The Federal Register

Request for Comments on Measures To Improve Disclosure of Mutual Fund Transaction Costs

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Securities and Exchange Commission is seeking public comment on a number of issues related to the disclosure of mutual fund transaction costs. We seek comment on, among other things, whether mutual funds should be required to quantify and disclose to investors the amount of transaction costs they incur, include transaction costs in their expense ratios and fee tables, or provide additional quantitative or narrative disclosure about their transaction costs. We also seek comment on whether mutual funds should be required to record some or all of their transaction costs as an expense in their financial statements. The Commission requests comment from investors, investment companies, investment advisers, the financial services industry, academics, regulators, and the public generally on the issues summarized in this release, the specific questions located in Sections III (Alternatives for Quantifying Transaction Costs), IV (Accounting Issues), V (Alternatives that Provide Additional Information

Medicare Program; Rural Health Clinics: Amendments to Participation Requirements and Payment Provisions; and

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

This final rule amends Medicare certification and payment requirements for rural health clinics (RHCs) as required by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (BBA). It changes the definition of a qualifying rural shortage area in which a Medicare RHC must be located; establishes criteria for identifying RHCs essential to delivery of primary care services that we can continue to approve as Medicare RHCs in areas no longer designated as medically underserved; and limits waivers of certain nonphysician practitioner staffing requirements. This final rule imposes payment limits on providerbased RHCs and prohibits ``commingling'' (the use of the space, professional staff, equipment, and other resources) of an RHC with another entity. The rule also requires RHCs to establish a quality assessment and performance improvement program that goes beyond current regulations. Finally, this final rule addresses public comments received on the February 28, 2002 proposed rule and makes other revisions for clarity and un

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Shark Management Measures

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

This final rule is necessary to ensure that shark regulations are based on the results of the 2002 stock assessments for large coastal sharks (LCS) and small coastal sharks (SCS). The results of these stock assessments indicate that the LCS complex continues to be overfished, and overfishing is occurring; that sandbar sharks are not overfished, but overfishing is occurring; that blacktip sharks are rebuilt and healthy; that the SCS complex is healthy; and that finetooth sharks are not overfished, but overfishing is occurring. Based on these results, NMFS is revising the rebuilding timeframe for LCS to 26 years from 2004, changing some of the commercial regulations, changing some of the recreational regulations, implementing measures to reduce bycatch and bycatch mortality including a time/area closure, removing the deepwater/other sharks from the management unit, establishing criteria regarding adding or removing sharks from the prohibited species group, and establishing a display permit for f

Disclosure of Breakpoint Discounts by Mutual Funds

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Securities and Exchange Commission is proposing amendments to Form N1A under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 to require an openend management investment company to provide enhanced disclosure regarding breakpoint discounts on frontend sales loads. Under the proposed amendments, an openend management investment company would be required to describe in its prospectus any arrangements that result in breakpoints in sales loads and to provide a brief summary of shareholder eligibility requirements.

Compliance Programs of Investment Companies and Investment Advisers

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Securities and Exchange Commission is adopting new rules under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 that require each investment company and investment adviser registered with the Commission to adopt and implement written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent violation of the federal securities laws, review those policies and procedures annually for their adequacy and the effectiveness of their implementation, and designate a chief compliance officer to be responsible for administering the policies and procedures. In the case of an investment company, the chief compliance officer will report directly to the fund board. These rules are designed to protect investors by ensuring that all funds and advisers have internal programs to enhance compliance with the federal securities laws.

Agency Information Collection Activities Under OMB Review

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 350121), this notice announces that the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Department of Veterans Affairs, has submitted the collection of information abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The PRA submission describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden and includes the actual data collection instrument.

Agency Information Collection Activities Under OMB Review

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 350121), this notice announces that the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs, has submitted the collection of information abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The PRA submission describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden and includes the actual data collection instrument.

Agency Information Collection; Activity Under OMB Review; Report of Passengers Denied Confirmed Space--BTS Form 251

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice announces that the Information Collection Request (ICR) abstracted below has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for extension of currently approved collections. The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden. The Federal Register notice with a 60day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on September 22, 2003 (68 FR 5508555086).

Trade Policy Staff Committee; Initiation of Environmental Review of Dominican Republic Free Trade Negotiations; Public

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

This publication gives notice that, pursuant to the Trade Act of 2002, and consistent with Executive order 13141 (64 FR 63169) (Nov. 18, 1999) and its implementing guidelines (65 FR 79442), the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), through the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC), is initiating an environmental review of the proposed United StatesDominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The TPSC is requesting written comments from the public on what should be included in the scope of the environmental review, including the potential environmental effects that might flow from the free trade agreement and the potential implications for our environmental laws and regulations. The TPSC also welcomes public views on appropriate methodologies and sources of data for conducting the review. Persons submitting written comments should provide as much detail as possible on the degree to which the subject matter they propose for inclusion in the review may raise significant environm

Six County Association of Governments--Construction and Operation Exemption--Rail Line Between Juab and Salina, UT

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

On July 30, 2001, the Six County Association of Governments (SCAOG), a regional association representing Juab, Millard, Sevier, Sanpete, Piute, and Wayne counties in central Utah, filed a Petition for Exemption with the Surface Transportation Board (Board) pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 10502 for authority for construction and operation of a new rail line between Juab and Salina, Utah. The project would involve approximately 43 miles of new rail line and ancillary facilities to serve shippers in central Utah, particularly Southern Utah Fuels Company (SUFCO) coal operations. Because the construction and operation of this project has the potential to result in significant environmental impacts, the Board's Section of Environmental Analysis (SEA) has determined that the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is appropriate. SEA held public scoping meetings as part of the EIS process, as discussed in the Notice of Scoping Meetings and Request for Comments published by the Board on October 20

Bureau of Nonproliferation; Imposition of Nonproliferation Measures on Macedonian Entities, Including a Ban on U.S.

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Government has determined that Macedonian entities have engaged in missile technology proliferation activities that require the imposition of measures pursuant to Executive Order 12938 of November 14, 1994, as amended by Executive Order 13094 of July 28, 1998.

Bureau of Nonproliferation; Imposition of Missile Proliferation Sanctions Against Macedonian Entities

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

A determination has been made that Macedonian entities have engaged in missile technology proliferation activities that require the imposition of sanctions pursuant to the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, and the Export Administration Act of 1979, as amended (as carried out under Executive Order 13222 of August 17, 2001).

Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition; Determinations: ``Roth Time--A Dieter Roth Retrospective''

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 [79 Stat. 985, 22 U.S.C. 2459], the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681 et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999 (64 FR 56014), Delegation of Authority No. 236 of October 19, 1999 (64 FR 57920), as amended by Delegation of Authority No. 2363 of August 28, 2000 (65 FR 53795), and Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003 (68 FR 19875), I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibit, ``Roth TimeA Dieter Roth Retrospective,'' imported from abroad for the temporary exhibition without profit within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with foreign lenders. I also determine that the temporary exhibition or display of the objects at the Museum of Modern Art, New York, New York, from on or about March 10, 2004, to on or about June 7, 2

Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition; Determinations: ``Playing with Fire: European Terracotta

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236 of October 19, 1999, as amended, and Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003 (68 FR 19875), I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ``Playing with Fire: European Terracotta Models, 17401840,'' imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY, from on or about January 26, 2004, to on or about April 25, 2004, and at
[[Page

Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition; Determinations: ``Gauguin Tahiti''

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236 of October 19, 1999, as amended, and Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003 (68 FR 19875), I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ``Gauguin Tahiti,'' imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA, from on or about February 29, 2004, to on or about June 20, 2004, and at possible additional venues yet to be determined, is in th

Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition; Determinations: ``Deadly Medicine: Creating the Master Race''

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236 of October 19, 1999, as amended, and Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003 (68 FR 19875), I hereby determine that an object to be included in the exhibition ``Deadly Medicine: Creating the Master Race,'' imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, is of cultural significance. The object is imported pursuant to a loan agreement with the foreign owner. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit object at the Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, DC, from on or about April 22, 2004, to on or about October 17, 2005, and at possible additional venues

The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Advisory Panel Teleconference

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Self Regulatory Organizations; Pacific Exchange, Inc.; Order Granting Accelerated Approval to Proposed Rule Change To

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 16, 2003.

On September 25, 2003, the Pacific Exchange, Inc. (``PCX'' or ``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission''), pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b4 thereunder,\2\ a proposed rule change to amend PCXE Rule 7.37(d) to clarify the process by which orders are routed outside the Archipelago Exchange Facility (``ArcaEx'') to away market centers or market participants. The proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register on November 19, 2003.\3\ The Commission received no comment letters on the proposal.
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b4.
\3\ See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 48768 (November 10, 2003), 68 FR 65338.

The Commission finds that the proposed rule change is consistent with the requirements of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder applicable to a national securities exchange and, particularly, section 6(b)(5) of th

Self-Regulatory Organizations; the Options Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 11, 2003.

Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act''),\1\ notice is hereby given that on July 21, 2003, The Options Clearing Corporation (``OCC'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in items I, II, and III below, which items have been prepared primarily by OCC. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
I. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

The proposed rule change changes the assignment methodology for S&P 100 (``OEX'') index options from random to pro rata.
II. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule Change

In its filing with the Commission, OCC included statements concerning the purpose of and basis for the proposed rule change and discussed any comments

Self-Regulatory Organizations; New York Stock Exchange, Inc.; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change Relating to the

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 17, 2003.

I. Introduction

On November 7, 2003, the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (``NYSE'' or ``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'' or ``SEC''), pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act'')\1\ and Rule 19b4 thereunder,\2\ a proposed rule change to amend and restate the Exchange's Constitution to reform the governance and management architecture of the Exchange. The proposed rule change was published for public comment in the Federal Register on November 13, 2003.\3\ In addition to the proposed amendments to the NYSE Constitution, which are the subject of this Order, the Notice of the proposed rule change included as exhibits the texts of the Proxy Statement sent to NYSE members detailing the proposed changes to the Constitution and a letter, dated November 4, 2003, from the Exchange's Interim Chairman and CEO to NYSE members supplementing the Proxy Statement (the ``Supplemental Letter'').\4\ On November 19,

Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Securities Clearing Corporation; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 11, 2003.

Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act''),\1\ notice is hereby given that on June 30, 2003, the National Securities Clearing Corporation (``NSCC'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which items have been prepared primarily by NSCC. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
I. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

The proposed rule change adds a new Rule 31 to NSCC's Rules and amends miscellaneous other provisions of NSCC's Rules as they pertain to data services only members.\2\
\2\ The category of data services only member and modifications applicable to such category were approved by the Commission in Securities Exchange Act Release Nos. 44960 (October 19, 2001), 66 FR 56383

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change by the National

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 16, 2003.

Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that on December 11, 2003, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (``NASD'') submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by the NASD. The NASD has filed the proposed rule
[[Page 74675]]
change pursuant to Rule 19b4(f)(6) under the Act.\3\ The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b4
\3\ 17 CFR 240.19b4.
I. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of Proposed Rule Change

In this filing, the NASD discusses the implementation of new and revised qualification examinations to address trading in security futures.

The NASD does not propose to amend any of it

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change by the National

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 16, 2003.

Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that on December 2, 2003, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (``NASD'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II and III below, which Items have been prepared by NASD. NASD has designated the proposed rule change as ``noncontroversial'' under section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \3\ and Rule 19b4(f)(6) thereunder,\4\ which renders the proposed rule change effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b4.
\3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\4\ 17 CFR 240.19b4(f)(6).
I. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

NASD is proposing to amend NASD

Self-Regulatory Organizations; National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc; Order Granting Approval of Proposed

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 16, 2003.

I. Introduction and Description of the Proposal

On November 19, 2002, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (``NASD'' or ``Association'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' or ``Commission''), pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b4 thereunder,\2\ a proposed rule change that would: (1) Require all directives to expunge customer dispute information from the Central Registration Depository (``CRD'or ``CRD system'') to be confirmed by or ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction; (2) require member firms and associated persons seeking expungement to name NASD as an additional party in any judicial proceeding seeking expungement relief or confirming an arbitration award containing expungement relief; and (3) permit member firms and associated persons to ask NASD to waive the requirement to name NASD as a party on the basis that the expungement order meets at least one of the stand

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change by the National

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 17, 2003.

Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that on November 24, 2003, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (``NASD''), through its subsidiary, The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. (``Nasdaq''), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in
[[Page 74666]]
Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by Nasdaq. Nasdaq filed the proposal pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act,\3\ and Rule 19b4(f)(2) thereunder \4\ as one establishing or changing a due, fee or other charge imposed by the selfregulatory organization, which renders the proposal effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons. \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b4.
\3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A).
\4\ 17 CFR 24

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change by the National

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 17, 2003.

Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act'') \1\ and Rule 19b4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that on November 24, 2003, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (``NASD''), through its subsidiary, The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. (``Nasdaq''), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by Nasdaq. Nasdaq has designated this proposal as one establishing or changing a due, fee, or other charge imposed by Nasdaq under section 19(b)(3)(A)(ii) of the Act,\3\ and Rule 19b4 thereunder,\4\ which renders the proposal effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b4.
\3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(ii).
\4\ 17 CFR 240.19b4.
I. SelfRegulatory Organizatio

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change by the American

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 17, 2003.

Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that on December 11, 2003, the American Stock Exchange LLC (``Amex'' or ``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. The Amex has designated this proposal as one concerned solely with the administration of the Amex pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A)(iii) of the Act,\3\ and Rule 19b4(f)(3) \4\ thereunder, which renders the proposal effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change from interested persons.
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b4.
\3\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(3)(A)(iii).
\4\ 17 CFR 240.19b4(f)(3).
I. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Cha

Midland National Life Insurance Company, et al.

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Applicants hereby apply for an order of the Commission exempting them with respect to the support of variable annuity contracts described herein (the ``Contracts'') and other variable annuity contracts that are similar in all material respects to the contracts described herein, that Midland may issue in the future (``Future Contracts''), and any other separate accounts of Midland and its successors in interest (``Future Accounts'') that support Future Contracts, and certain National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (``NASD'') member brokerdealers which, in the future, may act as principal underwriter of such Contracts (``Future Underwriters''), from the provisions of sections 2(a)(32), 22(c), and 27(i)(2)(A) of the Act and Rule 22c1 thereunder, pursuant to section 6(c) of the Act, to the extent necessary to permit the recapture of a bonus credit (previously applied to premium payments) where the bonus credit was applied and (i) the contract owner (``Owner'') exercises his or her ``fr

Notice of Applications for Deregistration Under Section 8(f) of the Investment Company Act of 1940

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 19, 2003.

The following is a notice of applications for deregistration under section 8(f) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for the month of December, 2003. A copy of each application may be obtained for a fee at the SEC's Public Reference Branch, 450 Fifth St., NW., Washington, DC 205490102 (tel. 2029428090). An order granting each application will be issued unless the SEC orders a hearing. Interested persons may request a hearing on any application by writing to the SEC's Secretary at the address below and serving the relevant applicant with a copy of the request, personally or by mail. Hearing requests should be received by the SEC by 5:30 p.m. on January 15, 2004, and should be accompanied by proof of service on the applicant, in the form of an affidavit or, for lawyers, a certificate of service. Hearing requests should state the nature of the writer's interest, the reason for the request, and the issues contested. Persons who wish to be notified of a hearing may request no

Sunshine Act Meeting

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Federal Employees Health Benefits Program: Effective Dates

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is withdrawing its proposal to revise the regulations on adopting January 1 as the effective date for all annual open season enrollment changes and new enrollments in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) which was published August 31, 1998, FR Doc. 9823335. The regulation would have changed the existing FEHB regulations concerning the effective date from the 1st day of the first pay period in the new calendar year. This regulation would have concurrently changed the effective date of open season changes in enrollment made by employees, annuitants, former spouses and individuals enrolled under the temporary continuation of coverage (TCC) provisions of FEHB law.

The proposed regulation would have standardized the effective date of most of these new enrollments or changes in enrollment and made it consistent with the beginning of health benefits offered by FEHB plans, which are based on the calendar year. The intent of the regulation was

Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) is establishing a new system of records, PBGC14, My Plan Administration Account (My PAA) Authentication RecordsPBGC, subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. The new system of records is necessary to reflect new records and processes associated with a new online application that will permit individuals to submit information electronically and make payments through the PBGC's Internet Web site (http://www.pbgc.gov).

Modification to Temporary Postponement of Electronic Filing and Payment Rules for Certain Madrid Protocol-related

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is extending, until November 2, 2004, a temporary postponement of those provisions of the Trademark Rules of Practice that require electronic transmission to the USPTO of applications for international registration, responses to irregularity notices, and subsequent designations submitted pursuant to the Madrid Protocol. The postponement was announced most recently in a document published in the Federal Register on November 7, 2003.

The USPTO is also extending a temporary suspension, announced in the same Federal Register document, of those provisions of the Rules of Practice that allow payment of fees charged by the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (IB) to be submitted through the USPTO, and those provisions of the Trademark Rules of Practice that require that all fees for international trademark applications and subsequent designations be paid at the time of filing.

The extensions and postponements

Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc.; Notice of Receipt of Amendment Request and Opportunity To Request a Hearing for Oxide

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Peer Review Committee for Source Term Modeling; Notice of Meeting

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Peer Review Committee for Source Term Modeling will hold a closed meeting on January 7, 8, 9, 2004 at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque, NM.

The entire meeting will be closed to public attendance to protect information classified as national security information pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(1).

The agenda for the subject meeting shall be as follows:

Wednesday, Jan 7, Thursday, Jan 8, and Friday, Jan 9, 20048:30 a.m. until the conclusion of business:

A subpanel of the Committee will gather information on the behavior of spent nuclear fuel under adverse service conditions. The information gathered will enable the Committee to provide advice and recommendations to aid SNL in development of guidance documents on source terms that will assist the NRC in evaluations of the impact of specific terrorist activities targeted at a range of spent fuel storage casks and radioactive material (RAM) transport packages.

For further information regarding the time of the mee

Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards, Subcommittee Meeting on Planning and Procedures; Notice of Meeting

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The ACRS Subcommittee on Planning and Procedures will hold a meeting on January 2930, 2004, in the Montgomery
[[Page 74655]]
Room at the Residence Inn, 7335 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland.

The entire meeting will be open to public attendance, with the exception of a portion that may be closed pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552b(c) (2) and (6) to discuss organizational and personnel matters that relate solely to internal personnel rules and practices of ACRS, and information the release of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

The agenda for the subject meeting shall be as follows:

Thursday, January 29 , 20048:30 a.m. until the conclusion of business. The Subcommittee will discuss ACRS business processes, effective planning, use of electronic media, potential operational areas for improved effectiveness, and other activities related to the conduct of ACRS business. It will also discuss how well the Committee carries out its charter, the completeness

Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Review; Comment

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The NRC has recently submitted to OMB for review the following proposal for the collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). The NRC hereby informs potential respondents that an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and that a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

1. Type of submission, new, revision, or extension: Revision.

2. The title of the information collection: 10 CFR part 50, ``Domestic Licensing of Production and Utilization Facilities'.

3. The form number if applicable: Not applicable.

4. How often the collection is required: As necessary in order for NRC to meet its responsibilities to conduct a detailed review of applications for licenses and amendments thereto to construct and operate nuclear power plants, preliminary or final design approvals, design certifications, research and test facilities, reprocessing plants and othe

Earthscope Science and Education Advisory Committee; Notice of Meeting

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92 463, as amended), the National Science Foundation announces the following meeting:

Name: EarthScope Science and Education Advisory Committee (16638).

Dates/Time: 8 p.m.9:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, 2004, 8:30 a.m.5 p.m. Thursday, January 22 and 23, 2004. 8:30 a.m.12 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2004.

Place: Sheraton 4Points Hotel, 1201 K Street NW., Washington, DC.

Type of Meeting: PartOpen (see agenda below).

Notice of Permits Issued Under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is required to publish notice of permits issued under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978. This is the required notice.

Marine Mammals; Permits No. 774-1437, 914-1470, 782-1438 and 782- 1446

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the following Permits have been amended to extend the expiration dates:

774143706 The National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, P.O. Box 271, La Jolla, CA 92038, (Dr. Robert L. Brownell, Jr., Principal Investigator);

914147002 University of Southern Mississippi, Department of Biological Sciences, USM Box 5018, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 [Principal Investigator: Dr. Bobby L. Middlebrooks];

782143807 and 782144607 National Marine Mammal Laboratory, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, 7600 Sand Point Way, NE, BIN C15700, Bldg. 1, Seattle, WA 981150070, [Dr. Sue Moore, Principal Investigator (PI)]

Evaluation of Coastal Zone Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The NOAA Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) announces its intent to evaluate the performance of the Texas Coastal Management Program; the North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve; the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Mississippi; and the Guana/Tolomato/Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, Florida.

The Coastal Zone Management Program evaluation will be conducted pursuant to section 312 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (CZMA), as amended, and regulations at 15 CFR part 923, subpart L. The National Estuarine Research Reserve evaluations will be conducted pursuant to sections 312 and 315 of the CZMA and regulations at 15 CFR part 921, subpart E and part 923, subpart L.

The CZMA requires continuing review of the performance of states with respect to coastal program implementation. Evaluation of Coastal Zone Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves requires findings concerning the extent to which a state has met

Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; General Provisions for Domestic Fisheries; Application for Exempted Fishing Permits

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces that the Assistant Regional Administrator for Sustainable Fisheries, Northeast Region, NOAA Fisheries (Assistant Regional Administrator), has determined that an application for EFPs contains all of the required information and warrants further consideration. The Assistant
[[Page 74543]]
Regional Administrator is considering the impacts of the activities to be authorized under the EFPs with respect to the Northeast (NE) Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). However, further review and consultation may be necessary before a final determination is made to issue EFPs. Therefore, NMFS announces that the Assistant Regional Administrator proposes to issue EFPs in response to an application submitted by the Cape Cod Commercial Hook Fisherman's Association (CCCHFA), in collaboration with Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), and Research, Environmental and Management Support (REMSA). These EFPs would allow up to 17 vessels to fish for haddock using longline gear or jig g

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Summer Flounder Fishery; Commercial Quota Transfer

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS announces that the State of North Carolina is transferring 357,867 lb (162,326 kg) of commercial summer flounder quota to the Commonwealth of Virginia from its 2003 quota. By this action, NMFS adjusts the quotas and announces the revised commercial quota for each state involved.

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Bluefin Tuna Season and Size Limit Adjustments

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Under the framework provisions of the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish, and Sharks (HMS FMP) governing the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) fishery, NMFS amends the regulations regarding the opening date of the Purse seine category, closure dates of the Harpoon and General categories, and size tolerances of large medium BFT for the Purse seine and Harpoon categories. The intent of this final rule is to further achieve domestic management objectives under the HMS FMP and MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MagnusonStevens Act) and to implement recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) pursuant to the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA).

Denial of Motor Vehicle Defect Petition, DP03-004

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

This notice sets forth the reasons for the denial of a petition submitted to NHTSA under 49 U.S.C. 30162, requesting that the agency investigate alleged increased vehicle stopping distance due to certain failures of the EC17, Version 2.3 (EC17), antilock braking system electronic control unit (ABS ECU) and the Dura Drain M12 modulator (M12), both manufactured by Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, LLC (Bendix). The petition is identified as DP03004.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

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 four new forms to collect information required under 30 CFR 256, ``Leasing of Sulphur or Oil and Gas in the Outer Continental Shelf.'' The below forms will be used by all MMS Regional Offices:
[sbull] MMS149, Assignment of Interest in Federal Pipeline Right ofWay.
[sbull] MMS150, Assignment of Record Title Interest in Federal OCS Oil & Gas Lease.
[sbull] MMS151, Assignment of Operating Rights Interest in Federal OCS Oil & Gas Lease.
[sbull] MMS152, Relinquishment of Federal OCS Oil & Gas Lease.

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Notice of Availability of South Powder River Basin Coal Final Environmental Impact Statement, Wyoming

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), implementing regulations and other applicable statutes the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announces the availability of the South Powder River Basin Coal FEIS.

The FEIS analyzes the impacts of issuing five Federal coal leases in the Wyoming portion of the Powder River Basin. The tracts are being considered for sale as a result of coal lease applications received from existing
[[Page 74644]]
companies operating mines in the Wyoming Powder River Basin.

Notice of Availability of Draft Land Use Analysis/Environmental Assessment, Public Comment Period and Public Hearing

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Bureau of Land Management's Eastern States, Jackson Field Office, has prepared a Draft Land Use Analysis/Environmental Assessment (LUA/EA) to address coal lease application ALES51589.

Initiation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Administrative Reviews

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Department of Commerce (the Department) has received requests to conduct administrative reviews of various antidumping and countervailing duty orders and findings with November anniversary dates. In accordance with the Department's regulations, we are initiating those administrative reviews.

Certain Polyester Staple Fiber from the Republic of Korea: Notice of Amended Final Determination and Amended Order

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

On August 22, 2002, the Court of International Trade (``CIT'') affirmed the Department's second remand determination and entered a judgment order in Geum Poong Corporation and Sam Young Synthetics Co. Ltd. v. United States v. E.I. Dupont De Nemours, Inc., et. al., Slip. Op. 0295, 2002 Ct. Intl. Trade LEXIS 94 (CIT 2002), a lawsuit challenging certain aspects of the Department of Commerce's (``the Department'') Notice of Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Certain Polyester Staple Fiber from the Republic of Korea and Antidumping Duty Orders: Certain Polyester Staple Fiber from the Republic of Korea and Taiwan, 65 FR 16880 (March 30, 2000) and accompanying Issues and Decision Memorandum (March 22, 2000) (``Issues and Decision Memorandum''), and Notice of Amended Final Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Certain Polyester Staple Fiber from the Republic of Korea, and Antidumping Duty Orders: Certain Polyester Staple Fiber from the Republic of Korea and Taiwan, 65 FR 33

Notice of Rescission of Antidumping Duty Changed Circumstances Review: Polychloroprene Rubber from Japan

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

On July 31, 2003, the Department of Commerce (the Department) published a notice of initiation of changed circumstances review of the antidumping duty finding on polychloroprene rubber (PR) from Japan to determine whether Showa Denko Elastomers, K.K. (SDEL) and Showa Denko K.K. (SDK) are the successorininterest companies to Showa DDE Manufacturing K.K. (SDEM) and DDE Japan Kabushiki Kaisha (DDE Japan). See Notice of Initiation of Antidumping Duty Changed Circumstances Review: Polychloroprene Rubber from Japan, 68 FR 44924 (July 31, 2003) (Notice of Initiation). On October 24, 2003, we published a notice of preliminary results, determining that the restructured manufacturing and marketing joint venture, SDEL and SDK, are the successorin interest companies to SDEM and DDE Japan, for purposes of determining antidumping liability in this proceeding. See Notice of Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Changed Circumstances Review:
Polychloroprene Rubber from Japan, 68 FR 60913 (October 24, 2003) (

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Open Meeting of the Area 6 Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (Including the States of Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho,

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

An open meeting of the Area 6 Taxpayer Advocacy Panel will be conducted (via teleconference). The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) is [[Page 74711]]
soliciting public comments, ideas, and suggestions on improving customer service at the Internal Revenue Service. The TAP will use citizen input to make recommendations to the Internal Revenue Service.

Gross Estate; Election to Value on Alternate Valuation Date

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

This document contains proposed regulations relating to the election under section 2032 to value a decedent's gross estate on the alternate valuation date. The proposed regulations reflect a change to the law made by the Deficit Reduction Act of 1984. The proposed regulations affect estates that are required to file Form 706, United States Estate (and GenerationSkipping Transfer) Tax Return.

Limited English Proficiency Guidance to Recipients of Federal Financial Assistance--Request for Comments

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Department of the Interior (DOI or Department) publishes for public comment Interim Final Guidance to Federal Financial Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons (DOI Recipient LEP Guidance). The DOI Recipient LEP Guidance is issued pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its implementing regulations and Executive Order 13166.

Sensors and Instrumentation Technical Advisory Committee; Notice of Open Meeting

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Sensors and Instrumentation Technical Advisory Committee will meet on January 27, 2004, 9:30 a.m., in the Herbert C. Hoover Building, Room 3884, 14th Street between Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenues, NW., Washington, DC. The Committee advises the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Export Administration with respect to technical questions that affect the level of export controls applicable to sensors and instrumentation equipment and technology.
Agenda
1. Introductions and opening remarks by the Chairman.
2. Report on compliance training initiative and Export Management System proposal.
3. Report on close of 2003 Wassenaar Arrangement deliberations. 4. Review of regulation update process.
5. Remarks on Bureau of Industry and Security initiatives.

6. Presentation of papers and comments by the public.

The meeting will be open to the public and a limited number of seats will be available. Reservations are not accepted. To the extent that time permits, members of the public may present

Notice of Submission of Proposed Information Collection to OMB: Owner of Record and Re-sale Data To Preclude Predatory

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The proposed information collection requirement described below has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Department is soliciting public comments on the subject proposal.

To prevent predatory sales practices, HUD will not insure mortgages on properties resold within 90 days, and only the ownerofrecord is permitted to sell the property if FHA is to insure the subsequent mortgage. Lenders are required to provide evidence of the date of the last resale and the date it occurred.

Notice of Submission of Proposed Information Collection to OMB: Late Request for Endorsement Procedures

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Notice of Submission of Proposed Information Collection to OMB: Quality Control for Rental Assistance Subsidy

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

HUD is requesting approval to conduct a study to update its estimates of the extent and type of errors associated with income, rent, and subsidy determinations for the 4.4 million households covered by Public Housing and Section 8 housing subsidies.

Notice of Proposed Information Collection for Public Comment: Notice of Funding Availability for the Early Doctoral

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The proposed information collection requirement described below will be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The Department is soliciting public comments on the subject proposal.

Notice of Proposed Information Collection for Public Comment: Notice of Funding Availability for the Doctoral

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Notice of Proposed Information Collection for Public Comment: Notice of Funding Availability for the Historically

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Comment Request; Mortgage Insurance Application for Multifamily Housing

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Directorate of Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection (IAIP); Open Meeting of National Infrastructure

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC) will meet on Tuesday, January 13, 2004, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. in Room 207 of the Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW., Washington, DC. The meeting will be open to the public. Limited seating will be available. Reservations are not accepted.

The NIAC advises the President of the United States on the security of information systems for critical infrastructure supporting other sectors of the economy, including banking and finance, transportation, energy, manufacturing, and emergency government services. At this meeting, the NIAC will be briefed on the status of several Working Group activities that the Council undertook at its last meeting.

Notice of Filing of Annual Report of Federal Advisory Committee

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to section 13 of Public Law 92463, the fiscal year 2003 annual report for the following Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Federal advisory committee has been filed with the Library of Congress: Maternal and Child Health Research Grants Review Committee.

Copies are available to the public for inspection at the Library of Congress, Newspaper and Current Periodical Reading Room in the James Madison Memorial Building, Room LM133 (entrance on Independence Avenue, between First and Second Streets, SE., Washington, DC).

Copies may be obtained from: Ms. Stella M. Yu, Division of Research, Training and Education, Maternal and Child Health Bureau, HRSA, Parklawn Building, Room 18A55, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20857, Telephone 3014432340.

Dated: December 19, 2003.
Tina M. Cheatham,
Acting Director, Division of Policy Review and Coordination. [FR Doc. 0331773 Filed 122303; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 416515P

Notice of Filing of Annual Report of Federal Advisory Committee

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to section 13 of Public Law 92463, the fiscal year 2003 annual report for the following Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Federal advisory committee has been
[[Page 74624]]
filed with the Library of Congress: Health Professions and Nurse Education Special Emphasis Panel.

Copies may be obtained from: Ms. Wilma Johnson, Deputy Director, Division of Independent Review, Office of Management and Program Support, HRSA, Parklawn Building, Room 11A22, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, Maryland 20857, Telephone (301) 4433019.

Dated: December 19, 2003.
Tina M. Cheatham,
Acting Director, Division of Policy Review and Coordination. [FR Doc. 0331772 Filed 122303; 8:45 am]
BILLING COD

Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry; Notice of Meeting

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Public Law 92463), notice is hereby given of the following meeting:

Name: Advisory Committee on Training in Primary Care Medicine and Dentistry.

Date and Time: February 12, 2004, 8:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. and February 13, 2004, 8 a.m.2 p.m.

Place: The Holiday Inn Select, 8120 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814.

Status: The meeting will be open to the public.

Purpose: The Advisory Committee provides advice and recommendations on a broad range of issues dealing with programs and activities authorized under section 747 of the Public Health Service Act as amended by The Health Professions Education Partnership Act of 1998, Public Law 105392. At this meeting the Advisory Committee will work on its fourth report which will be submitted to Congress and the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services in November 2004. The fourth report focuses on the role of primary care in health care delive

National Advisory Council on the National Health Service Corps; Notice of Meeting

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92463), notice is hereby given of the following Federal advisory committee meeting. The meeting will be open to the public.

Name: National Advisory Council on the National Health Service Corps.

Date and Time: March 18, 2004; 5 p.m.7 p.m.; March 19, 2004; 8:30 a.m.5 p.m.; March 20, 2004; 9 a.m.5:30 p.m.; March 21, 2004; 8 a.m. 10:30 a.m.

Place: Embassy Suites Hotel Raleigh/Crabtree, 4700 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC 27612, 9198810000.

Agenda: The Council will be meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina, to focus on rural implementation issues of the National Health Service Corps (NHSC). Members will meet with local scholars, loan repayers and program alumni. State Officials will also address council, including communities which have used NHSC services.

Grants for Coordinated HIV Services and Research for Women, Infants, Children, and Youth

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

In notice document FR Doc. 03-22427, Vol. 68, No. 171, Thursday, September 4, 2003, make the correction:

On page 52658, in the third column under ``Limited Competition:'' Correct the areas of limited competition to add: LABaton Rouge.

Dated: December 17, 2003.
Elizabeth M. Duke,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 0331771 Filed 122303; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 416515P

Southwest Oregon Province Advisory Committee

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Southwest Oregon Province Advisory Committee will meet on January 21, 2004 in Brookings, Oregon in the Best Western Beachfront Inn at 16008 Boat Basin Road. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. Agenda items to be covered include: (1) Development of Work Plan; (2) Public Forum; (3) Update on BLM Resource Management Plan revision process; (4) District and Forest Fire Plans; and (5) Future Agenda Items.

Notice of Mineral County Resource Advisory Committee Meeting

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Pursuant to the authorities in the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92463) and under the Secure Rural Schools and Community SelfDetermination Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106393) the Lolo National Forest's Mineral County Resource Advisory Committee will meet on January 6, 2004 at 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. in Superior, Montana for a business meeting. The meeting is open to the public.

Notice of Resource Advisory Committee Meeting

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Pursuant to the authorities in the Federal Advisory Committees Act (Pub. L. 92463) and under the Secure Rural Schools and Community SelfDetermination Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106393) the Lassen National Forest's Lassen County Resource Advisory Committee will meet Thursday, January 8, 2004, in Susanville, California for business meetings. The meetings are open to the public.

Eastern Washington Cascades Provincial Advisory Committee and the Yakima Provincial Advisory Committee

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Eastern Washington Cascades Provincial Advisory Committee and the Yakima Provincial Advisory Committee will meet on Wednesday, January 14, 2004, at the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests Headquarters Office, 215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, Washington. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m. During this meeting we will discuss public comments on the Forest Plan revision, recreation management issues, and new developments in implementation of the Northwest Forest Plan. All Eastern Washington Cascades and Yakima Province Advisory Committee meetings are open to the public. Interested citizens are welcome to attend.

Bridger-Teton National Forest, Big Piney Ranger District, Wyoming. Cottonwood II Vegetation Treatment

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The analysis area of 41,420 acres is located in the North and South Cottonwood Creek watershed on the Big Piney Ranger District of the BridgerTeton National Forest. It is approximately 25 miles north of Big Piney, Wyoming on the east slope of the Wyoming Range. All lands within the analysis area are National Forest System lands, within Sublette and Lincoln Counties, Wyoming The legal description includes portions of: T32N, R115W; T32N, R116W; T33N, R114W; T33N, R115W; T34N, R115W.

Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing International, Ltd.--Subzone 61J; Application for Expansion of Scope of Manufacturing

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The comment period for the application submitted by the Puerto Rico Exports Development Corporation (68 FR 54888, 9192003), grantee of FTZ 61, on behalf of PepsiCola Manufacturing International, Ltd. (PCMIL), operator of FTZ 61J, requesting an expansion of the scope of manufacturing authority to include additional finished products and manufacturing capacity under FTZ procedures at the PCMIL soft drink and juice beverage concentrate manufacturing plant in Cidra, Puerto Rico, has been extended to from the closing date of December 19, 2003, to January 23, 2004, to allow interested parties additional time in which to comment on the proposal.

Comments in writing are invited during this period. Submissions (original and three copies) shall be addressed to the Board's Executive Secretary at the following addresses:

1. Submissions via Express/Package Delivery Services: Office of the Executive Secretary, ForeignTrade Zones Board, U.S. Department of Commerce, Franklin Court BuildingSuite 4100

Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request--Food Stamp Program--Food Stamp

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has revised its Food Stamp Program Application for Meal Services, Form FNS2522. The form was revised to make it easier to read and to simplify information collected from meal services during the application process. In addition, FNS has developed a new, abbreviated addendum to the revised retailer application for corporations (chain stores). We are soliciting public comments on the content, format and design of the revised Form FNS2522 and the new Form FNS252C. We will begin using both forms when the new Store Tracking and Redemption Subsystem (STARS II) is in operation, approximately the fourth quarter of 2004.

General Electric Company; Analysis To Aid Public Comment

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The consent agreement in this matter settles alleged violations of federal law prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts or practices or unfair methods of competition. The attached Analysis to Aid Public Comment describes both the allegations in the draft complaint that accompanies the consent agreement and the terms of the consent orderembodied in the consent agreementthat would settle these allegations.

Charges for Certain Disclosures

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Federal Trade Commission announces that the current $9.00 ceiling on allowable charges under Section 612(f) of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (``FCRA'') will remain unchanged for 2003. Under 1996 amendments to the FCRA, the Federal Trade Commission is required to increase the $8.00 amount referred to in paragraph (1)(A)(i) of Section 612(f) on January 1 of each year, based proportionally on changes in the Consumer Price Index (``CPI''), with fractional changes rounded to the nearest fifty cents. The CPI increased 14.89 percent between September 1997, the date the FCRA amendments took effect, and September 2003. This increase in the CPI and the requirement that any increase be rounded to the nearest fifty cents results in no change in the current maximum allowable charge of $9.00.

Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) information collection requirements contained in its Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Trade Regulation Rule (MTOR or ``Rule''). The FTC is soliciting public comments on the proposal to extend through January 31, 2007 the current PRA clearance for information collection requirements contained in the Rule. That clearance expires on January 31, 2004.

Effective Dates for the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The recently enacted Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACT Act or the Act) requires the Board and the FTC (the Agencies) jointly to adopt rules establishing the effective dates for provisions of the Act that do not contain specific effective dates. The Agencies are taking two related actions to comply with this requirement. In this action, the Agencies are proposing rules that would establish a schedule of effective dates for many of the provisions of the FACT Act for which the Act itself does not specifically provide an effective date. In the second action, published elsewhere in today's Federal Register, the Agencies are jointly adopting interim final rules that establish December 31, 2003, as the effective date for provisions of the Act that determine the relationship between the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and state laws and provisions that authorize rulemakings and other implementing action by various agencies.

Effective Dates for the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003

Wed, Dec 24 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The recently enacted Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACT Act or the Act) requires the Board and the FTC (the Agencies) jointly to adopt rules establishing the effective dates for provisions of the Act that do not contain specific effective dates. The Agencies are taking two related actions to comply with this requirement. In this action, the Agencies are jointly adopting interim final rules that establish December 31, 2003, as the effective date for provisions of the Act that determine the relationship between the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and state laws and provisions that authorize rulemakings or other implementing action by various agencies. In the second action, published elsewhere in today's Federal Register, the Agencies jointly propose rules establishing a schedule of effective dates for other provisions of the FACT Act.