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. Coastal Coordination Council Notice and Opportunity to Comment on Requests for Consistency Agreement/Concurrence under the Texas Coastal Management Program On January 10, 1997, the State of Texas received federal approval of the Coastal Management Program (CMP). Under federal law, federal agency actions affecting Texas' coastal zone must be consistent with the CMP's goals and policies. Requests for federal consistency review were received for the following project(s) during the period of January 10, 1997 through January 24, 1997: Applicant: Aker Gulf Marine Location: Ingleside, Texas Project Number: 97-0001-F Description of Proposed Action: Aker Gulf Marine proposes to construct approximately 700 linear feet of bulkhead and place approximately 227,000 cubic yards of fill material behind it. Type of Application: Modification to existing Permit #12452(04) for offshore fabrication/service facility. Pursuant to sec.306(d)(14) of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, interested parties are invited to submit comments on whether a proposed action should be referred to the Council for review and whether the action is or is not consistent with the Texas Coastal Management Program goals and policies. All comments must be received within 30 days of publication of this notice and addressed to Janet Fatheree, Council Secretary, 1700 North Congress Avenue, Room 617, Austin, Texas 78701. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 23, 1997. TRD-9701075 Garry Mauro Chairman Coastal Coordination Council Filed: January 24, 1997 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 January 15, 1997. TRD-9700804 Leslie L. Pettijohn Commissioner Office of Consumer Credit Commissoner Filed: January 17, 1997 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 and 1.05, as amended (Texas Civil Statutes, Article 5069- 1.04 and 105). [graphic] Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 22, 1997. TRD-9701043 Leslie L. Pettijohn Commissioner Office of Consumer Credit Commissoner Filed: January 23, 1997 Deep East Texas Council of Governments Requests for Proposal The Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) is soliciting proposals for the provision of training under Title IIB of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). For the Title IIB Request for Proposal (RFP), allowable training activities may include, but are not limited to: basic and remedial education; work experience; outreach and enrollment; and preparation for work. The period of performance is June 9, 1997, to July 25, 1997. The deadline for proposal submission is 5:00 p.m., February 14, 1997. Training must be provided by Texas Education Agency/Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved institutions that are either 1) accredited independent school districts, community colleges or post-secondary institutions, institutions of higher education, 2) private businesses, trade, technical or vocational schools certified by the TEA, or 3) the Texas State Technical College, or 4) education service centers. Bidders must operate in the 12-county Deep East Texas Region. The region includes the following counties in Texas: Angelina, Houston, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, and Tyler. Proposals shall be evaluated in terms of the following criteria: service and method of implementation; past performance; project management; local match; cost of service and training staff/individuals served; and other resources. The Deep East Texas Workforce Development Board will make the selections. In order to ensure that all respondents are provided sufficient assistance in completing proposals, a Bidders' Conference will be held at the Lufkin City Hall, 300 West Shepherd, Room 202, Lufkin, Texas on Tuesday, February 4, 1997, at 1:30 p.m. Potential respondents may obtain a copy of the RFP by contacting Phyllis Burnett, Deep East Texas Council of Governments, P.O. Box 1423, Lufkin, Texas 75902 or 118 South First Street, Lufkin, Texas 75901, or call (409) 634-2247. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 22, 1997. TRD-9701010 Betty J. Brown Workforce Director Deep East Texas Council of Governments Filed: January 22, 1997 Deep East Texas Workforce Development Board Request for Proposal The Deep East Texas Workforce Development Board (WDB) is soliciting proposals for regional workforce development strategic planning services. Proposal specifications may be obtained from the WDB office by contacting Charlene Meadows at (409) 634-2247 or 118 South First Street, Lufkin, Texas 75901. The deadline for receipt of proposals is 5:00 p.m., CST, February 14, 1997. To ensure adequate technical assistance, a Bidders' Conference will be held Tuesday, February 4, 1997, at 10:00 a.m. at 118 South First Street, Lufkin, Texas 75901. WDB intention is to negotiate a cost-reimbursement contract with a successful proposer. The WDB reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to negotiate with all qualified proposers, or to cancel in part or in its entirety the Request for Proposal if it is in the best interest of the WDB. The WDB encourages female and minority owned businesses to request and respond to all Requests for Proposal. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 22, 1997. TRD-9701024 Walter G. Diggles Executive Director Deep East Texas Workforce Development Board Filed: January 22, 1997 Region 10 Education Service Center Request for Applications: Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness, School Year 1997-1998 Filing Authority. The availability of grant funds under Request for Applications RFA # ESCR-10/H98 is authorized by the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, Public Law 100-77, as amended. Eligible Applicants. The Region 10 Education Service Center is requesting applications from school districts or cooperatives of school districts and regional education service centers, to facilitate the enrollment, attendance, and school success of homeless children and youth. Description. Applicants should describe plans to provide tutoring, counseling, social work services, transportation, and other assistance that might improve the access of homeless children and youth to a free and appropriate public education. Project evaluations will include input from shelter personnel, homeless parents, and school personnel on the impact of the project on the enrollment, school attendance, and the academic success of homeless students. Dates of Project. The Education of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness grants will be implemented during the 1997-1998 school year. Applicants should plan for a starting date no earlier than September 1, 1997. Project Amount. Approximately $1.7 million will be provided for an unspecified number of projects; the number of projects will depend on the number of applicants. Each project will receive a maximum of $150,000 (up to $100,000 to provide basic services and up to an additional $50,000 for targeted services) for the 1997-1998 school year. Project funding in the second and third year will be based on satisfactory progress of the first- and second-year objectives and activities and on general budget approval by the State Board of Education, the commissioner of education, the state legislature, and the availability of funding. This project is funded 100% from Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act federal funds. Selection Criteria. Applications will be selected based on the ability of each applicant to carry out all requirements contained in the RFA. The Region 10 ESC reserves the right to select from the highest ranking applications those that address all requirements in the RFA. Region 10 ESC is not obligated to approve an application, provide funds, or endorse any application submitted in response to this RFA. This RFA does not commit Region 10 ESC to pay any costs before an application is approved. The issuance of this RFA does not obligate Region 10 to award a grant or pay any costs incurred in preparing a response. Requesting The Application. A complete copy of the Request For Application ESCR- 10/H98 may be obtained by writing the University of Texas at Austin, Charles A. Dana Center, Office for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, 2901 North IH-35, Suite 3.200, Austin, TX 78722-2348, or by calling 1-800-446-3142 or (512) 475-9702 (in Austin). Please refer to the RFA # in your request. Further Information. For clarifying information about the RFA, contact the Office for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth at 1-800-446-3142 or (512) 475-9702. Deadline for Receipt of Application. Applications must be received in the Region 10 ESC business office by 4:30 p.m. (Central Daylight Savings Time), Friday, April 18, 1997, to be considered. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 27, 1997. TRD-9701219 Dr. Joe T. Farmer Executive Director Region 10 Education Service Center Filed: January 27, 1997 Texas Department of Health Licensing Action 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 table below. The subheading labeled "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] In issueing 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 Texas Regulations for Control of Radiation 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 special requirements in the Texas Regulations for Control of Radiation. 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 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 due to emissions of radiation. 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), 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756-3189. Any request for a hearing must contain the name and address of the person who considers himself affected by Agency action, identify the subject license, specify the reasons why the person considers himself affected, and state the relief sought. If the person is represented by an agent, the name and address of the agent must be stated. Copies of these documents and supporting materials are available for inspection and copying at the office of the Bureau of Radiation Control, Texas Department of Health, Exchange Building, 8407 Wall Street, Austin, Texas, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday (except holidays). Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 22, 1997. TRD-9701096 Susan K. Steeg General Counsel Texas Department of Health Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice of Intent to Revoke Certificates of Registration Pursuant to Texas Regulations for Control of Radiation (TRCR), Part 13, (25 Texas Administrative Code sec.289.112), the Bureau of Radiation Control (bureau), Texas Department of Health (department), filed complaints against the following registrants: Physicians Laboratories, Inc., Sherman, R02148; Lifestyle Clinic, Floydada, R16083; Veterinary Services, Sulphur Springs, R21347; South Oak Cliff Animal Hospital, Inc., Dallas, R01572; McPearson Chiropractic Clinic, Inc., Deer Park, R03257; United Chiropractic, San Antonio, R16170; Jerry L. Wendel, D.V.M., P.C., San Antonio, R16249; East Dallas Medical Clinic, Dallas, R17634; Randol Mill Chiropractic Health Center, Arlington, R19040; Bedford Back Care Center, Bedford, R19970; South Texas Vet Hospital, Laredo, R21321; W. Larry Lundy, D.P.M., Dallas, R21960; Robert P. Blanchard, D.D.S., Houston, R19064; Jeffrey A. Facey, D.D.S., Houston, R14332; William E. King, D.D.S., Abilene, R09861; Tom F. Cockerell, Jr., D.D.S., Fort Worth, R08858; John Baucum, III, D.D.S., P.C., Corpus Christi, R07118; The Hilton Company, Conroe, R21739; Vijayan R. Aroumougame, Ph.D., Beaumont, R21898. The department intends to revoke the certificates of registration; order the registrants to cease and desist use of radiation machine(s); order the registrants to divest themselves of such equipment; and order the registrants to present evidence satisfactory to the bureau that they have complied with the orders and the provisions of the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 401. If the fee is paid within 30 days of the date of each complaint, the department will not issue an order. This notice affords the opportunity to the registrants for a hearing to show cause why the certificates of registration should not be revoked. A written request for a hearing must be received by the bureau within 30 days from the date of service of the complaint to be valid. Such written request must be filed with Richard A. Ratliff, P.E., Chief, Bureau of Radiation Control (Director, Radiation Control Program), 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756-3189. Should no request for a public hearing be timely filed or if the fee is not paid, the certificates of registration will be revoked at the end of the 30-day period of notice. A copy of all relevant material is available for public inspection at the Bureau of Radiation Control, Exchange Building, 8407 Wall Street, Austin, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except holidays). Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 22, 1997. TRD-9701091 Linda Kotek General Counsel Texas Department of Health Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice of Intent to Revoke Radioactive Material Licenses Pursuant to Texas Regulations for Control of Radiation (TRCR), Part 13, (25 Texas Administrative Code sec.289.112), the Bureau of Radiation Control (bureau), Texas Department of Health (department), filed complaints against the following licensees: The M. W. Kellog Company, Houston, L03660; Fire Protection Service, Incorporated, Houston, L02974. The department intends to revoke the radioactive material licenses; order the licensees to cease and desist use of such radioactive materials; order the licensees to divest themselves of the radioactive material; and order the licensees to present evidence satisfactory to the bureau that they have complied with the orders and the provisions of the Health and Safety Code, Chapter 401. If the fee is paid within 30 days of the date of each complaint, the department will not issue an order. This notice affords the opportunity to the licensees for a hearing to show cause why the radioactive material licenses should not be revoked. A written request for a hearing must be received by the bureau within 30 days from the date of service of the complaint to be valid. Such written request must be filed with Richard A. Ratliff, P.E., Chief, Bureau of Radiation Control (Director, Radiation Control Program), 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756-3189. Should no request for a public hearing be timely filed or if the fee is not paid, the radioactive material licenses will be revoked at the end of the 30-day period of notice. A copy of all relevant material is available for public inspection at the Bureau of Radiation Control, Exchange Building, 8407 Wall Street, Austin, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except holidays). Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 22, 1997. TRD-9701093 Susan K. Steeg General Counsel Texas Department of Health Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice of Public Hearing for Midwifery Rules The Midwifery Board is hereby giving notice that they will discuss and receive public comments on the proposed midwifery rules (25 TAC sec.sec.37.175, 37.178, and 37.180), concerning annual documentation requirements, complaint procedures, and education requirements for midwives published in the Texas Register, December 10, 1996 issue, (21 TexReg 11789). The hearing will be held on Monday, February 10, 1997, at 9:30 a.m. in the Auditorium, Room K-100, at the Texas Department of Health, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756. For further information, please contact Belva Alexander at (512) 458-7111, extension 2067. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 27, 1997. TRD-9701225 Susan K. Steeg General Counsel Texas Department of Health Filed: January 27, 1997 Notice of Request for Proposal for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Local projects Grant Program Purpose. The EMS Local Projects Grant program was established in 1990 for the purpose of improving Emergency Medical Services (EMS) throughout Texas by providing money and technical assistance to eligible organizations. This program is administered by the Bureau of Emergency Management (Bureau) of the Texas Department of Health (department). The program provides reimbursement for approved costs incurred for a specific project completed during a specified contract period September 1, 1997-August 31, 1998. Description. The department is accepting proposals for local EMS projects to increase the availability and quality of emergency prehospital health care. Applicable projects are those which, upon completion, can demonstrate a positive impact on the delivery of emergency prehospital health care in the area that it was administered. Types of projects that are acceptable for funding include EMS certification training, specialty training related to prehospital health management, EMS equipment, research topics related to the delivery of emergency prehospital health care, computers for data collection, public information and education programs, continuing education programs, ambulances, and system development programs. Contracts will be developed between the department and successful applicants. The contract will be for twelve months and will detail items such as budget, reporting requirements, department general provisions, and any other specifics that might apply to the award. All registered, licensed, or certified organizations as determined by the Bureau (e.g. EMS providers, First Responder groups) must maintain the appropriate credentials throughout the specified contract period. The grant provides reimbursement for an approved project and associated costs that are reasonable and necessary and are incurred after the award is made and during the stated contract period only. Reimbursement may be withheld and a request for return of funds may occur if any of the stated requirements of this grant are not met. The Chief, Bureau of Financial Services, or the department's designee, is the only individual who may legally commit the department to expenditure of public funds. No costs chargeable to the proposed contract may be reimbursed before receipt of a fully executed contract. For EMS certification projects, proof of successful certification must be submitted within 45 days following the end of the contract period. In addition, it will be the responsibility of the grant recipient to maintain a record of all costs and activities related to the administration of the project. Projects must start on or after September 1, 1997 and be completed prior to August 31, 1998. The average award in 1996-1997 was approximately $8,846 with a range of $386 to $46,946. The maximum grant award for FY 1995-1996 was $31,000. The maximum grant for a new ambulance will be $35,000. Matching funds may come from sources such as local funds, private donations, other state grants, federal grants, or private foundations. "Soft" or "in-kind" matching funds are not acceptable. Matching funds will be required for the following: Any individual equipment item with a useful life of more than one year and a cost greater than $1,000 (including shipping costs) requires 50% matching funds, with the following exceptions: Fax machines, cameras, video recorders/players, computers, and printers. These items require a 50% match if the individual cost exceeds $500 and the useful life is greater than one year. Medical and Laboratory Equipment (defined as microscopes, oscilloscopes, centrifuges, balances, and incubators) will require a 50% match if the unit costs exceeds $500. Any project that involves advanced life support (ALS) will require the signature of a medical director on the application page. ALS projects include, but are not limited to items such as the purchase of monitor/defibrillator/pacer units, automated external defibrillators, and ALS training. Any project involving the hosting of an initial certification course or continuing education course will require that the applicant has discussed the potential course with the EMS staff at the local Public Health Region office, prior to submitting the proposal. Any project involving the purchase of computers and computer related items, including accessories and software, must be thoroughly described within the proposal. An appropriate description would be "Pentium 75 Mhz Processor, 8MG RAM, 855MG hard drive, internal 14,400 modem, 4X CD ROM with sound card, speakers." A similar description of make and model for the printer, monitor, and any software is also essential. The program only provides reimbursement for approved costs associated with the implementation of the approved project. Projects will be funded until the funds are exhausted or preset limits are reached. Examples of costs that are not applicable for funding include items such as salaries, fringe benefits, in- direct costs, disposable supplies, and day to day operating expenses (e.g. fuel, insurance, loan payments, rent, etc.). In addition, land purchases or building funds do not qualify as an applicable project under this program. In cases where a project is not completed or the full allocation of funding is not used, the department may redistribute funds at its discretion. The department reserves the right to fund a project at any level it feels appropriate, according to the availability of funds and justification for need as presented in the proposal. Any costs incurred prior to September 1, 1997, will not be eligible for reimbursement. Eligible Applicants. Proposals will be accepted from not-for-profit organizations directly or indirectly responsible for providing or impacting emergency prehospital health care (e.g., EMS providers, registered first responder organizations, EMS training programs, local governments, and other organizations impacting emergency prehospital health care). Registered First Responder organizations are those which have the proper Bureau First Responder paperwork, based on 25 Texas Administrative Code, 157.21, First Responder Organization Registry, on file and entered into the department's network as active no later than September 1, 1997. Failure to comply with this requirement of the grant constitutes grounds for revocation of any award made as part of the Local Projects program. Contact. Information concerning the request for proposal (RFP) may be obtained from Terri Vernon, Bureau of Emergency Management, Attention: Local Projects, Texas Department of Health, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756, (512) 834-6700, Fax (512) 834-6611. Limitations. The department reserves the right to reject any or all applications and is not liable for any costs incurred by the applicant in the development, submission, or review of the application. Any costs incurred in the preparation of the application shall be borne by the applicant and are not allowable in the RFP. The department reserves the right to alter, amend, or modify any provisions of this RFP, or to withdraw this RFP, at any time prior to the award of a contract pursuant thereto, if it is in the best interest of the department and the State of Texas to do so. The decision of the department will be administratively final in this regard. Deadlines. The application form and other forms, included in the grant information packet, should be completed and returned along with the complete proposal and three copies of the complete packet to the department by June 2, 1997. The original and three copies of the completed application, forms, and proposal should be submitted by mail to Gene Weatherall, Chief, Bureau of Emergency Management, Attention: Local Projects Grant Program, Texas Department of Health, 1100 West. 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756. The application and proposal may be faxed to (512) 834-6611, no later than 5:00 p.m., June 2, 1997. Any proposal that is faxed will still require the original and two copies to be sent by mail to the address above, and be postmarked prior to the stated deadlines. Once the original application and proposal, plus required copies are received, a confirmation notice will be sent within two weeks that will note receipt. Only those proposals and copies that are post marked on or before June 2, 1997, will be reviewed, regardless of the circumstances. Applications may be mailed, hand delivered, or faxed. If delivered by hand, the proposal must be taken to the Exchange Building, Second Floor, Bureau of Emergency Management, 8407 Wall Street, Suite S220, Austin, Texas, no later than the specified deadline. Evaluation and Selection. Proposals will be reviewed and scored based on the information provided by the applicant. Evaluation criteria includes, but is not limited to, service area, type of organization, type of project, total cost of project, and the ability of the project to be completed in the required period of time. Consideration will be given in the following areas: the applicant's previous contract experiences with this grant program; not-for-profit EMS provider or first responder; EMS agencies participating in their Regional Advisory Council; cooperative proposals that combine multiple qualifying entities into a single proposal; volunteer organizations; groups providing satellite training programs (training conducted at remote sites other than the main campus); services that are upgrading their capabilities; agencies in rural or frontier areas of the state that are implementing a new service or upgrading their service; organizations that have been funded less than three times through this program; and public education programs. Proposals will be reviewed to ensure that all budget items requested are applicable and appropriate, matching funds are available, and implementation of the proposed project is possible. Tentative approval will be given by the Chief of the Bureau of Emergency Management and the Associate Commissioner, for Health Care Quality and Standards. Final approval will be given by the Commissioner of Health or their appointed agent. All projects not funded will remain active until the end of the funding cycle for consideration in the event funding becomes available. Information Statement. The department strongly supports the concepts of cooperative applications between multiple providers and/or first responder programs, applications that clearly demonstrate and document regional projects involving multiple service organizations, and public education programs such as CPR courses for local communities. Though not a prerequisite for this grant, the department encourages all applicants to pursue such programs. For additional information contact the EMS Local Projects Grant Program, 1100 West 49th Street Austin, Texas 78756, (512) 834-6700. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 22, 1997. TRD-9701092 Linda Kotek General Counsel Texas Department of Health Filed: January 24, 1997 Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Notice of Public Hearing The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) announces that a public hearing will be held to receive comments on the proposed 1997 program year state plan for the Texas Weatherization Assistance Program for Low-Income Persons. The public hearing will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 1997, in Room 118 of the Stephen F. Austin Building, 1700 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas. At the hearing, a representative from TDHCA will provide descriptions of the Weatherization Assistance Program and the proposed use of the United States Department of Energy funds for the program year which begins April 1, 1997. Local officials and citizens are encouraged to participate in the hearing process. Written and oral comments received will be used to finalize the FY 1997 Texas Weatherization Assistance Program State Plan and Application. Written comments from those who cannot attend the hearing in person may be provided by the close of business at 5:00 p.m. on February 19, 1997, to Nieves Lopez, Planner, Energy Assistance Section, Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, P.O. Box 13941, Austin, Texas 78711-3941. A copy of the proposed state plan may be requested by calling J. Al Almaguer at (512) 475-3866 or by writing Mr. Almaguer at the TDHCA address given above. Individuals who require auxiliary aids or services for this meeting should contact Aurora Carvajal, ADA responsible employee, at (512) 475-3822 or Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2989 at least two days before the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 24, 1997. TRD-9701110 Larry Paul Manley Executive Director Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Filed: January 24, 1997 Department of Information Resources Notice of Contract Award The Department of Information Resources (DIR) files this notice regarding the award of a contract for consulting services in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 2254, Subchapter B of the Government Code. Notice of a request for submission of proposals was published in the December 20, 1996, issue of the Texas Register (21 TexReg 12331). The private consultant will assist DIR in evaluating, assessing, and estimating actions required to insure Year 2000 compliance for information systems, by validating information already provided by agencies and by gathering and preparing estimates for Year 2000 compliance for specified agencies not yet reporting. The name of the private consultant is International Business Machines Corporation. The business address of the private consultant is 301 Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78701. The total value of the consultant services contract is $992,000. The beginning date is January 17, 1997, and the ending date is March 14, 1997. The private consultant will provide weekly progress reports throughout the term of the engagement and will provide a final report on March 14, 1997. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 22, 1997. TRD-9701029 C. J. Brandt, Jr. General Counsel Texas Department of Information Resources Filed: January 23, 1997 Texas Department of Insurance Correction of Errors The Texas Department of Insurance adopted an amendment published under the Exempt Notification section. The adoption appeared in the December 27, 1996, issue of the Texas Register (21 TexReg 12568). The wrong effective date was published, the correct date should read as "January 13, 1997". Insurer Services The following applications have been filed with the Texas Department of Insurance and are under consideration: Application for a name change in Texas for Hamilton Standard Life Insurance Company, a domestic life, accident and health company. The proposed new name is Women's Life Insurance Company of America. The home office is in San Antonio, Texas. Application for a name change in Texas for Family Life Insurance Company of Texas, a domestic life, accident and health company. The proposed new name is Family Life Insurance Company of America. The home office is in San Antonio, Texas. Application for a name change in Texas for Security Assurance Company, a foreign life, accident and health company. The proposed new name is Healthsource Insurance Company. The home office is in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Application for a name change in Texas for Amtex Insurance Company, a domestic fire and casualty company. The proposed new name is The Millers Specialty Insurance Company. The home office is in Ft. Worth, Texas. Application for a name reservation in Texas for Prodentist, Inc., a domestic health maintenance organization. The home office is in Houston, Texas. Any objections must be filed within 20 days after this notice was filed with the Texas Department of Insurance, addressed to the attention of Cindy Thurman, 333 Guadalupe Street, M/C 305-2C, Austin, Texas 78701. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 24, 1997. TRD-9701106 Caroline Scott General Counsel and Chief Clerk Texas Department of Insurance Filed: January 24, 1997 Insurer Services The following applications have been filed with the Texas Department of Insurance and are under consideration: Application for admission in Texas for Pacific Specialty Insurance Company, a foreign fire and casualty company. The home office is in Menlo Park, California. Application for a name change in Texas for Fidelity Southern Insurance Company, a domestic fire and casualty company. The proposed new name is Fidelity First Insurance Company. The home office is in Dallas, Texas. Any objections must be filed within 20 days after this notice was filed with the Texas Department of Insurance, addressed to the attention of Cindy Thurman, 333 Guadalupe Street, M/C 305-2C, Austin, Texas 78701. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 22, 1997. TRD-9701002 Caroline Scott General Counsel and Chief Clerk Texas Department of Insurance Filed: January 22, 1997 Notice of Public Hearing The Commissioner of Insurance will hold a public hearing under Docket Number 2281 on March 5, 1997, at 10:00 a. m. in Room 100 of the Texas Department of Insurance Building, 333 Guadalupe Street in Austin, Texas, to consider a petition by the staff of the Texas Department of Insurance proposing the adoption of amendments to the Homeowners and the Farm and Ranch Owners sections of the Texas Personal Lines Manual to establish an optional premium credit for homeowners and for farm and ranch owners policies for the permanent identification of personal property as a protective measure against residential burglary and the adoption of the "Inspector's Report For Compliance With The Property Identification Theft Reduction Program" form to be used to demonstrate that the policyholder qualifies for the reduction in premiums. The rules and form proposed for adoption in the staff petition are necessary to implement the recommendations of the Residential Property Insurance Loss Mitigation Advisory Committee. The petition requests consideration of the adoption of amendments to two rules in the Texas Personal Lines Manual. 1) In the Homeowners Section, Manual Rule VI-C is amended to add new item 6 "Personal Property Identification". 2) In the Farm and Ranch Owners Section, Manual Rule VI-C is amended to add new item 6 "Personal Property Identification". These rules specify the standards that policyholders must meet to qualify for the credit and provide an optional credit of up to 5% for homeowners and farm and ranch owners policies for those policyholders who comply with the property identification program. Staff proposes the adoption of an "Inspector's Report for Compliance with the Property Identification Theft Reduction Program" form to be used by inspectors certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. The form will be used to certify that the personal property at the residence has been permanently marked or photographed in accordance with the criteria specified in the rule and that there are signs or stickers visible from the outside of the residence that indicate the personal property contained inside the residence has been permanently marked. Commissioner's Order Number 94-1029 created the Residential Property Insurance Loss Mitigation Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee). The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to advise and make recommendations to the Commissioner of Insurance for reducing residential property insurance losses. The amount of losses paid are a vital factor in determining insurance rates. A significant reduction in the amount of losses paid will ultimately reduce residential property insurance rates in Texas. In many instances, some of the losses that occur could be prevented through efforts to improve factors that have a direct bearing on losses. Prior to the establishment of the Advisory Committee, public hearings were held regarding the increasing losses from wind and hail, crime and freezing pipes. The purpose of the hearings was to allow public testimony concerning methods that could be used to help reduce the increasing losses in these areas. As a follow-up to the public hearings, the Advisory Committee was appointed to review the various methods suggested for reducing losses, as well as any other methods, and to make appropriate recommendations to the Commissioner for the implementation of such recommendations. One of the Advisory Committee's recommendations for reducing residential burglaries is the Property Identification Theft Reduction Program which involves permanently marking commonly stolen personal property in residences and posting signs or stickers that are visible from the outside of the residence that indicate the personal property contained in the residence has been permanently marked. A majority of the most commonly stolen property in residences has no identifiable markings that can be used in a recovery process. Property that is unmarked makes the residence a prime target for burglary. Unmarked property recovered by law enforcement officers cannot be traced or returned to the owner and it cannot be used in court as evidence to prosecute the burglar. Without identifiable markings, stolen property can be disposed of by criminals who profit from the crime with virtually no risk of apprehension. Permanently marked personal property is a simple and cost effective method of reducing burglary and theft losses. A residence displaying stickers or signs indicating the personal property contained in the residence has been permanently marked is a deterrent to a burglar or thief. Permanently marked property is difficult for a burglar or thief to dispose of and it is acceptable evidence to the courts for conviction of criminals. Permanently marking personal property gives law enforcement officials the opportunity to identify property quickly and return it to its rightful owner, thus reducing the loss to insurance companies. The cost to individuals who choose to identify their property can be less than $10.00. In communities where this type of program has been implemented, a decrease in burglaries and thefts has occurred. The Advisory Committee recommended that the optional credits contained in the Homeowners section and the Farm and Ranch Owners section of the Texas Personal Lines Manual be amended to include the identification of personal property as a protective measure that is eligible for an optional credit of up to five percent when such identification of personal property is in compliance with specific criteria. The Commissioner has jurisdiction of this matter pursuant to the Insurance Code, Articles 5.101, 5.96, and 5.98. Copies of the full text of the staff petition and the proposed Manual rules and form are available for review in the Office of the Chief Clerk of the Texas Department of Insurance, 333 Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas, 78701. For further information or to request copies of the petition and proposed amendments, please contact Angie Arizpe at (512) 322-4147, (refer to reference Number P-0197-03-I). Comments on the proposed changes must be submitted in writing within 30 days after publication of the proposal in the Texas Register to the Office of the Chief Clerk, P. O. Box 149104, MC 113-2A, Austin, Texas 78714-9104. An additional copy of the comment should be submitted to David Durden, Deputy Commissioner for Property and Casualty Lines, P. O. Box 149104, MC 104-5A, Austin, Texas 78714-9104. This notification is made pursuant to the Insurance Code, Article 5.96, which exempts action taken under this article from the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (Government Code, Title 10, chapter 2001). Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 27, 1997. TRD-9701227 Caroline Scott Assistant General Counsel Texas Department of Insurance Filed: January 27, 1997 The Commissioner of Insurance, at a public hearing under Docket Number 2280 scheduled for March 5, 1997 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 100 of the Texas Department of Insurance Building, 333 Guadalupe Street in Austin, Texas, will consider a proposal made in a staff petition. Staff's petition seeks amendment of the Texas Automobile Rules and Rating Manual (the Manual), to adopt new and/or adjusted 1997 model Private Passenger Automobile Physical Damage Rating Symbols and revised identification information. Staff's petition (Reference Number A-0197- 01-I) was filed on January 6, 1997. The new and/or adjusted symbols for the Manual's Symbols and Identification Section reflect data compiled on damageability, repairability, and other relevant loss factors for the listed 1997 model vehicles. A copy of the petition containing the full text of the proposed amendments to the Manual is available for review in the office of the Chief Clerk of the Texas Department of Insurance, 333 Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas. For further information or to request copies of the petition, please contact Angie Arizpe at (512) 463-6326; refer to (Reference Number A-0197-01-I). Comments on the proposed changes must be submitted in writing within 30 days after publication of the proposal in the Texas Register, to the Office of the Chief Clerk, Texas Department of Insurance, P. O. Box 149104, MC 113-2A, Austin, Texas 78714-9104. An additional copy of comments is to be submitted to David Durden, Deputy Commissioner, Property and Casualty Insurance Lines, Texas Department of Insurance, P. O. Box 149104, MC 104-5A, Austin, Texas 78714-9104. This notification is made pursuant to the Insurance Code, Article 5.96, which exempts it from the requirements of the Government Code, Chapter 2001 (Administrative Procedure Act). Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 17, 1997. TRD-9700847 Caroline Scott General Counsel and Chief Clerk Texas Department of Insurance Filed: January 17, 1997 Texas State Library and Archives Commission Appointment of Local Government Records Committee Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the Texas Government Code sec.441.163, as amended by sec.25 of SB 366, effective September 1, 1995, of the following appointments made by the director and librarian to the Local Government Records Committee. The terms of all committee members expire February 1, 1999. Rebecca L. Brewster, City Secretary, Town of Van Horn; The Honorable Hector Enriquez, Jr., County Clerk, El Paso County; Landa Lassberg, Records Management Officer, Blanco Independent School District; Shirley Maples, Records Management Officer, Franklin County Water District; Jerry Marza, Records Management Officer, Galveston County; George Moff, Chief Appraiser, Nueces County Appraisal District; Jerry Reynolds, Chief Appraiser, Lipscomb County Appraisal District; Barry J. Schneider, Personnel Director, Fort Worth Independent School District; Robert Wagner, General Manager, Zavala-Dimmitt Counties WID #1; and Ruby White, City Secretary, City of Luling. The State Comptroller of Public Accounts and the Attorney General or their designees also serve on the committee. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 27, 1997. TRD-9701200 Raymond Hitt Assistant State Librarian Texas State Library and Archives Commission Filed: January 27, 1997 Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Correction of Errors The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation adopted amendments to 16 TAC sec.sec.75.10, 75.20-75.23, 75.30, 75.40, 75.60, 75.65, 75.70, 75.80, and 75.100. The rules appeared in the January 14, 1997, issue of the Texas Register (22 TexReg 737). On page 738, sec.75.10, the definition for "Assumed name" should read: "Assumed name-As defined in the Business and Commerce Code, Title 4, Chapter 36, Subchapter A, sec.36.02." Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Correction of Errors The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission proposed amendments to sec.50.45. The rule appeared in the January 10, 1997, issue of the Texas Register (21 TexReg 592). On page 592, sec.50.45 preamble, last sentence under the heading title "EXPLANATION OF PROPOSED RULES," the word "action" should be added, so that the sentence reads as follows: "If the general counsel does not approve the correction, or fails to act, the executive director is authorized to set the matter for commission action during a commission meeting." The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission proposed new 30 TAC sec.sec.336.1-336.6, 336.11, and 336.12.The adoption appeared in the January 10, 1997, issue of the Texas Register (22 TexReg 608). On page 614, first column, starting on the second line of the definition for "Thorium recovery," the phrase "...byproduct material as defined in the definition of this section "byproduct material" subparagraph (B),..." should be replaced with the phrase "...byproduct material as defined in subparagraph (B) of the definition of "byproduct material" of this section,...." On page 614, first column, starting on the second line of the definition for "Uranium recovery," the phrase "...byproduct material as defined in the definition of this section "byproduct material" subparagraph (B),..." should be replaced with the phrase "...byproduct material as defined in subparagraph (B) of the definition of "byproduct material" of this section,...." On page 615, first column, last line under sec.336.4(1), there is an "M" in the exponent in the phrase: "One picocurie (pCi) = 1 x 10--12M...." The "M" should not be in the exponent, and the phrase should read: "One picocurie (pCi) = 1 x 10--12...." On page 643, first column, under sec.336.359(b)(5), at the end of paragraph, the "Σ" symbol is misplaced. The sentence should read: "...dose does not exceed 1 (i.e., Σ (intake in μCi...." Applications for Waste Disposal Permits Notices of Applications for waste disposal permits issued during the period of January 10th thru January 17, 1997. The Executive Director will issue these permits unless one or more persons file written protests and/or a request for a hearing within 30 days after newspaper publication of this notice. To request a hearing, you must submit the following: (1) your name (or for a group or association, an official representative), mailing address, daytime phone number, and fax number, if any; (2) the name of the applicant and the permit number; (3) the statement "I/we request a public hearing;" (4) a brief description of how you would be adversely affected by the granting of the application in a way not common to the general public; (5) the location of your property relative to the applicant's operations; and (6) your proposed adjustments to the application/permit which would satisfy your concerns and cause you to withdraw your request for hearing. Information concerning any aspect of these applications may be obtained by contacting the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, Chief Clerks Office-MC105, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711. Individual members of the public who wish to inquire about the information contained in this notice, or to inquire about other agency permit applications or permitting processes, should call the TNRCC Office of Public Assistance, Toll Free, at 1-800-687-4040. Listed are the name of the applicant and the city in which the facility is located, type of facility, location of the facility, permit number and type of application-new permit, amendment, or renewal. CITY OF BRYAN, P.O. Box 1000, Bryan, Texas 77805, the wastewater treatment facilities are approximately 3000 feet west of Farm-to-Market Road 2818 and approximately 4 miles southeast of State Highway 21 in Brazos County, Texas, renewal, 10426-03. CITY OF DENTON, 215 East McKinney Street, Denton, Texas 76201, the wastewater treatment facilities are east of the City of Denton along Pecan Creek, approximately 5,700 feet east of State Highway 288 and approximately 2 miles upstream from the Lewisville Lake in Denton County, Texas, renewal, 10027-03. CITY OF HART, P.O. Box 329, Hart, Texas 79043-0329, the wastewater treatment facilities and the disposal site are approximately 1.0 mile north of the intersection of State Highway 194 and Farm-to-Market Road 168 and one block west of Farm-to-Market Road 168, north of the City of Hart in Castro County, Texas, amendment, 10139-01. CITY OF HOUSTON, P.O. Box 262549, Houston, Texas 77207-2549, the wastewater treatment facilities are at 7410 Galveston Road (State Highway Number 3) in the City of Houston in Harris County, Texas, 10495-050. JOHN HANCOCK MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY AND COOPERATIEVE CENTRALE RAIFFEISEN- BOERENLEEN BANK B.A. "RABOBANK NEDERLAND", 16398 Jacintoport Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77015, the applicant operates Harborside Refrigerated Services, a cold storage warehouse, the plant site is at 16398 Jacintoport Boulevard approximately one mile northeast of the intersection of Jacintoport Boulevard and Shelton Road in the City of Houston, Harris County, Texas, amendment, 03765. NCI BUILDING SYSTEMS, L.P., 7301 Fairview, Houston, Texas 77041, the wastewater treatment plant is located approximately 0.4 mile north of Farm-to- Market Road 529 near the City of Jersey Village, approximately 1.5 miles northwest of the intersection of Farm-to-Market Road 529 and US Highway 290, and approximately 18 miles northwest of the City of Houston central business district in Harris County, Texas, new, 12552-02. PILOT INDUSTRIES OF TEXAS, INC., 11623 North Houston Rosslyn Road, Houston, Texas 77086, the applicant operates a lube oil and detergent intermediates manufacturing plant, the plant site is located at 11623 North Houston Rosslyn Road in northwest Houston, Harris County, Texas, amendment, 01899. RODDIE WOOL SCOURING COMPANY, INC., P.O. Box 30, Brady, Texas 76825, the applicant operates a raw wool scouring facility, the plant site is at the intersection of South Magnolia Street and A.L. Reed Street in the City of Brady, McCulloch County, Texas, renewal, 01297. SAINT FRANCIS VILLAGE, INC., 1 Chapel Plaza, Crowley, Texas 76036, the wastewater treatment facilities are approximately 1 mile north of Rock Creek Park and approximately 2.5 miles south of Benbrook Dam in Tarrant County, Texas, renewal, 10612-01. CITY OF TOYAH, P.O. Box 144, Toyah, Texas 79785, the wastewater treatment facility is immediately adjacent to and west of an unnamed county road, approximately 0.5 mile north of the San Martine Draw Diversion, and approximately 1.5 miles north-northwest of the intersection of Interstate Highway 20 and Farm- to-Market Road 2903 in Reeves County, Texas, renewal, 13572-01. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 17, 1997. TRD-9700792 Mamie M. Black Acting Chief Clerk Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Filed: January 17, 1997 Extension of Public Comment Period (Chapters 50, 291, 295, 297, and 305) January 21, 1997 The comment period has been extended to 5:00 p.m., February 10, 1997, for the proposal which was published in the January 10, 1997, issue of the Texas Register (22 TexReg 592). The proposal includes new 30 TAC sec.50.45, Corrections to Permits, and also eliminates duplicative, program-specific requirements in 30 TAC Chapters 291, 295, 297, and 305. For further information, please contact Brian Christian, Policy Research Division, (512) 239-1760. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 22, 1997. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 21, 1997. TRD-9700969 Kevin McCalla Director, Legal Division Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Filed: January 22, 1997 Notice of Proposed Radioactive Material License Renewal and Related Amendments. Notice is hereby given by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) that it proposes to amend and renew Radioactive Material License RW2402 issued to Chevron Resources Company, a Division of Chevron Industries, Inc., and Agent for Chevron U.S.A. Inc., for the Panna Maria Uranium Operation. The licensee's mailing address is P. O. Box 1000, Hobson, Texas 78117-1000. The Panna Maria project is a conventional uranium mine which is currently in closure and reclamation, and is located approximately three miles northwest of Panna Maria in Karnes County, Texas. It is proposed that the license be renewed in accordance with Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) sec.336.1, Texas Regulations for Control of Radiation (TRCR) 43.33. Concurrent with the renewal, the license would be amended to extend the duration of the license from the current five-year period to a ten-year period. This amendment is proposed for consistency with the Staff Requirements Memorandum approved by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission on July 2, 1996. It is also proposed that the license be transferred from Chevron Resources Company (licensee) to Rio Grande Resources Corporation (applicant) in accordance with an amendment request from the licensee dated September 30, 1991 and a letter from the applicant dated September 19, 1991. The Executive Director has determined that the applicant satisfies all applicable special requirements specified in 30 TAC sec.336, TRCR Part 43. The proposed license would also continue to authorize a commercial byproduct disposal operation at the facility through May 15, 1997. Disposal of byproduct material from third parties into the licensee's tailing impoundment would not delay final closure of the facility. Specific provisions and standards relating to commercial byproduct disposal operations have been incorporated into the proposed license. It is also proposed that the license be amended to release a railspur ore unloading area for unrestricted use. The proposed license would also update environmental monitoring requirements to reflect current site status and would establish groundwater protection standards for hazardous constituents. It is also proposed that the license be amended to incorporate milestones for closure of the tailings impoundment in accordance with Title 10 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 40, Appendix A, Criterion 6A, and in accordance with the requirements stated in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in October, 1991 by the State of Texas, the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and other affected agreement states. License conditions relating to the Panna Maria Closure Plan have been incorporated into the proposed license to ensure consistency with State and federal standards. In addition, the proposed license specifies performance-based license conditions relating to surveillance requirements during the post-closure period of the facility. If you wish to comment or request a public hearing on the proposed license, you must do so in writing within 30 days from the date of publication of this notice in the Texas Register. Requests for hearing on this licensing action must be submitted to the Chief Clerk's Office, MC105, TNRCC, P. O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711-3087. The request for a hearing must contain the name and address of the person/applicant/licensee who considers himself/herself affected by TNRCC action, identify the subject license, specify the reasons why the person/applicant/licensee considers himself/herself affected, and state the relief sought. If the applicant/licensee or person affected is represented by an attorney, state the name and address of the attorney. Failure to submit a written request for a hearing within the above notice period could result in denial of party status and render the TNRCC action final. Written public comments may also be submitted to the Chief Clerk's Office during the notice period. Copies of the proposed license and other materials in the public file are available for inspection in the Chief Clerk's Office. In addition an environmental analysis for the Panna Maria project was prepared on September 21, 1987 and is available for review at the TNRCC Central Records file room. For information concerning technical aspects of the proposed license contact Devane Clarke at MC131, the same address. For information concerning hearing procedures or citizen participation, contact Blas Coy, Public Interest Council, MC 103, the same address. Individual members of the public who wish to inquire about the information contained in this notice or to inquire about other agency permit applications or permitting processes should call the TNRCC Office of Public Assistance, Toll Free, at 1-800-687-4040. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 17, 1997. TRD-9700849 Mamie M. Black Acting Chief Clerk Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Filed: January 17, 1997 Notice of Public Hearing (Permit Transfers) Notice is hereby given that under the requirements of Texas Health and Safety Code, sec.382.017; Texas Government Code, Subchapter B, Chapter 2001; and 40 Code of Federal Regulations, sec.51.102 of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations concerning State Implementation Plans (SIP), the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC or commission) will conduct a public hearing to receive testimony concerning new Chapter 32 and revisions to Chapters 70, 116, 291, 293, 297, 303, 304, 305, 312, 321, and 330 and the SIP. The commission proposes new Chapter 32, concerning Transfer of Permits, Licenses, and Other Authorizations. The primary purpose of the proposed chapter is to consolidate and streamline transfer requirements. Chapter 32 includes a Subchapter A for general provisions, as well as seven additional subchapters for program-specific requirements. A public hearing on the proposal will be held March 3, 1997, at 2:00 p.m. in Room 5108 of 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 96147- 032-AD. Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m., March 3, 1997. For further information, please contact Catherine Collins, Policy Research Division, at (512) 239-0389. 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 January 18, 1997. TRD-9700968 Kevin McCalla Director, Legal Division Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Filed: January 22, 1997 Notice of Public Hearing (Upset Maintenance) January 22, 1997 Notice is hereby given that under the requirements of Texas Health and Safety Code, sec.382.017; Texas Government Code, Subchapter B, Chapter 2001; and 40 Code of Federal Regulations, sec.51.102 of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations concerning State Implementation Plans (SIP), the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC or commission) will conduct a public hearing to receive testimony concerning revisions to Chapter 101 and the SIP. The commission proposes revisions to sec.sec.101.1, 101.6, 101.7, and 101.11. The revisions are proposed to clarify when and how unauthorized emissions must be reported, considering reporting requirements found in other state and federal regulations, enhancement of compliance, and utilization of agency resources. Specifically, the revisions are intended to use the same reporting tools as the commission's spill prevention and control rules found in 30 TAC Chapter 327, which coordinate the reporting requirements found in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986, and the related regulations implementing these Acts. A public hearing on the proposal will be held March 6, 1997, at 2:00 p.m. in Room 2210 of 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 96154- 101-AI. Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m., March 13, 1997. For further information, please contact Beecher Cameron, Air Policy and Regulations Division, (512) 239-1495. 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 January 8, 1997. TRD-9700971 Kevin McCalla Director, Legal Division Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Filed: January 22, 1997 Provisionally-Issued Temporary Permits to Appropriate State Water Listed are permits issued during the period of January 17, 1997 Application Number TA-7763 by Marathon Oil Company for diversion of 10 acre-feet in a 6-month period for mining use. Water may be diverted from the FM 75 crossing of White Oak Creek, approximately 9 miles south of Rusk, Cherokee County, Texas, Neches River Basin. Application Number TA-7765 by Foremost Paving, Inc. for diversion of 10 acre- feet in a 6-month period for industrial (highway construction IH 35) use. Water may be diverted from the IH 35 crossing of the Nueces River, approximately 1.5 miles south of Cotulla, LaSalle County, Texas, Nueces River Basin. The Executive Director of the TNRCC has reviewed each application for the permits listed and determined that sufficient water is available at the proposed point of diversion to satisfy the requirements of the application as well as all existing water rights. Any person or persons who own water rights or who are lawful users of water on a stream affected by the temporary permits listed above and who believe that the diversion of water under the temporary permit will impair their rights may file a complaint with the TNRCC. The complaint can be filed at any point after the application has been filed with the TNRCC and the time the permit expires. The Executive Director shall make an immediate investigation to determine whether there is a reasonable basis for such a complaint. If a preliminary investigation determines that diversion under the temporary permit will cause injury to the complainant the commission shall notify the holder that the permit shall be cancelled without notice and hearing. No further diversions may be made pending a full hearing as provided in Section 295.174. Complaints should be addressed to Water Rights Permitting Section, Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 78711, Telephone (512) 239-4433. Information concerning these applications may be obtained by contacting the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, Texas 787311, Telephone (512) 239-3300. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 17, 1997. TRD-9700793 Mamie M. Black Acting Chief Clerk Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission Filed: January 17, 1997 Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles Correction of Errors The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles proposed new 37 TAC sec.145.4. The rule appeared in the December 24, 1996, issue of the Texas Register (21 TexReg 12395). On page 12395, sec.145.4(d), the word "sentenced" was changed to sentence and the period was inadvertently left off the end of the sentence. Subsection (d) should read as follows: "(d) A parole panel shall designate during each sentence the date, if any, on which the prisoner would have been eligible for release on parole if the prisoner had been sentenced to serve a single sentence." Public Utility Commission of Texas Notice of Application 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 December 13, 1996, for approval of certain depreciation rates pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Act (PURA), Texas Civil Statutes, Article1446c-0, sec.3.051(b), and sec.3.151(a) (Vernon Supplement 1997). The following is a summary of the application. Docket Title and Number. Application of Guadalupe Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. for an Increase in Certain Depreciation Rates. Docket Number 16788. The Application. In Docket Number 16788, Guadalupe Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. requests approval to increase certain depreciation rates to receive full capital recovery of the following equipment accounts: computers, digital switching systems, circuit equipment, poles aerial cable-metallic, underground cable-metallic, and buried cable-metallic. 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 on or before February 20, 1997. Hearing- and speech-impaired individuals with text telephone (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 23, 1997. TRD-9701087 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice of Application to Amend Certificate of Convenience and Necessity Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas of an application on January 9, 1997, to amend a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity pursuant to sec.sec.1.101(a), 2.201, 2.101(e), 2.252, and 2.255, of the Public Utility Regulatory Act of 1995. A summary of the application follows. Docket Title and Number: Application of West Texas Utilities Company to Amend Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for Proposed Transmission Line in Fisher and Scurry Counties, Docket Number 16874 before the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The Application: In Docket Number 16874, West Texas Utilities Company requests approval to construct approximately 31.6 miles of 69-kV transmission line on single-pole structures. 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 within 15 days of this notice. Hearing- and speech-impaired individuals with text telephone (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 22, 1997. TRD-9701088 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notices of Intent to File Pursuant to Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.27 Notice is given to the public of the intent to file with the Public Utility Commission of Texas an application on January 21, 1997, pursuant to Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.27 for approval of a customer-specific contract to provide billing and collection services with National Telephone & Communications, Inc. Tariff Title and Number: Application of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company to Provide for Customer-Specific Contract for Billing and Collection Services with National Telephone & Communications, Inc., pursuant to Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.27. Tariff Control Number 16884. The Application: Southwestern Bell Telephone Company seeks approval of a customer-specific contract to provide billing and collection services with National Telephone & Communications, Inc. where National Telephone & Communications, Inc. provides services to Southwestern Bell Telephone Company end user customers. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 22, 1997. TRD-9700989 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 22, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the intent to file with the Public Utility Commission of Texas an application pursuant to Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.27 for approval of a 660 station addition to the existing Plexar-Custom Service for NationsBanc, Inc. in Houston, Texas. Tariff Title and Number. Application of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for Approval of 660 Station Addition to Existing PLEXAR-Custom Service for NationsBanc, Inc. in Houston, Texas, Pursuant to Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.27. Tariff Control Number 16897. The Application. Southwestern Bell Telephone Company is requesting approval of a 660 station addition to existing PLEXAR-Custom service for NationsBanc, Inc. in Houston, Texas. The geographic service market for this specific service is the Houston, Texas, area. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with Texas telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 22, 1997. TRD-9701003 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 22, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the intent to file with the Public Utility Commission of Texas an application pursuant to Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.27 for approval of a 365 station addition to the existing Plexar-Custom Service for Hidalgo County in Edinburg, Texas. Tariff Title and Number. Application of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for Approval of 365 Station Addition to Existing PLEXAR-Custom Service for Hidalgo County in Edinburg, Texas, Pursuant to Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.27. Tariff Control Number 16898. The Application. Southwestern Bell Telephone Company is requesting approval of a 365 station addition to existing PLEXAR-Custom service for Hidalgo County in Edinburg, Texas. The geographic service market for this specific service is the Brownsville, Texas, area. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with Texas telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 22, 1997. TRD-9701004 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 22, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the intent to file with the Public Utility Commission of Texas an application pursuant to P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.27 for approval of an optional features addition to the existing PLEXAR-Custom Service for American State Bank in Lubbock, Texas. Tariff Title and Number. Application of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for Approval of an Optional Features Addition to the Existing PLEXAR-Custom Service for American State Bank in Lubbock, Texas, Pursuant to P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.27. Tariff Control Number 16914. The Application. Southwestern Bell Telephone Company is requesting approval of an optional features addition to existing PLEXAR-Custom service for American State Bank in Lubbock, Texas. The geographic service market for this specific service is the Lubbock, Texas, area. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 24, 1997. TRD-9701155 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the intent to file with the Public Utility Commission of Texas an application pursuant to P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.27 for approval of a 550 station addition to the existing PLEXAR-Custom Service for Data Race in San Antonio, Texas. Tariff Title and Number. Application of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for Approval of 550 Station Addition to Existing PLEXAR-Custom Service for Data Race in San Antonio, Texas, Pursuant to P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.27. Tariff Control Number 16915. The Application. Southwestern Bell Telephone Company is requesting approval of a 550 station addition to existing PLEXAR-Custom service for Data Race in San Antonio, Texas. The geographic service market for this specific service is the San Antonio, Texas, area. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 24, 1997. TRD-9701156 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the intent to file with the Public Utility Commission of Texas an application pursuant to P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.27 for approval of a 169 station addition to the existing PLEXAR-Custom Service for Fiesta Mart, Inc. in Houston, Texas. Tariff Title and Number. Application of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for Approval of 169 Station Addition to Existing PLEXAR-Custom Service for Fiesta Mart, Inc. in Houston, Texas, Pursuant to P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.27. Tariff Control Number 16916. The Application. Southwestern Bell Telephone Company is requesting approval of a 169 station addition to existing PLEXAR-Custom service for Fiesta Mart, Inc. in Houston, Texas. The geographic service market for this specific service is the Houston, Texas, area. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 24, 1997. TRD-9701157 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notices of Petition for Exemption from Requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rule 23.11(K) Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on December 16, 1996, a petition for exemption from the requirements of P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.11(k). Docket and Title Number. Application of Electra Telephone Company, Inc. for Exemption from Reporting Requirements Under P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.11(k). Docket Number 16790. The Application. Electra Telephone Company, Inc. (Electra) filed a petition seeking exemption from preparation of an annual report on the usage of historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) because (1) Electra is owned by an out of state company; (2) the majority of the purchasing activity is performed in the state of Arkansas, not Texas; and (3) preparation of the report would require a substantial amount of time and expense and would provide very little, if any, meaningful information regarding Electra's use of HUBs in the state of Texas. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120 no later than February 19, 1997. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the commission at (512) 936- 7136. Please reference Docket Number 16790. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 24, 1997. TRD-9701144 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on December 16, 1996, a petition for exemption from the requirements of P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.11(k). Docket and Title Number. Application of Tatum Telephone Company, Inc. for Exemption from Reporting Requirements Under P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.11(k). Docket Number 16791. The Application. Tatum Telephone Company, Inc. (Tatum) filed a petition seeking exemption from preparation of an annual report on the usage of historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) because (1) Tatum is owned by an out of state company; (2) the majority of the purchasing activity is performed in the state of Arkansas, not Texas; and (3) preparation of the report would require a substantial amount of time and expense and would provide very little, if any, meaningful information regarding Tatum's use of HUBs in the state of Texas. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120 no later than February 19, 1997. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936- 7136. Please reference Docket Number 16791. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 24, 1997. TRD-9701151 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on December 17, 1996, a petition for exemption from the requirements of P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.11(k). Docket and Title Number. Application of Eaglenet, Inc. for Exemption from Reporting Requirements under P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.11(k). Docket Number 16792. The Application. Eaglenet, Inc. (Eaglenet) filed a petition seeking exemption from preparation of an annual report on the usage of historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) because (1) Eaglenet is owned by an out of state company; (2) all purchasing activity is performed by the home office, outside the state of Texas; and (3) there is no reportable information regarding the use of HUBs in the state of Texas. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120 no later than February 19, 1997. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936- 7136. Please reference Docket Number 16792. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 24, 1997. TRD-9701150 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on December 17, 1996, a petition for exemption from the requirements of P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.11(k). Docket and Title Number. Application of North Texas Telephone Company, Inc. for Exemption from Reporting Requirements Under P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.11(k). Docket Number 16793. The Application. North Texas Telephone Company, Inc. (North Texas) filed a petition seeking exemption from preparation of an annual report on the usage of historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) because (1) North Texas is owned by an out of state company; (2) all purchasing activity is performed by the home office, outside the state of Texas; and (3) there is no reportable information regarding the use of HUBs in the state of Texas. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120 no later than February 19, 1997. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936- 7136. Please reference Docket Number 16793. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 24, 1997. TRD-9701149 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on December 17, 1996, a petition for exemption from the requirements of P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.11(k). Docket and Title Number. Application of Panhandle Telephone Cooperative, Inc. for Exemption from Reporting Requirements Under P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.11(k). Docket Number 16794. The Application. Panhandle Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (Panhandle) filed a petition seeking exemption from preparation of an annual report on the usage of historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) because (1) Panhandle is owned by an out of state company; (2) all purchasing activity is performed by the home office, outside the state of Texas; and (3) there is no reportable information regarding the use of HUBs in the state of Texas. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120 no later than February 19, 1997. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936- 7136. Please reference Docket Number 16794. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 24, 1997. TRD-9701148 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on December 17, 1996, a petition for exemption from the requirements of P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.11(k). Docket and Title Number. Application of Southwest Arkansas Telephone Cooperative, Inc. for Exemption from Reporting Requirements Under P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.11(k). Docket Number 16795. The Application. Southwest Arkansas Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (Southwest Arkansas) filed a petition seeking exemption from preparation of an annual report on the usage of historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) because (1) Southwest Arkansas is owned by an out of state company; (2) all purchasing activity is performed by the home office, outside the state of Texas; and (3) there is no reportable information regarding the use of HUBs in the state of Texas. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120 no later than February 19, 1997. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936- 7136. Please reference Docket Number 16795. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 24, 1997. TRD-9701153 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on December 17, 1996, a petition for exemption from the requirements of P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.11(k). Docket and Title Number. Application of E.N.M.R. Telephone Cooperative, Inc. for Exemption from Reporting Requirements Under P.U.C. SUBSTANTIVE RULE 23.11(k). Docket Number 16798. The Application. E.N.M.R. Telephone Cooperative, Inc. (E.N.M.R.) filed a petition seeking exemption from preparation of an annual report on the usage of historically underutilized businesses (HUBs) because (1) E.N.M.R. is owned by an out of state company; (2) all purchasing activity is performed by the home office, outside the state of Texas; and (3) there is no reportable information regarding the use of HUBs in the state of Texas. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120 no later than February 19, 1997. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936- 7136. Please reference Docket Number 16798. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 24, 1997. TRD-9701154 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notices of Petition for Exemption from Requirements of PUC Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5) Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on December 27, 1996, a petition for exemption from the requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket and Title Number. Petition of West Texas Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc. for Exemption from Requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket Number 16829. The Application. West Texas Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc. filed a petition seeking exemption from preparation of a plan and the deployment of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) because: (1) none of its customers have requested the service; and (2) the cost to provide ISDN is significant, and deployment is not feasible in its service area. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 23, 1997. TRD-9701086 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 December 27, 1996, a petition for exemption from the requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket and Title Number. Petition of Southwest Arkansas Telephone Cooperative, Inc. for Exemption from Requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket Number 16830. The Application. Southwest Arkansas Telephone Cooperative, Inc. filed a petition seeking exemption from preparation of a plan and the deployment of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) because: (1) none of its customers have requested the service; and (2) the cost to provide ISDN is significant, and deployment is not feasible in its service area. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 23, 1997. TRD-9701085 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on December 27, 1996 a petition for exemption from the requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket and Title Number. Petition of North Texas Telephone Company for Exemption from Requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket Number 16831. The Application. North Texas Telephone Company filed a petition seeking exemption from preparation of a plan and the deployment of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) because: (1) none of its customers have requested the service; and (2) the cost to provide ISDN is significant, and deployment is not feasible in its service area. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 23, 1997. TRD-9701084 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on December 27, 1996, a petition for exemption from the requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket and Title Number. Petition of Riviera Telephone Company, Inc. for Exemption from Requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket Number 16832. The Application. Riviera Telephone Company, Inc. filed a petition seeking exemption from preparation of a plan and the deployment of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) because: (1) none of its customers have requested the service; and (2) the cost to provide ISDN is significant, and deployment is not feasible in its service area. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 23, 1997. TRD-9701083 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on December 27, 1996, a petition for exemption from the requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket and Title Number. Petition of Big Bend Telephone Company, Inc. for Exemption from Requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket Number 16833. The Application. Big Bend Telephone Company, Inc. filed a petition seeking exemption from preparation of a plan and the deployment of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) because: (1) none of its customers have requested the service; and (2) the cost to provide ISDN is significant, and deployment is not feasible in its service area. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 23, 1997. TRD-9701082 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on December 27, 1996, a petition for exemption from the requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket and Title Number. Petition of Wes-Tex Telephone Cooperative, Inc. for Exemption from Requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket Number 16834. The Application. Wes-Tex Telephone Cooperative, Inc. filed a petition seeking exemption from preparation of a plan and the deployment of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) because: (1) none of its customers have requested the service; and (2) the cost to provide ISDN is significant, and deployment is not feasible in its service area. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 23, 1997. TRD-9701081 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on December 27, 1996, a petition for exemption from the requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket and Title Number. Petition of Blossom Telephone Company, Inc. for Exemption from Requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket Number 16835. The Application. Blossom Telephone Company, Inc. filed a petition seeking exemption from preparation of a plan and the deployment of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) because: (1) none of its customers have requested the service; and (2) the cost to provide ISDN is significant, and deployment is not feasible in its service area. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 23, 1997. TRD-9701080 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on December 27, 1996, a petition for exemption from the requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket and Title Number. Petition of Mid-Plains Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc. for Exemption from Requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket Number 16836. The Application. Mid-Plains Rural Telephone Cooperative, Inc. filed a petition seeking exemption from preparation of a plan and the deployment of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) because: (1) none of its customers have requested the service; and (2) the cost to provide ISDN is significant, and deployment is not feasible in its service area. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 23, 1997. TRD-9701079 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on December 27, 1996, a petition for exemption from the requirements of Public Utility Commission Substanative Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket and Title Number. Petition of Alenco Communications, Inc. for Exemption from Requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket Number 16837. The Application. Alenco Communications, Inc. filed a petition seeking exemption from preparation of a plan and the deployment of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) because: (1) none of its customers have requested the service; and (2) the cost to provide ISDN is significant, and deployment is not feasible in its service area. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 23, 1997. TRD-9701078 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on December 27, 1996, a petition for exemption from the requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket and Title Number. Petition of Lipan Telephone Company for Exemption from Requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket Number 16838. The Application. Lipan Telephone Company filed a petition seeking exemption from preparation of a plan and the deployment of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) because: (1) none of its customers have requested the service; and (2) the cost to provide ISDN is significant, and deployment is not feasible in its service area. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 23, 1997. TRD-9701077 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Notice is given to the public of the filing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on December 27, 1996, a petition for exemption from the requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket and Title Number. Petition of Cap Rock Telephone Cooperative, Inc. for Exemption from Requirements of Public Utility Commission Substantive Rules 23.69(d)(3) and (5). Docket Number 16839. The Application. Cap Rock Telephone Cooperative, Inc. filed a petition seeking exemption from preparation of a plan and the deployment of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) because: (1) none of its customers have requested the service; and (2) the cost to provide ISDN is significant, and deployment is not feasible in its service area. Persons who wish to comment upon the action sought should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, by mail at P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas, 78711- 3326, or call the Public Utility Commission Consumer Affairs Section at (512) 936-7120. Hearing and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may contact the Commission at (512) 936-7136. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 23, 1997. TRD-9701076 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Public Notice of Application to Revise Access Service Tariff On November 25, 1996, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (SWB) filed a tariff application to revise its Access Service Tariff - Billing and Collections Services. SWB filed its application pursuant to sec.3.212 of the Public Utility Regulatory Act of 1995 (PURA), Texas Revised Civil Statutes Annotated, Article 1446c-0 (Vernon Supp. 1997). In its tariff application, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company proposes to remove outdated sections and provide other selective services to its Billing and Collection Services Tariff customers. SWB states that (1) the tariff proposal is non-rate affecting; (2) the proposed tariff application does not currently have in-service quantities for the services included; (3) this application does not affect residence or business local exchange customers; and (4) there is no revenue impact associated with its proposed tariff revision in this proceeding. Tariff Title and Number: Application of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company to Revise its Access Service Tariff - Billing and Collection Services Pursuant to PURA 95, sec.3.212, Tariff Control Number 16699 before the Public Utility Commission of Texas. 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. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 22, 1997. TRD-9700990 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 22, 1997 Public Notice of Interconnection Agreement On January 17, 1997, MCI Telecommunications Corporation and its affiliates, including MCI Metro Access Transmission Services, Incorporated (MCI) filed a proposed interconnection agreement with GTE Southwest, Incorporated (GTE), seeking commission approval of the interconnection agreement under the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 (FTA96) (Public law Number 104-104, 110 Statute 56 (1996), (to be codified at 47 United States Code, sec.sec.151 et seq.), and the Public Utility Regulatory Act of 1995 (PURA95) (Texas Revised Civil Statute Annotated, Article 1446c-0 Vernon Supplement 1997). The interconnection agreement was filed in compliance with the Arbitration Award issued by the commission's FTA96, sec.252 Arbitration Panel in Docket Number 16355. The filed interconnection agreement is available for public inspection at the commission's offices in Austin, Texas. FTA96 authorizes the commission to review and approve any interconnection agreement adopted pursuant to arbitration. Pursuant to FTA96, sec.252(e)(2) the commission may reject any agreement only in the particular circumstances set forth in the statute. Under FTA96, 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 30 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 interconnection agreement by filing 18 copies of the comments with the commission's filing clerk. A copy of the comments should be served on MCI and GTE. The comments should specifically refer to Docket Number 16355. The comments shall be filed no later than January 27, 1997, and shall include: (1) a detailed statement of the person's interest 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) does not meet the requirements of FTA96, sec.251, including any applicable FCC regulations implementing sec.251; or (B) is not consistent with the standards established in FTA96, sec.252(d); 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 determine whether to conduct further proceedings concerning the filed agreement. Persons with questions about this docket or who wish to comment on the proposed interconnection agreement 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 16355. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 22, 1997. TRD-9700997 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 22, 1997 [sub] 2 Allowances The Public Utility Commission of Texas requests interested parties to answer questions concerning industry information regarding SO2 allowances. The commission requests that answers that total more than ten pages include an executive summary. Answers to the questions may be filed by submitting 16 copies to the commission's Secretary, Paula Mueller, at 1701 North Congress Avenue, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, within 30 days of the date of publication. All submissions should refer to Project Number 16847. This notice is not a formal notice of proposed rulemaking, but the parties' answers to the questions will assist the commission in developing a commission policy or determining the necessity for a related rulemaking. 1. What is your understanding of the Environmental Protection Agency's regulatory guidelines regarding the issuance and sales of SO 2 allowances and how these guidelines affect the electric utility industry? 2. What is your understanding of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order 552 regarding the accounting treatment and the valuation of SO2 allowances? 3. What is your understanding of FERC Order 552 regarding the accounting treatment and the valuation of SO2 allowance futures? 4. Please identify any indices that provide the fair market value of SO2 allowances and where these indices are published? [sub]2 allowance related transactions (purchases, sales-gains/losses, capital expenditures associated with pollution control equipment that limit the need for allowances, expenses, etc.) be recorded as fuel or non-fuel? a. If these transactions are appropriately recorded as fuel, should they be reflected/recovered through base rates or via a fuel reconciliation? b. Please discuss fully the rationale supporting your answers and provide any regulatory or accounting literature that supports your position. [sub]2 allowance trading be distributed to rate payers or shareholders? a. If these amounts should be distributed to ratepayers, please discuss the possible vehicles for distribution. b. Please fully discuss the rationale supporting your answers. [sub]2 allowance trading be borne by ratepayers or shareholders? a. If these amounts should be borne by ratepayers, please discuss the possible vehicles for collection. b. Please discuss fully the rationale supporting your answers. 8. Please comment on the following hypothetical scenario. Overall assumption: all gains and losses on the sale of allowances are distributed to/borne by the ratepayers. Other assumptions: Utility X sells a portion of its originally issued SO2 allowances for $100 (note: these have an historical cost of $0). Subsequent to the sale, the utility discovers that it requires additional SO2 allowances. Consequently, the utility must re-enter the market and purchase additional SO 2 allowances for $230. a. How should the regulator treat the purchase of the additional allowances for $230? Please provide the appropriate journal entries by FERC account. b. Please feel free to discuss how the regulator should view/treat any other SO2 allowance hypothetical scenarios. 9. Please discuss the appropriateness of allowing the ratepayers to receive the initial gains (i.e., $100 - $0 in question 8) related to the sale of allowances and the shareholder to receive all gains/bear all losses of SO2 trading transactions from that time forward. a. Please discuss the incentives created by such an arrangement. b. Please feel free to present any other incentive approach that you believe is appropriate. 10. Please discuss any other issues the commission should consider regarding SO2 allowances. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 24, 1997. TRD-9701103 Paula Mueller Secretary of the Commission Public Utility Commission of Texas Filed: January 24, 1997 Texas Real Estate Commission Correction of Errors The Texas Real Estate Commission proposed an amendment to 22 TAC sec.535.66. The rule appeared in the January 21, 1997, issue of the Texas Register (22 TexReg 884). On page 884, sec.535.66(a)(8), should have been published as follows: "(8) Instructor and Course Evaluation Form, Form SCH 6-0." Center For Rural Health Initiatives Notice of Contract Award Health Careers Directory The Center for Rural Health Initiatives (CRHI), in conjunction with the three Texas Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program Offices, and the program offices of the three regional Health Education Training Centers Alliance of Texas (HETCATs), files this notice regarding the contract for consulting services in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 2254, Subchapter B of the Government Code. Notice of a request for submission of proposals was published in the September 13, 1996, issue of the Texas Register (21 TexReg). The private consultant will provide services related to the editing, design, layout, printing and distribution of a directory of health careers which would be suitable for use by secondary and college students, academic and career counselors, and other related individuals. The consultant selected will collaborate with the participating entities, editing the written material for correct grammatical usage and continuity of style. The applicant will also be responsible for overseeing the design, layout, production of the directory as specified and distribution to appropriate parties. All final style and formatting decisions presented by the consultant will be approved by the project coordinators. The project coordinators will also monitor and oversee the contract implementation. Progress on the development of the directory will be reviewed by the project coordinators on a regular basis. The consultant may propose refinements, additions or other changes for the purpose of enhancing the directory's effectiveness. These options must be approved by the project coordinators before being implemented. Content information regarding each health career included in the directory will be researched, written, and initially formatted by the project coordinators. The consultant will, after final approval from the project coordinators, be responsible for compiling, designing, and laying out the table of contents, index, glossary, and other appropriate additional sections of the directory. Grammatical and style editing of each health career, publication design and layout, printing, bindery and delivery of the directory will be the responsibility of the consultant. The directory will be photo-typeset (no laser originals) by the consultant and laid out using page layout software. The cover will be four color and the printed text will be color accented. The directory will include descriptive information with appropriate photographs of each of the health professions included. In addition, the directory will include a table of contents, a description of how to use the directory, a glossary, an index, appropriate appendices and a reference section. The reference section will include, but not be limited to, detailed information about financial aid as well as information explaining the application process for acceptance into junior and senior colleges and health career training programs. The publication must be, at a minimum, indexed by profession, health profession clusters and health career terminology as determined by the project coordinators. The CRHI will retain the copyright and title to the contents of the directory. The consultant is prohibited from giving or selling the contents to outside parties. The directory materials and rights to the materials become the exclusive property of the CRHI, the AHECs, and the HETCAT. The contract developed will be based on this Request for Proposal, responses to the request, the Uniform Grant and Contract Management Standards (UGCMS), and Texas Department of Health General Provisions. The name of the private consultant is Bazzirk Inc. The physical address of the consultant is 8627 MoPac Expressway North, Suite 300, Austin, Texas 78759 (512) 418-8500. The total value of consultant services is $75,000, which will cover compensation for the consultant and the publication of 40,000 directories. The beginning date is November 1, 1996 and the ending date is August 31, 1997. The dates on which documents or components the consultant is required to present to the agency are: (1) draft of directory format, December 3, 1996, (2) color comps, January 7, 1997, (3) page layout draft, January 30, 1997, (4) final color comps, February 3, 1997, (5) final page layout, February 14, 1997, (6) first complete edit, February 28, 1997 (7) final directory edit March 28, 1997, (8) to printers, April 15, 1997, (9) distribution, April 29, 1997. Due dates may be amended through the mutual agreement of the project coordinators and the consultant. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 16, 1997. TRD-9700993 Laura Jordan Executive Director Center for Rural Health Initiatives Filed: January 22, 1997 Stephen F. Austin State University Follow-up Notice on Consulting Services Contract Pursuant to Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254, Stephen F. Austin State University provides the following information for publication in the Texas Register: 1. The award of the roofing consultant services contract to Global Roof Consultants, Inc. was made pursuant to Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254. 2. Notice of the request for proposals was published in the October 22, 1996, edition of the Texas Register (21 TexReg 10472). 3. The private consultant is to evaluate the condition of roofs on campus buildings and provide recommendations regarding replacements and repairs. The firm will assist the University in dealing with roofing companies regarding warranties, repairs, new installations and other similar roofing matters. 4. The total value of the contract is estimated at $75,000. Work under the contract will occur over a five-year period ending on or about February 28, 2002. 5. The private consultant selected is Global Roof Consultants, Inc., P. O. Box 5158, Waco, Texas 76708. 6. The consultant will evaluate the current condition of the roofs on campus buildings, provide a detailed status report, and assist the University in dealing with roofing companies regarding warranties, repairs, new installations, and related roofing matters. The consultant will perform these services over a period beginning on or about January 17, 1997 and ending on or about February 28, 2002. Issued in Nacogdoches, Texas, on January 17, 1997. TRD-9700869 R. Yvette Clark General Counsel Stephen F. Austin State University Filed: January 21, 1997 Board of Regents, The Texas A&M University System Notice of Intent to Extend Consultant Contract In accordance with the provisions of the Consulting Services Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter B, The Texas A&M University System hereby publishes this notice of its intention to extend the contract of Herndon, Stauch & Associates, with offices at 322 Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas, 78701. The request for proposals originally appeared in the July 5, 1996, issue of the Texas Register (21 TexReg 6276), and the notice of award appeared in the September 17, 1996, issue of the Texas Register (21 TexReg 9024). The original contract was executed on August 26, 1996, for the amount of $50,000.00. Texas A&M University System intends to extend the term of the contract through June 30, 1997. The total value of the extension is $30,000.00. The services to be provided are a continuation of services under the original contract, namely independent analysis and advice concerning construction claims. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 20, 1997. TRD-9700913 Vickie Running Executive Secretary to the Board Board of Regents, The Texas A&M University System Filed: January 21, 1997 Texas Department of Transportation Public Notice In accordance with 43 TAC sec.9.41(c), to be effective April 1, 1997, the Texas Department of Transportation issues this public notice requesting interested architects and engineers, and their related subproviders, to submit information for precertification by the department to perform work on architectural or engineering contracts. In the January 3, 1997, issue of the Texas Register (22 TexReg 64-80), the Texas Department of Transportation published final adoption of administrative rules concerning contracting for architectural and engineering services, codified at 43 TAC sec.sec.9.30-9.43. These rules establish the department's precertification process for architects and engineers and their related subproviders, define a selection procedure utilizing data obtained during the precertification process, establish a contract evaluation system, and provide for the periodic establishment of overall Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Historically Underutilized Business participation goals. The rules require architects and engineers, and their related subproviders, to be precertified in enumerated technical categories in order to be eligible to perform work for the department in those categories. All prime providers and subproviders must be precertified in the technical categories by the deadline for receipt of letters of interest in a proposed contract involving those categories. The Texas Department of Transportation will continue to contract with architects and engineers under the current selection process until the new precertification selection process becomes effective on April 1, 1997. A precertification packet has been developed which includes a copy of the precertification portion of the rules and a table outlining the requirements for precertification in each category, a copy of the precertification questionnaire along with a computer diskette for the applicant's use, instructions regarding the format and length restrictions for data to be submitted, copies of the department's standard engineering, architectural, and commercial laboratory contracts with attachments, instructions for administrative qualification, and the department's overhead guidelines. Architects and engineers and their related subproviders may request the department's precertification packet by sending a request to the Texas Department of Transportation, Design Division, Attention: Consultant Review Committee, 125 East 11th Street, Austin, Texas 78701-2483. A facsimile request may be sent to (512) 416-2292, Attention: Consultant Review Committee. The issued precertification data collection software can be run on all IBM PC compatible machines using the Windows operating system. Requestors should specify whether they need the Windows 95, Windows NT, or Windows 3.1 or 3.11 version of the software. Requestors using a noncompatible operating system will only receive a hard copy of the precertification questionnaire. Interested parties who submit applications prior to March 1, 1997, will be notified of precertification approval or rejection, or that additional information is required for review, by April 1, 1997. Interested parties who submit applications after March 1, 1997, and within 60 days after April 1, 1997, will be notified of approval, rejection, or the necessity of further information within 90 days after April 1, 1997. Interested parties who submit applications more than 60 days after April 1, 1997, will be notified of approval, rejection, or the necessity of further information within 30 days after the department receives the application. Further information is available by contacting the department's Design Division, either Sandi Carmona at (512) 416-2218, or Carla Greaney at (512) 416-2321. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 27, 1997. TRD-9701221 Robert E. Shaddock General Counsel Texas Department of Transportation Filed: January 27, 1997 Requests for Proposals Notice of Invitation: The Texas Department of Transportation's (TxDOT) Laredo District is seeking to engage an engineering consultant (provider) pursuant to Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter A, and Title 43 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), sec.sec.9.30-9.40, to provide the engineering services noted below. The provider selected must perform a minimum of 30% of the contract work. No subprovider shall perform a larger percentage of the contract work than the provider. Contract Number 22-745P5006: The work to be performed shall consist of providing engineering services required for preliminary engineering (development of schematic) and the preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates for the conversion of F.M. 3464, from 0.5 kilometer east of I.H. 35 on Loop 20 to the proposed GSA Facilities at the proposed Laredo Northwest International Bridge Number 4, from a 2-lane/non-freeway roadway facility with at-grade intersections to a 4-lane divided/freeway facility with frontage/access roads and interchanges at the I.H. 35 (Milo) and F.M. 1472 intersections. The contract shall include the design of high mast lighting, signing, and traffic management devices. The contract site is located in the City of Laredo. Deadline: A letter of interest notifying TxDOT of the provider's intent to submit a proposal will be accepted by fax at (210) 712-7402 or by hand/mail delivery to TxDOT, Laredo District Office, Attention: Roy Garcia, P.E., 1817 Bob Bullock Loop, Laredo, Texas 78043. Letters of interest will be received until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 1997. The letter of interest must include the provider's firm name, address, telephone number, fax number, name of provider's contact person and refer to Contract Number 22-745P5006. Upon receipt of the letter of interest, a Request for Proposal packet will be issued. (NOTE: Any provider that does not provide the information requested, in the format identified, will be considered nonresponsive and dropped from further consideration.) Mandatory Preproposal Meeting: A mandatory preproposal meeting will be held on Monday, February 10, 1997, at the Laredo District Office, 1817 Bob Bullock Loop, Laredo, Texas beginning at 1:00 p.m., for all provider's seeking to submit a proposal. TxDOT will not accept proposals from those providers who for any reason fail to attend the preproposal meeting. Persons with disabilities who plan on attending the preproposal meeting 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 Roy Garcia, P.E. at (210) 712-7446 at least two working days prior to the meeting so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Proposal Submittal Deadline: Proposals for Contract Number 22-745P5006 will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 1997, at the TxDOT, Laredo District Office mentioned address. Agency Contact: Requests for additional information regarding this notice of request should be addressed to Roy Garcia, P.E., at (210) 712-7446 or fax (210) 712-7402. Issued in Austin, Texas, on January 27, 1997. TRD-9701222 Robert E. Shaddock General Counsel Texas Department of Transportation Filed: January 27, 1997 Notice of Invitation: The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Paris District, intends to engage an architect, pursuant to Texas Government Code, Chapter 2254, Subchapter A, and Title 43 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), sec.sec.9.30-9.40, to provide the following services as shown below. The architect selected must perform a minimum of 30 percent of the actual contract work to qualify for contract award. Contract Numbers 01-645P8006 and 01-645P8007: To perform architectural services for the restoration of the Rains County Courthouse in Emory, Texas and the Red River County Courthouse in Clarksville, Texas, respectively. Services may include exterior and limited interior restoration design; preparation of plans, specifications, cost estimate and bidding documents; environmental studies and documentation; public involvement; contract administration and construction inspection. Deadline: A Letter of Interest notifying TxDOT of the provider's intent to submit a proposal shall be either hand-delivered to TxDOT Paris District Office, 1365 North Main Street, Paris, Texas or mailed to 1365 North Main Street, Paris, Texas 75460. Letters of interest will be received until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 1997. The Letter of Interest must include the architect's name, address, telephone number, name of architect's contact person and TxDOT contract number(s). Upon receipt of the Letter of Interest a Request for Proposal packe