The Federal Register

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

[[Page 75793]]
Proclamation 7747 of December 30, 2003

To Implement the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement
By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation
1. On May 6, 2003, the President entered into the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USSFTA). The USSFTA was approved by the Congress in section 101(a) of the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (the ``USSFTA Act'') (Public Law 108-78, 117 Stat. 948) (19 U.S.C. 3805 note).
2. Section 105 of the USSFTA Act authorizes the President to establish or designate within the Department of Commerce an office that shall be responsible for providing administrative assistance to panels established under Chapter 20 of the USSFTA. 3. Section 201 of the USSFTA Act authorizes the President to proclaim such modifications or continuation of any duty, such continuation of duty- free or excise treatment, or such additional duties, as the President determines to be necessary or appropriate to carry out or apply articles 2.2, 2.5, 2.6, and 2.12 of the USSFTA and the schedule of reductions with respect to the Republic of Singapore (Singapore) set forth in Annex 2B of the USSFTA.
4. Section 202 of the USSFTA Act provides certain rules for determining whether a good is an originating good for the purposes of implementing tariff treatment under the USSFTA. I have decided that it is necessary to include these rules of origin, together with particular rules applicable to certain other goods, in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS). 5. Section 205 of the USSFTA Act authorizes the President to take certain enforcement actions relating to trade with Singapore in textile and apparel goods. 6. Subtitle B of title III of the USSFTA Act authorizes the President to take certain actions in response to a request by an interested party for relief from imports that constitute a substantial cause of serious damage, or actual threat thereof, to a domestic industry producing certain textile or apparel articles. 7. Executive Order 11651 of March 3, 1972, as amended, establishes the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) to supervise the implementation of textile trade agreements. 8. Section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974 (the ``1974 Act'') (19 U.S.C. 2483), as amended, authorizes the President to embody in the HTS the substance of relevant provisions of that Act, or other acts affecting import treatment, and of actions taken thereunder, including the removal, modification, continuance, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, acting under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including but not limited to sections 105, 201, 202, 205, and 321-328 of the USSFTA Act, section 301 of title 3, United Code, and section 604 of the 1974 Act, do proclaim that:
[[Page 75794]]
(1) In order to provide generally for the preferential tariff treatment being accorded under the USSFTA, to set forth rules for determining whether goods imported into the customs territory of the United States are eligible for preferential tariff treatment under the USSFTA, to provide certain other treatment to originating goods for the purposes of the USSFTA, and to provide tariff-rate quotas with respect to certain originating goods, the HTS is modified as set forth in Annex I of Publication 3651 of the United States International Trade Commission, entitled Modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Implementing the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (Publication 3651), which is incorporated by reference into this proclamation.
(2) In order to implement the initial stage of duty elimination provided for in the USSFTA and to provide for future staged reductions in duties for products of Singapore for purposes of the USSFTA, the HTS is modified as provided in Annex II of Publication 3651, effective on the dates specified in the relevant sections of such publication and on any subsequent dates set forth for such duty reductions in that publication.
(3) The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to exercise the authority of the President under section 105(a) of the USSFTA Act to establish or designate an office within the Department of Commerce to carry out the functions set forth in that section.
(4) (a) The amendments to the HTS made by paragraphs (1) and (2) of this proclamation shall be effective with respect to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the relevant dates indicated in Annex II to Publication 3651.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (4)(a) of this proclamation, this proclamation shall be effective with respect to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after January 1, 2004. (5) The CITA is authorized to exercise the authority of the President under section 205 of the USSFTA Act to exclude textile and apparel goods from the customs territory of the United States; to determine whether an enterprise's production of, and capability to produce, textile and apparel goods are consistent with statements by the enterprise; to find that an enterprise has knowingly or willfully engaged in circumvention; and to deny preferential tariff treatment to textile and apparel goods.
(6) The CITA is authorized to exercise the authority of the President under subtitle B of title III of the USSFTA Act to review requests and to determine whether to commence consideration of such requests; to cause to be published in the Federal Register a notice of commencement of consideration of a request and notice seeking public comment; to determine whether imports of a Singaporean textile or apparel article constitute a substantial cause of serious damage, or actual threat thereof, to a domestic industry producing an article that is like, or directly competitive with, the imported article; and to provide relief from imports of an article that is the subject of such a determination.
(7) All provisions of previous proclamations and Executive Orders that are inconsistent with the actions taken in this proclamation are superseded to the extent of such inconsistency.
[[Page 75795]]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth. (Presidential Sig.)B
[FR Doc. 03-32320
Filed 12-30-03; 11:33 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

___________________________________________________________________ Title 3--
The President
[[Page 75789]]
Proclamation 7746 of December 30, 2003

To Implement the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement
By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation
1. On June 6, 2003, the United States entered into the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement (USCFTA). The Congress approved the USCFTA in section 101(a) of the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (the ``USCFTA Act'') (Public Law 108-77, 117 Stat. 909) (19 U.S.C. 3805 note).
2. Section 105 of the USCFTA Act authorizes the President to establish or designate within the Department of Commerce an office that shall be responsible for providing administrative assistance to panels established under Chapter 22 of the USCFTA. 3. Section 201 of the USCFTA authorizes the President to proclaim such modifications or continuation of any duty, such continuation of duty-free or excise treatment, or such additional duties, as the President determines to be necessary or appropriate to carry out or apply articles 3.3 (including the schedule of United States duty reductions with respect to originating goods set forth in Annex 3.3 to the USCFTA), 3.7, 3.9, and 3.20(8), (9), (10), and (11) of the USCFTA. 4. Section 202 of the USCFTA Act provides certain rules for determining whether a good is an originating good for the purpose of implementing tariff treatment under the USCFTA. I have decided that it is necessary to include these rules of origin, together with particular rules applicable to certain other goods, in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS). 5. Consistent with section 201(a)(2) of the USCFTA Act, Chile is to be removed from the enumeration of designated beneficiary developing countries eligible for the benefits of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). Further, consistent with section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974 (the ``1974 Act'') (19 U.S.C. 2483), as amended, I have determined that other technical and conforming changes to the HTS are necessary to reflect that Chile is no longer eligible to receive benefits of the GSP.
6. Section 208 of the USCFTA Act authorizes the President to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to take certain actions related to verifications conducted consistent with Article 3.21 of the USCFTA. 7. Subtitle B of title III of the USCFTA Act authorizes the President to take certain actions in response to a request by an interested party for relief from imports that are a cause of serious damage, or actual threat thereof, to a domestic industry producing certain textile or apparel articles.
8. Executive Order 11651 of March 3, 1972, as amended, establishes the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) to supervise the implementation of textile trade agreements. 9. Section 604 of the 1974 Act, as amended, authorizes the President to embody in the HTS the substance of relevant provisions of that Act, or other acts affecting import treatment, and of actions taken thereunder, including the removal, modification, continuance, or imposition of any rate of duty or other import restriction.
[[Page 75790]]
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, acting under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including but not limited to sections 105, 201, 202, and 208 of the USCFTA Act, section 604 of the 1974 Act, and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, do proclaim that:
(1) In order to provide generally for the preferential tariff treatment being accorded under the USCFTA, to set forth rules for determining whether goods imported into the customs territory of the United States are eligible for preferential tariff treatment under the USCFTA, to provide certain other treatment to originating goods for the purposes of the USCFTA, to provide tariff-rate quotas with respect to certain originating goods, to reflect Chile's removal from the enumeration of designated beneficiary developing countries for purposes of the GSP, and to make technical and conforming changes in the general notes to the HTS, the HTS is modified as set forth in Annex I of Publication 3652 of the United States International Trade Commission, entitled Modifications of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Implementing the United States- Chile Free Trade Agreement (Publication 3652), which is incorporated by reference into this proclamation.
(2) In order to implement the initial stage of duty elimination provided for in the USCFTA, and to provide for future staged reductions in duties for products of Chile for purposes of the USCFTA, the HTS is modified as provided in Annex II of Publication 3652, effective on the dates specified in the relevant sections of such publication and on any subsequent dates set forth for such duty reductions in that publication.
(3) The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to exercise the authority of the President under section 105(a) of the USCFTA Act to establish or designate an office within the Department of Commerce to carry out the functions set forth in that section.
(4) The CITA is authorized to exercise the authority of the President under section 208 of the USCFTA Act with respect to verifications conducted in a manner consistent with article 3.21 of the USCFTA. (5) The CITA is authorized to exercise the authority of the President under subtitle B of title III of the USCFTA Act to review requests and to determine whether to commence consideration of such requests; to cause to be published in the Federal Register a notice of commencement of consideration of a request and notice seeking public comment; to determine whether a Chilean textile or apparel article is being imported into the United States in such increased quantities and under such conditions as to cause serious damage, or actual threat thereof, to a domestic industry producing an article that is like, or directly competitive with, the imported article; and to provide relief from imports of an article that is the subject of such a determination.
(6)(a) The amendments to the HTS made by paragraph (2) of this proclamation shall be effective with respect to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the relevant dates indicated in Annex II to Publication 3652.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (6)(a) of this proclamation, this proclamation shall be effective with respect to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after January 1, 2004. (7) All provisions of previous proclamations and Executive Orders that are inconsistent with the actions taken in this proclamation are superseded to the extent of such inconsistency.
[[Page 75791]]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth. (Presidential Sig.)B
[FR Doc. 03-32319
Filed 12-30-03; 11:33 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P

Special Exemption From Requirements of the Clean Air Act for the Territory of United States Virgin Islands

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing approval of a petition, from the Governor of the Virgin Islands (US VI), which seeks an exemption of the Clean Air Act (CAA) section 165(a) requirement to obtain a Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permit to construct prior to construction of a new gas turbine at the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (VIWAPA) St. Thomas facility. This exemption allows for construction, but not operation, of Unit 23 prior to issuance of a final PSD permit.

Special Exemption From Requirements of the Clean Air Act for the Territory of United States Virgin Islands

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve a July 21, 2003, petition (petition), from the Governor of the Virgin Islands (US VI), which seeks an exemption of the Clean Air Act (CAA) section 165(a) requirement to obtain a Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permit to construct prior to commencing construction of a new gas turbine, Unit 23, at the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority's (VIWAPA's) St. Thomas facility. This exemption will allow for the construction, but not the operation, of Unit 23 prior to issuance of a final PSD permit.

In the same separate part of this Federal Register, EPA is also approving the petition as a direct final rule without prior proposal because the Agency views this action as noncontroversial and anticipates no adverse comments. A detailed rationale for the approval is set forth in the direct final rule.

If EPA receives no adverse comments, EPA will not take further action on this proposed rule. If EPA receives adverse co

Respiratory Protection for M. Tuberculosis

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

OSHA is revoking ``Respiratory Protection for M. Tuberculosis'' (29 CFR 1910.139) which is simply a recodification of OSHA's 1971 General Industry Respiratory Protection standard that was revised in 1998. At the time of the revision of the 1971 standard, OSHA decided that, because its proposed standard for occupational exposure to TB, published three months earlier, included a comprehensive respiratory protection provision, the Agency would allow compliance with the previous respirator standard for TB protection until completion of the TB rulemaking. Thus, pending conclusion of the TB rulemaking, OSHA redesignated the old Respiratory Protection Standard in a new section entitled ``Respiratory Protection for M.
tuberculosis''. However, in a document published elsewhere in this separate part of the Federal Register, OSHA is today withdrawing its proposed TB standard. Because this withdrawal concludes the TB rulemaking, OSHA is revoking the redesignated Respiratory Protection Standard, and will b

Occupational Exposure to Tuberculosis

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

OSHA is withdrawing its 1997 proposed standard on Occupational Exposure to Tuberculosis (TB). Because of a broad range of Federal and community initiatives, the rate of TB has declined steadily and dramatically since OSHA began work on the proposal in 1993. Hospitals, which are the settings where workers are likely to have the highest risk of exposure to TB bacteria, have come into substantial compliance with Federal guidelines for preventing the transmission of TB. Overall reductions in TB mean that all workers are much less likely now to encounter infectious TB patients in the course of their jobs.

In addition, an OSHA standard is unlikely to result in a meaningful reduction of disease transmission caused by contact with the most significant remaining source of occupational risk: exposure to individuals with undiagnosed and unsuspected TB. Particularly outside of hospitals, workers often will not identify suspect TB cases quickly enough to implement isolation procedures and other precautio

Hazardous Materials: Matter Incorporated by Reference

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

This final rule amends the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to standardize the format used to crossreference consensus standards published by nationally and internationally recognized standardsetting organizations and industry that are incorporated by reference into the HMR. In addition, this rule adds missing cross references and removes unnecessary crossreferences in the HMR. The amendments contained in this rule are minor editorial changes and impose no new requirements.

Notice Requesting Comment on the Imposition of the Aviation Security Infrastructure Fee; Extension of Comment Period

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

This document extends the comment period for a notice that was published on November 5, 2003. In that notice, the TSA requested comments on possible changes to the way it sets the Aviation Security Infrastructure Fee (ASIF), which is a fee imposed on air carriers and foreign air carriers to help pay the Government's costs of providing civil aviation security services. The public comment period was to expire on January 5, 2004. This document extends the public comment period on the notice for an additional 30 days, until February 5, 2004. This extension is a result of a request from the Air Transport Association.

Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request--General Reporting and Recordkeeping by Savings

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Department of the Treasury, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed and continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3507. The Office of Thrift Supervision within the Department of the Treasury will submit the proposed information collection requirement described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. Today, OTS is soliciting public comments on the proposal.

Proposed Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request--Securities Offering Disclosure

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Office of Thrift Supervision

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the OCC, Board, FDIC, and OTS (collectively, the Agencies) may not conduct or sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, an information collection unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Agencies hereby give notice that they plan to submit information collections regarding their respective CRA Sunshine (Disclosure and Reporting of CRARelated Agreements) regulations to OMB for review and approval.

Lehigh Valley Rail Management, LLC-Acquisition and Operation Exemption-Rail Lines in Pennsylvania

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Lehigh Valley Rail Management, LLC (LVRM), a noncarrier, has filed a verified notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1150.31 to acquire and operate approximately 170.079 miles of rail line owned by ISG Railways, Inc. (ISGR).\1\ LVRM will acquire and operate the following rail lines: (1) An approximately 132mile line in Northampton County, PA, formerly operated by Keystone Railroad, LLC, comprised of yard and switching tracks, with no assigned mileposts; (2) an approximately 32mile line in Cambria County, PA, formerly operated by Conemaugh & Black Lick Railroad, LLC, comprised of yard and switching tracks, with no assigned mileposts; and (3)(a) an approximately 4.5mile line extending between approximately milepost 6.4 at Edensburg Junction and approximately milepost 10.45189, and (b) an approximately 1.579mile connecting segment between milepost 15.355 (RJCP milepost 10.45189) and approximately milepost 16.934, in Cambria County, formerly operated by Cambria and Indiana Railroad, Inc.
\1\ In M

Kentucky Regulatory Program

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

We are announcing a decision that House Bill 556, passed by the Kentucky General Assembly on March 15, 2002, designating the ridge top of Pine Mountain as the Pine Mountain Trail State Park, does not meet the criteria to be deemed an amendment to the Kentucky Regulatory Program.

Kentucky Regulatory Program

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), are announcing the removal of a required amendment to the Kentucky regulatory program (the ``Kentucky program''). The Kentucky program was established under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act) and authorizes Kentucky to regulate surface coal mining and reclamation operations in Kentucky.

Indiana Regulatory Program

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), are approving an amendment to the Indiana regulatory program (Indiana program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR or Indiana) proposed revisions to and additions of rules concerning protection of ground water quality. Indiana revised its program to provide additional safeguards for ground water.

Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: ``From Fra Angelico to Bonnard: Masterpieces

Wed, Dec 31 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 ``From Fra Angelico to Bonnard: Masterpieces from the Rau Collection,'' imported from
[[Page 75708]]
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 Portland Art Museum, from on or about January 24, 2004 until on or about September 5, 2004, and

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

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 23, 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 15, 2003, the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, Inc. (``Phlx'' or ``Exchange'') 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 Exchange. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change.
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b4.
I. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

The Phlx proposes to amend its schedule of dues, fees and charges to provide a rebate for certain trades executed pursuant to a dividend spread strategy.\3\ The proposed rebate would be effective for trades clearing on and after December 17, 2003.
\3\ A ``dividend spread'' is any trade done within a defined time frame in which

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

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 23, 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 16, 2003, the Pacific Exchange, Inc. (``PCX'' or ``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission [[Page 75702]]
(``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II and III below, which Items have been prepared by the PCX. 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.
I. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

The Exchange is proposing to amend the TradeRelated Charges portion of its Schedule of Fees and Charges (``Schedule''). The text of the proposed rule change is available at the Office of the Secretary, the PCX, and at the Commission.
II. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and Statutory Bas

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change and Notice of Filing and Order Granting

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 23, 2003.

I. Introduction

On January 21, 2000, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (``NASD'') 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 amending NASD Conduct Rule 2710. NASD filed Amendments Nos. 1,\3\ 2,\4\ and 3 \5\ to the proposed rule change on March 6, 2000, March 21, 2000, and March 30, 2000, respectively. The proposed rule change was published for comment in the Federal Register on April 11, 2000.\6\ The Commission received 14 comments.\7\ NASD filed Amendment No. 4 on December 11, 2000.\8\ NASD filed Amendment No. 5 on February 4, 2001,\9\ which was published for comment in the Federal Register on March 14, 2001.\10\ The Commission received eight comments.\11\ NASD filed Amendment Nos. 6,\12\ 7,\13\ 8,\14\ 9,\15\ and 10 \16\ on November 19, 2001, and April
[[Page 75685]]
3, 2002, April 14,

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change by the National Association of Securities

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 23, 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 9, 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 the NASD. 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.
I. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

The NASD is proposing to amend Rule 1120 to require that each member designate and identify to NASD the individual(s) who will receive Web Central Registration Depository (``CRD'') continuing education (``CE'') Regulatory Element emails. The proposed rule change further would require that each member quarterly rev

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Order Granting Approval of Proposed Rule Change by the National Association of

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 22, 2003.

On January 17, 2003, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (``NASD''), 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 NASD Rules 1011, 1014 and 1017. On September 17, 2003, NASD filed Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change.\3\ On October 16, 2003, NASD filed Amendment No. 2 to the proposed rule change.\4\ Notice of the proposed rule change, as amended, was published for comment in the Federal Register on October 23, 2003.\5\ No comments were received on the proposed rule change. This order approves the proposed rule change.
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b4.
\3\ See letter from Kosha K. Dalal, Assistant General Counsel, NASD, to Katherine England, Assistant Director, Division of Market Regulation, Commission, dated September 16, 2003.
\4\ See letter from Kosha K. Dal

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Order Granting Approval to Proposed Rule Change and Amendment Nos. 1 and 2 Thereto and

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 23, 2003.

I. Introduction

On March 18, 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'') a proposed rule change to modify an existing pilot program relating to the bid price test of Nasdaq's maintenance listing standards. Nasdaq submitted amendments to the proposed rule change on March 24, 2003,\1\ and September 26, 2003.\2\ On October 10, 2003, the Commission published notice of the proposal in the Federal Register.\3\ No comments were received on the proposed rule change. On November 26, 2003, Nasdaq submitted Amendment No. 3 to the proposed rule change.\4\ This notice and order solicits comment on Amendment No. 3 and approves the proposed rule change, as amended, on an accelerated basis. \1\ See letter from Sara Nelson Bloom, Associate General Counsel, Nasdaq, to Katherine A. England, Division of Market Regulation, Commiss

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change by the National Association of Securities

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 23, 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 28, 2003, the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (``NASD'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' or ``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II, and III below, which Items have been prepared by NASD. 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.
I. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

NASD is proposing to establish NASD Rule 3013 and accompanying Interpretive Material (``IM'') 3013 to require each member to designate a chief compliance officer (``CCO'') and further require the member's chief executive officer (``CEO'') and CCO to certify annually to having in place a process to establis

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

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 23, 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 26, 2003, the Chicago Stock Exchange, Inc. (``CHX'') 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 Exchange filed the proposal pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act,\3\ and Rule 19b 4(f)(1) \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).
\4\ 17 CFR 240.19b1 4(f)(1).
I. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

The Exchange proposes to amend certain provisions of CHX Article XX, Rule 40, whic

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change and Amendment No. 1 Thereto by the Chicago

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 23, 2003.

Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b4 thereunder,\2\ notice is hereby given that on June 16, 2003, the Chicago Stock Exchange, Incorporated (``CHX'' or ``Exchange'') filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' or ``Commission'') the proposed rule change as described in Items I, II and III below, which Items have been prepared by the Exchange. On November 26, 2003, the Exchange filed Amendment No. 1 to the proposal.\3\ The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change, as amended, from interested persons.
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b4.
\3\ See letter from Kathleen M. Boege, Associate General Counsel, CHX, to Nancy J. Sanow, Assistant Director, Division of Market Regulation, Commission, dated November 25, 2003 (``Amendment No. 1''). In Amendment No. 1, the Exchange expanded its discussion regarding the consequences of the proposed rul

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Order Approving Proposed Rule Change and Amendment Nos. 1, 2, and 3 by the Chicago

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 23, 2003.

I. Introduction

On June 20, 2003, the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Inc. (``CBOE'' 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 permit, under certain circumstances, a bidask differential of no more than $0.50 for options where the bid price is less than $2. The CBOE filed Amendments Nos. 1, 2, and 3 to the proposal on July 3, 2003,\3\ September 10, 2003,\4\ and October 29, 2003,\5\ respectively.
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b4.
\3\ See letter from Steve Youhn, CBOE, to Deborah Flynn, Division of Market Regulation (``Division''), Commission, dated July 2, 2003, and accompanying Form 19b4 (``Amendment No. 1'').
\4\ See letter from Steve Youhn, CBOE, to Deborah Flynn, Division, Commission, dated September 9, 2003 (``Amendment No. 2''). \5\ See letter from Steve Youhn, C

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change and Amendment No.

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 24, 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 21, 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. On December 23, 2003, the Amex amended the proposed rule change.\3\ The Exchange filed the proposal pursuant to section 19(b)(3)(A) of the Act \4\ and Rule 19b4(f)(6) thereunder,\5\ which renders the proposal effective upon filing with the Commission. The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule
[[Page 75671]]
change, as amended, from interested persons.
\1\ 15 U.S.C. 78s(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b4.
\3\ See letter from Eric Van Allen, Assistant General Counsel, Amex, to Nancy Sanow, Assistant Director, Division of Market Regulatio

Self-Regulatory Organizations; Notice of Filing of Proposed Rule Change by the American Stock Exchange LLC Relating to

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 23, 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 May 14, 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. On November 18, 2003, Amex filed Amendment No. 1 to the proposed rule change.\3\ The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule change, as amended, from interested persons. \1\ 15 U.S.C. 78S(b)(1).
\2\ 17 CFR 240.19b4.
\3\ See letter from Claire P. McGrath, Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, Amex, to Nancy Sanow, Assistant Director, Division of Market Regulation, Commission, dated November 17, 2003 (``Amendment No. 1''). In Amendment No. 1, Amex made technical corrections to the proposed rule text and amended the purpose

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

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 19, 2003.

Pursuant to section 19(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act''),\1\ and Rule 19b4 \2\ thereunder, notice is hereby given that on December 5, 2003, the American Stock Exchange LLC (``Exchange'' or ``Amex'') 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 Amex. 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.
I. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance of the Proposed Rule Change

Amex seeks a sixmonth extension of Amex Rule 128A to continue its pilot program for the automatic order execution feature (``AutoEx'') for Exchange Traded Funds (``ETFs'').

The text of the proposed rule change is available at Amex and at the Commission.
II. SelfRegulatory Organization's Statement of the Purpose of, and

Consolidated Tape Association; Notice of Filing of the Sixth Substantive Amendment to the Second Restatement of the

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 23, 2003.

Pursuant to Rule 11Aa32 \1\ under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act''), notice is hereby given that on November 28, 2003, the Consolidated Tape Association (``CTA'') Plan and Consolidated Quotation (``CQ'') Plan Participants (``Participants'')\2\ filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' or ``Commission'') a proposal to amend the CTA and CQ Plans (collectively, the ``Plans''). The proposal represents the 6th substantive amendment made to the Second
[[Page 75663]]
Restatement of the CTA Plan and the 4th substantive amendment to the Restated CQ Plan, and reflects several changes unanimously adopted by the Participants. The proposed amendments would separate the functions of administering the contracts into which vendors and others enter for the purpose of receiving and using market data. On December 23, 2003, the Participants submitted Amendment No. 1 to the proposed amendments.\3\ The Commission is publishing this notice to solicit comments from i

Consolidated Tape Association; Notice of Filing of the Fifth Substantive Amendment to the Second Restatement of the

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

December 23, 2003.

Pursuant to Rule 11Aa32 \1\ under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (``Act''), notice is hereby given that on November 28, 2003, the Consolidated Tape Association (``CTA'') Plan and Consolidated Quotation (``CQ'') Plan Participants (``Participants'') \2\ filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (``SEC'' or ``Commission'') a proposal to amend the CTA and CQ Plans (collectively, the ``Plans''). The proposal represents the 5th substantive amendment made to the Second Restatement of the CTA Plan and the 3rd substantive amendment to the Restated CQ Plan, and reflects changes unanimously adopted by the Participants. The proposed amendments would delete the provisions of the Plans that exempt any Participant in the Plans from paying market data fees for the receipt of data on its trading floor for regulation or surveillance or for other specifically approved purposes (``Participant Fee Exemptions''). On December 23, 2003, the Participants submitted Amendment No. 1 to

Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Upon written request, copies available from: Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Filings and Information Services, Washington, DC 20549.
Extension: Rule 17Ad2(c), (d), and (h); SEC File No. 270149; OMB Control No. 32350130.

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget a request for extension of the previously approved collection of information discussed below.
[sbull] Rule 17Ad2(c), (d) and (h) Transfer Agent Turnaround, Processing and Forwarding Requirements

Rule 17Ad2(c), (d), and (h), 17 CFR 240.17Ad2(c), (d), and (h), under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, enumerate the requirements with which transfer agents must comply to inform the Commission or the appropriate regulator of a transfer agent's failure to meet the minimum performance standards set by the Commission rule by filing a notice.

While it

Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Upon Written Request, Copies Available From: Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Filings and Information, Washington, DC 20549.

Extension:

Rule 17Ad16, SEC File No. 270363, OMB Control No. 32350413.

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Securities and Exchange Commission (``Commission'') has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget a request for extension of the previously approved collection of information discussed below.
Rule 17Ad16Notice of Assumption or Termination of Transfer Agent Services

Rule 17Ad16, 17 CFR 240.17Ad16, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, requires a registered transfer agent to provide written notice to a qualified registered securities depository when assuming or terminating transfer agent services on behalf of an issuer or when changing its name or address. These recordkeeping requirements address the problem of certificate transfer delays caused by transfer

Pipeline Safety: Meetings of the Pipeline Safety Advisory Committees

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Meetings of the Technical Pipeline Safety Standards Committee (TPSSC) and the Technical Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Standards Committee (THLPSSC) will be held from Tuesday, February 3 to Thursday, February 5, 2004, at the WashingtonDulles Airport Marriott Hotel, Dulles, Virginia. The Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) will provide briefings on pending rulemakings and regulatory initiatives. The advisory committees will discuss various proposed rulemakings and associated risk assessments.

Office of Hazardous Materials Safety; Notice of Application for Exemptions

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Office of Hazardous Materials Safety; Notice of Applications for Modification of Exemption

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the procedures governing the application for, and the processing of, exemptions from the Department of Transportation's Hazardous Material Regulations (49 CFR part 107, subpart B), notice is hereby given that the Office of Hazardous Materials Safety has received the application described herein. This notice is abbreviated to expedite docketing and public notice. Because the sections affected, modes of transportation, and the nature of application have been shown in earlier Federal Register publication, they are not repeated here. Request of modifications of exemptions (e.g. to provide for additional hazardous materials, packaging design changes, additional mode of transportation, etc.) are described in footnotes to the application number. Application numbers with the suffix ``M'' denote a modification request. These applications have been separated from the new application for exemption to facilitate processing.

Request for Public Comments and OMB Approval of Existing Information Collection

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Research and Special Programs Administration, Office of Pipeline Safety published its intention to revise forms RSPA F 7100.1, Incident Report for Gas Distribution Systems, and Form RSPA F 7100.11, Annual Report for Gas Distribution Systems, (68 FR 33759, June 5, 2003). Several operators, two trade associations representing natural gas distribution pipeline operators, one state utility commission, and one individual provided comments. The purpose of this additional notice is to provide the public an additional 30 days to comment on the proposed revisions to the natural gas distribution incident and annual reporting forms, including the form instructions.

Federal Aviation Administration

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Each of the Department of Transportation's drug and alcohol testing rules include requirements for select employers to submit drug and alcohol testing data to five Department of Transportation (DOT) agencies. In the past, these employers have been required to use agencyspecific Management Information System (MIS) forms for this purpose, twentyone different forms in all. The Department recently published a final rule revising these DOT agency MIS forms and transforming them into a single onepage form for use throughout all the DOT agencies. The requirement for use of the form is now in 49 CFR part 40. By this action, the DOT agencies endorse the use of this single form within their regulated industries,
[[Page 75456]]
provide their regulated employers with guidance for submission of the form, and amend their rules accordingly. The DOT agencies are: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA); Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); Federal Transit Administration (FTA); Federal Railroad Ad

Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

In accordance with the requirement of section 3506 (c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 which provides opportunity for public comment on new or revised data collections, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) will publish periodic summaries of proposed data collections.

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper performance of
[[Page 75660]]
the functions of the agency, including whether the information has practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the RRB's estimate of the burden of the collection of the information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden related to the collection of information on respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Title and purpose of information collection: Application for Survivor Insurance Annuities: OMB 32200030.

Under Section 2(d) of the Ra

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

___________________________________________________________________ Title 3--
The President
[[Page 75385]]
Presidential Determination No. 2004-15 of December 16, 2003

Determination to Authorize Drawdown for
Afghanistan
Memorandum for the Secretary of State [and] the Secretary of Defense
Consistent with the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, including section 202 and other relevant provisions of the Afghanistan Freedom Support Act (Public Law 107-327) and section 506 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2318, I hereby direct the drawdown of up to $135 million of defense articles, defense services, and military education and training from the Department of Defense for the Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan.
The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to report this determination to the Congress and to arrange for its publication in the Federal Register. (Presidential Sig.)B
THE WHITE HOUSE,
Washington, December 16, 2003.
[FR Doc. 03-32300
Filed 12-30-03; 8:45 am]
Billing code 4710-10-P

Federal Prevailing Rate Advisory Committee; Open Committee Meetings

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

According to the provisions of section 10 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92463), notice is hereby given that meetings of the Federal Prevailing Rate Advisory Committee will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2004; Thursday, January 29, 2004; Thursday, February 12, 2004; and Thursday, February 26, 2004.

The meetings will start at 10 a.m. and will be held in Room 5A06A, Office of Personnel Management Building, 1900 E Street, NW., Washington, DC.

The Federal Prevailing Rate Advisory Committee is composed of a Chair, five representatives from labor unions holding exclusive bargaining rights for Federal bluecollar employees, and five representatives from Federal agencies. Entitlement to membership on the Committee is provided for in 5 U.S.C. 5347.

The Committee's primary responsibility is to review the Prevailing Rate System and other matters pertinent to establishing prevailing rates under subchapter IV, chapter 53, 5 U.S.C., as amended, and from time to time advise the

Proposed Information Collection Requests

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1981 (44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the Peace Corps has submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a request for approval of an information collection, OMB Control Number 04200510, the Peace Corps Health Status Review form (PC1789) and the Report of Medical and Dental Exam forms (PC1790 S and PC1790 Dental). This is a renewal of an active information collection and a revision. The current active renewal covers the Peace Corps Health Status Review form (PC1789) and the Report of Medical Exam (PC1790 S). The revision is to add an HIV Aids question to the PC1789 form and to add the Report of Dental Exam form (PC1790) to this collection for a total of three forms to make up the health applications for Peace Corps Volunteers. The purpose of this information collection is necessary to ensure that Volunteers meet this medical eligibility requirement, all applicants for service must undergo physical and dental examination prior to Volunteer service to pr

Occupational Exposure to 2-Methoxyethanol, 2-Ethoxyethanol and Their Acetates (Glycol Ethers)

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

OSHA is withdrawing its proposed standard on Occupational Exposure to 2Methoxyethanol (2ME), 2Ethoxyethanol (2EE), and their Acetates (2MEA, 2EEA) (four glycol ethers). Production and use of the four glycol ethers either have ceased or are virtually limited to ``closed systems'' where exposure levels more than 10 years ago already were at or below the proposed permissible exposure limits (PELs). Because there are few, if any, remaining opportunities for workplace exposure to these glycol ethers and little or no potential for exposure in the future because of the availability of lesstoxic substitutes, OSHA has concluded that the proposed rule is no longer necessary.

Sunshine Act Meeting

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

System Energy Resources, Inc., Grand Gulf Site; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

System Energy Resources, Inc. (SERI) has submitted an application for an early site permit (ESP) for its Grand Gulf site, located in Claiborne County, near Port Gibson, Mississippi. The application for the ESP was submitted by letter dated October 16, 2003, pursuant to 10 CFR part 52. A notice of receipt of application, including the environmental report (ER), was published in the Federal Register on November 14, 2003 (68 FR 64665). A notice of acceptance for docketing of the application for an early site permit for Grand Gulf was published in the Federal Register on December 1, 2003 (68 FR 67219). The purpose of this notice is to inform the public that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will be preparing an environmental impact statement (EIS) in support of the review of the ESP application and to provide the public with an opportunity to participate in the environmental scoping process as defined in 10 CFR 51.29. In addition, as outlined in 36 CFR 800.8, ``Coordination with the

Notice of Availability of Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for License Amendment for

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Minor Correction Amendments

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is amending its regulations to correct several miscellaneous errors in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). This document is necessary to inform the public of these corrective changes to NRC regulations.

Notice of Intent To Grant Exclusive Patent License; Seahawk Biosystems Corporation

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Department of the Navy hereby gives notice of its intent to grant to Seahawk Biosystems Corporation, a revocable, nonassignable, exclusive license to practice in the field of pathogen detection and disease and infection diagnostic testing for veterinary applications (small and large animals, including equine); pathogen and toxin detection in food products derived from animals; pathogen and toxin detection in food processing; pathogen and toxin detection in, and monitoring of, public water, wastewater, and groundwater in the United States and certain foreign countries, the Governmentowned inventions described in U.S. Patent No. 5,981,297 entitled ``Biosensor Using MagneticallyDetected Label'', Navy Case No. 77,576 and U.S. Patent No. 6,180,418 entitled ``Force Discrimination Assay'', Navy Case No. 78,183.

Public Hearing for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Stabilization of In-Water Facilities at Fox Island

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Pursuant to section 102(2) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the regulations implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR parts 15001508), the Department of the Navy (Navy) has prepared and filed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the stabilization of inwater facilities at Fox Island Laboratory (FIL) on Carr Inlet in southern Puget Sound, Washington. The Navy will conduct a public hearing to receive oral and written comments on the DEIS. Federal, state, and local agencies and interested individuals are invited to be present or represented at the public hearing. Navy representatives will be available to clarify information related to the DEIS.

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; NTIA/FCC Web- Coordination Collection

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on the proposed information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Pub. L. 10413 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

Notice of Intent To Seek Approval To Carry Out a New Information Collection

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is announcing plans to request clearance of this collection. In accordance with the requirement of Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 10413), we are providing opportunity for public comment on this action. After obtaining and considering public comment, NSF will prepare the submission requesting that OMB approve clearance of this collection for no longer than 1 year.

Marine Mammals; File No. 821-1588-02

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the Texas A&M University, Department of Marine Biology, P.O. Box 1675, Galveston, Texas 77551 (Principal Investigator: Dr. Randall W. Davis) has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 82158801.

Marine Mammals; File No. 259-1481

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that Ronald Schusterman, Ph.D., Long Marine Laboratory, University of California Santa Cruz, 100 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, California 95060 has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 259148101.

Marine Mammals; File No. 116-1477

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that Sea World, Inc., 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, Florida 328218097 (Principal Investigator: Dudley Wigdahl, Sea World of Texas) has been issued an amendment to Permit No. 116147701 to take Hawaiian monk seals, Monachus schauinslandi, for scientific research and enhancement purposes.

Endangered Species; File No. 1418

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given that Lawrence D. Wood, Marinelife Center of Juno Beach, 14200 U.S. Hwy. 1, Juno Beach, FL, 33408, has been issued a permit to take hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) for purposes of scientific research.

Notice of Indirect Cost Rates for the National Marine Sanctuary Program

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) is announcing the establishment of indirect cost rates and a policy on the recovery of indirect costs for its involvement in natural resource damage assessment and restoration activities. These rates and the NMSP policy will be applied to all damage assessment and restoration case costs as of October 1, 2001, for cases not settled prior to that date. More information on these rates and the NMSP policy can be obtained from the address provided below.

South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The SEDAR process for stock assessments consists of a series of three workshops, a Data Review Workshop, an Assessment Workshop, and a Review Workshop. As part of this series, an Assessment Workshop is being held for Goliath grouper and hogfish.

Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Pacific Fishery Management Council's (Council) Groundfish Management Team (GMT) will hold a work planning session which is open to the public.

Availability of Seats for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (HIHWNMS) is seeking applicants for the following vacant seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council (Council): Maui County Alternate, Kaua'i County Alternate, Education Alternate, Fishing Alternate, Native Hawaiian Member, and Native Hawaiian Alternate. Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in Hawaii. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve twoyear terms, pursuant to the Council's Charter.

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Bluefin Tuna Fisheries

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

NMFS adjusts the coastwide General category quota for the Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT) fishery by transferring 15.0 metric tons (mt) from the Longline North subcategory quota, 12 mt from the Longline South subcategory quota and 3 mt from the Trap category to the coastwide General category for a revised quota of approximately 564.4 mt. NMFS reopens the coastwide BFT General category for the time period of 12:30 a.m. January 2 through 11:30 p.m. January 3, 2004 inclusive. These actions are being taken to allow for maximum utilization of the U.S. BFT landings quota while maintaining a fair distribution of fishing opportunities, preventing overharvest of the adjusted quotas for the affected fishing categories, helping to achieve optimum yield in the General category fishery, and allowing the collection of a broad range of data for stock monitoring purposes, consistent with the objectives of the Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Tunas, Swordfish, and Sharks (HMS FMP).

Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

The notice is being republished to provide an additional (30) day comment period. The original notice was published on June 27, 2003 (3 FR 16303).

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Office of the General Counsel, in accordance with section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, plans to request approval for the use of NLRB Form 4560, Supplemental Statement Application for Professional Position in the Office of the General Counsel. Using this form will substantially reduce the number of hours currently expended to review applications received for the positions of attorneys and field examiners in the office of the General Counsel.

Currently, applications are received in various forms, e.g., SF 171, OF612, and resumes.

As a result, required information is not easily obtained and requested information necessary to the Agency's review may be missing altogether. By providing a standard format, all information necessary to the Agency's review would be addressed and in

National Institute of Mental Health; Notice of Closed Meetings

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), notice is hereby given of the following meetings.

The meetings will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The contract proposals and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the contract proposals, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

Name of Committee: National Institute of Mental Health Special Emphasis Panel, SBIR Phase I, Topic 46.

Date: January 8, 2004.

Time: 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Agenda: To review and evaluate contract proposals.

Place: National Institutes of Health, Neuroscience Center, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20852 (Telephone Conference Call).

Contact Person: Marth

National Institute Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; Notice of Meeting

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), notice is hereby given of a meeting of the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Advisory Council.

The meeting will be open to the public as indicated below, with attendance limited to space available. Individuals who plan to attend and need special assistance, such as sign language interpretation or other reasonable accommodations, should notify the Contact Person listed below in advance of the meeting.

The meeting will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections
[[Page 75602]]
552b(c)(4) and 552(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and/or contract proposals and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications and/or contract proposals, the disclosure of which would

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Notice of Closed Meetings

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Pursuant to section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. Appendix 2), notice is hereby given of the following meetings.

The meetings will be closed to the public in accordance with the provisions set forth in sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6), Title 5 U.S.C., as amended. The grant applications and the discussions could disclose confidential trade secrets or commercial property such as patentable material, and personal information concerning individuals associated with the grant applications, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

Name of Committee: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Special Emphasis Panel, Botulinum Toxin Biophysics P01.

Date: January 16, 2004.

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Agenda: To review and evaluate grant applications.

Place: Double Tree Hotel, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852.

Contact Person; Tracy A. Shahan, PhD, Scientific Review Admini

Fee Rates

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

Notice is hereby given, pursuant to 25 CFR 514.1(a)(3), that the National Indian Gaming Commission has adopted final annual fee rates of 0.00% for tier 1 and 0.0635% (.000635) for tier 2 for calendar year 2003. These rates shall apply to all assessable gross revenues from each gaming operation under the jurisdiction of the Commission. If a tribe has a certificate of selfregulation under 25 CFR part 518, the final fee rate on class II revenues for calendar year 2003 shall be onehalf of the annual fee rate, which is 0.03175% (.0003175).

Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

As authorized by Pub. L. 105-383 and Pub. L. 107-295, the Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S. build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below. The complete application is given in DOT docket 200316752 at http://dms.dot.gov. Interested parties may comment on the effect this action
may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.flag vessels. If MARAD determines, in accordance with Pub. L. 105 383 and MARAD's regulations at 46 CFR part 388 (68 FR 23084; April 30, 2003), that the issuance of the waiver will have an unduly adverse effect on a U.S.vessel builder or a business that uses U.S.flag vessels in that business, a

Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

As authorized by Pub. L. 105-383 and Pub. L. 107-295, the Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S. build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below. The complete application is given in DOT docket 200316754 at http://dms.dot.gov. Interested parties may comment on the effect this action
may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.flag vessels. If MARAD determines, in accordance with Pub. L. 105 383 and MARAD's regulations at 46 CFR part 388 (68 FR 23084; April 30, 2003), that the issuance of the waiver will have an unduly adverse effect on a U.S.vessel builder or a business that uses U.S.flag vessels in that business, a

Requested Administrative Waiver of the Coastwise Trade Laws

Wed, Dec 31 2003 11:00:00 GMT

As authorized by Pub. L. 105-383 and Pub. L. 107-295, the Secretary of Transportation, as represented by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S. build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. A request for such a waiver has been received by MARAD. The vessel, and a brief description of the proposed service, is listed below. The complete application is given in DOT docket 200316755 at http://dms.dot.gov. Interested parties may comment on the effect this action
may have on U.S. vessel builders or businesses in the U.S. that use U.S.flag vessels. If MARAD determines, in accordance with Pub. L. 105 383 and MARAD's regulations at 46 CFR part 388 (68 FR 23084; April 30, 2003), that the issuance of the waiver will have an unduly adverse effect on a U.S.vessel builder or a business that uses U.S.flag vessels in that business, a