TITLE in-addition

Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner

Notice of Rate Ceilings

The Consumer Credit Commissioner of Texas has ascertained the following rate ceilings by use of the formulas and methods described in Sections 303.003, 303.005, and 303.009, Tex. Fin. Code.

The weekly ceiling as prescribed by Sec. 303.003 and Sec. 303.009 for the period of 01/01/01 - 01/07/01 is 18% for Consumer 1 /Agricultural/Commercial 2 /credit thru $250,000.

The weekly ceiling as prescribed by Sec. 303.003 and Sec. 303.009 for the period of 01/01/01 - 01/07/01 is 18% for Commercial over $250,000.

The monthly ceiling as prescribed by Sec. 303.005 3 for the period of 01/01/01 - 01/31/01 is 18% for Consumer/Agricultural/Commercial/credit thru $250,000.

The monthly ceiling as prescribed by Sec. 303.005 for the period of 01/01/01 - 01/31/01 is 18% for Commercial over $250,000.

1 Credit for personal, family or household use.

2 Credit for business, commercial, investment or other similar purpose.

3 For variable rate commercial transactions only.

TRD-200009039

Leslie L. Pettijohn

Commissioner

Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner

Filed: December 27, 2000


Notice of Rate Ceilings

The Consumer Credit Commissioner of Texas has ascertained the following rate ceilings by use of the formulas and methods described in Sections 303.003 and 303.009, Tex. Fin. Code.

The weekly ceiling as prescribed by Sections 303.003 and 303.009 for the period of 01/08/01 - 01/14/01 is 18% for Consumer 1 /Agricultural/Commercial2 /credit thru $250,000.

The weekly ceiling as prescribed by Sections 303.003 and 303.09 for the period of 01/08/01 - 01/14/01 is 18% for Commercial over $250,000.

1 Credit for personal, family or household use.

2 Credit for business, commercial, investment or other similar purpose.

TRD-200100033

Leslie L. Pettijohn

Commissioner

Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner

Filed: January 3, 2001


Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Notice of Award

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice hereby gives notice of a Contract Award for the Plane State Jail Multi-Purpose Building, Requisition Number: 696-FD-1-B005.

The Contract was awarded to DT Construction, Inc., as a full award for a dollar amount of $654,700.

TRD-200009070

Carl Reynolds

General Counsel

Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Filed: December 29, 2000


Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

Request for Proposals

The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities announces the availability of funds for six separate grant projects. The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities is established by and funded under state and federal law and is responsible for promoting the development of supports and services necessary for individuals with developmental disabilities to be fully included in their communities. The Council has a commitment to support projects that will be carried out by organizations that share the Council's vision and values.

Proposed projects are:

1) Partners in Policymaking - funding for one project, up to $385,000 per year for three years.

Background:

Partners in Policymaking, a nationally recognized leadership training program for people with disabilities and/or their families, has been funded by TCDD for over 10 years. The program provides at least 128 hours of structured training in best practices, current issues and trends in providing services and supports to people with severe disabilities, and development of advocacy-related skills, and follows the national model closely. The program is administered over eight weekends, each of which involves at least one overnight stay.

2) School to Work Transition projects - funding for three projects, up to $75,000 per year for three years.

Background:

Up to three projects will be funded to demonstrate innovative and effective ways of providing supports and assistance to students with disabilities as they transition out of high school into the workplace.

3) Local Advocacy Support Networks - funding up to $25,000 per site, per year for three years. Maximum of five sites.

Background:

The Council has supported various advocacy and policy development efforts over the past decade. The Council has previously funded three local advocacy network projects in Houston and Austin. These projects have developed training and resource manuals and other publications, a listserv, public service announcements, a newsletter task force and have formed many alliances with groups, cross-disability networks, professionals, and individuals involved with disability issues. Funds are available to establish up to five additional cross-disability local advocacy networks in communities in Texas where no such organization currently exists.

4) Youth Leadership Training - funding for one project, up to $50,000 for year one and up to $100,000 per year for years two and three.

Background:

The project will coordinate planning and development of youth leadership forums to be conducted during years two and three. The forums will provide youths with disabilities the opportunity to come together to gain information, develop specific skills, and establish personal goals and plans in an experientially based program. The program, supported by adults who provide positive role models, will acknowledge and encourage the active involvement of youth in their communities, both today and in the future.

5) Transition to Higher Education Video - funding for one project, up to $75,000 for 12 to 18 months.

Background:

Funding will be provided to produce a video presenting the stories of students with disabilities who are currently enrolled in colleges or universities in Texas. Many students with disabilities do not receive the encouragement and support necessary to seek and achieve success at the post secondary level. Funding is available for the creation of a 6-8 minute video, produced in Spanish and English to be made available to students, their families, and educators to consider higher education as a viable option for students with disabilities.

6) New Initiatives - funding range, $20,000 to $50,000 per project. Total amount not to exceed $150,000. Projects are not to exceed three years in duration. Maximum of five projects.

Background:

The purpose of this Open Request for Proposals (RFPs) is to provide an opportunity for entities to submit proposal ideas for consideration. Proposals must be based on the goals and objectives addressed in the TCDD State Plan.

Grant/Application Terms

Continuation Funding: Projects may be eligible for continuation funding as specified in their original Request for Proposals. Continuation funding for each year will not be automatic. Consideration for continuation funding will include a review of the project's accomplishments, progress towards stated goals and objectives, financial management of funds, compliance with reporting requirements, the most recent program audit, results of TCDD's onsite reviews, and development of alternative funding.

Application Packet: For the full request for proposals, application forms and instructions, please submit a written, fax or e-mail request to: Carl Risinger, Grants Management Director, Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, 4900 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas, 78751-2399, (512) 424-4084 (voice) or (512) 424-4097 (fax), E-mail TXDDC@txddc.state.tx.us. This information also may be obtained through TCDD's Website at http://www.txddc.state.tx.us. The completed application packet must be mailed or hand delivered. Application packets cannot be faxed.

Deadline: All Proposals will be accepted by mail or in person at the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities, 4900 North Lamar Boulevard, Office #4435, 4th Floor, Austin, Texas, by March 12, 2001.

A nonfederal match of 25% is required of all projects. The nonfederal match may consist of "in-kind" value and/or nonfederal cash contributions. Project activities located in counties designated, as federal poverty areas require a minimum of 10% matching resources. An increasing match in subsequent years is requested and will be negotiated with TCDD.

TRD-200100031

Charles Schiesser

Chief of Staff

Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities

Filed: January 2, 2001


East Texas Council of Governments

Request for Proposals

The East Texas Area Agency on Aging will accept proposals to provide services to persons in Camp, Gregg, Harrison, Marion, Panola, Rusk, and Upshur counties beginning April 1, 2001 and ending on September 30, 2003. Proposals to deliver nutrition services in Gregg, Harrison, Panola, and Upshur Counties must include congregate meals, home-delivered meals, and participant assessments as prescribed by the Older Americans Act, as amended. Transportation proposals will be accepted for the provision of Title III.B and Section 5311 Rural Public Transportation service to the general public in the seven counties listed above, 5307 Small Urban Transit Program for the elderly and disabled inside the city of Longview, and Title XIX Medical Transportation services in Harrison and Panola Counties. Transportation proposals must include services as prescribed by the Older Americans Act as amended, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Federal Transportation Administration. Rural transportation proposals that do not include entire counties will not be accepted. Proposals should address FY-2001, 2002, and 2003 service levels. The initial contract will be for six months, with the option to renew for fiscal years 2002 and 2003. Proposals may be submitted by local governments, public or private non-profit organizations, or for-profit organizations. Unit rate contracts will be awarded for services other than Rural Public Transportation. Estimated available State and Federal funds for the last six months of FY-2001 are: $60,265 for congregate meals; $104,896 for home-delivered meals, including participant assessments; $105,630 for Title III.B, Elderly Transportation Services; $108,641 for Section 5311, Public Rural Transportation Services; $83,596 for Section 5307, Small Urban Transit Services for the Elderly and Disabled Inside the City of Longview; and, $45,000 (approximate) for Title XIX Medical Transportation Services.

Proposals must include a 10% local match, which may be cash, in-kind, or a combination of the two. Technical assistance for proposers will be offered in a one-time only bidders conference at the East Texas Council of Governments office, 3800 Stone Road, Kilgore, Texas, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on January 19, 2001. APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 5:00 P.M. ON February 9, 2001. Faxed proposals will not be accepted. All proposal requests must be obtained from and returned to: East Texas Council of Governments, Area Agency on Aging, 3800 Stone Road, Kilgore, Texas 75662, Attention: Claude I. Andrews

For additional proposal information, call (903) 984-8641.

TRD-200100034

Lynn Knight

Executive Director

East Texas Council of Governments

Filed: January 3, 2001


Texas Department of Health

Licensing Actions for Radioactive Materials

The Texas Department of Health has taken actions regarding Licenses for the possession and use of radioactive materials as listed in the tables. The subheading "Location" indicates the city in which the radioactive material may be possessed and/or used. The location listing "Throughout Texas" indicates that the radioactive material may be used on a temporary basis at job sites throughout the state.

[graphic]

[graphic]

[graphic]

[graphic]

In issuing new licenses and amending and renewing existing licenses, the Texas Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control, has determined that the applicants are qualified by reason of training and experience to use the material in question for the purposes requested in accordance with Title 25 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 289 in such a manner as to minimize danger to public health and safety or property and the environment; the applicants' proposed equipment, facilities and procedures are adequate to minimize danger to public health and safety or property and the environment; the issuance of the license(s) will not be inimical to the health and safety of the public or the environment; and the applicants satisfy any applicable requirements of 25 TAC Chapter 289.

This notice affords the opportunity for a hearing on written request of a licensee, applicant, or "person affected" within 30 days of the date of publication of this notice. A "person affected" is defined as a person who is a resident of a county, or a county adjacent to the county, in which the radioactive materials are or will be located, including any person who is doing business or who has a legal interest in land in the county or adjacent county, and any local government in the county; and who can demonstrate that he has suffered or will suffer actual injury or economic damage. A licensee, applicant, or "person affected" may request a hearing by writing Richard A. Ratliff, P.E., Chief, Bureau of Radiation Control (Director, Radiation Control Program), Texas Department of Health, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756-3189. For information call (512) 834-6688.

TRD-200009068

Susan K. Steeg

General Counsel

Texas Department of Health

Filed: December 28, 2000


Notice of Request for Proposals for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Administrative Agencies

Introduction and Purpose

The Texas Department of Health (department) announces the availability of grant funds to provide administration of outpatient health care and social services to persons with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) within the new HIV planning areas, (see planning area information at the website at http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/hivstd/pdf/planarea.pdf). Details on areas to be served will be available at the website in mid January, 2001.

Through this Request for Proposals (RFP), the department intends to select up to seven administrative agencies (AA) to provide administration of the following department grant programs:

Title II of the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act of 2000, as amended

HIV State Health and Social Services (State Services)

Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)

The department will enter into contracts with the selected administrative agencies on or about September 1, 2001 for the State Services and HIV CARE Consortia contracts, and on or about February 1, 2002 for HOPWA.

In addition, the department will contract with some of the selected AA's to provide:

Planning Body Coordination.

One entity selected to serve as the administrative agency for each area HIV care planning body (formerly Consortium) will also serve as the administrative body to coordinate the planning functions of the area planning bodies through a memorandum of understanding with the planning body and will receive additional department funding for those activities.

The primary role of an administrative agency is to apply for and manage department funds and programs for the provision of HIV services within the planning area. The department will provide funding for administrative purposes. The remainder of the grant funds will be used by the administrative agency to subcontract with provider agencies which will directly serve persons with HIV infection.

Eligible Applicants

Eligible applicants are public or private nonprofit organizations within the proposed Area of service. Agencies that have had state or federal contracts terminated within the last 24 months for deficiencies in fiscal or programmatic performance are not eligible to apply.

Eligible entities must demonstrate core administrative agency competencies as listed in the Site Review Tool for Assessing Administrative Agency Core Competencies available with the RFP.

To Apply

A letter of intent to apply must be submitted by February 28, 2001, and proposals must be submitted by April 2, 2001. Interested parties may obtain a copy of the RFP at the website: http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/hivstd/grants/default.htm; or, contact Laura Ramos at (512) 490-2525 or by e-mail at laura.ramos@tdh.state.tx.us. No copies of the RFP will be released prior to January 31, 2001.

TRD-200009069

Susan K. Steeg

General Counsel

Texas Department of Health

Filed: December 28, 2000


Texas Department of Insurance

Insurer Services

Application to change the name of GUARANTY NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA to GUARANTY NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY OF CONNECTICUT, a foreign fire and casualty company. The home office is in Farmington, Connecticut.

Application to change the name of MISSION AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY to GUARANTY INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES COMPANY, a domestic life company. The home office is in Houston, Texas.

Any objections must be filed with the Texas Department of Insurance, addressed to the attention of Godwin Ohaechesi, 333 Guadalupe Street, M/C 305-2C, Austin, Texas 78701.

TRD-200100036

Judy Woolley

Deputy Chief Clerk

Texas Department of Insurance

Filed: January 3, 2001


Notice

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has withdrawn from consideration for permanent adoption proposed amendments to the Texas Private Passenger Automobile Statistical Plan (statistical plan). The proposed amendments, which were based on a TDI staff petition, would have amended the use of an existing statistical data field to collect statistical experience concerning the use of rating tiers by direct writing county mutual companies. Notice of the amendments, which were proposed pursuant to Texas Insurance Code Art. 5.96, was published in the Texas Register on July 21, 2000 (25 TexReg 6983).

TDI has withdrawn the proposed action after careful consideration of the comments submitted in writing and at a public hearing held on August 31, 2000, under Docket Number 2451. At that hearing TDI's authority to require the reporting of rating tier data from these non rate regulated companies was questioned by affected insurers. Because of some uncertainty in this area, the department has included in its biennial report to the Legislature, required by Texas Insurance Code Sec. 32.022, a proposal that the Insurance Code be amended to clarify the agency's authority to gather statistical data from county mutual companies. This would resolve the issue and enable the department to collect useful information regarding the automobile insurance market in Texas. For these reasons, TDI will not pursue further action on the proposed amendments to the statistical plan, pending any action by the 77th Legislature.

TRD-200100041

Judy Woolley

Deputy Chief Clerk

Texas Department of Insurance

Filed: January 3, 2001


Notice

The Commissioner of Insurance, or his designee, will consider approval of a rate filing request submitted by The Travelers Indemnity Company proposing to use rates for private passenger automobile insurance that are outside the upper or lower limits of the flexibility band promulgated by the Commissioner of Insurance, pursuant to TEX. INS. CODE ANN. art 5.101 §3(g). The Company is requesting a flex percent of +55% for liability and physical damage for all territories and classifications. The overall rate change is +19.2% from the previous filing.

Copies of the filing may be obtained by contacting George Russell, at the Texas Department of Insurance, Automobile/Homeowners Division, P.O. Box 149104, Austin, Texas 78714-9104, telephone (512) 305-7468.

This filing is subject to Department approval without a hearing unless a properly filed objection, pursuant to art. 5.101 §3(h), is made with the Chief Actuary for P&C, Mr. Phil Presley, at the Texas Department of Insurance, MC 105-5F, P.O. Box 149104, Austin, Texas 78701, by January 29, 2001.

TRD-200100043

Judy Woolley

Deputy Chief Clerk

Texas Department of Insurance

Filed: January 3, 2001


Notice of Applications by Small Employer Carriers to be Risk-Assuming Carriers

Notice is given to the public of the application of the listed small employer carriers to be risk-assuming carriers under Texas Insurance Code Article 26.52. A small employer carrier is defined by Chapter 26 of the Texas Insurance Code as a health insurance carrier that offers, delivers or issues for delivery, or renews small employer health benefit plans subject to the chapter. A risk-assuming carrier is defined by Chapter 26 of the Texas Insurance Code as a small employer carrier that elects not to participate in the Texas Health Reinsurance System. The following small employer carriers have applied to be risk-assuming carriers:

PacifiCare Life Assurance Company, and

Harris Methodist Health Insurance Company

The applications are subject to public inspection at the offices of the Texas Department of Insurance, Financial Monitoring Unit, 333 Guadalupe, Hobby Tower 3, 3rd Floor, Austin, Texas.

If you wish to comment on these applications to be risk-assuming carriers, you must submit your written comments within 60 days after publication of this notice in the Texas Register to Lynda H. Nesenholtz, Chief Clerk, Mail Code 113-1C, Texas Department of Insurance, P. O. Box 149104, Austin, Texas 78714-91204. An additional copy of the comments must be submitted to Mike Boerner, Managing Actuary, Actuarial Division of the Financial Program, Mail Code 304-3A, Texas Department of Insurance, P. O. Box 149104, Austin, Texas 78714-9104. Upon consideration of the applications, if the Commissioner is satisfied that all requirements of law have been met, the Commissioner or his designee may take action to approve the applications to be risk-assuming carriers.

TRD-200009052

Judy Woolley

Deputy Chief Clerk

Texas Department of Insurance

Filed: December 28, 2000


Notice of Filing

The following petition has been filed with the Texas Department of Insurance, and is under consideration:

The adoption of two amendments to the Plan of Operation for Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA), pursuant to Article 21.81.

One proposal is to amend the TAIPA Plan of Operation, Section 13.B.2. to delete the specific reference to the Installment Premium Payment Option and to make a general reference to all payment options outlined in Section 5 (which includes the installment option). TAIPA requests this amendment because the eight-payment installment plan is available for commercial assignments effective January l, 2001.

The other proposal is to amend the TAIPA Plan of Operation, Section 15.D. to change the word "quotas" to "assessments" to be consistent with the wording in Section 15.B., which requires that assessments be based on data for the second prior year. This amendment does not affect the current method of calculating assessments.

This filing is subject to Department approval without a hearing. Any comments may be filed with Marilyn Hamilton, Deputy Commissioner, Personal and Commercial Lines Division, Texas Department of Insurance, Mail Code 104-PC, P.O. Box 149104, Austin, Texas 78714-9104, within 15 days after publication of this notice.

For further information or to request a copy of the proposed amendments, please contact Sylvia Gutierrez at (512) 463-6327 (reference number A-0900-23).

TRD-200100037

Judy Woolley

Deputy Chief Clerk

Texas Department of Insurance

Filed: January 3, 2001


Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation

Public Notice Announcing Pre-Application Orientation for Waiver Program Provider Enrollment

The Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (TDMHMR), pursuant to 25 TAC §419.704, will hold a Pre-Application Orientation (PAO) for persons seeking to participate as a program provider in the Home and Community-Based Services (HCS), Home and Community-Based Services-OBRA (HCS-O), or Mental Retardation Local Authority (MRLA).

The PAO will be held at 8:30 a.m., Monday, April 16, 2001, in Austin, Texas. Persons wanting to attend the PAO must request a registration form by letter or by fax. Requests should be addressed to Bill Fordyce, Enrollment/Sanctions Manager, Medicaid Administration, TDMHMR, PO Box 12668, Austin, Texas 78711-2668. The fax number is (512) 206-5725.

Upon receipt of a written request, TDMHMR will provide the applicant with information regarding the provider application enrollment processes and a registration form to the requestor. Completed registration forms must be returned to TDMHMR no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 16, 2001. Written requests for a registration form received after March 9, 2001, may not be timely enough to meet the March 16, 2001, registration form return date. If the registration form is not returned to TDMHMR by March 16, 2001, the form is invalid and the applicant will be required to reapply when the next PAO is announced.

Persons requiring an interpreter for the deaf or hearing impaired or other accommodation should contact Helen Rayner by calling (512) 206-5249 or the TTY phone number of Texas Relay, which is 1-800-735-2988, at least 72 hours prior to the PAO. You may also contact Helen Rayner for additional information concerning the PAO.

TRD-200100040

Andrew Hardin

Chairman, Texas MHMR Board

Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation

Filed: January 3, 2001


Texas State Board of Pharmacy

Correction of Error

The Texas State Board of Pharmacy filed proposed rule reviews for Chapter 291 (§291.23) and Chapter 295 (§295.13) for publication in the December 29, 2000, issue of the Texas Register .

Due to an error by the Texas Register the proposed rule reviews were omitted from the issue and the adopted rule reviews for Chapter 291 (§§291.71-291.76) and Chapter 295 (§295.11) were published instead. The proposed rule reviews are in the Rule Review section of this issue of the Texas Register .

TRD-200100044


Public Utility Commission of Texas

Correction of Error

The Public Utility Commission adopted new 16 TAC §26.24 relating to Credit Requirements and Deposits. The rule appeared in the December 22, 2000 Texas Register (25 TexReg 12652).

Due to an error by the Texas Register the reference to subparagraph "(B)" was omitted on page 12675 under §26.24(a)(1)(C). As published subparagraph (C) reads:

"(C) The DCTU may require the applicant to pay a deposit only if the applicant does not demonstrate satisfactory credit using the criteria in subparagraph of this paragraph."

The subparagraph should read as follows.

"(C) The DCTU may require the applicant to pay a deposit only if the applicant does not demonstrate satisfactory credit using the criteria in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph."

TRD-200100030


Notice of Application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for a Proposed Transmission Line

Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (commission) of an application on December 15, 2000, for a certificate of convenience and necessity for a proposed transmission line in Montgomery County pursuant to P.U.C. Substantive Rule §25.101(c)(1)(C), §§14.001, 37.051, 37.054, 37.056 and 37.057 of the Public Utility Regulatory Act, Texas Utilities Code Annotated (Vernon 1998 & Supplement 2000) (PURA). A summary of the application follows.

00Docket Style and Number: Application of Entergy Gulf States, Inc. for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) for Proposed Transmission Line within Montgomery County, Docket Number 23429.

The Application: Entergy Gulf States, Inc. (EGSI) filed an application for a certificate for convenience and necessity (CCN) for a proposed transmission line. To provide adequate and reliable service to a rapid load growth in south central Montgomery County, EGSI will require a new 138 kV connection between Conroe Bulk and Goslin Substations, thus providing an additional transmission source into the area. To achieve this connection, a new transmission line is proposed to be constructed between Conroe Bulk Substation and the site of a future substation located near the end of de-engerized 138 kV Line 403, which is connected to Goslin Substation. A section of Line 403 will be re-energized to connect Conroe Bulk Substation to Goslin Substation. In addition, Line 587 from Lewis Creek Steam Electric Station to Conroe Bulk Substation should be upgraded.

Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, P. O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or call the commission's Customer Protection Division at (512) 936-7120 or (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. The deadline for intervention in the proceeding will be established. The commission should receive a letter requesting intervention on or before the intervention deadline.

TRD-200100019

Rhonda Dempsey

Rules Coordinator

Public Utility Commission of Texas

Filed: January 2, 2001


Texas Department of Transportation

Public Notice

In accordance with 43 TAC §§11.200-11.205, the Texas Department of Transportation issues this 2001 Program Call for the proposed projects of the department's Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program.

Title 23, United States Code, §133 (d)(2) and §160(e) (2), requires that 10% of certain funds apportioned a state pursuant to Title 23, United States Code §104((b) (3), be used for transportation enhancement activities, as defined. The Texas Transportation Commission may allocate funds to the department for use on the state highway system for transportation enhancement activities that provide a safe, effective and efficient movement of people and goods. The commission will also make funds available in a statewide competitive program that enhances the surface transportation systems and facilities within the state for the benefit of the users of those systems.

Transportation enhancement activities are defined in §101(a) of Title 23, United States Code as:

(1) provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles;

(2) provision of safety and education activities for pedestrians and bicycles;

(3) acquisition of scenic easements and scenic or historic sites;

(4) scenic or historic highway program (including the provision of tourist and welcome center facilities);

(5) landscaping and other scenic beautification;

(6) historic preservation;

(7) rehabilitation and operation of historic transportation buildings, structures or facilities (including historic railroad facilities and canals);

(8) preservation of abandoned railway corridors (including the conversion and use thereof for pedestrian or bicycle trails);

(9) control & removal of outdoor advertising;

(10) archaeological planning & research;

(11) environmental mitigation to address water pollution due to highway runoff or reduce vehicle-caused wildlife mortality while maintaining habitat connectivity; and establishment of transportation museums.

To nominate a project, the eligible nominating entity must file its nomination, in the form prescribed by the department, with the district engineer of the district office responsible for the area in which the proposed enhancement project will be implemented. The address and telephone number of the district offices may be obtained by contacting the Design Division at (512) 416-3082. Completed nominations must be received by the department no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, June 18, 2001.

Information regarding the program, program guide, nomination forms and workshops are available from the department's district offices or by writing the Design Division, 125 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701-2483.

TRD-200100014

Bob Jackson

Deputy General Counsel

Texas Department of Transportation

Filed: January 2, 2001


Texas Water Development Board

Applications Received

Pursuant to the Texas Water Code, Section 6.195, the Texas Water Development Board provides notice of the following applications received by the Board:

Galveston County Water Control and Improvement District No. 12, 524 Cien Street, Kemah, Texas, 77565, received November 30, 2000, application for financial assistance in the amount of $3,425,000 from the Texas Water Development Funds.

Sandy Land Underground Water Conservation District, P.O. Box 130, Plains, Texas 79355, received December 14, 2000, application for financial assistance in the amount of $500,000 from the Agricultural Water Conservation Loan Program.

Daniel B. Stephens & Associates, Inc. 6020 Academy NE, Suite 100, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87109, application for financial assistance in an amount not to exceed $549,927 from the Research and Planning Fund.

Duke Engineering & Services, Inc., 9111 Research Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78758, application for financial assistance in an amount not to exceed $699,806.41 from the Research and Planning Fund.

Duke Engineering & Services, Inc., 9111 Research Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78758, application for financial assistance in an amount not to exceed $550,000 from the Research and Planning Fund.

University of Texas at Austin, Bureau of Economic Geology, Box 7726, University Station, Austin, Texas, 78713, application for financial assistance in an amount not to exceed $549,486 from the Research and Planning Fund.

Waterstone Environmental Hydrology and Engineering, Inc., 1650 38th Street, Suite 201E, Boulder, Colorado, 80301, application for financial assistance in an amount not to exceed $550,000 from the Research and Planning Fund.

Angelina and Neches River Authority, P.O. Box 387, Lukfin, Texas, 75901, application for financial assistance in an amount not to exceed $451,000 from the Research and Planning Fund.

North Texas Municipal Water District, P.O. Box 2408, Wylie, Texas, 75098-2408, application for financial assistance in an amount not to exceed $227,200 from the Research and Planning Fund.

TRD-200100035

Gail L. Allan

Director of Project-Related Legal Services

Texas Water Development Board

Filed: January 3, 2001