[Federal Register: March 19, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 53)] [Notices] [Page 13540] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr19mr99-25] ======================================================================== Notices Federal Register ________________________________________________________________________ This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains documents other than rules or proposed rules that are applicable to the public. Notices of hearings and investigations, committee meetings, agency decisions and rulings, delegations of authority, filing of petitions and applications and agency statements of organization and functions are examples of documents appearing in this section. ======================================================================== [[Page 13540]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Office of the Secretary [Docket No. 99-018-1] Declaration of Emergency Because of Citrus Canker A serious outbreak of citrus canker is occurring in Florida. Citrus canker is a plant disease that is harmful to citrus plants and citrus fruit. It spreads rapidly, producing premature fruit drop, and leaf, stem, and fruit lesions. While damaged fruit is safe to eat it has little or no market value. The only way to detect the disease is to visually survey for infected trees. Once infected trees are found, removal and destruction of the infected trees, usually by burning, is the only effective control measure. It is also necessary to quarantine infested areas to delay or stop the spread of the disease. This infestation of citrus canker in Florida was first detected in 1995 and was initially limited to about 14 square miles near the Miami International Airport in Dade County. The infestation has spread both naturally, aided by tropical storms and tornadoes, and through the movement of infected and contaminated articles. There are now four areas in Florida affected with citrus canker: An area of approximately 500 square miles in Dade and Broward Counties; an area of about 60 square miles in Manatee County; two citrus groves in Collier County; and most recently, two commercial citrus groves and a number of residential properties in Hendry County. Citrus canker poses a serious threat to citrus production in the State of Florida. Although, to date, the infestation has been generally limited to residential areas, the continued spread of the disease could affect Florida's commercial citrus producing areas, causing estimated losses of at least $200 million annually. To eliminate this threat to Florida's most important industry, the State is conducting an eradication program. Since 1995, the State has spent approximately $21 million on survey, regulatory, and control activities. In addition, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has spent approximately $6 million, mostly from its contingency fund, to provide technical assistance to the State and to carry out regulatory activities designed to prevent the spread of the disease. Despite these efforts, however, the disease has continued to spread. The FY 1999 appropriations for APHIS do not contain adequate funding for effective assistance to Florida in efforts to control and eradicate citrus canker, nor does APHIS' FY 2000 budget request. Furthermore, redirecting funds within APHIS' existing budget would seriously impair its ongoing programs. Thus, additional resources are necessary to enable APHIS to continue to assist Florida in the control and eradication of citrus canker and to help avoid significant economic losses to the Nation's citrus industry. Therefore, in accordance with the provisions of the Act of September 25, 1981, 95 Stat. (7 U.S.C. 147b), I declare that there is an emergency that threatens the citrus industry of this country and hereby authorize the transfer and use of such funds as may be necessary from appropriations or other funds available to the agencies or corporations of the United States Department of Agriculture to assist the State of Florida in controlling and eradicating citrus canker. Before any funds authorized under this declaration are transferred, distributed, or applied to the citrus canker eradication effort, however, APHIS will conduct reviews and analyses that are applicable to any proposed actions, including reviews and analyses required under the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, Executive Order 12898 of February 11, 1994--Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations, and Executive Order 13045 of April 21, 1997--Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks, among others. Consistent with these requirements, the public will be provided ample opportunity for participation, notice of which will be published in the Federal Register. Effective Date: This declaration of emergency shall become effective March 15, 1999. Dan Glickman, Secretary of Agriculture. [FR Doc. 99-6771 Filed 3-18-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-34-P