The Corps of Engineers is soliciting comments for the reissuance of the existing Nationwide Permits (NWPs), General Conditions, and definitions with some modifications. The Corps is proposing to modify NWPs 14, 21, 27, 31, 37, 39, 40, 42, and 43. In addition, they are proposing to modify General Conditions 4, 9, 13, 19, 21, 26, and add a new General Condition 27. In order to reduce the confusion regarding the expiration of the NWPs and the administrative burden, it is the Corps intent to reissue all NWPs and General Conditions contained within this Notice, including those not scheduled to expire on February 11, 2002. Thus, all issued, reissued and modified NWPs, and General Conditions contained within this notice will become effective and expire on the same date. The reissuance process starts with the publication of the proposed NWPs in the Federal Register and concurrent release of public notices by Corps District offices for a 45-day comment period. The Corps will review the comments received in response to this Federal Register notice and the public hearing with a task force that includes Corps Regulatory field personnel. This process will take approximately 60-days. Upon completion of the initial review of the comments, the Corps will complete a draft of the final NWPs and solicit comments from interested Federal agencies. The final version of the NWPs will be published in the Federal Register by November 13, 2001. The NWPs will then become effective by February 11, 2002.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Rich White or Mr. Sam Collinson, at (202) 761-4599 or access the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Home Page at: http//:www.usace.army.mil/inet/functions/cw/cecwo/reg/. Send comments to HQUSACE, ATTN: CECW-OR, 441 "G" Street, NW, Washington, DC 20314-1000 by September 24, 2001. The public hearing will be held at 1 p.m. on September 12, 2001 at the GAO Building, 441 "G" Street, NW, Washington, DC 20314-1000, 7th floor auditorium.

The entire notice can be downloaded from RCP's website HERE.