MEMORANDUM

Date:		August 20, 2007

Subject:	Conversation with Michigan DOT 

From:		Laura Berry

		State Measures and Conformity Group, OTAQ

To:		Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2006-0612

Today, my team members Astrid Larsen, Rudy Kapichak, and I spoke with
Polly Kent and others of Michigan DOT (MI DOT).  Also on the phone call
was Emily Biondi of FHWA.  The purpose of the call was to clarify MI
DOT’s comments on the provision proposed in this action that would
allow US DOT to make categorical hot-spot findings for projects in CO
areas.  MI DOT’s comments are found at in the docket with document
number EPA-HQ-2006-0612-0041.  Representatives of MI DOT explained that
they were concerned that the proposed flexibility to allow US DOT to
make categorical hot-spot findings would be a requirement, rather than
an option.  We clarified that it is an optional flexibility that MI DOT
can choose to take advantage of, or not.  With this explanation,
representatives of MI DOT concluded that they are indifferent to this
proposal, rather than opposed.  

We also asked them to clarify their comment on the proposal for
conformity SIPs; they clarified that they support our proposal as
written.

