completion of the draft EIS. Public notice will be given of the time and place of the public meetings and public hearing. The draft EIS will be available for public and agency review and comment prior to the public hearing. A scoping meeting (the initial public meeting) will be held identifying significant issues to be addressed in the environmental impact statement. The date and location of the scoping meeting have not yet been determined but will be advertised in various local media. To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed action are addressed and all significant issues are identified, comments and suggestions are invited from all interested parties. Comments or questions concerning this proposed action and the EIS should be directed to the FHWA or Iowa Department of Transportation at the address provided in the caption FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT . (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, Highway Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on Federal programs and activities apply to this program.) (Authority: 23 U.S.C. 315; 49 CFR 1.48) Dated: October 5, 2006. Philip E. Barnes, Division Administrator, FHWA, Iowa Division. [FR Doc. E6-17015 Filed 10-12-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-22-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA-2006-25853] Medical Review Board Meeting AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), United States Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice; Medical Review Board

(MRB)public meeting. SUMMARY: FMCSA announces that its MRB will hold a public meeting. The MRB members will continue deliberations about current FMCSA medical standards, as well as consider recommendations for new science-based standards and guidelines to ensure that the physical condition of drivers is adequate to enable them to safely operate commercial motor vehicles

(CMVs)in interstate commerce. In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the meeting is open to the public. DATES: The MRB meeting will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on November 1, 2006. ADDRESSES: The meeting will take place at the U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Rooms PL-6244 and 6248, Washington, DC 20590-0001. The public must enter through the Southwest Visitor Entrance and comply with building security procedures, including provision of appropriate identification prior to being accompanied by a Federal employee to the meeting rooms. You may submit comments identified by DOT Docket Management System

(DMS)Docket Number FMCSA-2006-25853 using any of the following methods: • Web site: *http://dmses.dot.gov/submit.* 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 20590-0001. • 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. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to *http://www.regulations.gov.* Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. *Instructions:* All submissions must include the Agency name and docket number for this Notice. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to http://dms.dot.gov including any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading for further information. *Docket:* For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to *http://dms.dot.gov* at any time 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. The DMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments on-line. *Privacy Act:* Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our 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, etc.). You may review the U.S. Department of Transportation's complete Privacy Act Statement in the **Federal Register** published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477; Apr. 11, 2000). This information is also available at *http://dms.dot.gov.* 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 meeting, contact Kaye Kirby at 202-366-4001. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The preliminary agenda for the meeting includes: 0900-0920 Call to Order, Agenda Review 0920-1000 Methodology of Meta-Analysis 1000-1200 Evidence Report Consensus Statement Presentation Commercial Driving with Diabetes Mellitus 1200-1245 Lunch Break* 1245-1330 Preliminary Report on Schedule II Medications 1330-1415 Data Sources 1415-1500 Public Comment Period 1500-1530 Agenda Setting-January 10, 2007 Other Business 1530 Adjourn *Breaks will be announced on meeting day and may be adjusted according to schedule changes, other meeting requirements. Background The U.S. Secretary of Transportation announced on March 7, 2006, the five medical experts who will serve on FMCSA's new MRB. 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 with the advice of the MRB to “establish, review, and revise medical standards for operators of CMVs that will ensure that the physical condition of operators is adequate to enable them operate the vehicles safely.” FMCSA is planning updates to the physical qualification regulations of commercial motor vehicle

(CMV)drivers, and the MRB will provide the necessary science-based guidance to establish realistic and responsible medical standards. The MRB will operate in accordance with FACA as announced in the **Federal Register** (70 FR 57642, October 3, 2005). The MRB will be charged initially with the review of all current FMCSA medical standards (49 CFR 391.41), as well as proposing new science-based standards and guidelines to ensure that drivers operating CMVs in interstate commerce, as defined in CFR 390.5, are physically capable of doing so. Meeting Participation Attendance is open to all interested parties, including the general public, medical professionals, motor carriers, drivers and representatives of associations. Written comments for the MRB meeting are now being accepted and will continue to be accepted until November 16, 2006. Written comments should include the docket number that is listed in the ADDRESSES section. During the meeting, public oral comments will be accepted for 45 minutes (2:15 p.m. to 3 p.m.). Individual comments may be limited depending on the number of persons who wish to comment. Oral comments will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis as requestors register at the meeting. The comments must directly address relevant medical and scientific issues on the MRB meeting agenda. For more information, please view the following Web site: *http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mrb.* Issued on: October 6, 2006. John H. Hill, Administrator. [FR Doc. E6-17031 Filed 10-12-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA-2006-24278] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Requests; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of applications for exemptions, request for comments. SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from four individuals for exemptions from the prohibition against persons with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy (or any other condition which is likely to cause a loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)), operating trucks and buses in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals with seizure disorders to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. All records associated with these requests are available in the public docket. DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 13, 2006. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Department of Transportation

(DOT)Docket Management System

(DMS)Docket Number FMCSA-2006-24278 using any of the following methods: • *Web site: http://dmses.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 20590-0001. • *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. • *Federal eRulemaking Portal:* Go to *http://www.regulations.gov.* Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. *Instructions:* All submissions must include the Agency name and docket number for this notice. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to *http://dms.dot.gov* , including any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below. *Docket:* For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to *http://dms.dot.gov* at any time 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. The DMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments on-line. *Privacy Act:* Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our 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, etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the **Federal Register** published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477; Apr. 11, 2000). This information is also available at *http://dms.dot.gov.* 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., Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136(e), FMCSA may grant an exemption for a 2-year period if it finds “such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.” The statute also allows the agency to renew exemptions at the end of the 2-year period. The individuals listed in this notice have recently requested an exemption from the epilepsy prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), which applies to drivers of CMVs in interstate commerce. Section 391.41(b)(8) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle if that person has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause the loss of consciousness, or any loss of ability to control a commercial motor vehicle. FMCSA provides medical advisory criteria for use by medical examiners in determining whether drivers with certain medical conditions should be certified to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. Currently, FMCSA's medical advisory criteria includes a recommendation that individuals diagnosed with epilepsy and taking anticonvulsant medication to reduce the likelihood of seizures are at high risk for further episodes and should not be considered for medical certification. Drivers diagnosed with epilepsy and taking anticonvulsant medication which helps them control their seizures may be at low risk, however, these individuals are exposed to conditions which place them at increased risk for loss of consciousness and therefore increased risk for seizure occurrence, and the acquisition of replacement anti-seizure medication if drugs are lost or forgotten, place such individuals at some increase in risk. These individuals should not be authorized to drive commercial vehicles. Drivers diagnosed with epilepsy, seizure free and off medication for 10 years may be medically certified to operate CMVs. FMCSA further notes that individuals who experience a single unprovoked seizure, but do not have epilepsy, per se, are clearly at a higher risk than the general population to have further seizures. Individuals with a single unprovoked seizure, seizure-free for a 5-year period and off medications, should not be restricted from obtaining a license to operate a CMV. The history of the occurrence of febrile seizures in childhood should not be a restriction to licensing to operate a CMV. Seizures, in the context of a systemic metabolic dysfunction, should not be a primary reason for restriction from medical certification to operate a CMV. Any restriction should be based upon the risk of recurrence of the primary condition. There are several conditions in which the risk for unprovoked seizures is sufficiently high, even in the absence of the occurrence of acute seizures, that medical certification should be restricted for variable periods following these incidents (head injury, surgical procedures involving dural penetration, cerebrovascular disease and infections of the nervous system). Summary of Applications Anthony P. Besch Mr. Besch has a history of epilepsy since childhood, and he currently uses anti-seizure medications to prevent seizures. Mr. Besch does not currently operate a CMV on public roads. Mr. Besch has stated in his application that “there would be no negative impacts on safety as I am seizure free, have excellent vision, and reflexes.” Mr. Besch's physician further states that, “he does have a history of seizures only in sleep and none during the day; therefore, Tony is legally able to drive due to his seizures being in good control.” Mr. Besch holds a Class A CDL from Illinois. Charles D. Gant Mr. Gant is a hazardous material

(HM)CMV driver who experienced slurred speech, drooling and numbness in his left upper extremity for approximately 15 minutes on August 20, 1999. On August 23, 1999, he was examined at a hospital emergency room, and subsequently referred to a neurologist who diagnosed him as having a stroke (cerebrovascular accident). He was prescribed Coumadin which he stopped taking against medical advice of the prescribing physician. On October 1, 2002, his physician reported that Mr. Gant had a left temporal headache with a reduction in left visual field, but no abnormal sensation, numbness, weakness or loss of speech. On June 27, 2004, “he awakened with involuntary movements of his left upper extremity followed by spastic movements of his left lower extremity lasting for about 20 minutes.” His family physician stated that this represented his third minor cerebral vascular accident

(CVA)or “quite probably a seizure”. The physician performed Magnetic Resonance Imaging

(MRI)on June 30, 2004 which revealed a subacute CVA in the right frontoparietal junction. Mr. Gant was examined by his physician on February 25, 2005 who diagnosed him as follows: controlled hypertension; history of at least three

(3)previous CVAs. He was prescribed Coumadin, Dilantin (an anti-seizure medication) and Diovan/Hydrochlorothiazide to prevent seizures. John W. Morris, Jr. Mr. Morris is a CMV driver who lost consciousness while driving on March 20, 2004, and was then hospitalized for three days. Mr. Morris was examined by a neurologist while he was hospitalized. The neurologist determined that he had experienced a seizure. Mr. Morris was placed on Carbatrol (an anti-seizure medication) and subsequently, in August 2004, a medical examiner refused to certify him as meeting FMCSA's requirements. On September 23, 2004, Mr. Morris consulted another neurologist and his test results (Electroencephalography and MRI) were normal, and he was told to gradually discontinue the Carbatrol. Mr. Morris states he has had no additional seizures after March 20, 2004, and has not taken Carbatrol since November 1, 2004. Mr. Morris states that two neurologists have concluded that his seizures were likely induced by alcohol. He states that his medical test results are normal and he has been seizure free for one year and three months. Wayne C. Sorenson Mr. Sorenson is a CMV driver who completed a commercial driving course to ensure safe operation of a semi tractor-trailer and was awarded a certificate in May 2004. He states that he had seizures 11 years ago while sleeping which was the result of an adverse reaction to medication. He has remained on Tegretol (an anti-seizure medication) for the last 11 years, and has maintained therapeutic levels of the medication and, subsequently, reports that he has had no seizures. Mr. Sorenson states that he has no other diagnosed conditions, physical or psychological impairment, no history of strength, sensory or coordination impairment that would interfere with safe driving. Mr. Sorenson indicated that a medical examiner refused to certify him as meeting FMCSA's physical qualifications requirements because of the seizures he experienced in 1994 and because he continues to take anti-seizure medication. These four drivers were not granted medical certification based on 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) which states: “A person has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a commercial vehicle.” Request for Comments In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136(e), FMCSA requests public comment from all interested persons on the exemption applications described in this Notice. We will consider all comments received before the close of business on the closing date indicated earlier in the Notice. Issued on: October 3, 2006. John H. Hill, Administrator. [FR Doc. E6-17032 Filed 10-12-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Finance Docket No. 34911] Montana Rail Link, Inc.—Trackage Rights Exemption—BNSF Railway Company BNSF Railway Company

(BNSF)has agreed to grant overhead trackage rights 1 to Montana Rail Link, Inc.

(MRL)over BNSF's rail lines extending from approximately milepost 51.07 at or near Garrison, MT, to approximately milepost 21.5, a location south of Warm Springs, MT, a distance of approximately 29.57 miles. 1 On September 25, 2006, MRL filed a petition for exemption in STB Finance Docket No. 34911 (Sub-No. 1), *Montana Rail Link, Inc.—Trackage Rights Exemption—BNSF Railway Company* , wherein MRL and BNSF request that the Board permit the proposed overhead trackage rights arrangement described in the present proceeding to expire on or about December 31, 2010. That petition will be addressed by the Board in a separate decision. The transaction was scheduled to be consummated on or before October 2, 2006. The purpose of the trackage rights is to allow for the movement of sediment from the Clark Fork River between Garrison and Missoula, MT (Milltown Dam Area), near Bonner, MT, to Opportunity Ponds, MT. As a condition to this exemption, any employees affected by the trackage rights will be protected by the conditions imposed in *Norfolk and Western Ry. Co.—Trackage Rights—BN* , 354 I.C.C. 605 (1978), as modified in *Mendocino Coast Ry., Inc.—Lease and Operate* , 360 I.C.C. 653 (1980). This notice is filed under 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(7). 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 10 copies of all pleadings, referring to STB Finance Docket No. 34911, must be filed with the Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20423-0001. In addition, a copy of each pleading must be served on Troy Garris, 1300 19th Street, NW., Fifth Floor, Washington, DC 20036. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at *http://www.stb.dot.gov* . Decided: October 5, 2006. By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of Proceedings. Vernon A. Williams, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-16949 Filed 10-12-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915-01-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Finance Docket No. 34919] Montana Rail Link, Inc.—Trackage Rights Exemption—BNSF Railway Company BNSF Railway Company

(BNSF)has agreed to grant overhead trackage rights to Montana Rail Link, Inc.

(MRL)over two rail segments:

(1)From approximately milepost 68.17 to approximately milepost 69.0, a distance of approximately 0.83 miles at or near Spokane, WA; and

(2)from approximately milepost 0.74 to approximately milepost 1.0, a distance of approximately 0.26 miles at or near Mossmain, MT. Both segments connect to track over which applicant already operates. The transaction was scheduled to be consummated on or after October 2, 2006, the effective date of the exemption. The purpose of the trackage rights is to provide additional operating room to promote better efficiency and service, solely for access to one customer (and any subsequent successor entities to that one customer) relocating from a point on applicant's line to a point on one of the trackage rights segments. As condition to this exemption, any employees affected by the trackage rights will be protected by the conditions imposed in *Norfolk and Western Ry. Co.—Trackage Rights—BN* , 354 I.C.C. 605 (1978), as modified in *Mendocino Coast Ry. Inc.—Lease and Operate* , 360 I.C.C. 653 (1980). This notice is filed under 49 CFR 1180.2(d)(7). If it 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 10 copies of all pleadings, referring to STB Finance Docket No. 34919, must be filed with the Surface Transportation Board, 1925 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20423-0001. In addition, a copy of each pleading must be served on: Troy W. Garris, 1300 19th Street, NW., 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20036. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at *“http://www.stb.dot.gov.* ” Decided: October 5, 2006. By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of Proceedings. Vernon A. Williams, Secretary. [FR Doc. E6-16989 Filed 10-12-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915-01-P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Advisory Committee on Women Veterans; Notice of Meeting The Department of Veterans Affairs

(VA)gives notice under Public Law 92-463 (Federal Advisory Committee act) that the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans will meet October 31-November 2, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The meeting will be held in the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Conference Center, room 230, VA Central Office, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the Committee is to advise the Secretary of Veterans Affairs regarding the needs of women veterans with respect to health care, rehabilitation, compensation, outreach, and other programs and activities administered by VA designed to meet such needs. The Committee will make recommendations to the Secretary regarding such programs and activities. On October 31, the agenda will include briefings and updates presented by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), highlighting VA research and studies related to women's health issues, a briefing from VHA's Women Veterans Health Program Director, legislative issues related to veterans, presentation of Certificates of Appointment to six new Committee members, and upcoming initiatives of the Center for Women Veterans. On November 1, the agenda will include briefings and updates presented on VA's polytrauma program, VHA's Office of Seamless Transition, VA's HealthierUS Veterans Initiative, VA Homeless Programs and Initiatives, and an ethics briefing for Committee members. On November 2, the committee will be briefed and updated on issues in the Veterans Benefits Administration, from the VA Chief of Staff, on VA mental health programs, and from the 2005 Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Service (DACOWITS) Report. Any member of the public wishing to attend should contact Ms. Desiree Long, at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Women Veterans (00W), 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420. Ms. Long may be contacted either by phone at

(202)273-6193, fax at

(202)273-7092, or e-mail at *00W@mail.va.gov.* Interested persons may attend, appear before, or file statements with the Committee. Written statements must be filed before the meeting, or within 10 days after the meeting. Dated: October 5, 2006. By Direction of the Secretary. E. Philip Riggin, Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. 06-8647 Filed 10-12-06; 8:45 am]

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