Notices. Notice of hearing

8,568 words·~39 min read·/register/2007/12/06/07-5966

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

BILLING CODE 4160-90-M DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [30Day-08-0307] Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC)publishes a list of information collection requests under review by the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). To request a copy of these requests, call the CDC Reports Clearance Officer at

(404)639-5960 or send an e-mail to *omb@cdc.gov.* Send written comments to CDC Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC or by fax to

(202)395-6974. Written comments should be received within 30 days of this notice. Proposed Project Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project (GISP)—Revision—National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Background and Brief Description CDC is requesting a 3-year revision with change for this project. The objectives of GISP are to monitor trends in antimicrobial susceptibility of strains of *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* in the U.S. and characterize resistant isolates. GISP provides critical surveillance for antimicrobial resistance, allowing for informed treatment recommendations. This project began in 1986 as a voluntary surveillance project and has involved 5 regional laboratories and 30 publicly-funded, sexually transmitted disease

(STD)clinics around the country. The STD clinics submit up to 25 gonococcal isolates per month to the regional laboratories, which measure susceptibility to a panel of antibiotics. Limited demographic and clinical information corresponding to the isolates are submitted directly by the STD clinics to CDC. During 1986-2006, GISP has demonstrated the ability to effectively achieve its objectives. The emergence of resistance in the United States to penicillin, tetracyclines, and now fluoroquinolones was identified through GISP and makes ongoing surveillance critical. Increased prevalence of fluoroquinolone-resistant *N. gonorrhoeae*

(QRNG)as seen in GISP data has prompted the CDC to update the treatment recommendations for gonorrhea in the CDC's Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2006 and to release an MMWR article stating the CDC no longer recommends fluoroquinolones for treatment of gonococcal infections (CDC, MMWR, Vol.56, No.14, 332-336). Respondents are paid by Federal funds through the CDC Comprehensive STD Prevention Systems, Prevention of STD-Related Infertility, and Syphilis Elimination Grant (CSPS), for their participation in GISP network. The estimated annualized burden for this data collection is 8,628 hours. Estimated Annualized Burden Hours Type of respondent Form name No. of respondents No. of responses per respondent Avg. burden per response (in hours) Clinic Form 1 30 240 11/60 Laboratory Form 2 5 1,452 1 Form 3 5 48 12/60 Total 40 Dated: November 28, 2007. Maryam I. Daneshvar, Acting Reports Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E7-23633 Filed 12-5-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [60Day-08-0263] Proposed Data Collections Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations In compliance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 for opportunity for public comment on proposed data collection projects, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC)will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects. To request more information on the proposed projects or to obtain a copy of the data collection plans and instruments, call 404-639-5960 and send comments to Maryam I. Daneshvar, CDC Acting Reports Clearance Officer, 1600 Clifton Road, MS-D74, Atlanta, GA 30333 or send an e-mail to *omb@cdc.gov.* Comments are invited on:

(a)Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility;

(b)the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;

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

(d)ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Written comments should be received within 60 days of this notice. Proposed Project Requirements for a Special Permit to Import Cynomolgus, African Green, or Rhesus Monkeys into the United States—Extension—National Center for Preparedness, Detection, and Control of Infectious Diseases (NCPDCID), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Background and Brief Description CDC is requesting OMB approval to continue its data collection, “Requirements for a Special Permit to Import Cynomolgus, African Green, or Rhesus Monkeys into the United States”, for another three years. This data collection is currently approved under OMB Control No. 0920-0263. There are no revisions proposed to the currently approved information collection request. A registered importer must request a special permit to import Cynomolgus, African Green, or Rhesus monkeys. To receive a special permit to import nonhuman primates, the importer must submit a written plan to the Director of CDC which specifies steps that will be taken to prevent exposure of persons and animals during the entire importation and quarantine process for the arriving nonhuman primates. Under the special permit arrangement, registered importers must submit a plan to CDC for importation and quarantine if they wish to import the specific monkeys covered. The plan must address disease prevention procedures to be carried out in every step of the chain of custody of such monkeys, from embarkation in the country of origin to release from quarantine. Information such as species, origin and intended use for monkeys, transit information, isolation and quarantine procedures, and procedures for testing of quarantined animals is necessary for CDC to make public health decisions. This information enables CDC to evaluate compliance with the standards and to determine whether the measures being taken are adequate to prevent exposure of persons and animals during importation. CDC will monitor at least 2 shipments to be assured that the provisions of a special permit plan are being followed by a new permit holder. CDC will assure that adequate disease control practices are being used by new permit holders before the special permit is extended to cover the receipt of additional shipments under the same plan for a period of 180 days, and may be renewed upon request. This extension eliminates the burden on importers to repeatedly report identical information, requiring submission only of specific shipment itineraries and information on changes to the plan which require approval. Respondents are commercial or not-for-profit importers of nonhuman primates. The burden represents full disclosure of information and itinerary/change information, respectively. There are no costs to respondents except for their time to complete the requisition process. The annualized burden for this data collection is 13 hours. Estimate of Annualized Burden Hours Respondents Number of respondents Number of responses per respondent Average burden per response (in hours) Total burden Businesses (limited permit) 5 2 30/60 5 Businesses (extended permit) 1 3 10/60 5 Organizations (limited permit) 3 2 30/60 3 Organizations (extended permit) 12 2 10/60 4 Total 13 Dated: November 29, 2007. Maryam I. Daneshvar, Acting Reports Clearance Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [FR Doc. E7-23634 Filed 12-5-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4163-18-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Notice of Hearing: Reconsideration of Disapproval of New York State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) State Child Health Plan Amendment

(SPA)#10 AGENCY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), HHS. ACTION: Notice of hearing. SUMMARY: This notice announces an administrative hearing to be held on January 16, 2008, at the CMS New York Regional Office, 38-110A, 26 Federal Plaza, New York, New York 10278, to reconsider CMS' decision to disapprove New York SCHIP SPA #10. *Closing Date:* Requests to participate in the hearing as a party must be received by the presiding officer by December 21, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Scully-Hayes, Presiding Officer, CMS, Lord Baltimore Drive, Mail Stop LB-23-20, Baltimore, Maryland 21244, Telephone:

(410)786-2055. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice announces an administrative hearing to reconsider CMS' decision to disapprove New York SCHIP SPA #10 which was submitted on April 12, 2007, with additional information submitted on May 9, 2007, and August 27, 2007, and disapproved on September 7, 2007. This SPA would have increased the financial eligibility standard for the State's separate SCHIP from the current effective family income eligibility level at or below 250 percent of the Federal poverty level

(FPL)to an effective family income eligibility level at or below 400 percent of the FPL. The SPA also would have imposed a 6-month waiting period from the date of last insurance coverage for children with family incomes above 250 percent of the FPL, with certain listed exceptions. The CMS disapproved the SPA because it would result in a child health plan that did not comport with the requirements of sections 2101(a), 2102(a), and 2102(b)(3)(C) of the Social Security Act (the Act). These requirements provide that funding must be used to provide coverage to uninsured, low-income children in an effective and efficient manner that is coordinated with other sources of health benefits coverage, that the State plan includes effective outreach procedures to enroll all eligible uninsured children, and that the coverage made available does not merely substitute for private coverage. This disapproval is also consistent with the August 17, 2007, letter to State Health Officials clarifying how CMS believes these existing statutory requirements should be applied by all States expanding SCHIP effective eligibility levels above 250 percent of the FPL. The following will be at issue at the hearing: • Whether the State has demonstrated that SPA #10 is consistent with the requirement in section 2101(a) of the Act for effective and efficient program operation. SPA #10 would require that the State devote limited SCHIP funding to children with higher effective family incomes when the program has not enrolled substantially all of the core population of targeted low-income children with family incomes below 200 percent of the FPL; • Whether New York has demonstrated that SPA #10 is consistent with the requirements in section 2102(a) to identify and enroll all uncovered children who are eligible to participate in public health insurance programs, to ensure that the SCHIP program is coordinated with those efforts, and to have effective outreach procedures; • Whether the State has met the requirements to have reasonable procedures in place to ensure that health benefits coverage provided under the State plan does not substitute for coverage provided under group health plans, consistent with section 2102(b)(3)(C) of the Act, as implemented by 42 CFR 457.805. For family income eligibility levels higher than 250 percent of the FPL, the preamble to that regulatory provision indicated that States would need to have specific procedures in place, and later the August 17, 2007, State Health Officials' Letter further articulated the procedures that CMS would consider reasonable. SPA #10 did not include those specific procedures (including a period of uninsurance of at least 1 year, and cost sharing comparable to competing private plans subject to the overall 5 percent family cap). Section 1116 of the Act and Federal regulations at 42 CFR 457.204 and 42 CFR part 430, subpart D, establish Department procedures that provide an administrative hearing for reconsideration of a disapproval of a State plan or plan amendment. CMS is required to publish a copy of the notice to a State Medicaid agency that informs the agency of the time and place of the hearing, and the issues to be considered. If we subsequently notify the agency of additional issues that will be considered at the hearing, we will also publish that notice. Any individual or group that wants to participate in the hearing as a party must petition the presiding officer within 15 days after publication of this notice, in accordance with the requirements contained at 42 CFR 430.76(b)(2). Any interested person or organization that wants to participate as *amicus curiae* must petition the presiding officer before the hearing begins in accordance with the requirements contained at 42 CFR 430.76(c). If the hearing is later rescheduled, the presiding officer will notify all participants. The notice to New York announcing an administrative hearing to reconsider the disapproval of its SPA reads as follows: Ms. Deborah Bachrach, Deputy Commissioner, Office of Health Insurance Programs, State of New York, Department of Health, Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237. Dear Ms. Bachrach: I am responding to your request for reconsideration of the decision to disapprove the New York State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) State Child Health Plan Amendment

(SPA)#10, which was submitted on April 12, 2007, with additional information submitted on May 9, 2007, and August 27, 2007, and disapproved on September 7, 2007. This SPA would have increased the financial eligibility standard for the State's separate SCHIP from the current effective family income eligibility level at or below 250 percent of the Federal poverty level

(CMS)disapproved the SPA because it would result in a child health plan that did not comport with the requirements of sections 2101(a), 2102(a), and 2102(b)(3)(C) of the Social Security Act (the Act). These requirements provide that funding must be used to provide coverage to uninsured, low-income children in an effective and efficient manner that is coordinated with other sources of health benefits coverage, that the State plan includes effective outreach procedures to enroll all eligible uninsured children, and that the coverage made available does not merely substitute for private coverage. This disapproval is also consistent with the August 17, 2007, letter to State Health Officials clarifying how CMS believes these existing statutory requirements should be applied by all States expanding SCHIP effective eligibility levels above 250 percent of the FPL. The following will be at issue at the hearing: • Whether the State has demonstrated that SPA #10 is consistent with the requirement in section 2101(a) of the Act for effective and efficient program operation. SPA #10 would require that the State devote limited SCHIP funding to children with higher effective family incomes when the program has not enrolled substantially all of the core population of targeted low-income children with family incomes below 200 percent of the FPL; • Whether New York has demonstrated that SPA #10 is consistent with the requirements in section 2102(a) to identify and enroll all uncovered children who are eligible to participate in public health insurance programs, to ensure that the SCHIP program is coordinated with those efforts, and to have effective outreach procedures; • Whether the State has met the requirements to have reasonable procedures in place to ensure that health benefits coverage provided under the State plan do not substitute for coverage provided under group health plans, consistent with section 2102(b)(3)(C) of the Act, as implemented by Federal regulations at 42 CFR 457.805. For family income eligibility levels higher than 250 percent of the FPL, the preamble to that regulatory provision indicated that States would need to have specific procedures in place, and later the August 17, 2007, State Health Officials' Letter further articulated the procedures that CMS would consider reasonable. SPA #10 did not include those specific procedures (including a period of uninsurance of at least 1 year, and cost sharing comparable to competing private plans subject to the overall 5 percent family cap). I am scheduling a hearing on your request for reconsideration to be held on January 16, 2008, at the CMS New York Regional Office, 38-110A, 26 Federal Plaza, New York, New York 10278, to reconsider the decision to disapprove SCHIP SPA #10. If this date is not acceptable, we would be glad to set another date that is mutually agreeable to the parties. The hearing will be governed by the procedures prescribed by Federal regulations at 42 CFR Part 430, Subpart D. I am designating Ms. Kathleen Scully-Hayes as the presiding officer. If these arrangements present any problems, please contact the presiding officer at

(410)786-2055. In order to facilitate any communication which may be necessary between the parties to the hearing, please notify the presiding officer to indicate acceptability of the hearing date that has been scheduled and provide names of the individuals who will represent the State at the hearing. Sincerely, Kerry Weems, *Acting Administrator.* Section 1116 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1316); 42 CFR 457.203) (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance program No. 13.714, Medicaid Assistance Program) Dated: November 30, 2007. Kerry Weems, Acting Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. [FR Doc. E7-23734 Filed 12-5-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4120-01-P DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Administration for Children and Families Office of Community Services AGENCY: Office of Community Services, ACF, DHHS. ACTION: Notice of cancellation of standing program announcement for the Assets for Independence

(AFI)Program (HHS-2005-ACF-OCS-EI-0053). *CFDA#:* 93.602. *Legislative Authority:* The Assets for Independence Act (Title IV of the Community Opportunities, Accountability, and Training and Educational Act of 1998, as amended, Pub. L. 105-285, 42 U.S.C. 604 note). SUMMARY: This notice cancels the standing program announcement for the Assets for Independence

(AFI)Program (HHS-2005-ACF-OCS-EI-0053) that was published in the **Federal Register** on February 2, 2005. A new standing program announcement for the AFI program will be published at the Administration for Children and Families' Grant Opportunities Web page at *http://www.acf.hhs.gov/grants/index.html.* The new standing program announcement and application package will also be available at *www.grants.gov* . Interested parties should register with *www.grants.gov* to receive e-mail alerts announcing publication, application due dates, and application requirements. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Gatz, Program Manager, Assets for Independence Program, Office of Community Services, Administration for Children and Families, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, SW., Washington, DC 20047. Telephone:

(202)401-5284. E-mail: *AFIProgram@acf.hhs.gov.* Dated: December 3, 2007. Josephine B. Robinson, Director, Office of Community Services. [FR Doc. E7-23731 Filed 12-5-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4184-01-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Notice; 30-day notice and request for comments; Revision of a currently approved collection, OMB Number 1660-0004, FEMA Form 81-64. SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency

(FEMA)has submitted the following information collection to the Office of Management and Budget

(NFIP)provides flood insurance to communities that apply for participation and make a commitment to adopt and enforce land use control measures that are designed to protect development from future flood damages. The application form will enable FEMA to continue to rapidly process new community applications and to thereby more quickly provide flood insurance protection to the residents of the communities. Participation in the NFIP is mandatory in order for flood related presidentially-declared communities to receive Federal disaster assistance. *Affected Public:* Federal, State, local, or Tribal Governments. *Number of Respondents:* 187. *Estimated Time per Respondent:* 4 hours. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 748 hours. *Frequency of Response:* On Occasion. *Comments:* Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the proposed information collection to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, *Attention:* Nathan Lesser, Desk Officer, Department of Homeland Security/FEMA, and sent via electronic mail to *oira_submission@omb.eop.gov* or faxed to

(202)395-6974. Comments must be submitted on or before January 7, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection should be made to Chief, Records Management, FEMA, 500 C Street, SW., Room 609, Washington, DC 20472, facsimile number

(202)646-3347, or e-mail address *FEMA-Information-Collections@dhs.gov* . Dated: November 29, 2007. John A. Sharetts-Sullivan, Director, Records Management Division, Office of Management, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security. [FR Doc. E7-23661 Filed 12-5-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110-11-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Notice; 30-day notice and request for comments; Revision of a currently approved collection, OMB Number 1660-0013. SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency

(FEMA)has submitted the following information collection to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review and clearance in accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The submission describes the nature of the information collection, the categories of respondents, the estimated burden ( *i.e.,* the time, effort and resources used by respondents to respond) and cost, and includes the actual data collection instruments FEMA will use. *Title:* Exemption of State-Owned Properties Under Self-Insurance. *OMB Number:* 1660-0013. *Abstract:* Application for exemption is made to the Federal Insurance Administration by the Governor or other duly authorized documentation, which certifies that the plan of self-insurance upon which the application for exemption is based meets or exceed the standards set forth in 44 CFR 75.11. *Affected Public:* State, local or Tribal Governments. *Number of Respondents:* 20. *Estimated Time per Respondent:* 5 hours. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 100 hours. *Frequency of Response:* On occasion. *Comments:* Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the proposed information collection to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, *Attention:* Nathan Lesser, Desk Officer, Department of Homeland Security/FEMA, and sent via electronic mail to *oira_submission@omb.eop.gov* or faxed to

(202)395-6974. Comments must be submitted on or before January 7, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection should be made to Director, Records Management Division, 500 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20472, Mail Drop Room 308, 1800 S. Bell Street, Arlington, VA 22202, facsimile number

(202)646-3347, or e-mail address *FEMA-Information-Collections@dhs.gov.* Dated: November 29, 2007. John A. Sharetts-Sullivan, Director, Records Management Division, Office of Management, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security. [FR Doc. E7-23662 Filed 12-5-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110-11-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Notice; 30-day notice and request for comments; Revision of a currently approved collection, OMB No.1600-0062. SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency

(FEMA)has submitted the following information collection to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review and clearance in accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The submission describes the nature of the information collection, the categories of respondents, the estimated burden ( *i.e.* , the time, effort and resources used by respondents to respond) and cost, and includes the actual data collection instruments FEMA will use. *Title:* State/Local/Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plans—Section 322 of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. *OMB Number:* 1660-0062. *Abstract:* The purpose of State Hazard Mitigation Plan requirements is to support State administration of FEMA mitigation grant programs, and contemplate a significant State commitment to mitigation activities, comprehensive State mitigation planning, and strong program management. Implementation of plans, pre-identified cost-effective mitigation measures will streamline the disaster recovery process. Mitigation plans are the demonstration of the goals, priorities to reduce risks from natural hazards. *Affected Public:* State, local or Tribal Governments and Individuals or households. *Number of Respondents:* 56. *Estimated Time per Respondent:* 2,408 hours. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 768,320 hours. *Frequency of Response:* On Occasion. *Comments:* Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the proposed information collection to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, *Attention:* Nathan Lesser, Desk Officer, Department of Homeland Security/FEMA, and sent via electronic mail to *oira_submission@omb.eop.gov* or faxed to

(202)395-6974. Comments must be submitted on or before January 7, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection should be made to Director, Records Management Division, 500 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20472, Mail Drop Room 308, 1800 S. Bell Street, Arlington, VA 22202, facsimile number

(202)646-3347, or e-mail address *FEMA-Information-Collections@dhs.gov* . Dated: November 29, 2007. John A. Sharetts-Sullivan, Director, Records Management Division, Office of Management, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security. [FR Doc. E7-23663 Filed 12-5-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110-11-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Notice; 30-day notice and request for comments; Revision of a currently approved collection, OMB Number 1660-0072. SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency

(FEMA)has submitted the following information collection to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for review and clearance in accordance with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The submission describes the nature of the information collection, the categories of respondents, the estimated burden ( *i.e.* , the time, effort and resources used by respondents to respond) and cost, and includes the actual data collection instruments FEMA will use. *Title:* Mitigation Grant Program/e-Grants (previously named Flood Mitigation Assistance (e-Grants)). *OMB Number:* 1660-0072. *Abstract:* The States will utilize the Mitigation Grant Program /e-Grants, automated application to report to FEMA on a quarterly basis, certify how funding is being used and to report on the progress of mitigation activities funded under grant awards, made to grantees by FEMA. FEMA will use this system to review the Grantees quarterly reports to ensure that mitigation grant activities are progressing on schedule and to track the expenditure of funds. *Affected Public:* State, local or Tribal Governments, and Federal Government. *Number of Respondents:* 56. *Estimated Time per Respondent:* 24.5 hours. *Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:* 43,848 hours. *Frequency of Response:* On Occasion. *Comments:* Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on the proposed information collection to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Attention: Nathan Lesser, Desk Officer, Department of Homeland Security/FEMA, and sent via electronic mail to *oira_submission@omb.eop.gov* or faxed to

(202)395-6974. Comments must be submitted on or before January 7, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection should be made to Director, Records Management Division, 500 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20472, Mail Drop Room 308, 1800 S. Bell Street, Arlington, VA 22202, facsimile number

(202)646-3347, or e-mail address *FEMA-Information-Collections@dhs.gov* . Dated: November 29, 2007. John A. Sharetts-Sullivan, Director, Records Management Division, Office of Management, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security. [FR Doc. E7-23664 Filed 12-5-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110-11-P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA-1731-DR] California; Amendment No. 1 to Notice of a Major Disaster Declaration AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice amends the notice of a major disaster declaration for the State of California (FEMA-1731-DR), dated October 24, 2007, and related determinations. DATES: *Effective Dates:* November 8, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peggy Miller, Disaster Assistance Directorate, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, DC 20472,

(202)646-2705. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The notice of a major disaster declaration for the State of California is hereby amended to include the following areas among those areas determined to have been adversely affected by the catastrophe declared a major disaster by the President in his declaration of October 24, 2007. Orange, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties for Public Assistance Categories C-G (already designated for Individual Assistance and debris removal and emergency protective measures [Categories A and B] under the Public Assistance program.) (The following Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers

(CFDA)are to be used for reporting and drawing funds: 97.030, Community Disaster Loans; 97.031, Cora Brown Fund Program; 97.032, Crisis Counseling; 97.033, Disaster Legal Services Program; 97.034, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA); 97.046, Fire Management Assistance; 97.048, Individuals and Households Housing; 97.049, Individuals and Households Disaster Housing Operations; 97.050 Individuals and Households Program—Other Needs, 97.036, Public Assistance Grants; 97.039, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.) R. David Paulison, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency. [FR Doc. E7-23694 Filed 12-5-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110-10-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment for Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Lanier County, Georgia. SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service intends to gather information necessary to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment for Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge. This notice is furnished in compliance with the Service's comprehensive conservation planning policy to advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to be considered in the planning process. DATES: To ensure consideration, comments must be received by January 7, 2008. ADDRESSES: Comments, questions, and requests for more information regarding Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge should be sent to: Ms. Laura Housh, Regional Planner, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Route 2, Box 3330, Folkston, Georgia 31537; Phone: 912/496-7366, Ext. 244; Fax: 912/496-3332; E-mail: *laura_housh@fws.gov* . You may find additional information concerning the refuge at the refuge's Internet site: *http://www.fws.gov/southeast/BanksLake* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. George Constantino, Refuge Manager, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge; Telephone: 912/496-7366. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), requires the Service to develop a comprehensive conservation plan for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in developing a comprehensive conservation plan is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife and their habitats, plans identify wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. Public input in this planning process is essential. Each unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System is established with specific purposes. These purposes are used to develop and prioritize management goals and objectives with the National Wildlife Refuge System mission, and to guide which public uses will occur on the refuge. The planning process is a means for the Service and the public to evaluate management goals and objectives for the best possible conservation efforts of this important wildlife habitat, while providing for wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that are compatible with the refuge's establishing purposes and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. A comprehensive conservation planning process will be conducted that will provide opportunities for Tribal, State, Federal, and local governments; non-governmental organizations; and the public to participate in issue scoping and comment. The Service invites anyone interested to respond to the following questions: 1. What problems or issues do you want to see addressed in the comprehensive conservation plan? 2. What improvements would you recommend for Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge? The above questions have been provided for your optional use. You are not required to provide any information. The Planning Team developed these questions to gather information about individual issues and ideas concerning the refuge. The Planning Team will use comments it receives as part of the planning process; however, it will not reference individual comments or directly respond to them. Special mailings, newspaper articles, and other media outlets will be used to announce opportunities for input throughout the planning process. An open house style meeting will be held to solicit comments during the scoping phase of the planning process. The environmental review of this project will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321, *et seq.* ); NEPA regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508); and other appropriate Federal laws and regulations. All comments received become part of the official public record. 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 publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Congress established Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge in 1985, for the protection and conservation of its unique environment, as well as for migratory and resident wildlife. The refuge comprises 3,559 acres of open water, marsh, hardwood swamp, and uplands. The refuge coordinates with State, Federal, and local agencies; The Nature Conservancy; Moody Air Force Base; and adjacent landowners to fulfill the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System and promote sound ecological landscape management. Public use opportunities on the refuge include fishing, boating (e.g., small engine, canoe, and kayak), wildlife observation and photography, and hiking. Authority: This notice is published under the authority of the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, Public Law 105-57. Dated: October 31, 2007. Cynthia K. Dohner, Acting Regional Director. [FR Doc. E7-23643 Filed 12-5-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Receipt of Application for an Enhancement of Survival Permit Associated With the Reintroduction of Black-Footed Ferrets on the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Lands in Montana AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability and receipt of application. SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the receipt of an application for the reintroduction of black-footed ferrets on Northern Cheyenne Tribal lands in Montana pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Service requests information, views, and opinions from the public via this notice. DATES: Written comments on this request for a permit must be received by January 7, 2008. ADDRESSES: Written data or comments should be submitted to the Assistant Regional Director, Fisheries—Ecological Services, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225-0486; facsimile 303-236-0027. Documents and other information submitted with this application are available for review, subject to the requirements of the Privacy Act [5 U.S.C. 552A] and Freedom of Information Act [5 U.S.C. 552], by any party who submits a request for a copy of such documents within 30 days of the date of publication of this notice to Kris Olsen, by mail or by telephone at 303-236-4256. All comments received from individuals become part of the official public record. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kris Olsen, Regional Permit Coordinator ( ADDRESSES above), telephone 303-236-4256, or Pete Gober, Project Leader, South Dakota Ecological Services Office, 420 South Garfield Avenue, Suite 400, Pierre, South Dakota 57501, telephone 605-224-8693, extension 24. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following applicant has requested issuance of an enhancement of survival permit to conduct certain activities with endangered species pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Act. Applicant—Northern Cheyenne Natural Resource Department, Lame Deer, Montana, TE-167158. The applicant requests a permit to take black-footed ferret in conjunction with reintroduction and recovery activities throughout the Northern Cheyenne Reservation portion of the species' range for the purpose of enhancing its survival and recovery. The black-footed ferret is one of the rarest mammals in North America. Formerly co-occurring across the ranges of all prairie dog species, its distribution has been greatly reduced due to disease (plague), poisoning of prairie dogs, and human-related habitat alteration. The only known current populations are those in captivity and those started through reintroduction of captive-bred individuals. Protection of this species and enhancement of its habitat on Tribal land will benefit recovery efforts. The primary objectives of the proposed action are to—(a) restore the native prairie ecosystem on the Northern Cheyenne, consistent with Northern Cheyenne and Native American traditions and values;

(b)establish a viable, self-sustaining ferret population in South-central Montana consistent with the Conservation Plan for Black-tailed and White-tailed Prairie Dogs in Montana and the Black-footed Ferret Recovery Plan (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1988); and

(c)further test the effectiveness of methods to address the threat of Sylvatic plague ( *Yersinia pestis* ) on black-footed ferret survival in the wild by using vaccination and flea control methods. We have made the preliminary determination that the proposed activities will enhance survival and recovery of the black-footed ferret. This notice is provided pursuant to section 10 of the Act. We will evaluate the permit application and the comments submitted therein to determine whether the application meets the requirements of section 10(a) of the Act. If it is determined that those requirements are met, a permit will be issued for the reintroduction of the black-footed ferret. The final permit decision will be made no sooner than 30 days after the date of this notice. Authority: The authority of this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). Dated: November 1, 2007. Emily Jo Williams, Acting Regional Director, Denver, Colorado. [FR Doc. E7-23642 Filed 12-5-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [OR-930-6350-DQ-047H] Notice of Extension of Comment Period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Revision of Resource Management Plans of the Western Oregon Bureau of Land Management Districts AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of extension. SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land Management

(BLM)announces an extension of the comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Revision of Resource Management Plans of the Western Oregon Bureau of Land Management Districts. The original notice published in the **Federal Register** on August 10, 2007 [72 FR 45062] and provided for a comment period to end on November 9, 2007. The BLM is extending the comment period to January 11, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan Hoffmeister, Western Oregon Plan Revisions Public Outreach Coordinator, at

(503)808-6629. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The original Notice of Availability provided for comments on the Draft IAP/EIS to be received through November 9, 2007. The BLM received requests for an extension of the comment period from individuals and groups. The BLM has decided to accede to these requests. Comments on the Draft Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement will now be accepted through January 11, 2008. Dated: November 20, 2007. Edward W. Shepard, State Director, OR/WA, USDI Bureau of Land Management. [FR Doc. E7-23743 Filed 12-5-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-33-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [CA 680-07-5101-ER B241] [CACA 48254] Granite Mountain LLC Wind Farm, California Desert District, Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement/Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report and To Amend the California Desert Conservation Area Plan AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent. SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 102(2)(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), *42 U.S.C. 4321-4347,* the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Barstow Field Office, Barstow, California, in coordination with the County of San Bernardino (County), California will prepare a joint Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for the development and operation of a wind energy farm on public and private lands in the Granite Mountains, north of Apple Valley, California to meet the requirements of both the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and NEPA. The project and associated ancillary facilities will require both BLM and County authorizations. Pursuant to the California Desert Conservation Area

(CDCA)Plan, new power generation projects must be evaluated through the planning process. By this notice the BLM is announcing a 30-day period for public scoping of alternatives, issues, the scope of the direct, indirect, and cumulative analysis for this proposal and associated planning criteria. In addition, BLM is requesting the views of other agencies as to the scope and content of the environmental information that is germane to the statutory responsibilities or areas of expertise for your agencies in connection with the proposed project and the analysis of its impacts. DATES: This notice initiates the public scoping process. Requests for participation in the development of this EIS/EIR as a cooperating or participating agency, and comments on issues or alternatives related to this proposal must be received within 30 days of the date of publication of this notice in the **Federal Register** , and may be submitted in writing to the address listed below. Additionally, at least two scoping meetings will be held to encourage public input. The public meetings will be announced through the local news media, newspapers, and the BLM Web site ( *http://www.ca.blm.gov/barstow* ) at least 15 days prior to the event. Additional opportunities for public participation will be provided upon publication of the draft EIS/EIR. ADDRESSES: Requests for participation in the EIS development by agencies, requests to be added to the mailing list, and comments on the scope and content of the EIS should be sent to Edy Seehafer, Environmental Coordinator, Bureau of Land Management, Barstow Field Office, 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, CA 92311, or by fax at 760-252-6099, or e-mail at *eseehafe@blm.gov.* A follow-up hard copy is requested when comments are sent by fax or e-mail, to assure readability. Documents pertinent to this proposal, including comments with the names and addresses of respondents, will be available for public review Monday through Friday, except holidays, at the BLM Barstow Field Office located at 2601 Barstow Road, Barstow, California, during regular business hours of 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and at the County of San Bernardino, either at 385 N. Arrowhead Avenue, San Bernardino or at 15456 West Sage Street, Victorville, CA 92392, during regular business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and may be published as part of the EIS/EIR. 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 publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. 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: *Technical Information:* Joan Patrovsky, 760-252-6032, or *jpatrovs@blm.gov.* *EIS/EIR Process:* Edy Seehafer, 760-252-6032, or *eseehafe@blm.gov.* SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Granite Wind, LLC has applied for a right of way on public lands and a conditional use permit on private lands to construct a wind energy generating facility at Granite Mountain, near Apple Valley, in San Bernardino County. The project site is east of Apple Valley and west of Lucerne Valley. Operations are expected to last approximately 30 years. The proposed project would install approximately 27 wind turbines on public and private lands, with a generating capacity of approximately 62.1 to 81 megawatts, depending on the make and model of wind turbines used for the proposed project. Related structures would include access roads, underground 34.5 kV transmission lines and fiber-optic cables, an electrical substation and a 230 kV power-line from the project site to Southern California Edison's existing 230 kV transmission system and an electrical substation interconnecting the project to the existing 230 kV transmission system. If approved, the wind energy generating facility on public lands would be authorized in accordance with Title V of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 and the federal regulations at 43 CFR 2800. The proposed project would take approximately 7 months to construct. Issues that are anticipated to be addressed in this EIS/EIR and plan amendment include visual impacts, avian impacts, socioeconomic impacts, electrical transmission capacity, and cumulative impacts. The CDCA Plan (1980, as amended), while recognizing the potential compatibility of wind generation facilities on public lands, requires that all power generating facilities be considered through the planning process. Planning criteria for consideration of a CDCA plan amendment to provide for power generation at this site include: a. The plan amendment will be completed in compliance with FLPMA, NEPA and all other applicable Federal and State laws, Executive orders, and management policies of the BLM; b. The plan amendment will recognize and conform to previous site-specific planning decisions from BLM regional and bioregional plans; c. Where existing planning decisions are still valid, those decisions will remain unchanged; d. Where appropriate, this EIS will reference the BLM Programmatic Wind EIS (2005); e. For the purposes of cumulative analysis, past, present, and reasonably foreseeable projects will be those alternative energy projects which have been approved, or for which a draft or final plan of development has been received, or is anticipated prior to the release of the Draft or Final EIS, within the CDCA; f. The plan amendment will recognize valid existing rights; and g. Interagency and Native American Tribal consultations will be conducted in accordance with policy, and will be given due consideration. The planning process will include the consideration of impacts on Indian trust assets, other jurisdictions, and agencies. Copies of the environmental assessment and initial study are not attached. Pursuant to NEPA Departmental Guidelines, in 516 DM 11.4 and CEQA Guidelines, Section 15063(a), the Bureau of Land Management and the County of San Bernardino have opted to forgo preparation of an initial study and proceed directly to a draft EIS/EIR. Dated: November 21, 2007. Roxie C. Trost, Field Manager, Barstow Field Office. [FR Doc. E7-23728 Filed 12-5-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-40-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [NM-210-1430-ES; NMNM 115587] Notice of Realty Action—Recreation and Public Purpose (R&PP) Act Classification, New Mexico AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of R&PP lease and or patent of public land in San Juan County; New Mexico. SUMMARY: The following described public land is determined suitable for classification for leasing and subsequent conveyance to San Juan County for a Drag Strip, under the provisions of the Recreation and Public Purposes (R&PP) Act, as amended, 43 U.S.C. 869 *et seq.* , and under Sec. 7 of the Taylor Grazing Act, 43 U.S.C. 315(f), and Executive Order No. 6910. New Mexico Principal Meridian T. 26 N., R. 11 W., Sec. 1: S 1/2 SW 1/4 NE 1/4 , SW 1/4 SE 1/4 NE 1/4 , S 1/2 S 1/2 NW 1/4 , N 1/2 N 1/2 SW 1/4 , N 1/2 N 1/2 SE 1/4 . The area described contains 140 acres more or less. Comment Dates: Submit comments on or before January 22, 2008. Interested parties may submit comments regarding the proposed leasing/conveyance or classification of the lands to the Bureau of Land Management at the following address. Any adverse comments will be reviewed by the Bureau of land Management, Farming District Manager, 1235 La Plata Highway, Farmington, NM 87401, who may sustain, vacate, or modify this realty action. In the absence of any adverse comments, this realty action becomes the final determination of the Department of the Interior. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marcy Romero, Realty Specialist, at the Bureau of Land Management, Farmington Field Office, at

(505)599-6339. Information related to this action, including the environmental assessment, is available for review at 1235 La Plata Highway, Farmington, NM 87401. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Publication of this notice segregates the public land described above from all other forms of appropriation under the public land laws, including the general mining laws, except for leasing and conveyance under the Recreation and Public Purposes Act and leasing under the mineral leasing laws. The lease, when issued, will be subject to the following terms: 1. The Recreation and Public Purposes Act and to all applicable regulations of the Secretary of the Interior. 2. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 19976

(RCRA)as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6901-6987 and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) as amended, 42 U.S.C. 9601 and all applicable regulations. 3. Provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 4. Provisions that the lease be operated in compliance with the approved Development Plan. The patent document, when issued, will be subject to the provisions of the R&PP Act and applicable regulations of the Secretary of the Interior and will contain the following terms, conditions, and reservations to the United States: 1. A right-of-way thereon for ditches or canals constructed by the authority of the United States, Act of August 30, 1890 (43 U.S.C. 945). 2. All minerals, together with the right to prospect for, mine, and remove such deposits from the lands under applicable law and such regulations as the Secretary of the Interior may prescribe. 3. All valid existing rights e.g. rights-of-way and leases of record. Provisions that if the patentee or its successor attempts to transfer title to or control over the land to another or the land is devoted to a use other than that for which the land was conveyed, without the consent of the Secretary of the Interior or his delegate, or prohibits or restricts, directly or indirectly, or permits its agents, employees, contractors, or subcontractors, including without limitation, lessees, sublessees and permittees, to prohibit or restrict, directly or indirectly, the use of any part of the patented lands or any of the facilities whereon by any person because of such person's race, creed, sex, color, or national origin, title shall revert to the United States. The lands are not needed for Federal purposes. Leasing and later patenting is consistent with current Bureau of Land Management policies and land use planning. The proposal serves the public interest since it would provide the recreation facilities and related buildings that would meet the needs of the drag strip. Upon publication of this notice in the **Federal Register** , the above described public lands will be segregated from all other forms of appropriation under the public land laws, including the general mining laws, except for patent under the R&PP Act and leasing under the mineral leasing laws. *Classification Comments:* Interested parties may submit comments involving the suitability of the land for conveyance. Comments on the classifications are restricted to whether the land is physically suited for the proposal, whether the use will maximize the future uses of the land, whether the use is consistent with local planning and zoning, or if the use is consistent with state and Federal programs. *Conveyance Comments:* Interested parties may submit comments regarding the patent and the specific use proposed in the application and plan of development, whether the BLM followed proper administrative procedures in reaching the decision, or any other factor not directly related to the suitability of the land for R&PP use. *Confidentiality of Comments:* 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 publicly available at any time. While you can ask in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Any adverse comments will be reviewed by the Farmington Field Manager, who may sustain, vacate, or modify this reality action. In the absence of any adverse comments, the classification of the land described in this notice will become effective on February 4, 2008. The land will not be offered for patent until after the classification becomes effective. (Authority: 43 CFR 2741.5). Dated: November 29, 2007. Joel Farrell, Assistant Field Manager for Resources. [FR Doc. 07-5966 Filed 12-5-07; 8:45 am]

Connectionstraces to 10

Traces to 10 documents

U.S. Code