[Federal Register: September 7, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 172)] [Notices] [Page 48637-48638] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr07se99-65] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request ACTION: Notice and request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed revised information collections. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), this notice seeks comments concerning the proposed revision of existing information from applicants seeking grant funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The information collection described in this notice is the State Administrative Plan for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Program was created with the passing of the Stafford Act in November of 1988. The Program, authorized by Section 404 of the Act, provides States and local governments financial assistance to implement measures that will permanently reduce or eliminate future damages and losses from natural hazards. In December 1993 the President signed the Hazard Mitigation and Relocation Assistance Act that amended Section 404. This amendment increased the cost share of the HMGP to a maximum of 75 percent Federal and increased the amount of funding available for the Program to 15 percent of all other disaster grants. The amendment also imposed new implementing requirements on acquisition and relocation projects funded under the Program. FEMA published an interim rule in the Federal Register on May 11, 1994, amending the original program regulations published in May 1989, to implement the changes. The statutory changes combined with the Administration's National Performance Review initiative provided an opportunity for FEMA to evaluate the overall program and make improvements. The 1993 increase in program funding significantly heightened public interest in the Program and has served to underscore the need to clarify HGMP eligibility, simplify program administration, and expedite grant award and implementation. The changes represented here are only a first step in the ongoing process to enhance the program. FEMA is working with its customers to develop and improve training and guidance to accompany the new regulations. Successful implementation of the changes will require clear guidance for both FEMA staff and State grantees. Collection of Information Title: State Administrative Plan for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Type of Information Collection: Reinstatement of a previously approved collection. OMB Number: 3067-0208. Abstract: The State must have an approved State Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) Administrative Plan to be eligible to receive funds under HMGP. This plan outlines the procedures for administration of the program and management of program funds. The plan is revised after each major disaster declaration to take into account changes in the administration of the program or in current program policy. The plan should be incorporated as either a separate chapter or annex to the state's emergency response or operations plan. The Administrative Plan must include: (1) Designation of the state agency that will act as grantee; (2) identification of the State Hazard Mitigation Officer responsible for all matters related to the program; (3) determination of staffing requirements and sources of staff necessary for administration of the program, and (4) establish procedures to: (i) comply with administrative requirements of 44 CFR parts 13 and 206; (ii) identify and notify potential applicants of the availability of the program; (iii) ensure that potential applicants are provided information on the application process, program eligibility, and key deadlines; (iv) provide technical assistance as required to applicants and subgrantees; (v) gather environmental data and/or conduct environmental reviews; (vi) process requests for advances of funds and reimbursement; (vii) monitor and evaluate the progress and completion of the funded projects; (viii) provide quarterly performance and financial reports to the Regional Director; (ix) process appeals; and (x) comply with audit requirements of 44 CFR 14. [[Page 48638]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No. of Annual burden FEMA forms respondents Frequency of Hours per hours (A x B (A) response (B) response (C) x C) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Affected Public: State, Local or Tribal government, and not for profit institutions. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 4,600. State Admin. Plan............................... 25 \1\ 46 4 4,600 --------------------------------------------------------------- Total....................................... 25 46 4 4,600 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Average number of declared disasters per year. Estimated Cost. Cost to Federal government for collecting information is $10,000. Comments Written comments are solicited to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed data collections and reporting requirements are necessary for the proper performance of FEMA's functions and program activities, including whether the data have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed data collections and reporting requirements; (c) Determine the estimated cost of the proposed data collections and reporting requirements to the respondents; (d) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and, (e) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. Comments should be received within 60 days of the date of this notice. ADDRESSES: Interested persons should submit written comments to Muriel B. Anderson, FEMA Information Collections Officer, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street, SW, Room 316, Washington, DC 20472. Telephone number (202) 646-2625, FAX number (202) 646-3524, or email address: muriel.anderson@fema.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Catherine Young, Mitigation Directorate at (202) 646-4541 for additional information. Contact Ms. Anderson at (202) 646-2625 for copies of the proposed collection of information. Dated: August 25, 1999. Reginald Trujillo, Director, Program Services Division, Operations Support Directorate. [FR Doc. 99-23182 Filed 9-3-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6718-01-P