[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 3, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 209-212]
[FR Doc No: 2017-28146]

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Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.

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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 2 / Wednesday, January 3, 2018 /
Rules and Regulations

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-1178; Product Identifier 2014-NM-144-AD; Amendment
39-19140; AD 2017-26-09]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; ATR--GIE Avions de Transport
R[eacute]gional Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR 42-500 airplanes
and Model ATR 72-212A airplanes. This AD requires a one-time inspection
for damage of the engine fire extinguishing pipes and incorrect pipe
installation, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted
by a report of damage to an engine fire extinguishing pipe due to
chafing between the pipe and a fastener assembly; the chafing occurred
as a result of incorrect installation of the pipe. We are issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective January 18, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 18,
2018.
    We must receive comments on this AD by February 20, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this final rule, contact
ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional, 1, All[eacute]e Pierre
Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21;
fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18; email aircraft.com">[email protected]aircraft.com. You may view this referenced service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-
227-1221. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
1178.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
1178; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office
(telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shahram Daneshmandi, Aerospace
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 1601
Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax 425-
227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the aviation
authority for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0144R1, dated June 10 2014; corrected June
11, 2014 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional
Model ATR 42-500 airplanes and Model ATR 72-212A airplanes. The MCAI
states:

    Damage of an engine fire extinguishing pipe was reported on an
in-service ATR 72-212A aeroplane. The damage was induced by chafing
between the engine fire extinguishing pipe and a fastener assembly
installed between flap arm and hinge flap at rib 4 during flaps
extension to the 30 degrees position. The subsequent investigation
also determined that the chafing occurred as a result of an
incorrect (back to front) installation of the pipe.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
damage of the fire extinguishing pipe, possibly generating a leak,
leading to loss of available extinguishing agent and resulting in
reduced capability to extinguish an engine fire.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, ATR issued Service
Bulletins (SB) ATR42-26-0031 and ATR72-26-1027 to provide inspection
instructions, as applicable to aeroplane model.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time [general] visual inspection [for damage] of the affected area
[and incorrect pipe installation] and, depending on findings,
accomplishment of applicable corrective actions.

Damaged pipes are defined as pipes that have wear due to chafing
without evidence of cracking. Corrective actions include replacing
damaged pipes, ensuring correct alignment, applying protective sealant
and corrosion inhibiting compound, replacing damaged fasteners with new
fasteners, and repairing flap arms and flap hinges. You may examine the
MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1178.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    ATR has issued the following service information.
     ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-26-0031, dated April 30, 2014.
This service information describes procedures for inspecting for damage
and incorrect installation of the left-hand and right-hand engine fire
extinguishing pipes, and corrective actions.
     ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-26-1027, dated April 30, 2014.
This service information describes procedures for inspecting for damage
and incorrect installation of the left-hand and right-

hand engine fire extinguishing pipes, and corrective actions.
    These documents are distinct since they apply to different airplane
models. This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this
AD.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    There are currently no domestic operators of this product.
Therefore, we find good cause that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment are unnecessary. In addition, for the reasons stated
above, we find that good cause exists for making this amendment
effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-1178; Product
Identifier 2014-NM-144-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD based on
those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. If an
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the
future, we provide the following cost estimates to comply with this AD:
    We estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost $0 per product. Based on
these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD will be $170 per
product.
    We also estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will take
about 16 work-hours and require parts costing $1,360, for a cost of
$2,720 per product. We have no way of determining the number of
aircraft that might need these actions.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):

2017-26-09 ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional: Amendment
39-19140; Docket No. FAA-2017-1178; Product Identifier 2014-NM-144-
AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective January 18, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1)
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500
airplanes; manufacturer serial number (MSN) 859, and MSNs 1001
through 1010 inclusive.
    (2) ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR72-
212A airplanes; MSN 988 and 989; MSNs 993 through 1000 inclusive,
except MSN 996; and MSNs 1020 through 1142 inclusive, except MSNs
1071, 1135, 1139, 1140, and 1141.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 26, Fire
protection.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of damage of an engine fire
extinguishing pipe due to chafing between the pipe and a certain
fastener assembly; the chafing occurred as a result of incorrect
installation of the pipe. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct

damage of the fire extinguishing pipes, which could generate a leak,
resulting in the loss of available extinguishing agent and reduced
capability to extinguish an engine fire.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.

(g) Inspection for Damaged Fire Extinguishing Pipes

    Within 150 flight hours or 30 days, whichever occurs first after
the effective date of this AD, accomplish a one-time inspection for
damage of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) engine fire
extinguishing pipes, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-26-0031, dated April 30,
2014; or ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-26-1027, dated April 30, 2014;
as applicable.

(h) Measurement of Wear Depth

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
any damage is detected on an engine fire extinguishing pipe, before
further flight, remove the damaged pipe, measure the maximum wear
depth in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR
Service Bulletin ATR42-26-0031, dated April 30, 2014; or ATR Service
Bulletin ATR72-26-1027, dated April 30, 2014; as applicable.

(i) Corrective Actions and Related Investigative Actions for Major Wear
Depth

    If, during a measurement required by paragraph (h) of this AD, a
depth of wear greater than 0.5 mm (0.0197 inch) is detected, before
further flight, accomplish the actions specified by paragraphs
(i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of this AD, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-26-0031,
dated April 30, 2014; or ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-26-1027, dated
April 30, 2014; as applicable.
    (1) Replace the damaged pipe with a new engine fire
extinguishing pipe.
    (2) Inspect the LH and RH flap parts (flap fasteners, flap arms,
hinge flaps) at rib 4 for damage; and, depending on the findings,
accomplish the applicable corrective actions, except, where ATR
Service Bulletins ATR42-26-0031 and ATR72-26-1027, both dated April
30, 2014, specify to contact ATR for appropriate action, before
further flight, accomplish corrective actions in accordance with the
procedures specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this AD.
    (3) Accomplish a functional test of the engine fire
extinguishing system. If the part fails the test, before further
flight, do corrective actions, repeat the test, and do applicable
corrective actions until the part passes the test.

(j) Corrective Actions for Minor Wear Depth

    If, during a measurement required by paragraph (h) of this AD, a
depth of wear less than, or equal to, 0.5 mm (0.0197 inch) is
detected, before further flight, accomplish the actions required by
paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-26-
0031, dated April 30, 2014; or ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-26-1027,
dated April 30, 2014; as applicable.
    (1) Do the actions specified by either paragraph (j)(1)(i) or
(j)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Replace the damaged pipe with a new engine fire
extinguishing pipe.
    (ii) Re-install the damaged pipe correctly, and, within 30 days
after the inspection as required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
replace the damaged pipe with a new engine fire extinguishing pipe.
    (2) Inspect the LH and RH flap parts (flap fasteners, flap arms,
hinge flaps) at rib 4 for damage; and, depending on the findings,
accomplish all applicable corrective actions before further flight,
except, where ATR Service Bulletins ATR42-26-0031 and ATR72-26-1027,
both dated April 30, 2014, specify to contact ATR for appropriate
action, before further flight, accomplish corrective actions in
accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (n)(2) of this
AD.
    (3) Accomplish a functional test of the engine fire
extinguishing system. If the part fails the test, before further
flight, do corrective actions, repeat the test, and do applicable
corrective actions until the part passes the test.

(k) Pipe Replacement

    Within 30 days after the replacement specified by paragraph (h)
of this AD, unless already accomplished as required by paragraph
(i)(1) or (j)(1) of this AD, as applicable, replace the damaged fire
extinguisher pipe in accordance with the instructions of ATR Service
Bulletin ATR42-26-0031, dated April 30, 2014; or ATR Service
Bulletin ATR72-26-1027, dated April 30, 2014; as applicable, and,
concurrently, accomplish the actions specified by paragraphs (j)(2)
and (j)(3) of this AD.

(l) Corrective Action for Incorrect Pipe Installation

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
no damage is detected, before further flight, verify the correct
installation of the extinguishing pipes, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service Bulletins ATR42-26-0031
or ATR72-26-1027, both dated April 30, 2014, as applicable. If any
engine fire extinguishing pipe is found incorrectly installed,
before further flight, re-install the pipe correctly and accomplish
a functional test of the engine fire extinguishing system in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of ATR Service
Bulletin ATR42-26-0031, dated April 30, 2014; or ATR Service
Bulletin ATR72-26-1027, dated April 30, 2014; as applicable. If the
part fails the test, before further flight, do corrective actions,
repeat the test, and do applicable corrective actions until the part
passes the test.

(m) Corrective Action for Damage Beyond Limits

    If, during any inspection specified by paragraph (i)(2) or
(j)(2) of this AD, as applicable, any damage is detected on flap
arms or hinge flaps that is determined to be beyond the defined
limits indicated in ATR Structural Repair Manual (SRM) 511010-01-
001-A01, dated October 1, 2014, before further flight, accomplish
corrective actions in accordance with the procedures specified in
paragraph (n)(2) of this AD.

(n) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the certification office, send it to the
attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(2) of this AD.
Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the
local flight standards district office/certificate holding district
office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA); or ATR--GIE Avions de Transport
R[eacute]gional's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0144R1, dated June10, 2014;
corrected June 11, 2014; for related information. You may examine
the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-1178.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Shahram
Daneshmandi, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057-3356;
telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>; fax<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (n)(3) and (n)(4) of this AD.

(p) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) ATR Service Bulletin ATR42-26-0031, dated April 30, 2014.
    (ii) ATR Service Bulletin ATR72-26-1027, dated April 30, 2014.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact ATR--
GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional, 1, All[eacute]e Pierre
Nadot, 31712 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 (0) 5 62 21 62 21;
fax +33 (0) 5 62 21 67 18;

email aircraft.com">[email protected]aircraft.com.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 20, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-28146 Filed 1-2-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


[Federal Register: August 17, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 158)]
[Notices]
[Page 50755]
[DOCID:fr17au10-39]

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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Combined Notice of Filings No. 1

August 11, 2010.
    Take notice that the Commission has received the following Natural
Gas Pipeline Rate and Refund Report filings:
    Docket Numbers: RP10-1057-000.
    Applicants: ANR Pipeline Company.
    Description: ANR Pipeline submits amendments to negotiated rate
service agreements with BP Exploration & Production, Inc.
    Filed Date: 08/06/2010.
    Accession Number: 20100806-0211.
    Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, August 18, 2010.

    Docket Numbers: RP10-1058-000.
    Applicants: Golden Triangle Storage, Inc.
    Description: Golden Triangle Storage, Inc submits proposed tariff
Sheets to FERC Gas Tariff, Original Volume No 1, to be effective 9/1/
10.
    Filed Date: 08/06/2010.
    Accession Number: 20100809-0202.
    Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, August 18, 2010.

    Docket Numbers: RP10-1059-000.
    Applicants: Egan Hub Storage, LLC.
    Description: Egan Hub Storage, LLC submits tariff filing per
154.204: 2010-08-11 New Meter Sync-up to be effective 6/21/2010.
    Filed Date: 08/11/2010.
    Accession Number: 20100811-5023.
    Comment Date: 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, August 23, 2010.

    Any person desiring to intervene or to protest in any of the above
proceedings must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the
Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.211 and
385.214) on or before 5 p.m. Eastern time on the specified comment
date. It is not necessary to separately intervene again in a subdocket
related to a compliance filing if you have previously intervened in the
same docket. Protests will be considered by the Commission in
determining the appropriate action to be taken, but will not serve to
make protestants parties to the proceeding. Anyone filing a motion to
intervene or protest must serve a copy of that document on the
Applicant. In reference to filings initiating a new proceeding,
interventions or protests submitted on or before the comment deadline
need not be served on persons other than the Applicant.
    The Commission encourages electronic submission of protests and
interventions in lieu of paper, using the FERC Online links at http://
www.ferc.gov. To facilitate electronic service, persons with Internet
access who will eFile a document and/or be listed as a contact for an
intervenor must create and validate an eRegistration account using the
eRegistration link. Select the eFiling link to log on and submit the
intervention or protests.
    Persons unable to file electronically should submit an original and
14 copies of the intervention or protest to the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, 888 First St., NE., Washington, DC 20426.
    The filings in the above proceedings are accessible in the
Commission's eLibrary system by clicking on the appropriate link in the
above list. They are also available for review in the Commission's
Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. There is an eSubscription link
on the Web site that enables subscribers to receive e-mail notification
when a document is added to a subscribed dockets(s). For assistance
with any FERC Online service, please e-mail<EMAIL_ADDRESS>
or call<PHONE_NUMBER> (toll free). For TTY, call<PHONE_NUMBER>.

Nathaniel J. Davis, Sr.,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2010-20270 Filed 8-16-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6717-01-P


[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 25 (Monday, February 7, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6938-6940]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02450]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Railroad Administration

[Docket No. FRA-2022-0006]

Request for Information for the Corridor Identification and
Development Program

AGENCY: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Request for information (RFI).

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SUMMARY: On November 15, 2021, President Biden signed into law the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law (BIL). The BIL provides historic appropriations for
railroad transportation grant programs administered by the Federal
Railroad Administration (FRA), and also authorizes new programs to
enhance rail safety and to repair, restore, improve, and expand the
nation's rail network. Among those new programs is the Corridor
Identification and Development Program (the Program), which creates a
new framework to facilitate the development of new, enhanced, and
restored intercity passenger rail corridors throughout the country. The
BIL requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish the Program
within 180 days of enactment (i.e., May 14, 2022). This responsibility
is delegated to FRA. In this request for information (RFI), FRA is
seeking comments on the Program and how it can best serve stakeholders
and the public in facilitating the development of intercity passenger
rail corridors.

DATES: Written comments on this RFI must be received on or before March
9,

2022. FRA will consider comments filed after this date to the extent
practicable.

ADDRESSES: Comments should refer to docket number FRA-2022-0006 and be
submitted by at http://www.regulations.gov. Search by using the docket
number and follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    Instructions: All submissions must include the agency name and
docket number for this RFI.

    Note:  All comments received, including any personal
information, will be posted without change to the docket and will be
accessible to the public at http://www.regulations.gov. You should
not include information in your comment that you do not want to be
made public. Input submitted online via www.regulations.gov is not
immediately posted to the site. It may take several business days
before your submission is posted.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  For further information related to
this RFI, please contact Peter Schwartz, Chief, Project Engineering and
Transportation Planning Division, by email: [email protected] or by
telephone:<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The Program is intended to facilitate the development of intercity
passenger rail corridors. Public Law 117-58 sec. 22308 (Nov. 15, 2021);
49 U.S.C. 25101(a) (while this citation may not yet be available in
some online versions of the U.S. Code, the text may be found at https://www.congress.gov/117/plaws/publ58/PLAW-117publ58.pdf at 135 STAT.
730). The Program includes: (1) A process for eligible entities to
submit proposals for the development of intercity passenger rail
corridors; (2) a process for FRA to review and select such proposals;
(3) criteria for determining the level of readiness for Federal
financial assistance of intercity passenger rail corridors; (4) a
process for preparing service development plans (SDPs); (5) the
creation of a pipeline of intercity passenger rail corridor projects;
(6) planning guidance; and (7) such other features as FRA considers
relevant. 49 U.S.C. 25101(a)(1)-(7).
    FRA seeks information from all those interested in the Program on
how the Program should be implemented to best facilitate the
development of intercity passenger rail corridors. Where available and
appropriate, FRA requests that respondents provide relevant technical
information, statutory or regulatory citations, data, or other evidence
to support their comments. FRA also requests that responses to this RFI
be organized by the topics outlined below, including references, as
applicable, to the numbered questions. Respondents are encouraged to
address in their responses any topics they believe to be relevant to
the Program and are not limited to addressing only those topics and
questions outlined below.

Roles and Responsibilities Within the Program

    While FRA has a central role in the administration of the Program,
the BIL also calls for important roles for other parties--including
States, Amtrak, host railroads, labor organizations, and other
stakeholders--who typically have responsibilities in intercity
passenger rail development efforts. For example, Amtrak, States, groups
of States, entities implementing interstate compacts, regional
passenger rail authorities, regional planning organizations, political
subdivisions of a State, federally recognized Tribes, and other public
entities, as determined by FRA, are all eligible to submit proposals
for the development of intercity passenger rail corridors under the
Program. 49 U.S.C. 25101(b). In addition, in partnering on the
preparation of an SDP, FRA must partner with the entity that submitted
the proposal, relevant States, and Amtrak, as appropriate, and also
must consult with Amtrak, appropriate State and regional transportation
authorities and local officials, employee labor organizations, host
railroads, and other stakeholders, as determined by the Secretary. 49
U.S.C. 25101(d) and (e).
    1. What is the appropriate role for Amtrak, in the submission and
development of proposals submitted by other entities, for corridors
that currently are or would be intended to be operated by Amtrak?
    2. What are the appropriate roles for FRA and other parties in the
preparation of SDPs under 49 U.S.C. 25101(d), or in other Program
activities?

Service Development Plans

    As noted, for each intercity passenger rail corridor selected for
development under the Program, FRA must partner with the entity that
submitted the proposal, relevant States, and Amtrak, as appropriate, to
prepare an SDP (or to update an existing SDP). 49 U.S.C. 25101(d). As
further detailed in the statute, the SDP must include: (1) A detailed
description of the proposed intercity passenger rail service; (2) a
corridor project inventory, identifying the capital projects necessary
to achieve the proposed intercity passenger rail service and the order
in which Federal funding will be sought; (3) a schedule, and any
associated phasing, of projects and related service initiation or
changes; (4) project sponsors and other entities expected to
participate in carrying out the plan; (5) a description of how the
corridor would comply with Federal rail safety and security laws,
orders, and regulations; (6) the locations of existing and proposed
stations; (7) the needs for rolling stock and other equipment; (8) a
financial plan; (9) a description of how the corridor would contribute
to the development of a multi-State regional network of intercity
passenger rail; (10) an intermodal plan; (11) a description of the
anticipated environmental benefits; and (12) a description of the
corridor's impacts on highway and aviation congestion, energy
consumption, land use, and economic development. 49 U.S.C. 25101(d)(1)-
(12).
    3. Where permissible, should SDPs under the Program have the option
to be prepared as longer-range planning documents, so that the
implementation of the new or improved service (through the
implementation of the projects included in the ``corridor project
inventory,'' and advancement of such projects into the project
pipeline) may be sequenced or phased over time?
    4. Where permissible, should SDPs under the Program develop and
narrow alternatives for implementing a new or improved service through
the use of a planning process undertaken in advance of environmental
review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (e.g., in a
manner similar to that applicable to highway and transit projects under
appendix A to 23 CFR part 450--Linking the Transportation Planning and
NEPA Processes)?
    5. How should public involvement and environmental considerations
be incorporated into the preparation of SDPs under the Program, and how
might that vary depending on whether or not SDPs develop and narrow
alternatives (as described in Question #4)?
    6. 49 U.S.C. 25101(e) requires that FRA consult with certain
stakeholders in the preparation of SDPs under the Program. What
approaches could FRA take to ensure the consultation process is
effective and meaningful?

Project Pipeline

    As noted above, under the Program, FRA must annually submit a
project pipeline to Congress that, as further detailed in the statute:
(1) Identifies intercity passenger rail corridors selected for
development; (2) identifies capital projects for Federal investment;
(3) specifies the order in which FRA would provide financial
assistance, including a method and plan for apportioning funds; (4)
takes into

consideration the appropriate sequence and phasing of projects; (5)
takes into consideration the existing commitments and anticipated
funding levels; (6) is prioritized based on the level of readiness of
the corridor; and (7) reflects consultation with Amtrak. 49 U.S.C.
25101(g)(1)-(7). The statute does not specify what level of development
should be achieved prior to identifying a capital project for Federal
investment in the pipeline.
    7. Should capital projects identified in the project pipeline be
required to be ready for immediate implementation (i.e., final design
and construction), and be supported by a completed environmental
determination under NEPA, completed preliminary engineering, and (as
applicable) agreements with the relevant host railroad(s)?
    8. If a capital project must be ready for immediate implementation
in order to be included in the project pipeline (see Question #7),
should FRA establish a ``pre-Pipeline'' of projects that have been
identified in the ``corridor project inventories'' included in the SDPs
prepared under 49 U.S.C. 25101(d), and that are in the process of being
readied for implementation (e.g., in the process of environmental
review under NEPA, undergoing completion of preliminary engineering,
etc.), but which are not ready for implementation?
    9. Through what means, and in consideration of what factors (beyond
those enumerated in 49 U.S.C. 25101(g)(4)-(7)), should FRA establish
the order (or prioritization) of the list of capital projects eligible
for funding identified under the project pipeline, as called for in 49
U.S.C. 25101(g)(3)?

Funding of Program Activities

    The BIL makes funding available to carry out planning and
development activities related to the Program. Public Law 117-58 22307;
49 U.S.C. 24911(k). The statute includes three examples of activities
that may be undertaken using this funding, including: (1) Providing
funding to public entities for the development of SDPs selected under
the Program; (2) facilitating and providing guidance for intercity
passenger rail systems planning; and (3) providing funding for the
development and refinement of intercity passenger rail systems planning
analytical tools and models. 49 U.S.C. 24911(k)(1)-(3). The statute
does not limit the use of such funding to these three examples.
    10. What other Program activities should be undertaken with the
support of funding provided under 49 U.S.C. 24911(k)?

Readiness of Proposals for Selection into the Program

    The statute specifies criteria for the selection of corridors for
the Program. However, these criteria do not fully address the readiness
of a proposed corridor for development under the Program.
    11. Should FRA consider readiness factors not otherwise described
in the statute when evaluating proposals submitted for the Program, and
if so, what factors would be relevant in assessing readiness?
    12. In determining the readiness of a proposal, should FRA consider
the degree of commitment to the eventual implementation of the proposal
demonstrated by: (1) The entity submitting the proposal, (2) the
proposed service sponsor(s), and/or (3) the proposed capital project
sponsor(s)?

Criteria for the Selection of Proposals

    When selecting intercity passenger rail corridors for the Program,
FRA must consider fourteen specific criteria. 49 U.S.C. 25101(c).
    13. Of the fourteen selection criteria enumerated in 49 U.S.C.
25101(c), are certain criteria of greater importance to the successful
development of an intercity passenger rail corridor?
    14. What other considerations may be appropriate in evaluating
proposals for corridors to be developed under the Program?

Selectivity of the Program

    FRA must solicit and select intercity passenger rail corridor
proposals for development under the Program, and must partner with the
entity that submitted the proposal to prepare an SDP for a selected
proposal. While FRA must apply certain corridor selection criteria, the
statute does not address the selectivity of the Program.
    15. In general, how selective should the Program be, particularly
during the period directly following its establishment? Should all
proposals that meet a minimum threshold be selected for development
under the Program, or should only a limited number of top proposals be
selected, and if so, why?
    16. What considerations are relevant for determining the
selectivity of the Program?

    Issued in Washington, DC
Paul Nissenbaum,
Associate Administrator, Office of Railroad Policy and Development.
[FR Doc. 2022-02450 Filed 2-4-22; 8:45 am]
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[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 186 (Wednesday, September 25, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59018-59019]
[FR Doc No: 2013-23244]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-9901-27--Region 5]

Notification of a Public Teleconference of the Great Lakes
Advisory Board

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on behalf of the
federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Task Force agencies,
announces a public teleconference of the Great Lakes Advisory Board
(GLAB). The purpose of the teleconference is for the GLAB to discuss
its draft recommendations that will inform the development of a draft

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative FY 2015-2019 Action Plan.

DATES: The public teleconference will be held on October 1, 2013 from
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time. The teleconference number
is<PHONE_NUMBER>. Due to budgetary uncertainties, EPA is announcing this
meeting with less than 15 calendar days public notice.

ADDRESSES: The public teleconference will take place by telephone only.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Any member of the public wishing
further information regarding this teleconference may contact Rita
Cestaric, Designated Federal Officer (DFO), GLAB, by telephone at (312)
886-6815 or email at<EMAIL_ADDRESS>General information on the
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and the GLAB can be found on
the GLRI Web site at http://www.glri.us.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    Background: The GLAB is a federal advisory committee chartered
under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), Public Law 92-463. EPA
established the GLAB in 2013 to provide independent advice to the EPA
Administrator in his or her capacity as Chair of the federal Great
Lakes Interagency Task Force. The GLAB conducts business in accordance
with FACA and related regulations.
    The GLAB consists of 18 members appointed by EPA's Administrator.
Members serve as representatives of state, local and tribal government,
environmental groups, agriculture, business, transportation,
foundations, educational institutions and as technical experts.
    The GLAB held meetings on May 21-22, 2013 and July 23, 2013 (as
noticed in 78 FR 26636-26637 and 78 FR 42944) as well as a
teleconference on June 12, 2103 (noticed in 78 FR 32645-32646) to
discuss the development of a draft FY 2015-2019 GLRI Action Plan. The
purpose of the October 1, 2013 teleconference is for the panel to
discuss their draft recommendations.
    Availability of Teleconference Materials: The agenda and other
materials in support of the teleconference will be available on the
GLRI Web site at http://www.glri.us in advance of the teleconference.
    Procedures for Providing Public Input: Federal advisory committees
provide independent advice to federal agencies. Members of the public
can submit relevant comments for consideration by the GLAB. Input from
the public to the GLAB will have the most impact if it provides
specific information for the GLAB to consider. Members of the public
wishing to provide comments should contact the DFO directly.
    Oral Statements: In general, individuals or groups requesting an
oral presentation at this public teleconference will be limited to
three minutes per speaker, subject to the number of people wanting to
comment. Interested parties should contact Rita Cestaric, DFO, in
writing (preferably via email) at the contact information noted above
by September 30, 2013 to be placed on the list of public speakers for
the teleconference.
    Written Statements: Written statements must be received by
September 30, 2013 so that it may be made available to the GLAB for
consideration. Written statements should be supplied to the DFO in the
following formats: One hard copy with original signature and one
electronic copy via email. Commenters are requested to provide two
versions of each document submitted: one each with and without
signatures because only documents without signatures may be published
on the GLRI Web page.
    Accessibility: For information on access or services for
individuals with disabilities, please contact Rita Cestaric at the
phone number or email address noted above, preferably at least 10 days
prior to the teleconference, to give EPA as much time as possible to
process your request.

    Dated: September 7, 2013.
Cameron Davis,
Senior Advisor to the Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2013-23244 Filed 9-24-13; 8:45 am]
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