Notices. Notice
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/register/2007/12/14/07-6051·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
BILLING CODE 4140-01-M DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Transportation Security Administration [Docket Nos. TSA-2006-24191; Coast Guard-2006-24196] Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC); Enrollment Dates for the Ports of Peoria and Joliet, IL; Memphis, TN; and Buffalo, NY AGENCY: Transportation Security Administration; United States Coast Guard; DHS. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security
(DHS)through the Transportation Security Administration
(TSA)issues this notice of the dates for the beginning of the initial enrollment for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential
(TWIC)for the Ports of Peoria and Joliet, IL; Memphis, TN; and Buffalo, NY. DATES: TWIC enrollment in Peoria and Joliet, IL will begin on December 20, 2007; Memphis, TN on December 27, 2007; and Buffalo, NY on December 28, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may view published documents and comments concerning the TWIC Final Rule, identified by the docket numbers of this notice, using any one of the following methods.
(1)Searching the Federal Docket Management System
(FDMS)Web page at *http://www.regulations.gov* ;
(2)Accessing the Government Printing Office's Web page at *http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html* ; or
(3)Visiting TSA's Security Regulations Web page at *http://www.tsa.gov* and accessing the link for “Research Center” at the top of the page. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Orgill, TSA-19, Transportation Security Administration, 601 South 12th Street, Arlington, VA 22202-4220. Transportation Threat Assessment and Credentialing (TTAC), TWIC Program,
(571)227-4545; e-mail: *credentialing@dhs.gov.* Background The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the United States Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), issued a joint final rule (72 FR 3492; January 25, 2007) pursuant to the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), Public Law 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064 (November 25, 2002), and the Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 (SAFE Port Act), Public Law 109-347 (October 13, 2006). This rule requires all credentialed merchant mariners and individuals with unescorted access to secure areas of a regulated facility or vessel to obtain a TWIC. In this final rule, on page 3510, TSA and Coast Guard stated that a phased enrollment approach based upon risk assessment and cost/benefit would be used to implement the program nationwide, and that TSA would publish a notice in the **Federal Register** indicating when enrollment at a specific location will begin and when it is expected to terminate. This notice provides the start date for TWIC initial enrollment at the Ports of Peoria and Joliet, IL; Memphis, TN; and Buffalo, NY. Enrollment in Peoria and Joliet will begin on December 20, 2007, Memphis on December 27, 2007, and Buffalo on December 28, 2007. The Coast Guard will publish a separate notice in the **Federal Register** indicating when facilities within the Captain of the Port Zone Upper Mississippi River, including those in the Port of Peoria; Captain of the Port Zone Lake Michigan, including those in the Port of Joliet; Captain of the Port Zone Lower Mississippi River, including those in the Port of Memphis; and Captain of the Port Zone Buffalo, including those in the Port of Buffalo must comply with the portions of the final rule requiring TWIC to be used as an access control measure. That notice will be published at least 90 days before compliance is required. To obtain information on the pre-enrollment and enrollment process, and enrollment locations, visit TSA's TWIC Web site at *http://www.tsa.gov/twic.* Issued in Arlington, Virginia, on December 10, 2007. Rex Lovelady, Program Manager, Transportation Worker Identification Credential Program, Office of Transportation Threat Assessment and Credentialing, Transportation Security Administration. [FR Doc. E7-24253 Filed 12-13-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110-05-P DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR-5125-N-50] Federal Property Suitable as Facilities to Assist the Homeless AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, HUD. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This Notice identifies unutilized, underutilized, excess, and surplus Federal property reviewed by HUD for suitability for possible use to assist the homeless. DATES: *Effective Date: December 14, 2007* . FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathy Ezzell, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW., Room 7262, Washington, DC 20410; telephone
(202)708-1234; TTY number for the hearing- and speech-impaired
(202)708-2565, (these telephone numbers are not toll-free), or call the toll-free Title V information line at 800-927-7588. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the December 12, 1988 court order in *National Coalition for the Homeless* v. *Veterans Administration,* No. 88-2503-OG (D.D.C.), HUD publishes a Notice, on a weekly basis, identifying unutilized, underutilized, excess, and surplus Federal buildings and real property that HUD has reviewed for suitability for use to assist the homeless. Today's Notice is for the purpose of announcing that no additional properties have been determined suitable or unsuitable this week. Dated: December 6, 2007. Mark R. Johnston, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Special Needs. [FR Doc. E7-24005 Filed 12-13-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210-67-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Office of the Secretary Statement of Findings: Gila River Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2004 AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Statement of Findings in accordance with Title II of Public Law 108-451. SUMMARY: The Secretary of the Interior is publishing this notice in accordance with section 207(c) of the Gila River Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2004 (Settlement Act), Public Law 108-451, 118 Stat. 3499, 3519-20. Congress enacted the Settlement Act as Title II of the Arizona Water Settlements Act (AWSA), Public Law 108-451, 118 Stat. 3478 *et seq.* The publication of this notice causes the waivers and releases of certain claims to become effective as required by the Settlement Act. DATES: *Effective Date:* In accordance with section 207(b) of the Settlement Act, the waivers and releases of claims described in paragraphs
(1)and
(3)through
(5)of section 207(a) and the remaining provisions of section 207 of the Settlement Act are effective on December 14, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Address all comments and requests for additional information to Deborah Saint, Chair, Arizona Water Settlements Act Implementation Team, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Lower Colorado Region, Native American Affairs Office, 400 N 5th Street, Suite 1470, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
(602)379-3199. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 4, 2003, the Gila River Indian Community (Community) and other parties entered into the Gila River Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Agreement (Gila River Agreement). The Gila River Agreement established the basis to resolve the Community’s water rights claims to the Gila River in Arizona. On December 10, 2004, Congress enacted the Settlement Act as Title II of AWSA and authorized, ratified, and confirmed the provisions of the Gila River Agreement except to the extent that any provision of the agreement conflicts with the Settlement Act. *The purposes of the Settlement Act are:*
(1)To resolve permanently certain damage claims and all water rights claims among the United States on behalf of the Community, its members, and allottees, and the Community and its neighbors;
(2)To authorize, ratify, and confirm the Gila River Agreement;
(3)To authorize and direct the Secretary to execute and perform all obligations of the Secretary under the Gila River Agreement;
(4)To authorize the actions and appropriations necessary for the United States to meet its obligations under the Gila River Agreement and the Settlement Act; and
(5)To authorize and direct the Secretary to execute the New Mexico Consumptive Use and Forbearance Agreement to allow the Secretary to exercise the rights authorized by subsections
(d)and
(f)of section 304 of the Colorado River Basin Project Act (43 U.S.C. 1524). In order for the waivers and releases set forth in the Gila River Agreement and Settlement Act to become fully effective and enforceable, the Secretary is required to make a statement of findings that certain conditions have been met. Statement of Findings In accordance with section 207(c) of the Settlement Act, I find as follows: 1. The Gila River Agreement has been revised through an amendment to eliminate any conflict with the Settlement Act and, as so revised, the Gila River Agreement has been executed by the Secretary and the Governor of the State of Arizona. 2. In accordance with subsections 104(a)(1)(A)(i) and (a)(2) of AWSA, 102,000 acre-feet of Central Arizona Project
(CAP)agricultural priority water has been reallocated to the Community and up to 96,295 acre-feet of CAP agricultural priority water has been reallocated to the Arizona Department of Water Resources
(ADWR)to be held under contract in trust for further allocation. This reallocation is memorialized through a decision published in the **Federal Register** on August 25, 2006, and the Arizona Water Settlement Agreement which prohibits direct use of the water by ADWR. 3. In accordance with subsection 104(b) of AWSA, 65,647 acre-feet of uncontracted CAP municipal and industrial water has been reallocated as memorialized in the **Federal Register** notice of August 25, 2006, and subcontracts for delivery have been offered. Amendments to all CAP contracts and subcontracts to include the requirements of subsection 104(d) have been offered. 4. In accordance with section 204 of the Settlement Act, the Secretary has reallocated and contracted with the Community for additional CAP entitlements of 18,600 acre-feet from the Roosevelt Water Conservation District; 18,100 acre-feet relinquished by the Harquahala Valley Irrigation District; and 102,000 acre-feet as provided in section 104 of AWSA. 5. The Community's CAP Water Delivery Contract has been amended in accordance with section 205 of the Settlement Act. The Secretary has executed leases of Community CAP water to Phelps Dodge and to the Cities of Goodyear, Peoria, Phoenix and Scottsdale, and has executed the Reclaimed Water Exchange Agreement. 6. The Secretary has established a program to repair and remediate subsidence damage and related damage in accordance with section 209(a) of the Settlement Act. 7. The parties have executed the Arizona Water Settlement Agreement, the “master agreement” authorized, ratified, and confirmed by section 106(a) of AWSA, and all conditions to its enforceability have been satisfied. 8. $53 million has been identified and retained in the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund for the benefit of the Community in accordance with section 107(b) of the Settlement Act. 9. Pursuant to paragraph 27.4 of the Gila River Agreement, the Arizona State legislature and the Governor of Arizona have determined that the appropriate and commensurate contribution from the State of Arizona is the State's recognition of the Community's interest in acquiring and placing into trust status a parcel located within the exterior boundaries of the Community's reservation and the State's willingness to cooperate in this effort, together with the firming of 15,000 acre-feet of non-Indian agricultural priority CAP water to the equivalent of municipal and industrial priority water. 10. Pursuant to subparagraph 16.9 of the Gila River Agreement, the Salt River Project has paid $500,000 to the Community. 11. The judgments and decrees attached to the Gila River Agreement as exhibits 25.18A (Gila River adjudication proceedings) and 25.18B (Globe Equity Decree proceedings) have been approved by the respective courts. 12. The dismissals attached to the Gila River Agreement as exhibits 25.17.1A and B, 25.17.2, and 25.17.3A and B have been filed with the respective courts and any necessary dismissal orders have been entered. 13. The State of Arizona has enacted legislation to implement the Southside Replenishment Program in accordance with subparagraph 5.3 of the Gila River Agreement; to authorize the firming program required by section 105 of AWSA; and to establish the Upper Gila River Watershed Maintenance Program in accordance with subparagraph 26.8.1 of the Gila River Agreement. 14. The State of Arizona, through the Arizona Water Banking Authority, has entered into an agreement with the Secretary to carry out the obligation of the State to firm CAP agricultural priority water to municipal and industrial priority water under section 105(b)(2)(A) of AWSA. 15. Final judgment has been entered in *Central Arizona Water Conservation District* v. *United States* (No. CIV 95- 625-TUC-WDB (EHC), No. CIV 95-1720-PHX-EHC) (Consolidated Action) in accordance with the repayment stipulation in that case. Dated: December 10, 2007. Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary of the Interior. [FR Doc. E7-24257 Filed 12-13-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-MN-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Office of the Secretary Statement of Findings: Southern Arizona Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2004 AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Statement of Findings in accordance with Title III of Public Law 108-451. SUMMARY: The Secretary of the Interior is publishing this notice in accordance with section 302(b) of the Southern Arizona Water Rights Settlement Amendments Act of 2004 (Settlement Amendments Act), Public Law 108-451, 118 Stat. 3536, 3571-72. Congress enacted the Settlement Amendments Act as Title III of the Arizona Water Settlements Act (AWSA), Public Law 108-451, 118 Stat. 3478 *et seq.* The publication of this notice causes the amendments to the Southern Arizona Water Rights Settlement Act of 1982 (1982 Act), Public Law 97-293, 96 Stat. 1274 (as amended), made by the Settlement Amendments Act to take effect. DATES: *Effective Date:* In accordance with section 302(b) of the Settlement Amendments Act, Title III of Public Law 108-451 and the amendments made by Title III are effective on December 14, 2007. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Address all comments and requests for additional information to Deborah Saint, Chair, Arizona Water Settlements Implementation Team, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Lower Colorado Region, Native American Affairs Office, 400 N 5th Street, Suite 1470, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
(602)379-3199. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 1982 Act was enacted to resolve the water right claims of the San Xavier and Shuk Toak Districts of the Tohono O'odham Nation (Nation). Disagreement about the allocation of settlement benefits precluded implementation of the 1982 Act. On December 10, 2004, the Settlement Amendments Act was enacted as Title III of AWSA in order to resolve issues which precluded implementation of the 1982 Act. *The purposes of the Settlement Amendments Act are:*
(1)To authorize, ratify, and confirm the Tohono O'odham settlement agreement, the Tucson agreement, the Asarco agreement and related leases, and the FICO agreement;
(2)To authorize and direct the Secretary to execute and perform all obligations of the Secretary under those agreements; and
(3)To authorize the actions and appropriations necessary for the United States to meet its obligations under those agreements and the Settlement Amendments Act. In order for the Settlement Amendments Act and its amendments to be effective and enforceable, the Secretary is required to make a statement of findings that certain conditions have been met. Statement of Findings In accordance with section 302(b) of the Settlement Amendments Act, I find as follows: 1. The Tohono O'odham settlement agreement has been revised to eliminate any conflicts with the Settlement Amendments Act and, as so revised, has been executed by the parties and the Secretary. 2. The Secretary and other parties to the Tucson agreement, the Asarco agreement and the FICO agreement described in section 309(h)(2) Settlement Amendments Act (as contained in the amendment made by section 301) have executed those agreements. 3. The Secretary has approved the interim allottee water rights code described in section 308(b)(3)(A) of the Settlement Amendments Act (as contained in the amendment made by section 301). 4. Final dismissal with prejudice has been entered in the Alvarez case and the Tucson case on the sole condition that this Statement of Findings be published. 5. The State court having jurisdiction over the Gila River Adjudication proceedings has approved the judgment and decree attached to the Tohono O'odham settlement agreement as exhibit 17.1, and that judgment and decree have become final and nonappealable. 6. Implementation costs totaling $24,068,400, as specified in section 302(b)(6) of the Settlement Amendments Act, have been identified and retained in the Lower Colorado River Basin Development Fund. 7. The State of Arizona has enacted legislation that qualifies the Nation to earn long-term storage credits under the Asarco agreement; implements the San Xavier groundwater protection program in accordance with paragraph 8.8 of the Tohono O'odham settlement agreement; enables the State to assist the Secretary in firming Central Arizona Project water pursuant to section 306(b); and confirms the jurisdiction of the State court having jurisdiction over Gila River Adjudication proceedings and decrees to carry out the provisions of sections 312(d) and 312(h) of the Settlement Amendments Act (as contained in the amendment made by section 301). 8. The Secretary and the State of Arizona have agreed to an acceptable schedule under which the State shall firm 15,000 acre-feet of agricultural priority Central Arizona Project water as referred to in section 105(b)(2)(C) of AWSA. 9. Final judgment has been entered in *Central Arizona Water Conservation District* v. *United States* (No. CIV 95-625-TUC-WDB (EHC), No. CIV 95-1720-PHX-EHC) (Consolidated Action) in accordance with the repayment stipulation in that case. Dated: December 10, 2007. Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary of the Interior. [FR Doc. E7-24258 Filed 12-13-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-MN-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Recovery Permit Applications AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of receipt of permit applications; request for comment. SUMMARY: We invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species. DATES: Comments on these permit applications must be received on or before January 14, 2008. ADDRESSES: Written data or comments should be submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Endangered Species Program Manager, Region 8, 2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2606, Sacramento, CA, 95825 ( *telephone:* 916-414-6464; fax: 916-414-6486). Please refer to the respective permit number for each application when submitting comments. All comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the official administrative record and may be made available to the public. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel Marquez, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, see ADDRESSES , ( *telephone:* 760-431-9440; *fax:* 760-431-9624). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following applicants have applied for scientific research permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (“we”) solicits review and comment from local, State, and Federal agencies, and the public on the following permit requests. 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. Permit No. TE-168924 *Applicant:* Jeff E. Gurule, North Fork, California. The applicant requests a permit to take (capture, and collect and kill) the Conservancy fairy shrimp ( *Branchinecta conservatio* ), the longhorn fairy shrimp ( *Branchinecta longiantenna* ), the Riverside fairy shrimp ( *Streptocephalus wootoni* ), the San Diego fairy shrimp ( *Branchinecta sandiegonensis* ), and the vernal pool tadpole shrimp ( *Lepidurus packardi* ) in conjunction with surveys throughout the range of each species in California for the purpose of enhancing their survival. Permit No. TE-168923 *Applicant:* Randall L. Stringer, Carmichael, California. The applicant requests a permit to take (capture, and collect and kill) the Conservancy fairy shrimp ( *Branchinecta conservatio* ), the longhorn fairy shrimp ( *Branchinecta longiantenna* ), the Riverside fairy shrimp ( *Streptocephalus wootoni* ), and the vernal pool tadpole shrimp ( *Lepidurus packardi* ) in conjunction with surveys throughout the range of each species in California for the purpose of enhancing their survival. Permit No. TE-043630 *Applicant:* San Francisco Estuary Institute, Oakland, California The applicant requests an amendment to take (harass by survey) the California clapper rail ( *Rallus longirostris obsoletus* ) in conjunction with ecological research in San Francisco, Contra Costa, Sacramento, Solano, Napa, Sonoma, and Marin Counties for the purpose of enhancing its survival. Permit No. TE-066621 *Applicant:* Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu, Point Mugu, California. The permittee requests and amendment to take (harass by survey) the light footed clapper rail ( *Rallus longirostris levipes* ) and take (band chicks) the California least tern ( *Sterna antillarum browni* ) in conjunction with surveys and population monitoring at Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu, California, for the purpose of enhancing their survival. Permit No. TE-110373 *Applicant:* Eric F. Kline, San Diego, California. The applicant requests an amendment to take ( *survey by pursuit* ) the Quino checkerspot butterfly ( *Euphydryas editha quino* ) in conjunction with surveys throughout the range of the species in California for the purpose of enhancing its survival. Permit No. TE-168927 *Applicant:* Drew C. Stokes, San Diego, California. The permittee requests a permit to take (harass by survey, capture, handle, tag, collect tissue, mark by toe-clipping, and release) the arroyo southwestern toad ( *Bufo microscaphus californicus* ) in conjunction with surveys throughout the range of the species in California for the purpose of enhancing its survival. Permit No. TE-839480 *Applicant:* Richard Zembal, Laguna Hills, California. The applicant requests an amendment to take (harass by survey and monitor) the California least tern ( *Sterna antillarum browni* ) in conjunction with population monitoring and other life history studies in Orange County California for the purpose of enhancing its survival. Permit No. TE-168926 *Applicant:* Kailash K. Mozumder, Encinitas, California. The applicant requests a permit to take (survey by pursuit) the Quino checkerspot butterfly ( *Euphydryas editha quino* ) in conjunction with surveys throughout the range of the species in California for the purpose of enhancing its survival. Permit No. TE-168957 *Applicant:* Virginia M. VonBerg, San Luis Obispo, California. The applicant requests a permit to take (capture, and collect and kill) the Conservancy fairy shrimp ( *Branchinecta conservatio* ), the longhorn fairy shrimp ( *Branchinecta longiantenna* ), the Riverside fairy shrimp ( *Streptocephalus wootoni* ), the San Diego fairy shrimp ( *Branchinecta sandiegonensis* ), and the vernal pool tadpole shrimp ( *Lepidurus packardi* ) in conjunction with surveys throughout the range of each species in California for the purpose of enhancing their survival. Permit No. TE-142435 *Applicant:* Debra Shier, Topanga, California. The applicant requests an amenment to take (capture, handle, mark, translocate, and release) the Stephens' kangaroo rat ( *Dipodomys stephensi* ) in conjunction with surveys and population monitoring throughout the range of the species in California for the purpose of enhancing its survival. We solicit public review and comment on each of these recovery permit applications. Comments and materials we receive will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the address listed in the ADDRESSES section of this notice. Dated: December 10, 2007. Michael Fris, Acting Regional Director, Region 8, Sacramento, California. [FR Doc. E7-24246 Filed 12-13-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Indian Affairs Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians' Proposed Trust Acquisition and Casino/Hotel Project, City of San Jacinto, Riverside County, CA AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: This notice advises the public that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), in cooperation with the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians (Tribe), intends to gather information necessary for preparing an Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS)for a proposed fee-to-trust land acquisition and casino and hotel project (Proposed Action) located within the City of San Jacinto, Riverside County, California. The purpose of the Proposed Action is to improve the tribal economy in order to better enable the Tribe to provide governmental services, perform governmental functions, create jobs and career opportunities for tribal members and develop programs that would assist tribal members to attain economic self-sufficiency. This notice also announces a public scoping meeting to identify potential issues, alternatives and content for inclusion in the EIS. DATES: Written comments on the scope of the EIS must arrive by January 22, 2008. The public scoping meeting will be held January 8, 2008, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., or until all those who register to make statements have been heard. ADDRESSES: You may mail or hand carry written comments to Ms. Amy Dutschke, Acting Regional Director, Pacific Regional Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, California 95825. The public scoping meeting will be held at the Hemet Public Library, 2nd floor, 300 E. Latham, Hemet, California 92543. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Rydzik,
(916)978-6042. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Tribe proposes that 289.88± acres of land located within the City of San Jacinto, Riverside County, California, be acquired into trust for the Tribe. The land is located in the foothills on the west side of the San Jacinto Mountains that separate the San Jacinto River Basin to the west from the Coachella Valley to the east, and adjacent to the San Jacinto River. Of the 289.88± acres, 35 to 40 acres are proposed for development. The remaining acreage would remain in its current state, which consists of an existing golf course (156.36 acres) and maintenance facility, and on-going club house development. The proposed new development would consist of a 90,000± square foot casino facility with 70,000± square foot gaming floor, various food and beverage establishments, conference space, spa, and four retail establishments; a 300-room, 224,000± square foot hotel; a multi-level, 2200 space parking garage; a tribal fire station; a wastewater treatment plant; and supporting facilities. The new gaming facility would replace the existing one located on reservation lands. Access to the site would be via Lake Park Drive and Soboba Road, by way of a new access point/driveway. The proposed hotel and casino complex would be generally located at the intersection of Soboba Road and Lake Park Drive and abut the existing golf course. The proposed wastewater treatment plant and fire station would be on the southern side of Lake Park Drive. The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians is a federally recognized Indian tribe governed by a tribal council consisting of five members, under a federally approved constitution. The Tribe currently has a federally approved tribal-state gaming compact with the State of California. Public Comment and Solicitation Comments, including names and addresses of respondents, will be available for public review at the BIA address shown in the ADDRESSES section, during business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made 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. Authority This notice is published in accordance with section 1501.7, 1506.6 and 1508.22 of the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508) implementing the procedural requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4371 *et seq.* ), and the Department of the Interior Manual (516 DM 1-6), and is in the exercise of authority delegated to the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs by 209 DM 8.1. Dated: November 9, 2007. Carl J. Artman, Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs. [FR Doc. E7-24293 Filed 12-13-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-W7-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [AK-010-08-1410-PN] Notice of Closure of Aviation Areas at Campbell Tract Facility Administrative Site AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Closure. SUMMARY: In the interest of public and operational safety, the Bureau of Land Management is closing four areas used by aircraft at its Campbell Tract Facility in Anchorage, Alaska, to public or private entry, access or use. The four areas are: The Campbell Airstrip and the Campbell Tract Facility heliport, aircraft ramp, and aircraft taxiway between the airstrip and aircraft ramp areas. Recreational uses authorized on other portions of the Campbell Tract and the adjacent Municipality of Anchorage Far North Bicentennial Park are prohibited within the four areas named above. This order is issued under the authority of 43 CFR 8364.1 and affects the following public lands: Seward Meridian, Alaska. T. 12 N., R. 3 W. Portions of Sections 2 and 3. DATES: The closure is effective upon publication of this notice and will remain in effect year-round until amended or rescinded by the authorized officer. ADDRESSES: Maps of the affected area and closure information are available at the BLM Anchorage Field Office, 6881 Abbott Loop Road, Anchorage, Alaska. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Mike Zaidlicz, Field Manager, Anchorage Field Office, 6881 Abbott Loop Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99507,
(907)267-1246 or toll free
(800)478-1263. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to 43 CFR 8364.1, the following areas within the 730-acre administrative site known as the Campbell Tract Facility, located in Anchorage, Alaska, and managed by the Bureau of Land Management Anchorage Field Office, are closed to all public and private access, use and entry:
(1)Campbell Airstrip,
(2)Campbell Tract Facility heliport,
(3)Campbell Tract Facility aircraft ramp, and
(4)Campbell Tract Facility aircraft taxiway between the airstrip and aircraft ramp. These affected areas are actively used by aircraft on an intermittent basis. This closure is necessary to ensure public safety, as well as operational management and safety. Within the areas described above: 1. No person shall use, remain on, occupy, or access any land unless specifically authorized by the BLM. 2. All private or public use, including recreational use allowed on other portions of the Campbell Tract Facility and adjacent Municipality of Anchorage Far North Bicentennial Park lands, is prohibited. 3. All access or use by people and domestic animals, including, but not limited to, dogs and horses, is prohibited. This closure does not apply to: 1. Any federal, state, or local government officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force engaged in official fire, emergency, or law enforcement activities, including associated vehicles and/or aircraft used for administrative and emergency purposes. 2. Federal, state, or local government employees while on official business of their respective agencies and engaged in official duties, including associated vehicle use for administrative and emergency purposes. 3. Persons specifically authorized by the BLM to use, remain on, or occupy lands in the area affected by this notice, including associated vehicle or domestic animal use. 4. That portion of Coyote Trail that crosses the aircraft taxiway, which will only be closed during aircraft taxi operations. 5. Emergency use of Campbell Airstrip by aircraft. After publication of this notice, signs will be posted to inform the public that the affected areas are closed to unauthorized entry, use and/or access. In accordance with 43 CFR 8360.0-7, violation of this closure order is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months. Thomas P. Lonnie, State Director. [FR Doc. E7-24251 Filed 12-13-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-JA-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [MT-020-07-1310-DT] Notice of Availability of the Supplemental Air Quality Analyses for the Draft Supplement to the Montana Statewide Final Oil and Gas Environmental Impact Statement and Amendment of the Powder River and Billings RMPs (Draft SEIS), Miles City, MT AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Availability. SUMMARY: Pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 and the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA)of 1969, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Miles City Field Office, has prepared supplemental air quality information for public review. On May 2, 2007, the public comment period on the Draft Supplement to the *Montana Statewide Oil and Gas Environmental Impact Statement and Amendment of the Powder River and Billings RMPs* (Draft SEIS) ended. The Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA)notified the BLM of air quality analysis deficiencies in the Draft SEIS. As a result, the BLM has prepared additional air quality analyses to demonstrate that predicted visibility effects in Class I airsheds can be mitigated. This new air quality analyses supplements the Draft SEIS. DATES: The 90-day public comment period on the supplemented air analyses will begin the date the EPA publishes their Notice of Availability in the **Federal Register** . Additional announcements are being made through local media by news releases and information will be posted on the SEIS Web site: *http://www.blm.gov/eis/mt/milescity_seis/* . ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the new air quality analyses by any of the following methods (your name and mailing address must be submitted as part of your comments): • *Web Site:* *http://www.blm.gov/eis/mt/milescity_seis/.* • *Fax:*
(406)233-2921. • *Mail:* Draft SEIS Air Comments, Bureau of Land Management, P.O. Box 219, Miles City, Montana 59301 or hand deliver to 111 Garryowen Road, Miles City, Montana. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary Bloom, Project Manager, Miles City Field Office, P.O. Box 219, Miles City, Montana 59301. Ms. Bloom may also be reached by telephone at
(406)233-2852. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Public comments and information submitted regarding the supplemental air quality analysis, including names, e-mail addresses, and street addresses of the respondents, will be available for public review and disclosure at the above address during regular business hours (7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), Monday through Friday, except holidays. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made 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. Gene R. Terland, State Director. [FR Doc. E7-24205 Filed 12-13-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-$$-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [CO-800-1610-DP 016C] DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Notice of Availability of Draft San Juan Land Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Colorado AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. Forest Service, Agriculture. ACTION: Notice of Availability. SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321 *et seq.* ), the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (RPA), as amended by the National Forest Management Act of 1976, (NFMA, Sec. 6, 16 U.S.C. 1600.), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA, 43 U.S.C. 1701 *et seq.* ), the Bureau of Land Management
(BLM)San Juan Field Office and San Juan National Forest, U.S. Forest Service
(USFS)has prepared a Draft Land Management Plan/Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DLMP/DEIS) for the public and National Forest System Lands under their jurisdiction and by this notice is announcing the opening of the comment period. The BLM San Juan Field Office and San Juan National Forest are managed under Service First. The San Juan Public Lands Center (SJPLC) is the joint USFS/BLM Service First Office responsible for the management of these public lands. Service First is a partnership strategy to provide better customer service and be more cost effective in the delivery of those services to users of the public lands in southwest Colorado. This notice also meets BLM requirements in 43 CFR part 1610, 7-2(b) concerning potential Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs). DATES: The San Juan DLMP/DEIS will be available for public review for 90 days from the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes its Notice of Availability in the **Federal Register** . The SJPLC can best use comments and resource information submitted within this review period. The SJPLC will announce future meetings or hearings and any other public involvement activities at least 15 days in advance through public notices, local media news releases, and/or mailings, and posting on the project Web site at *http://ocs.fortlewis.edu/forestPlan* . Public meetings will be held in Pagosa Springs, Durango and Cortez, Colorado and in other locations, if warranted. ADDRESSES: The document will be available electronically at the following Web site: *http://ocs.fortlewis.edu/forestPlan* . Copies of the DLMP/DEIS are also available at the following government office addresses during regular business hours: • San Juan Public Lands Center, 15 Burnett Court, Durango, CO 81301. • Columbine Field Office, 367 Pearl St., Bayfield, CO 81122. • Dolores Public Lands Office, 100 North 6th St., Dolores, CO 81323. • Pagosa Springs Field Office, 180 Pagosa Street, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. • Colorado State Office BLM, 2850 Youngfield Street, Lakewood, CO 80215. • USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region, 740 Simms St, Golden, CO 80401. Libraries in Cortez, CO; Durango, CO; Pagosa Springs, CO; Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO; University of Colorado, Boulder, CO; and Ft. Lewis College, Durango, CO 81301 You may submit comments by any of the following methods: • *Web site: http://ocs.fortlewis.edu/forestPlan* . • *Facsimile:*
(916)456-6724 • *Mail:* LMP Comments, San Juan Plan Revision, P.O. Box 162909, Sacramento, California 95816-2909. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shannon Manfredi, Planning Team Leader at San Juan Public Land Center, 15 Burnett Ct., Durango, CO 81301. Phone:
(970)385-1229. To have your name added to the San Juan Plan Revision mailing list, or to view and download the DLMP/DEIS in Portable Document Format
(PDF)go to the project Web site: *http://ocs.fortlewis.edu/forestPlan* . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The planning area is located in Southwest Colorado in Archuleta, Conejos, Dolores, Hinsdale, La Plata, Mineral, Montezuma, Montrose, Rio Grande, San Juan, San Miguel counties. The plan will provide a framework to guide subsequent management decisions on approximately 1,867,800 acres of the San Juan National Forest. Of the 1,867,800 acres, BLM administers 500,000 surface acres and 300,000 acres of subsurface mineral estate. San Juan Public Land Center is currently being managed under the BLM 1985 San Juan/San Miguel Resource Management Plan
(RMP)and the 1983 San Juan National Forest Land Management Plan. • Bureau of Land Management Resource Management Plan The current RMP was approved in 1985 and has been amended five times. Wilderness Study Areas were designated in 1980 and are currently being managed under interim guidance provided by the Interim Management Policy and Guidance for Lands under Wilderness Review until such time that Congress makes a final wilderness decision. This revised Plan discusses how those lands would be managed if Congress released them from wilderness study. • Forest Service Land Management Plan The current San Juan National Forest Land Management Plan was approved in 1983, with a major amendment in 1992 and twenty other amendments. This revised Plan has been prepared using the provisions of the 1982 planning rule (36 CFR part 219), as provided by the 2004 interpretative rule which clarified the transition provisions of the planning rule adopted on November 9, 2000. The SJPLC has worked extensively with the community, interested and affected publics, and cooperating agencies in development of the DLMP/DEIS. The SJLPC conducted a broad community-based public input process. Cooperating agencies include Montezuma County, and the City of Rico, Colorado. Four alternatives are analyzed in the DLMP/DEIS. • *Alternative A,* the No Action Alternative, is the continuation of present management under the existing BLM and Forest Service plans. It meets the requirements of the NEPA that a no action alternative be considered. The current levels of products, services, and outputs of multiple use management from the public lands in the planning area would continue except for fluctuations due to budget. Activities such as timber harvest and oil and gas development would potentially occur over a greater percentage of the San Juan Public Lands in Alternative A than in other alternatives. • *Alternative B,* the Preferred Alternative, provides a mix of multiple-use activities with a primary emphasis on maintaining most of the large, contiguous blocks of undeveloped lands and enhancing various forms of recreation opportunities, while maintaining the diversity of uses and active forest and rangeland vegetation management. Alternative B is focused on balancing the ideas of maintaining “working forest and rangelands” and of retaining “core, undeveloped lands.” Uses and activities that require roads, such as timber harvesting and oil and gas development would be focused in areas that already have roads. Relatively undeveloped areas, that currently do not have roads would, for the most part, remain that way. • *Alternative C,* provides a mix of multiple-use activities with primary emphasis on the undeveloped character of the San Juan. Production of goods from vegetation management would continue but may be secondary to other non-commodity objectives. Management provisions under this alternative would emphasize the undeveloped character of large blocks of contiguous land and non-motorized recreational activities to a greater degree than the other alternatives. • *Alternative D,* provides a mix of multiple-use activities with a primary emphasis on the working forest and rangelands to produce the highest amounts of commodity goods and services of the alternatives. This alternative would allow the greatest extent of resource use within the planning area, while maintaining ecosystem management principles to protect and sustain resources. Potential impacts to sensitive resource values would be mitigated on a case-by-case basis. As required by Section 202(c)(3) of FLPMA, the DLMP/DEIS considers the designation of ACECs on BLM administered lands. Potential ACEC acres vary by alternative as shown in the table below. Acres of BLM-Managed Surface Estate Proposed To Be Managed as ACECs Under the Alternatives in the Draft LMP/EIS Values and use limitations Alternative A Alternative B (Preferred) Alternative C Alternative D Big Gypsum Valley 0 6,062 17,116 0 *Values:* Natural systems (sensitive plants) *Limitations:* Apply a no surface occupancy
(NSO)stipulation for oil and gas leasing and other surface disturbing activities, limit Off Highway Vehicle
(OHV)to designated routes, manage as Visual Resource Management
(VRM)II Mud Springs/Remnant Ansazi ACEC 1,160 0 1,160 0 *Values:* Cultural and natural systems *Limitations:* Apply a no surface occupancy
(NSO)stipulation for oil and gas leasing and other surface disturbing activities, limit Off Highway Vehicle
(OHV)to designated routes, and allow no new routes Silvies Pocket 0 0 707 0 *Value:* Natural systems (sensitive plants) *Limitations:* Manage as VRM II, apply NSO stipulation for oil and gas leasing and other surface disturbing activities, and limit Off Highway Vehicle
(OHV)to designated routes Grassy Hills 0 0 420 0 *Value:* Natural systems (sensitive plants) *Limitations:* Apply NSO stipulation for oil and gas leasing and other surface disturbing activities, limit OHV to designated routes, use grazing systems to protect prairie dog habitat Total Acres 1,160 6,062 19,403 0 Other key management concerns addressed in the Draft LMP/DEIS include: • Balancing Management between the ideas of maintaining “Working Forest and Rangelands” and Retaining “Core Undeveloped Areas”, • Recreation and Travel Management, • Management of Special Areas and Unique Landscapes (including ACECs, Forest Service wilderness recommendations, and suitability of rivers for Congressional designation into the Wild and Scenic Rivers System), • Oil and Gas Leasing and Development. Comments, including names and addresses of respondents, will be available for public review at the SJPLC, and will be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, be advised 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 from public review your personal identifying information, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Sally Wisely, Colorado State Director. Mark Stiles, Forest Supervisor. [FR Doc. E7-24208 Filed 12-13-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-DK-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [ID-310-7122-PH-8023; DDG-07-0010] Notice of Availability, Three Rivers Stone Quarry Expansion Draft Environmental Impact Statement AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Availability. SUMMARY: Pursuant to Section 102 (2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, notice is hereby given that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Challis Field Office, has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement
(DEIS)to consider whether to approve an Amended Plan of Operations for L&W Stone Corporation to continue mining flagstone from its Three Rivers Stone Quarry. DATES: Written comments will be accepted for 45 days following the date that the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA)publishes its Notice of Availability in the **Federal Register** . The BLM intends to hold two public meetings during the 45-day comment period, in Boise and Challis, Idaho. BLM will announce the public meeting times and locations at least 15 days in advance through public notices, media news releases, and/or newsletter mailings. ADDRESSES: Copies of the DEIS are available upon request from the BLM Idaho Falls District Office, 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83401, phone 208-524-7530. You may request either a hard copy or a computer disk (CD). A copy of the DEIS will be posted on the Internet at *http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/fo/challis/nepa/Three_Rivers.html* . To receive full consideration, comments must be postmarked no later than the last day of the written comment period. (The last day of the written comment period may be identified at the Internet address above, after publication of the EPA Notice of Availability in the **Federal Register** .) You may submit comments on the DEIS using any of the following methods: *Mail:* Charles Horsburgh, Project Manager, BLM Idaho Falls District Office, 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401. *Fax:* 208-524-7505. *E-mail:* *Three_Rivers_EIS@blm.gov* . All public comments, including the names and mailing addresses of respondents, will be available for public review at the Idaho Falls District Office in Idaho Falls, Idaho, during regular business hours from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays, and may be published as part of the Final EIS. Individual respondents may request confidentiality. 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: Charles Horsburgh, Project Manager, BLM Idaho Falls District, 1405 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401, phone 208-524-7530, or fax 208-524-7505. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: L&W Stone Corporation mines locatable flagstone on public lands administered by the BLM's Challis Field Office in Custer County, Idaho. L&W Stone submitted an Amended Plan of Operations for its quarry under the 43 CFR part 3809 Regulations in December 2002. In 2004, the BLM completed an Environmental Assessment
(EA)regarding the Amended Plan of Operations, signed a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), and approved the project. As a result of a lawsuit that was filed objecting to that approval, the BLM was ordered by the Federal District Court to prepare an EIS for the Amended Plan of Operations. The DEIS analyzes and discloses the effects of four alternatives, including the No Action and BLM's Preferred Alternative. Alternative A, the No Action Alternative, would result in the cessation of quarrying activities and the implementation of reclamation measures that would stabilize disturbed areas. Alternative B would be a continuation of the interim mining plan that was developed by L&W Stone and approved by the District Court, which has allowed L&W Stone to mine while the EIS is being prepared. Alternative C would be a continuation of mining under the Preferred Alternative from BLM's 2004 EA. Alternative D, the BLM's Preferred Alternative described in the DEIS, would be similar to Alternative C, but would allow for the expansion of quarrying operations into two new areas that contain flagstone resources. All Alternatives are consistent with the Challis Resource Management Plan and would protect public health, protect surface and groundwater resources, meet post-mining land use requirements, and minimize view-shed impacts. L&W Stone will be required to submit an updated Plan of Operation that would incorporate the requirements of the Alternative that is selected by the BLM Authorized Officer. David Rosenkrance, BLM Challis Field Manager. [FR Doc. E7-24206 Filed 12-13-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-GG-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management NV-050-5853-ES; N-81544; 8-08807; TAS:14X5232] Notice of Realty Action: Lease/Conveyance for Recreation and Public Purposes of Public Lands in Clark County, NV AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Realty Action. SUMMARY: Recreation and Public Purposes (R&PP) Act request for lease and subsequent conveyance of approximately 10 acres of public land in the City of Henderson, Clark County, Nevada. The City of Henderson proposes to use the land for a city fire station and public park. DATES: Interested parties may submit written comments regarding the proposed lease/conveyance of the lands until January 28, 2008. ADDRESSES: Mail written comments to the BLM Field Manager, Las Vegas Field Office, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV, 89130-2301. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Phil Rhinehart,
(702)515-5182. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following described public land in Clark County, Nevada has been examined and found suitable for lease and subsequent conveyance under the provisions of the R&PP Act, as amended (43 U.S.C. 869 *et seq* ). The parcel of land is located in the southeast corner of St. Rose Parkway via the newly adopted alignment of Rancho Destino Street and Bowles Street, Henderson, Nevada, and is legally described as: Mount Diablo Meridian, Nevada T. 23 S., R. 61 E., Sec. 9, SW 1/4 NE 1/4 NW 1/4 . The area described contains 10 acres, more or less. In accordance with the R&PP Act, the City of Henderson has filed an R&PP application to develop the above described land as a city fire station and public park with related facilities to meet the emergency service and park space needs of this rapidly growing area. Related facilities include a fire warehouse, outdoor vehicle storage, training facilities, parking, public restrooms, shade structures, and pedestrian trails. Additional detailed information pertaining to this application, plan of development, and site plan is in case file N-81544, which is located in the BLM Las Vegas Field Office at the above address. Cities are a common applicant under the public purposes provision of the R&PP Act. The City of Henderson is a political subdivision of the State of Nevada and is therefore a qualified applicant under the R&PP Act. The land is not required for any Federal purpose. The lease/conveyance is consistent with the BLM Las Vegas Resource Management Plan, dated October 5, 1998, and would be in the public interest. The lease/conveyance, 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 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 shall be reserved to the United States, together with the right to prospect for, mine and remove such deposits from the same under applicable law and such regulations as the Secretary of the Interior may prescribe. The lease/conveyance will be subject to: 1. Valid existing rights; 2. A right-of-way for an underground distribution line granted to Nevada Power Company, its successors and assigns, by right-of-way N-75952, pursuant to the Act of October 21, 1976, 090 Stat. 2776, 43 U.S.C. 1761; 3. A right-of-way for roads, drainage, and municipal utilities granted to the City of Henderson, its successors or assigns, by right-of-way N-77148, pursuant to the Act of October 21, 1976, 090 Stat. 2776, 43 U.S.C. 1761; 4. A right-of-way for fiber optic facilities granted to Nevada Power Company, its successor and assigns, by right-of-way N-78680, pursuant to the Act of October 21, 1976, 090 Stat. 2776, 43 U.S.C. 1761; 5. A right-of-way for power transmission lines granted to Nevada Power Company, its successors and assigns, by right-of-way N-78683, pursuant to the Act of October 21, 1976, 090 Stat. 2776, 43 U.S.C. 1761; 6. A right-of-way for power transmission lines granted to Nevada Power Company, its successors and assigns, by right-of-way N-78827, pursuant to the Act of October 21, 1976, 090 Stat. 2776, 43 U.S.C. 1761; 7. A right-of-way for an underground distribution line granted to Nevada Power Company, its successors and assigns, by right-of-way N-83665, pursuant to the Act of October 21, 1976, 090 Stat. 2776, 43 U.S.C. 1761. Upon publication of this notice in the **Federal Register** , the land described above will be segregated from all other forms of appropriation under the public land laws, including the general mining laws, except for lease/conveyance under the R&PP Act, leasing under the mineral leasing laws and disposals under the mineral material disposal laws. Interested parties may submit written comments regarding the specific use proposed in the application and plan of development, whether BLM followed proper administrative procedures in reaching the decision to lease/convey under the R&PP Act, or any other factor not directly related to the suitability of the land for R&PP use. Any adverse comments will be reviewed by the BLM Nevada State Director, who may sustain, vacate, or modify this realty action. In the absence of any adverse comments, this realty action will become the final determination of the Department of the Interior. 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. Only written comments submitted by postal service or overnight mail to the Field Manager, BLM Las Vegas Field Office, will be considered properly filed. Electronic mail, facsimile, or telephone comments will not be considered properly filed. Comments, including names and addresses of respondents, will be available for public review. In the absence of any adverse comments, the decision will become effective on February 12, 2008. The lands will not be available for lease/conveyance until after the decision becomes effective. (Authority: 43 CFR 2741.5) Dated: November 30, 2007. Mark Chatterton, Assistant Field Manager, Non-Renewable Resources, Las Vegas, Nevada. [FR Doc. E7-24219 Filed 12-13-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-HC-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Minerals Management Service [Docket No. MMS-2007-OMM-0072] MMS Information Collection Activity: NEW Information Collection; Lease of Submerged Lands for Alternative Energy Activities on the OCS; Comment Request AGENCY: Minerals Management Service (MMS), Interior. ACTION: Notice of a new information collection (1010-NEW) and request for comments. SUMMARY: To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), MMS is inviting comments on a collection of information that we will submit to the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB)for review and approval. The information collection request
(ICR)concerns the paperwork requirements that address new Form MMS-0001, Lease of Submerged Lands for Alternative Energy Activities on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), which is printed within this **Federal Register** notice. This form is used to enter into a leasing agreement between MMS and a respondent to conduct data collection and/or technology testing on the OCS. The MMS is also asking for comments on the lease form. Section 388 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109-58), amended section 8 of the OCS Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1337(p)) and gave responsibility to MMS to grant a lease, easement, or right-of-way on the OCS for alternative energy-related uses not otherwise authorized under the Lands Act. DATES: Submit written comments by February 12, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods listed below. • *Electronically:* go to *http://www.regulations.gov,* select “Minerals Management Service” from the agency drop-down menu, then click “submit.” In the Docket ID column, select MMS-2007-OMM-0072 to submit public comments and to view any supporting and related materials available. Information on using Regulations.gov, including instructions for accessing documents, submitting comments, and viewing the docket after the close of the comment period, is available through the site's “User Tips” link. All comments submitted will be published and posted to the docket after the closing period. • Mail or hand-carry comments to the Department of the Interior; Minerals Management Service; *Attention:* Cheryl Blundon; 381 Elden Street, MS-4024; Herndon, Virginia 20170-4817. Please reference “Information Collection 1010-NEW” in your comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cheryl Blundon, Regulations and Standards Branch at
(703)787-1607. You may also contact Cheryl Blundon to obtain a copy, at no cost, of section 388 of the Energy Policy Act. You may contact Maureen A. Bornholdt, Program Manager, Alternative Energy Programs at 703-787-1300 for lease questions. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* Lease of Submerged Lands for Alternative Energy Activities on the OCS. *Form(s):* MMS-0001. *OMB Control Number:* 1010-NEW. *Abstract:* Section 388 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Pub. L. 109-58) amended the OCS Lands Act to add a new paragraph
(p)to section 8 of the Act (43 U.S.C. 1337(p)) to allow the Department of the Interior, acting through the Minerals Management Service (MMS), to grant a lease, easement, or right-of-way on the OCS for alternative energy-related uses not otherwise authorized under the Lands Act. An early step in the process entails data collection and/or technology testing in order to assess alternative energy resources and production methodologies. This lease form and its requisite information collection are needed for MMS to authorize and convey rights under limited-term leases to conduct data collection and/or technology testing activities on specific areas of the OCS. This information collection request
(ICR)addresses the form and accompanying information, which will be used by MMS and the emerging alternative energy industry as a contract instrument to bind both parties as to their rights and responsibilities under the lease. We will protect information from respondents considered proprietary under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and its implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2). No items of a sensitive nature are collected. Responses are required to obtain or retain benefits. *Frequency:* On occasion. *Estimated Number and Description of Respondents:* Approximately 30 alternative energy respondents. *Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping “Hour” Burden:* We are requesting 7,595 hours. In calculating the burdens, we assumed that respondents perform certain requirements in the normal course of their activities. We consider these to be usual and customary and took that into account in estimating the burden. Form MMS-0001 sections and exhibit Reporting or recordkeeping requirement Hour burden MMS-0001; Section 1 Fill out and submit form MMS-0001, Lease Agreement, for consideration; execute lease 1. 1 Prepare and submit initial survey activities (e.g., geotechnical, geophysical, shallow hazard) 100. 2; 20 Designate operator when more than one lessee; report change of address 1. 4 Request extension of lease term and supporting documentation 2. 7 Notify MMS 72 hours prior to commencement/termination of lease; notify MMS when facility is back in service after being out of service for more than 7 days 15 mins. for each requirement × 2 = 30 mins. 8 Submit plan/modification and supporting documentation 100. 8(c) Conduct periodic reviews and inspections 2. 8(d) Request for reconsideration of modification. (Exempt as defined in 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(9) 0. 10 Submit quarterly progress reports 4. 10 Upon request, make available all material used by lessee to interpret data 3. 10 Submit final progress report upon conclusion of activities or termination of lease; retain all data for 8 years from effective date 4. 11 Lessee and relevant third-parties agree to confidential disclosure 1. 12 Allow access and make records available as requested by MMS inspectors; incorporate same requirement in any contract between lessee and third parties 2. 13 Submit response within 30 days of violation indicating violation(s) were corrected and the correction date 2. 14; 15 Demonstrate financial worth/ability to carry out present and future financial obligations; submit bond/additional security information 4. 16 Request assignment or transfer of lease 30 mins. 17 Submit written relinquishment request 1. 18 Submit report detailing that lessee properly removed structures and restored the area 10. 19 Comply with and communicate nonprocurement debarment and suspension regulations 10 mins. 1-20 General departure and alternative compliance requests not specifically covered elsewhere in this form 10. Exhibit(s) Compliance with individual stipulations on a case-by-case basis 5. *Estimated Reporting and Recordkeeping “Non-Hour Cost” Burden:* We have identified no non-hour cost burdens for this collection. *Public Disclosure Statement:* The PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501, *et seq.* ) provides that an agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Until OMB approves a collection of information, you are not obligated to respond. *Comments:* Before submitting an ICR to OMB, PRA section 3506(c)(2)(A) requires each agency “* * * to provide notice * * * and otherwise consult with members of the public and affected agencies concerning each proposed collection of information * * *.” Agencies must specifically solicit comments to:
(a)Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the agency to perform its duties, including whether the information is useful;
(b)evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information;
(c)enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(d)minimize the burden on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Agencies must also estimate the “non-hour cost” burdens to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information. Therefore, if you have costs to generate, maintain, and disclose this information, you should comment and provide your total capital and startup cost components or annual operation, maintenance, and purchase of service components. You should describe the methods you use to estimate major cost factors, including system and technology acquisition, expected useful life of capital equipment, discount rate(s), and the period over which you incur costs. Capital and startup costs include, among other items, computers and software you purchase to prepare for collecting information, monitoring, and record storage facilities. You should not include estimates for equipment or services purchased:
(i)before October 1, 1995;
(ii)to comply with requirements not associated with the information collection;
(iii)for reasons other than to provide information or keep records for the Government; or
(iv)as part of customary and usual business or private practices. We will summarize written responses to this notice and address them in our submission for OMB approval. As a result of your comments, we will make any necessary adjustments to the burden in our submission to OMB. *Public Comment Procedures:* 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. We are incorporating the potential lease form and all versions of exhibit B into this notice so respondents will be able to specifically give MMS their comments. (Please note exhibit A is not included here because it is just identification of the area of the lease provided by MMS to the respondent). U.S. Department of the Interior Minerals Management Service OMB Control Number 1010-xxxx OMB Approval Expires xx/xx/xxxx UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE LEASE OF SUBMERGED LANDS FOR ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ACTIVITIES ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Office Washington, DC Lease Number Rental Rate This lease is made under the authority of Section 43 U.S.C. 1337, subsection 8(p) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act of August 7, 1953 (43 U.S.C. 1331 *et seq.* ), as amended, (hereinafter called the “Act”), between the United States of America, (hereinafter called “Lessor”) acting through the Minerals Management Service, its authorized officer, and _ (hereinafter, whether one or more, called “Lessee”). In consideration of the promises, terms, conditions, covenants, and stipulations contained herein or attached hereto, the parties mutually agree as follows: Section 1. *Rights of Lessee.* Lessor hereby grants and leases to Lessee the exclusive right, subject to the terms and conditions of this lease, to conduct the alternative energy activities described in Exhibit “B” on the area of submerged lands of the Outer Continental Shelf
(OCS)described in Exhibit “A” hereof, such area hereinafter referred to as the “leased area.” Except for the Initial Survey Activities described below, the rights granted Lessee herein are limited to the activities described in Exhibit “B” hereof and confer no preferential right to acquire, develop or operate commercially any alternative energy project on the OCS. Upon execution of this lease and before submittal of the Project Plan required under Section 8, Lessee is authorized to conduct Initial Survey Activities including geotechnical, geophysical or shallow hazard surveys as Lessee deems necessary to identify the appropriate location on the leased area for placement of any facilities or other structures. The results of such Initial Survey Activities shall be provided to Lessor. Section 2. *Designation of Operator.* When there is more than one Lessee, Lessees must designate an Operator. The designated Operator will have authority to act on behalf of all Lessees and to fulfill all of Lessees' obligations under this lease. Lessor must approve the designated Operator before the designated Operator may act on the Lessees' behalf. Section 3. *Reservations to Lessor.* All rights in the leased area not expressly granted to Lessee by the Act or this lease are hereby reserved to Lessor. Lessor reserves the right to authorize other uses on the leased area that will not unreasonably interfere with activities authorized under this lease. Section 4. *Effective Date and Lease Term.* This lease shall be effective on the date that it is signed by both parties (hereinafter “effective date”). This lease shall expire five years from the effective date unless the Lessor, acting at its sole discretion upon the written request of Lessee, extends the term of this lease. Any request for an extension of the lease term shall be submitted to Lessor by Lessee not less than 30 days but not more than 90 days prior to the expiration of the lease. The request for extension of the lease term shall demonstrate to Lessor's satisfaction that Lessee reasonably needs more time to conduct the alternative energy activities described in Exhibit “B.” Section 5. *Statutes and Regulations.* This lease is issued subject to the Act, all applicable regulations, orders, guidelines, and directives issued pursuant to the Act. Section 6. *Rentals.* Lessee shall pay Lessor on or before the first day of each lease year a rental as shown on the face hereof. Section 7. *Notice of Commencement or Termination of Activities.* Lessee shall notify Lessor at least 72 hours prior to commencing installation of facilities. Lessee shall notify Lessor any time a facility is out of service for a period greater than 7 days and when the facility is returned to service. Section 8. *Project Plan.* All activities in the leased area, except the Initial Survey Activities described in Section 1, shall be conducted in accordance with a Project Plan (hereinafter called the “Plan”) prepared by Lessee and submitted to Lessor.
(a)Except for the Initial Survey Activities described in Section 1, Lessee may not conduct activities under this lease until Lessor has acknowledged receipt of the Plan and has raised no objections within 60 calendar days of receipt, or Lessor notifies Lessee that subsequent modifications to the plan have satisfied Lessor's initial objections.
(b)The Plan shall include the following information in form and content satisfactory to Lessor:
(1)A description of the proposed activities, including the technology intended to be utilized in conducting activities authorized by this lease and all surveys Lessee intends to conduct;
(2)The surface location and water depth for all proposed facilities to be constructed in the leased area;
(3)General structural and project installation information;
(4)A description of the safety, prevention and environmental protection features or measures that Lessee will use;
(5)A brief description of how facilities on the leased area will be removed and the leased area restored as required by Section 18 below; and
(6)Any other information reasonably requested by Lessor to ensure Lessee's activities on the OCS are conducted in a safe and environmentally sound manner.
(c)Lessee agrees to conduct periodic reviews and inspections of activities under the lease to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this lease.
(d)Any proposed modifications to the Plan shall be submitted to Lessor and Lessor shall have 30 calendar days to raise any objection to the proposed modification prior to implementation. Section 9. *Compliance.* Lessee agrees to conduct all activities in the leased area in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. Lessee further agrees that no activities authorized by this lease will be carried out in a manner that:
(1)Could interfere with or endanger activities or operations under any lease issued or maintained pursuant to the Act or under any other license or approval issued by any Federal agency in accordance with applicable law prior to the issuance of this lease;
(2)could cause any undue harm or damage to marine life;
(3)could create hazardous or unsafe conditions;
(4)could unreasonably interfere with or harm other uses of the leased area; or
(5)could adversely affect sites, structures, or objects of historical or archaeological significance without notice to and direction from the Lessee on how to proceed. Section 10. *Progress Reports.* Lessee shall submit to Lessor a quarterly progress report that shall include, at a minimum, the following information:
(a)A brief narrative of the overall progress since the beginning of the lease term or since the last progress report; and
(b)One copy of any and all studies, surveys, inspections or test reports compiled or completed during the given period. Lessee shall also make available to Lessor upon request all raw data, analyses and computational models used by Lessee to interpret such data. At the conclusion of the activities covered by this lease, or at the termination of this lease, whichever comes first, Lessee shall submit a final progress report. The final progress report shall include, at a minimum, a comprehensive narrative of Lessee's activities and results from testing, surveys and inspections. Lessee shall retain copies of all such progress and other reports for the duration of the lease term and three years thereafter. Section 11. *Confidentiality.* To the extent permitted by applicable law, in particular the Freedom of Information Act and implementing regulations, Lessor shall keep confidential all information, including but not limited to studies, surveys, or test reports, received from Lessee for a period of no less than 60 months from receipt, unless disclosure is agreed to by the lessee(s) and all relevant third parties. The Lessor will follow the procedures set forth in 43 CFR § 2.23 with respect to objections to requests for commercial or financial information. Lessor shall be entitled to retain all reports and similar work product delivered to it by Lessee. Section 12. *Inspections.* Lessee shall:
(1)Allow prompt access to any authorized Federal inspector to the site of any activities conducted pursuant to this lease; and
(2)provide any documents and records that are pertinent to occupational or public health, safety, or environmental protection that may be requested by MMS or other authorized Federal inspectors. Lessee shall incorporate these requirements in any contract between Lessee and third parties conducting activities on the leased area. Section 13. *Violations, Suspensions and Cancellations.* If Lessee violates any provision of this lease, Lessor may, after giving written notice ordering lessee to cease and remedy all such violations, suspend any further activities of Lessee under this lease. Lessee may continue activities that are necessary to remedy any violation. If Lessee fails to remedy all violations within 30 days after receipt of a suspension notice, Lessor may, by written notice, cancel this lease and take appropriate action to recover all costs incurred by Lessor by reason of such violation(s). Cancellation of this lease due to any violation of the provisions of this lease by Lessee shall not entitle Lessee to compensation. Lessor, by written notice, may also suspend or cancel this lease when it is necessary
(1)to comply with judicial decrees;
(2)to respond to a serious threat of imminent harm or injury to human life, or natural, historical or archaeological resources; and
(3)to respond to national security or defense requirements. Section 14. Indemnification. Lessee shall indemnify Lessor for, and hold it harmless from, any claim, including claims for loss or damages suffered or costs or expenses incurred by Lessor arising out of any activities conducted by Lessee or its employees, contractors, subcontractors, or their employees, under this lease whenever such damage, cost or expense results from any breach of this lease by Lessee or its employees, contractors, subcontractors, or their employees, or from the wrongful or negligent act or omission of Lessee or its employees, or Lessee's contractors, subcontractors, or their employees, which causes death, personal injury or damage to property. Lessee shall pay Lessor for such damage, cost, or expense attributable to its breach or negligence or that of its employees, contractors, subcontractors, or their employees within 90 days after a written demand therefore by Lessor. Section 15. *Security.* Lessee shall maintain at all times a surety bond or other form of security approved by Lessor in the amount of $300,000 (“base bond”) and shall furnish such additional security (“supplemental bond”) as may be required by Lessor if, at any time during the term of this lease, Lessor deems such additional security to be necessary. Section 16. *Assignment or Transfer of Lease.* This lease may not be assigned or transferred in whole or in part without prior written approval of Lessor. Lessor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to deny approval of any transfer or assignment. Section 17. *Surrender of Lease.* Lessee may surrender this lease by filing with Lessor a written relinquishment that shall be effective on the date of filing, subject to the responsibility to remove property and restore the leased area pursuant to section 18. Section 18. *Removal of Property and Restoration of the Leased Area on Termination of Lease.* Within a period of 1 year after cancellation, expiration, relinquishment or other termination of this lease, Lessee shall remove all devices, works and structures from the leased area and restore the leased area to its original condition before issuance of the lease in accordance with the conditions in Exhibit “B.” Within 90 days following the removal of property and restoration of the leased area, Lessee shall provide Lessor with a written report summarizing its facility removal and site restoration activities. Section 19. *Debarment Compliance.* Lessee shall comply with the Department of the Interior's nonprocurement debarment and suspension regulations as required by 43 CFR part 42 and/or 2 CFR part 1400 and shall communicate the requirement to comply with these regulations to persons with whom it does business related to this lease by including this term in its contracts and transactions. Section 20. *Notices.* Except for notices required under Section 7, which Lessee may provide orally, all notices or reports provided under the terms of this lease shall be in writing. Notices shall be delivered to the Lease Representative electronically, by hand, by facsimile, or by United States first class mail, adequate postage prepaid, to the specific persons listed below. Any party's address may be changed from time-to-time by such party giving notice as provided above. Until notice of any change of address is delivered as provided above, the last recorded address of either party shall be deemed the address for all notices required under this lease. For all operational matters, notices shall be provided to the party's Operations Representative as well as the Lease Representative.
(a)Lessor's Contact Information Lease Representative Operations Representative: Name: Title: Address: Address: Phone: Fax: E-mail:
(b)Lessee's Contact Information Lease Representative Operations Representative: Name: Title: Address: Address: Phone: Fax: E-mail: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Lessor (Lessee) (Signature of Authorized Officer) (Signature of Authorized Officer) (Name of Signatory) (Name of Signatory) (Title) (Title)
(Date)(Address of Lessee) If this lease is executed by a corporation, it must bear the corporate seal. PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT OF 1995
(PRA)STATEMENT: The PRA (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) requires us to inform you that we collect this information as part of authorizing respondents to conduct data collection and/or technology testing on the OCS. The MMS uses the information to evaluate and approve or disapprove the adequacy of the equipment and/or procedures to safely perform the proposed activities in an environmentally responsible manner. Responses are required for benefit. Proprietary data are covered under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and its implementing regulations (43 CFR part 2). An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. Public reporting burden for this form is estimated at 1 hour per response. This includes the time for completing and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this form to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, Mail Stop 4230, Minerals Management Service, 1849 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240. MMS Form MMS-0001 (January 2008) EXHIBIT “B” TECHNOLOGY TESTING AND DEMONSTRATION ACTIVITIES WAVE AND/OR CURRENT RESOURCES Lease Number U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE LEASE OF SUBMERGED LANDS FOR ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ACTIVITIES ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Lessor hereby grants to Lessee the right to conduct the following alternative energy activities for wave and/or current resources on the leased area. “Wave and/or current resources” means the ocean waves and/or currents moving across the leased area. These rights include:
(a)Constructing, installing, using, upgrading, maintaining, and removing buoys, turbines or other devices, to study wave and/or current flow, motion, frequency, speed, rise and fall, or direction, and other data in order to determine the potential to harness the wave and/or current resources on the leased area for the production of energy;
(b)Accessing the leased area for permitting, site analysis, extraction of soil and water samples, and other geotechnical analyses and tests necessary to determine the feasibility of converting the wave and/or current resources to electricity;
(c)Employing and testing technology and/or demonstrating Lessee's ability to convert wave and/or current resources to electricity and to collect and transmit that electricity to market;
(d)Installing and testing electrical generators, transformers and substations, electrical distribution and transmission lines, interconnection facilities and related equipment; and
(e)Any other activities necessary to establish the nature and extent of the wave and/or current resources on the leased area and to establish whether the leased area has sufficient wave and/or current resources for the commercial production and distribution of electricity. Lessee's rights to conduct the aforesaid alternative energy activities are subject to the following stipulations. Stipulation 1— Note: Stipulations will be developed on a case-by-case basis depending upon location, technology utilized and other relevant factors, including site-specific findings from project-specific environmental analyses. Stipulations will also be developed taking into account environmental protections derived from the Alternative Energy Alternate Use
(AEAU)programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). EXHIBIT “B” DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES WAVE AND/OR CURRENT RESOURCES Lease Number U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE LEASE OF SUBMERGED LANDS FOR ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ACTIVITIES ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Lessor hereby grants to Lessee the right to conduct the following alternative energy activities for wave and/or current resources on the leased area. “Wave and/or current resources” means the ocean waves and/or currents moving across the leased area. These rights include:
(a)Constructing, installing, using, upgrading, maintaining, and removing buoys, turbines or other devices, to study wave and/or current flow, motion, frequency, speed, rise and fall, or direction, and other data in order to determine the potential to harness the wave and/or current resources on the leased area for the production of energy;
(b)Accessing the leased area for permitting, site analysis, extraction of soil and water samples, and other geotechnical analyses and tests necessary to determine the feasibility of converting the wave and/or current resources to electricity; and
(c)Any other activities necessary to establish the nature and extent of the wave and/or current resources on the leased area and to establish whether the leased area has sufficient wave and/or current resources for the commercial production and distribution of electricity. Lessee's rights to conduct the aforesaid alternative energy activities are subject to the following stipulations. Stipulation 1— Note: Stipulations will be developed on a case-by-case basis depending upon location, technology utilized and other relevant factors, including site-specific findings from project-specific environmental analyses. Stipulations will also be developed taking into account environmental protections derived from the Alternative Energy Alternate Use
(AEAU)programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). EXHIBIT “B” DATA COLLECTION ACTIVITIES WIND RESOURCES Lease Number U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR MINERALS MANAGEMENT SERVICE LEASE OF SUBMERGED LANDS FOR ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ACTIVITIES ON THE OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF Lessor hereby grants to Lessee the right to conduct the following alternative energy data collection activities for wind resources on the leased area. “Wind resources” means the wind moving across the leased area. These rights include:
(a)Constructing, installing, using, upgrading, maintaining, and removing meteorological towers to study wind speed, wind direction, and other meteorological data in order to determine the potential of the wind resources on the leased area for the production of energy;
(b)Accessing the leased area for permitting, site analysis, extraction of soil and water samples, and other geotechnical analyses and tests necessary to determine the feasibility of converting the wind resources to electricity; and
(c)Any other activities necessary to establish the nature and extent of the wind resources on the leased area and to establish whether the leased area has sufficient wind resources for the commercial production and distribution of electricity. Lessee's rights to conduct the aforesaid alternative energy activities are subject to the following stipulations: Stipulation 1— Note: Stipulations will be developed on a case-by-case basis depending upon location, technology utilized and other relevant factors, including site-specific findings from project-specific environmental analyses. Stipulations will also be developed taking into account environmental protections derived from the Alternative Energy Alternate Use
(AEAU)programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). MMS Information Collection Clearance Officer: Arlene Bajusz
(202)208-7744. Dated: December 7, 2007. Randall B. Luthi, Director, Minerals Management Service. [FR Doc. E7-24252 Filed 12-13-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-MR-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service 30-Day Notice of Submission to the Office of Management and Budget; Opportunity for Public Comment AGENCY: Department of the Interior, National Park Service. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: Under provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and 5 CFR part 1320, Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements, the National Park Service
(NPS)invites public comments on an extension of a currently approved collection of information (OMB #1024-0224). DATES: Public comments on this Information Collection Request
(ICR)will be accepted on or before January 14, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments directly to the Desk Officer for the Department of the Interior (OMB #1024-0224), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, OMB, by fax at 202/395-6566, or by electronic mail at *oira_docket@omb.eop.gov.* Please also send a copy of your comments to Dr. James Gramann, NPS Social Science Program, 1201 “Eye” St., Washington, DC 20005; or via phone at 202/513-7189; or via e-mail at *James_Gramann@partner.nps.gov.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. James Gramann, NPS Social Science Program, 1201 “Eye” St., Washington, DC 20005; or via phone at 202/513-7189; or via e-mail at *James_Gramann@partner.nps.gov.* You are entitled to a copy of the entire ICR package free-of-charge. Comments Received on the 60-Day Federal Register Notice The NPS published a 60-Day Notice to solicit public comments on this ICR in the **Federal Register** on March 27, 2007 (Vol. 72, FR 1495). The comment period closed on May 29, 2007. After notifications to stakeholders requesting comments, the NPS received three public comments as a result of the publication of this 60-Day **Federal Register** Notice. In addition, the NPS took part in a workshop to discuss the program. One commenter thought that enough information had been collected over the eight years that the Programmatic Approval for NPS-Sponsored Public Surveys has been in existence and that the program should be discontinued. In response, it is necessary to point out that the information collected is unique, as the needs of parks continue to change. The NPS conducts a detailed review of all information collections submitted under the Programmatic Approval process to ensure that studies are not duplicated and that the information being collected is useful and relevant to management of NPS units. A second comment was received, which inquired about the nature of the Programmatic Approval. NPS staff explained the Programmatic Approval process, and the commenter had no further questions. A final comment was submitted by a principal investigator who does research on behalf of the NPS. The researcher outlined a number of concerns with the Programmatic Approval process, including: The length of time a submission spends in the review process, the inability of principal investigators to conduct methodological work, a lack of acceptance of certain research approaches, inconsistency in the review process and a need for studies to be able to replicate previous questionnaire designs for comparability, and a lack of communication between Social Science Office and the principal investigators. In response, the Social Science Program has taken steps to improve communication with the research community by sending out e-mail updates, informing investigators of changes to the OMB process (extended review times, updated contact information, etc.). To address the comments of the researcher further, the Social Science Program took part in a session at the 2007 George Wright Society Conference to discuss the Programmatic Approval process with interested stakeholders, including principal investigators and park staff. During this session, representatives of the Social Science Program explained the Paperwork Reduction Act and the history and evolution of the Programmatic Approval. Stakeholders were given time to ask questions about the process and express concerns and support. Overall, the stakeholders were appreciative of the program's ability to allow research to be done, while they were concerned with perceived inconsistencies in reviews and the timeliness of obtaining approval. Based on these comments, the Social Science Program is working to enhance its capabilities to review and process submissions and continuing to maintain good communication with researchers and NPS field staff. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: *Title:* Programmatic Approval for NPS-Sponsored Public Survey. *Bureau Form Number(s):* None. *OMB Number:* 1024-0224. *Expiration Date:* 01/31/2008. *Type of Request:* Extension for a currently approved collection. *Description of Need:* The NPS needs information concerning park visitors and visitor services, potential park visitors, and residents of communities near parks to provide park and NPS managers with usable knowledge for improving the quality and utility of agency programs, services, and planning efforts. Since many of the NPS surveys are similar in terms of the populations being surveyed, the types of questions being asked, and research methodologies, the NPS proposed and received clearance from OMB for a program of review for NPS-sponsored public surveys (OMB #1024-0224 exp. 8/31/2001; 3-year extension granted, exp. 9/30/2004). The program presented an alternative approach to complying with the Paperwork Reduction Act. In the eight years since the NPS received clearance for the program of expedited review, 371 public surveys have been conducted in units of the National Park System. The benefits of this program have been significant to the NPS, the Department of the Interior, OMB, NPS cooperators, and the public. Significant time and cost savings have been incurred. Expedited approval was typically granted in 60 days or less from the date the Principal Investigator first submitted the survey package for review. This is a significant reduction over the approximate 6-8 months involved in the standard OMB review process. From FY 1999 through FY 2006, the expedited review process has accounted for a cost savings to the Federal Government and PIs estimated at $237,087. The obligation to respond is voluntary. *Comments are invited on:*
(1)The practical utility of the information being gathered;
(2)the accuracy of the burden hour estimate;
(3)ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
(4)ways to minimize the burden to respondents, including use of automated information collection techniques or other forms of information technology. 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 OMB in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that OMB will be able to do so. *Automated data collection;* At the present time, there is no automated way to gather this information, since the information gathering process involves asking members of the public for their opinions on services and facilities that they used during their park visits, services and facilities they are likely to use on future park visits, and opinions regarding park management. The burden on individuals is minimized by rigorously designing public surveys to maximize the ability of the surveys to use small samples of individuals to represent large populations of the public, and by coordinating the program of surveys to maximize the ability of new surveys to build on the findings of prior surveys. *Frequency of collection:* The program does not identify the frequency of collection because that number will be determined by the number of surveys submitted under the program. *Description of respondents:* A sample of visitors to parks, potential visitors to parks, and residents of communities near parks. *Estimated average number of respondents:* The program does not identify the number of respondents because that number will differ in each individual survey, depending on the purpose and design of each information collection. *Estimated average number of responses:* The program does not identify the average number of responses because that number will differ in each individual survey. For most surveys, each respondent will be asked to respond only one time, so in those cases the number of responses will be the same as the number of respondents. *Estimated average time burden per respondent:* The program does not identify the average burden hours per response because that number will differ from individual survey to individual survey, depending on the purpose and design of each information collection. *Frequency of Response:* Most individual surveys will request only 1 response per respondent. *Estimated total annual reporting burden:* The program identifies the requested total number of burden hours annually for all of the surveys to be conducted under its auspices to be 15,000 burden hours per year. Dated: December 13, 2007. Leonard E. Stowe, NPS, Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 07-6051 Filed 12-13-07; 8:45 am]
Connectionstraces to 14
Traces to 14 documents
public-private-law
U.S. Code
- Water furnished from Central Arizona Project§ 1524
- Congressional findings and declaration of purposes and policy§ 1531
- Congressional findings, declarations, and purposes§ 4371
- Congressional declaration of purpose§ 4321
- Congressional findings§ 1600
- Congressional declaration of policy§ 1701
- Disposal of lands for public or recreational purposes§ 869
- Reservation in patents of right of way for ditches or canals§ 945
- Grant, issue, or renewal of rights-of-way§ 1761
- Leases, easements, and rights-of-way on the outer Continental Shelf§ 1337
- Public information; agency rules, opinions, orders, records, and proceedings§ 552
- Purposes§ 3501
- Definitions§ 1331
22 references not yet in our index
- Pub. L. 107-295
- Pub. L. 109-347
- Pub. L. 108-451
- 118 Stat. 3499
- 118 Stat. 3478
- 118 Stat. 3536
- Pub. L. 97-293
- 96 Stat. 1274
- 43 CFR 8364.1
- 43 CFR 8360.0-7
- 43 CFR 1610
- 36 CFR 219
- 43 CFR 3809
- 090 Stat. 2776
- 43 CFR 2741.5
- Pub. L. 109-58
- 43 CFR 2
- 5 CFR 1320.3(h)(9)
- 43 CFR 2.23
- 43 CFR 42
- 2 CFR 1400
- 5 CFR 1320
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Notices
Notice
Pub. L.Pub. L. 107-295
Pub. L.Pub. L. 109-347
Pub. L.Pub. L. 108-451
Cites 36 · showing 12Cited by 0 across 0 sources