[Federal Register: December 21, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 244)] [Notices] [Page 70414-70415] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr21de98-92] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Indian Affairs Distribution of Fiscal Year 1999 Welfare Assistance Funds AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior. ACTION: Notice of method of distribution of Fiscal Year (FY) 1999 Welfare Assistance Funds within Part 20--Financial Assistance and Social Services Program. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The purpose of this announcement is to issue the Bureau of Indian Affairs (Bureau) administrative procedures for distribution of Welfare Assistance Funds (funds utilized within 25 CFR 20). These administrative procedures are designed to provide Bureau personnel and tribal contractors/compactors with assistance in carrying out their responsibilities when distributing welfare assistance funds. These procedures are not regulations establishing program requirements. DATES: The Mid-Year Analysis of Funds Reports are due on April 30, 1999. For Bureau and tribal programs on fiscal year systems, this report will include actual expenditures and caseload for 6 months and projections for the remaining 6 months. Those tribal programs on calendar year systems will include actual expenditures and caseload for 3 months and projections for the remaining 9 months. Area offices will notify Bureau Agencies and tribes of due dates and locations for transmission of these reports. In addition, the Office of Self- Governance will notify tribes of due dates and locations for transmission of these reports. ADDRESSES: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Self-Governance, 1849 C Street, NW, MS-2548-MIB, Washington, D.C. 20240. Telephone: (202) 219-0240. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Tribal Services, Division of Social Services, 1849 C Street, NW, MS-4603-MIB, Washington, D.C. 20240. Telephone: (202) 208-2479. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A total of $94,010,000 is available to meet welfare [[Page 70415]] assistance requirements (general assistance, TWEP, child welfare assistance, and miscellaneous assistance) during FY 1999. Method of Distribution There will be two distributions of welfare assistance funds in FY 1999. The first distribution will be an amount equal to 75 percent of projected expenditures for FY 1998 minus prior year unliquidated balances. The second and final distribution of welfare assistance will be made on or about June 1, 1999. This distribution will be based upon submission and analysis of the Mid-Year Analysis of Funds Report for all Bureau operated programs and tribal contractors/compactors. If the nationwide Mid-Year Analysis of Funds Report indicates that the undistributed balance will not be sufficient to cover the entire need for welfare assistance, this amount will be distributed pro rata, so that all programs (Bureau, contractors and compactors), will receive the same percentage level of funds. Area offices are responsible for collecting data and providing technical assistance to all non-compact tribes (Pub. L. 93-638 contract and Pub. L. 102-477 grant) and agencies on completion of the Mid-Year Analysis of Funds Report. Self-Governance tribes will submit their reports through the Office of Self-Governance in Washington, D.C. The area offices will collect these reports from all Bureau offices and tribes operating programs within their jurisdiction with the exception of the Self-Governance tribes. The area offices will consolidate the data including the expenditures and cases into one report for the entire area. Those locations which do not submit reports will not receive any additional funds. The area offices and the Office of Self- Governance will submit their consolidated reports with all individual tribe and agency reports to the Office of Tribal Services by May 15, 1999. Area offices and the Office of Self-Governance should also provide a short narrative explaining significant changes in caseload and expenditures or other circumstances affecting program operation. An example would be action by a State resulting in termination of Indian clients formerly served by the State Temporary Assistance For Needy Families program. Dated: December 11, 1998. Kevin Gover, Assistant Secretary--Indian Affairs. [FR Doc. 98-33665 Filed 12-18-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-02-P