[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 104 (Friday, May 30, 1997)] [Notices] [Pages 29386-29387] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-14157] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Office of the Secretary North American Free Trade Agreement's Land Transportation Standards Subcommittee and Transportation Consultative Group; Annual Plenary Session AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, DOT. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice (1) announces the fourth joint annual plenary session of the North American Free Trade Agreement's (NAFTA) Land Transportation Standards Subcommittee (LTSS) and the Transportation Consultative Group (TCG) and other related meetings; and (2) invites representatives of non-governmental entities with an interest in land transportation issues to participate in a listening session immediately preceding the plenary meeting and to attend a briefing at a later date. BACKGROUND: The Land Transportation Standards Subcommittee (LTSS) was established by the North American Free Trade Agreement's (NAFTA) Committee on Standards-Related Measures to examine the land transportation [[Page 29387]] regulatory regimes in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and to seek to make certain standards more compatible. The Transportation Consultative Group (TCG) was formed by the three countries' departments of transportation to address non-standards-related issues that affect cross-border movements among the countries, but that are not included in the NAFTA. MEETINGS AND DEADLINES: The fourth joint annual LTSS/TCG plenary session will be held from July 8 to 11, 1997, at the Westin Regina Hotel, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. The following LTSS working groups will meet during the same week and at the same location: (1) Compliance and Driver and Vehicle Standards; (2) Vehicle Weights and Dimensions; and (3)Traffic Control Devices for Highways. Similarly, the following TCG working groups are expected to meet: (1) Cross-Border Operations and Facilitation; (2) Rail Safety and Economic Issues; (3) Automated Data Exchange; (4) and Maritime and Ports Policy. Also at the same Puerto Vallarta site, on July 8, 1997, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., a listening session will be held for representatives of the truck, bus, rail, and chemical manufacturing industries, transportation labor unions, brokers and shippers, public safety advocates, and others who have notified us of their interest to attend and have submitted copies of their presentations, in English and Spanish, to the address below by June 20. This is an opportunity for presenters to voice their concerns, provide technical information, and offer suggestions relevant to achieving greater standards compatibility and improving cross-border trade. Hotel reservations may be arranged by calling 1-800-228-3000. A briefing to report on the outcome of the Puerto Vallarta meetings will be conducted at DOT at the address below, in Room 9230-32, on July 24, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Interested parties may notify DOT of their interest to attend this briefing by calling (202) 366-2892 by July 21. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: LTSS-related documents, including working group reports and statements received by DOT from industry associations, transportation labor unions, public safety advocates, and others will be available for review in Docket no. OST-95-246, at the address below, Room PL-401, between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., e.s.t., Monday through Friday, except national holidays. ADDRESSES AND PHONE NUMBERS: Individuals and organizations interested in participating in the listening session may send notice of their interest and copies of their presentations to Maria Lameiro, U.S. Department of Transportation, OST/X-20, Room 10300, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590. Respondents may also send information by fax at (202) 366-7417. For additional information, call (202) 366-418-8269. Dated: May 23, 1997. Bernard Gaillard, Director, Office of International Transportation and Trade. [FR Doc. 97-14157 Filed 5-29-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-62-P