97-29586. Extension of Post-Sale Evaluation Period for Western Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 168

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 217 (Monday, November 10, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 60529]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-29586]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Minerals Management Service


Extension of Post-Sale Evaluation Period for Western Gulf of 
Mexico Lease Sale 168

AGENCY: Minerals Management Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice to extend post-sale evaluation period for Western Gulf 
of Mexico Lease Sale 168.

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SUMMARY: This notice extends by 15 days, the post-sale evaluation 
period for Western Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 169. The Minerals 
Management Service (MMS) will complete evaluating all the bids received 
in this sale by December 9, 1997. This action is necessary due to the 
unusually high number of bids received in response to this lease sale.

DATES: The post-sale evaluation period ends on December 9, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary L. Lore, Regional Supervisor, 
Resource Evaluation, Gulf of Mexico Region, telephone [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the Western Gulf of Mexico Sale 168, 
held, August 27, 1997, we received 1,224 bids on 804 tracts, 738 of 
which passed to a second phrase required for detailed evaluations. This 
unprecedented response by industry in Sale 168 resulted from the 
enactment of the Outer Continental Shelf Deep Water Royalty Relief Act 
(Pub. L. 104-58) and other factors, such as higher natural gas and oil 
prices. Consequently, MMS is unable to conduct and complete the entire 
bid review process within the 90 days, i.e., by November 24, 1997. 
Under provisions of Sec. 256.47(e)(2), MMS is extending the bid 
evaluation period until December 9, 1997.

    Dated: November 4, 1997.
Chris C. Oynes,
Regional Director, Gulf of Mexico.
[FR Doc. 97-29586 Filed 11-7-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MR-M