[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 250 (Thursday, December 30, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 73413]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-33908]
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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
