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Day would impose a substantial DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (including but not limited to: Electric, economic hardship on its members that signal, communications, gas, water, operate fireworks for the public. This Federal Transit Administration sewer, and storm systems). period is the busiest time of the year for The EIS will evaluate a No Action these companies. APA members are Environmental Impact Statement for Alternative and various Build engaged to stage multiple shows in the Long Island Rail Road Main Line Alternatives, and any additional celebration of Independence Day, Corridor Improvements, Long Island, alternatives generated by the scoping during a compressed timeframe. NY process. Scoping will be accomplished through meetings and correspondence The drivers that would be covered by AGENCY: Federal Transit Administration with interested persons, organizations, the exemption are trained (FTA), DOT. and Federal, State, regional, and local pyrotechnicians, each holding a ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an agencies. commercial drivers’ license (CDL) with environmental impact statement. a hazardous materials endorsement. DATES: The public is invited to These drivers transport fireworks and SUMMARY: The FTA, in cooperation with participate in project scoping on June equipment to remote locations to meet the Metropolitan Transportation 14th, 16th, and 21st 2005 from 4 p.m. demanding schedules. APA indicated Authority (MTA) Long Island Rail Road to 6 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at that under the hours-of-service (LIRR), will prepare an Environmental the locations identified under the requirements in effect prior to January 4, Impact Statement (EIS) on a proposal to ADDRESSES below to ensure that all 2004, the pyrotechnicians could meet make LIRR Main Line Corridor significant issues are identified and their schedules without exceeding the improvements between Queens Village considered. Presentation boards limits, and without experiencing any and Hicksville in Queens and Nassau depicting the project concept will be crashes or hazardous materials Counties New York. available for review at the meeting incidents. By contrast, under the new The FTA is the lead federal agency locations. Formal presentations by the regulations, the pyrotechnicians would under the National Environmental LIRR regarding the project will be made be unable to meet typical holiday Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). The project at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., each schedules, and fireworks companies is being conducted by LIRR, the project followed by the opportunity for the would be forced to hire a second driver sponsor. The EIS will be prepared in public to make comments on the scope for most trips. Or, fireworks companies accordance with NEPA and the of the EIS. LIRR representatives will be would be forced to decrease applicable regulations for implementing available for informal questions and significantly their engagements. APA NEPA, as set forth in 23 CFR part 771 comments throughout the duration of argues both options are economically and 40 CFR parts 1500–1508, as well as each scoping meeting. Those wishing to detrimental for its members, and would applicable laws and regulations, speak are requested to register at the deny many Americans the primary including Section 4(f) of the Department meeting location upon arrival. However, component of their Independence Day of Transportation Act of 1966, the Clean additional speakers will be invited until celebration. Air Act, and Executive Order 12898 on there are no other speakers requesting to Environmental Justice. As sponsor of be heard. Subsequent opportunities for Request for Comments the proposed project, the LIRR will public involvement will be announced ensure that the EIS and the on the Internet, by mail, and through In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315 environmental review process will also other appropriate mechanisms, and will and 31136(e), the FMCSA is requesting satisfy the requirements of the New be conducted throughout the study area. public comment from all interested York State Environmental Quality Additional project information may be persons on the APA application for Review Act (SEQRA). obtained from the MTA Web site: exemption from 49 CFR 395.3(a)(2). All The Proposed Action would consist of http://www.mta.info (click ‘‘Inside the comments received before the close of the addition of a new third track to the MTA’’ then ‘‘Planning Studies,’’ and business on the comment closing date existing two track configuration ‘‘LIRR Main Line Corridor indicated at the beginning of this notice between the Queens Interlocking in Improvements’’). Written comments on will be considered and will be available Queens County and the Divide the scope of the EIS should be sent to for examination in the docket at the Interlocking in Nassau County, with Mr. Peter Palamaro, the LIRR Public location listed under the address section crossover service to the Oyster Bay Affairs Representative by August 31, of this notice. Comments received after Branch east of the Mineola Station. The 2005 at the address given under the comment closing date will be filed Proposed Action may include ADDRESSES below. in the public docket and will be modification or additions of: Crossovers, ADDRESSES: The public scoping considered to the extent practicable. In interlockings, sidings, bridges (over/ addition to late comments, the FMCSA meetings will be held: undergrade bridges, viaducts, and • Tuesday, June 14, 2005, at Jericho will also continue to file, in the public culverts), signal systems (signal brides, Terrace—249 Jericho Turnpike, docket, relevant information that signal huts, signals, control towers), Mineola, NY 11501; becomes available after the comment communications, substations, and • Thursday, June 16, 2005, at Floral closing date. Interested persons should retaining walls. Modifications to Terrace—250 Jericho Turnpike, Floral continue to examine the public docket existing stations may be required such Park, NY 11001; and for new material. as changes to station buildings, parking, • Tuesday, June 21, 2005, at Antuns Authority: 49 U.S.C. 31136 and 31315; and shelters/waiting rooms, platform Hicksville—244 West Old Country 49 CFR 1.73. placement and amenities such as the Road, Hicksville, NY 11801. Issued on: April 28, 2005. addition of elevators at stations. Up to The scoping meeting sites are five (5) roadway grade crossings will be accessible to mobility-impaired people Annette M. Sandberg, considered for separation and/or and interpreter services will be Administrator. closure. Property acquisitions may be provided for hearing-impaired people [FR Doc. 05–9148 Filed 5–5–05; 8:45 am] necessary to accommodate the Proposed upon request. Written comments will be BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P Action, as well as utility relocations taken at the meeting or may be sent to

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the following address at any time during Avenue, Mineola, Carle Place, sufficiently frequent reverse and intra- the scoping period, which is thru Westbury, and Hicksville. island commuting service to draw riders August 31, 2005: Mr. Peter Palamaro, The project corridor is highly out of their automobiles, and Long Island Rail Road Company, developed with primarily residential accommodate anticipated service Jamaica Station, Jamaica, New York and commercial land use adjacent to the growth throughout the LIRR system. The 11435. The scoping packet may also be Main Line and surrounding areas. The addition of a third track will also requested by writing to this address or section of the Main Line that represents improve on-time performance within by calling (718) 558–7934. Requests to the project corridor carries trains from the corridor, particularly during peak be placed on the project mailing list five separate branches of the LIRR: periods. may also be made by calling this Oyster Bay, Hempstead, Port Jefferson, The need for the proposed number or by writing to the project Ronkonkoma, and Montauk. improvements is detailed in the LIRR’s address above. A total of eight roadway grade Long Term Operations and Maintenance FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. crossings exist within the project Strategy Report of 1999 and LIRR’s Nancy Danzig, Community Planner, corridor. The Main Line Corridor Network Strategy Study of 1994. Federal Transit Administration, (212) Improvement initiative will evaluate the Specific needs associated with the 668–2180. potential for five of the eight roadway limiting aspects of the existing Main grade crossings to be separated and/or Line configuration include: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: closed as part of the future design of • Limited peak-direction train I. Scoping Main Line improvements. The movement because of the necessity to remaining three are being addressed operate reverse-peak direction trains; FTA and the LIRR invite interested • Limited ability to expand reverse individuals, organizations, and Federal, through a partnership of: New York State Department of Transportation peak service to Mineola and Hicksville State, and local agencies to provide and to other Long Island centers of comments on the scope of the Main Line (NYSDOT), MTA/LIRR, Nassau County and the Federal Highway employment; and Corridor Improvements EIS. During the • Constrained future growth of the scoping process, comments should Administration (FHWA). The five roadway grade crossing being LIRR system within the LIRR service focus on specific social, economic, or territory. environmental issues to be evaluated, considered for separation and/or closure and on suggesting alternative that may include: V. Alternatives • Covert Avenue in New Hyde Park; be less costly or have fewer • 12th Street in New Hyde Park; The EIS will evaluate alternatives and environmental impacts while achieving • New Hyde Park Road in New Hyde options for the Proposed Action which similar transportation objectives. To Park; will: (1) Provide feasible, cost effective assist interested parties in formulating • School Street in New Cassel; and and beneficial transit improvements that their comments, a scoping information • Urban Avenue in New Cassel. enhance connections to the existing packet has been prepared and is transportation system and Long Island available on the MTA Web site address III. Problem Identification land uses; (2) meet the anticipated noted above, or upon request from the The LIRR is expecting a significant increase in transit use on the LIRR, (3) LIRR representative identified above. increase in its service levels by the year enhance Long Island and the region’s The scoping information packet 2030. This increase is a result of a economic vitality and quality of life. includes the project’s purpose and need, number of factors including the forecast Alternatives to be evaluated will a preliminary list of alternative, and of ridership growth, desire to increase include: environmental issues that will be reverse peak and intra-island service • No Action Alternative. This addressed during the course of the opportunities, desire to further reduce alternative provides for minor study. An online of the on-going public non-revenue car miles, and planned improvements, repairs, and other participation program is also contained future service growth to Manhattan maintenance actions to the existing in the information packet and on the terminals. Main Line Corridor LIRR system between Queens Village Internet site given above. improvements would allow express and Hicksville currently planned or II. Description of the Project Area service between Jamaica and Hicksville programmed. during rush hours and provide the • Build Alternatives. Addition of a The MTA Long Island Rail Road is the capacity necessary to accommodate new third track to the existing two track busiest commuter railroad in North reverse commuter service. configuration, roadway grade crossing America, carrying an average of 274,000 Roadway grade crossings throughout improvements, and station area customers each weekday on 730 daily the project corridor cause substantial improvements will be grouped into a set trains. The LIRR system includes 11 rail traffic delays that reduce roadway level of specific Build Alternatives. Each lines stretching from Montauk—on the of service and present safety concerns. distinct Build Alternative will be eastern tip of Long Island—to the Roadway grade crossings also require evaluated against the No Action refurbished Penn Station in the heart of train horn soundings that increase Alternative, and other Build Manhattan, approximately 120 miles ambient noise for adjacent noise- Alternatives to determine the away. Along the way, the LIRR serves sensitive receptors. advantages and disadvantages of each. 124 rail stations in Nassau, Suffolk, Build Alternatives may include Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan, IV. Purpose and Need for the Proposed elements of phasing. For example, a first providing service for some 81 million Action phase might include construction of the customers each year. The purpose of the proposed Main portion of alignment from Queens The project area includes Line Corridor Improvements, Village to Mineola and a second phase approximately 11.5 miles of the LIRR particularly the addition of a new third might complete construction from Main Line between Queens Village and track, is to provide additional capacity Mineola to Hicksville. Hicksville encompassing the following for the railroad, provide operational Although compatible with and nine stations: Queens Village, Bellerose, flexibility, reduce severe congestion contributing to the functionality of the Floral Park, New Hyde Park, Merillon during peak travel periods, allow for overall improvements, some elements of

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the Build Alternatives such as station deferred for evaluation at a future time, manufacturer’s intended schedule for rehabilitation elements or roadway in order to meet the transportation dealer notification to the manufacturer’s grade crossing elements are functionally needs of Long Island with minimal notifications to NHTSA of defects and independent of the other elements of the impact and in a timely manner. noncompliances that are already Proposed Action. Although the current A Draft EIS will be prepared and provided pursuant to 49 CFR 573, and plan is to evaluate all of the elements in made available for public and agency (2) include certain specified language in the EIS, as the project elements are review and comment. One or more the notifications that they send to their developed and as schedules and public hearings will be held on the Draft dealers and distributors pursuant to 49 construction phasing plans develop, it is EIS. On the basis of the Draft EIS and CFR 577. In addition, vehicle possible that some of the independent the public and agency comments manufacturers will now be required to elements may be advanced via separate thereon, a preferred alternative will be maintain for a period of 5 years a list of environmental evaluations under NEPA. selected and will be fully described and its dealers and distributors that they further developed in the Final EIS. VI. Potential Effects have notified (69 FR 33693–33694). Issued on: April 29, 2005. Affected Public: All manufacturers of Upon completion, the proposed Main motor vehicles and items of motor Line Corridor improvements are Letitia Thompson, Regional Administrator, Region II. vehicle equipment that conduct safety anticipated to eliminate existing recalls. [FR Doc. 05–9034 Filed 5–5–05; 8:45 am] deficiencies in LIRR service noted above Estimated Total Annual Burden: and generate positive impacts for Long BILLING CODE 4910–57–M 19,974 hours for manufacturers of motor Island residents, businesses, workers, vehicles and items of motor vehicle and visitors. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION equipment. Impacts that may occur as a result of ADDRESSES: Send comments, within the improvements will be evaluated in 30 days, to the Office of Information and the EIS. The LIRR has identified several National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Regulatory Affairs, Office of areas of concern, including: Property Management and Budget, 725–17th acquisition, historic and archaeological Reports, Forms and Recordkeeping Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503, resources, parks and Section 4(f) Requirements Agency Information Attention NHTSA Desk Officer. properties, traffic and grade-crossings, Collection Activity Under OMB Review Comments are invited on: Whether noise and vibration, water quality, the proposed collection of information AGENCY: wetlands, and threatened and National Highway Traffic is necessary for the proper performance endangered species. Potential Safety Administration, DOT. of the functions of the Department, construction-related impacts associated ACTION: Notice. including whether the information will with the construction phase include SUMMARY: In compliance with the have practical utility; the accuracy of noise, vibration, business disruption, the Departments estimate of the burden impacts on pedestrian and vehicle Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), this notice of the proposed information collection; traffic, and air quality. ways to enhance the quality, utility and The EIS will describe the announces that the Information clarity of the information to be methodology used to assess impacts; Collection Request (ICR) abstracted collected; and ways to minimize the identify the affected environment; and below has been forwarded to the Office burden of the collection of information identify opportunities and measures for of Management and Budget (OMB) for on respondents, including the use of mitigating adverse impacts. Principles review and comment. The ICR describes automated collection techniques or of environmental construction the nature of the information collections other forms of information technology. management, resource protection and and their expected burden. The Federal A comment to OMB is most effective mitigation measures, and the LIRR Register Notice with a 60-day comment if OMB receives it within 30 days of Sustainable Design/Design for period was published on June 16, 2004 publication. Environment—Generic Guidelines at Vol. 69, No. 115, p. 33693–94. (March 2003), developed pursuant to DATES: Comments must be submitted on Kathleen C. DeMeter, New York State Executive Order No. or before June 6, 2005. Director, Office of Defects Investigation. 111 ‘‘Green and Clean,’’ will be FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: [FR Doc. 05–9122 Filed 5–5–05; 8:45 am] considered for incorporation into the Larry Long at the National Highway BILLING CODE 4910–59–P Build Alternatives. Traffic Safety Administration, Recall Management Division, NVS–215, 400 VII. FTA Procedures Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION During the NEPA process, FTA will 20590, phone (202) 366–6281. also comply with the requirements of SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Surface Transportation Board Section 106, National Historic [STB Finance Docket No. 34676] Preservation Act, Section 4(f) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Department of Transportation Act (49 Administration Penn Eastern Holdings, Inc.—Control U.S.C. 303), the Clean Air Act, and other Title: Dealer Notification of Defects Exemption—East Penn Railways, Inc. applicable Federal and State and Noncompliances. and Penn Eastern Rail Lines, Inc. environmental statutes, rules, and OMB Number: 2127–0004. regulations, in accordance with FTA Type of Request: Revision of a Penn Eastern Holdings, Inc. (PEH), a procedures. currently approved information newly established noncarrier holding Through the NEPA scoping process collection adding new requirements. company, has filed a verified notice of and as project development advances, it Abstract: These are new amendments exemption to acquire control through will be determined whether certain to regulations that require stock ownership of East Penn Railways, elements of the Full Build Alternative manufacturers of motor vehicles and Inc. (East Penn) and Penn Eastern Rail should be advanced independently or in items of vehicle equipment conducting Lines, Inc. (Penn Eastern), both Class III combination with other elements, or be recalls to (1) add information about the rail carriers. East Penn and Penn Eastern

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