### 15039 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 53 / Friday, March 18, 2011 / Notices

possible enforcement under 14 CFR part 16. Any action taken to strengthen, memorialize, or codify existing access in perpetuity beyond that described in anFAA approved residential through-thefence access plan at an airport with existing access will also be considered a new grant of through-the-fence access. The sponsor will, of course, have the opportunity to present information and arguments to the FAA during the Part 16

process.

In consideration of the above, the FAA adds new paragraph g. to standard AIP sponsor assurance 5, to read as follows:

C. Sponsor Certification. The sponsor hereby assures and certifies, with respect to this grant that:

* * * * *

5. Preserving Rights and Powers.

* * * * *

g. It will not permit or enter into any arrangement that results in permission for the owner or tenant of a property used as a residence, or zoned for residential use, to taxi an aircraft between that property and any location on airport.

Issued in Washington, DC on March 14,

2011. Randall S. Fiertz, Director, Airport Compliance and Field Operations.

[FR Doc. 2011–6346 Filed 3–17–11; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4910–13–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION**

**Federal Aviation Administration**

**RTCA Government/Industry NextGen Advisory Committee** 

**AGENCY :**  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

**ACTION :**  Notice of RTCA Charter Renewal.

**SUMMARY :**  The FAA is issuing this notice to advise the public of the renewal of the RTCA Charter (FAA Order 1110.77T) for two years, effective April 2, 2011. The administrator is the sponsor of the committee. The objective of the advisory committee is to seek solutions to issues and challenges involving air transportation concepts, requirements, operational capabilities, and the associated use of technology and related considerations to aeronautical operations that impact the future Air Traffic Management System. RTCA provides the following two categories of recommendations to the FAA: Broad gauged policy and investment priority recommendations used by FAA when considering policy and program decisions; and minimum performance standards, reports, and guidance documents used by the FAA in regulatory decisions and rulemaking. Government regulatory and procurement practices reference or use RTCA standards (with or without change). The Secretary of Transportation has determined that that information and use of committee are necessary in the public interest in connection with the performance of duties imposed on the FAA by law.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  RTCA Secretariat, 1828 L Street, NW., Suite 805, Washington, DC, 20036; telephone (202) 833–9339; fax (202) 833–9434; Web site http://www.rtca.org or the FAA Business Operations Group, NextGen and Operations Planning, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC: telephone (202) 493– 4409; fax (202) 267–5071.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :**  Steering Committee and Special Committee meetings are open to the public and announced in the Federal Register

, except as authorized by Section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

Issued in Washington, DC, on March 15,

2011. Kathy Hitt, RTCA Advisory Committee.

[FR Doc. 2011–6525 Filed 3–17–11; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4910–13–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION**

**Federal Aviation Administration**

**Commercial Space Transportation Grants Program** 

**AGENCY :**  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

**ACTION :**  Notice of request for grant proposals for the Commercial Space Transportation Grant Program.

**SUMMARY :**  This notice solicits Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 grant proposals to continue the development of a Commercial Space Transportation infrastructure system, which supports the National Space Policy and Congressional intent. Begun in 2010, the program supports the Commercial Space Transportation industry by identification, prioritization, and funding for Commercial Space Transportation infrastructure projects.

It must be noted that with the FY 2011 Congressional appropriation not yet enacted, the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) does not currently have funding for the Commercial Space Transportation Grants Program. Should there be an appropriation for the Commercial Space Transportation Grants Program; the FAA/AST intends to swiftly execute grant awards within FY 2011. To facilitate this, the FAA/AST is requesting grant applications at this time. The FAA/AST intends to receive, process, and evaluate the applications in a timely manner, and in accordance with the notional schedule listed below, so should there be an appropriation, the recipients will already be selected and the awards can be made within FY 2011. There remains the possibility that no funds will be appropriated in FY 2011 for the Commercial Space Transportation Grants Program. If no funds are appropriated, no grant applications submitted in response to this Notice will be approved and funded.

Due to time constraints, this Notice will be the only solicitation made for FY 2011 projects and proposals. The FAA/ AST will review and evaluate all applications for a grant received by the deadline, pursuant to 49 United States Code (U.S.C.) Chapter 703 (to be recodified at 51 U.S.C. Chapter 511). The FAA/AST may make one or more grant awards based upon its evaluations of the submissions. All grants awarded under the Commercial Space Transportation Grants Program are discretionary awards. Projects to be funded under the Commercial Space Transportation Grants Program must carry out commercial space transportation infrastructure development, as defined in 49 U.S.C. 70301 (to be recodified as 51 U.S.C. 51101).

**DATES :**  In order for the FAA/AST to award funds (if appropriated) prior to the end of FY 2011, the following notional schedule is provided. Submission Open Period Opens: March

18, 2011 Submission Open Period Closes: May

13, 2011 Review and Approval Period: May 16,

2011 thru June 30, 2011 Announcement: July 15, 2011

**ADDRESSES :**  Applicants can get more information about the Commercial Space Transportation Grants Program, to include a checklist for the submission package, by:

1. Accessing the Office of Commercial Space Transportation website at: http://www.faa.gov/go/ast; or

2. Contacting Glenn Rizner or Julie Price, AST–100, for program questions;

or 3. Contacting Greg Carter, AGC–510, for legal questions.


### 15040 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 53 / Friday, March 18, 2011 / Notices

Office Fax E-mail

Glenn Rizner .................................................................................................. 202–267–3194 202–267–5463 Glenn.H.Rizner@faa.gov.
Julie Price ...................................................................................................... 202–493–5486 2 02–267–5463 Julie.Price@faa.gov. Greg Carter .................................................................................................... 202–267–3186 202 –267–5261 Greg.Carter@faa.gov.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :**  Background

The Commercial Space Transportation Grants Program is intended to ‘‘ ensure the resiliency of the space transportation infrastructure in the United States. ’’ To help further establish United States’ Commercial Space Transportation-related goals, Congress established a Space Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program codified under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 703—Space Transportation Infrastructure Matching Grants. Congressional authorization was established FY 1994 for the use of Federal monies to fund up to fifty percent (50%) of total project cost in conjunction with state and local government funding. The legislation also requires a minimum of ten percent (10%) of the total project cost come from private funding. The first Congressional appropriation for the Commercial Space Transportation Grants Program came in FY 2010.

The FAA/AST reviews, evaluates, and oversees the Commercial Space Transportation Grants Program. Notionally, the award of the grant monies will be on or about July 15, 2011. To meet this award date, applicants must submit their grant proposals on or before May 13, 2011. Additional information related to the Commercial Space Transportation Grants Program can be found at the Office of Commercial Space Transportation website or by contacting one of the Points of Contacts; this information is listed above.
The Commercial Space Transportation Grants Program

To meet the intent of the program, development projects eligible for funding include:

1. Technical and environmental studies; or

2. Construction, improvement, design, and engineering of space transportation infrastructure (including facilities and associated equipment).

The Commercial Space Transportation Grants Program will not fund more than 50% of the total project cost, and project financing must include a private component of at least 10% of the total project cost.

Given that the FAA/AST may award multiple grants, applicants may submit multiple grant proposals, provided they are for separate projects and meet the matching requirements independently.
Environmental Requirements

Approval of grant funding is a major federal action subject to review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., as implemented by the regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality at 40 CFR part 1500 and FAA Order 1050.1E, and other Federal environmental laws. Because of this, the FAA anticipates that it may be most cost-effective for applicants who have already undergone NEPA review to apply for a grant this fiscal year.

In order for a launch site to receive a license to operate, a NEPA review will already have been conducted. The launch site operator could seek a grant for projects that the FAA considered as part of that license. Although having a license is not a requirement for a grant award, the environmental requirements may already be met for launch sites with a license.

Under 49 U.S.C. 70304 (to be recodified as 51 U.S.C. 51104), infrastructure development projects selected for a Commercial Space Transportation Grant must meet three additional environmental requirements:

1. The project must provide for the protection and enhancement of the natural resources and the quality of the environment of the United States. Specifically, if a project will have a significant, adverse environmental impact, the FAA/AST shall approve the grant application only after finding that no feasible and prudent alternative to the project exists and that all reasonable steps have been taken to minimize the adverse effect.

2. The sponsor must certify that an opportunity for a public hearing has been provided to consider the economic, social, and environmental impacts of the project and its consistency with the goals of any planning carried out by the community.

3. The Governor of the State in which the project is located, or his/her designee, must certify that there is reasonable assurance the project will be located, designed, constructed, and operated to comply with applicable air and water quality standards.

Planning projects, such as technical and environmental studies, normally qualify for categorical exclusion (CATEX) under NEPA and would not trigger the requirements listed above. If, the project normally qualifies for a CATEX from environmental review, the grant proposal should reference the relevant paragraph in FAA Order 1050.1E, Policies and Procedures from Considering Environmental Impacts, and address whether extraordinary circumstances exist that warrant preparation of an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS).

For more details about the environmental review for commercial space transportation activities, please see Guidelines for Compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Related Environmental Review Statutes for the Licensing of Commercial Launches and Launch Sites at http:// www.faa.gov/about/office

_ org/ headquarters

_ offices/ast/ environmental/review

. Who May Apply for a Commercial Space Transportation Grant

The FAA/AST may make project grant awards to ‘‘ sponsors, ’’ per 49 U.S.C. 70302 (to be recodified as 51 U.S.C. 51102). Per 49 U.S.C. 70301(6) (to be recodified as 51 U.S.C. 51101(6)), a

‘‘ sponsor ’’ is a public agency that submits an application for a project grant. Per 49 U.S.C. 70301(5) (to be recodified as 51 U.S.C. 51101(5)), a

‘‘ public agency ’’ is a State or agency of a State, a political subdivision of a State, or a tax-supported organization.

Grant Award

The FAA/AST intends to award Commercial Space Transportation Grants on or about July 15, 2011. An FAA/AST grant offer letter may contain requirements for assurances to ensure the grants are consistent with 49 U.S.C. Chapter 703 (to be recodified as 51 U.S.C. Chapter 511).
How To Apply for a Commercial Space Transportation Grant

The application submission must include the following:

1. Cover letter, signed by public agency senior official, demonstrating the legal authority to engage in the project.

2. Detail as to how the proposed grant project meets the requirements of Chapter 703 (recodified as Chapter 703):


### 15041 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 53 / Friday, March 18, 2011 / Notices

a. Documentation demonstrating authority as a public agency.

b. Demonstration that the grant will not be for more than 50% of the total cost of the project.

c. Letter(s) of Commitment from the private sector for at least 10% of the total cost of the project

d. Detailed description of the project e. Contributions to capabilities that serve the United States’ space transportation needs

f. Impacts on the competitiveness of the United States space transportation industry

g. Discussion of environmental considerations, if applicable

3. Consent from the head of the appropriate agency, should the project use Government property (land, equipment, etc.)

4. SF–424, Application for Federal Assistance (OMB Number 4040–0004)

5. One of the following:
a. SF–424A for non-construction proposals

b. SF–424C for construction proposals The forms request specific applicant information, project information, and an estimate of the funding and duration of the project. They are available at http://www.grants.gov.

Applicants for the Commercial Space Transportation Grants Program must submit grant applications to the FAA/ AST. Applicants must submit an original copy of the completed grant proposal, plus four additional copies. One copy (not the original) may be submitted electronically to Mr. Glenn
Rizner at Glenn.H.Rizner@faa.gov and Ms. Julie Price at Julie.Price@faa.gov, however the original and additional copies must be submitted to: Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Commercial Space Transportation, AST–100, c/o Mr. Glenn Rizner or Ms. Julie Price, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Suite 325, Washington, DC 20591.

Should one copy be submitted electronically, a time stamp will be recorded for the submission. The original and all other copies must reach the office on or before 12 p.m. (noon), Eastern Time, Friday, May 13, 2011. Should no copy be submitted electronically, the original and additional copies still must reach the office on or before 12 p.m. (noon), Eastern Time, Friday, May 13, 2011. There will be no allowance for extensions of time.

Previously submitted grant applications do not carry over and will not be considered. Applicants must resubmit past projects for consideration in the new fiscal year. Issued in Washington, DC, March 10, 2011. George C. Nield, Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation.

[FR Doc. 2011–6325 Filed 3–17–11; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4910–13–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION**

**Federal Aviation Administration**

**Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee—Public**  **Teleconference**

**AGENCY :**  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

**ACTION :**  Notice of Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee Teleconference.

**SUMMARY :**  Pursuant to Section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92–463, 5 U.S.C. App. 2), notice is hereby given of a teleconference of the Space Transportation Operations Working Group (STOWG) of the Commercial Space Transportation Advisory Committee (COMSTAC). The teleconference will take place on Tuesday, April 5, 2011, starting at 11 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Individuals who plan to participate should contact Susan Lender, DFO, (the Contact Person listed below) by phone or e-mail for the teleconference call in number. The proposed agenda for this teleconference is to review the issues discussed at the February 17, 2011, STOWG teleconference. These issues include Orbital Debris and the costs of compliance with orbital debris standards, the Concept of Operations draft report on reentry debris, Space Operations framework, and the International Code of Conduct being drafted by the European Union. The working group will also finalize plans for the May Working Group meetings to be held in Washington, DC.

Interested members of the public may submit relevant written statements for the COMSTAC working group members to consider under the advisory process. Statements may concern the issues and agenda items mentioned above or additional issues that may be relevant for the U.S. commercial space transportation industry. Interested parties wishing to submit written statements should contact Susan Lender, DFO, (the Contact Person listed below) in writing (mail or e-mail) by March 30, 2011, so that the information can be made available to COMSTAC members for their review and consideration before the April 5, 2011, teleconference. Written statements should be supplied in the following formats: One hard copy with originalsignature or one electronic copy via email.

An agenda will be posted on the FAA Web site at http://www.faa.gov/go/ast

.

Individuals who plan to participate and need special assistance should inform the Contact Person listed below in advance of the meeting.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  Susan Lender (AST–100), Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST), 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Room 325, Washington, DC 20591, telephone (202) 267–8029; E-mail susan.lender@faa.gov. Complete information regarding COMSTAC is available on the FAA Web site at: http://www.faa.gov/about/office

_ org/ headquarters

_ offices/ast/advisory

_ committee/.

Issued in Washington, DC, March 11, 2011. George C. Nield, Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation.

[FR Doc. 2011–6324 Filed 3–17–11; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 4910–13–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION**

**Federal Highway Administration**

**Availability of the Draft Tier I Environmental Impact Statement** 

**AGENCY :**  Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

**ACTION :**  Notice of Availability of the Draft Tier I Environmental Impact
Statement.

**SUMMARY :**  The FHWA, on behalf of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), announces the availability of the Draft Tier I Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposed route adoption study in Fresno County, California.

**DATES :**  Public circulation of this document will begin on March 16, 2011 and will end on May 9, 2011. An open forum public hearing will be held for this project on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in Kerman. The location is Kerman Community Center, 15101 W. Kearney Boulevard, Kerman, CA 93630.

**ADDRESSES :**  This document will be available at the Caltrans District 6 Office, 1352 West Olive Avenue, Fresno, CA 93728 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Copies of the document can also be read at the Fresno County Library, 2420 Mariposa Street, Fresno, CA 93721; the Kerman Branch Library, 15081 West Kearney Boulevard, Kerman, CA, 93630; and the Mendota