PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 DA 09-2531 Released: December 4, 2009 FCC ANNOUNCES THE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE In this Public Notice, the Federal Communications Commission (“Commission” or “FCC”) announces the reauthorization of the Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (“IAC”). The IAC, comprised of 15 representatives from local, state, and tribal governments, advises the Commission on a range of telecommunication issues for which their governments explicitly or inherently share responsibility or administration with the Commission. The current term of the IAC expires on December 12, 2009.1 The term of operations of the reauthorized IAC will be limited to two years, with an option for reauthorization at the end of the two-year period, and will commence with its first meeting.2 BACKGROUND The Commission in 1997 created the IAC, formerly known as the Local and State Government Advisory Committee (LSGAC), to “facilitate intergovernmental communication” and provide guidance to the Commission on telecommunications issues of interest to both local and state governments and the Commission.3 On July 17, 2003 the Commission revised its rules governing the LSGAC. It changed the name from the LSGAC to the IAC to reflect the reallocation of two additional membership slots to tribal governments. It also increased representation of rural interests and expertise in homeland security. 4 The Office of 1 The IAC is authorized under Commission rules to operate for a two-year period following its first scheduled meeting. See 47 C.F.R. §0.701(a).The current IAC first met on December 12, 2007 and is scheduled to have its last meeting on December 7, 2009. 2 Id. 3 See Adoption of Subpart G, Section 0.701 of the Commission’s Rules, Order, 16 FCC Rcd 1183 (2001); 47 C.F.R. §0.701(a). 4 In the Matter of Modification of Subpart G, Section 0.701 of the Commission’s Rules, Order, 18 FCC Rcd 16810 (2003). 2 Intergovernmental Affairs within the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau administers the IAC. MISSION The mission of the IAC is to make recommendations to the Commission on the many telecommunications issues affecting local, state and tribal governments that are within the jurisdiction of the FCC. These issues range from major FCC policy priorities such as adoption of the National Broadband Plan and implementation of expanded broadband adoption and deployment, especially in unserved and underserved rural areas and tribal lands, to improved public safety communications, public rights-of-way, facilities siting, and universal service reform. MEMBERSHIP The Commission will address membership and other administrative matters pertaining to the IAC in a future Public Notice. The Commission’s rules specify membership in several categories as follows: 1) four elected municipal officials (city mayors and city council members); 2) two elected county officials (county commissioners or council members); 3) one elected or appointed local government attorney; 4) one elected state executive (Governor or Lieutenant Governor); 5) three elected state legislators; 6) one elected or appointed public utilities or public service commissioner; and 7) three elected or appointed Native American tribal representatives.5 ACCESSIBLE FORMATS To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice) or (202) 418-0432 (TTY). For further information contact: Gregory Vadas, Chief, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, (202) 418-1798 (voice) or 1-800-835-5322 (TTY), gregory.vadas@fcc.gov; Carmen Scanlon, Attorney-Advisor, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, (202) 418-0544 (voice) or 1-800-835-5322 (TTY), carmen.scanlon@fcc.gov . - FCC - 5 See 47 C.F.R. § 0.701(b).