[Federal Register: September 7, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 172)] [Notices] [Page 48638-48639] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr07se99-66] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 type of information to be collected is the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program 409 Plans. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HGMP) was created with the passage 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 Program eligibility, simplify program administration, and expedite grant award and implementation. The changes are only a first step in the ongoing process to enhance the program. FEMA is working with its customers to improve training and guidance. Successful implementation of the changes requires clear guidance for both FEMA staff and State grantees. Collection of Information Title: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program 409 Plan. Type of Information Collection: Reinstatement of a previously approved collection. OMB Number: 3067-0212. Abstract: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program 409 Plans. The State must have an approved State Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) 409 Plan to be eligible to receive funds under HMGP. Section 409 of the Stafford Act requires that State and local governments that are recipients of Federal disaster assistance must take steps to evaluate hazards within the disaster area and take appropriate action to mitigate these hazards. FEMA has interpreted this requirement through regulation to mean that State and local governments shall prepare and implement hazard mitigation plans following a declaration for Federal disaster assistance. Regulations have been implemented to streamline, clarify, and simplify this planning requirement. Hazard mitigation plans are updated or expanded at the time a new disaster declaration occurs. Affected Public: State, Local or Tribal government, and not for profit institutions. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 4,600. [[Page 48639]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No. of Annual burden FEMA forms respondents Frequency of Hours per hours (A x B x (A) response (B) response (C) C) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HMGP 409 Plan................................... 25 \1\ 46 4 4,600 --------------------------------------------------------------- Total....................................... 25 46 4 4,600 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ Average number of declared disasters per year. 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. 99-23183 Filed 9-3-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6718-01-P