Rule-Making Notices (Hearing Notices)

1This rule would be adopted because it could be expanded to include the great lakes navigable waters in the future.

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If filing by fax: Send fax comments to [phone]. Fax filing cover sheet MUST state “Official Filing," the docket number 1-AC-219, and the number of pages (limited to 25 pages for fax comments).

Contact Person

Questions regarding this matter should be directed to Tom Stemrich at [phone]. Media questions should be directed to Linda Barth, Director of Governmental and Public Affairs at [phone]. Hearing or speech-impaired individuals may also use the Commission's TTY number, if calling from Wisconsin [phone], if calling from outside Wisconsin [phone].

The Commission does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the provision of programs, services, or employment. Any person with a disability who needs accommodations to participate in this proceeding or who needs to get this document in a different format should contact Tom Stemrich, as indicated in the previous paragraph, as soon as possible.

Notice of Hearing

Transportation

[CR 06-103]

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to ss. 86.195 (1) (d), 86.195 (3), 86.195 (4) (b), 86.195 (8), Stats., and interpreting ss. 84.02 (4) (e) and 86.195, Stats., the Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing in Room 144-B of the Hill Farms State Transportation Building, 4802 Sheboygan Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin on the 14th day of November, 2006, at 10:30 AM, to consider the amendment of ch. Trans 200, Wisconsin Administrative Code, relating to Specific Information Signs.

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.

Parking for persons with disabilities and an accessible entrance are available.

Analysis Prepared by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation

Statutes interpreted: ss. 84.02 (4) (e) and 86.195, Stats.

Statutory authority: ss. 86.195 (1) (d), 86.195 (3), 86.195 (4) (b), 86.195 (8), Stats.

Explanation of agency authority: The Department has the authority to regulate the number and types of specific information signs on signposts near interchanges.

Related statute or rule: Section Trans 200.06 (2), Wis. Admin. Code.

Plain language analysis: The current administrative rule allows four types of motorist services signs to be displayed on a specific information sign. This proposed rule will amend ch. Trans 200, relating to displaying attractions on highway specific information signs, to include the category of “Attractions" within the Specific Information Sign program and establish guidelines for criteria of qualification for “Attractions."

Summary of, and preliminary comparison with, existing or proposed federal regulation: 2005 Wis. Act 136 amended s. 86.195, Stats., which adds the “Attractions" category to the Specific Information Sign program and authorizes the amendment of ch. Trans 200 to include specific criteria addressing the qualifications of an attraction. This also would give the Department a chance to add different types of tourist type businesses to the program that may not have had the chance to be included in any directional signing programs.

Comparison with Rules in the Following States:

Michigan: Does not include “Attractions" in their program.

Minnesota: Does not include “Attractions" in their program.

Illinois: Currently involved in “Attractions" pilot program.

Iowa: Recently included “Attractions" in their program.

Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies used and how the related findings support the regulatory approach chosen: This rule making would establish more detailed criteria on qualifications to the attractions category, therefore, Wisconsin would be consistent with the Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices by adding the “Attractions" category to the Specific Information sign program.

Analysis and supporting documentation used to determine effect on small businesses: The rule change is being requested by small business. The cost impact is minimal and voluntary.

Effect on small business: The proposed rule provides additional participation opportunities for small businesses. Since businesses request that they be identified on state-installed signs, the sign application process will enforce the rule. The Department's Regulatory Review Coordinator may be contacted by e-mail at [e-mail], or by calling [phone].

Fiscal effect and anticipated costs incurred by private sector: The Department estimates that there will be no net fiscal impact on state or private sector revenues or liabilities. Added administrative costs will be recovered through participant's fees. The private sector presumably will only choose to incur the costs when they anticipate the signs will generate a net benefit to the business.

Agency contact person and place where comments are to be submitted and deadline for submission: The public record on this proposed rule making will be held open until close of business the day of the hearing to permit the submission of comments in lieu of public hearing testimony or comments supplementing testimony offered at the hearing. Any such comments should be submitted to John Noll, Department of Transportation System Development, Traffic Engineering Section, Room 501, and P. O. Box 7986, Madison, WI 53707-7986. You may also contact Mr. Noll by phone at [phone].

To view the proposed amendments to the rule, view the current rule, and submit written comments via e-mail/internet, you may visit the following website: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/library/research/law/rulenotices.htm.