January 13, 1997

"Since implementation of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, it has become increasingly important for the Commission to receive on an ongoing basis the advice and perspectives of local and state governments," said Chairman Hundt. "Local and state governments have an important role in the new competitive environment. This new Advisory Committee will ensure that the concerns of local and state governments will continue to be part of the deliberative process as the Commission works to implement the Act."

The Local and State Government Advisory Committee will facilitate intergovernmental communication between local and state governments and the Commission. It will provide advice and information to the Commission on key issues that concern local and state governments, including public rights-of-way, facilities siting, and removal of barriers to entry; and communicate state and local government policy concerns regarding proposed Commission actions pursuant to the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Committee will be comprised of elected officials of local and state governments or their representatives and will include a representative from the Commission. Pursuant to Section 204(b) of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, Pub. L. No. 104-4, 109 Stat. 66, the Committee is not subject to, and will not follow, the procedures set forth in the Federal Advisory Committee Act 5 U.S.C., App. 2 (1988).

The Committee will hold meetings no fewer than three times a year. The Commission will provide facilities needed to conduct the meetings.

The Commission will be accepting nominations to the Committee until Monday, January 27, 1997. The Committee will be limited to 15 or fewer members. Entities may apply for, or nominate another entity for, membership on the Committee. Each application or nomination must include:

1. the name and title of the applicant or nominee and a description of the interest the applicant or nominee will represent;
2. the applicant's or nominee's mail address, e-mail address (where available), telephone number and facsimile number;
3. certification that the applicant or nominee is an elected official of a local or state government or a designated employee or representative with authority to act on behalf of elected officers of a local or state government; and
4. reasons why the applicant or nominee should be appointed to the Committee.

Nominations should be sent to the Sheryl Wilkerson, Local and State Government Advisory Committee, Office of General Counsel, Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M Street, N.W., Room 614, Washington, D.C. 20554.

For further information pertaining to membership on the Advisory Committee contact Sheryl Wilkerson in the Office of General Counsel at (202) 418-1700, 1919 M Street, N.W., Room 614, Washington, D.C. 20554.