Notices. Notice

4,158 words·~19 min read·/register/2007/09/04/07-4300

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BILLING CODE 8025-01-M SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration #10991] Minnesota Disaster #MN-00010 Declaration of Economic Injury AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Economic Injury Disaster Loan

(EIDL)declaration for the State of Minnesota, dated 08/22/2007. *Incident:* Collapse of Interstate 35W Bridge. *Incident Period:* 08/01/2007. EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/22/2007. *EIDL Loan Application Deadline Date:* 05/22/2008. ADDRESSES: Submit completed loan applications to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A. Escobar, Office of Disaster Assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street, SW., Suite 6050, Washington, DC 20416. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that as a result of the Administrator's EIDL declaration, applications for economic injury disaster loans may be filed at the address listed above or other locally announced locations. The following areas have been determined to be adversely affected by the disaster: *Primary Counties:* Hennepin. *Contiguous Counties:* Minnesota: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wright. *The Interest Rate is:* 4.000. The number assigned to this disaster for economic injury is 109910. The State which received an EIDL Declaration # is Minnesota. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 59002) Steven C. Preston, Administrator. [FR Doc. E7-17392 Filed 8-31-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8025-01-P SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration #11004 and #11005] Minnesota Disaster Number MN-00011 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Amendment 1. SUMMARY: This is an amendment of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the State of Minnesota (FEMA-1717-DR), dated 08/23/2007. *Incident:* Severe Storms and Flooding. *Incident Period:* 08/18/2007 and continuing. EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/24/2007. *Physical Loan Application Deadline Date:* 10/22/2007. *EIDL Loan Application Deadline Date:* 05/23/2008. ADDRESSES: Submit completed loan applications to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A. Escobar, Office of Disaster Assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street, SW., Suite 6050, Washington, DC 20416. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The notice of the Presidential disaster declaration for the State of Minnesota, dated 08/23/2007 is hereby amended to include the following areas as adversely affected by the disaster: *Primary Counties:* Olmsted, Steele,Wabasha. *Contiguous Counties:* Minnesota: Dodge, Freeborn, Goodhue, Rice, Waseca. Wisconsin: Pepin. All other information in the original declaration remains unchanged. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 59002 and 59008) Herbert L. Mitchell, Associate Administrator for Disaster Assistance. [FR Doc. E7-17397 Filed 8-31-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8025-01-P SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration # 10992] North Carolina Disaster # NC-00010 Declaration of Economic Injury AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Economic Injury Disaster Loan

(EIDL)declaration for the State of North Carolina, dated 08/22/2007. *Incident:* Fire in the Town of Spruce Pine. *Incident Period:* 08/04/2007 through 08/05/2007. EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/22/2007. *EIDL Loan Application Deadline Date:* 05/22/2008. ADDRESSES: Submit completed loan applications to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A. Escobar, Office of Disaster Assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street, SW., Suite 6050, Washington, DC 20416. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that as a result of the Administrator's EIDL declaration, applications for economic injury disaster loans may be filed at the address listed above or other locally announced locations. The following areas have been determined to be adversely affected by the disaster: *Primary Counties:* Mitchell. *Contiguous Counties:* North Carolina: Avery, Mcdowell, Yancey. Tennessee: Carter, Unicoi. *The Interest Rate is:* 4.000. The number assigned to this disaster for economic injury is 109920. The States which received an EIDL Declaration # are North Carolina, Tennessee. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 59002) Dated: August 22, 2007. Steven C. Preston, Administrator. [FR Doc. E7-17393 Filed 8-31-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8025-01-P SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration #11008 and #11009] Oklahoma Disaster #OK-00013 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a Notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the State of Oklahoma (FEMA-1718-DR), dated 08/24/2007. *Incident:* Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding. *Incident Period:* 08/18/2007 and continuing. EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/24/2007. *Physical Loan Application Deadline Date:* 10/23/2007. *Economic Injury

(EIDL)Loan Application Deadline Date:* 05/26/2008. ADDRESSES: Submit completed loan applications to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A. Escobar, Office of Disaster Assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street, SW., Suite 6050, Washington, DC 20416. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that as a result of the President's major disaster declaration on 08/24/2007, applications for disaster loans may be filed at the address listed above or other locally announced locations. The following areas have been determined to be adversely affected by the disaster: *Primary Counties (Physical Damage and Economic Injury Loans):* Blaine, Caddo, Kingfisher. *Contiguous Counties (Economic Injury Loans Only):* Oklahoma: Canadian, Comanche, Custer, Dewey, Garfield, Grady, Kiowa, Logan, Major, Oklahoma, Washita. The Interest Rates are: Percent For Physical Damage: Homeowners with Credit Available Elsewhere: 6.250 Homeowners without Credit Available Elsewhere: 3.125 Businesses with Credit Available Elsewhere: 8.000 Other (Including Non-Profit Organizations) with Credit Available Elsewhere: 5.250 Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere: 4.000 For Economic Injury: Businesses & Small Agricultural Cooperatives without Credit Available Elsewhere: 4.000 The number assigned to this disaster for physical damage is 110086 and for economic injury is 110090. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 59002 and 59008) Herbert L. Mitchell, Associate Administrator for Disaster Assistance. [FR Doc. E7-17391 Filed 8-31-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8025-01-P SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration #10993] South Carolina Disaster #SC-00004 Declaration of Economic Injury AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Economic Injury Disaster Loan

(EIDL)declaration for the State of South Carolina, dated 08/22/2007. *Incident:* McTeer Bridge Closure. *Incident Period:* 04/26/2007. EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/22/2007. *EIDL Loan Application Deadline Date:* 05/22/2008. ADDRESSES: Submit completed loan applications to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A. Escobar, Office of Disaster Assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street, SW., Suite 6050, Washington, DC 20416. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that as a result of the Administrator's EIDL declaration, applications for economic injury disaster loans may be filed at the address listed above or other locally announced locations. The following areas have been determined to be adversely affected by the disaster: *Primary Counties:* Beaufort. *Contiguous Counties:* South Carolina: Colleton, Hampton, Jasper. *The Interest Rate is:* 4.000. The number assigned to this disaster for economic injury is 109930. The State which received an EIDL Declaration # is South Carolina. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 59002 ) Dated: August 22, 2007. Steven C. Preston, Administrator. [FR Doc. E7-17389 Filed 8-31-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8025-01-P SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration #11006 and #11007] South Dakota Disaster #SD-00013 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a notice of an Administrative declaration of a disaster for the State of South Dakota dated 08/27/2007. *Incident:* Flash Flooding. *Incident Period:* 08/17/2007. EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/27/2007. *Physical Loan Application Deadline Date:* 10/26/2007. *Economic Injury

(EIDL)Loan Application Deadline Date:* 05/27/2008. ADDRESSES: Submit completed loan applications to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A. Escobar, Office of Disaster Assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street, SW., Suite 6050, Washington, DC 20416. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that as a result of the Administrator's disaster declaration, applications for disaster loans may be filed at the address listed above or other locally announced locations. The following areas have been determined to be adversely affected by the disaster: *Primary Counties:* Custer. *Contiguous Counties:* South Dakota: Fall River, Pennington, Shannon. Wyoming: Niobrara, Weston. The Interest Rates are: Percent Homeowners with Credit Available Elsewhere 6.250 Homeowners without Credit Available Elsewhere 3.125 Businesses with Credit Available Elsewhere 8.000 Businesses & Small Agricultural Cooperatives without Credit Available Elsewhere 4.000 Other (Including Non-Profit Organizations) with Credit Available Elsewhere 5.250 Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere 4.000 The number assigned to this disaster for physical damage is 11006 6 and for economic injury is 11007 0. The States which received an EIDL Declaration # are South Dakota, Wyoming. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 59002 and 59008) Dated: August 27, 2007. Steven C. Preston, Administrator. [FR Doc. E7-17396 Filed 8-31-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8025-01-P SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION [Disaster Declaration #11010 and #11011] Wisconsin Disaster #WI-00010 AGENCY: U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This is a Notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the State of Wisconsin (FEMA-1719-DR), dated 08/26/2007. *Incident:* Severe Storms and Flooding. *Incident Period:* 08/18/2007 and continuing. EFFECTIVE DATE: 08/26/2007. *Physical Loan Application Deadline Date:* 10/25/2007. *Economic Injury* ( *EIDL* ) *Loan Application Deadline Date:* 05/26/2008. ADDRESSES: Submit completed loan applications to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A. Escobar, Office of Disaster Assistance, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street, SW., Suite 6050, Washington, DC 20416. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that as a result of the President's major disaster declaration on 08/26/2007, applications for disaster loans may be filed at the address listed above or other locally announced locations. The following areas have been determined to be adversely affected by the disaster: *Primary Counties (Physical Damage and Economic Injury Loans):* Crawford, La Crosse, Richland, Sauk, Vernon. *Contiguous Counties (Economic Injury Loans Only):* Wisconsin: Adams, Columbia, Dane, Grant, Iowa, Jackson, Juneau, Monroe, Trempealeau. Iowa: Allamakee, Clayton. Minnesota: Houston, Winona. The Interest Rates are: Percent For Physical Damage: Homeowners with Credit Available Elsewhere 6.250 Homeowners without Credit Available Elsewhere 3.125 Businesses with Credit Available Elsewhere 8.000 Other (Including Non-Profit Organizations) with Credit Available Elsewhere 5.250 Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations without Credit Available Elsewhere 4.000 For Economic Injury: Businesses & Small Agricultural Cooperatives without Credit Available Elsewhere 4.000 The number assigned to this disaster for physical damage is 110106 and for economic injury is 110110. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers 59002 and 59008) Herbert L. Mitchell, Associate Administrator for Disaster Assistance. [FR Doc. E7-17398 Filed 8-31-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8025-01-P SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION [Document No. SSA-2007-0056] The Ticket To Work and Work Incentives Advisory Panel Meeting AGENCY: Social Security Administration (SSA). ACTION: Notice of Teleconference. DATES: September 20, 2007—2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Advisory Panel Conference Call. *Call-in number:* 1-888-790-4158. *Pass code:* PANEL TELECONFERENCE. *Leader/Host:* Berthy De la Rosa-Aponte. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Type of meeting:* On September 20, 2007, the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Advisory Panel (the “Panel”) will hold a teleconference. This teleconference meeting is open to the public. *Purpose:* In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Social Security Administration

(SSA)announces this teleconference meeting of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Advisory Panel. Section 101(f) of Public Law 106-170 established the Panel to advise the President, the Congress, and the Commissioner of SSA on issues related to work incentive programs, planning, and assistance for individuals with disabilities as provided under section 101(f)(2)(A) of the Act. The Panel is also to advise the Commissioner on matters specified in section 101(f)(2)(B) of that Act, including certain issues related to the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program established under section 101(a). The interested public is invited to listen to the teleconference by calling the phone number listed above. Public testimony will be taken from 3:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Savings Time. You must be registered to give public comment. Contact information is given at the end of this notice. *Agenda:* The full agenda for the meeting will be posted on the Internet at *http://www.ssa.gov/work/panel* at least one week before the starting date or can be received, in advance, electronically or by fax upon request. *Contact Information:* Records are kept of all proceedings and will be available for public inspection by appointment at the Panel office. Anyone requiring information regarding the Panel should contact the staff by: • Mail addressed to the Social Security Administration, Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Advisory Panel Staff, 400 Virginia Avenue, SW., Suite 700, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone contact with Debra Tidwell-Peters at

(202)358-6126. • Fax at

(202)358-6440. • E-mail to *TWWIIAPanel@ssa.gov.* • To register for the public comment portion of the meeting please contact Debra Tidwell-Peters by calling

(202)358-6126, or by e-mail to *debra.tidwell-peters@ssa.gov.* Dated: August 28, 2007. Chris Silanskis, Designated Federal Officer. [FR Doc. E7-17408 Filed 8-31-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4191-02-P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 5925] 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Refugee Biographic Data, OMB Control Number 1405-0102 ACTION: Notice of request for public comments. SUMMARY: The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)approval for the information collection described below. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment in the **Federal Register** preceding submission to OMB. We are conducting this process in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. *Title of Information Collection:* Refugee Biographic Data. *OMB Control Number:* 1405-0102. *Type of Request:* Extension of a Currently Approved Collection. *Originating Office:* Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, PRM/A. *Form Number:* N/A. *Respondents:* Refugee applicants for the U.S. Resettlement Program. *Estimated Number of Respondents:* 70,000. *Estimated Number of Responses:* 70,000. *Average Hours Per Response:* One-half hour. *Total Estimated Burden:* 35,000 hours. *Frequency:* Once per respondent. *Obligation to Respond:* Required to Obtain a Benefit. DATES: The Department will accept comments from the public up to 60 days from September 4, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: • *E-mail: firesteinjy@state.gov.* You must submit information collection title and OMB control number in the subject line of your message. • *Mail (paper, disk, or CD-ROM submissions):* PRM/Admission, 2401 E Street, NW. Suite L505, SA-1 Washington, DC 20522. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of the proposed information collection and supporting documents, to Jessica Firestein, PRM/Admission, 2401 E Street, NW. Suite L505, SA-1 Washington, DC 20522, who may be reached at 202-663-1045. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to: • Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of our functions. • Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the burden of the proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used. • Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected. • Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of technology. *Abstract of proposed collection:* The Refugee Biographic Data Sheet describes a refugee applicant's personal characteristics and is needed to match the refugee with a sponsoring voluntary agency to ensure initial reception and placement in the U.S.under the United States Refugee Program administered by the Bureau for Population, Refugees, and Migration. *Methodology:* Biographic information is collected in a face-to-face interview of the applicant overseas. An employee of an Overseas Processing Entity, under contract with PRM, collects the information and enters it into the Worldwide Refugee Admissions Processing System. Dated: August 20, 2007. Terry Rusch, Director, Office of Admissions, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, Department of State. [FR Doc. E7-17426 Filed 8-31-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710-33-P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 5923] Notice of Receipt of Application for a Presidential Permit To Construct a New International Rail Bridge Between Webb County, TX and Colombia, Mexico AGENCY: Department of State. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that on August 15, 2007 the Department of State received an application for a Presidential Permit authorizing the construction, operation and maintenance of a new international rail bridge crossing between Webb County, Texas and Colombia, State of Nuevo Leon, Mexico, known hereafter as the “Colombia Rail Bridge.” This application has been filed by the Webb County Rural Transportation District located in Laredo, Texas. This construction project, which would be carried out in partnership with a number of local, state, federal and bi-national entities, would be located 31 river miles upstream or northwest of the existing Laredo International Rail Bridge that goes through downtown Nuevo Laredo and Laredo. The Department of State's jurisdiction with respect to this application is based upon Executive Order 11423, dated August 16, 1968, as amended by Executive Order 12847, dated May 17, 1993, Executive Order 13284, dated January 23, 2003 and Executive Order 13337, dated April 30, 2004. As provided in E.O. 11423, the Department is circulating this application to concerned agencies for comment. DATES: Interested parties are invited to submit written comments relative to this application on or before November 5, 2007 to Daniel D. Darrach, Coordinator, U.S.-Mexico Border Affairs, WHA/MEX, HST Room 4258, Department of State, 2201 C St., NW., Washington, DC 20520. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel D. Darrach, Coordinator, U.S.-Mexico Border Affairs, WHA/MEX, HST Room 4258, Department of State, 2201 C St., NW., Washington, DC 20520. Telephone:

(202)647-8529, fax:

(202)647-5752. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The application and related documents that are a part of the record to be considered by the Department of State in connection with this application are available for review in the Office of Mexican Affairs, Border Affairs Unit, Department of State, during normal business hours throughout the comment period. Any questions related to this notice may be addressed to Mr. Darrach using the contact information above. Dated: August 28, 2007. Daniel D. Darrach, Coordinator, U.S.-Mexico Border Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. E7-17435 Filed 8-31-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710-29-P DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 5924] IJC Invites Public Comment on Proposed Decision for Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Regulation The International Joint Commission

(IJC)invites public comment on its draft Order of Approval, new regulation plan and other matters related to the regulation of water levels and flows on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. The IJC intends to make a final decision by the end of this year. Background Documents A draft Order of Approval, overview of the new regulation plan and several background documents will be available on September 17, 2007 on the IJC's Web site or from the contacts listed below. The Order of Approval identifies the requirements for setting Lake Ontario outflows that must be met in order to protect all affected interests in the United States and Canada. The regulation plan specifies how the outflow will be set to meet the requirements of the Order under particular water supply conditions at particular times of the year. Online Public Briefings The IJC will provide online public briefings to explain its proposed decision and answer questions on October 9, 2007. The same information will be provided at both briefings. Information on how to participate in the public briefings will be announced as soon as it is available. October 9, 2007, 2 p.m.-3 p.m. October 9, 2007, 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Public Hearings The IJC will accept public comment on its draft Order of Approval, new regulation plan and related matters during public hearings at the following times and locations. Participants are requested to summarize their spoken comments in two-to-three minutes and to provide more detailed comments in writing. *Monday, October 29, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.:* Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. West, Toronto ON M5H 2N2. *Tuesday, October 30, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.:* Olcott Fire Company, 1691 Lockport Olcott Road, Olcott, NY 14126. *Tuesday, October 30, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.:* Greece Town Hall, Eastman Room, 1 Vince Toffany Boulevard, Greece, NY 14612. *Thursday, November 1, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.:* American Foundry, 246 West Seneca Street, Oswego, NY 13126. *Monday, November 5, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.:* The City of Kingston, City Hall—Memorial Hall, 216 Ontario Street, Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3. *Tuesday, November 6, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.:* Bonnie Castle, 31 Holland Street, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607. *Wednesday, November 7, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.:* Best Western Parkway Inn and Conference Centre, 1515 Vincent Massey Drive, Cornwall, ON K6H 5R6. *Thursday, November 8, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.:* Biosphère, 160, Chemin Tour-de-l'Isle, Ste-Hèlènè Island, Montreal, PQ H3C 4G8. Written Comments Written comments will be accepted at the public hearings, or at either of the addresses below until November 16, 2007. Secretary, U.S. Section, International Joint Commission, 1250 23rd Street, NW. Suite 100, Washington, DC 20440. Fax: 202-467-0746. E-mail: *Commission@washington.ijc.org.* Secretary, Canadian Section, International Joint Commission, 234 Laurier Avenue, 22nd Floor, Ottawa, ON K1P 6K6. Fax: 613-993-5583. E-mail: *Commission@ottawa.ijc.org.* How to Obtain Documents All documents will be available on the IJC Web site on September 17, 2007 at: *http://www.ijc.org.* If you would like documents mailed to you, please contact the IJC by telephone or e-mail and provide your name and address: Telephone:

(202)736-9016. E-mail: *Commission@washington.ijc.org.* Dated: August 28, 2007. James G. Chandler, Acting Secretary, U.S. Section, International Joint Commission, Department of State. [FR Doc. E7-17431 Filed 8-31-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710-14-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration Environmental Impact Statement; Washoe County, NV AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of intent. SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an Environmental Impact Statement

(EIS)will be prepared for a proposed intersection improvement project in the City of Sparks, Washoe County, NV. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Abdelmoez A. Abdalla, Environmental Program Manager, Federal Highway Administration, 705 N. Plaza, Suite 220, Carson City, NV 89701, Telephone:

(775)687-1231; Mr. Daryl James, Chief, Environmental Service Division, Nevada Department of Transportation, 1263 S. Stewart Street, Carson City, Nevada 89712, Telephone:

(775)888-7686; or Mr. William Vann, Jr., Regional Transportation Commission, 1105 Terminal Way, Suite 108, Reno, Nevada 89502, Telephone:

(775)335-1877. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the Nevada Department of Transportation

(NDOT)and the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (RTC), will prepare an environmental impact statement

(EIS)on a proposal to improve the Pyramid Way (SR 445) and McCarran Boulevard (SR 650) intersection in the City of Sparks, Washoe County, Nevada. The FHWA will serve as the Lead Federal Agency while the NDOT and the RTC will serve as Joint Lead Agencies. The new SAFETEA-LU environmental review process will be followed. The Pyramid Way at McCarran Boulevard intersection serves the transportation needs of the communities in Washoe County and the City of Sparks. This intersection links commuters from unincorporated Washoe County and the City of Sparks to employment and service centers located within the Cities of Reno and Sparks. The current and projected traffic congestion and operational characteristics of this intersection necessitate improvement. Workshops with residents and businesses in the project area and regional commuters using the intersection will be held to solicit input on the project's purpose and need, range of alternatives to be considered, preferred alternative, methodologies, and level of details for the analysis of alternatives. The purpose of the proposed project is to relieve congestion, enhance traffic operations of the intersection, improve safety, and accommodate the future increase in traffic volumes. Traffic is expected to increase by 58% by 2012, the planned opening year of the project. In the surrounding area, population is anticipated to increase 112% by 2012 while employment will increase over 400% in the same timeframe. The EIS will consider various improvement alternatives as well as a no action alternative. Alternatives that have been examined include a Pyramid Way grade separation, an expanded at-grade intersection, and an eastbound McCarran Boulevard to northbound Pyramid Way direct connection. Other alternatives will be considered as part of the public workshops and environmental review process. Letters describing the proposed action and soliciting comments will be sent to appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, and to private organizations and citizens who have expressed or are known to have interest in this project. In addition to the workshops, project scoping meetings will be held in Sparks, Nevada in the Fall of 2007 with appropriate participating and cooperating agencies as well as the general public. In addition, public meetings will be held during the development of the project and a public hearing will be held for the draft EIS. Public notices will be given announcing the time and place of the public meetings and the hearing. The draft EIS will be available for public and agency review and comment prior to the public hearing. To ensure that the full range of issues related to this proposed action are addressed and all significant issues identified, comments and suggestions are invited from all interested parties. Comments or questions concerning this proposed action and the EIS should be directed to the FHWA, NDOT, or RTC at the addresses provided above. (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.205, Highway Research, Planning and Construction. The regulations implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on Federal programs and activities apply to this program.) Authority: 42 U.S.C. 4321 *et seq.* , 49 CFR 1.48(d)(17), and 40 CFR 1501.7. Issued on: August 28, 2007. Susan Klekar, Division Administrator, FHWA, Nevada Division. [FR Doc. 07-4300 Filed 8-31-07; 8:45 am]

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