[Federal Register: November 2, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 211)] [Notices] [Page 58703-58704] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr02no98-40] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Natural Resources Conservation Service Notice of Intent To Request a Reinstatement, With Change, of a Previously Approved Collection for Which Approval Has Expired AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Public Law (P.L.) 104-13) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations at 5 CFR Part 1320 (60 FR 44978, August 29, 1995), this notice announces the Natural Resources Conservation Service's (NRCS) intention to request a reinstatement, with change, of a previously approved collection, Agriculture and Urban Flood Damage Surveys, for which approval has expired. DATES: Comments on this notice must be received by December 15, 1998 to be assured of consideration. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS: Contact Marcella Graham, Agency OMB Clearance Officer, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, D.C. 20013- 2890, (202) 720-5699. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Agriculture and Urban Flood Damage Surveys. OMB Number: 0578-0007. Expiration Date of Approval: June 6, 1997. Type of Request: To reinstate, with change, a previously approved collection for which approval has expired. Abstract: The primary objective of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is to work in partnership with the American people to conserve and sustain our natural resources. NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to flood damaged communities to control flooding. NRCS personnel collect specific data about flood damages in order to assess the cost of floods to individuals, farms, communities, governments, and others who own or control property affected by floods. The data collected is used to determine benefits associated with Federal expenditures to provide relief in a particular flood prone area. The data also help to ensure that flood control structures recommended to treat flooding are economically feasible to build. The Agriculture and Urban Flood Damage Surveys forms are used to collect the data about the damages incurred as a result of the flooding. Information is collected directly from the landowner on a voluntary basis. If the landowner is unavailable or unwilling to provide the information, we make visual estimates and use secondary data. Agriculture and Urban Flood Damage Surveys comprise a series of survey forms suited for various types of flooded areas. NRCS-ECN-001 documents flood damage to agriculture, including crops, pasture, property, and land. NRCS-ECN-002 is used to assess residential flood damage. NRCS-ECN-003 documents flood damage to commercial or industrial buildings. NRCS-ECN-004 documents flood damage associated with transportation or utilities. NRCS-ECN-005 is strictly an irrigation questionnaire. NRCS-ECN-006 is a drainage questionnaire. Circumstances making collection of information necessary stem from the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (P.L. 83-566). It authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide technical and financial help to local organizations in planning and carrying out watershed improvements. Section 3 of the law directs the Secretary to determine whether benefits anticipated from the improvements will exceed costs. NRCS has been delegated the responsibility to carry out the intent of the law. Analytical procedures use the information collected to evaluate agricultural flood damage, reduction of crop and other agricultural damages, sediment and erosion damage reduction, irrigation and drainage intensification benefits, urban damage reduction, and residential and commercial damages. The procedures are outlined in Chapters I and II of the Economic and Environmental Principles and [[Page 58704]] Guidelines for Water and Related Land Resources Implementation Studies in accordance with Section 103 of the Water Resources Planning Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 1962a-2) and approved by the President on February 3, 1983, in accordance with Executive Order 11744 (38 FR 30993, November 7, 1973). The Agriculture and Urban Flood Damage Surveys provide the necessary information as dictated by these Principles and Guidelines. NRCS will ask for 3-year OMB approval within 60 days of submitting the request. Estimate of Burden: Public reporting hour burden and total annual record keeping for this collection of information is estimated to average 1.28 hours per response. Respondents (flood victims in rural and urban areas): 768. Estimated Total Annual Responses: 768. Estimated Total Annual Hours Requested: 936. Copies of this information collection and related instructions can be obtained without charge from Marcella Graham, the Agency OMB Clearance Officer, at (202) 720-5699. Comments: Comments are invited on: (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, such as through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to Marcella Graham, Agency OMB Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, NRCS, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, D.C. 20013-2890. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of public record. Signed at Washington, D.C. on October 17, 1998. Pearlie S. Reed, Chief. [FR Doc. 98-29277 Filed 10-30-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-16-P