IN ADDITION The Texas Register is required by statute to publish certain documents, including applications to purchase control of state banks, notices of rate ceilings, changes in interest rate and applications to install remote service units, and consultant proposal requests and awards. To aid agencies in communicating information quickly and effectively, other information of general interest to the public is published as space allows. Texas Alternative Fuels Council Notice of Contract Award In accordance with the Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter B, the Texas Alternative Fuels Council publishes this notice of a consultant contract award. The request for proposals appeared in the August 30, 1996, issue of the Texas Register (21 TexReg 8326). The contract consists of the development and implementation of an alternative fueled vehicle strategic plans for Texas Clean Cities and the development and implementation of a private loan fund to be used by both public and private fleets. The contractor selected to perform this service is Ruby Mountain, Inc., 2373 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108-1942. The contract period began October 1, 1996 and will end on August 31, 1997. The total maximum value of the contract is $198,400. The strategic plans will be developed and the marketing program implemented in a manner that will result in the completion of strategic alternative fuel plans for each city no later than April 1, 1997 and an initial implementation stage ending August 31, 1997. Quarterly reports will be required on or before November 30, 1996, February 2, 1997, and May 31, 1997. A final report will be required on or before August 31, 1997. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 25, 1996. TRD-9617157 R. Craig Davis Administrator Texas Alternative Fuels Council Filed: November 25, 1996 Notice of Contract Award In accordance with the Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter B, the Texas Alternative Fuels Council publishes this notice of a consultant contract award. The request for proposals appeared in the August 30, 1996, issue of the Texas Register (21 TexReg 8326). The contract consists of the development of fueling systems to be certified to the United States Environmental Protection Agency Clean Fuel Vehicle Certification of vehicle fueling systems. These systems will be fueled by propane and fueled by natural gas. These certifications will result in at least low emission vehicle standard and possibly ultra low emission standard. The contractor selected to perform this service is Southwest Environmental Consultants, Inc., 7748 Maya Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79912-1206. The total maximum value of the contract is $515,750. The contract period began September 24, 1996 and will end on August 31, 1997. Quarterly reports will be required on or before November 30, 1996, February 28, 1997, and May 31, 1997. A final report will be required on or before August 31, 1997. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 25, 1996. TRD-9617158 R. Craig Davis Administrator Texas Alternative Fuels Council Filed: November 25, 1996 Comptroller of Public Accounts Notice of Delay of Issuance of Request for Proposals The Comptroller has determined that the issuance of the Request for Proposals for Investment Management and Related Services for the Texas Local Government Investment Pool (TEXPOOL), will be delayed until December 6, 1996, at 12:00 p.m. Notice published in the November 26, 1996, issue of the Texas Register (21 TexReg 11537), is reissued and superceded by notice issued by the Comptroller of Public Accounts on December 2, 1996. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 26, 1996. TRD-9617220 Arthur F. Lorton Senior Legal Counsel Comptroller of Public Accounts Filed: November 26, 1996 Office of the Consumer Credit Commissioner Notice of Rate Ceiling The Consumer Credit Commissioner of Texas has ascertained the following rate ceilings by use of the formulas and methods described in Title 79, Texas Civil Statutes, Article 1.04, as amended (Texas Civil Statutes, Article 5069-1.04). Graphic Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 26, 1996. TRD-9617306 Leslie L. Pettijohn Commissioner Office of Consumer Credit Commissoner Filed: November 27, 1996 Texas Education Agency The Texas Education Agency (TEA) files this notice of consultant contract award under the Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter B. The TEA published the Request for Proposals (RFP) #701-96-034 in the September 13, 1996, issue of the Texas Register (21 TexReg 8865). The consultant will provide advisement to TEA, regional education service center, and independent school district staff in regards to beginning reading research and instruction. The consultant will provide the services outlined in the RFP concerning beginning reading research and instruction. The consultant selected to perform these tasks is Jean Osborn, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Center for the Study of Reading, 174 Children's Research Center, 51 Gerty Drive, Champaign, Illinois 61820. The maximum amount of this contract is $40,000. The contract was executed on November 22, 1996, and ends no later than August 29, 1997. The consultant will provide advisement to TEA staff regarding beginning reading instruction through August 29, 1997. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 25, 1996. TRD-9617174 Criss Cloudt Associate Commissioner for Policy Planning and Research Texas Education Agency Filed: November 25, 1996 State Board for Educator Certification Notice of Contract Renewal Filing Authority. This Notice of Contract Renewal is filed under Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter B. Description. The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)intends to renew the contract to continue services previously performed by a private consultant unless a better offer is received. The consultant who performed the services previously is C. T. Maddox, Ph.D., 12212 Brigadoon Lane, Austin, Texas 78727. A contractor is needed to review requests and make recommendations for testing modifications for examinees on the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) Test, required of students who enter an approved teacher education program or enroll in a public university in Texas. Each time the TASP Test is given, examinees who request testing modifications submit appropriate educational, psychological, or medical documentation supporting their request. The contractor must review this documentation and make recommendations for appropriate testing modifications. Testing modifications must be consistent with federal and state regulations, EEOC guidelines, court decisions, and other appropriate and equitable policies. Activities under this contract will be conducted in Austin, Texas. Dates of Project. All services and activities related to this proposal will be conducted from January 8, 1997 through August 31, 1997. Contract may be extended on an annual basis beyond August 1997 by mutual agreement of SBEC and contractor. Project Amount. The contract will be renewed for an additional $8,760.00. Selection Criteria. The previous contract will be renewed unless a better offer is received. If another offer is received, the contract will be awarded based on the ability of the proposer to carry out all requirements contained in the project specifications and the proposed cost. The SBEC will base its selection on, among other things, the demonstrated competence, qualifications, and experience of the proposer and the cost. The SBEC is not obligated to execute a resulting contract, provide funds, or endorse any proposal submitted in response to this notice of contract extension. This notice does not commit SBEC to pay any costs incurred before a contract is executed. The issuance of this notice does not obligate SBEC to award a contract or pay any costs incurred in preparing a response. Requesting the Specifications. A copy of the project specifications (specifications #703-720-01) may be obtained by writing the State Board for Educator Certification, 1001 Trinity Street, Austin, Texas 78701, or by calling (512) 469-3000. Please refer to the specifications number in your request. Further Information. For clarifying information, contact Pamela Tackett, Director of Assessment, SBEC, at (512) 469-3000. Deadline for Receipt of Offers. Offers must be received at the State Board for Educator Certification by 5:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time), Monday, January 6, 1997, to be considered. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 26, 1996. TRD-9617302 Mark Littleton Executive Director State Board for Educator Certification Filed: November 27, 1996 Request for Proposals Concerning Activities Relating to the Development and Administration of the Texas Assessment of Sign Communication (TASC) and Texas Assessment of Sign Communication--American Sign Language (TASC-ASL) Filing Authority. Request for Proposals (RFP) #703-97-001 is filed under Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter B. Eligible Proposers. The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) is requesting proposals from nonprofit organizations, institutions of higher education, private companies, individuals, regional education service centers, and others. Historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) are encouraged to submit a proposal. Description. A contractor is needed to study and provide advice during the development and implementation of the TASC and TASC-ASL, assessments of proficiency in sign communication that will be required of individuals seeking certification as a teacher of students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing or American Sign Language. The TASC assesses proficiency in one or a combination of five different sign communication systems, whereas the TASC-ASL assesses only ASL communication skills. The tests use an oral proficiency interview format, whereby a one-on-one interview is conducted which is videotaped. Trained raters view the videotape and rate the examinee's communication proficiency. Preliminary development activities have already occurred. However, prior to September 1, 1997, both assessments must undergo further development through research and pilot testing, and preparation materials and administration procedures must be developed. Educators in the field must be convened to review the tests and formulate recommended passing standards for the tests. From September 1, 1997, through August 31, 2002, Contractor must also administer the tests several times per year statewide and continue to conduct research to ensure the validity and equity of the instruments. It is anticipated that approximately 140 examinees will take the tests each year. Contractor will pay all expenses for activities conducted under this RFP. Dates of Project. All services and activities related to this proposal will be conducted within specified dates. Proposers should plan for a starting date of no earlier than January 13, 1997, and an ending date of no later than August 31, 2002. Contract may be extended on an annual basis beyond August 2002 by mutual consent of the SBEC and contractor. Project Amount. One contractor will be selected to receive a maximum of $125,000 for activities to be completed no later than August 31, 1997. Costs for activities to occur during September 1997 through August 2002 will be recovered by contractor through fees collected by contractor from examinees and from sales of preparation materials. Continuance of the contract past August 31, 1997, is contingent upon available funding and legislative and SBEC actions. Selection Criteria. A proposal will be selected based on the ability of the proposer to carry out all requirements contained in the RFP. The SBEC will base its selection on, among other things, the demonstrated competence and qualifications of the proposer. The proposer should have substantial experience in the large-scale customized development and administration of assessments for educator certification, in addition to meeting other criteria. Proposer must mostly manage and conduct day-to-day activities under this contract from an office located in Austin, Texas. The SBEC reserves the right to select from the highest ranking proposals those that address all requirements in the RFP. The SBEC is not obligated to execute a resulting contract, provide funds, or endorse any proposal submitted in response to this RFP. This RFP does not commit SBEC to pay any costs incurred before a contract is executed. The issuance of this RFP does not obligate SBEC to award a contract or pay any costs incurred in preparing a response. Requesting the Proposal. A copy of RFP #703-97-001 may be obtained by writing the State Board for Educator Certification, 1001 Trinity Street, Austin, Texas 78701, or by calling (512) 469-3000. Please refer to the RFP number in your request. Further Information. For clarifying information about the RFP, contact Pamela Tackett, Director of Assessment, SBEC, at (512) 469-3000. Deadline for Receipt of Proposals. Proposals must be received at the State Board for Educator Certification by 5:00 p.m. (Central Standard Time), Monday, January 6, 1997, to be considered. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 26, 1996. TRD-9617303 Mark Littleton Executive Director State Board for Educator Certification Filed: November 27, 1996 Texas Department of Health Public Hearing - Ryan White CARE Act/Title II Activities in Texas The Texas Department of Health (TDH) will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed 1997 plan for funding the seventh-year of the Ryan White CARE Act/Title II Activities in Texas. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 1996, at 10:00-12:00 a.m., Room M-739, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas. To request an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Suzzanna Currier, ADA Coordinator in the Office of Civil Rights, Texas Department of Health, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756, (512) 458-7627, or TDD at (512) 458-7708, at least two days prior to the meeting. Copies of the proposed plan will be mailed to all TDH Ryan White Title II contractors prior to the public hearing. Interested persons can obtain a copy of the plan by contacting Ms. Laura Ramos at (512) 490-2525 or by E-mail at LRAMOS@STD.TDH.STATE.TX.US. Written comments should be addressed to Mr. Casey S. Blass, Director, HIV/STD Health Resources Division, Texas Department of Health, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756. Comments will be accepted through December 31, 1996. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 26, 1996. TRD-9617194 Susan K. Steeg General Counsel Texas Department of Health Filed: November 26, 1996 Request for Funding Proposal for the Bureau of Clinical and Nutrition Services for Comprehensive Family Planning Services Purpose: The Texas Department of Health (TDH) Bureau of Clinical and Nutrition Services requests proposals for the provision of comprehensive family planning services to assist low-income Texans with their family planning goals, improve their health, and reduce poor pregnancy outcomes. The targeted areas for this Title X contract include the following Public Health Regions (PHR): PHR 1) Amarillo, Lubbock, and surrounding counties; PHR 2) Abilene, Wichita Falls, and surrounding counties. PHR 3) Arlington, Dallas/Fort Worth, and surrounding counties; PHR 4) Tyler, Sulphur Springs, and surrounding counties; PHR 5) Beaumont, Nacogdoches, and surrounding counties; PHR 6) Houston and surrounding counties; PHR 7) Austin, Temple, and surrounding counties; PHR 8) San Antonio, Uvalde, and surrounding counties; PHR 9) Midland/Odessa and surrounding counties; PHR 10) El Paso and surrounding counties; and PHR 11) Corpus Christi, Harlingen, and surrounding counties. Comprehensive family planning services include medical history, physical assessment and laboratory testing, client education and counseling, provision of contraceptives, pregnancy testing, counseling and referral, screening and treatment and/or referral for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, treatment and/or referral of other medical or genetic problems, client outreach, community education, and basic infertility services, as defined in the request for funding proposal. Public and private nonprofit agencies and organizations providing family planning services are eligible to apply for funds under section 1001 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300) for Fiscal Year 1998 (Title X: April 1, 1997-March 31, 1998). Programs must be directed by a physician currently licensed to practice in Texas (M.D. or D.O.). Contact: Parties interested in obtaining a copy of the Request for Proposal (RFP) application kit and who plan to submit an application should contact Jeannette McGowan, Family Planning, Bureau of Clinical and Nutrition Services, Texas Department of Health, 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756-3101, (512) 458-7444 (Internet address: jmcgowan@wc1.tdh.state.tx.us). Due Date and Submittal Location: Request for Proposal application kits will be available on December 16, 1996. Completed applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. C.S.T., on January 27, 1997. An original and three copies of the application must be submitted to Jeanette McGowan and three copies of the application to the appropriate Public Health Regional Director(s) in the applicant's target area(s) by the due date. The names and addresses of the Public Health Regional Directors are listed in the RFP. Faxes will not be accepted and late applications will not be considered. Award Procedure: All entities that submit proposals by the due date and which are reviewed will receive written notification of the results of the proposal review process on March 12, 1997, or as soon as possible thereafter. TDH reserves the right to accept or reject any of the proposals received. TDH is under no legal obligation to execute a resulting contract on the basis of this notice or distribution of the RFP. Neither this notice nor the RFP commits TDH to pay for any costs incurred prior to the execution of a contract. Anticipated Schedule of Events: The anticipated schedule of events is as follows: RFP available for request on December 16, 1996; deadline for proposals to be received by TDH regional director(s) and central office is 5:00 p.m. C.S.T. on January 27, 1997; review of proposals beginning January 28, 1997, through March 10, 1997; and notice of award(s) on March 12, 1997, or as soon as possible thereafter. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 25, 1996. TRD-9617195 Susan K. Steeg General Counsel Texas Department of Health Filed: November 26, 1996 Texas Department of Insurance Notice of Application by Amil International (Texas), Inc., Austin, Texas for Issuance of a Certificate of Authority to Establish and Operate an HMO in the State of Texas Notice is given to the public of the application of, Amil International (Texas), Inc., Austin, Texas for the issuance of a certificate of authority to establish and operate a health maintenance organization (HMO) offering basic health care services in the State of Texas in compliance with the Texas HMO Act and rules and regulations for HMOs. The application is subject to public inspection at the offices of the Texas Department of Insurance, HMO Unit, 333 Guadalupe, Hobby Tower I, 6th Floor, Austin, Texas. Upon consideration of the application, if the Commissioner is satisfied that all requirements of law have been met, the Commissioner or his designee may take action to issue a certificate of authority to Amil International (Texas), Inc., Austin, Texas, without a public hearing. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 27, 1996. TRD-9617294 Caroline Scott General Counsel and Chief Clerk Texas Department of Insurance Filed: November 27, 1996 Third Party Administrator Applications The following third party administrator (TPA) applications have been filed with the Texas Department of Insurance and are under consideration. Application for incorporation in Texas of Maxor National Pharmacy Services Corporation, (doing business under the assumed name of Cordesys Healthcare Management), a domestic third party administrator. The home office is Amarillo, Texas. Any objections must be filed within 20 days after this notice was filed with the Secretary of State, addressed to the attention of Charles M. Waits, MC 107-5A, 333 Guadalupe, Austin, Texas 78714-9104. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 27, 1996. TRD-9617292 Caroline Scott General Counsel and Chief Clerk Texas Department of Insurance Filed: November 27, 1996 The following third party administrator (TPA) applications have been filed with the Texas Department of Insurance and are under consideration. Application for incorporation in Texas of FM Benefit Plans Agency, Inc., a domestic third party administrator. The home office is Houston, Texas. Any objections must be filed within 20 days after this notice was filed with the Secretary of State, addressed to the attention of Charles M. Waits, MC 107-5A, 333 Guadalupe, Austin, Texas 78714-9104. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 27, 1996. TRD-9617293 Caroline Scott General Counsel and Chief Clerk Texas Department of Insurance Filed: November 27, 1996 Texas Juvenile Probation Commission Substance Abuse Training Request The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission invites bids to provide training services regarding substance abuse issues to juvenile probation, detention and parole officers statewide. Description of Purpose. To contract with a service provider(s) to schedule and book 10 regional, 40-hour training events to 350 juvenile probation, detention and parole officers statewide. Person to be Contacted. Detailed specifications are contained in the invitation for bids available December 6, 1996 from the Director of Federal Programs, 4900 North Lamar, Fifth Floor East, Austin, Texas between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For additional information, contact Deborah Garza at (512) 424-6678. Closing Date. Responses will be accepted only if actually received in writing in the Director of Federal Programs office no later than 4:30 p.m. January 15, 1997. Bids should be submitted with an original and two copies. FAX submissions will not be accepted. The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Procedures for Selection. Bids will be reviewed and selected according to the services described in the training plan, the ability to complete within the time frame and the ability to meet the requirements of the "Good Faith Effort" program. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 26, 1996. TRD-9617204 Vicki Wright Executive Director Texas Juvenile Probation Commission Filed: November 26, 1996 Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Notification of Availability of Grants for Construction of Scrap Tire Recycling Facilities The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) announces the availability of $2,000,000 in assistance grants for the purpose of promoting recycling of scrap tires. The TNRCC is requesting submission of proposals from entities that recently constructed or will soon construct facilities that recycle the rubber from scrap tires into useful and marketable products. For this grant program, shredded tire chips are not considered as a "recycled" product; however, crumb rubber (small particles of rubber, with all the fibers and wire removed) is among those products considered as a recycled and marketable product. Also, tire incineration for energy recovery is not considered as "recycling". Grants will be in the form of reimbursement for construction costs for recycling plants, as specified in the Request for Proposals (RFP). To be eligible for reimbursement, the eligible construction must have occurred after January 1, 1994; and the facility must be in production of a useful and marketable product for a period of at least 6 months before reimbursement can occur. TNRCC anticipates that there will be more than $2,000,000 requested by eligible applicants; therefore, applicants should not expect to receive the complete amount requested. Lowest scoring applicants might not receive any funding. In order to be considered for funding, proposals (applications plus required information) must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the RFP and other printed guidelines available from TNRCC as part of Grant Application Packet "97- Tire-R". Entities or individuals desiring to receive this particular packet are encouraged to write, call, or FAX: Waste Tire Recycling Program - MC 223, Office of Compliance and Enforcement, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087, Phone: (512) 239-6001, or (512) 239-4127, FAX: (512) 239-6015 Request Grant Application Packet "97-Tire-R". Note that the completed proposals must be sent to the individual and address named in the RFP. The deadline for applying for a grant under this RFP is 3:00 p.m., January 31, 1997. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 27, 1996. TRD-9617307 Kevin McCalla Director, Legal Division Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Filed: November 27, 1996 Notice of Public Hearing (Chapter 101) Notice is hereby given that under the requirements of Texas Health and Safety Code,sec.382.017 and Texas Government Code, Subchapter B, Chapter 2001, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (commission) will conduct a public hearing to receive testimony concerning revisions to Chapter 101. The commission proposes new sec.101.12, concerning Temporary Exemptions During Drought Conditions. The new section is proposed to allow the agency flexibility regarding air quality requirements when emergency drought conditions dictate the need for conservation of the state's water resources. The proposed new section would allow owners and operators of sources which are required to suppress emissions, such as dust, through the application of water to receive a temporary exemption from air quality requirements upon written request. A public hearing on the proposal will be held January 6, 1997, at 11:30 a.m. in Room 2210 of Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) Building F, located at 12100 Park 35 Circle, Austin. The hearing is structured for the receipt of oral or written comments by interested persons. Individuals may present oral statements when called upon in order of registration. Open discussion within the audience will not occur during the hearing; however, an agency staff member will be available to discuss the proposal 30 minutes prior to the hearing and answer questions before and after the hearing. Written comments may be mailed to Lisa Martin, TNRCC Office of Policy and Regulatory Development, MC 205, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087 or faxed to (512) 239-4808. All comments should reference Rule Log Number 96155- 101-AI. Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m., January 6, 1997. For further information, please contact John Gillen, Air Policy and Regulations Division, (512) 239-1415. Persons with disabilities who have special communication or other accommodation needs who are planning to attend the hearing should contact the agency at (512) 239-4900. Requests should be made as far in advance as possible. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 20, 1996. TRD-9617159 Kevin McCalla Director, Legal Division Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Filed: November 25, 1996 Public Utility Commission of Texas Notice of Applications for Approval of Certain Depreciation Rates Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas an application on November 4, 1996, for approval of certain depreciation rates pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA), Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated, article 1446c-0, sec. to 3.051(b) and sec.3.151(a) (Vernon Supp. 1996). The following is a summary of the application. Docket Title and Number. Application of Brazos Telephone Cooperative, Inc. for an Increase in Certain Depreciation Rates. Docket Number 16612. The Application. In Docket Number 16612, Community Telephone Company, Inc. requests approval to increase certain depreciation rates to receive full capital recovery of the following equipment accounts: digital switching, buried cable- metallic, and buried cable-nonmetallic. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or call the Commission's Office of Consumer Affairs at (512) 936-7120. Hearing- and speech- impaired individuals with text telephone (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136 on or before December 30, 1996. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 26, 1996. TRD-9617203 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: November 26, 1996 Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas an application on November 18, 1996, for approval of certain depreciation rates pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA), Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated, article 1446c-0, sec.3.051(b) and sec.3.151(a) (Vernon Supp. 1996). The following is a summary of the application. Docket Title and Number. Application of Eastex Telephone Cooperative, Inc. for an Increase in Certain Depreciation Rates. Docket Number 16652. The Application. In Docket Number 16652, Eastex Telephone Cooperative, Inc. requests approval to increase certain depreciation rates to receive full capital recovery of the following equipment accounts: computers, digital switching systems, underground cable-nonmetallic, buried cable-nonmetallic, buried cable- metallic, and buried wire. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or call the Commission's Office of Consumer Affairs at (512) 936-7120. Hearing-and speech-impaired individuals with text telephone (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136 on or before January 3, 1997. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 26, 1996. TRD-9617201 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: November 26, 1996 Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas an application on November 18, 1996, for approval of certain depreciation rates pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA), Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated, article 1446c-0, sec.3.051(b) and sec.3.151(a) (Vernon Supp. 1996). The following is a summary of the application. Docket Title and Number. Application of Brazos Telecommunications, Inc. for Approval of Special Amortization for Step-by-Step and Digital Switching Equipment. Docket Number 16654. The Application. In Docket Number 16654, Brazos Telecommunications, Inc. requests approval for a special amortization of depreciation reserves for the retirement of step-by-step switching equipment in three exchanges and the retirement of digital switching equipment in two exchanges. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or call the Commission's Office of Consumer Affairs at (512) 936-7120. Hearing-and speech-impaired individuals with text telephone (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136 on or before January 3, 1997. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 26, 1996. TRD-9617199 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: November 26, 1996 Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas an application on November 18, 1996, for approval of certain depreciation rates pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA), Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated, article 1446c-0, sec.3.051(b) and sec.3.151(a) (Vernon Supp. 1996). The following is a summary of the application. Docket Title and Number. Application of Etex Telephone Cooperative, Inc. for an Increase in Certain Depreciation Rates. Docket Number 16653. The Application. In Docket Number 16653, Etex Telephone Cooperative, Inc. requests approval to increase certain depreciation rates to receive full capital recovery of the following equipment accounts: computers, digital switching, buried cable- nonmetallic. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or call the Commission's Office of Consumer Affairs at (512) 936-7120. Hearing- and speech- impaired individuals with text telephone (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136 on or before January 3, 1997. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 26, 1996. TRD-9617202 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: November 26, 1996 Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas an application on November 19, 1996, for approval of certain depreciation rates pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA), Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated, article 1446c-0, sec.3.051(b), and sec.3.151(a) (Vernon Supp. 1996). The following is a summary of the application. Docket Title and Number. Application of Fort Bend Telephone Company for an Increase in Certain Depreciation Rates. Docket Number 16663. The Application. In Docket Number 16663, Fort Bend Telephone Company requests approval to increase certain depreciation rates to receive full capital recovery of the following equipment accounts: garage work equipment, other work equipment, digital switching, underground cable-metallic, underground cable- fiber, buried cable-metallic, buried cable-mapping, and buried cable-fiber. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or call the Commission's Office of Consumer Affairs at (512) 936-7120. Hearing-and speech-impaired individuals with text telephone (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136 on or before January 6, 1997. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 26, 1996. TRD-9617200 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: November 26, 1996 Public Notices On November 20, 1996, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (SWB) and NTS Communications (NTS) collectively referred to as Applicants filed a joint application for approval of an interconnection agreement under the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 (FTA) (Pub. L. No. 104-104, 110 Stat. 56 (1996), (to be codified at 47 U.S.C. sec.sec.151 et. seq.) and the Public Utility Regulatory Act of 1995 (PURA95) (Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated, article 1446c-0 Vernons Supp. 1996). The joint application has been designated Docket Number 16668. The joint application and the underlying interconnection agreement are available for public inspection at the commission's offices in Austin, Texas. The FTA authorizes the commission to review and approve any interconnection agreement adopted by negotiation of the parties. Pursuant to FTA sec.252(e)(2) the commission may reject any agreement if it finds that the agreement discriminates against a telecommunications carrier not a party to the agreement, or that implementation of the agreement, or any portion thereof, is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity. Additionally, under FTA sec.252(e)(3), the commission may establish or enforce other requirements of state law in its review of the agreement, including requiring compliance with intrastate telecommunications service quality standards or requirements. The commission must act to approve the agreement within 90 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 18 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 16668. 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 January 7, 1997, 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, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) of the commission will determine whether to conduct further proceedings concerning the joint application. The ALJ shall have the authority given to a presiding officer pursuant to P.U.C. Procedural Rule sec.22.202. The ALJ 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 ALJ 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 docket or who wish to comment on the application should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, P. O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326. You may call the Public Utility Commission Office of Consumer Affairs at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. All correspondence should refer to Docket Number 16668. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 26, 1996. TRD-9617197 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: November 26, 1996 On November 20, 1996, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (SWB) and Sterling International Funding d/b/a Reconex collectively referred to as Applicants filed a joint application for approval of an interconnection agreement under the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 (FTA) (Pub. L. No. 104-104, 110 Stat. 56 (1996), (to be codified at 47 U.S.C. sec.sec.151 et. seq.) and the Public Utility Regulatory Act of 1995 (PURA95) (Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated, article 1446c-0 Vernons Supp. 1996). The joint application has been designated Docket Number 16669. The joint application and the underlying interconnection agreement are available for public inspection at the commission's offices in Austin, Texas. The FTA authorizes the commission to review and approve any interconnection agreement adopted by negotiation of the parties. Pursuant to FTA sec.252(e)(2) the commission may reject any agreement if it finds that the agreement discriminates against a telecommunications carrier not a party to the agreement, or that implementation of the agreement, or any portion thereof, is not consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity. Additionally, under FTA sec.252(e)(3), the commission may establish or enforce other requirements of state law in its review of the agreement, including requiring compliance with intrastate telecommunications service quality standards or requirements. The commission must act to approve the agreement within 90 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 18 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 16669. 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 January 7, 1997, 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, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) of the commission will determine whether to conduct further proceedings concerning the joint application. The ALJ shall have the authority given to a presiding officer pursuant to P.U.C. Procedural Rule sec.22.202. The ALJ 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 ALJ 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 docket or who wish to comment on the application should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, 1701 North Congress Avenue, P. O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326. You may call the Public Utility Commission Office of Consumer Affairs at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. All correspondence should refer to Docket Number 16669. Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 26, 1996. TRD-9617198 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: November 26, 1996 The San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is seeking proposals from qualified firms to conduct a fully integrated analysis of all modes of transportation to include and iterative travel demand modeling process to examine a regional High Occupancy Vehicle and Light Rail system. A copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP) may be requested by calling Betsy Boyd, Transportation Planner, at (210) 227-8651. Anyone wishing to submit a proposal must do so by 12:00 p.m., Friday January 3, 1997, at the MPO office: South Texas Building, 603 Navarro, Suite 904, San Antonio, Texas 78205. A pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 13, 1996 in the City of San Antonio's Municipal Plaza 'B' Room, 114 West Commerce Street, San Antonio, Texas. The contract award will be made by the MPO's Transportation Steering Committee based on the recommendation of the Study Oversight Committee. The Study Oversight Committee and Technical Group will review the proposals based on the evaluation criteria listed in the RFP. Funding for this study, in the amount of $300,000 is contingent upon the availability of Federal transportation planning funds. Issued in San Antonio, Texas, on November 27, 1996. TRD-9617327 Janet A. Kennison Administrator San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization Filed: November 27, 1996 Requests for Proposals The San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is seeking proposals from qualified firms to conduct a Regional Transportation Attitude Study (RTAS). A copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP) may be requested by calling Scott Ericksen, Public Involvement Coordinator, at (210) 227-8651. Anyone wishing to submit a proposal must do so by 12:00 p.m. January 3, 1997, at the MPO office, South Texas Building, 603 Navarro, Suite 904, San Antonio, Texas 78205. A non-mandatory, pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 13, 1996 in the City of San Antonio's Municipal Plaza B-Room at Main and Commerce Streets. The contract award will be made by the MPO's Transportation Steering Committee based on the recommendation of the RTAS Selection Committee. The Selection Committee will review the proposals based on the evaluation criteria listed in the RFP. Funding for this study, in the amount of $50,000, is contingent upon the availability of Federal transportation planning funds. Issued in San Antonio, Texas, on November 27, 1996. TRD-9617325 Janet A. Kennison Administrator San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization Filed: November 27, 1996 Texas Department of Transportation Rate Schedule The Texas Department of Transportation is authorized by Texas Civil Statutes, Article 6144e, to publish literature for the purpose of advertising the highways of this state and enhance travel, and to include paid advertising in such literature. 43 TAC sec.23.10 describes the policies governing advertising in department travel literature, lists acceptable and unacceptable subjects for advertising in department travel literature, and describes the procedures by which the department will solicit advertising. As required by 43 TAC sec.23.10(e)(4)(A), the department invites any entity or individual interested in advertising in department travel literature to request to be added to the department's mailing list. Written requests may be made through the department's contracted agent by writing to Texas State Travel Guide, Recognition Communication, 9794 Forest Lane, Suite 634, Dallas, Texas 75243. Requests may also be made by telephone to 1-800-969-9896 or faxed to 1- 800-839 (TEX)-7344. The department is now accepting advertising for publication in the February 1998 edition of the Texas State Travel Guide. Information about advertising in the Texas State Travel Guide will be mailed January 2, 1997 to all individuals and entities on the mailing list and will continue to be sent to individuals and entities added to the mailing list until the deadline for accepting advertising space. This notice will include rate card information along with a description of the Texas State Travel Guide. On and after February 3, 1997, the department will accept all insertion orders (orders for paid advertising) received prior to the publication deadline on a first-come, first-served basis or until all advertising space is filled. The publication deadline for accepting advertising space is November 10, 1997. Materials are due December 2, 1997. Insertion orders postmarked or received prior to February 3, 1997 will not be accepted. The Texas State Travel Guide is designed to encourage readers to explore and travel in Texas. The guide lists Texas cities and towns, and features recreational travel sites and population figures for each, along with maps and four-color photography. Separate sections list Texas lakes; state parks; state and national forests; and information on hunting and fishing. This invaluable vacation guide is provided to people nationwide responding to the Texas Tourism multi-media advertising campaign and to in-bound travelers at Texas' Travel Information Centers. The rate card information for the Texas State Travel Guide is included in this publication as Figures 1-4, 43 TAC sec.23.10. graphic Issued in Austin, Texas, on November 26, 1996. TRD-9617184 Robert E. Shaddock General Counsel Texas Department of Transportation Filed: November 26, 1996