Notices. Early Scoping Notice for the Detroit Transit Options for Growth Study

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BILLING CODE 4910-22-M DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration Petition for Waiver of Compliance In accordance with Part 211 of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), notice is hereby given that the Federal Railroad Administration

(FRA)has received a request for a waiver of compliance from certain requirements of its safety standards. The individual petition is described below, including the party seeking relief, the regulatory provisions involved, the nature of the relief being requested, and the petitioner's arguments in favor of relief. Union Pacific Railroad Company [Waiver Petition Docket Number FRA-2007-28454] The Union Pacific Railroad Company

(UP)seeks a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of 49 CFR Part 232, *Brake System Safety Standards for Freight and Other Non-Passenger Trains and Equipment* . Specifically, UP is seeking relief from the requirements for performing the single car air brake test as prescribed in § 232.305(b)(2), which states in part: “A car is on a shop or repair track, as defined in § 232.303(a), for any reason and has not received a single car air brake test within the previous 12-month period.” UP states that they are performing repairs and wheel change-outs to cars in-train on selected trains in their yards across their system, in order to reduce the number of impact wheels and satisfy the demands of their customers to move commodities. UP claims that the in-train repairs also greatly reduce the number of switching events that would otherwise be required to effect the repairs, further reducing the risk of injury and derailment. UP believes that reducing the number of impact wheels has helped reduce the number of derailments due to broken rails, joint bars, wheels and bearings. The majority of these trains are in coal service and the cars are privately owned. UP contends that these cars receive regular periodic maintenance, so they seldom approach the 5-year limit in which a single car air brake test would normally be required. In addition, UP states that their system automatically flags cars in the yard when they are listed on the Association of American Railroad's MA-63, which is a list that identifies cars within 90 days of the 5-year limit. UP states that they will continue to perform a single car air brake test in compliance with § 232.305 (b)(4-5), (c), (d), and (e). UP believes that this request will not have an adverse effect on safety. Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested party desires an opportunity for oral comment, they should notify FRA in writing before the end of the comment period and specify the basis for their request. All communications concerning these proceedings should identify the appropriate docket number ( *e.g.* , Waiver Petition Docket Number FRA-2007-28454) and must be submitted to the Docket Clerk, DOT Docket Management Facility, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590. Communications received within 45 days of the date of this notice will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered as far as practicable. All written communications concerning these proceedings are available for examination during regular business hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the above facility. All documents in the public docket are also available for inspection and copying on the Internet at the docket facility's Web site at *http://dms.dot.gov* . Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the **Federal Register** published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78), or you may visit *http://dms.dot.gov* . Issued in Washington, DC on July 11, 2007. Grady C. Cothen, Jr., Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety Standards and Program Development. [FR Doc. E7-13741 Filed 7-16-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-06-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA-2007-28424] Notice of Application for Approval of Discontinuance or Modification of a Railroad Signal System or Relief From the Requirements of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 236 Pursuant to Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations

(CFR)Part 235 and 49 U.S.C. 20502(a), the following railroad has petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration

(FRA)seeking approval for the discontinuance or modification of the signal system or relief from the requirements of 49 CFR Part 236, as detailed below. *Applicant:* Union Pacific Railroad, Mr. Thomas T. Ogee, AVP Engineering Design, 1400 Douglas Street, Stop 0910, Omaha, Nebraska 68179. The Union Pacific Railroad Company

(UP)seeks approval of the proposed discontinuance and removal of the automatic block signal system

(ABS)on the UP Albert Lea Subdivision between Milepost 193.1 and Milepost 194.2 in or near Mason City, Iowa. Train movements on the affected portion of track will be governed by Rule 6.13 of the General Code of Operating Rules, *Yard Limits.* The reason given for the proposed changes is that the ABS system is no longer needed for safe train operation. Any interested party desiring to protest the granting of an application shall set forth specifically the grounds upon which the protest is made, and include a concise statement of the interest of the party in the proceeding. Additionally, one copy of the protest shall be furnished to the applicant at the address listed above. FRA expects to be able to determine these matters without an oral hearing. However, if a specific request for an oral hearing is accompanied by a showing that the party is unable to adequately present his or her position by written statements, an application may be set for public hearing. All communications concerning this proceeding should be identified by Docket Number FRA-2007-28424 and may be submitted by one of the following methods: *Web site: http://dms.dot.gov.* Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the DOT electronic site; *Fax:* 202-493-2251; *Mail:* Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590; or *Hand Delivery:* Room W12-140 of the U.S. Department of Transportation West Building Ground Floor, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Communications received within 45 days of the date of this notice will be considered by FRA before final action is taken. Comments received after that date will be considered as far as practicable. All written communications concerning these proceedings are available for examination during regular business hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) at the above facility. All documents in the public docket are also available for inspection and copying on the Internet at the docket facility's Web site at *http://dms.dot.gov.* FRA wishes to inform all potential commenters that anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the **Federal Register** published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78) or you may visit *http://dms.dot.gov.* Issued in Washington, DC on July 11, 2007. Grady C. Cothen, Jr., Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety Standards and Program Development. [FR Doc. E7-13737 Filed 7-16-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-06-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration Early Scoping Notice AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, and the Detroit Department of Transportation. ACTION: Early Scoping Notice for the Detroit Transit Options for Growth Study. SUMMARY: The Federal Transit Administration

(FTA)and the Detroit Department of Transportation

(DDOT)are issuing this early scoping notice to advise agencies and the public that they intend to explore, in the context of the Council on Environmental Quality's early scoping process, alternative means of implementing rapid transit improvements in the Detroit area in Wayne County, Michigan. Three alignments, described below, will be examined, largely to explore their potential for implementation of a major transit capital investment (New Start). Public scoping meetings have been planned and are announced below. This process may result in selection of a locally preferred alternative (proposed action). If preparation of an environmental impact statement is warranted, this early scoping process is intended to satisfy standard National Environmental Policy Act scoping requirements, except that comments on the purpose and need for the proposed action, the range of alternatives to be considered, and potentially significant impacts, as described in a forthcoming notice of intent, will be invited and considered. DATES: One interagency scoping meeting and four public scoping meetings will be conducted on the following dates and times at the locations indicated: Interagency Scoping Meeting Friday, July 27, 2007, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Detroit Department of Transportation, 1301 East Warren, Detroit, Michigan 48207. Public Scoping Meetings Wednesday, July 25, 2007, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Guardian Building, Mezzanine Lobby, 500 Griswold, Detroit, Michigan 48226. Wednesday, July 25, 2007, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wayne State University, Welcome Center, 42 West Warren Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48202. Thursday, July 26, 2007, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wayne County Community College, Cooper Community Center, 5901 Conner, Detroit, MI 48213. Saturday, July 28, 2007, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, Studio A, 15801 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48126. The public scoping meetings will begin with an hour-long open house allowing the public to discuss the scoping process and study options with project staff. Handouts describing alignments, study options, and other aspects of contemplated rapid transit improvements will be available at the meetings. The meetings will be facilitated and a court reporter will be present to record oral comments which are welcomed. The scoping information will also be available on the project Web site at *http://www.dtogs.com.* American Sign Language, Arabic, and Spanish interpreters will be present at the public scoping meetings. The buildings are accessible to persons with disabilities. ADDRESSES: Written comments on this notice should be submitted by August 29, 2007 to: Mr. Tim Roseboom, Project Manager, Detroit Department of Transportation, 1301 East Warren, Detroit, Michigan 48207, Telephone:

(313)833-7973, Fax:

(313)833-5493, E-mail: *TimRos@detroitmi.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bill Wheeler, Community Planner, Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Region V, 200 West Adams Street, Suite 320, Chicago, Illinois 60606-5232, Telephone:

(312)353-2789. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Early scoping is a National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA)process that is particularly useful in situations where, as here, a proposed action (the locally preferred alternative) has not been identified and multiple broad alternatives are under consideration in several corridors. While scoping normally follows issuance of a notice of intent, which must describe the proposed action, it “may be initiated earlier, as long as there is appropriate public notice and enough information available on the proposal so that the public and relevant agencies can participate effectively.” Council on Environmental Quality, “Forty Most Asked Questions Concerning CEQ's National Environmental Policy Act Regulations,” 46 FR 18026, 18030

(1981)(Answer to Question 13). Available information is more than adequate to permit the public and relevant agencies to participate effectively in early scoping. The Detroit Transit Options for Growth Study and Subsequent Developments The Detroit Transit Options for Growth

(DTOG)Study identifies 14 corridors in the study area that includes the cities of Dearborn, Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park and encompasses approximately 160 square miles. The study-area population is over 1 million and estimated employment stands at nearly 500,000 jobs. Transit service in the study area is provided by buses, which have strong ridership and serve many people who depend on transit for their trips. The Detroit People Mover, a 2.9 mile elevated rail circulator in downtown Detroit, also provides transit service, but no rapid transit service is available within the study area. The DTOG Study represents a major step to promote regional and local rapid transit improvements in Southeast Michigan for the purposes of addressing existing, as well as projected congestion, and improving air quality, or at least not degrading it any further. In the summer of 2006, DDOT initiated State and local planning required for anticipated New Starts transit projects to be eligible for Federal funding assistance under 49 U.S.C. 5309. The objective of beginning early planning efforts was to advance the realization of regional and local rapid transit improvements to serve current and future population and employment centers and destinations by narrowing options developed in the DTOG Study. Following a multi-phase screening process that included public participation, it was determined that three priority corridors (of the 14 identified in the DTOG Study) would be advanced for further study. The three alignments include:

(1)The Woodward Avenue Corridor from downtown Detroit to Eight Mile Road;

(2)a combined Woodward and Michigan Avenues Corridor from downtown Detroit to Grand Boulevard near the New Center area and on Michigan Avenue from downtown Detroit to the City of Dearborn near Fairlane Mall and University of Michigan Dearborn; and

(3)a combined Woodward and Gratiot Avenues Corridor from downtown Detroit to Grand Boulevard near the New Center area and the Gratiot Avenue Corridor from downtown Detroit to Eight Mile Road. It was further determined that potential rapid transit modes that would meet the objectives of the DTOG Study included Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT), and modern streetcar. A public participation program has been developed and initiated with a Web site, newsletter, and public meetings and stakeholder meetings. A technical committee has been established and meets monthly. State and Local Planning and Early Scoping Public planning for an anticipated New Starts transit project in the Detroit area continues. The public planning process resembles in some respects alternatives analysis required by the NEPA process, except that the former evaluates alternatives broadly by examining several modal and alignment options for addressing defined mobility needs in a particular corridor. Essentially, State and local planning produces a clearly defined project problem statement for use in New Starts in alternative analysis whereas consideration of project alternatives under NEPA calls for a concise statement of purpose and need. Nevertheless, to the extent that State and local planning efforts can lead toward a well-defined purpose and need statement and satisfy requirements of the NEPA process, including scoping, it should not have to be duplicated subsequently in that process. See 40 CFR 1506.2(b) (“Agencies shall cooperate with State and local agencies to the fullest extent possible to reduce duplication between NEPA and State and local requirements.”). Early scoping provides a means through which duplication, waste, and delay that could otherwise be experienced in situations such as this may be avoided. Future New Starts planning alternatives analysis will examine alignments, technologies, station locations, costs, funding, ridership, economic development, land use, engineering feasibility, and environmental factors in a selected corridor. During alternatives analysis, DDOT will also evaluate options for transportation improvements in the study area that do not involve significant capital investment (e.g., enhanced bus service). At the conclusion of this early scoping and alternatives analysis process, a locally preferred alternative—the “proposed action”—will be determined, as well as the appropriate NEPA process—environmental assessment or environmental impact statement—to be undertaken for the proposed action. If preparation of an environmental impact statement is warranted, a notice of intent will be published in the **Federal Register** and comments on the purpose and need for the proposed action, the range of alternatives to be considered, and potentially significant environmental impacts will be invited and considered. In conjunction with issuance of this notice, and consistent with provisions of 23 U.S.C. 139, invitations will be extended to other Federal and non-Federal agencies that may have an interest in this matter to be participating agencies. A plan for coordinating public and agency participation in and comment on the environmental review process for issues and alternatives under consideration here and at subsequent phases of the process will be prepared. Issued this 10th day of July, 2007. Marisol R. Simon, Regional Administrator, Region 5. [FR Doc. E7-13766 Filed 7-16-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-57-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket No. MARAD 2007 28708] Information Collection Available for Public Comments and Recommendations ACTION: Notice of intention to request extension of OMB approval and request for comments. SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Maritime Administration's (MARAD's) intention to request extension of approval (with modifications) for three years of a currently approved information collection. DATES: Comments should be submitted on or before September 17, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mitch Hudson, Maritime Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Telephone: 202-366-9373; or E-Mail: *mitch.hudson@dot.gov.* Copies of this collection also can be obtained from that office. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title of Collection:* Requirements for Establishing U.S. Citizenship—46 CFR Parts 355 and 356. *Type of Request:* Extension with modifications of currently approved information collection. *OMB Control Number:* 2133-0012. *Form Numbers:* None. Expiration Date of Approval: Three years from date of approval by the Office of Management and Budget. *Summary of Collection of Information:* Maritime Administration implementing regulations at 46 CFR parts 355 and 356 set forth requirements for establishing U.S. citizenship in accordance with MARAD statutory authority. Those receiving benefits under 46 U.S.C. Chapters 531, 535, and 537 (formerly the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended), or applicants seeking a fishery endorsement eligibility approval pursuant to the American Fisheries Act must be citizens of the United States within the meaning of 46 U.S.C. 50501, (formerly Section 2 of the Shipping Act, 1916, as amended). In either case, whether seeking program benefits or fishery endorsement eligibility, Section 50501 sets forth the statutory requirements for determining whether an applicant, be it a corporation, partnership, or association is a U.S. citizen. 46 CFR part 356 is distinguished from 46 CFR part 355 in that part 356 establishes requirements for U.S. citizenship exclusively in accordance with the AFA while part 355 is applied for purposes of establishing citizenship across multiple MARAD programs arising under other statutory authority. Most program participants are required to submit to MARAD on an annual basis the form of affidavit prescribed by part 355 or part 356. *Need and Use of the Information:* MARAD will review the Affidavits of U.S. Citizenship to determine if the applicants are eligible to participate in the programs offered by the agency or to receive a MARAD fishery endorsement eligibility approval. *Description of Respondents:* The Affidavits of U.S. Citizenship are filed with MARAD by shipowners, trustees, ship mortgagees, charterers, equity owners, ship managers, etc. *Annual Responses:* 500 responses. *Annual Burden:* 2,500 hours. *Comments:* Comments should refer to the docket number that appears at the top of this document. Written comments may be submitted to the Docket Clerk, U.S. DOT Dockets, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. Comments also may be submitted by electronic means via the Internet at *http://dms.dot.gov/submit.* Specifically address whether this information collection is necessary for proper performance of the functions of the agency and will have practical utility, accuracy of the burden estimates, ways to minimize this burden, and ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected. All comments received will be available for examination at the above address between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT (or EST), Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. An electronic version of this document is available on the World Wide Web at *http://dms.dot.gov.* *Privacy Act:* Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the **Federal Register** published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78) or you may visit *http://dms.dot.gov.* Authority: 49 CFR 1.66. Dated: July 10, 2007. By Order of the Maritime Administrator, Daron T. Threet, Secretary, Maritime Administration. [FR Doc. E7-13769 Filed 7-16-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-81-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket No. MARAD-2007-28702] Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws AGENCY: Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation. ACTION: Invitation for public comments on a requested administrative waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws for the vessel MANAWALE'A. SUMMARY: As authorized by Public Law 105-383 and Public Law 107-295, the Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.-build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below. The complete application is given in DOT docket MARAD-2007-28702 at *http://dms.dot.gov.* Interested parties may comment on the effect this action may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag vessels. If MARAD determines, in accordance with Public Law 105-383 and MARAD's regulations at 46 CFR Part 388 (68 FR 23084; April 30, 2003), that the issuance of the waiver will have an unduly adverse effect on a U.S.-vessel builder or a business that uses U.S.-flag vessels in that business, a waiver will not be granted. Comments should refer to the docket number of this notice and the vessel name in order for MARAD to properly consider the comments. Comments should also state the commenter's interest in the waiver application, and address the waiver criteria given in § 388.4 of MARAD's regulations at 46 CFR Part 388. DATES: Submit comments on or before August 16, 2007. ADDRESSES: Comments should refer to docket number MARAD-2007-28702. Written comments may be submitted by hand or by mail to the Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. You may also send comments electronically via the Internet at *http://dmses.dot.gov/submit/.* All comments will become part of this docket and will be available for inspection and copying at the above address between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., E.T., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. An electronic version of this document and all documents entered into this docket is available on the World Wide Web at *http://dms.dot.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joann Spittle, U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W21-203, Washington, DC 20590. Telephone 202-366-5979. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As described by the applicant the intended service of the vessel MANAWALE'A is: *Intended Use:* “Recreational diving, sightseeing, snorkeling, whalewatching, exploring, and expedition charters and member LLC.” *Geographic Region:* “Hawaiian Waters.” Privacy Act Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the **Federal Register** published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78) or you may visit *http://dms.dot.gov.* Dated: July 6, 2007. By order of the Maritime Administrator. Daron T. Threet, Secretary, Maritime Administration. [FR Doc. E7-13771 Filed 7-16-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-81-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Maritime Administration [Docket No. MARAD-2007-28703] Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws AGENCY: Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation. ACTION: Invitation for public comments on a requested administrative waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws for the vessel REDWINGS. SUMMARY: As authorized by Public Law 105-383 and Public Law 107-295, the Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.-build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below. The complete application is given in DOT docket MARAD-2007-28703 at *http://dms.dot.gov.* Interested parties may comment on the effect this action may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.-flag vessels. If MARAD determines, in accordance with Public Law 105-383 and MARAD's regulations at 46 CFR Part 388 (68 FR 23084; April 30, 2003), that the issuance of the waiver will have an unduly adverse effect on a U.S.-vessel builder or a business that uses U.S.-flag vessels in that business, a waiver will not be granted. Comments should refer to the docket number of this notice and the vessel name in order for MARAD to properly consider the comments. Comments should also state the commenter's interest in the waiver application, and address the waiver criteria given in § 388.4 of MARAD's regulations at 46 CFR Part 388. DATES: Submit comments on or before August 16, 2007. ADDRESSES: Comments should refer to docket number MARAD-2007-28703. Written comments may be submitted by hand or by mail to the Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. You may also send comments electronically via the Internet at *http://dmses.dot.gov/submit/.* All comments will become part of this docket and will be available for inspection and copying at the above address between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., E.T., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. An electronic version of this document and all documents entered into this docket is available on the World Wide Web at *http://dms.dot.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Joann Spittle, U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W21-203, Washington, DC 20590. Telephone 202-366-5979. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As described by the applicant the intended service of the vessel REDWINGS is: *Intended Use:* “Captained sailing cruises.” *Geographic Region:* “ME, NH, MA, RI, CT, NY, NJ, DE, MD, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, LA, TX, CA, OR, WA, AK (excluding SE Alaska), HI, MI, WI, OH, MN” Privacy Act Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the **Federal Register** published on April 11, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 70; Pages 19477-78) or you may visit *http://dms.dot.gov.* Dated: July 6, 2007. By order of the Maritime Administrator. Daron T. Threet, Secretary, Maritime Administration. [FR Doc. E7-13773 Filed 7-16-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-81-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration [Docket Number: PHMSA-04-18938] Request for Public Comments and Office of Management and Budget Approval of a Change to an Existing Information Collection (2137-0604, 2137-0605, and 2137-0610) AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), this notice announces that PHMSA forwarded an Information Collection Request to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for a change to an existing information collection for pipeline integrity management (IM). The purpose of this notice is to allow the public an additional 30 days to submit comments. DATES: Submit comments on or before August 16, 2007. ADDRESSES: Send comments directly to the Office Management and Budget, Office of Regulatory Affairs, Attn: Desk Officer for the Department of Transportation, 726 Jackson Place, NW., Washington, DC 20503. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Israni by phone at

(202)366-4571 or by e-mail at: *mike.israni@dot.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PHMSA's IM regulations require operators of hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines to assess, evaluate, repair, and validate through comprehensive analyses the integrity of pipeline segments in high consequence areas where a leak or failure would do the most damage to populated, unusually sensitive environmental areas, and other populated areas. These regulations also require operators who cannot meet their evaluation schedules to notify PHMSA when temporarily reducing operating pressure or shutting down their pipelines. This change adds a requirement for operators to also notify PHMSA if pressure reductions exceed 365 days. PHMSA published a notice of proposed rulemaking

(NPRM)on December 15, 2005 (70 FR 74265) requesting comments on a change to these existing information collections. PHMSA received comments from 12 parties: American Petroleum Institute and Association of Oil Pipe Lines; the American Gas Association; Texas Pipeline Association; Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P.; Southwest Gas Corporation; Paiute Pipeline Company; Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc.; Duke Energy Gas Transmission Corporation; Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.; Panhandle Energy; Puget Sound Energy; and Enbridge Energy Company, Inc.—Liquids Transportation Segment. Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, PHMSA will include the comments in the request for OMB's clearance of this information collection. PHMSA is now forwarding the collection of information request to OMB and providing an additional 30 days for comments. PHMSA is inviting comments on whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of DOT. The term “information collection” includes all work related to preparing and disseminating information in accordance with recordkeeping requirements. The comments should address

(1)whether the information will have practical utility;

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

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

(4)ways to minimize the information collection burden on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. OMB control No. Regulation title Number of operators Number of responses (percent) Total annual burden hours 2137-0604 Pipeline Integrity Management in High Consequence Areas Operators with more than 500 miles of Hazardous Liquid Pipeline 71 0.85 3 2137-0605 Pipeline Integrity Management in High Consequence Areas Operators with less than 500 miles of Hazardous Liquid Pipeline 192 0.85 9 2137-0610 Pipeline Integrity Management in High Consequence Areas Gas Transmission Pipeline Operators 721 0.85 34 Totals 1,166 N/A 46 Issued in Washington, DC, on July 6, 2007. Florence L. Hamn, Director of Regulations, Office of Pipeline Safety. [FR Doc. E7-13764 Filed 7-16-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-60-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration [Docket: PHMSA-98-4957] Request for Public Comments and Office of Management and Budget Approval of Existing Information Collection Requirement AGENCY: Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), this notice announces that PHMSA forwarded an Information Collection Request to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for an extension of the currently approved collection of information “Incorporation by Reference of Industry Standard on Leak Detection” (2137-0598). The purpose of this notice is to invite the public to submit comments on the request to OMB. DATES: Submit comments on or before August 16, 2007. ADDRESSES: Send comments directly to the Office of Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: Desk Office for the Department of Transportation, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: L.E. Herrick at

(202)366-5523, or by e-mail at: *le.herrick@dot.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The hazardous liquid pipeline safety regulations require operators that elect to use software-based Computer Monitoring System

(CPM)leak detection systems to comply with the American Petroleum Institute's

(API)1130 standard (49 CFR 195.134). API 1130 provides guidance for operating, maintaining, and testing software-based CPM systems. Hazardous liquid operators, with software-based CPM systems, must maintain records documenting the operation, maintenance, and testing of those systems. PHMSA, through the incorporation of this industry standard, will be able to continue to ensure that appropriate technology is used to maximize safety in the pipeline industry. Pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA, PHMSA is required to obtain OMB approval for all information collections. The term “information collection” includes all work related to the preparing and disseminating of information in accordance with the recordkeeping requirements. PHMSA published a notice providing a 60 day period for comments on these information collection renewals in the **Federal Register** on May 29, 2007 (72 FR 29578), and received no comments. PHMSA is now forwarding the information collection request to OMB and providing an additional 30 days for comments. PHMSA invites comments on whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of DOT. The comments should address

(1)whether the information will have practical utility;

(2)the accuracy of DOT's estimate about the information collection burden;

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

(4)ways to minimize the burden of the information collection on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. PHMSA estimates the burden of these requirements as follows: *Type of Information Collection Request:* Renewal of existing collection. *Title of Information Collection:* Incorporation by Reference of Industry Standard on Leak Detection. *Respondents:* 50. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours on Respondents:* 100. *Estimated Cost:* $6,475. Issued in Washington, DC, on July 9, 2007. Florence L. Hamn, Director of Regulations, Office of Pipeline Safety. [FR Doc. E7-13767 Filed 7-16-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-60-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Docket No. AB-6 (Sub-No. 454X)] BNSF Railway Company—Abandonment Exemption—in Multnomah County, OR BNSF Railway Company

(BNSF)has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR Part 1152 Subpart F— *Exempt Abandonments* to abandon a 0.48-mile line of railroad between milepost 1.88 and milepost 2.36, near Portland, in Multnomah County, OR (the line). The line traverses United States Postal Service Zip Code 97210. BNSF has certified that:

(1)No local traffic has moved over the line for at least 2 years;

(2)overhead traffic handled on the line will be rerouted;

(3)no formal complaint filed by a user of rail service on the line (or by a state or local government entity acting on behalf of such user) regarding cessation of service over the line either is pending with the Surface Transportation Board or with any U.S. District Court or has been decided in favor of complainant within the 2-year period; and

(4)the requirements of 49 CFR 1105.7 (environmental report), 49 CFR 1105.8 (historic report), 49 CFR 1105.11 (transmittal letter), 49 CFR 1105.12 (newspaper publication), and 49 CFR 1152.50(d)(1) (notice to governmental agencies) have been met. As a condition to this exemption, any employee adversely affected by the abandonment shall be protected under *Oregon Short Line R. Co.—Abandonment—Goshen,* 360 I.C.C. 91 (1979). To address whether this condition adequately protects affected employees, a petition for partial revocation under 49 U.S.C. 10502(d) must be filed. Provided no formal expression of intent to file an offer of financial assistance

(OFA)has been received, this exemption will be effective on August 11, 2007, unless stayed pending reconsideration. Petitions to stay that do not involve environmental issues, 1 formal expressions of intent to file an OFA under 49 CFR 1152.27(c)(2), 2 and trail use/rail banking requests under 49 CFR 1152.29 must be filed by July 23, 2007. Petitions to reopen or requests for public use conditions under 49 CFR 1152.28 must be filed by August 1, 2007, with: Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423-0001. 1 The Board will grant a stay if an informed decision on environmental issues (whether raised by a party or by the Board's Section of Environmental Analysis

(SEA)in its independent investigation) cannot be made before the exemption's effective date. *See Exemption of Out-of-Service Rail Lines,* 5 I.C.C.2d 377 (1989). Any request for a stay should be filed as soon as possible so that the Board may take appropriate action before the exemption's effective date. 2 Each OFA must be accompanied by the filing fee, which currently is set at $1,300. *See* 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(25). A copy of any petition filed with the Board should be sent to BNSF's representative: Sidney L. Strickland, Jr., Sidney Strickland and Associates, PLLC, 3050 K Street, NW., Suite 101, Washington, DC 20007. If the verified notice contains false or misleading information, the exemption is void *ab initio.* BNSF has filed environmental and historic reports which address the effects, if any, of the abandonment on the environment and historic resources. SEA will issue an environmental assessment

(EA)by July 17, 2007. Interested persons may obtain a copy of the EA by writing to SEA (Room 1100, Surface Transportation Board, Washington, DC 20423-0001) or by calling SEA, at

(202)245-0305. [Assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Federal Information Relay Service

(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8339.] Comments on environmental and historic preservation matters must be filed within 15 days after the EA becomes available to the public. Environmental, historic preservation, public use, or trail use/rail banking conditions will be imposed, where appropriate, in a subsequent decision. Pursuant to the provisions of 49 CFR 1152.29(e)(2), BNSF shall file a notice of consummation with the Board to signify that it has exercised the authority granted and fully abandoned the line. If consummation has not been effected by BNSF's filing of a notice of consummation by July 12, 2008, and there are no legal or regulatory barriers to consummation, the authority to abandon will automatically expire. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at *http://www.stb.dot.gov.* Decided: July 3, 2007. By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of Proceedings. Vernon A. Williams, Secretary. [FR Doc. E7-13758 Filed 7-16-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915-01-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request July 10, 2007. The Department of the Treasury has submitted the following public information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling the Treasury Bureau Clearance Officer listed. Comments regarding this information collection should be addressed to the OMB reviewer listed and to the Treasury Department Clearance Officer, Department of the Treasury, Room 11000, 1750 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20220. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before August 16, 2007 to be assured of consideration. Internal Revenue Service

(IRS)*OMB Number:* 1545-0137. *Type of Review:* Revision. *Title:* Contract Coverage Under Title II of the Social Security Act. *Form:* 2032. *Description:* U.S. citizens and resident aliens employed abroad by foreign affiliates of American employers are exempt from social security taxes. Under Internal Revenue Code section 3121(1), American employers may file an agreement on Form 2032 to waive this exemption and obtain social security coverage for U.S. citizens and resident aliens employed abroad by their foreign affiliates. The American employers can later file Form 2032 to cover additional foreign affiliates as an amendment to their original agreement. *Respondents:* Individuals or households. *Estimated Total Burden Hours:* 973 hours. *OMB Number:* 1545-0122. *Type of Review:* Extension. *Title:* Foreign Tax Credit Corporations. *Form:* 1118, Schedules I & J. *Description:* Form 1118 and separate Schedules I and J are used by domestic and foreign corporations to claim a credit for taxes paid to foreign countries. The IRS uses Form 1118 and related schedules to determine if the corporation has computed the foreign tax credit correctly. *Respondents:* Businesses or other for-profit institutions. *Estimated Total Burden Hours:* 4,031,736 hours. *OMB Number:* 1545-0575. *Type of Review:* Revision. *Title:* Return of Excise Taxes Related to Employee Benefit Plans. *Form:* 5330. *Description:* U.S. Code sections 4971, 4972, 4973(a)(3), 4975, 4976, 4977, 4978, 4978A, 4978B, 4979, 4979A and 4980 impose various excise taxes in connection with employee benefit plans. Form 5330 is used to compute and collect these taxes. *Respondents:* Businesses or other for-profit institutions. *Estimated Total Burden Hours:* 478,215 hours. *OMB Number:* 1545-1596. *Type of Review:* Extension. *Title:* Request for Innocent Spouse Relief. *Form:* 8857. *Description:* Section 6103(e) of the Internal Revenue Code allows taxpayers to request, and IRS to grant, “innocent spouse” relief when: taxpayer filed a joint return with tax substantially understated; taxpayer establishes no knowledge of or benefit from, the understatement; and it would be inequitable to hold the taxpayer liable. GAO Report GAO/GGD-97-34 recommended that IRS develop a form to make relief easier for the public to request. *Respondents:* Businesses and other for-profit institutions. *Estimated Total Burden Hours:* 2,070 hours. *OMB Number:* 1545-0800. *Type of Review:* Revision. *Title:* Reg. 601.601 Rules and Regulations. *Description:* Persons wishing to speak at a public hearing on a proposed rule must submit written comments and an outline within prescribed time limits, for use in preparing agendas and allocating time. Persons interested in the issuance, amendment, of repeal of a rule may submit a petition for this. IRS considers the petitions in its deliberations. *Respondents:* Individuals or households. *Estimated Total Burden Hours:* 240,500 hours. *OMB Number:* 1545-1881. *Type of Review:* Extension. *Title:* Election To Treat a Qualified Revocable Trust as Party of an Estate. *Form:* 8855. *Description:* Form 8855 is used to make a section 645 election that allows a qualified revocable trust to be treated and taxed (for income tax purposes) as part of its related estate during the election period. *Respondents:* Businesses and other for-profit institutions. *Estimated Total Burden Hours:* 28,200 hours. *OMB Number:* 1545-1155. *Type of Review:* Extension. *Title:* PS-74-89 (TD 8282) Final Election of Reduced Research Credit Estate Tax (TD 8686). *Description:* These regulations prescribe the procedure for making the election described in section 280C(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Taxpayers making this election must reduce their section 41(a) research credit, but are not required to reduce their deductions for qualified research expenses, as required in paragraphs

(1)and

(2)of section 280C(c). *Respondents:* Businesses and other for-profit institutions. *Estimated Total Burden Hours:* 50 hours. *OMB Number:* 1545-0806. *Type of Review:* Extension. *Title:* EE-12-78 (Final) Non-Bank Trustees. *Description:* Section 408(a)(2) permits an institution other than a bank to be the trustee of an individual retirement account. Section 1.408-2(e)(1) of the Income Tax Regulations provides that such an institution must file a written application with the IRS demonstrating its ability to act as trustee. Section 1.408-2(e)(2) requires an applicant to demonstrate in detail in his written application the ability to act within the accepted rules of fiduciary conduct. Certain reporting and recordkeeping requirements must be demonstrated by an applicant in his written application and are imposed in connection with the ongoing activities of a non-bank trustee. *Respondents:* Businesses or other for-profit institutions. *Estimated Total Burden Hours:* 13 hours. *Clearance Officer:* Glenn P. Kirkland,

(202)622-3428, Internal Revenue Service, Room 6516, 1111 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20224. *OMB Reviewer:* Alexander T. Hunt,

(202)395-7316, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503. Robert Dahl, Treasury PRA Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E7-13743 Filed 7-16-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830-01-P 72 136 Tuesday, July 17, 2007 Presidential Documents Title 3— The President Proclamation 8162 of July 12, 2007 Death of Lady Bird Johnson By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As a mark of respect for the memory of Lady Bird Johnson, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, that on the day of her interment, the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on such day. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second. GWBOLD.EPS [FR Doc. 07-3498 Filed 7-16-07; 8:45 am]

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