The State of Texas hereby gives notice of the proposed resolution of an environmental enforcement lawsuit brought pursuant to the Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act and the Texas Water Code. Before the State may settle a judicial enforcement action, pursuant to Section 7.110 of the Texas Water Code, the State shall permit the public to comment in writing on the proposed judgment. The Attorney General will consider any written comments and may withdraw or withhold consent to the proposed agreed judgment if the comments disclose facts or considerations that indicate that the consent is inappropriate, improper, inadequate, or inconsistent with the requirements of the Law.

Case Title and Court: Harris County, Texas, and the State of Texas, by and through the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, a Necessary and Indispensable Party v. Waste Resources, Inc.; No. 2001-55871 in the 270th Judicial District, Harris County, Texas.

Nature of Suit: This suit concerns storage and disposal of municipal solid wastes at a facility at 14403 Luthe Road in Houston, Texas. The facility was operated by Defendant Waste Resources, Inc., without a permit from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (formerly the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission).

Proposed Agreed Judgment: The proposed Agreed Final Judgment settles all of the claims in the suit. The Agreed Final Judgment requires Defendant to pay $14,000.00 in civil penalties and $2,000.00 in attorney's fees.

For a complete description of the proposed settlement, the complete proposed Agreed Final Judgment should be reviewed. Requests for copies of the judgment and written comments on the proposed settlement should be directed to Liz Bills, Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Texas Attorney General, P. O. Box 12548, Austin, Texas 78711-2548, (512) 463-2012, facsimile (512) 320-0911. Written comments must be received within 30 days of publication of this notice to be considered.

For information regarding this publication, you may contact A.G. Younger, Agency Liaison, at 512 463-2110.

TRD-200303150

Nancy S. Fuller

Assistant Attorney General

Office of the Attorney General

Filed: May 21, 2003

Notice is given that the following applications have been filed with the Credit Union Department and are under consideration:

An application was received from The Education Credit Union, Amarillo, Texas to expand its field of membership. The proposal would permit members of the Panhandle PC User's Group, Amarillo, Texas, to be eligible for membership in the credit union.

An application was received from United Heritage Credit Union, Austin, Texas to expand its field of membership. The proposal would permit persons that live, work, or attend school and business located in Smith, Rains, Wood, Upshur, Gregg, Cherokee, Henderson and Van Zandt Counties of Texas, to be eligible for membership in the credit union.

An application was received from United Heritage Credit Union, Austin, Texas to expand its field of membership. The proposal would permit persons that live, work, or attend school and business located in Williamson, Lee, Bell and Milam Counties of Texas, to be eligible for membership in the credit union.

An application was received from United Heritage Credit Union, Austin, Texas to expand its field of membership. The proposal would permit persons that live, work, or attend school and business located in Travis, Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Blanco and Burnett Counties of Texas, to be eligible for membership in the credit union.

An application was received from MemberSource Credit Union, Houston, Texas to expand its field of membership. The proposal would permit employees of Truine Engineering, Inc., who work in or are paid or supervised from Houston, Texas, to be eligible for membership in the credit union.

An application was received from Houston Energy Credit Union, Houston, Texas to expand its field of membership. The proposal would permit employees and members of The Arc of Greater Houston, to be eligible for membership in the credit union.

An application was received from Access Credit Union, Amarillo, Texas to expand its field of membership. The proposal would permit persons who live, work, or attend school in Potter and Randall Counties of the State of Texas, to be eligible for membership in the credit union.

An application was received from TruWest Credit Union, Scottsdale, Arizona to expand the field of membership of its branch offices located in Austin, Texas. The proposal would permit members of the Shady Hollow Home Owner's Association, to be eligible for membership in the credit union.

An application was received from Texans Credit Union, Richardson, Texas to expand its field of membership. The proposal would remove the exclusionary language relating to employees of any company which has its main office or any facility within the area from the corner of Central Expressway and Floyd Road, south to Walnut Hill Lane, east to Greenville Avenue and then south to Northwest Highway, west to University Park city limits and following the same south to Mockingbird Lane, east to Abrams Road, south to LaVista Drive and following same to Grand Avenue, east to Highland Drive, south to U.S. 67 and thence east along highway to intersection with city limit of Dallas and Mesquite, then following the city limits to Garland city limits, following Garland city limits easterly, northerly, and then westerly to the intersection at Buckingham Road, west to Audelia Road, south to Walnut, west to Floyd Road and south on Floyd Road to point of beginning which protects the field of membership of certain occupational-based credit unions.

An application was received from Texans Credit Union, Richardson, Texas to expand its field of membership. The proposal would remove the exclusionary language relating to contractors who work under contract for any business or organization including subsidiaries and affiliates that are within the field of membership of Texans Credit Union which protects the field of membership of certain occupational-based credit unions.

An application was received from Texans Credit Union, Richardson, Texas to expand its field of membership. The proposal would remove the exclusionary language relating to employees and members of Dallas Human Resource Management Association, Inc., which protects the field of membership of certain occupational-based credit unions.

An application was received from Texans Credit Union, Richardson, Texas to expand its field of membership. The proposal would remove the exclusionary language relating to employees and members of Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants and TSCPA Chapters and employees of TSCPA members which protects the field of membership of certain occupational-based credit unions.

An application was received from Texans Credit Union, Richardson, Texas to expand its field of membership. The proposal would remove the exclusionary language relating to employees and members of Texas Society of Professional Engineers and employees of TSPE members which protects the field of membership of certain occupational-based credit unions.

An application was received from Texans Credit Union, Richardson, Texas to expand its field of membership. The proposal would remove the exclusionary language relating to persons who reside or work in Richardson, Plano, and Collin County, Texas which protects the field of membership of certain occupational or associational-based credit unions.

An application was received from Texans Credit Union, Richardson, Texas to expand its field of membership. The proposal would remove the exclusionary language relating to persons who work or reside in Sachse and Wylie, Texas which protects the field of membership of certain occupational or associational-based credit unions.

An application was received from Texans Credit Union, Richardson, Texas to expand its field of membership. The proposal would remove the exclusionary language relating to persons who work or reside in Highland Village, Flower Mound, Coppell, Carrollton, Hebron, Lewisville, The Colony, and Frisco, Texas which protects the field of membership of certain occupational or associational-based credit unions.

An application was received from Texans Credit Union, Richardson, Texas to expand its field of membership. The proposal would remove the exclusionary language relating to individuals who work in Research Park, 12501 Research Boulevard, Austin, Texas, a resubdivision of Research Technology Subdivision, being 253.72 acres in Travis and Williamson County, Texas, as defined in survey case #C8-98-0048.0A, (formerly owned by Texas Instruments Inc., and managed by Trammell Crow Central Texas, Ltd.) which protects the field of membership of certain community, occupation or association-based credit unions.

An application was received from Texans Credit Union, Richardson, Texas to expand its field of membership. The proposal would remove the exclusionary language relating to the employees of any Rockwell International Corporation division that might be acquired in the future by Ericsson North America Inc., which protects the field of membership of certain credit unions.

An application was received from Texans Credit Union, Richardson, Texas to expand its field of membership. The proposal would remove the exclusionary language relating to employees of Rockwell International and Alcatel, and other persons who reside or work within the Telecom Corridor as designated by the Richardson Chamber of Commerce, Richardson, Texas, which protects the field of membership of certain community, occupational or associational-based credit unions.

Comments or a request for a meeting by any interested party relating to an application must be submitted in writing within 30 days from the date of this publication. Credit unions that wish to comment on any application must also complete a Notice of Protest form. The form may be obtained by contacting the Department at (512) 837-9236 or downloading the form at http://www.tcud.state.tx.us/applications.html. Any written comments must provide all information that the interested party wishes the Department to consider in evaluating the application. All information received will be weighed during consideration of the merits of an application. Comments or a request for a meeting should be addressed to the Texas Credit Union Department, 914 East Anderson Lane, Austin, Texas 78752-1699.

TRD-200303157

Harold E. Feeney

Commissioner

Credit Union Department

Filed: May 21, 2003

Notice is given that the following application has been filed with the Credit Union Department and is under consideration:

An application was received from Texas Dow Employees Credit Union, Lake Jackson, Texas to expand its field of membership. The proposal would permit employees of San Luis Pass Fishing Pier at Freeport, Texas, to be eligible for membership in the credit union.

Comments or a request for a meeting by any interested party relating to an application must be submitted in writing within 30 days from the date of this publication. Credit unions that wish to comment on any application must also complete a Notice of Protest form. The form may be obtained by contacting the Department at (512) 837-9236 or downloading the form at http://www.tcud.state.tx.us/applications.html. Any written comments must provide all information that the interested party wishes the Department to consider in evaluating the application. All information received will be weighed during consideration of the merits of an application. Comments or a request for a meeting should be addressed to the Texas Credit Union Department, 914 East Anderson Lane, Austin, Texas 78752-1699.

TRD-200303173

Harold E. Feeney

Commissioner

Credit Union Department

Filed: May 21, 2003

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ or commission) has made available for public comment draft Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) concerning legacy pollutants in the tidal portion of the San Jacinto River near Houston, Texas, in Harris County. The TCEQ will conduct a public meeting to receive comments on the draft TMDLs. This announcement also constitutes notice that the TMDLs will become part of the State Water Quality Management Plan upon approval by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Texas is required to develop TMDLs for impaired water bodies under the Federal Clean Water Act, §303(d). A TMDL is a detailed water quality assessment that provides the scientific foundation to allocate pollutant loads in a certain body of water to restore and maintain designated uses.

The TCEQ will conduct a public meeting on the draft TMDLs concerning legacy pollutants in the tidal portion of the San Jacinto River. The purpose of the public meeting is to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the draft TMDLs. The commission requests comment on each of the six major components of the TMDLs: problem definition, endpoint identification, source analysis, linkage between sources and receiving waters, margin of safety, and loading allocations. After the public comment period, TCEQ staff may revise the TMDLs, if appropriate. The final TMDLs will then be considered by the commission for adoption. Upon adoption of the TMDLs by the commission, the final TMDLs and a response to all comments will be made available on the TCEQ Web site referenced in the following paragraphs. The TMDLs will then be submitted to EPA Region 6 for approval as updates to the State of Texas Water Quality Management Plan.

A public meeting will be held in Houston, Texas on June 24, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at the Leon Grayson Center at 13828 Corpus Christi Street. Individuals may present oral statements when called upon in order of registration. Open discussion will not occur during the meeting; however, a commission staff member will be available to discuss the matter 30 minutes prior to the meeting and will answer questions before and after the meeting.

Written comments should be submitted to Jason Leifester, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Office of Environmental Policy, Analysis, and Assessment, MC 150, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas, 78711-3087 or faxed to (512) 239-1414. All comments must be received by 5:00 p.m., June 30, 2003, and should reference Docket Number 2003-0572-TML. For further information regarding the draft TMDLs, please contact Jason Leifester, Office of Environmental Policy, Analysis, and Assessment, (512) 239-6457. Copies of the draft TMDL document can be obtained via the commission's Web site at http://www.tnrcc.state.tx.us/water/quality/tmdl , or by calling Jason Leifester at (512) 239-6457. Mr. Leifester may also be reached by e-mail at: jleifest@tceq.state.tx.us.

Persons with disabilities who have special communication or other accommodation needs who are planning to attend the meeting should contact the Office of Environmental Policy, Analysis, and Assessment, at (512) 239-4900. Requests should be made as far in advance as possible.

TRD-200303130

Stephanie Bergeron

Director, Environmental Law Division

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Filed: May 20, 2003

The following notices were issued during the period of May 9, 2003 through May 19, 2003.

The following require the applicants to publish notice in the newspaper. The public comment period, requests for public meetings, or requests for a contested case hearing may be submitted to the Office of the Chief Clerk, Mail Code 105, P O Box 13087, Austin Texas 78711-3087, WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE DATE OF NEWSPAPER PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

RONALD ALLEN BENNER has applied for a new permit, proposed Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permit No. 04001, to authorize the discharge of mariculture wastewater at a daily average flow not to exceed 4,000,000 gallons per day via Outfall 001. The applicant operates a mariculture facility. The plant site is located on the east side of County Road 316 approximately 0.25 miles north of the intersection of County Road 304 and County Road 316, approximately 2.2 miles east of the intersection of State Highway 172 and County Road 304, and 3.4 miles south of the intersection of State Highways 35 and 172, near the City of Port Alto, Calhoun County, Texas.

CENTER POINT ENERGY HOUSTON ELECTRIC, LLC which operates the Cypress District Operations & Service Center which provides assistance to various operating departments in the transmission and distribution of electric power, has applied for a renewal of TPDES Permit No. 02608, which authorizes the discharge of sanitary waste commingled with vehicle wash water, floor drainage, air conditioning condensate and storm water, at a daily average flow not to exceed 20,000 gallons per day via Outfall 001. The facility is located at 1808 Huffmeister Road, northwest of the intersection of Huffmeister Road and Cypress-Rosehill Road; and approximately 25 miles northwest of the City of Houston, Harris County, Texas.

CITY OF GLADEWATER has applied for a new permit, Proposed Permit No. 04559, to authorize the land application of sewage sludge for beneficial use on 16.5 acres. This permit will not authorize a dischage of pollutants into waters in the State. The land application site is located adjacent to the south side of Shell Camp Road, approximately 1,400 feet east of Moody Creek in Gregg County, Texas.

CITY OF GROVES has applied for a renewal of TPDES Permit No. 10094-004, which authorizes the discharge of treated domestic wastewater at an annual average flow not to exceed 5,320,000 gallons per day. The facility is located approximately 2,000 feet southeast from the intersection of State Highway 87 and State Highway 73, adjacent to Taft Avenue Extension southeast of the intersection of State Highways 87 and 73 in Jefferson County, Texas.

HAMSHIRE - FANNETT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT has applied for a renewal of TPDES Permit No. 12098-003, which authorizes the discharge of treated domestic wastewater at a daily average flow not to exceed 56,000 gallons per day. The facility is located approximately 0.6 mile north-northeast of Hamshire High School; 6,300 feet southeast of Interstate Highway 10 crossing of South Fork of Taylor Bayou; and 7,600 feet east-southeast of Interstate Highway 10 at West Hamshire Road in Jefferson County, Texas.

HOUSTON OAKS GOLF MANAGEMENT, L.P. has applied for a renewal of TPDES Permit No. 12402-001, which authorizes the discharge of treated domestic wastewater at a daily average flow not to exceed 10,000 gallons per day. The facility is located on the Houston Oaks Recreational property, which is approximately 2.5 miles north of the intersection of Hegar Road and Farm-to- Market Road 2920 in Waller County, Texas.

JAVELINA COMPANY which operates a petroleum gas liquids processing plant, has applied for a major amendment to TPDES Permit No. 03137 to authorize removal of effluent limitations for total copper, total silver, and total zinc at Outfall 001; and to remove internal Outfalls 101 and 201. The current permit authorizes the discharge of treated process wastewater, utility wastewater, and storm water runoff on a flow variable basis via Outfall 001. The facility is located at 5314 Interstate Highway 37, on the north side, between McBride Lane and Navigation Boulevard, in the City of Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas.

KB HOME LONE STAR LP has applied for a new permit, Proposed Permit No. 14413-001, to authorize the disposal of treated domestic wastewater at a daily average flow not to exceed 114,000 gallons per day via subsurface drip irrigation of 27 acres of nonpublic access pastureland. This permit will not authorize a discharge of pollutants into waters in the State. The facility and disposal site will be located 3700 feet northeast of the intersection of State Highway 71 and Buck Lane in Travis County, Texas.

NORTH ALAMO WATER SUPPLY CORPORATION proposes to operate a reverse osmosis potable water treatment plant, has applied for a new permit, proposed Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) Permit No. 04480, to authorize the discharge of reverse osmosis reject water at a daily average flow not to exceed 1,000,000 gallons per day via Outfall 001. The facility site is located on the north side of State Highway 186, approximately 0.6 mile east of the intersection of State Highway 186 and Farm-to-Market Road 1015, and approximately 8.2 miles west of U.S. Highway 77, northeast of the community of Lasara, Willacy County, Texas.

CITY OF PEARLAND has applied for a renewal of TPDES Permit No. 10134-008, which authorizes the discharge of treated domestic wastewater at an annual average flow not to exceed 2,000,000 gallons per day. The facility is located approximately 1,000 feet north of McHard Road, approximately 1.25 miles west of the intersection of McHard Road and State Highway 288 in Brazoria County, Texas.

TOWN OF PROSPER has applied for a major amendment to TPDES Permit No. 10915-001 to authorize an increase in the discharge of treated domestic wastewater from a daily average flow not to exceed 556,000 gallons per day to an annual average flow not to exceed 2,000,000 gallons per day. The facility is located approximately 300 feet west of the intersection of the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad and Seventh Street in the town of Prosper in Collin County, Texas.

RAYBURN COUNTRY MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT has applied for a renewal of TPDES Permit No. 10788-001, which authorizes the discharge of treated domestic wastewater at a daily average flow not to exceed 300,000 gallons per day. The facility is located approximately 2,000 feet north of the intersection of Recreational Road 255 and Farm-to-Market Road 1007 and 3 miles west of the intersection of U.S. Highway 96 and Recreational Road 255 in Jasper County, Texas.

THE SABINE MINING COMPANY which operates a surface lignite mine, has applied for a major amendment to TPDES Permit No. 02538 to reduce the frequency of monitoring requirements for flow, total suspended solids, total iron, total manganese, and pH at Outfall 001; and reduce the frequency of monitoring requirements for flow and pH at Outfall 101. The current permit authorizes the discharge of storm water runoff and mine pit water from ponds in the active mining area on an intermittent and flow variable basis via Outfall 001; the discharge of storm water runoff and mine pit water from ponds in the post mining area on an intermittent and flow variable basis via Outfall 101; and the discharge of domestic wastewater at a daily average flow not to exceed 6,000 gallons per day via Outfall 002. The facility is located at 6501 Farm-to-Market Road 968 West, south of Interstate Highway 20 on Farm-to-Market Road 968, east of Farm-to-Market Road 450, approximately five miles southeast of the City of Hallsville, Harrison County, Texas.

SAN JACINTO RIVER AUTHORITY has applied for a major amendment to TPDES Permit No. 11658-001 to authorize an increase in the discharge of treated domestic wastewater from a daily average flow not to exceed 770,000 gallons per day to a daily average flow not to exceed 900,000 gallons per day. The facility is located approximately 2,000 feet east of Interstate Highway 45, approximately 1.5 miles south of Farm-to-Market Road 1488, adjacent to the Missouri Pacific Railroad tracks and an unnamed tributary in Montgomery County, Texas.

TESSENDERLO KERLEY, INC. which operates a plant that produces inorganic agricultural and industrial chemicals and stores/distributes sodium hydrosulfide, acetic acid, ammonia sulfide, and NZN, has applied for a renewal of TPDES Permit No. 03889, which authorizes the discharge of stormwater from process containment pads on an intermittent and flow variable basis via Outfall 001, and non-process area stormwater on an intermittent and flow variable basis via Outfall 002. The facility is located at 1050 Jefferson Road, approximately two miles north of the intersection of Highway 225 and Bearle Street at the Houston Ship Channel terminus of Jefferson Road, in the City of Pasadena, Harris County, Texas.

TM DEER PARK SERVICES, L.L.C. which operates a commercial RCRA permitted hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility that also conducts organic chemical recycling operations and treats on-site and off-site sanitary wastewaters., has applied for a major amendment to TPDES Permit No. 03937 to add filter back wash as an authorized wastestream to be discharged via Outfall 001 and to remove the untreated, non-contact storm water as an authorized wastestream from Outfall 001. The current permit authorizes the discharge of treated cooling tower blowdown, boiler blowdown, sanitary wastewater (on-site and off-site), and untreated, non-process area storm water at a daily average flow not to exceed 150,000 gallons per day via Outfall 001. The facility is located at 2525 Battleground Road, adjacent to the west side of State Highway 134, approximately two miles north of the intersection of State Highway 134 and State Highway 225 in the City of Deer Park, Harris County, Texas.

CITY OF WALLER has applied for a major amendment to TPDES Permit No. 10310-001 to authorize an increase in the discharge of treated domestic wastewater from a daily average flow not to exceed 500,000 gallons per day to a daily average flow not to exceed 900,000 gallons per day. The facility is located at 102 Walnut Street, approximately 4,500 feet southeast of the intersection of U.S. Highway 290 and Farm-to-Market Road 362 in Waller County, Texas.

Written comments or requests for a public meeting may be submitted to the Office of the Chief Clerk, at the address provided in the information section above, WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE ISSUED DATE OF THIS NOTICE

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has initiated a minor amendment of the permit issued to AEP TEXAS CENTRAL COMPANY, which operates the Victoria Steam Electric Station, to include a downstream temperature monitoring requirement at Outfall 001. The existing permit authorizes the discharge of once through cooling water and previously monitored effluent (low volume waste via internal Outfalls 101 and 201, and cooling tower blowdown via internal Outfall 301) at a daily average flow not to exceed 202,000,000 gallons per day via Outfall 001; cooling tower blowdown and previously monitored effluent (low volume waste and/or metal cleaning waste via internal Outfall 102) at a daily average flow not to exceed 1,200,000 gallons per day via Outfall 002; and groundwater from underground storage tank remediation on a flow variable basis via Outfall 004. The facility is located east of and adjacent to the Guadalupe River, northwest of the intersection of Wharf Street and Bottom Street in the City of Victoria, Victoria County, Texas.

CITY OF CARTHAGE has applied for a minor amendment to the TPDES permit to replace the existing uv disinfection with chlorination/dechlorination of the treated effluent. The existing permit authorizes the discharge of treated domestic wastewater at an annual average flow not to exceed 3,600,000 gallons per day. The facility is located east of the City of Carthage and south of Hoggs Bayou, approximately 1.5 miles east of the intersection of U.S. Highway 59 an 79 in Panola County, Texas.

CITY OF HOUSTON, c/o Department of Public Works and Engineering, has applied for a minor amendment to the TPDES permit to specify monitoring locations for effluent samples. The existing permit authorizes the discharge of treated domestic wastewater at an annual average flow not to exceed 995,000 gallons per day. The facility is located approximately 250 feet west of the intersection of Genard Road and Steffani Lane in Harris County, Texas.

TRD-200303134

LaDonna Castañuela

Chief Clerk

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Filed: May 20, 2003

The Health and Human Services Commission, State Medicaid Office, has received approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to amend the Title XIX Medical Assistance Plan by Transmittal Number 03-04, Amendment Number 639.

The amendment modifies the reimbursement methodology for Primary Home Care (PHC) services to combine two areas for reimbursement determination. In addition, it also allows the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to use recouped funds from the spending requirement of the attendant compensation rate enhancement to pay qualifying contracts that have attendant compensation costs exceeding the amount paid. The amendment is effective January 1, 2003.

If additional information is needed, please contact Carolyn Pratt, Health and Human Services Commission, at 512-685-3127.

TRD-200303091

Steve Aragón

General Counsel

Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Filed: May 19, 2003

The Health and Human Services Commission, State Medicaid Office, has received approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to amend the Title XIX Medical Assistance Plan by Transmittal Number 03-05, Amendment Number 640.

The amendment modifies the reimbursement methodology for Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS) to use recouped funds from the spending requirement of the attendant compensation rate enhancement to pay qualifying contracts that have attendant compensation costs that exceed the amount paid. The amendment is effective January 1, 2003.

If additional information is needed, please contact Carolyn Pratt, Health and Human Services Commission, at 512-685-3127.

TRD-200303090

Steve Aragón

General Counsel

Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Filed: May 19, 2003

Notice of Request for Qualifications for Special Deputy Receivers

The Texas Department of Insurance ("TDI"), an agency of the State of Texas, will be issuing a Request for Qualifications ("RFQ") on or about June 2, 2003, to obtain responses from individuals or legal entities interested in providing services as a Special Deputy Receiver ("SDR"). An SDR acts on behalf of the Commissioner of Insurance in his capacity as the Receiver of an insurer that is placed in receivership by the courts. Duties and activities under control of an SDR may include

Obtaining control of the insurer’s operation, and identifying and securing property and records

Marshalling, evaluating, and liquidating assets

Supervising litigation filed by and against the receivership estate

Operating information systems and extracting data

Investigating the liability of any parties responsible for the insurer’s insolvency, and identifying any preferential transfers

Providing notice of the receivership to claimants and interested parties

Coordinating the referral of claims to guaranty associations, and handling claims against the receivership estate

Distributing assets to creditors with approved claims

Filing pleadings, business plans and other reports

An Applicant’s approval to be an Approved Contractor will be valid only during the term of this RFQ, which will commence on or about September 1, 2003, and expire on or about August 31, 2006. Following the expiration of this three-year term, all Approved Contractors will be required to qualify in accordance with a subsequent RFQ in order to submit bid proposals issued after the RFQ term. TDI reserves the right to issue other RFQs for SDRs to add Approved Contractors, if needed, or to obtain bids for similar or related services, at any time during the term of this RFQ.

In the event that the Commissioner determines that an SDR should be appointed in a receivership proceeding during the term of this RFQ, he will issue a Request for Proposal ("RFP"). Only those individuals or legal entities that become qualified in accordance with this RFQ ("Approved Contractors") will have an opportunity to submit a bid proposal in response to the RFP.

Contact

Parties interested in responding to this RFQ may contact Scott Kyle, Financial Program SDR Process, Texas Department of Insurance, P.O. Box 149104, Mail Code 305-2C, Austin TX 78714, telephone (512) 322-3467, e-mail Scott.Kyle@tdi.state.tx.us, to obtain a copy of the RFQ Application/Form. The RFQ Application/Form will also be available electronically on TDI’s website at www.tdi.state.tx.us, and on the Electronic Business Daily at http://esbd.tbpc.state.tx.us.

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated on the basis of the criteria set forth in the RFQ.

Closing Date

Submissions must comply with all requirements of the RFQ, and must be received by the designated contact person no later than 3:00 p.m. on August 1, 2003. Submissions received after that time and date will not be considered.

Note

TDI reserves the right to accept or reject any or all submissions. TDI is under no legal or other obligation to execute a contract on the basis of this notice or the distribution of a subsequent RFP. TDI is not responsible for any costs incurred in responding to this RFQ or any subsequent RFP.

TRD-200303149

Gene C. Jarmon

General Counsel and Chief Clerk

Texas Department of Insurance

Filed: May 20, 2003

1.0 Name and Style of Game.

A. The name of Instant Game No. 415 is "JUST FOR YOU". The play style is "key number/symbol match".

1.1 Price of Instant Ticket.

A. Tickets for Instant Game No. 415 shall be $1.00 per ticket.

1.2 Definitions in Instant Game No. 415.

A. Display Printing - That area of the instant game ticket outside of the area where the Overprint and Play Symbols appear.

B. Latex Overprint - The removable scratch-off covering over the Play Symbols on the front of the ticket.

C. Play Symbol - One of the symbols which appears under the Latex Overprint on the front of the ticket. Each Play Symbol is printed in Symbol font in black ink in positive. The possible play symbols are: $1.00, $2.00, $4.00, $5.00, $10.00, $20.00, $40.00, $100, $1,000, BALLOON SYMBOL, MUSIC SYMBOL, HAT SYMBOL, HORN SYMBOL, FAVOR SYMBOL, NOISE MAKER SYMBOL, CAKE SYMBOL.

D. Play Symbol Caption - the small printed material appearing below each Play Symbol which explains the Play Symbol. One and only one of these Play Symbol Captions appears under each Play Symbol and each is printed in caption font in black ink in positive. The Play Symbol Caption which corresponds with and verifies each Play Symbol is as follows:

Notice is given to the public of an application filed with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on May 12, 2003, to amend its designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) pursuant to 47 U.S.C. §214(e) and P.U.C. Substantive Rule §26.418.

Docket Title and Number: Application of Santa Rosa Telephone Cooperative, Inc. to Amend its Designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) Pursuant to 47 U.S.C. §214(e) and P.U.C. Substantive Rule §26.418. Docket Number 27787.

The Application: Santa Rosa is requesting ETC designation in order to be eligible to receive federal universal service support under 47 U.S.C. §254 designation to include the Holliday and Kamay exchanges in which Valor Telecommunications of Texas, LP is the incumbent provider in the state of Texas. Santa Rosa holds Service Provider Certificate of Operating Authority Number 60373. The proposed effective date is June 30, 2003.

This application has been designated Docket Number 27787 by the commission. Persons who wish to comment on this application should notify the Public Utility Commission of Texas by June 19, 2003. Requests for further information should be mailed to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or you may call the Public Utility Commission's Customer Protection Division at (512) 936-7120 or toll-free at 1-888-782-8477. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephone (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936-7136 or use Relay Texas (800) 735-2989 to reach the commission's toll-free number (888) 782-8477. All correspondence should refer to Docket Number 27787.

TRD-200303159

Rhonda G. Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: May 21, 2003

On May 15, 2003, FairPoint Communications Solutions Corporation filed an application with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (commission) to amend its service provider certificate of operating authority (SPCOA) granted in SPCOA Certificate Number 60334. Applicant intends to relinquish its certificate.

The Application: Application of FairPoint Communications Solutions Corporation for an Amendment to its Service Provider Certificate of Operating Authority, Docket Number 27807.

Persons wishing to comment on the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711-3326, or by phone at (512) 936-7120 or toll free at 1-888-782-8477 no later than June 4, 2003. Hearing and speech- impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936-7136 or toll free at 1-800-735-2989. All comments should reference Docket Number 27807.

TRD-200303036

Rhonda G. Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: May 16, 2003

Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas of an application filed on April 25, 2003, to amend certificated service area boundaries within Kendall County, Texas.

Docket Style and Number: Application of Bandera Electric Cooperative, Incorporated for an Amendment to its Certificated Service Area Boundaries within Kendall County, City of Boerne. Docket Number 27699.

The Application: On April 25, 2003, Bandera Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BEC) filed an application to amend certificated service area boundaries within Kendall County. The City of Boerne agrees that BEC should provide electric service to the Villas at Hampton Place Subdivision, a portion of which is located within the City of Boerne's service territory. BEC has an existing single phase line extending into the area to be served.

Persons wishing to comment on the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas by June 6, 2003, by mail at P. O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or by phone at (512) 936-7120 or toll-free at 1-888-782-8477. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephone (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936-7136 or use Relay Texas (toll-free) 1-800-735-2989. All comments should reference Docket Number 27699.

TRD-200303148

Rhonda G. Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: May 20, 2003

Notice is given to the public of an application filed with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on May 12, 2003, to amend designation as an eligible telecommunications provider (ETP) pursuant to P.U.C. Substantive Rule §26.417.

Docket Title and Number: Application of Santa Rosa Telephone Cooperative, Inc. to Amend its Designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Provider (ETP) Pursuant to P.U.C. Substantive Rule §26.417. Docket Number 27786.

The Application: Santa Rosa Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (Santa Rosa) received ETP designation in Docket Number 21489 and is now requesting that designation be amended to include the Holliday and Kamay exchanges in which Valor Telecommunications of Texas, LP is the incumbent provider in the state of Texas. Santa Rosa holds Service Provider Certificate of Operating Authority Number 60373. The proposed effective date is June 30, 2003.

This application has been designated Docket Number 27786 by the commission. Persons who wish to comment on this application should notify the Public Utility Commission of Texas by June 19, 2003. Requests for further information should be mailed to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or you may call the Public Utility Commission's Customer Protection Division at (512) 936-7120 or toll-free at 1-888-782-8477. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephone (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936-7136 or use Relay Texas (800) 735-2989 to reach the commission's toll-free number (888) 782-8477. All correspondence should refer to Docket Number 27786.

TRD-200303158

Rhonda G. Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: May 21, 2003

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (commission) received a petition for rulemaking on May 20, 2003. The petition is assigned Project Number 27837, Petition for Rulemaking Requesting Adoption of a New Rule Regarding Billing and Collection of Transition Charges and Competition Transition Charges . Under the Administrative Procedure Act, Texas Government Code §2001.021, the commission must either deny the petition in writing, stating its reasons for denial, or initiate a rulemaking proceeding not later than the 60th day after the date the petition is filed.

Petitioners are: Texas Electric Cooperative, Inc., Big County Electric Cooperative, Inc., Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, Inc., Comanche Electric Cooperative Association, Cooke County Electric Cooperative Association, Grayson-Collin Electric Cooperative, Inc., HILCO Electric Cooperative, Inc., J-A-C Electric Cooperative, Inc., Lamar County Electric Cooperative Association, Lyntegar Electric Cooperative, Inc., McLennan County Electric Cooperative, Inc., Southwest Rural Electric Association, Inc., Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc., Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc., United Cooperative Services, Wise Electric Cooperative, Inc., Wood County Electric Cooperative, Inc., Texas Public Power Association, City of Austin, doing business as Austin Energy, Denton Municipal Electric, and City of Electra.

Petitioners request the commission to adopt a new rule regarding the billing and collection of transition charges related to stranded investment from retail customers who switched providers on or after May 1, 1999, in multiply certificated areas of electric utilities, electric cooperatives, and municipally-owned utilities. The rule proposed by petitioners does not apply to switchovers involving only electric utilities. The complete text of the petition and proposed rule is available through the commission's Central Records Division or via the Interchange on the commission's website at http://www.puc.state.tx.us under Project Number 27837.

Petitioners stated that the rule is necessary to implement the provisions of the Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA) §§39.252, 39.303, 40.055 and 41.055, which provide that electric utilities, electric cooperatives, and municipally-owned utilities may recover their respective stranded costs and competition transition charges as nonbypassable charges. Petitioners asserted that the need for the rule is urgent as a number of switchover customers must soon be billed for transition charges authorized pursuant to financing orders granted by the commission.

Comments on the petition may be filed no later than 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2003, by filing (16 copies) with the Filing Clerk, Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326. Comments should be organized in a manner consistent with the organization of the proposed rule. All inquiries and comments concerning this petition for rulemaking should refer to Project Number 27837.

Questions regarding this notice of petition should be directed to William Huie, Attorney, Legal and Enforcement Division, at (512) 936-7379. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936-7136 or toll-free at 1-800-735-2989.

TRD-200303160

Rhonda G. Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: May 21, 2003

On May 14, 2003, Southwestern Bell Telephone, L.P. doing business as SBC Texas and PhoneCo, L.P., collectively referred to as applicants, filed a joint application for approval of amendment to an existing interconnection agreement under §252(i) of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, Public Law Number 104-104, 110 Statute 56, (codified as amended in scattered sections of 15 and 47 United States Code) (FTA) and the Public Utility Regulatory Act, Texas Utilities Code Annotated, Chapters 52 and 60 (Vernon 1998 & Supplement 2003) (PURA). The joint application has been designated Docket Number 27796. The joint application and the underlying interconnection agreement are available for public inspection at the commission's offices in Austin, Texas.

The commission must act to approve the interconnection agreement within 35 days after it is submitted by the parties.

The commission finds that additional public comment should be allowed before the commission issues a final decision approving or rejecting the amendment to the interconnection agreement. Any interested person may file written comments on the joint application by filing three copies of the comments with the commission's filing clerk. Additionally, a copy of the comments should be served on each of the applicants. The comments should specifically refer to Docket Number 27796. As a part of the comments, an interested person may request that a public hearing be conducted. The comments, including any request for public hearing, shall be filed by June 16, 2003, and shall include:

1) a detailed statement of the person's interests in the agreement, including a description of how approval of the agreement may adversely affect those interests;

2) specific allegations that the agreement, or some portion thereof:

a) discriminates against a telecommunications carrier that is not a party to the agreement; or

b) is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity; or

c) is not consistent with other requirements of state law; and

3) the specific facts upon which the allegations are based.

After reviewing any comments, the commission will issue a notice of approval, denial, or determine whether to conduct further proceedings concerning the joint application. The commission shall have the authority given to a presiding officer pursuant to P.U.C. Procedural Rule §22.202. The commission may identify issues raised by the joint application and comments and establish a schedule for addressing those issues, including the submission of evidence by the applicants, if necessary, and briefing and oral argument. The commission may conduct a public hearing. Interested persons who file comments are not entitled to participate as intervenors in the public hearing.

Persons with questions about this action, or who wish to comment on the joint application should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, P. O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or by phone at (512) 936-7120 or toll-free at 1-888-782-8477. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936- 7136. All correspondence should refer to Docket Number 27796.

TRD-200303074

Rhonda G. Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: May 16, 2003

On May 15, 2003, Southwestern Bell Telephone, L.P. doing business as SBC Texas and Excel Telecommunications, Incorporated, collectively referred to as applicants, filed a joint application for approval of amendment to an existing interconnection agreement under §252(i) of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, Public Law Number 104-104, 110 Statute 56, (codified as amended in scattered sections of 15 and 47 United States Code) (FTA) and the Public Utility Regulatory Act, Texas Utilities Code Annotated, Chapters 52 and 60 (Vernon 1998 & Supplement 2003) (PURA). The joint application has been designated Docket Number 27810. The joint application and the underlying interconnection agreement are available for public inspection at the commission's offices in Austin, Texas.

The commission must act to approve the interconnection agreement within 35 days after it is submitted by the parties.

The commission finds that additional public comment should be allowed before the commission issues a final decision approving or rejecting the amendment to the interconnection agreement. Any interested person may file written comments on the joint application by filing three copies of the comments with the commission's filing clerk. Additionally, a copy of the comments should be served on each of the applicants. The comments should specifically refer to Docket Number 27810. As a part of the comments, an interested person may request that a public hearing be conducted. The comments, including any request for public hearing, shall be filed by June 16, 2003, and shall include:

1) a detailed statement of the person's interests in the agreement, including a description of how approval of the agreement may adversely affect those interests;

2) specific allegations that the agreement, or some portion thereof:

a) discriminates against a telecommunications carrier that is not a party to the agreement; or

b) is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity; or

c) is not consistent with other requirements of state law; and

3) the specific facts upon which the allegations are based.

After reviewing any comments, the commission will issue a notice of approval, denial, or determine whether to conduct further proceedings concerning the joint application. The commission shall have the authority given to a presiding officer pursuant to P.U.C. Procedural Rule §22.202. The commission may identify issues raised by the joint application and comments and establish a schedule for addressing those issues, including the submission of evidence by the applicants, if necessary, and briefing and oral argument. The commission may conduct a public hearing. Interested persons who file comments are not entitled to participate as intervenors in the public hearing.

Persons with questions about this action, or who wish to comment on the joint application should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, P. O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or by phone at (512) 936-7120 or toll-free at 1-888-782-8477. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936- 7136. All correspondence should refer to Docket Number 27810.

TRD-200303078

Rhonda G. Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: May 16, 2003

On May 15, 2003, Southwestern Bell Telephone, L.P. doing business as SBC Texas and Vartec Telecom, Incorporated, collectively referred to as applicants, filed a joint application for approval of amendment to an existing interconnection agreement under §252(i) of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, Public Law Number 104-104, 110 Statute 56, (codified as amended in scattered sections of 15 and 47 United States Code) (FTA) and the Public Utility Regulatory Act, Texas Utilities Code Annotated, Chapters 52 and 60 (Vernon 1998 & Supplement 2003) (PURA). The joint application has been designated Docket Number 27811. The joint application and the underlying interconnection agreement are available for public inspection at the commission's offices in Austin, Texas.

The commission must act to approve the interconnection agreement within 35 days after it is submitted by the parties.

The commission finds that additional public comment should be allowed before the commission issues a final decision approving or rejecting the amendment to the interconnection agreement. Any interested person may file written comments on the joint application by filing three copies of the comments with the commission's filing clerk. Additionally, a copy of the comments should be served on each of the applicants. The comments should specifically refer to Docket Number 27811. As a part of the comments, an interested person may request that a public hearing be conducted. The comments, including any request for public hearing, shall be filed by June 16, 2003, and shall include:

1) a detailed statement of the person's interests in the agreement, including a description of how approval of the agreement may adversely affect those interests;

2) specific allegations that the agreement, or some portion thereof:

a) discriminates against a telecommunications carrier that is not a party to the agreement; or

b) is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity; or

c) is not consistent with other requirements of state law; and

3) the specific facts upon which the allegations are based.

After reviewing any comments, the commission will issue a notice of approval, denial, or determine whether to conduct further proceedings concerning the joint application. The commission shall have the authority given to a presiding officer pursuant to P.U.C. Procedural Rule §22.202. The commission may identify issues raised by the joint application and comments and establish a schedule for addressing those issues, including the submission of evidence by the applicants, if necessary, and briefing and oral argument. The commission may conduct a public hearing. Interested persons who file comments are not entitled to participate as intervenors in the public hearing.

Persons with questions about this action, or who wish to comment on the joint application should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, P. O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or by phone at (512) 936-7120 or toll-free at 1-888-782-8477. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936- 7136. All correspondence should refer to Docket Number 27811.

TRD-200303079

Rhonda G. Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: May 16, 2003

On May 15, 2003, Southwestern Bell Telephone, L.P. doing business as SBC Texas and Pathway Com-Tel, Incorporated, collectively referred to as applicants, filed a joint application for approval of amendment to an existing interconnection agreement under §252(i) of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, Public Law Number 104-104, 110 Statute 56, (codified as amended in scattered sections of 15 and 47 United States Code) (FTA) and the Public Utility Regulatory Act, Texas Utilities Code Annotated, Chapters 52 and 60 (Vernon 1998 & Supplement 2003) (PURA). The joint application has been designated Docket Number 27812. The joint application and the underlying interconnection agreement are available for public inspection at the commission's offices in Austin, Texas.

The commission must act to approve the interconnection agreement within 35 days after it is submitted by the parties.

The commission finds that additional public comment should be allowed before the commission issues a final decision approving or rejecting the amendment to the interconnection agreement. Any interested person may file written comments on the joint application by filing three copies of the comments with the commission's filing clerk. Additionally, a copy of the comments should be served on each of the applicants. The comments should specifically refer to Docket Number 27812. As a part of the comments, an interested person may request that a public hearing be conducted. The comments, including any request for public hearing, shall be filed by June 16, 2003, and shall include:

1) a detailed statement of the person's interests in the agreement, including a description of how approval of the agreement may adversely affect those interests;

2) specific allegations that the agreement, or some portion thereof:

a) discriminates against a telecommunications carrier that is not a party to the agreement; or

b) is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity; or

c) is not consistent with other requirements of state law; and

3) the specific facts upon which the allegations are based.

After reviewing any comments, the commission will issue a notice of approval, denial, or determine whether to conduct further proceedings concerning the joint application. The commission shall have the authority given to a presiding officer pursuant to P.U.C. Procedural Rule §22.202. The commission may identify issues raised by the joint application and comments and establish a schedule for addressing those issues, including the submission of evidence by the applicants, if necessary, and briefing and oral argument. The commission may conduct a public hearing. Interested persons who file comments are not entitled to participate as intervenors in the public hearing.

Persons with questions about this action, or who wish to comment on the joint application should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, P. O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or by phone at (512) 936-7120 or toll-free at 1-888-782-8477. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936- 7136. All correspondence should refer to Docket Number 27812.

TRD-200303080

Rhonda G. Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: May 16, 2003

On May 15, 2003, Southwestern Bell Telephone, L.P. doing business as SBC Texas and Level 3 Communications, L.L.C., Incorporated, collectively referred to as applicants, filed a joint application for approval of amendment to an existing interconnection agreement under § 252(i) of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, Public Law Number 104-104, 110 Statute 56, (codified as amended in scattered sections of 15 and 47 United States Code) (FTA) and the Public Utility Regulatory Act, Texas Utilities Code Annotated, Chapters 52 and 60 (Vernon 1998 & Supplement 2003) (PURA). The joint application has been designated Docket Number 27813. The joint application and the underlying interconnection agreement are available for public inspection at the commission's offices in Austin, Texas.

The commission must act to approve the interconnection agreement within 35 days after it is submitted by the parties.

The commission finds that additional public comment should be allowed before the commission issues a final decision approving or rejecting the amendment to the interconnection agreement. Any interested person may file written comments on the joint application by filing three copies of the comments with the commission's filing clerk. Additionally, a copy of the comments should be served on each of the applicants. The comments should specifically refer to Docket Number 27813. As a part of the comments, an interested person may request that a public hearing be conducted. The comments, including any request for public hearing, shall be filed by June 16, 2003, and shall include:

1) a detailed statement of the person's interests in the agreement, including a description of how approval of the agreement may adversely affect those interests;

2) specific allegations that the agreement, or some portion thereof:

a) discriminates against a telecommunications carrier that is not a party to the agreement; or

b) is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity; or

c) is not consistent with other requirements of state law; and

3) the specific facts upon which the allegations are based.

After reviewing any comments, the commission will issue a notice of approval, denial, or determine whether to conduct further proceedings concerning the joint application. The commission shall have the authority given to a presiding officer pursuant to P.U.C. Procedural Rule §22.202. The commission may identify issues raised by the joint application and comments and establish a schedule for addressing those issues, including the submission of evidence by the applicants, if necessary, and briefing and oral argument. The commission may conduct a public hearing. Interested persons who file comments are not entitled to participate as intervenors in the public hearing.

Persons with questions about this action, or who wish to comment on the joint application should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, P. O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or by phone at (512) 936-7120 or toll-free at 1-888-782-8477. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936- 7136. All correspondence should refer to Docket Number 27813.

TRD-200303081

Rhonda G. Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: May 16, 2003

On May 16, 2003, Southwestern Bell Telephone, LP doing business as SBC Texas and VoIP Services, LLC, collectively referred to as applicants, filed a joint application for approval of amendment to an existing interconnection agreement under §252(i) of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, Public Law Number 104-104, 110 Statute 56, (codified as amended in scattered sections of 15 and 47 United States Code) (FTA) and the Public Utility Regulatory Act, Texas Utilities Code Annotated, Chapters 52 and 60 (Vernon 1998 & Supplement 2003) (PURA). The joint application has been designated Docket Number 27817. The joint application and the underlying interconnection agreement are available for public inspection at the commission's offices in Austin, Texas.

The commission must act to approve the interconnection agreement within 35 days after it is submitted by the parties.

The commission finds that additional public comment should be allowed before the commission issues a final decision approving or rejecting the amendment to the interconnection agreement. Any interested person may file written comments on the joint application by filing three copies of the comments with the commission's filing clerk. Additionally, a copy of the comments should be served on each of the applicants. The comments should specifically refer to Docket Number 27817. As a part of the comments, an interested person may request that a public hearing be conducted. The comments, including any request for public hearing, shall be filed by June 18, 2003, and shall include:

1) a detailed statement of the person's interests in the agreement, including a description of how approval of the agreement may adversely affect those interests;

2) specific allegations that the agreement, or some portion thereof:

a) discriminates against a telecommunications carrier that is not a party to the agreement; or

b) is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity; or

c) is not consistent with other requirements of state law; and

3) the specific facts upon which the allegations are based.

After reviewing any comments, the commission will issue a notice of approval, denial, or determine whether to conduct further proceedings concerning the joint application. The commission shall have the authority given to a presiding officer pursuant to P.U.C. Procedural Rule §22.202. The commission may identify issues raised by the joint application and comments and establish a schedule for addressing those issues, including the submission of evidence by the applicants, if necessary, and briefing and oral argument. The commission may conduct a public hearing. Interested persons who file comments are not entitled to participate as intervenors in the public hearing.

Persons with questions about this action, or who wish to comment on the joint application should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, PO Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or by phone at (512) 936-7120 or toll-free at 1-888-782-8477. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936- 7136. All correspondence should refer to Docket Number 27817.

TRD-200303110

Rhonda G. Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: May 19, 2003

On May 16, 2003, Southwestern Bell Telephone, LP doing business as SBC Texas and VoIP Services, LLC, collectively referred to as applicants, filed a joint application for approval of amendment to an existing interconnection agreement under §252(i) of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, Public Law Number 104-104, 110 Statute 56, (codified as amended in scattered sections of 15 and 47 United States Code) (FTA) and the Public Utility Regulatory Act, Texas Utilities Code Annotated, Chapters 52 and 60 (Vernon 1998 & Supplement 2003) (PURA). The joint application has been designated Docket Number 27820. The joint application and the underlying interconnection agreement are available for public inspection at the commission's offices in Austin, Texas.

The commission must act to approve the interconnection agreement within 35 days after it is submitted by the parties.

The commission finds that additional public comment should be allowed before the commission issues a final decision approving or rejecting the amendment to the interconnection agreement. Any interested person may file written comments on the joint application by filing three copies of the comments with the commission's filing clerk. Additionally, a copy of the comments should be served on each of the applicants. The comments should specifically refer to Docket Number 27820. As a part of the comments, an interested person may request that a public hearing be conducted. The comments, including any request for public hearing, shall be filed by June 18, 2003, and shall include:

1) a detailed statement of the person's interests in the agreement, including a description of how approval of the agreement may adversely affect those interests;

2) specific allegations that the agreement, or some portion thereof:

a) discriminates against a telecommunications carrier that is not a party to the agreement; or

b) is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity; or

c) is not consistent with other requirements of state law; and

3) the specific facts upon which the allegations are based.

After reviewing any comments, the commission will issue a notice of approval, denial, or determine whether to conduct further proceedings concerning the joint application. The commission shall have the authority given to a presiding officer pursuant to P.U.C. Procedural Rule §22.202. The commission may identify issues raised by the joint application and comments and establish a schedule for addressing those issues, including the submission of evidence by the applicants, if necessary, and briefing and oral argument. The commission may conduct a public hearing. Interested persons who file comments are not entitled to participate as intervenors in the public hearing.

Persons with questions about this action, or who wish to comment on the joint application should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, PO Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or by phone at (512) 936-7120 or toll-free at 1-888-782-8477. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936- 7136. All correspondence should refer to Docket Number 27820.

TRD-200303111

Rhonda G. Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: May 19, 2003

On May 16, 2003, Southwestern Bell Telephone, LP doing business as SBC Texas and Advance Telephone Services, collectively referred to as applicants, filed a joint application for approval of amendment to an existing interconnection agreement under §252(i) of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, Public Law Number 104-104, 110 Statute 56, (codified as amended in scattered sections of 15 and 47 United States Code) (FTA) and the Public Utility Regulatory Act, Texas Utilities Code Annotated, Chapters 52 and 60 (Vernon 1998 & Supplement 2003) (PURA). The joint application has been designated Docket Number 27821. The joint application and the underlying interconnection agreement are available for public inspection at the commission's offices in Austin, Texas.

The commission must act to approve the interconnection agreement within 35 days after it is submitted by the parties.

The commission finds that additional public comment should be allowed before the commission issues a final decision approving or rejecting the amendment to the interconnection agreement. Any interested person may file written comments on the joint application by filing three copies of the comments with the commission's filing clerk. Additionally, a copy of the comments should be served on each of the applicants. The comments should specifically refer to Docket Number 27821. As a part of the comments, an interested person may request that a public hearing be conducted. The comments, including any request for public hearing, shall be filed by June 18, 2003, and shall include:

1) a detailed statement of the person's interests in the agreement, including a description of how approval of the agreement may adversely affect those interests;

2) specific allegations that the agreement, or some portion thereof:

a) discriminates against a telecommunications carrier that is not a party to the agreement; or

b) is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity; or

c) is not consistent with other requirements of state law; and

3) the specific facts upon which the allegations are based.

After reviewing any comments, the commission will issue a notice of approval, denial, or determine whether to conduct further proceedings concerning the joint application. The commission shall have the authority given to a presiding officer pursuant to P.U.C. Procedural Rule §22.202. The commission may identify issues raised by the joint application and comments and establish a schedule for addressing those issues, including the submission of evidence by the applicants, if necessary, and briefing and oral argument. The commission may conduct a public hearing. Interested persons who file comments are not entitled to participate as intervenors in the public hearing.

Persons with questions about this action, or who wish to comment on the joint application should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, PO Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or by phone at (512) 936-7120 or toll-free at 1-888-782-8477. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936- 7136. All correspondence should refer to Docket Number 27821.

TRD-200303112

Rhonda G. Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: May 19, 2003

On May 14, 2003, Peoples Telephone Cooperative, Incorporated and Nextel Communications, Incorporated doing business as Nextel of Texas, Incorporated, collectively referred to as applicants, filed a joint application for approval of interconnection agreement under §252(i) of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, Public Law Number 104-104, 110 Statute 56, (codified as amended in scattered sections of 15 and 47 United States Code) (FTA) and the Public Utility Regulatory Act, Texas Utilities Code Annotated, Chapters 52 and 60 (Vernon 1998 & Supplement 2003) (PURA). The joint application has been designated Docket Number 27795. The joint application and the underlying interconnection agreement are available for public inspection at the commission's offices in Austin, Texas.

The commission must act to approve the interconnection agreement within 35 days after it is submitted by the parties.

The commission finds that additional public comment should be allowed before the commission issues a final decision approving or rejecting the interconnection agreement. Any interested person may file written comments on the joint application by filing three copies of the comments with the commission's filing clerk. Additionally, a copy of the comments should be served on each of the applicants. The comments should specifically refer to Docket Number 27795. As a part of the comments, an interested person may request that a public hearing be conducted. The comments, including any request for public hearing, shall be filed by June 16, 2003, and shall include:

1) a detailed statement of the person's interests in the agreement, including a description of how approval of the agreement may adversely affect those interests;

2) specific allegations that the agreement, or some portion thereof:

a) discriminates against a telecommunications carrier that is not a party to the agreement; or

b) is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity; or

c) is not consistent with other requirements of state law; and

3) the specific facts upon which the allegations are based.

After reviewing any comments, the commission will issue a notice of approval, denial, or determine whether to conduct further proceedings concerning the joint application. The commission shall have the authority given to a presiding officer pursuant to P.U.C. Procedural Rule §22.202. The commission may identify issues raised by the joint application and comments and establish a schedule for addressing those issues, including the submission of evidence by the applicants, if necessary, and briefing and oral argument. The commission may conduct a public hearing. Interested persons who file comments are not entitled to participate as intervenors in the public hearing.

Persons with questions about this action, or who wish to comment on the joint application should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, P. O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or by phone at (512) 936-7120 or toll-free at 1-888-782-8477. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936- 7136. All correspondence should refer to Docket Number 27795.

TRD-200303073

Rhonda G. Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: May 16, 2003

On May 14, 2003, Southwestern Bell Telephone, L.P. doing business as SBC Texas and Snappy Phone of Texas, Incorporated, collectively referred to as applicants, filed a joint application for approval of interconnection agreement under §252(i) of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, Public Law Number 104-104, 110 Statute 56, (codified as amended in scattered sections of 15 and 47 United States Code) (FTA) and the Public Utility Regulatory Act, Texas Utilities Code Annotated, Chapters 52 and 60 (Vernon 1998 & Supplement. 2003) (PURA). The joint application has been designated Docket Number 27797. The joint application and the underlying interconnection agreement are available for public inspection at the commission's offices in Austin, Texas.

The commission must act to approve the interconnection agreement within 35 days after it is submitted by the parties.

The commission finds that additional public comment should be allowed before the commission issues a final decision approving or rejecting the interconnection agreement. Any interested person may file written comments on the joint application by filing three copies of the comments with the commission's filing clerk. Additionally, a copy of the comments should be served on each of the applicants. The comments should specifically refer to Docket Number 27797. As a part of the comments, an interested person may request that a public hearing be conducted. The comments, including any request for public hearing, shall be filed by June 16, 2003, and shall include:

1) a detailed statement of the person's interests in the agreement, including a description of how approval of the agreement may adversely affect those interests;

2) specific allegations that the agreement, or some portion thereof:

a) discriminates against a telecommunications carrier that is not a party to the agreement; or

b) is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity; or

c) is not consistent with other requirements of state law; and

3) the specific facts upon which the allegations are based.

After reviewing any comments, the commission will issue a notice of approval, denial, or determine whether to conduct further proceedings concerning the joint application. The commission shall have the authority given to a presiding officer pursuant to P.U.C. Procedural Rule §22.202. The commission may identify issues raised by the joint application and comments and establish a schedule for addressing those issues, including the submission of evidence by the applicants, if necessary, and briefing and oral argument. The commission may conduct a public hearing. Interested persons who file comments are not entitled to participate as intervenors in the public hearing.

Persons with questions about this action, or who wish to comment on the joint application should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, P. O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or by phone at (512) 936-7120 or toll-free at 1-888-782-8477. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936- 7136. All correspondence should refer to Docket Number 27797.

TRD-200303075

Rhonda G. Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: May 16, 2003

On May 15, 2003, TXU Communications Telephone Company and Comm South Companies, Incorporated, collectively referred to as applicants, filed a joint application for approval of interconnection agreement under §252(i) of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, Public Law Number 104-104, 110 Statute 56, (codified as amended in scattered sections of 15 and 47 United States Code) (FTA) and the Public Utility Regulatory Act, Texas Utilities Code Annotated, Chapters 52 and 60 (Vernon 1998 & Supplement 2003) (PURA). The joint application has been designated Docket Number 27803. The joint application and the underlying interconnection agreement are available for public inspection at the commission's offices in Austin, Texas.

The commission must act to approve the interconnection agreement within 35 days after it is submitted by the parties.

The commission finds that additional public comment should be allowed before the commission issues a final decision approving or rejecting the interconnection agreement. Any interested person may file written comments on the joint application by filing three copies of the comments with the commission's filing clerk. Additionally, a copy of the comments should be served on each of the applicants. The comments should specifically refer to Docket Number 27803. As a part of the comments, an interested person may request that a public hearing be conducted. The comments, including any request for public hearing, shall be filed by June 16, 2003, and shall include:

1) a detailed statement of the person's interests in the agreement, including a description of how approval of the agreement may adversely affect those interests;

2) specific allegations that the agreement, or some portion thereof:

a) discriminates against a telecommunications carrier that is not a party to the agreement; or

b) is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity; or

c) is not consistent with other requirements of state law; and

3) the specific facts upon which the allegations are based.

After reviewing any comments, the commission will issue a notice of approval, denial, or determine whether to conduct further proceedings concerning the joint application. The commission shall have the authority given to a presiding officer pursuant to P.U.C. Procedural Rule §22.202. The commission may identify issues raised by the joint application and comments and establish a schedule for addressing those issues, including the submission of evidence by the applicants, if necessary, and briefing and oral argument. The commission may conduct a public hearing. Interested persons who file comments are not entitled to participate as intervenors in the public hearing.

Persons with questions about this action, or who wish to comment on the joint application should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, P. O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or by phone at (512) 936-7120 or toll-free at 1-888-782-8477. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936- 7136. All correspondence should refer to Docket Number 27803.

TRD-200303076

Rhonda G. Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: May 16, 2003

On May 15, 2003, Fort Bend Telephone Company doing business as TXU Communications and Comm South Companies, Incorporated, collectively referred to as applicants, filed a joint application for approval of interconnection agreement under §252(i) of the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, Public Law Number 104-104, 110 Statute 56, (codified as amended in scattered sections of 15 and 47 United States Code) (FTA) and the Public Utility Regulatory Act, Texas Utilities Code Annotated, Chapters 52 and 60 (Vernon 1998 & Supplement 2003) (PURA). The joint application has been designated Docket Number 27804. The joint application and the underlying interconnection agreement are available for public inspection at the commission's offices in Austin, Texas.

The commission must act to approve the interconnection agreement within 35 days after it is submitted by the parties.

The commission finds that additional public comment should be allowed before the commission issues a final decision approving or rejecting the interconnection agreement. Any interested person may file written comments on the joint application by filing three copies of the comments with the commission's filing clerk. Additionally, a copy of the comments should be served on each of the applicants. The comments should specifically refer to Docket Number 27804. As a part of the comments, an interested person may request that a public hearing be conducted. The comments, including any request for public hearing, shall be filed by June 16, 2003, and shall include:

1) a detailed statement of the person's interests in the agreement, including a description of how approval of the agreement may adversely affect those interests;

2) specific allegations that the agreement, or some portion thereof:

a) discriminates against a telecommunications carrier that is not a party to the agreement; or

b) is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity; or

c) is not consistent with other requirements of state law; and

3) the specific facts upon which the allegations are based.

After reviewing any comments, the commission will issue a notice of approval, denial, or determine whether to conduct further proceedings concerning the joint application. The commission shall have the authority given to a presiding officer pursuant to P.U.C. Procedural Rule §22.202. The commission may identify issues raised by the joint application and comments and establish a schedule for addressing those issues, including the submission of evidence by the applicants, if necessary, and briefing and oral argument. The commission may conduct a public hearing. Interested persons who file comments are not entitled to participate as intervenors in the public hearing.

Persons with questions about this action, or who wish to comment on the joint application should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, P. O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or by phone at (512) 936-7120 or toll-free at 1-888-782-8477. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936- 7136. All correspondence should refer to Docket Number 27804.

TRD-200303077

Rhonda G. Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: May 16, 2003

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (commission) will hold a public workshop in Project Number 27678, Forward Market Structure for ERCOT Market , on Friday, June 13, 2003, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The workshop will be held in Room 1-100 (conference room), located on the first floor of Travis Building, 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701.

The objective of the workshop is to examine the role of forward markets in increasing sellers' and buyers' choices and market liquidity, providing appropriate hedging instruments, improving price discovery, and providing accurate and timely forward price curves and indices to facilitate bilateral contracts and reduce the abuse of market power in bilateral market. The workshop will also look into how forward market structures work in other commodity markets and seek to identify important features of well-functioning forward markets (Panel I).

The workshop will discuss the feasible options for linking a forward market and an ISO real-time operation, identify potential issues with different options, and assess the impacts on ISO reliability operations (Panel II).

The workshop will discuss desirable features of a forward market in Texas and lay out options for further consideration. It will also identify the barriers to creating an ERCOT forward market and actions that should be taken to achieve adequate trading volume in a forward market (Panel III).

Questions about the workshop or the panels and discussion points should be directed through e-mail to Sam Zhou, Market Oversight Division, at Sam.Zhou@puc.state.tx.us.

This workshop will include the following three panel discussions:

Agenda

Panel Discussions

I. Introduction: Definition, Functions and Structure of Forward Markets for Electricity (9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.)

1. Definition

2. Role of forward markets in risk management

3. Functions: hedging, liquidity, price discovery, transparency, forward curves/indices, clearing service

4. Existing electricity forward market structures and their performance to date

i. "European Style" forward market structure

ii. "U.S. Style" forward market structure

5. How should the disclosure of information and trading practices be regulated? What measures should be taken with respect to forward markets to prevent the exercise of market power?

6. Best practices--characteristics of efficient forward markets and how to gain adequate liquidity

Short Presentation: Dr. Sam Zhou (PUCT), Dr. Ehud Ronn (UT)

Panelists: Mr. Bob Levin (NYMEX), Dr. Dariush Shirmohammadi (Americas OM), Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) representative (Invited), Mr. John Melby (Automated Power Exchange), Art Simonson (S&P), MW Daily representative (Invited), Bloomberg Representative (Invited)

II. Forward Markets and the Link to ISO Operation (1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.)

1. What are the feasible options for linking a forward market and an ISO real-time operation?

2. What are potential issues with different options?

3. What could be the determinants to choose different options?

4. Should a day-ahead spot market operate with security constrained, economic dispatch?

5. Can a forward market help an ISO resolve reliability issues?

Short Presentation: Dr. Shmuel Oren, Mr. Ray Giuliani (ERCOT)

Panel Members: Mr. Bob Levin (NYMEX), Dr. Dariush Shirmohammadi (Americas OM), Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) representative (Invited), Mr. John Melby (Automated Power Exchange), Art Simonson (S&P), MW Daily representative (Invited), Bloomberg Representative (Invited)

III. Desirable Features of a Forward Market within the "TEXAS Model" (2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

1. Should ERCOT adopt a "European Style" forward market structure or "U.S. Style" forward market structure?

2. What features should the forward market have in the "Texas Model"?

i. Pure energy market versus PJM style day-ahead market with security constrained, economic dispatch/day-ahead unit commitment?

ii. Single versus continuous multiple round auction?

iii. Physical day-ahead/hour-ahead spot market versus financial market?

iv. ISO-run versus third party power exchange?

3. What are the obstacles to creating an ERCOT forward market? What actions should be taken to achieve adequate trading volume in the forward market?

4. Impacts of a well functioning forward market on retail competition?

5. What are the implementation options, related costs, and who should pay the costs?

Short Presentation: Mr. Clayton Greer (WMS), Mr. Vanus Priestley (ARM Representative)

Panel Members: Dr. Shmuel Oren, TXU Representative, Reliant Representative, LCRA Representative, City of San Antonio Representative, ERCOT Representative, Representatives from other ERCOT market participants

(Each short presentation is limited to 15 minutes)

TRD-200303176

Rhonda G. Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: May 21, 2003

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (commission or PUCT) is issuing a Request for Information for interested firms able to conduct an audit of the Texas Universal Service Fund, for fiscal years 2002 and 2003 (RFI).

This audit is being undertaken pursuant to the commission's statutory responsibility to administer the Texas Universal Service Fund. Further information regarding the administration of this fund may be found in the Texas Utilities Code, Chapter 56, and the commission's Substantive Rule §26.420 (16 Texas Administrative Code §26.420). The commission will use the audit to ensure that the Texas Universal Service Fund is being managed and administered in compliance with the relevant rules and procedures (see Audit Objectives and Scope, Sections 2.1 and 2.2 of the RFI) by the contracted administrator, National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA).

The offices of NECA and the records to be audited are located in Whippany, New Jersey.

This request for information is in compliance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254, regarding the procurement of professional services. Professional services may not be procured through competitive bidding, but must be selected on the basis of demonstrated competence and qualification to perform the services requested for a fair and reasonable price.

The commission has utilized the firm of Warinner, Gesinger & Associates of Lenexa, KS, to provide these services in prior years. Warinner, Gesinger & Associates is eligible to submit a response to the request for information, including a bid for its services. In the past the PUCT has paid between $33,000 and $38,000 per audit year for the same or similar services.

To be considered, the response must arrive at the commission on or before 3:00 p.m., C.S.T., Monday, June 9, 2003. The due date for each final Audit Report will be approximately three months from the beginning date of the audit.

Respondents must provide statements affirming the following: The auditor is properly licensed for public practice as a certified public accountant; the auditor meets the independence requirements of the Standards for Audit of Governmental Organizations, Programs, Activities and Functions, as amended, published by the U.S. General Accounting Office; and the auditor does not have a record of substandard audit work.

The Public Utility Commission of Texas is requesting proposals from entities with any relevant audit experience in the telecommunications industry. Entities that meet the definition of a historically underutilized business (HUB), as defined in Chapter 2161, Texas Government Code, §2161.001, are encouraged to submit a proposal.

The Public Utility Commission of Texas requests responses expressing and interest in conducting a financial and management audit of the Texas Universal Service Fund) for each of the fiscal years ending August 31, 2002 and 2003. The audit shall cover all the administration of the Texas Universal Service Fund.

A complete copy of the RFI for a financial audit of the Texas Universal Service Fund for fiscal years 2002 and 2003 may be obtained by writing Lisa Trueper, Purchaser, Public Utility Commission of Texas, William B. Travis Building, 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701, or e-mail lisa.trueper@puc.state.tx.us, or faxing to (512) 936-7058. The RFI will be posted on the Electronic Business Daily and mailed to a list of potential respondents prepared by PUCT staff from the Central Master Bidders List, which is available for review at www.tbpc.state.tx.us. You may also down load the RFI from the Electronic Business Daily website, www.marketplace.state.tx.us.

Deadline for Receipt of Proposals. Responses must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 9, 2003. Please provide three copies of your response. Please deliver your response, Marked "CONFIDENTIAL" to Project Number 21208, Central Records Division, The Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701 or mail your response marked "CONFIDENTIAL" to Project 21208, Central Records Division, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326. Responses received after 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 9, 2003, will not be considered.

TRD-200303172

Rhonda G. Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: May 21, 2003

In accordance with Transportation Code, §201.602, the Texas Transportation Commission (commission) will conduct a public hearing to receive data, comments, views, and/or testimony concerning the commission's highway project selection process and the relative importance of the various criteria on which the commission bases its project selection decisions. A presentation will be given regarding recommendation reports the Texas Transportation Institute produced for the commission involving the Unified Transportation Program restructure. Specifically, five funding categories and their recommended selection processes will be discussed. The five funding categories are as follows: Category 1, Preventive Maintenance and Rehabilitation; Category 2, Metropolitan Area Corridor Projects; Category 3, Urban Area Corridor Projects; Category 4, Statewide Connectivity Corridor Projects; and Category 11, District Discretionary. It is emphasized that the subject of the hearing will be the procedure by which projects are selected in the above funding categories and not the merits or details of specific projects themselves.

The public hearing will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2003, at 9:00 a.m., in the first floor hearing room of the Dewitt C. Greer State Highway Building, 125 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas. The hearing will be held in accordance with the procedures specified in 43 TAC §1.5. Any interested person may appear and offer comments, either orally or in writing; however, questioning of those making presentations will be reserved exclusively to the commission as may be necessary to ensure a complete record. While any person with pertinent comments or testimony concerning the selection procedure will be granted an opportunity to present them during the course of the hearing, the commission reserves the right to restrict testimony in terms of time and repetitive comment. Organizations, associations, or groups are encouraged to present their commonly-held views, and same or similar comments, through a representative member where possible. Presentations must remain pertinent to the issue being discussed. A person may not assign a portion of his or her time to another speaker. Persons with disabilities who plan to attend the hearing and who may need auxiliary aids or services such as interpreters for persons who are deaf or hearing impaired, readers, large print or Braille, are requested to contact Randall Dillard, Director, Public Information Office, at 125 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701-2383, or (512) 305-9196 at least two working days prior to the hearing so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Copies of the criteria/information will be available beginning May 30, 2003, at the Texas Department of Transportation's Riverside Annex, 118 East Riverside Drive, Building 118, Room 2B-6, Austin, (512) 486-5050. Written comments may be submitted to the Texas Department of Transportation, Attention: James L. Randall, P.E., P.O. Box 149217, Austin, Texas 78714-9217. The deadline for receipt of comments is 5:00 p.m. on August 11, 2003.

TRD-200303082

Bob Jackson

Deputy General Counsel

Texas Department of Transportation

Filed: May 16, 2003

The Texas Water Development Board (Board) requests the submission of Statements of Qualifications (RFQs) from interested applicants leading to the possible award of contracts for state Fiscal Year 2003 to conduct water research on six priority topics. The total amount of the grants awarded by the Board shall not exceed $475,000 from the Research and Planning Fund. Rules governing the Research and Planning Fund (31 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 355) are available upon request from the Board, or may be found at the Secretary of State's Internet address: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/tac/; then sequentially select, "TAC Viewer," "Title 31," "Part 10," and "Chapter 355." Guidelines for responding to the RFQ, which include an application form and detailed information on the research topic, will be available at the Board's website at: http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/publications/requestforproposals/requestsforproposals_index.htm, or will be provided upon request.

Description of the Research Objectives and Purpose. The Board's grant contribution is estimated not to exceed the posted dollar value adjacent to the priority research topic. RFQs are requested for the following priority research:

Development of Agricultural and Municipal Water Conservation Evaluation Tools ($175,000). Under the 2002 State Water Plan, eleven of the sixteen regional water planning groups utilize conservation as a management strategy to address the projected water needs through the year 2050 for more than 200 water user groups. However, the regional water plans offer few details regarding how these conservation strategies will be implemented, and lack standardized benchmarks from which to measure their success. For the 2007 State Water Plan, regional water planning groups are required to consider water conservation strategies, to a greater extent than before, in their evaluation and selection of strategies to address water supply demands identified in the regional water plans.

Research is needed to develop evaluation tools to measure the success of conservation water management strategies and to identify the most cost-effective regional conservation investments. This research will improve the ability of regional water planning groups to successfully promote, implement, measure, and monitor water conservation programs. This research is also intended to provide technical and staff support for a task force or like entity created to evaluate matters regarding water conservation.

Feasibility Study of Product Water Desalination ($75,000). Large quantities of produced water are brought to the surface in Texas as a result of natural resource extraction activities. Research is needed to assess the economic and technological feasibility of desalting produced water resulting from these activities to develop water of sufficient quality to meet certain local water supply needs and to allow consideration of disposal options other than well injection.

Revise and Update the Texas Guide to Rainwater Harvesting ($25,000). The Texas Guide to Rainwater Harvesting (RWH), published by the Board in 1997, is one of the agency's most popular and requested publications. Research is needed to revise and update the Texas Guide to Rainwater Harvesting to reflect changes in laws and technologies related to rainwater harvesting and to include information on issues that were not adequately addressed in the current publication.

Development of Permitting and Development Decision Model for Desalination Projects in Texas ($50,000). Because few major brackish and no seawater desalination plants have been built in Texas, regulatory requirements for permitting such facilities are not well defined. The resulting lack of formal regulatory guidance in Texas makes desalination project planning difficult and project development strategies uncertain. Research is needed to develop a permitting and development decision model for desalination projects in Texas. Successful completion of the research would result in more effective management of stakeholder processes in water planning and improve decisions regarding the appropriate types of facilities and arrangements to pursue, such as integrated power-generation and water desalination facilities.

Survey and Evaluation of Municipal Water Loss in Texas ($75,000). The municipal water loss data available at the Board is based on a percentage ratio, using sales of water divided by production. Many water systems consider this single facet of water management as the full universe of water loss. However, this is only an intermediate step in the calculation process. Research is needed to more accurately develop municipal water loss estimates across the State. Successful completion of the research would allow the Board to better estimate per capita water use in the future and develop more accurate water demand projections. This would also assist water suppliers in calculating water loss optimizations.

Development of Agricultural Water Use Estimating Methodology ($75,000). The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has recently terminated its long-running, countywide agricultural survey program. This long-term, land use, agriculture, and irrigation data set has been relied upon by the Board to develop statewide agricultural water demand projections. In the absence of additional NRCS surveys, the Board needs to determine another means of developing current agricultural water use estimates and future water demand projections. Research is needed to identify possible substitute methodologies for developing agricultural water use estimates. Successful completion of the research would provide the Board with a new, cost-effective and reliable method for estimating agricultural water use.

Description of Applicant Criteria. The applicant should demonstrate prior experience in the priority research topic, and be able to review, research, analyze, evaluate and interpret data and research findings; and have excellent oral presentation and writing abilities. If the applicant is short-listed, the applicant should be prepared to make an oral presentation to staff members of the Board. The scope of work, schedule, and contract amount will be negotiated after the Board selects the most qualified applicant. Failure to reach a negotiated contract may result in subsequent negotiations with the next-most qualified applicant; however, a negotiation will not occur with applicants who are determined by the Board to be unqualified, or otherwise unsuited to perform the requested research. Applicants that are selected to conduct the research may be required to present the results of their research at one or more of the Board's monthly public meetings.

Deadline for Submittal, Review Criteria and Contact Person for Additional Information. Historically Underutilized Businesses are encouraged to submit Statements of Qualifications and/or participate as sub-contractors in the water research program. Ten double-sided, double-spaced copies of a completed Statement of Qualifications must be filed with the Board prior to 5:00 PM, June 30, 2003. Respondents to this request shall limit their Statement of Qualifications to the size previously mentioned, excluding the resumes of the project team members. Statements of Qualifications can be directed either in person to Ms. Phyllis Thomas, Texas Water Development Board, Stephen F. Austin Building, Room 448, 1700 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas; or by mail to Ms. Phyllis Thomas, Texas Water Development Board, P.O. Box 13231--Capitol Station, Austin, Texas 78711-3231. All applicants must contact the Board to obtain the Board's guidelines for responding to the RFQ. Applicants wishing to submit a Statement of Qualifications on the topic entitled "Development of Agricultural and Municipal Water Conservation Evaluation Tools" must attend a pre-submittal meeting at 9:00 AM on June 17, 2003 in Room 118 of the Stephen F. Austin State Office Building in order to submit a responsive Statement of Qualifications. Requests for information, the Board's guidelines for responding to the RFQ, and detailed information on each research topic should be directed to Ms. Phyllis Thomas at the preceding address, by calling (512) 463-7926, or by e-mail to: phyllis@twdb.state.tx.us.

TRD-200303162

Suzanne Schwartz

General Counsel

Texas Water Development Board

Filed: May 21, 2003