Trans 28.07 (4) The department shall may not assume a continuing funding responsibility for any project.

SECTION 6. Trans 28.09 (2) (a) 5. is amended to read:

Trans 28.09 (2) (a) 5. A statement that the proposed project is consistent with the three–year 3-year harbor development statement of intentions submitted by the eligible applicant as required by s. Trans 28.10.

SECTION 7. Trans 28.09 (2) (j) is created to read:

Trans 28.09 (2) (j) An estimated annual number of passengers that will be affected by the project.

There are potentially twelve communities likely to be affected by this change in policy: Milwaukee, Green Bay, Manitowoc, Sturgeon Bay, Sheboygan, Marinette, Northport, Washburn, Superior, Bayfield, LaCrosse and Prairie du Chien. Six of these communities may seek an amendment to their current HAP agreement for projects that have already been constructed (Green Bay, Northport, Superior, Marinette, Milwaukee and LaCrosse). Other than a few hours of HAP staff time, there would be no cost associated with this change.

The communities most likely to seek HAP funding within the next 8-10 years to construct new facilities for cruise ships are Manitowoc, Sturgeon Bay, and Milwaukee. The current HAP budget is $4 million for the biennium. If these projects are economically justified and compete favorably against applications to improve cargo-handling facilities, almost half of the current HAP budget could be spent for this type of project over the next 8-10 years.

This proposed change is not expected to have a significant direct affect on small businesses.

Copies of the proposed rule may be obtained upon request, without cost, by writing to Ellen Fisher, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Railroads and Harbors, Room 155B, P.O. Box 7914, Madison, WI 53707-7914, or by calling (608) 267-9319. Hearing-impaired individuals may contact the Department by using TDD (608) 266-3096. Alternate formats of the proposed rule amendment will be provided to individuals at their request.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to ss. 85.16 (1), 110.075 and 227.10 (1), Stats., and interpreting s. 110.075, Stats., the Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing in Room 551 of the Hill Farms State Transportation Building, 4802 Sheboygan Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin on the 15th day of November, 2001, at 10:00 a.m. to consider the amendment of ch. Trans 305, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to standards for vehicle equipment.

An interpreter for the hearing impaired will be available on request for this hearing. Please make reservations for a hearing interpreter at least 10 days prior to the hearing.

The public record on this proposed rule making will be held open until close of business on Friday, November 16, 2001, to permit the submission of written comments from persons unable to attend the public hearing or who wish to supplement testimony offered at the hearing. Any such comments should be submitted to Loralee Brumund, Department of Transportation, Division of State Patrol, Room 551, P. O. Box 7912, Madison, WI 53707-7912.

Parking for persons with disabilities and an accessible entrance are available on the north and south sides of the Hill Farms State Transportation Building.

Statutory Authority: ss. 85.16 (1), 110.075 and 227.10 (1), Stats.

Statute Interpreted: s. 110.075, Stats.

This proposed rule will require van-type vehicles to have operable interior door handles on passenger doors located on the sides of the vehicles. The intent is to enhance the safety of passengers inside the vehicles, enabling them to escape the vehicle, in instances of vehicle crashes. The vehicles most affected by this rule amendment would be those vehicles operated by private companies that transport passengers for recreational purposes, for shuttle transportation, and general transport. It is not intended to be applied to vans used primarily for transportation of cargo, or to impose substantial additional costs on operators of van-type vehicles.

The Department estimates that there will be no fiscal impact on the liabilities or revenues of any county, city, village, town, school district, vocational, technical and adult education district, sewerage district, or federally-recognized tribes or bands. The Department estimates that there will be no fiscal impact on state revenues or liabilities.

This proposed rule will have no significant adverse impact on small businesses.

Copies of the rule may be obtained upon request, without cost, by writing to Loralee Brumund, Department of Transportation, Division of State Patrol, Room 551, P. O. Box 7912, Madison, WI 53707-7912, or by calling (608) 267-3622. Hearing-impaired individuals may contact the Department using TDD (608) 266-3096. Alternate formats of the proposed rule will be provided to individuals at their request.