[Federal Register: August 3, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 
      148)][Rules and Regulations] 
                     
      [Page 42005]From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access 
      [wais.access.gpo.gov][DOCID:fr03au99-2] 
                               
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------DEPARTMENT 
      OF AGRICULTURERural Utilities Service7 CFR Part 
      1728Electric Overhead Distribution Lines; Specifications and 
      Drawings for 24.9/14.4 kV Line ConstructionAGENCY: Rural Utilities 
      Service, USDA.ACTION: Extension of compliance with Bulletin 50-5 
      or 
      1728F-803.-----------------------------------------------------------------------SUMMARY: 
      In 1998 the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) updated and revised its bulletin 
      of specifications and drawings for 24.9/14.4kV overhead distribution line 
      construction. The bulletin, formerly named Bulletin 50-5, was renamed 
      ``RUS Bulletin 1728F-803; Specifications and Drawings for 24.9/14.4 kV 
      Line Construction.'' This bulletin is incorporated by reference (IBR) in 7 
      CFR part 1728. As published in the Federal Register on December 31, 1998, 
      at 63 FR 72102, this bulletin was approved for IBR by the Director of the 
      Federal Register and was effective February 1, 
      1999.    To allow borrowers to conduct an orderly 
      transition from the old Bulletin 50-5 to the new construction assemblies 
      and assembly numbers of the new Bulletin 1728F-803, RUS allowed compliance 
      to either bulletin through December 31, 1999, in a compliance notice 
      published in the Federal Register on March 29, 1999, at 64 FR 14813. To 
      prevent additional errors which may result from the year 2000 compliance 
      transitions, RUS has extended the compliance date for borrowers to utilize 
      construction drawings in either Bulletin 50-5 or the new Bulletin 
      1728F-803 until July 1, 2001. After July 1, 2001, only Bulletin 1728F-803 
      standard drawings shall be used.    It is anticipated 
      that this action will also allow borrowers sufficient time to make 
      necessary changes in engineering and accounting procedures and associated 
      computer software.EFFECTIVE DATE: August 3, 1999.FOR 
      FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. James L. Bohlk, Electrical Engineer, 
      Distribution Branch, Electric Staff Division, Rural Utilities Service, 
      U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, STOP 1569, 
      Washington, DC 20250-1569. telephone: (202) 720-1967. Fax: (202) 
      720-7491.SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the Rural 
      Electrification Act of 1936, as amended (7 U.S.C. 901 et seq.), the Rural 
      Utilities Service (RUS) amended 7 CFR Chapter XVII, Part 1728, 
      Electric Standards and Specification for Materials and Construction, by 
      revising RUS Bulletin 50-5 (D-803), Specification and Drawings for 
      14.4/24.9 kV Line Construction, and renumbered it as RUS Bulletin 
      1728F-803. RUS maintains a system of bulletins that contains construction 
      standards and specifications for materials and equipment. These standards 
      and specifications apply to system facilities constructed by RUS electric 
      and telecommunications borrowers in accordance with the RUS loan contract, 
      and contains standard construction units, material, and equipment units 
      commonly used in RUS electric and telecommunication borrowers' 
      systems.    RUS Bulletin 1728F-803 provides dimensioned 
      drawings of standard assembly units and specifications for the 
      construction of 24.9/14.4 kV overhead electric distribution lines. RUS 
      changed the bulletin number from RUS Bulletin 50-5 to RUS Bulletin 
      1728F-803. The change in the bulletin number and reformatting was 
      necessary to conform to RUS' new publications and directives system. This 
      bulletin is incorporated by reference in Sec. 1728.97. It may be purchased 
      from the Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, 
      Pennsylvania 15250-7954.    Dated: July 28, 
      1999.Blaine D. Stockton, Jr.,Acting Administrator, Rural Utilities 
      Service.[FR Doc. 99-19830 Filed 8-2-99; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 
      3410-15-P