[Federal Register: December 30, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 250)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 73413]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr30de99-7]                         

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PANAMA CANAL COMMISSION

35 CFR Chapter I, Subchapters B 
and C

 
Repeal of the Panama Canal Commission's General Regulations and 
Shipping and Navigation Regulations

AGENCY: Panama Canal Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This action repeals the Commission's public regulations in the 
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Subchapters B (General Regulations) 
and C (Shipping and Navigation) and discontinues the U.S. Government's 
responsibility for health, sanitation, postal money orders, and 
shipping and navigation in the Panama Canal. This action does not 
terminate the Commission's liability for marine vessel claims which 
arise prior to Noon, December 31, 1999.

DATES: Effective 12:00 Noon, December 31, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jay Sieleman, Assistant General 
Counsel, Panama Canal Commission, Office of Transition Administration 
c/o U.S. Embassy, Panama APO AA 34002. The telephone number is 272-
6625. The facsimile number is 272-6621.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In compliance with the Panama Canal Treaty 
of 1977 and Public Law 96-70, as amended, (22 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) the 
United States Government will turn over the operation, maintenance, and 
management of the Panama Canal to the Government of Panama at Noon, 
December 31, 1999. The regulations published in 35 CFR subchapters B 
and C are directly related to the operation, maintenance and management 
of the Panama Canal or to functions performed by the Panama Canal 
Government prior to the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977. With the 
termination of the Commission's responsibility for these functions, the 
Commission is revoking the applicable regulations to avoid confusion on 
the part of customers seeking guidance on the use of the Panama Canal 
or its related areas.
    Persons and organizations interested in obtaining information 
regarding the operation, maintenance and management of the Panama Canal 
after 12:00 Noon, December 31, 1999, should contact the Government of 
Panama agency established for these purposes. This agency is the Panama 
Canal Authority, Balboa, Ancon, Republic of Panama. The mailing address 
is: Panama Canal Authority, Office of General Counsel Marine Accident 
Claims, PCA GC-GCCL, P. O. Box 025413, Miami FL 33102-5413.
    Persons or organizations with claims against the Panama Canal 
Commission for marine vessel accidents which arise prior to Noon, 31 
December 1999, should contact David L. Terzian, Torts Branch, Civil 
Division, U.S. Department of Justice, 1425 New York Avenue, NW, Room 
3046, Washington, DC 2005. The telephone number is (202) 616-4137.
    This rule involves agency management functions and, therefore, is 
not subject to the procedures required by 5 U.S.C 553 and 801. It is 
also exempt from review under Executive Order 12866 but has been 
reviewed internally by the Commission to ensure consistency with the 
purposes thereof. This amendment has been found to be a minor rule 
within the meaning of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996, Public Law 104-121. It does not require analysis 
under the Regulatory Flexibility Act or the Unfunded Mandates Reform 
Act.

    Authority: 22 U.S.C. 3602.

    Accordingly, for the reasons set forth above, at noon, December 31, 
1999, in accordance with the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977, 35 CFR 
chapter I is amended by removing subchapters B (parts 60 through 70) 
and C (parts 101 through 135).

    Dated: December 23, 1999.
William J. Connolly,
Secretary, Panama Canal Commission.
[FR Doc. 99-33908 Filed 12-29-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3640-01-P