Notices. Notice

8,109 words·~37 min read·/register/2006/11/01/06-8983

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

BILLING CODE 4191-02-M DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 5601] Notice of Effective Date for Implementation of Five-Year Professor and Research Scholar Exchange Program AGENCY: Department of State. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: By final rule adopted May 19, 2005, 70 FR 28815, the Department of State amended its regulations and extended the permitted program duration from three to five years for professor and researcher participants in the Exchange Visitor Program. This rule also established clear eligibility requirements for repeat participation as a professor or researcher in the Exchange Visitor Program following a two-year bar.

Implementation of these changes was delayed until the Department of Homeland Security could complete modifications to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) necessary to permit these changes to be reflected in SEVIS. By SEVIS broadcast on October 6th, 2006, The Department of Homeland Security announced its ability to facilitate these changes effective November 4, 2006. Accordingly, as of November 4, 2006, current and future professor and researcher program participants will be eligible for five years of program participation as provided for in the final rule.

These participants will also be subject to the eligibility requirements for repeat participation set forth in the final rule. Requirements governing initial eligibility for participation as a professor or researcher are unchanged. The final rule published May 19, 2005 also established a new “G-7” administrative classification for certain program sponsors. The Department will contact directly those sponsors eligible for the classification. No action, inquiry, or request regarding this classification is necessary on the part of existing sponsors.

This certification will be published in the **Federal Register** . Dated: October 25, 2006. Stanley S. Colvin, Director, Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation, Department of State. [FR Doc. E6-18409 Filed 10-31-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710-05-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [Summary Notice No. PE-2006-38] 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 November 21, 2006. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments (identified by DOT DMS Docket Number FAA-2006-25888 or FAA-2006-26060) 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 Frances Shaver

(202)267-9681, 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 October 25, 2006. Eve Taylor Adams, Acting Director, Office of Rulemaking. Petitions for Exemption *Docket No.:* FAA-2006-25888. *Petitioner:* United Airlines. *Section of 14 CFR Affected:* 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix A. *Description of Relief Sought:* The exemption, if granted, would allow United to classify repairs and alterations using decision diagrams based on 14 CFR 1.1 rather than 14 CFR part 43 Appendix A. *Docket No.:* FAA-2006-25888. *Petitioner:* American Airlines, Inc. *Section of 14 CFR Affected:* 14 CFR Part 43 Appendix A. *Description of Relief Sought:* The exemption, if granted, would allow American Airlines to determine the major or minor classification of a repair or alteration using methodology based on the definitions for major repair and major alteration given in part 43 Appendix A. [FR Doc. E6-18394 Filed 10-31-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on Proposed Highways in Washington AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of Limitation on Claims for Judicial Review of Actions by FHWA and Other Federal Agencies. SUMMARY: This notice announces actions taken by the FHWA and other Federal agencies that are final within the meaning of 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1)-(2). The actions relate to various proposed transit and road improvement projects within the Interstate 405 (I-405) Corridor in the State of Washington. Those actions grant licenses, permits, and approvals for the projects. DATES: By this notice, the FHWA is advising the public of final agency actions subject to 23 U.S.C. 139(l)(1)-(2). A claim seeking judicial review of the Federal agency actions on any of the listed highway projects will be barred unless the claim is filed on or before April 30, 2007. If the Federal law that authorizes judicial review of a claim provides a time period of less than 180 days for filing such claim, then that shorter time period still applies. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen Boch, Major Project Oversight Manager, Federal Highway Administration, Jackson Federal Building, 915 2nd Avenue, Room 3142, Seattle, Washington, 98174; telephone:

(206)220-7536; and e-mail: *Steve.Boch@fhwa.dot.gov.* The FHWA Washington Division's Oversight Manager's regular office hours are between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Pacific Time). You may also contact Allison Ray, I-405 Environmental Manager, Washington State Department of Transportation, 600-108th Avenue NE., Suite 405, Bellevue, Washington, 98004; telephone:

(425)456-8500; and e-mail: *rayalli@wsdot.wa.gov.* The I-405 Corridor Program's regular office hours are between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Pacific Time). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that the FHWA and other Federal agencies have taken final agency actions by issuing licenses, permits, and approvals for the I-405 Corridor from the interchange with Interstate 5 in Tukwila to the interchange with Interstate 5 in Lynnwood and related I-405 Corridor Program projects in King and Snohomish Counties, Washington. Corridor improvements, phased over the next 20 to 30 years based on the availability of funding, include adding up to two new lanes in each direction to I-405, a corridor-wide bus rapid transit system and increased local transit. Corridor improvements also include improving the SR 167/I-405 interchange and some key arterials, expanding transit centers, adding approximately 5,000 park-and-ride spaces, and providing improved and new pedestrian / bicycle connections. The actions by the Federal agencies on this project, and the laws under which such actions were taken, are described in the corridor-level final environmental impact statement (FEIS), Record of Decision (ROD), in project-level environmental assessments

(EA)and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), and a documented categorical exclusion (CE), and in other documents in the FHWA administrative record for the project. The FEIS, EAs, CE, and other documents from the FHWA administrative record files for the listed projects are available by contacting the FHWA or the Washington State Department of Transportation at the addresses provided above. This notice applies to all Federal agency decisions on the listed projects as of the issuance date of this notice and all laws under which such actions were taken, including but not limited to: 1. *General:* National Environmental Policy Act [42 U.S.C. 4321-4351]; Federal-Aid Highway Act [23 U.S.C. 109]. 2. *Air:* Clean Air Act, as amended [42 U.S.C. 7401-7671(q)]. 3. *Land:* Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 [49 U.S.C. 303]; Landscaping and Scenic Enhancement (Wildflowers) [23 U.S.C. 319]. 4. *Wildlife:* Endangered Species Act [16 U.S.C. 1531-1544]; Anadromous Fish Conservation Act [16 U.S.C. 757(a)-757(g)]; Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act [16 U.S.C. 661-667(d)]; Magnuson-Stevenson Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976, as amended [16 U.S.C. 1801 *et seq.* ]. 5. *Historic and Cultural Resources:* Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended [16 U.S.C. 470(f) *et seq.* ]; Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1977 [16 U.S.C. 470(aa)-11]; Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act [16 U.S.C. 469-469(c)]; Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act [25 U.S.C. 3001-3013]. 6. *Social and Economic:* Civil Rights Act of 1964 [42 U.S.C. 2000(d)-2000(d)(1)]; American Indian Religious Freedom Act [42 U.S.C. 1996]; Farmland Protection Policy Act [7 U.S.C. 4201-4209]; the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended [42 U.S.C. 61]. 7. *Wetlands and Water Resources:* Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251-1377 (Section 404, Section 401, Section 319); Coastal Zone Management Act [16 U.S.C. 1451-1465]; Land and Water Conservation Fund [16 U.S.C. 4601-4604]; Safe Drinking Water Act [42 U.S.C. 300(f)-300(j)(6)]; Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 [33 U.S.C. 401-406]; TEA-21 Wetlands Mitigation [23 U.S.C. 103(b)(6)(m), 133(b)(11)]; Flood Disaster Protection Act [42 U.S.C. 4001-4128]. 8. *Hazardous Materials:* Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act [42 U.S.C. 9601-9675]; Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 [PL 99-499]; Resource Conservation and Recovery Act [42 U.S.C. 6901-6992(k)]. 9. *Executive Orders:* E.O. 11990 Protection of Wetlands; E.O. 11988 Floodplain Management; E.O. 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low Income Populations; E.O. 11593 Protection and Enhancement of Cultural Resources; E.O. 13007 Indian Sacred Sites; E.O. 13287 Preserve America; E.O. 13175 Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments; E.O. 11514 Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality; E.O. 13112 Invasive Species. The projects subject to this notice are: 1. *Project Location:* Tukwila, Renton, Newcastle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Bothell, and Lynnwood; King and Snohomish Counties; I-405. Project Reference Number: STP 4053(840). Project type: The “I-405 Corridor Program” consists of multi-modal improvements along the approximate 30-mile corridor of I-405. NEPA document: Corridor-level FEIS, June 2002; Record of Decision (ROD), October 9, 2002. 2. *Project Location:* Bellevue, Kirkland and Bothell; King County; I-405. Project Reference Number: Since federal funding is not currently available for this project, an FHWA project number has not been established. Project type: The “I-405 SR 520 to SR 522—Kirkland Nickel Project” is located along a 7.6-mile section of I-405 between SR 520 and SR 522. It consists of a new northbound general-purpose lane on I-405 from the NE 70th Street interchange to the NE 124th Street interchange, a new southbound general-purpose lane from just south of the SR 522 interchange to just north of the SR 520 interchange, and reconfiguration of the interchange at NE 116th Street to improve traffic operations. NEPA document: EA, February 2005; Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), signed April 14, 2005. 3. *Project Location:* Bellevue, King County, I-405. Project Reference Number: Since federal funding is not currently available for this project, an FHWA project number has not been established. Project type: The “I-405 Bellevue Nickel Improvement Project—I-90 to Southeast 8th Street” extends along a 2-mile section of I-405 between I-90 and SE 8th Street. It consists of one new general-purpose lane in each direction along I-405 and extends the existing outside southbound HOV lane north from I-90 near the Wilburton tunnel to SE 8th Street. NEPA document: EA, January 2006; Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), signed August 11, 2006. 4. *Project Location:* Bellevue, King County, I-405. Project Reference Number: Since federal funding is not currently available for this project, an FHWA project number has not been established. Project type: The “I-405, 112th Ave SE to I-90 Widening Project” extends along a 2-mile section of I-405 starting at the I-405 and 112th Ave SE interchange and extending to just north of the I-90 and I-405 interchange. It consists of one new northbound auxiliary lane, a new three-lane southbound structure over I-90 and converting the existing southbound structure to a northbound HOV lane. NEPA document: DCE, signed June 9, 2006. (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. 139(l)(1)-(2). Issued on: October 26, 2006. Stephen P. Boch, Major Project Oversight Manager, Seattle, Washington. [FR Doc. E6-18369 Filed 10-31-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-RY-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement for the Dumbarton Rail Corridor Project in the Southern Portion of the San Francisco Bay Area, CA AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of Intent

(NOI)to prepare Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). SUMMARY: The Federal Transit Administration and the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board (PCJPB) are planning to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report for the Dumbarton Rail Corridor

(DRC)Project, an approximately 21-mile commuter rail extension on existing rail alignment to provide commuter rail service between the Peninsula and the East Bay across the southern part of the San Francisco Bay. The EIS will be prepared in accordance with regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA)as well as provisions of the recently enacted Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users. The purpose of this Notice of Intent is to alert interested parties regarding the plan to prepare the EIS, to provide information on the proposed transit project, to invite participation in the EIS process, including comments on the scope of the EIS proposed in this notice, and to announce that public scoping meetings will be conducted. DATES: Written comments on the scope of the EIS should be sent to Marie Pang, PCJPB Environmental Manager, by November 30, 2006. Public scoping meetings will be held on November 15, 2006 and November 16, 2006 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at locations indicated under ADDRESSES below. An interagency scoping meeting for agencies with an interest in the proposed project will be held on November 16, 2006 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the West Bay location listed below. ADDRESSES: Written comments on the scope of the EIS should be sent to Marie Pang, Environmental Manager, Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board, P.O. Box 3006, San Carlos, CA 94070-1306. Comments may also be offered at the public scoping meetings. The addresses for the public scoping meetings are as follows: *East Bay Location:* Wednesday, November 15, 2006, Newark Community Center, 35501 Cedar Blvd, Newark, CA 94560. *West Bay Location:* Thursday, November 16, 2006, City of Menlo Park Senior Center, 110 Terminal Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025. The meeting facilities will be accessible to persons with disabilities. If special translation or signing services or other special accommodations are needed, please contact Beth Altshuler at 510-845-7549, ext. 165 at least 48 hours before the scoping meeting. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jerome Wiggins, Transportation Program Specialist, of the Federal Transit Administration's San Francisco Regional Office at

(415)744-3115. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *The Proposed Project:* The Dumbarton Rail Corridor Project proposes to provide east-west commuter rail service across the southern section of the S.F. Bay. This would be accomplished by primarily rehabilitating and reconstructing rail facilities on existing alignment and right-of-way. The alignment consists of two parts. The first part is an existing 11-mile rail corridor extending east along the former Southern Pacific Centerville line from Redwood Junction in San Mateo County across the Dumbarton and Newark Slough Railroad Bridges to the Newark Junction in Alameda County. It is owned by the San Mateo County Transit District (Samtrans). The second part is an existing 10-mile rail corridor owned by the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), extending from Newark Junction east along the Niles subdivision through Union City to the UPRR Oakland subdivision rail corridor at Industrial Parkway. The project also includes the construction of a train layover yard on the east side and three new stations: Willow Road Station (Menlo Park/East Palo Alto), Newark Station, and the Union City Intermodal Station. Service will consist of six daily trains originating from Union City in the morning peak period and traveling westward across the Dumbarton Rail Corridor, The trains converge with the existing Caltrain line in the West Bay. From the Caltrain line, three of the trains will travel north to San Francisco while the other three trains will travel south to San Jose. During the afternoon peak period, all trains will travel eastbound back to Union City. The three new stations plus the Centerville Station in Fremont would be directly served by DRC trains. The Capitol Corridor trains would also be served by the Union City Intermodal, Newark and Centerville stations. The ACE trains would be served by the Newark and Centerville stations. *Purpose and Need for the Proposed Project:* In March 2004, the voters of the Bay Area counties passed the Regional Traffic Relief Plan, also known as Regional Measure 2

(RM2)to fund a variety of transportation improvements to help relieve traffic congestion and enhance the convenience and reliability of the region's public transit system by raising bridge tolls. RM2 includes funding for the proposed DRC Project. This project is included in the 2007 Transportation Improvement Program

(TIP)adopted by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission

(MTC)on October 2, 2006. A connection is needed to address transportation issues and deficiencies related to highway congestion, transit, population and employment, and air quality in the corridor. The purpose of the proposed Dumbarton Rail Corridor Project is to use existing rail infrastructure to provide an east-west rail connection in the southern portion of the San Francisco Bay, connecting the communities of the East Bay and the West Bay. *Alternatives:* In addition to the No Action Alternative, two rail alternatives and one bus alternative are proposed to be evaluated in the EIS. An Alternatives Analysis was conducted to identify the most feasible rail and bus alternatives to be carried forward into detailed environmental studies. The Alternatives Analysis study process was directed and guided by a Technical Advisory Committee

(TAC)and a Policy Advisory Committee (PAC). These committees consisted of representatives from state, regional and county transportation/transit agencies, as well as the affected cities on both sides of the Bay. The Alternatives Analysis report was approved by the Policy Advisory Committee on June 20, 2006. The final report is available on the official Dumbarton Rail Corridor Project Web site at *www.caltrain.com/dumbartonrail.* The alternatives under consideration are:

(1)No Action—The Dumbarton Express bus service will continue to be the only commuter transit between the East Bay and the Peninsula that crosses the southern portion of the Bay.

(2)Alternative A—DRC trackage, connecting to the existing Caltrain Corridor on the Peninsula at Redwood Junction, will cross the San Francisco Bay via the Dumbarton Railroad Bridge, run through Newark and connect to existing tracks that run north to Union City. The track improvements will include the Shinn Connection and the Industrial Parkway Connection, which will connect the DRC with ACE and Capitol Corridor trains in Fremont and Union City in the East Bay. A train storage and layover yard will be constructed. Two locations are under consideration. Three new stations will be constructed at Union City, Newark and Menlo Park. The Centerville Station in Fremont would be upgraded. Reconstruction of the marine bridges crossing the San Francisco Bay includes replacement of the Dumbarton and the Newark Slough moveable bridges and the modification of the Henderson Underpass. New railroad signals and a Centralized Traffic Control system will be provided to control movements onto and through the Dumbarton Rail Corridor.

(3)Alternative B—The same as Alternative A, with the addition of the Niles Junction Connection. The freight traffic through the Fremont Centerville station will be decreased by re-routing freight trains between the Oakland Subdivision and the Niles Subdivision over the new Niles Junction Connection.

(4)Bus Alternative—This alternative proposes a new bus route that originates in Union City, crosses the Dumbarton Highway Bridge (Route 84), and travels to Redwood Shores. This alternative could serve as the initial start-up phase of an expanded bus service across the Dumbarton Highway Bridge. The expanded service would extend northward to Foster City, Millbrae, Oyster Point and Brisbane on the Peninsula. *The EIS Process and the Role of Participating Agencies and the Public:* The purpose of the EIS process is to explore in a public setting potentially significant effects of implementing the proposed action and alternatives on the physical, human, and natural environment. Areas of investigation include, but are not limited to, land use, environmental justice, historic resources, visual and aesthetic qualities, air quality, noise and vibration, energy use, traffic, safety and security, wetlands, threatened and endangered species, and hazardous materials. Regulations implementing NEPA, as well as provisions of the recently enacted Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), call for public involvement in the EIS process. Section 6002 of SAFETEA-LU requires that FTA and PCJPB do the following:

(1)Extend an invitation to other Federal and non-Federal agencies and Indian tribes that may have an interest in the proposed project to become “participating agencies”,

(2)provide an opportunity for involvement by participating agencies and the public in helping to define the purpose and need for a proposed project, as well as the range of alternatives for consideration in the impact statement, and

(3)establish a plan for coordinating public and agency participation in and comment on the environmental review process. An invitation to become a participating agency, with the scoping information packet appended, will be extended to other Federal and non-Federal agencies and Indian tribes that may have an interest in the proposed project. It is possible that we may not be able to identify all Federal and non-Federal agencies and Indian tribes that may have such an interest. Any Federal or non-Federal agency or Indian tribe interested in the proposed project that does not receive an invitation to become a participating agency should notify, at the earliest opportunity, the Environmental Manager identified above under ADDRESSES . A comprehensive public involvement program has been developed. A Policy Advisory Committee

(PAC)consisting of local and county officials and a Project Development Team consisting of representatives of state, regional and local agencies are already in place. A Community Advisory Committee will be established. The program also includes a public scoping process, public hearings on release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), development of project newsletters and their distribution and posting on the project Web site. We invite the public and participating agencies to consider the preliminary statement of purposes of and need for the proposed project, as well as the alternatives proposed for consideration. Comments on potential significant environmental impacts that may be associated with the proposed project are also welcomed. All comments and suggestions will be given serious consideration. In accordance with 23 CFR 771.105(a) and 771.133, FTA will comply with all Federal environmental laws, regulations and executive orders applicable to the proposed project during the environmental review process to the maximum extent practicable. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality implementing NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508 and 23 CFR part 771), the project-level air quality conformity regulation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA)(40 CFR part 93), section 404(b)(1) guidelines of EPA (40 CFR part 230), Executive Orders 11988, 11990 and 12898 regarding floodplains, wetlands, and environmental justice, respectively, Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (36 CFR Part 800), Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (50 CFR part 402), and section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act (23 CFR 771.135). Issued on: October 26, 2006. Leslie T. Rogers, Regional Administrator, FTA, Region 9. [FR Doc. E6-18393 Filed 10-31-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-57-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Request for Applications for the IRS Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and Government Entities AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Internal Revenue Service

(IRS)is requesting applications for membership to serve on the Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and Government Entities (ACT). Applications will be accepted for several vacancies which will occur in June 2007: At least two

(2)employee plans; at least two

(2)exempt organizations; at least one

(1)Indian tribal governments; and at least one

(1)tax exempt bonds. (There are currently no vacancies for federal, state and local governments.) To ensure appropriate balance of membership, final selection from qualified candidates will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other expertise. DATES: Written applications or nominations must be received on or before December 1, 2006. *Application:* Applicants may use the ACT Application Form on the IRS Web site ( *http://www.irs.gov/ep; http://www.irs.gov.eo; http://www.irs.gov/bonds;* or *http://www.irs.gov/govt* s) or may send an application by letter with the following information: Name; Other Name(s) Used and Date(s) (required for FBI check); Date of Birth (required for FBI check); City and State of Birth (required for FBI check); Current Address; Telephone and Fax Numbers; and E-mail address, if any. Applications should also describe and document the proposed member's qualifications for membership on the ACT. Applicants should also specify the vacancy for which they wish to be considered. ADDRESSES: Send all applications and nominations to: Steven Pyrek; Director, TE/GE Communications and Liaison; 1111 Constitution Ave., NW.—SE:T:CL, Penn Bldg; Washington, DC 20224; Fax:

(202)283-9956 (not a toll-free number); E-mail: *steve.j.pyrek@irs.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Pyrek

(202)283-9966 (not a toll-free number), or by e-mail. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and Government Entities (ACT), governed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law No. 92-463, is an organized public forum for discussion of relevant employee plans, exempt organizations, tax-exempt bonds, and Federal, State, local and Indian tribal government issues between officials of the IRS and representatives of the above communities. The ACT also enables the IRS to receive regular input with respect to the development and implementation of IRS policy concerning these communities. ACT members present the interested public's observations about current or proposed IRS policies, programs, and procedures, as well as suggest improvements. ACT members shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury and shall serve a two-year term. Terms can be extended for an additional year. ACT members will not be paid for their time or services. ACT members will be reimbursed for their travel-related expenses to attend working sessions and public meetings, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 5703. The Secretary of the Treasury invites those individuals, organizations, and groups affiliated with employee plans, exempt organizations, tax-exempt bonds, and federal, state, local or Indian tribal governments, to nominate individuals for membership on the ACT. Nominations should describe and document the proposed member's qualifications for membership on the ACT. Nominations should also specify the vacancy for which they wish to be considered. The Secretary seeks a diverse group of members representing a broad spectrum of persons experienced in employee plans, exempt organizations, tax-exempt bonds, and Federal, State, local or Indian tribal governments. Nominees must go through a clearance process before selection. In accordance with Department of the Treasury Directive 21-03, the clearance process includes, among other things, pre-appointment and annual tax checks, and a Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal and subversive name check and security clearance. Dated: October 26, 2006. Steven J. Pyrek, Designated Federal Official, Tax Exempt and Government Entities Division, Internal Revenue Service. [FR Doc. E6-18329 Filed 10-31-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830-01-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Open Meeting of the Area 4 Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (Including the States of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, and Wisconsin) AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Treasury. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: An open meeting of the Area 4 Taxpayer Advocacy Panel will be conducted (via teleconference). The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel is soliciting public comment, ideas, and suggestions on improving customer service at the Internal Revenue Service. DATES: The meeting will be held Tuesday, November 28, 2006, at 11 a.m., central time. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Ann Delzer at 1-888-912-1227, or

(414)231-2360. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App.

(1988)that a meeting of the Area 4 Taxpayer Advocacy Panel will be held Tuesday, November 28, 2006, at 11 a.m., central time via a telephone conference call. You can submit written comments to the panel by faxing the comments to

(414)231-2363, or by mail to Taxpayer Advocacy Panel, Stop 1006MIL, PO Box 3205, Milwaukee, WI 53203-2221, or you can contact us at *http://www.improveirs.org.* This meeting is not required to be open to the public, but because we are always interested in community input we will accept public comments. Please contact Mary Ann Delzer at 1-888-912-1227 or

(414)231-2360 for dial-in information. The agenda will include the following: Various IRS issues. Dated: October 23, 2006. Bernard Coston, Director, Taxpayer Advocacy Panel. [FR Doc. E6-18327 Filed 10-31-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830-01-P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0001] Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the Agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

(PRA)of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the **Federal Register** concerning each proposed collection of information, including each extension of a currently approved collection and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to determine a veteran's eligibility, dependency, and income, as applicable, for compensation and/or pension benefits. DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before January 2, 2007. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information through *www.Regulations.gov* ; or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail: *nancy.kessinger@va.gov.* Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0001” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the Federal Docket Management System

(FDMS)at *www.Regulations.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy J. Kessinger at

(202)273-7079 or FAX

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

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

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

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

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

(VBA)is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

(PRA)of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the **Federal Register** concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on requirements relating to customer satisfaction surveys. DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before January 2, 2007. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information through *http://www.Regulations.gov:* or to Nancy Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail: *nancy.kessinger@va.gov.* Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0569” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the Federal Docket Management System

(FDMS)at *http://www.Regulations.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy Kessinger at

(202)273-7079 or FAX

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

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

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

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

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

(4)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology. *Title:* VA Voluntary Customer Surveys to Implement E.O. 12862. *OMB Control Number:* 2900-0569. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Abstract:* VBA administers integrated programs of benefits and services, established by law for veterans and their survivors, and service personnel. Executive Order 12862, Setting Customer Service Standards, requires Federal agencies and departments to identify and survey its customers to determine the kind and quality of services they want and their level of satisfaction with existing service. Customer satisfaction surveys are used to gauge customer perceptions of VA services as well as customer expectations and desires. *Affected Public:* Individuals or households and businesses or other for-profits. Listing of Survey Activities Year Number of respondents Estimated annual burden Frequency of response Survey of Veterans' Satisfaction with the VA Compensation and Pension Claims Process—20 minutes 2007 24,000 8,000 hours One-time. 2008 24,000 8,000 hours One-time. 2009 24,000 8,000 hours One-time. Survey of Veterans'/Dependents' and Servicemembers' Satisfaction with the VA Education Claims Process—20 minutes 2007 2,968 989 hours One-time. 2008 2,968 989 hours One-time. 2009 2,968 989 hours One-time. Survey of Educational Institution Certifying Officials—20 minutes 2007 1,000 333 hours One-time. 2008 1,000 333 hours One-time. 2009 1,000 333 hours One-time. Survey of Veterans' Satisfaction with the VA Home Loan Guaranty Process—10 minutes 2007 7,560 1,260 hours One-time. 2008 7,560 1,260 hours One-time 2009 7,560 1,260 hours One-time. VA Loan Guaranty Lender Satisfaction Survey—20 minutes 2007 1,992 498 hours One-time. 2008 1,992 498 hours One-time. 2009 1,992 498 hours One-time. VA Survey of Veterans' Satisfaction with the Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment Program—20 minutes 2007 3,300 1,100 hours One-time. 2008 3,300 1,100 hours One-time. 2009 3,300 1,100 hours One-time. Insurance Customer Surveys—6 minutes 2007 2,800 280 hours One-time. 2008 2,800 280 hours One-time. 2009 2,800 280 hours One-time. Outreach Surveys—15 minutes 2007 4,500 1,125 One-time. 2008 4,500 1,125 One-time. 2009 4,500 1,125 One-time. Undetermined Focus Groups (Targeted population groups are to be decided)—2 hours 2007 380 760 hours One-time. 2008 380 760 hours One-time. 2009 380 760 hours One-time. Telephone Survey—7 minutes 2007 6,400 747 hours One-time. 2008 6,400 747 hours One-time. 2009 6,400 747 hours One-time. VA Regional Office-Based Survey Activities Customer Satisfaction Focus Groups—3 hours 2007 360 1,080 hours One-time. 2008 360 1,080 hours One-time. 2009 360 1,080 hours One-time. VA Regional Office-Specific Service Improvement Initiatives (Comment Card)—5 minutes 2007 40,000 3,333 hours One-time. 2008 40,000 3,333 hours One-time. 2009 40,000 3,333 hours One-time. Most customer satisfaction surveys will be recurring so that VBA can create ongoing measures of performance and to determine how well the agency meets customer service standards. Each collection of information will consist of the minimum amount of information necessary to determine customer needs and to evaluate VBA's performance. Anyone may view the results of previously administered surveys on the internet by going to the following VBA surveys Web site: *http://www.vba.va.gov/surveys/* . The areas of concern to VBA and its customers may change over time, and it is important to have the ability to evaluate customer concerns quickly. OMB will be requested to grant generic clearance approval for a 3-year period to conduct customer satisfaction surveys, focus groups and to send out comment cards. Participation in the surveys, focus groups, and comment cards will be voluntary and the generic clearance will not be used to collect information required to obtain or maintain eligibility for a VA program or benefit. In order to maximize the voluntary response rates, the information collection will be designed to make participation convenient, simple, and free of unnecessary barriers. Baseline data obtained through these information collections will be used to improve customer service standards. VBA will consult with OMB regarding each specific information collection during this approval period. Dated: October 19, 2006. By direction of the Secretary. Denise McLamb, Program Analyst, Initiative Coordination Service. [FR Doc. E6-18418 Filed 10-31-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS [OMB Control No. 2900-0465] Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

(PRA)of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the **Federal Register** concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection for which approval has expired, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to determine an individual's continued entitlement to VA benefits. DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before January 2, 2007. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information through *www.Regulations.gov;* or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail: *nancy.kessinger@va.gov.* Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0465” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the Federal Docket Management System

(FDMS)at *www.Regulations.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy J. Kessinger at

(202)273-7079 or FAX

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

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

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

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

(PRA)of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the **Federal Register** concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to request additional certificates, replacements or corrections to a President Memorial Certificate (PMC). DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before January 2, 2007. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information through *www.Regulations.gov* ; or to Mechelle Powell, National Cemetery Administration (41D1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail: *mechelle.powell@va.gov* . Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0567” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the Federal Docket Management System

(FDMS)at *www.Regulations.gov* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mechelle Powell at

(202)501-1960 or FAX

(202)501-2240. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501—3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget

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

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

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

(VHA)is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

(PRA)of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the **Federal Register** concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to request preauthorization of certain health care services and benefits for children of Vietnam veterans. DATES: Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before January 2, 2007. ADDRESSES: Submit written comments on the collection of information through *www.Regulations.gov* : or to Ann Bickoff, Veterans Health Administration (193E1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail *ann.bickoff@mail.va.gov* . Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0578” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the Federal Docket Management System

(FDMS)at *www.Regulations.gov* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ann Bickoff at

(202)273-8310. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501—3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget

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

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

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

(4)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology. *Titles:* a. Health Care for Certain Children of Vietnam Veterans—Spina Bifida and Covered Birth Defects—Regulation. b. Claim for Miscellaneous Expenses, VA Form 10-7959e. *OMB Control Number:* 2900-0578. *Type of Review:* Extension of a currently approved collection. *Abstract:* VA's medical regulations 38 CFR part 17 (17.900 through 17.905) established regulations regarding provision of health care for women Vietnam veterans' children born with spina bifida and certain other covered birth defects. The information collected will be used to determine whether to approve requests for preauthorization of certain health care services and benefits for children of Vietnam veterans; the appropriateness of billings for such services; and to make decisions during the review and appeal process. Beneficiaries complete VA Form 10-7959e to claim payment/reimbursement of expenses related to spina bifida and certain covered birth defects. Health care providers complete standard billing forms such as: Uniform Billing-Forms

(UB)92, and HCFA 1500, Medicare Health Insurance Claims Form. Without the requested information VA will be unable to determine the correct amount to reimburse providers for their services or beneficiaries for covered expenses. *Affected Public:* Individuals or households, Business or other for-profit, and Not for profit institutions. *Estimated Total Annual Burden:* 3,400 hours. *Estimated Average Burden per Respondent:* 6 1/2 minutes. *Frequency of Response:* On occasion. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 3,600. *Estimated Total Annual Responses:* 31,400. Dated: October 19, 2006. By direction of the Secretary. Denise McLamb, Program Analyst, Initiative Coordination Service. [FR Doc. E6-18427 Filed 10-31-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8320-01-P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission; Notice of Meeting The Department of Veterans Affairs

(VA)gives notice under Public Law 92-463 (Federal Advisory Committee Act) that the Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission has scheduled a meeting for November 16, 2006, at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 900 10th Street, NW., Washington, DC. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 4:15 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the Commission is to carry out a study of the benefits under the laws of the United States that are provided to compensate and assist veterans and their survivors for disabilities and deaths attributable to military service. The agenda for the meeting will include updates on the progress of the studies being conducted by the Center for Naval Analyses

(CNA)and the Institute of Medicine (IOM). The Commission will receive initial presentations on several draft Issue Papers. The Commission will also review and approve an Issue Paper outlining the Commission's position to recommend lump sum payments be removed from consideration as an option for compensating veterans with disabilities. Interested persons may attend and present oral statements to the Commission, November 16. Oral presentations will be limited to five minutes or less, depending on the number of participants. Interested parties may also provide written comments for review by the Commission prior to the meeting or at any time, by e-mail to *veterans@vetscommission.com* or by mail to Mr. Ray Wilburn, Executive Director, Veterans' Disability Benefits Commission, 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20004. Dated: October 25, 2006. By Direction of the Secretary. E. Philip Riggin, Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. 06-8983 Filed 10-31-06; 8:45 am]

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