Notices. Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment and Request for Public Review and Comment

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BILLING CODE 4909-60-M DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Docket No. AB-183 (Sub-No. 4X); STB Docket No. AB-290 (Sub-No. 301X)] Union Railroad Company—Abandonment Exemption—in Allegheny County, PA; Norfolk Southern Railway Company—Discontinuance of Trackage Rights Exemption—in Allegheny County, PA On February 5, 2008, Union Railroad Company

(URR)and Norfolk Southern Railway Company

(NSR)(collectively, petitioners) jointly filed with the Surface Transportation Board (Board) a petition under 49 U.S.C. 10502 for exemption from the provisions of 49 U.S.C. 10903 for URR to discontinue service and abandon and for NSR to discontinue trackage rights over a 1.34-mile line of railroad between South Duquesne, PA, and McKeesport, PA, in Allegheny County, PA. The line extends from McKeesport Branch Station 0+00 (Duquesne Branch Station 97+26) at the point of switch for turnout D-60, to McKeesport Branch Station 70+78 at the point of switch for turnout UM-1, and includes the Riverton Railroad Bridge (Riverton Bridge) that crosses the Monongahela River at Monongahela milepost 14.3. The line traverses U.S. Postal Service Zip Codes 15110 and 15132, and includes no stations. Petitioners state that, based on information in their possession, the line does not contain federally granted rights-of-way. Any documentation in petitioners' possession will be made available promptly to those requesting it. The interest of railroad employees will be protected by the conditions set forth in *Oregon Short Line R. Co.—Abandonment—Goshen,* 360 I.C.C. 91 (1979). By issuance of this notice, the Board is instituting an exemption proceeding pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10502(b). A final decision will be issued by May 23, 2008 1 (sooner if petitioners' request for expedited handling can be accommodated). 1 Petitioners seek expedited consideration of the petition, stating that the line proposed to be abandoned, including the Riverton Bridge, is intended to be used as a trail and would be the final link of a trail system that would connect Washington, DC and the City of Pittsburgh. According to petitioners, the official opening of the system is scheduled for on or about October 1, 2008. Petitioners state that, prior to the trail opening, construction would be required to prepare the line for use as a trail. Petitioners have confirmed that they are aware that removal of rail or railroad-related materials may not occur until completion of the exemption process, including compliance with any environmental or historic conditions that may be imposed. Any offer of financial assistance

(OFA)under 49 CFR 1152.27(b)(2) will be due no later than 10 days after service of a decision granting the petition for exemption. Each OFA must be accompanied by a $1,300 filing fee. *See* 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(25). All interested persons should be aware that, following abandonment of rail service and salvage of the line, the line may be suitable for other public use, including interim trail use. 2 Any request for a public use condition under 49 CFR 1152.28 or for trail use/rail banking under 49 CFR 1152.29 will be due no later than March 17, 2008. Each trail use request must be accompanied by a $200 filing fee. *See* 49 CFR 1002.2(f)(27). 2 As noted, petitioners intend that the line be developed for trail use. Petitioners state that URR, and its parent company United States Steel Corporation, have engaged in negotiations with Allegheny County and plan for URR to transfer title to the line to Allegheny County. All filings in response to this notice must refer to STB Docket Nos. AB-183 (Sub-No. 4X) and AB-290 (Sub-No. 301X), and must be sent to:

(1)Surface Transportation Board, 395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423-0001;

(2)for URR—John A. Vuono, Vuono & Gray, LLC, 310 Grant Street, Suite 2310, Pittsburgh, PA 15219; and

(3)for NSR—Greg E. Summy, General Solicitor, Norfolk Southern Corp., Three Commercial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510-2191. Replies to petitioners' petition are due on or before March 17, 2008. Persons seeking further information concerning abandonment procedures may contact the Board's Office of Governmental and Public Affairs at

(202)245-0230 or refer to the full abandonment or discontinuance regulations at 49 CFR part 1152. Questions concerning environmental issues may be directed to the Board's Section of Environmental Analysis

(SEA)at

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

(FIRS)at 1-800-877-8339.] An environmental assessment

(EA)(or environmental impact statement (EIS), if necessary) prepared by SEA will be served upon all parties of record and upon any agencies or other persons who commented during its preparation. Other interested persons may contact SEA to obtain a copy of the EA (or EIS). The EA in an abandonment proceeding normally will be made available within 60 days of the filing of the petition. The deadline for submission of comments on the EA generally will be within 30 days of its service. Here, SEA anticipates issuing the EA on March 5, 2008, and making comments due by April 4, 2008, in an effort to accommodate petitioners' request for expedited consideration. Board decisions and notices are available on our Web site at: *http://www.stb.dot.gov.* Decided: February 15, 2008. By the Board, David M. Konschnik, Director, Office of Proceedings. Anne K. Quinlan, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. E8-3477 Filed 2-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915-01-P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Surface Transportation Board [STB Finance Docket No. 34836] Arizona Eastern Railway—Construction and Operation Exemption—In Graham County, Arizona AGENCIES: Lead: Surface Transportation Board. Cooperating: Federal Railroad Administration. ACTION: Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment and Request for Public Review and Comment. SUMMARY: On August 4, 2006, the Arizona Eastern Railway

(AZER)filed a petition with the Surface Transportation Board (Board) seeking an exemption under 49 United States Code (U.S.C.) 10502 from prior approval requirements of 49 U.S.C. 10901 for authority to construct and operate 12 miles of new rail line in Graham County, Arizona (AZ). The Board, through its Section of Environmental Analysis

(SEA)and in cooperation with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), is the lead agency responsible for the preparation of the Environmental Assessment (EA). The Proposed Action is the construction and operation of a new rail line to connect the Phelps Dodge Dos Pobres Mine

(Mine)with the existing 133.5-mile AZER line that operates between Miami, AZ and Bowie, AZ. The proposed rail line would begin near Safford, AZ, at AZER milepost 1133.5, known as the “Lone Star Junction” and proceed northerly for 12.1 miles, terminating at the Mine. The proposed rail line would cross agricultural and undeveloped lands, the Gila River, and then would turn in a northeast direction toward the Safford Municipal Airport. The proposed rail line would cross U.S. Highway 70 west of the San Simon River and would also cross Solomon Road, Airport Road, Lone Star Mountain Road, San Juan Road, and Phelps Dodge Road. The crossing at U.S. Highway 70 would consist of a signalized at-grade crossing, including warning lights and automated gates. The other roadway crossings, where traffic volumes are generally low, would consist of signed at-grade crossings with warning lights. The proposed rail line would accommodate one round trip per day, seven days per week, each day of the year. Each trip would consist of 20 to 25 railcars. Principal commodities to be handled include sulfuric acid, copper, and copper-related products. Based on the information provided from all sources to date and its independent analysis, SEA preliminarily concludes that construction and operation of the proposed rail line would not have significant environmental impacts if the Board imposes and AZER implements the recommended mitigation measures set forth in the EA. Copies of the EA have been served on all interested parties and will be made available to additional parties upon request. The entire EA is also available for review on the Board's Web site ( *http://www.stb.dot.gov* ) by clicking on the “Decisions and Notices” link, then “E-LIBRARY” and searching by the Service Date (February 25, 2008) or Docket Number (FD 34836). SEA, working with FRA, will consider all comments received when making its final recommendations to the Board. The Board will then consider SEA's final recommendations and the complete environmental record in making its final decision in this proceeding. DATES: The EA is available for public review and comment. All faxed and electronic comments must be submitted by March 31, 2008; comments sent by mail must be postmarked by March 31, 2008. ADDRESSES: Send written comments (an original and two copies) to: Diana Wood, Section of Environmental Analysis, Surface Transportation Board, Case Control Unit, 395 E Street, SW., Washington, DC 20423. Please reference STB Finance Docket No. 34836 in all correspondence. Comments on the EA may also be filed electronically on the Board's Web site, *http://www.stb.dot.gov,* by clicking on the “E-FILING” link. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diana Wood, SEA Project Manager, at

(202)245-0302; e-mail: *woodd@stb.dot.gov.* Federal Information Relay Service for the hearing impaired: 1-800-877-8339. Decided: February 25, 2008. By the Board, Victoria Rutson, Chief, Section of Environmental Analysis. Anne K. Quinlan, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. E8-3480 Filed 2-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4915-01-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request February 13, 2008. The Department of the Treasury has submitted the following public information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling the Treasury Bureau Clearance Officer listed. Comments regarding this information collection should be addressed to the OMB reviewer listed and to the Treasury Department Clearance Officer, Department of the Treasury, Room 11000, 1750 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20220. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before March 26, 2008 to be assured of consideration. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) *OMB Number:* 1506-0013. *Type of Review:* Revision. *Title:* Registration of Money Services Business, 31 CFR 103.41. *Description:* Money services businesses file form 107 to register with the Department of the Treasury pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 5330 and 31 CFR 103.41. The information on the form is used by criminal investigators, and taxation and regulatory enforcement authorities, during the course of investigations involving financial crimes. *Respondents:* Business and other for profit. *Estimated Total Reporting Burden:* 40,000 hours. *Clearance Officer:* Russell Stephenson,

(202)354-6012, Department of the Treasury, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, P.O. Box 39, Vienna, VA 22183. *OMB Reviewer:* Alexander T. Hunt,

(202)395-7316, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503. Robert Dahl, Treasury PRA Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E8-3421 Filed 2-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810-02-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request February 19, 2008. ** The Department of Treasury will submit the following public information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 after the date of publication of this notice. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling the Treasury Bureau Clearance Officer listed. Comments regarding this information collection should be addressed to the OMB reviewer listed and to the Treasury Department Clearance Officer, Department of the Treasury, Room 11000, 1750 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20220. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before March 26, 2008 to be assured of consideration. Office of Foreign Assets Control *OMB Number:* 1505-0167. *Type of Review:* Extension. *Title:* Cuban Remittance Affidavit. *Description:* The information is required of persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United States who make remittances to persons in Cuba pursuant to Section 515.570 of the Cuban Assets Controls Regulations, 31 CFR part 515. The information will be used by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury (“OFAC”) to monitor compliance with regulations governing family and emigration remittances. *Respondents:* Individuals and households. *Estimated Total Reporting Burden:* 65,000 hours. *OMB Number:* 1505-0198. *Type of Review:* Revision. *Title:* Requirement to report information about the shipment of rough diamonds. *Description:* The ultimate consignee of rough diamond shipments, identified on Customs Form 7501 Entry Summary, is required to report specified information about the shipment of rough diamonds imported into the United States to the foreign exporting authority within 15 calendar days of the date that the shipment arrived at a U.S. port of entry pursuant to Section 592.301(a)(3) of the Rough Diamonds Control Regulations, 31 CFR Part 592. This collection of information is needed to monitor the integrity of international rough diamond shipments, and the information collected will be used to further the compliance, enforcement, and civil penalty programs of the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the Department of the Treasury (“OFAC”). *Respondents:* Businesses or other for-profit institutions, individuals and households. *Estimated Total Reporting Burden:* 1,750 hours. *Clearance Officer:* Office of Foreign Assets Control,

(202)622-2500, Department of the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Annex-2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20220. *OMB Reviewer:* Alexander T. Hunt

(202)395-7316, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, New Executive Office Building, Washington, DC 20503. Robert Dahl, Treasury PRA Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. E8-3422 Filed 2-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810-25-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Internal Revenue Service Recruitment Notice for the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service

(IRS)Treasury. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Notice for Recruitment of IRS Taxpayer Advocacy Panel

(TAP)Members. DATES: March 17, 2008, through April 30, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bernard Coston at 404-338-8408. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service

(IRS)are inviting individuals to help improve the nation's tax agency by applying to be members of the TAP. The mission of the TAP is to provide citizen input into enhancing IRS customer satisfaction and service by identifying problems and making recommendations for improvement of IRS systems and procedures and elevating the identified problems to the appropriate IRS official. The TAP serves as an advisory body to the Secretary of the Treasury, the Commissioner of Internal Revenue and the National Taxpayer Advocate. TAP members will participate in subcommittees that channel their feedback to the IRS. The IRS is seeking applicants who have an interest in good government, a personal commitment to volunteer approximately 300 to 500 hours a year, and a desire to help improve IRS customer service. To the extent possible, the IRS would like to ensure a balanced TAP membership representing a cross-section of the taxpaying public throughout the United States. Potential candidates must be U.S. citizens, compliant with Federal, state and local taxes, and pass a background investigation. TAP Members are a diverse group of citizens who work as valuable partners of the IRS by providing input from a taxpayer's perspective on ways to improve IRS customer service and administration of the Federal tax system. In order to be an effective member of TAP, applicants must possess the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to

(1)identify grassroots taxpayer issues by soliciting input directly from taxpayers and

(2)work effectively with TAP committees, and IRS program staff, to research and analyze issues, develop solutions, and make recommendations to the IRS on ways to improve programs and procedures. TAP members work to identify and solve problems by: actively participating in committee meetings; expressing their views; listening to the views of others, showing a willingness to explore new ideas, and contributing their knowledge and experience in committee deliberations. TAP Members should have good communications skills and be able to make effective presentations about IRS programs, procedures, and TAP activities, while clearly distinguishing between TAP positions and their personal viewpoints. Interested applicants should visit the TAP Web site at *http://www.improveirs.org* to complete the on-line application or call the TAP toll free number 1-888-912-1227 to request that an application be mailed. The opening date for submitting applications is March 17, 2008, and the deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2008. Finalists will be ranked by experience and suitability. The most qualified candidates will complete a panel interview. The Secretary of the Treasury will review the recommended candidates and make final selections. Note: Highly-ranked applicants not selected as members may be placed on a roster of alternates who will be eligible to fill future vacancies that may occur on the Panel. Questions regarding the selection of TAP members may be directed to Bernard Coston, Director, Taxpayer Advocacy Panel, Internal Revenue Service, Stop 211-D, Room 950, 401 West Peachtree Street, NW., Atlanta, GA 30308-3510, or 404-338-8408. Dated: February 12, 2008. Steve Berkey, Acting Director, Taxpayer Advocacy Panel. [FR Doc. E8-3425 Filed 2-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4830-01-P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY United States Mint Notification of Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee March 2008 Public Meeting SUMMARY: Pursuant to United States Code, Title 31, section 5135(b)(8)(C), the United States Mint announces the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee

(CCAC)public meeting scheduled for March 13, 2008. *Date:* March 13, 2008. *Time:* Public meeting time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. *Location:* United States Mint, 801 9th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20220. *Subject:* Review candidate designs for the Abraham Lincoln One-Cent Coin Redesign Program; review candidate designs for the Louis Braille Bicentennial-Braille Literacy Commemorative Coin; review narrative designs for the Native American $1 Coin; and other general business. Interested persons should call 202-354-7502 for the latest update on meeting time and room location. In accordance with 31 U.S.C. 5135, the CCAC: • Advises the Secretary of the Treasury on any theme or design proposals relating to circulating coinage, bullion coinage, Congressional Gold Medals, and national and other medals. • Advises the Secretary of the Treasury with regard to the events, persons, or places to be commemorated by the issuance of commemorative coins in each of the five calendar years succeeding the year in which a commemorative coin designation is made. • Makes recommendations with respect to the mintage level for any commemorative coin recommended. *For Further Information Contact:* Cliff Northup, United States Mint Liaison to the CCAC; 801 9th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20220; or call 202-354-7200. Any member of the public interested in submitting matters for the CCAC's consideration is invited to submit them by fax to the following number: 202-756-6830. Authority: 31 U.S.C. 5135(b)(8)(C). Dated: February 19, 2008. Edmund C. Moy, Director, United States Mint. [FR Doc. E8-3476 Filed 2-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810-37-P U.S.-CHINA ECONOMIC AND SECURITY REVIEW COMMISSION Notice of Open Public Hearing AGENCY: U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. ACTION: Notice of open public hearing—March 18, 2008, Washington, DC. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the following hearing of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. *Name:* Larry Wortzel, Chairman of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. The Commission is mandated by Congress to investigate, assess, evaluate and report to Congress annually on “the national security implications and impact of the bilateral trade and economic relationship between the United States and the People's Republic of China.” Pursuant to this mandate, the Commission will hold a public hearing in Washington, DC, on March 18, 2008, to address “China's Expanding Global Influence: Foreign Policy Goals, Practices, and Tools.” Background This event is the third in a series of public hearings the Commission will hold during its 2008 report cycle to collect input from leading academic, industry, and government experts on the impact of the economic and national security implications of the U.S. bilateral trade and economic relationship with China. The March 18 hearing is being conducted to obtain testimony on the goals, strategies and instruments of China's foreign policy, and the impact of China's regional and global influence on U.S. economic and security interests around the world. Panels in the hearing will address the economic, military/security, and diplomatic tools employed in the conduct of Chinese foreign policy. The March 18 hearing will address “China's Expanding Global Influence: Foreign Policy Goals, Practices, and Tools” and will be Co-chaired by Vice Chairman Carolyn Bartholomew and Commissioner Daniel Blumenthal. Information on hearings, as well as transcripts of past Commission hearings, can be obtained from the USCC Web site *http://www.uscc.gov.* Copies of the hearing agenda will be made available on the Commission's Web site *http://www.uscc.gov* as soon as available. Any interested party may file a written statement by March 18, 2007, by mailing to the contact below. On March 18, the hearing will be held in two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. There will be a question and answer period between the Commissioners and the witnesses. *Date and Time:* Wednesday, March 18, 2008, 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. A detailed agenda for the hearing will be posted to the Commission's Web site at *http://www.uscc.gov* in the near future. ADDRESSES: The hearing will be held on Capitol Hill in Room 562, Dirksen Senate Office Building located at First Street and Constitution Avenue, NE., Washington, DC 20510. Public seating is limited to about 50 people on a first come, first served basis. Advance reservations are not required. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Any member of the public wishing further information concerning the hearing should contact Kathy Michels, Associate Director for the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, 444 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 602, Washington, DC 20001; phone 202-624-1409, or via e-mail at *kmichels@uscc.gov.* Authority: Congress created the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission in 2000 in the National Defense Authorization Act (Pub. L. 106-398), as amended by Division P of the Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 2003 (Pub. L. 108-7), as amended by Public Law 109-108 (November 22, 2005). Dated: February 19, 2008. Kathleen J. Michels, Associate Director, U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. [FR Doc. E8-3419 Filed 2-22-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 1137-00-P DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS Voluntary Services National Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting The Department of Veterans Affairs gives notice under Public Law 92-463 (Federal Advisory Committee Act) that the annual meeting of the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service

(VAVS)National Advisory Committee

(NAC)will be held April 9-12, 2008, at the Rosen Centre Hotel, 9840 International Drive, Orlando, Florida. The meeting is open to the public, and the sessions are scheduled as follows: April 9: 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. April 10 & 11: 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. April 12: 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., with a closing program at 6 p.m. The Committee comprised of sixty-five national voluntary organizations, with five membership categories (Service Member, Associate Service Member, Donor Member, Associate Donor Member and Adjunct Member), advises the Secretary, through the Under Secretary for Health, on the coordination and promotion of volunteer activities within VA health care facilities. The primary purposes of this meeting are: to provide for Committee review of volunteer policies and procedures; to accommodate full and open communications between organization representatives and the Voluntary Service Office and field staff; to provide educational opportunities geared towards improving volunteer programs with special emphasis on methods to recruit retain, motivate and recognize volunteers, and to approve Committee recommendations. The April 9 session will involve opening ceremonies and remarks by several VA and local officials. The April 10 session will feature a Voluntary Service Report and recognition of the recipients of the VAVS Award for Excellence and NAC Volunteers of the Year. In addition, the James H. Parke Memorial Scholarship Luncheon will be held to honor an outstanding youth volunteer. The following educational workshops are scheduled: The Professional Volunteer; Recruitment; Selling Ice to Eskimos and Customer Service. On April 11, the business session will include subcommittee reports. This session will be follows by a repeat of the educational workshops. The April 12 session will include closing remarks from the Chairman, followed that evening by the Volunteer Recognition Dinner. No time will be allocated at this meeting for receiving oral presentations from the public. However, interested persons may either attend or file statements with the Committee. Written statements may be filed either before the meeting or within 10 days after the meeting and addressed to: Ms. Laura B. Balun, Director, Voluntary Service Office (10C2), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420. Individuals interested in attending are encouraged to contact Ms. Balun at

(202)273-8952. Dated: February 15, 2008. By direction of the Secretary. E. Philip Riggin, Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. 08-811 Filed 2-22-08; 8:45 am]

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