Notices. Notice of Emergency Closure/Restriction Order

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BILLING CODE 4310-JB-M DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [ID310-06-1640-HQ] Notice of Emergency Closure/Restriction Order AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior. ACTION: Notice of Emergency Closure/Restriction Order. SUMMARY: Pursuant to 43 CFR 8364.1, the Bureau of Land Management

(BLM)Upper Snake Field Office

(USFO)will temporarily close parts of four sections of public lands to car and truck traffic. This closure will cut off of certain roads to target shooting. BLM is taking this action because of uncontrolled, open, illegal dumping by members of the public of unwanted and waste items. Any person who fails to comply with a closure or restriction order issued under this authority may be subject to the penalties provided in 43 CFR 8360.0-7. The closure is effective immediately upon publication of this notice in the **Federal Register** . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Annually, the BLM buries or removes 20 to 50 dumped dead animals and about 10 tons of solid waste from the public lands near North Menan Butte, a National Natural Landmark. The waste originates from the public, who bring and leave propane tanks, hot water heaters, computers, televisions, washers, dryers, car batteries, paint cans and other waste objects. Target shooters use this waste to shoot at and leave shell casings littering the landscape. This area is now a health and safety hazard due to dumping, shooting, and the potential for disease transmission from uncovered dead animal carcasses. This waste has also attracted hazardous waste dumping in recent years. BLM proposes to close the following sections: Boise Meridian, Idaho T. 6 N., R 38 E., Section 27

(all)in Madison County, Sections 28 (parts) in Jefferson County, and T. 5 N., R. 38 E., Sections 4

(all)and 5 (parts) in Jefferson County. Signs will be placed on the highway and at the site explaining the road and target shooting closures. Fences and road barriers will be installed that will allow for continued access by ATVs, motorcycles, equestrian use, and foot traffic in the southern portion. *Exemptions:* Persons who are exempt from this restriction include: Any federal, state or local officer or employee acting within the scope of their duties; members of any organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty; any person holding written authorization from the BLM. EFFECTIVE DATE: This temporary closure will be effective the date this notice is published in the **Federal Register** and will remain in effect for three years from the date of publication or until rescinded or modified by the authorized officer or designated Federal officer. *Additional Information:* Additional information concerning the emergency closure is available by contacting Dan Kotansky at the BLM Upper Snake Field Office, 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401, or by calling

(208)524-7500. (Authority: 43 CFR 8364.1. Violators of this closure order are punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months. 43 CFR 8360.0-7.) Dated: January 11, 2007. Wendy Reynolds, Upper Snake Field Manager. [FR Doc. E7-3641 Filed 3-1-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-GG-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [NV-057-1630-NU] Shooting Closure on Certain Lands Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Las Vegas Field Office AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Establishment of a shooting closure on selected public lands in Nye County, Nevada with request for comment. SUMMARY: The Field Manager of the Las Vegas Field Office is proposing to close selected public lands under its administration within Nye County, Nevada, to target shooting. The proposed closure is to ensure the safety of persons and property adjacent to these selected public lands. The rapid increase in population and growth of Pahrump, Nevada has created conflicts between new residential areas and traditional public lands users accustomed to target shooting on public lands around Pahrump. There have been incidents of damage to private property and indiscriminate shooting towards residential areas by public land users. Trash accumulation from items used as targets is also affecting the condition of the public lands. This action is being taken to help ensure public safety and prevent environmental degradation. This proposed closure does not apply to hunting under the laws and regulations of the State of Nevada. DATES: We invite the public to submit written comments concerning the proposed shooting closure by April 2, 2007. ADDRESSES: Mail or hand deliver all comments concerning the proposed shooting closure to the Bureau of Land Management, Las Vegas Field Office, 4701 North Torrey Pines, Las Vegas, Nevada 89130; or, you may access the Federal eRulemaking Portal: *http://www.regulations.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Office of the Chief Ranger of Law Enforcement, Bureau of Land Management, Las Vegas Field Office, 4701 North Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89130, telephone number

(702)515-5000. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Public Comment Procedures Written comments on the proposed shooting closure should be specific, confined to issues pertinent to the proposed closure, and should explain the reason for any recommended change. Where possible, comments should reference the specific section or paragraph of the supplementary rule that the comment is addressing. The BLM need not consider or include in the Administrative Record for the final shooting closure: a. Comments that BLM receives after the close of the comment period (see DATES ) unless they are postmarked or electronically dated before the deadline, or; b. Comments delivered to an address other than those listed above (see ADDRESSES ). You may also access and comment on the proposed shooting closure at the Federal eRulemaking Portal by following the instructions at that site (see ADDRESSES ). Comments, including names, street addresses and other contact information of respondents, will be available for public review at the Las Vegas Field Office, 4701 N. Torrey Pines, Las Vegas, Nevada 89130, during regular business hours (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made available at any time. While you can ask us in your comments to withhold your personal information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. II. Background The BLM plans to establish a shooting closure under the authority of 43 CFR 8364.1, which allows BLM Field Managers to establish closures for the protection of persons, property, and public lands and resources. This provision allows the BLM to issue closures of less than national effect without codifying the rules in the Code of Federal Regulations. III. Procedural Matters Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review This proposed shooting closure is not a significant regulatory action and is not subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866. This proposed shooting closure will not have an annual effect of $100 million or more on the economy. It is not intended to affect commercial activity, but contain rules of conduct for public use of certain public lands. It will not adversely affect, in a material way, the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or state, local, or Tribal governments or communities. This proposed shooting closure will not create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another agency. This proposed shooting closure does not materially alter the budgetary effects of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the right or obligations of their recipients; nor does it raise novel legal or policy issues. It merely imposes certain rules on recreational use on a limited portion of public lands in Southern Nevada in order to protect human health, and safety. Clarity of the Proposed Shooting Closure Executive Order 12866 requires each agency to write regulations that are simple and easy to understand. We invite your comments on how to make this proposed shooting closure easier to understand, including answers to questions such as the following: a. Are the requirements in the proposed shooting closure clearly stated? b. Does the proposed shooting closure contain technical language or jargon that interferes with its clarity? c. Does the format of the proposed shooting closure (grouping and order of sections, use of headings, paragraphing, etc.) aid or reduce their clarity? d. Would the proposed shooting closure rules be easier to understand if they were divided into more (but shorter) sections? e. Is the description of the proposed shooting closure in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this preamble helpful in understanding the proposed shooting closure? How could this description be more helpful in making the proposed shooting closure easier to understand? Please send any comments you have on the clarity of the proposed shooting closure to the address specified in the ADRESSES section. National Environmental Policy Act This proposed shooting closure itself does not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment under section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C). Regulatory Flexibility Act Congress enacted the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601-612, to ensure that Government regulations do not unnecessarily or disproportionately burden small entities. The RFA required a regulatory flexibility analysis if a rule would have a significant economic impact, either detrimental or beneficial on a substantial number of small entities. The proposed shooting closure does not pertain specifically to commercial or governmental entities of any size, but to public recreational use of specific lands. Therefore, the BLM has determined under the RFA that these interim supplementary rules would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) This proposed shooting closure does not constitute a “major rule” as defined by U.S.C. 804(2). The proposed shooting closure merely contains rules of conduct for recreational use of certain public lands. The proposed shooting closure has no effect on business, commercial, or industrial use of the public lands. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act The proposed shooting closure does not impose an unfunded mandate on state, local, or Tribal governments in the aggregate, or the private sector, of more than $100 million per year; nor does it have a significant or unique effect on small governments. The propsed shooting closure does not require anything of state, local, or Tribal governments. Therefore, the BLM is not required to prepare a statement containing the information required by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1532 *et seq.* ). Executive Order 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference With Constitutionally Protected Property Rights (Takings) The proposed shooting closure is not a government action capable of interfering with constitutionally protected property rights. The proposed shooting closure does not address property rights in any form, and does not cause the impairment of anybody's property rights. Therefore, the Department of the Interior has determined that this proposed shooting closure would not cause a taking of private property or require further discussion of takings implications under this Executive Order. Executive Order 13132 Federalism The proposed shooting closure will not have a substantial direct effect on the states, on the relationship between the national government and the states, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. The proposed shooting closure affects land in only one state, Nevada. Therefore, the BLM has determined that the proposed shooting closure does not have sufficient Federalism implications to warrant preparation of a Federalism Assessment. Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform Under Executive Order 12988, the Office of the Solicitor has determined that the proposed shooting closure will not unduly burden the judicial system and that the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the Order are met. The proposed shooting closure includes rules of conduct and prohibited acts, but they are straightforward and not confusing, and their enforcement should not unreasonably burden the United States Magistrate who will try any persons cited for violating them. Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian Tribal Governments In accordance with Executive Order 13175, the BLM has found that this proposed shooting closure does not include policies that have Tribal implications. The proposed shooting closure does not affect lands held for the benefit of Indians, Aleuts or Eskimos. Paperwork Reduction Action The proposed shooting closure does not contain information collection requirements that the Office of Management and Budget must approve under the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C. 3501 *et seq.* rules requiring special recreation permits for certain recreational users will involve collection of information contained on BLM Special Recreation Permit form 2930-1. This permit form has been approved under OMB Number 10004-0119. Author The principal author of these interim supplementary rules is Erika Schumacher, Chief Ranger, Las Vegas Field Office, Bureau of Land Management. Closure Area Public lands affected are within the following described area: Township 21 Range 53 Sections 14, 15, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35, 36; Township 21 Range 54 Sections 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31, 32, 33, 34, Township 22 Range 53 Sections 1, 2 and 12; Township 22 Range 54 Sections 5, 6 and 7, Mount Diablo Meridian, Nevada. Maps Depicting the area affected by this closure order are available for public inspection at the Las Vegas Field Office, Bureau of Land Management, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada. Exceptions to Closure a. Hunting with a valid state hunting license and in accordance with State laws, and b. Law Enforcement personnel in the performance of their duties. Closure Restrictions Unless otherwise authorized, within the closure area no person shall: a. Discharge any firearm. b. Possess an unregistered firearm, when registration of a firearm is required by the State of Nevada or Nye County. c. Possess an illegally obtained firearm. d. Possess any firearm in violation of Federal, state or county regulations. e. Unless specifically addressed by regulations set forth in 43 CFR, the laws and regulations of the State of Nevada and Nye County shall govern the use and possession of firearms. Such state and county laws and regulations, which are now or may later be in effect are hereby adopted and made part of this closure. Definitions *Firearm:* Any weapon capable of firing a projectile including but not limited to rifle, shotgun, handgun, BB-gun, pellet gun, etc. This closure is issued under the authority of 43 CFR 8364.1. Violations of any terms, conditions, or restrictions contained in this closure order, may subject the violator to citation or arrest, with penalty of fine and imprisonment or both as specified by law. Juan Palma, Field Manager, Las Vegas Field Office. [FR Doc. E7-3642 Filed 3-1-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-40-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [CO-120-1610-DO-022C] Notice of Intent to Prepare a Resource Management Plans for the Kremmling and Glenwood Springs Field Office and Associated Environmental Impact Statement, Colorado AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent. SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management

(BLM)Kremmling and Glenwood Springs Field Office, Colorado intends to prepare Resource Management Plans

(RMP)with an associated Environmental Impact Statement

(EIS)for the Kremmling and Glenwood Springs planning areas and by this notice is announcing public scoping meetings. The Field Offices will simultaneously revise their respective RMPs for the BLM-administered public lands within each Field Office under one EIS. The RMPs will replace the existing Kremmling and Glenwood Springs RMPs. DATES: This notice initiates the public scoping process. Comments and resource information should be submitted to the BLM within 60 days of publication of this notice in the **Federal Register** . The BLM will announce public scoping meetings to identify relevant issues through local news media, newsletters, and the BLM Web site ( *http://www.blm.gov/rmp/co/kfo-gsfo* ) at least 15 days prior to the first meeting. ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments by any of the following methods: • *Web site:* ( *http://www.blm.gov/rmp/co/kfo-gsfo* ). • *E-mail: cormpkg@blm.gov.* • *Fax:*

(970)724-9590. • Bureau of Land Management, Kremmling Field Office, Joe Stout, RMP Project Manager, P.O. Box 68, Kremmling, CO 80459. Documents pertinent to this proposal may be examined at the Kremmling and Glenwood Springs Field Offices. Respondents' comments, including their names and street addresses, will be available for public review at the Kremmling Field Office during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and at the Glenwood Springs Field Office during regular business hours from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays, and may be published as part of the EIS. Individual respondents may request confidentiality. If you wish to withhold your name or street address from public review or from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your written comments. Such requests will be honored to the extent allowed by law. All submissions from organizations and businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be available for public inspection in their entirety. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information and / or to have your name added to our mailing list, contact Joe Stout, Kremmling Field Office, at

(970)724-3003. Comments may be sent electronically to *cormpkg@blm.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Kremmling planning area is located in Grand, Eagle, Jackson, Larimer, and Summit Counties, Colorado. The Glenwood Springs planning area is located in Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, and Routt Counties, Colorado. This planning activity encompasses approximately 964,000 acres of BLM-administered public lands. The plan will fulfill the needs and obligations set forth by the National Environmental Policy Act, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, and BLM management policies. The BLM will work collaboratively with interested parties to identify the management decisions that are best suited to local, regional, and national needs and concerns. The purpose of the public scoping process is to determine relevant issues that will influence the scope of the environmental analysis and alternatives. These issues also guide the planning process. You may submit comments on issues and planning criteria in writing to the BLM at any public scoping meeting, or you may submit them to the BLM using one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section above. Individual respondents may request confidentiality. If you wish to withhold your name or street address from public review or from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your written comments. Such requests will be honored to the extent allowed by law. All submissions from organizations and businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be available for public inspection in their entirety. Preliminary issues and management concerns have been identified by BLM personnel, other agencies, and in meetings with individuals and user groups. They represent the BLM's knowledge to date regarding the existing issues and concerns with current land management. The EIS will describe and analyze a range of alternatives, comprised of the No Action alternative (continued management) and a number of action alternatives, each of which will describe options for addressing the major issues. The major issues that will be addressed in this planning effort include: • Oil and gas development; • Range health/upland management; • Water/riparian issues; • Increased recreation demands and uses; • Comprehensive travel management and transportation; • High concentration of cultural sites; • Maintaining habitat for Sage Grouse and Sagebrush obligate species; and • Rapidly expanding urban interface areas. Issues identified through public comments will be placed into one of four categories: 1. Issues to be resolved in the plan; 2. Issues to be resolved through policy or administrative action; 3. Issues beyond the scope of the plan; or 4. Issues that have already been addressed but should be better communicated to the issue holder. Rationale will be provided for each issue placed in categories two, three, and four. The public is encouraged to help identify these questions and concerns during the scoping phase. An interdisciplinary approach will be used to develop the plan in order to consider the variety of resource issues and concerns identified. Disciplines involved in the planning process will include specialists with expertise in minerals and geology, forestry, range, fire and fuels, outdoor recreation, archaeology, paleontology, wildlife, fisheries, lands and realty, hydrology, soils, sociology, environmental justice and economics. The following planning criteria have been proposed to guide development of the plan, avoid unnecessary data collection and analyses, and to ensure the plan is tailored to the issues. Other criteria may be identified during the public scoping process. After gathering comments on planning criteria, the BLM will finalize the criteria and provide feedback to the public on the criteria to be used throughout the planning process. Some of the planning criteria that are under consideration include: • The plans will be completed in compliance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (43 U.S.C. 1701 *et seq.* ) and the National Environmental Policy Act. • The plan will recognize valid existing rights. • Public participation will be encouraged throughout the process. The BLM will collaborate and build relationships with tribes, state and local governments, federal agencies, local stakeholders and others in the community of interest of the plan as normal business. Editorial Note: This document was received at the Office of the Federal Register on February 26, 2007. Dated: November 8, 2006. Peter McFadden, Acting Kremmling Field Manager. Dated: November 9, 2006. Jamie Connell, Glenwood Springs Field Manager. [FR Doc. E7-3627 Filed 3-1-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 1610-DO-P DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE [OMB Number 1105-0030] Justice Management Division, Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Revision to Previously Approved Collection; Comments Requested ACTION: 30-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review: Electronic Applications for the Attorney General's Honors Program and the Summer Law Intern Program. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Justice Management Division, Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management (OARM), has submitted the following information collection request for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)approval is sought for the information collection listed below. This proposed information collection was previously published in the **Federal Register** on December 26, 2006, Volume 71, Number 247, pages 77411-77412, allowing for a 60-day public comment period. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comment until April 2, 2007. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10. Written comments and/or suggestions regarding the item(s) contained in this notice, especially regarding the estimated public burden and associated response time, should be directed to the Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, *Attention:* Department of Justice Desk Officer, Washington, DC 20530. Additionally, comments may be submitted to OMB via facsimile to 202-395-7285. Comments may also be submitted to the Department Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice, Suite 1600, 601 D Street, NW., Washington, DC 20530. Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies should address one or more of the following four points:

(1)Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2)Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

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

(4)Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, *e.g.* , permitting electronic submission of responses. *Overview of this Information Collection:*

(1)*Type of Information Collection:* Revision of a Currently Approved Collection

(2)*Title of the Form/Collection:* Electronic Applications for the Attorney General's Honors Program and the Summer Law Intern Program.

(3)*Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the Department sponsoring the collection:* Form Number: none. Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management, Justice Management Division, U.S. Department of Justice.

(4)*Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract:* *Primary:* Individuals or households. *Other:* None. The application form is submitted voluntarily once a year by law students and judicial law clerks, who will be in this applicant pool only once; the revision to this collection concerns two additional forms required to be submitted only by those applicants who were selected to be interviewed by Department components. These forms seek information in order to prepare both the official Travel Authorizations prior to the interviewees' performing pre-employment interview travel (as defined by 41 CFR 301-1.3), and the official Travel Vouchers after the travel is completed. The first new form is the Travel Survey—used by the Department in scheduling travel and/or hotel accommodations, which in turn provides the estimated travel costs required by the Travel Authorization form. The second new form is a simple Reimbursement Form—the interviewees are asked to provide their travel costs and/or hotel accommodations (if applicable) in order for the Department to prepare the Travel Vouchers required before these interviewees can be reimbursed by the Department for the authorized costs they incurred during this pre-employment interview travel.

(5)*An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond/reply:* It is estimated that 5000 respondents will complete the application in approximately one

(1)hour per application. The revised burden would include 600 respondents who will complete the travel survey in approximately 10 minutes per form, and 600 respondents who will complete the reimbursement form in approximately 10 minutes per form.

(6)*An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the collection:* The estimated revised total annual public burden associated with this application is 5200 hours. If additional information is required, contact Lynn Bryant, Department Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice, Justice Management Division, Policy and Planning Staff, Patrick Henry Building, Suite 1600, 601 D Street, NW., Washington, DC 20530. Dated: February 26, 2007. Lynn Bryant, Department Clearance Officer, PRA, Department of Justice. [FR Doc. E7-3634 Filed 3-1-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410-PB-P DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Federal Bureau of Investigation [OMB Number 1110-0006] Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection, Comments Requested ACTION: 30-day notice of information collection under review: Revision of a currently approved collection law enforcement officers killed or assaulted. The Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services Division will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review and clearance in accordance with established review procedures of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed information collection is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. This proposed information collection was previously published in the ** Federal Register ** on December 21, 2006, Volume 71, Number 245, Pages 76688-76689 allowing for a 60 day comment period. The purpose of this notice is to allow for an additional 30 days for public comment until April 2, 2007. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10. Written comments and/or suggestions regarding the items contained in this notice, especially the estimated public burden and associated response time, should be directed to Mr. Gregory E. Scarbro, Unit Chief, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services

(CJIS)Division, Module E-3, 1000 Custer Hollow Road, Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306; facsimile

(304)625-3566. Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information are encouraged. Comments should address one or more of the following four points:

(1)Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2)Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

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

(4)Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques of other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. Overview of this information collection:

(1)*Type of information collection:* Revision of a currently approved collection.

(2)*The title of the form/collection:* Law Enforcement Officers Killed or Assaulted

(3)*The agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the department sponsoring the collection:* Form 1-705; Criminal Justice Information Services Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice.

(4)*Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract:* Primary: City, county, State, Federal and tribal law enforcement agencies. This collection is needed to collect information on law enforcement officers killed or assaulted in the line of duty throughout the United States. Data are tabulated and published in the annual Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted publication.

(5)*An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond:* There are approximately 17,499 law enforcement agency participants; calculated estimates indicate 7 minutes for respondents to complete hard copy and 5 minutes for electronic submission completion.

(6)*An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with this collection:* There are approximately 3,500 hours, annual burden, associated with this information collection. *If additional information is required contact:* Lynn Bryant, Department Clearance Officer, Policy and Planning Staff, Justice Management Division, United States Department of Justice, Patrick Henry Building, Suite 1600, 601 D Street, NW., Washington, DC 20530. Dated: February 26, 2007. Lynn Bryant, Department Clearance Officer, PRA, United States Department of Justice. [FR Doc. E7-3662 Filed 3-1-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410-02-P DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Office of Justice Programs [OMB Number 1121-0024] Bureau of Justice Assistance; Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested ACTION: 60-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review Extension of currently approved collection. *Bureau of Justice Assistance Application Form:* Claim for Death Benefits Form. The Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance, has submitted the following information collection request for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This proposed information collection is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted for “sixty days” until May 1, 2007. If you have additional comments, suggestions, or need a copy of the proposed information collection instrument with instructions or additional information, please contact M. Pressley 1-866-859-2687, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, 810 7th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20531. Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information are encouraged. Your comments should address one or more of the following four points: —Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; —Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; —Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and —Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. *Overview of this information collection:*

(1)*Type of information collection:* Extension of currently approved collection.

(2)*The title of the form/collection:* Claim for Death Benefits Form.

(3)*The agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the Department sponsoring the collection:* None. Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, United States Department of Justice. OJP Form 1240/20. Form number?

(4)*Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract:* *Primary:* Dependents of public safety officers who were killed or permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty. *Abstract:* BJA's Public Safety Officers' Benefits

(PSOB)division will use the PSOEA Application information to confirm the eligibility of applicants to receive PSOEA benefits. Eligibility is dependent on several factors, including the applicant having received or being eligible to receive a portion of the PSOB Death Benefit, or having a family member who received the PSOB Disability Benefit. Also considered are the applicant's age and the schools being attended. In addition, information to help BJA identify an individual is collected, such as Social Security number and contact numbers and e-mail addresses. The changes to the application form have been made in an effort to streamline the application process and eliminate requests for information that is either irrelevant or already being collected by other means. *Others:* None.

(5)*An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond:* It is estimated that 275 respondents will complete the claim process in approximately 4 hours. 275 “Claim for Death Benefit” forms. This form is completed and submitted by the decedent's employing agency. It is estimated that it takes the employer 4 hours to complete the form and assemble supporting documentation.

(6)An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the Collection is 1,100 hours. Total Annual Reporting Burden: 275 × 240 minutes per application = 66,000 minutes / by 60 minutes per hour = 1,100 hours. If additional information is required, please contact, Lynn Bryant, Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice, Justice Management Division, Policy and Planning Staff, Patrick Henry Building, Suite 1600, 601 D Street, NW., Washington, DC 20530. Dated: February 26, 2007. Lynn Bryant, Department Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice. [FR Doc. E7-3632 Filed 3-1-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410-18-P DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Office of Justice Programs [OMB Number 1121-0025] Bureau of Justice Assistance: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comments Requested ACTION: 60-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review Extension of currently approved collection. Bureau of Justice Assistance Application Form: *Report of Public Safety Officers' Death.* The Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance, has submitted the following information collection request for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This proposed information collection is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted for “sixty days” until May 1, 2007. If you have additional comments, suggestions, or need a copy of the proposed information collection instrument with instructions or additional information, please contact M. Pressley 1-866-859-2687, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, 810 7th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20531. Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information are encouraged. Your comments should address one or more of the following four points: —Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; —Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; —Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and —Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. *Overview of this information collection:*

(1)*Type of information collection:* Extension of currently approved collection.

(2)*The title of the form/collection:* Report of Public Safety Officers' Death

(6)*An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the Collection is 1,100 hours. Total Annual Reporting Burden:* 275 × 240 minutes per application = 66,000 minutes / by 60 minutes per hour = 1,100 hours. If additional information is required, please contact, Lynn Bryant, Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice, Justice Management Division, Policy and Planning Staff, Patrick Henry Building, Suite 1600, 601 D Street, NW., Washington, DC 20530. Dated: February 26, 2007. Lynn Bryant, Department Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice. [FR Doc. E7-3633 Filed 3-1-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410-18-P DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations; YouthBuild Reporting System ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Employment and Training Administration

(ETA)is soliciting comments concerning the YouthBuild program. A copy of the proposed information collection request

(ICR)can be obtained by contacting the office listed below in the addressee section of this notice or at this Web site: *http://www.doleta.gov/OMBCN/OMBControlNumber.cfm* . DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the addressee section below on or before May 1, 2007. ADDRESSES: Gregg Weltz, Office of Workforce Investment, Division of Youth Services, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N4459, 200 Constitution Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20210. Phone

(202)693-3527 (This is not a toll-free number), fax

(202)693-3861, or e-mail *weltz.greg@dol.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background In applying for YouthBuild grants, grantees agree to submit participant data and quarterly aggregate reports for individuals who receive services through the YouthBuild program. The reports will include aggregate data on demographic characteristics, types of services received, placements, outcomes, and follow-up status. Specifically, they summarize data on participants who received education, occupational skill training, leadership development services, and other services essential to preparing at-risk youth for high-wage, high-demand occupations through the YouthBuild program. This is a request for approval to implement the reporting and recordkeeping requirements of the YouthBuild program through an ETA-provided, Web-based Management Information System (MIS). Three outcome measures will be used to measure success in the YouthBuild grants: Placement in employment or education, attainment of a degree or certificate, and literacy and numeracy gains. These conform to the common performance measures implemented across Federal employment and job training programs as of July 1, 2005. By standardizing the reporting and performance requirements of different programs, the common measures streamline reporting and give Federal policymakers and ETA the ability to compare across programs the core goals of the youth workforce system: How many youth found jobs or continued on to post-secondary education; how many youth earned a high school diploma or GED or other industry recognized credential; and how much progress did they make in terms of their basic skill levels in literacy and numeracy. Although the common measures are an integral part of ETA's performance accountability system, these measures provide only part of the information necessary to effectively oversee the workforce investment system. ETA will also collect additional data from YouthBuild grantees on program activities, participants, and outcomes that are necessary for program management and to convey full and accurate information on the performance of the YouthBuild program. This request establishes a reporting and record-keeping system for a level of information collection that is necessary to comply with Equal Opportunity requirements, hold YouthBuild grantees appropriately accountable for the Federal funds they receive, including common performance measures, and allow the Department to fulfill its oversight and management responsibilities. II. Review Focus The Department of Labor is particularly interested in comments that: • Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; • evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; • enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and • minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses. III. Current Actions *Type of Review:* New. *Agency:* Employment and Training Administration. *Title:* YouthBuild Reporting System. *OMB Number:* 1205-0NEW. *Agency Number(s):* ETA-9136. *Affected Public:* YouthBuild Grantees. *Total Respondents:* 85. *Estimated Total Burden Hours:* 16,280. Form/activity Total respondents Frequency Total annual response Average time per response (hours) Total annual burden hours Participant Data Collection 85 Continual 3,000 1.8 5,400 Quarterly narrative progress report 85 Quarterly 340 16 5,440 Quarterly performance report 85 Quarterly 340 16 5,440 Totals 85 3,680 16,280 *Total Burden Cost (capital/startup):* 0. *Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining):* 0. Comments submitted in response to this comment request will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection request; they will also become a matter of public record. Dated: February 26, 2007. Emily Stover DeRocco, Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training Administration. [FR Doc. E7-3622 Filed 3-1-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-30-P DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration Derecognition of California Department of Industrial Relations and California Apprenticeship Council Authority: 29 U.S.C. 50, 40 U.S.C. 3141 *et seq.* , 29 CFR parts 29 and 30, and 29 CFR 5.5(a)(4). AGENCY: Employment and Training Administration (ETA), Labor. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: On January 31, 2007, the U.S. Department of Labor

(DOL)Administrative Review Board (ARB), acting under authority delegated by the Secretary of Labor, issued a Final Decision and Order that withdrew recognition, for Federal purposes, from the California Department of Industrial Relations

(CDIR)and the California Apprenticeship Council (CAC), which constitute California's State Apprentice Council (SAC). Therefore, under the implementing regulations (29 CFR part 29) for the National Apprenticeship Act (29 U.S.C. 50), the SAC no longer has the authority to register or oversee apprenticeship programs for “Federal purposes.” Accordingly, apprenticeship programs registered in California must register with DOL's Office of Apprenticeship (OA), if they wish to pay apprentice wages at the rates authorized under the regulations implementing the Davis-Bacon and related acts. This notice sets out the process for accomplishing the transition from SAC registration to OA registration, for Federal purposes. DATES: After March 2, 2007, (30 days after the date of the ARB's order withdrawing recognition of California's registration agency), the Department shall cease to recognize, for Federal purposes, each apprenticeship program registered with the State of California, unless the program sponsor requests registration with OA by March 2, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Anthony Swoope, Administrator, Office of Apprenticeship, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-5311, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210. *Telephone:*

(202)693-2796, (this is not a toll-free number). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In May 2002, the Office of Apprenticeship

(OA)initiated derecognition proceedings against the California Department of Industrial Relations

(CDIR)and California Apprenticeship Council

(CAC)(referred to collectively as the California State Apprentice Council (SAC)), on the grounds that California Labor Code section 3075(b) did not conform to OA's regulations at 29 CFR part 29, because the State law established a “needs test” which limited, rather than promoted, apprenticeship opportunity. The SAC appealed, so the matter was assigned to an Administrative Law Judge

(ALJ)for preliminary findings and the preparation of a recommended decision. In April 2005, the ALJ agreed with OA that the “needs test” did not conform to 29 CFR part 29, recommending derecognition on that ground. The Department's Administrative Review Board (ARB), exercising authority delegated by the Secretary, reviewed the ALJ's recommended findings and decision. On January 31, 2007, the ARB issued a Final Decision and Order ( *DOL, Office of Apprenticeship (OA)* v. *California Department of Industrial Relations

(CDIR)and the California Apprenticeship Council (CAC), ARB Case No. 05-093)* that adopted the ALJ's findings, thereby completing the agency's derecognition process. DOL hereby gives public notice, as required by 29 CFR 29.13(d), that the Department has withdrawn recognition, for Federal purposes, from both CDIR and CAC. The CDIR and the CAC no longer have the authority to register or oversee apprenticeship programs for “Federal purposes.” See 29 CFR 29.2(k). Apprenticeship programs registered in California must register with OA, if they wish to pay apprentice wages at the rates authorized under the regulations implementing the Davis-Bacon and related acts. See 29 CFR 5.5(a)(4). As required by 29 CFR 29.13(d), OA hereby provides notice that, after March 2, 2007 (30 days after the date of the ARB's order withdrawing recognition of California's registration agency), the Department shall cease to recognize, for Federal purposes, each apprenticeship program registered with the State of California, unless within that time, the program sponsor requests registration with OA. OA may grant the request for registration contingent upon its finding that the State apprenticeship program is operating in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR part 29, pertaining to the registration of programs and apprentices and of 29 CFR part 30, pertaining to equal employment opportunity. OA shall make a finding on this issue within 30 days of receipt of the request. If the finding is in the negative, the State sponsor shall be notified in writing that the contingent OA registration has been revoked. If the finding is in the affirmative, the State sponsor shall be notified in writing that the contingent OA registration is made permanent. As required by 29 CFR 29.13(e), if the sponsor fails to request OA registration, or upon a finding of noncompliance pursuant to a contingent OA registration, OA shall provide written notice to such State sponsor, advising the recipient that any actions or benefits applicable to recognition for Federal purposes are no longer available to participants in its apprenticeship program. As required by 29 CFR 29.13(f), the notice issued under § 29.13(e) shall also direct the State sponsor to notify, within 15 days, all its registered apprentices of the withdrawal of recognition for Federal purposes; the effective date thereof; and that such withdrawal removes the apprentice from coverage under any Federal provision applicable to his/her individual registration under a program recognized or registered by the OA for Federal purposes. Signed at Washington, DC this 26th day of February 2007. Emily Stover DeRocco, Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training. [FR Doc. E7-3616 Filed 3-1-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-30-P DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Occupational Safety And Health Administration [Docket No. OSHA-2007-0011] Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor. ACTION: Request for nominations. SUMMARY: The Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health invites interested parties to submit nominations for membership on the Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (FACOSH). DATES: Nominations for FACOSH must be received by April 2, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit nominations for FACOSH, identified by Docket No. OSHA-2007-0011, by any of the following methods: *Electronically:* Nominations, including attachments, may be submitted electronically at *http://www.regulations.gov,* the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Follow the online instructions for submitting nominations. *Facsimile:* If your nomination, including attachments, is not longer than 10 pages, you may fax it to the OSHA Docket Office at

(202)693-1648. *Mail, express delivery, hand delivery, messenger or courier service:* Submit three copies of your nomination to the OSHA Docket Office, Room N-2625, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210; telephone

(202)693-2350 (OSHA's TTY number is

(877)889-5627). Deliveries (hand, express mail, messenger and courier service) are accepted during the Department of Labor's and Docket Office's normal business hours, 8:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m., e.t. *Instructions:* All nominations for FACOSH must include the Agency name and docket number for this **Federal Register** notice (Docket No. OSHA-2007-0011). All submissions in response to this **Federal Register** notice, including personal information provided, will be posted without change at *http://www.regulations.gov.* Therefore, OSHA cautions interested parties about submitting personal information such as social security numbers and birth dates. Because of security-related procedures, submitting nominations by regular mail may result in a significant delay in their receipt. Please contact the OSHA Docket Office, at the address above, for information about security procedures for submitting nominations by hand delivery, express delivery, and messenger or courier service. For additional information on submitting nominations, see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. *Docket:* To read or download submissions, go to *http://www.regulations.gov.* All documents in the docket are listed in the *http://www.regulations.gov* index. Although listed in the index, some documents (e.g., copyrighted material) are not publicly available to read or download through *http://www.regulations.gov.* All submissions, including copyrighted material, are available for inspection and copying at the OSHA Docket Office at the address above. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane Brayden, Director, OSHA, Office of Federal Agency Programs, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-3622, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210; telephone

(202)693-2122; fax

(202)693-1685; email *ofap@dol.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health invites interested parties to submit nominations for membership on FACOSH. FACOSH is authorized by section 19 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) (29 U.S.C. 668), 5 U.S.C. 7902, and Executive Order 12196 to advise the Secretary of Labor on all matters relating to the occupational safety and health of Federal employees (Ex. 2). This includes providing advice on how to reduce and keep to a minimum the number of injuries and illnesses in the Federal workforce and how to encourage the establishment and maintenance of effective occupational safety and health programs in each Federal Department and Agency (Ex. 3). FACOSH is comprised of 16 members, whom the Secretary of Labor appoints, and is chaired by the Assistant Secretary. The composition of FACOSH and the number of new members to be appointed at this time are as follows: • Eight members are management representatives from Federal Departments or Agencies. Two management representatives will be appointed; and • Eight members are representatives of labor organizations representing Federal employees. Three labor representatives will be appointed. FACOSH members serve staggered three-year terms, unless the member becomes unable to serve, resigns, ceases to be qualified to serve, or is removed by the Secretary (Ex. 2). The Secretary may appoint FACOSH members to successive terms (Ex. 2). FACOSH meets between two to six times a year for one-day meetings (Ex. 2). Interested parties may nominate one or more qualified persons for membership. Others are invited and encouraged to submit endorsements in support of particular nominees. Nominations must include the nominee's name, occupation, current position, and contact information. The nomination also must identify the category of membership for which the nominee is qualified and a resume of the nominee's background, experience and qualifications for membership. In addition, the nomination must include a statement that the nominee is aware of the nomination, willing to serve a three-year term, and attend meetings regularly. The information received through the nomination process, along with other relevant sources of information, will assist the Secretary in making appointments to FACOSH. In selecting FACOSH members, the Secretary will consider individuals nominated in response to this **Federal Register** notice, as well as other qualified individuals. OSHA will publish the new FACOSH membership list in the **Federal Register** . Public Participation—Submission of Nominations and Access to Docket You may submit nominations

(1)electronically at *http://www.regulations.gov;*

(2)by facsimile (FAX); or

(3)by hard copy. All comments, attachments and other materials must identify the Agency name and the OSHA docket number for this **Federal Register** notice (Docket No. OSHA-2007-0011). You may supplement electronic nominations by uploading document files electronically. If, instead, you wish to submit hard copies of any additional material in reference to an electronic submission, you must submit three copies to the OSHA Docket Office following the instructions in the ADDRESSES section. The additional material must clearly identify your electronic submission by name, date, and docket number so OSHA can attach them to your nomination. Because of security-related procedures, the use of regular mail may result in a significant delay in the receipt of nominations. For information about security procedures concerning the delivery of materials by hand, express delivery, messenger or courier service, please contact the OSHA Docket Office (see ADDRESSES section). Submissions in response to this **Federal Register** notice are posted without change at *http://www.regulations.gov.* Therefore, OSHA cautions interested parties about submitting personal information such as social security numbers and birth dates. Although all submissions are listed in the *http://www.regulations.gov* index, some documents (e.g., copyrighted material) are not publicly available to read or download through *http://www.regulations.gov.* All submissions, including copyrighted material, are available for inspection and copying at the OSHA Docket Office. Exhibits referenced in this **Federal Register** notice are included in Docket No. OSHA-2007-0011 at *http://www.regulations.gov.* In the * http:// www.regulations.gov * index for this docket, exhibit numbers are listed at the beginning of the title of each document (see “Document Title” column). Information on using the *http://www.regulations.gov* Web site to make submissions and to access the docket and exhibits is available at the Web site's User Tips link. Contact the OSHA Docket Office for information about materials not available through *http://www.regulations.gov* and for assistance in using the Internet to locate submissions and other documents in the docket. Electronic copies of this **Federal Register** notice are available at *http://www.regulations.gov.* This notice, as well as news releases and other relevant information, is available at OSHA's Webpage at *http://www.osha.gov.* Authority and Signature Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, directed the preparation of this notice under the authority granted by section 19 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 668), 5 U.S.C. 7902, section 1-5 of Executive Order 12196, 29 CFR 1960 (Basic Program Elements of for Federal Employee Occupational Safety and Health Programs), and Secretary of Labor's Order 5-2002 (67 FR 65008). Signed at Washington, DC this 27th day of February, 2007. Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., Assistant Secretary of Labor. [FR Doc. E7-3690 Filed 3-1-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-26-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation [Docket No. FHWA-2006-25031] U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution; Notice of Final Report of National Outdoor Advertising Control

(OAC)Program Assessment and Request for Public Input AGENCIES: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT and United States Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution (U.S. Institute). ACTION: Notice; request for public input on final OAC program assessment report. SUMMARY: In July 2006, the FHWA and the U.S. Institute initiated a neutral assessment of the national Outdoor Advertising Control

(OAC)program. The U.S. Institute has submitted the completed assessment report to the FHWA and other interested stakeholders in outdoor advertising, as described in this notice, thereby concluding the assessment process. The FHWA has placed the report in the docket (U.S. Department of Transportation Dockets Management System (DMS), at *http://dms.dot.gov* , under Docket No. FHWA-2006-25031 and online at *http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/realestate/out_ad.htm* . The FHWA seeks public comment on the assessment report. Comments submitted in response to this notice, together with the assessment report, previously submitted public comments, and other information relevant to the OAC program, will be considered by the FHWA when the agency makes future determinations about OAC program needs and the best methods for addressing those needs. DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 1, 2007. ADDRESSES: Mail or hand deliver comments on the report to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Dockets Management Facility, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590, or submit electronically at *http://dms.dot.gov* or fax comments to

(202)493-2251. All comments should include the docket number that appears in the heading of this document. All comments received will be available for examination and copying at the above address from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Those desiring notification of receipt of comments must include a self-addressed, stamped postcard or may print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments electronically. Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received onto any of DOT's 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* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Gerald Solomon, Office of Real Estate Services

(202)366-2037, *gerald.solomon@dot.gov* , or Ms. Janet Myers, Office of the Chief Counsel (HCC-30)

(202)366-2019, janet.myers@dot.gov, Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Office hours for the Federal Highway Administration are 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access You may submit or retrieve comments online through the Docket Management System

(DMS)at *http://dms.dot.gov/submit.* The DMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days a year. Electronic submissions and retrievals help and guidelines are available under the help section of the Web site. An electronic copy of this document may also be downloaded from the Office of the Federal Register's home page at: *http://www.archives.gov* and the Government Printing Office's Web page at: *http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara.* Background On July 20, 2006, the FHWA and the U.S. Institute published a notice in the **Federal Register** (71 FR 41258) announcing the initiation of an assessment of the national outdoor advertising control

(OAC)program. The goal of this assessment was to reach out to parties interested in the OAC to identify issues that cause controversy, perspectives of the various stakeholders, and appropriate methods for addressing conflicts and improving program results. As a result of information obtained through the assessment, including the comments submitted in response to this notice, the U.S. Institute compiled an assessment report and provided it to the FHWA. The purpose of this notice is to announce the availability of that report and to request comments on the report. Under the 1965 Highway Beautification Act (HBA), 23 U.S.C. 131, and various agreements entered into by the FHWA and the States, the States are responsible for implementing the OAC program. The HBA requires control of outdoor advertising signs (signs) near Federal-aid highways in a manner consistent with Federal laws and regulations. Failure by a State to maintain effective control can result in the FHWA withholding of a portion of the State's Federal-aid highway funds. Most States have assigned administrative responsibility for OAC to their transportation agencies. Additional information about the history, relevant laws, and current status of the OAC program appears in the July 20, 2006, **Federal Register** notice. Other OAC resources include: National Alliance of Highway Beautification Agencies, *http://www.nahba.org/* ; Outdoor Advertising Association of America, *http://www.oaaa.org* ; and Scenic America, *http://www.scenic.org.* Since the adoption of the HBA and the implementing regulations, there have been substantial changes in relevant practices, technologies, and local conditions. As a result, many of those affected by the OAC program see an increasing gap between current Federal law and regulations and the needs of States, local communities, advertisers, sign owners, owners of properties on which signs are located, interest groups, and the traveling public. The U.S. Institute and the FHWA initiated the neutral assessment of the OAC program to identify issues that cause controversy, gather the perspectives of various stakeholders on those issues, and identify potential methods for addressing conflicts in order to improve program results. Assessment activities, carried out by the U.S. Institute and its contractor, The Osprey Group, commenced following publication of the **Federal Register** notice described above. Over several months, the assessment team obtained diverse perspectives through interviews, focus groups, and public listening sessions, supplemented by public comment letters filed in the docket. Substantial input was received and was considered by the assessment team when it prepared its OAC program assessment report. The assessment report identifies a broad range of attitude/relationship, organization, and substantive OAC program issues. Among these are regulatory approaches to new billboard technology; control of sham businesses and sham zoning that permit erection of billboards in non-commercial and industrial areas; future of non-conforming signs; vegetation control in the vicinity of billboards; consistency in administration of regulations and enforcement; future of the 1958 bonus program, enacted prior to the HBA, by PL 85-381, to control outdoor advertising through bonus payments to States that elected to enter into agreements to meet the stricter requirements; increased FHWA flexibility in enforcement mechanisms for failure to maintain effective control; update of Federal-State Agreements that govern States' OAC obligations; Highway Beautification Act scope associated with highways not within the National Highway System; and evaluation of organizational structures and commitments to the OAC program. Conclusion The U.S. Institute's report and the comments submitted in response to this notice will provide valuable information to the FHWA and other stakeholders, helping them to better understand the issues surrounding the OAC program and develop effective means to address some of the controversial topics. (Authority: 23 U.S.C. 131; 20 U.S.C. 5601 *et seq.* ) Issued on: February 26, 2007. Christopher L. Helms, Executive Director, Morris K. Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation. J. Richard Capka, Federal Highway Administrator. [FR Doc. 07-982 Filed 3-1-07; 8:45 am]

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