05-11124. Grant of Authority for Subzone Status; Michelin North America, Inc. (Tires and Tire Accessories); Houston, TX

Pursuant to its authority under the Foreign-Trade Zones Act of June 18, 1934, as amended (19 U.S.C. 81a-81u), the Foreign-Trade Zones Board (the Board) adopts the following Order:

Whereas, the Foreign-Trade Zones Act provides for “ * * * the establishment * * * of foreign-trade zones in ports of entry of the United States, to expedite and encourage foreign commerce, and for other purposes,” and authorizes the Foreign-Trade Zones Board to grant to qualified corporations the privilege of establishing foreign-trade zones in or adjacent to U.S. Customs ports of entry;

Whereas, the Board's regulations (15 CFR Part 400) provide for the establishment of special-purpose subzones when existing zone facilities cannot serve the specific use involved, and when the activity results in a significant public benefit and is in the public interest;

Whereas, the Port of Houston Authority, grantee of FTZ 84, has made application to the Board for authority to establish special-purpose subzone status at the tire and tire accessory warehousing/distribution facility of Michelin North America, Inc., located in Houston, Texas (FTZ Docket 17-2004, filed 04-29-04).

Whereas, notice inviting public comment has been given in the Federal Register (69 FR 25373, 5/6/04); and,

Whereas, the Board adopts the findings and recommendations of the examiner's report, and finds that the requirements of the FTZ Act and the Board's regulations are satisfied, and that approval of the application is in the public interest;

Now, Therefore, the Board hereby grants authority for subzone status for distribution activity involving tire and tire accessories at the warehousing/distribution facility of Michelin North America, Inc., located in Houston, Texas, (Subzone 84R), as described in the application, subject to the FTZ Act and the Board's regulations, including § 400.28.

Signed at Washington, DC, this 20th day of May, 2005.

Joseph A. Spetrini,

Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Import Administration, Alternate Chairman, Foreign-Trade Zones Board.

Dennis Puccinelli,

Executive Secretary.