[Federal Register: May 18, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 95)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 27228-27229] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr18my98-18] [[Page 27228]] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Highway Administration 23 CFR Part 658 [FHWA Docket No. 98-3467] RIN 2125-AE36 Truck Size and Weight; National Network; North Dakota AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The FHWA proposes to modify the National Network for commercial motor vehicles by adding a route in North Dakota. The National Network was established by a final rule on truck size and weight published on June 5, 1984, as since modified. This rulemaking proposes to add one segment to the National Network as requested by the State of North Dakota. DATES: Comments on this docket must be received on or before July 17, 1998. ADDRESSES: Signed, written comments should refer to the docket number that appears at the top of this document and must be submitted to the Docket Clerk, U.S. DOT Dockets, Room PL-401, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001. All comments received will be available for examination at the above address between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Those desiring notification of receipt of comments must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Thomas Klimek, Office of Motor Carrier Information Management and Analysis (202-366-2212), or Mr. Charles Medalen, Office of the Chief Counsel (202-366-1354), Federal Highway Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Electronic Access Internet users can access all comments received by the U.S. Dockets, Room PL-401, by using the universal resource locator (URL): http://dms.dot.gov. It is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. Please follow the instructions online for more information and help. An electronic copy of this document may be downloaded using a modem and suitable communications software from the Federal Register Electronic Bulletin Board Service at (202)512-1661. Internet users may reach the Federal Register's home page at: http://www.nara.gov/nara/ fedreg and the Government Printing Office's database at: http:// www.access.gpo.gov/su__docs. Background The National Network of Interstate highways and Federally- designated routes, on which commercial vehicles with the dimensions authorized by the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (STAA), 49 U.S.C. 31111, 31113-31114, may operate, was established by a final rule published in the Federal Register on June 5, 1984 (49 FR 23302), as subsequently modified. These highways are located in each State, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Routes on the National Network are listed in appendix A of 23 CFR Part 658. Procedures for the addition and deletion of routes are outlined in 23 CFR 658.11 and include the issuance of a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) before final rulemaking. The State of North Dakota, under authority of the Governor, requests the addition of one segment to the National Network. The segment has been reviewed by State and FHWA offices for general adherence to the criteria of 23 CFR 658.9 and found to provide for the safe operation of larger commercial vehicles and for the needs of interstate commerce. The segment requested is generally described as ND Highway 32 from the west junction of ND Highway 13 north to Interstate 94, a distance of approximately 56 miles. Rulemaking Analyses and Notices Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures The FHWA has determined that this action does not constitute a significant regulatory action within the meaning of E.O. 12866, nor is it considered significant under the regulatory policies and procedures of the DOT. It is anticipated that the economic impact of this rulemaking will be minimal. This rulemaking proposes technical amendments to 23 CFR 658, adding a certain highway segment in accordance with statutory provisions. This segment represents a very small portion of the National Network and has a negligible impact on the prior system. Therefore, a full regulatory evaluation is not required. Regulatory Flexibility Act In compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601- 612), the FHWA has evaluated the effects of this proposal on small entities. This rulemaking proposes a technical amendment to 23 CFR 658, adding a certain highway segment in accordance with statutory provisions. This segment represents a very small portion of the National Network and has a negligible impact on the prior system. This rulemaking would, however, allow motor carriers, including small carriers, access to a highway segment not available to them at the present time. Based on its evaluation of this proposal, the FHWA certifies that this action would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act This rule does not impose unfunded mandates as defined by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4). This rulemaking relates to the Federal-aid Highway Program which is a financial assistance program in which State, local, or tribal governments have authority to adjust their program in accordance with changes made in the program by the Federal government, and thus is excluded from the definition of Federal mandate under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. Executive Order 12612 (Federalism Assessment) This action has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 12612, and it has been determined that the proposed rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review) Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Program Number 20.217, Motor Carrier Safety. The regulations implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding intergovernmental consultation on Federal Programs and activities do not apply to this program. Paperwork Reduction Act The proposal in this document does not contain information collection requirements for the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. National Environmental Policy Act The agency has analyzed this action for the purpose of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 [[Page 27229]] U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and has determined that this action would not have any effect on the quality of the environment. Regulation Identification Number A regulation identification number (RIN) is assigned to each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations. The regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda in April and October of each year. The RIN contained in the heading of this document can be used to cross reference this action with the Unified Agenda. List of Subjects in 23 CFR Part 658 Grants programs--transportation, Highways and roads, Motor carrier--size and weight. Issued on: May 8, 1998 Gloria J. Jeff, Deputy Administrator, Federal Highway Administration. In consideration of the foregoing, the FHWA proposes to amend title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1, appendix A to Part 658 for the State of North Dakota as set forth below: PART 658--TRUCK SIZE AND WEIGHT, ROUTE DESIGNATIONS--LENGTH, WIDTH AND WEIGHT LIMITATIONS 1. The authority citation for 23 CFR part 658 continues to read as follows: Authority: 23 U.S.C. 127 and 315; 49 U.S.C. 31111-31115; 49 CFR 1.48(b)(19) and (c)(19). 2. Appendix A to Part 658 is amended for the State of North Dakota by adding a new route listing entry after the listing for ND 13, ND 1 S. Jct., MN State Line , to read as follows: Appendix A to Part 658--National Network--Federally-Designated Routes * * * * * North Dakota ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Route From To ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * * * ND32...................... West Junction of ND I-94 Highway 13 North. * * * * * * * ------------------------------------------------------------------------ * * * * * [FR Doc. 98-13154 Filed 5-15-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-22-P