    [Senate Hearing 110-98]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

                                                             S. Hrg. 110-98

                                                            Senate Hearings

                                     Before the Committee on Appropriations

    _______________________________________________________________________

                                                         Agriculture, Rural

                                                      Development, Food and

                                                        Drug Administration

                                                       and Related Agencies

                                                             Appropriations

                                                                Fiscal Year
                                                                       2008

             th CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION                                110

                                                          H.R. 3191/S. 1859

    DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

        Food and Drug Administration

    NONDEPARTMENTAL WITNESSES
       Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and
           Related Agencies Appropriations, 2008 (H.R. 3191/S. 1859)

                                                             S. Hrg. 110-98

       AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION AND
              RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

    =======================================================================

                                    HEARINGS

                                    before a

                              SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE

                COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS UNITED STATES SENATE

                           ONE HUNDRED TENTH CONGRESS

                                 FIRST SESSION

                                       on

                               H.R. 3191/S. 1859

     AN ACT MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD
     AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES PROGRAMS FOR THE FISCAL
             YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2008, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

                                   __________

                           Department of Agriculture
     Department of Health and Human Services: Food and Drug Administration
                           Nondepartmental witnesses

                                   __________

             Printed for the use of the Committee on Appropriations

      Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/congress/
                                   index.html

                                     ______

                        U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
    33-905                      WASHINGTON : 2007
    _____________________________________________________________________________
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                                   __________

                          COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

                    ROBERT C. BYRD, West Virginia, Chairman
    DANIEL K. INOUYE, Hawaii             THAD COCHRAN, Mississippi
    PATRICK J. LEAHY, Vermont            TED STEVENS, Alaska
    TOM HARKIN, Iowa                     ARLEN SPECTER, Pennsylvania
    BARBARA A. MIKULSKI, Maryland        PETE V. DOMENICI, New Mexico
    HERB KOHL, Wisconsin                 CHRISTOPHER S. BOND, Missouri
    PATTY MURRAY, Washington             MITCH McCONNELL, Kentucky
    BYRON L. DORGAN, North Dakota        RICHARD C. SHELBY, Alabama
    DIANNE FEINSTEIN, California         JUDD GREGG, New Hampshire
    RICHARD J. DURBIN, Illinois          ROBERT F. BENNETT, Utah
    TIM JOHNSON, South Dakota            LARRY CRAIG, Idaho
    MARY L. LANDRIEU, Louisiana          KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON, Texas
    JACK REED, Rhode Island              SAM BROWNBACK, Kansas
    FRANK R. LAUTENBERG, New Jersey      WAYNE ALLARD, Colorado
    BEN NELSON, Nebraska                 LAMAR ALEXANDER, Tennessee

                      Terrence E. Sauvain, Staff Director
                      Bruce Evans, Minority Staff Director
                                     ------

         Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
                      Administration and Related Agencies

                         HERB KOHL, Wisconsin, Chairman
    TOM HARKIN, Iowa                     ROBERT F. BENNETT, Utah,
    BYRON L. DORGAN, North Dakota        THAD COCHRAN, Mississippi
    DIANNE FEINSTEIN, California         ARLEN SPECTER, Pennsylvania
    RICHARD J. DURBIN, Illinois          CHRISTOPHER S. BOND, Missouri
    TIM JOHNSON, South Dakota            MITCH McCONNELL, Kentucky
    BEB NELSON, Nebraska                 LARRY CRAIG, Idaho
    JACK REED, Rhode Island              SAM BROWNBACK, Kansas

                               Professional Staff

                                 Galen Fountain
                            Jessica Arden Frederick
                                 Dianne Preece
                          Fitzhugh Elder IV (Minority)
                           Stacey McBride (Minority)
                            Graham Harper (Minority)
                             Brad Fuller (Minority)

                             Administrative Support

                                 Renan Snowden

                                C O N T E N T S

                                  ----------

                           Tuesday, February 27, 2007

                                                                       Page
    Department of Agriculture: Office of the Secretary...............     1
    Department of Health and Human Services: Food and Drug
      Administration.................................................   479
    Nondepartmental Witnesses........................................   721

       AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND
              RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

                                  ----------

                           TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2007

                                           U.S. Senate,
               Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations,
                                                        Washington, DC.
        The subcommittee met at 10:02 a.m., in room SD-192, Dirksen
    Senate Office Building, Hon. Herb Kohl (chairman) presiding.
        Present: Senators Kohl, Harkin, Dorgan, Feinstein, Nelson,
    Reed, Bennett, Specter, and Craig.

                           DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

                            Office of the Secretary

    STATEMENT OF HON. MIKE JOHANNS, SECRETARY
    ACCOMPANIED BY:
            CHARLES CONNER, DEPUTY SECRETARY
            W. SCOTT STEELE, BUDGET OFFICER
            DR. KEITH COLLINS, CHIEF ECONOMIST

                     opening statement of senator herb kohl

        Senator Kohl. Good morning. Today we will begin hearings
    for the fiscal year 2008 budget. Our first panel will include
    Secretary Johanns and other distinguished guests from the
    Department of Agriculture, and following that we'll hear from
    FDA Commissioner von Eschenbach on that agency's budget.
        This is our first hearing for the year and it will be the
    only general hearing on the fiscal year 2008 budget. The other
    hearings that we'll have will focus more on issue-specific
    areas such as food safety, conservation, and food aid. I hope
    this is a change in format that will allow us to study certain
    issues in more detail.
        As everyone knows, the fiscal year 2007 appropriations
    process was finished only a few weeks ago. While we understand
    the President's request for 2008 is not changed by that action,
    our bills by necessity build on previous year's action, and so
    we'll need specifics as soon as possible regarding how the USDA
    and the FDA will carry out this year's programs. I hope you
    will all work as quickly as you can to make sure that that
    information is available to us.
        The President's budget includes fiscal year 2008
    discretionary spending levels of more than $16 billion for USDA
    and more than $1.6 billion for FDA. This includes an increase
    of $43 million for the Food Safety and Inspection Service, an
    increase of more than $260 million for the Farm Service Agency,
    and an increase of $180 million for WIC. However, the budget
    also proposes the elimination of the Commodity Supplemental
    Food Program, which was proposed last year and which was
    rejected by this subcommittee.
        I would note that while the budget does include some new
    fee proposals, they are presented in such a way that there is
    little effect on 2008 funding levels. This is an improvement
    over previous years. However, there are a few legislative
    proposals, such as those regarding WIC and other programs, that
    will cause us some concern. So, Mr. Secretary, I look forward
    to your comments on those.
        There are a number of other issues in the budget that we
    will need to discuss, for example, eliminating the direct
    single family housing program, and a number of other rural
    development programs which are problematic.
        This has already been a busy year, with much yet to come.
    As we move through the appropriations process, I pledge to you
    that we will maintain a constructive dialogue with USDA and
    FDA. I can tell you that we intend to send our bills to the
    President well in advance of September 30, so we all need to
    work together so we can come to an agreement on administration
    priorities and congressional prerogatives as easily and as
    swiftly as possible.
        Having said that, I'd like now to turn to my good friend
    and the ranking member, Senator Bennett. As I've said many
    times, I want to publicly thank him and his staff for the
    helpful and bipartisan manner in which he has guided this
    subcommittee over the past few years, and I assure him and
    everyone else on this subcommittee that I intend to continue
    that very admirable practice.
        So, Senator Bennett, I would ask if you have any opening
    comments, and then we will turn to other members for their
    opening statements before we ask the Secretary to share his
    thoughts with us. We'll recognize members in turn based on
    their arrival, and in moving from majority to minority for the
    first round of questions I ask that we use the 5-minute rule.
    So, Senator Bennett.

                     STATEMENT OF SENATOR ROBERT F. BENNETT

        Senator Bennett. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and I
    congratulate you on your assuming again the chairmanship of
    this subcommittee. I tried to follow your lead in the way that
    we ran things, and I am very grateful to you for your kind
    words. I believe we have an excellent working relationship on a
    bipartisan basis and I'm sure it will continue.
        I want to welcome Senator Nelson and Senator Reed, new
    members of this subcommittee. I think they will add a great
    deal to our deliberations. We arentering a very busy
    time for USDA and the FDA because in the next few months
    Congress will consider and, one hopes, pass the farm bill, the
    Prescription Drug User Fee Act, and the Medical Device User Fee
    Modernization Act. These are some of the most important
    reauthorizations that the Congress will deal with, and while
    it's the responsibility of the authorizers to address these
    issues, naturally that will strongly influence the work of this
    subcommittee.
        Now that the fiscal 2007 appropriations are in fact finally
    behind us and we focus on 2008, I'm delighted, Mr. Chairman,
    with your commitment to get this bill done in a timely fashion.
    We've done it before, and either the full committee or the
    House was unable to follow our excellent example and get things
    done in a timely fashion, but I know you will do that and I'll
    do everything I can to help you.
        So this morning I welcome Secretary Johanns and those
    accompanying him, and look forward to his testimony, and I also
    look forward to the second panel with Dr. von Eschenbach and
    those who will accompany him.
        This is a unique subcommittee. The life of every person in
    this country comes in direct contact with some of the product
    regulated or the programs carried out as a result of the
    appropriations we made in this subcommittee, and I don't think
    any other subcommittee can say that. Every single American is
    affected here, so that's how we will evaluate the budget
    proposals of USDA and FDA.
        Now, taking advantage of this opportunity, I want to offer
    some praise to three USDA employees in Utah, so that the record
    will show that I recognize their contribution: Bruce
    Richardson, who is the Farm Service Agency State Executive
    Director; Jack Cox, the Rural Development State Director; and
    Sylvia Gillan, the Natural Resources Conservation Service State
    Conservationist. Mr. Secretary, these are all three good
    people, and I wanted to make that comment for the record.
        Thank you very much for your courtesy, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Kohl. Thank you, Senator Bennett. We'll turn to
    Senators for their comments, starting with Senator Dorgan. Then
    we'll recognize Senator Craig, then Senator Nelson, then
    Senator Reed, and then Senator Feinstein. Thank you.

                      STATEMENT OF SENATOR BYRON L. DORGAN

        Senator Dorgan. Mr. Chairman, thank you. Thank you and the
    ranking member, and let me say that I sure do support the
    notion of getting this bill done, getting it done on time,
    getting it through the Senate, in conference, and getting to
    the President for signature. The mess that was created last
    year, it cannot be repeated, and the mess doesn't belong to any
    one person certainly, but we've got to finish all of these
    appropriations bills on time.
        I'm going to be asking Secretary Johanns some questions
    about disaster relief, as he might well expect. The three times
    I've gotten it through the Senate Appropriations Committee,
    twice through the full Senate, twice have gotten to conference,
    and it was blocked in conference. And I know the President at
    that point had opposed disaster relief. I'm going to ask
    Secretary Johanns about that today.
        I also want to ask some questions about the issue of
    opening the market to live Canadian cattle above 30 months of
    age, which will I'm told result in about 1.3 million head of
    Canadian cattle coming in this year, at a time when we have
    just heard of the ninth--I guess actually tenth case, if you
    consider the Canadian cow in the State of Washington--the tenth
    case of BSE in Canada. I just held a hearing on that subject in
    North Dakota last week, and I am very much opposed to the
    proposed rule offered by the USDA. I hope we can overturn that
    rule. I guess I hope the comment period will persuade the
    Secretary not to proceed.
        But both of these are very important issues. I want to
    especially focus on the issue of disaster relief, and I will
    wait until I question Secretary Johanns. Let me thank the
    Secretary and the other members of USDA who have come here.
        And, Mr. Collins, we had a discussion in North Dakota about
    you, as a matter of fact. Someone was quoting the USDA
    Economist, and I asked who, and they told me your name. I said,
    ``Well, I know him.'' And I used to teach economics, but I was
    able to recover and move on. So we had a discussion about you.
    But let me thank you for being here again, as you have for many
    years, and being willing to visit with us about the agriculture
    economy.
        Secretary Johanns, welcome.
        Senator Kohl. Thank you, Senator Dorgan.
        Senator Craig.

                        STATEMENT OF SENATOR LARRY CRAIG

        Senator Craig. Well, Mr. Chairman, because I certainly want
    to hear from the witnesses, and we have a lot to cover, I will
    be brief. But let me join with my colleague, Senator Bennett,
    in welcoming you to the chairmanship of this committee. We do
    cover a lot of areas of major importance to a good number of
    citizens in our country.
        We come to Ag Appropriations at a time when the business of
    crafting a new farm bill--and, Mr. Secretary, we're pleased
    that the work you have done puts you into the middle of that
    process. That's where a Secretary of Agriculture ought to be,
    and frankly, some of our Secretaries have not been there, and
    Congress has been doing the work in part on its own.
        But I think it is a cooperative kind of shaping of policy
    that is going to be extremely important for American
    agriculture and U.S. consumers in the future; and, I must also
    say, and the role agriculture is increasingly playing in the
    production of energy. That is where I spend a fair amount of my
    time these days, on that issue, and it is exciting for me to
    see a future in which agriculture becomes an increasingly major
    contributor to energy independence in this country, and policy
    is certainly going to reflect that, loan guarantees, the whole
    combination of things.
        Mr. Chairman, I recently said before a hearing that I felt
    that maybe we ought to take DOE's authority under Title 17 of
    the Energy Policy Act and give it to USDA. They seem to know
    how to get loan guarantees done, know how to do them, and
    that's not a criticism as much as it is an observation of where
    we are on that issue. That's important, and of course we'll
    hear from FDA in a few moments. That, too, is critical to us.
        I would hope that as we look at policy--and here is where
    my friend from North Dakota and I oftentimes agree more than
    disagree--Mr. Secretary, and as we shape policy that will be
    reflected in the new farm bill, that we be as much focused on
    our domestic needs as we are to our international trade
    obligations. I know there are certain pressures there as it
    relates to where we may or may not be in the discussion of
    trade with our neighbors from around the world.
        At the same time, I find it increasingly difficult to give
    and not get in return. And, having said that, the ability of
    American agriculture to produce is tied in part with trade. I
    know there needs to be balances, but there also needs to be
    balances.
        Mr. Chairman, thank you very much. I look forward to the
    testimony of you, Mr. Secretary.
        Senator Kohl. Thank you, Senator Craig.
        Senator Nelson.

                        STATEMENT OF SENATOR BEN NELSON

        Senator Nelson. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Mr. Secretary, panelists, good to have you here today. The
    future of agriculture I think is not only based on what we want
    in terms of food, but also what we need in terms of fuel.
    You've already heard me suggest changing the name of the bill
    from a farm bill to the Food and Fuel Security Act of 2007, to
    focus more on what it is we intend to do with American
    agriculture as we move forward.
        I'm hopeful today that you will be able, as a result of
    this hearing, to establish that the planning in this bill is
    based on the contingencies of everything going okay as well as
    if everything goes bad. All too often we look at the current
    market situation, we see $4 corn, the countercyclical payments,
    they're not what they have been, so we therefore don't need the
    money. If everything--as my dad used to say, the problem is,
    when everything is going bad you never think it will go good;
    when everything is going very, very well, you never think it's
    going to go bad again.
        And I'm hopeful that this bill doesn't constitute that kind
    of a bill, so that we are in a position, if things do change
    and the market changes dramatically and things are going
    downhill, that this bill will protect American agriculture.
    Because if we continue to import at the level we are and we
    can't export at the level that we're unable to export to right
    now, I don't know whether we're close, but maybe you can
    enlighten us on this in your testimony, whether we are right at
    becoming net importers of our food. And if that's the case, I
    have said if you like importing 70 percent of your oil, you'll
    love importing 70 percent of your food.
        So that's why I think it has to be about food security,
    produced here at home, and fuel security. Thank you, Mr.
    Chairman.
        Senator Kohl. Thank you, Senator Nelson.
        Senator Reed.

                         STATEMENT OF SENATOR JACK REED

        Senator Reed. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I'm eager
    to hear the testimony of our witnesses, and welcome them here
    this morning. Thank you.
        Senator Kohl. Senator Feinstein.

                     STATEMENT OF SENATOR DIANNE FEINSTEIN

        Senator Feinstein. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have just a
    brief comment.
        Mr. Secretary, I want to thank you for your prompt
    declaration of a secretarial emergency in the California frost
    situation. The Governor has submitted costs of approximately
    $1.3 billion so far. It is a very major frost problem for the
    State, and of course we don't know how many of the trees are
    going to be taken out or crops prevented for the next 3 years
    because of the absence of bud wood, so it's an ongoing
    struggle.
        I wanted to mention one point, and that one point, and I'm
    going to ask you some questions about it, is that since USDA
    transferred responsibility for port inspections to the
    Department of Homeland Security, the number of inspections has
    gone down seriously in California. I just sent my staff to the
    State, and the number one problem they came back with is the
    concern over the absence of adequate inspections and the belief
    that next year is going to be a very bad year, with
    infiltrating pests coming through the borders.
        My information is that 60 percent of agricultural
    inspection specialists indicated they were doing fewer
    inspections since the transfer, and there's a problem. They
    don't believe that Customs and Border Patrol respect their
    work.
        As you know, Mexican fruit fly larvae have been picked up,
    and it took 4 months for it to be identified, is what it was.
    And of course the problem is that a resulting quarantine,
    quarantines vast areas of the State, so I'm going to ask you a
    little bit about that when my time for questions comes up.
        Thank you very much for being here. Thank you, Mr.
    Chairman.

                               PREPARED STATEMENT

        Senator Kohl. Thank you very much, Senator Feinstein.
        And now we turn to the Secretary for your remarks.
        The subcommittee has received a statement from Senator
    Cochran which will be placed in the record.
        [The statement follows:]

                   Prepared Statement of Senator Thad Cochran

        Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding this hearing on the fiscal year
    2008 United States Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug
    Administration budgets. I welcome Secretary Johanns and Commissioner
    von Eschenbach back to the Committee.
        An important aspect of the Agriculture Appropriations bill is the
    funding it provides for agriculture research. This research is a
    critical part of ensuring that U.S. producers remain the leaders in
    food and fiber production. The funding this bill invests in agriculture
    research is a small sum compared to the economic benefit it has on a
    farmer's bottom line. I am concerned about the Administration's
    proposal to combine the Agricultural Research Service and the
    Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service into a
    single agency. The current structure of the Agriculture Research
    Service is working well and I believe it is important for the
    Agriculture Research Service to maintain its independent role in the
    Department of Agriculture.
        I was pleased that the fiscal year 2007 Senate Agriculture
    Appropriations bill fully funded the Wetlands Reserve Program. It is
    unfortunate that Congress was unable to complete this bill. The
    Wetlands Reserve Program has taken 1,750,000 acres of marginal
    croplands out of production and converted to more beneficial uses of
    enhanced flood protection, carbon sequestration, improved water
    quality, and wildlife habitat. Many of these acres are located in the
    Lower Mississippi River Flyway, the Nation's largest waterfowl flyway
    for wintering habitat.
        Last year, the Natural Resource Conservation Service adjusted the
    method it uses to appraise land for consideration under the Wetlands
    Reserve Program. I have heard from many constituents in my State and
    conservation organizations that this change would shift acres away from
    this important flyway to areas with significantly higher appraisal
    value. I would like to work with the Department to find a solution that
    would ensure this important program is implemented the way Congress
    intended.
        The Food and Drug Administration has the important role of
    protecting the public by ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs and
    our Nation's food supply. Commissioner von Eschenbach, I look forward
    to your comments on the FDA's plan and priorities for the upcoming
    fiscal year. One example of the FDA's commitment to protecting the
    public is the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition's research
    on the safety of natural products used as dietary supplements by many
    Americans. The National Center for Natural Products Research at the
    University of Mississippi is a partner with the FDA to provide
    research-based information on plant-derived products. With many new
    dietary supplements coming to the market, this research is increasingly
    important.

                      STATEMENT OF SECRETARY MIKE JOHANNS

        Secretary Johanns. Thank you very much. Mr. Chairman and
    distinguished members of the committee, it's an honor to be
    here. I am joined today by some gentlemen that can assist me in
    answering questions. To my right is our deputy, Chuck Conner;
    to my left, Scott Steele, who is our budget officer; and of
    course you all know Dr. Collins, our chief economist.
        I am happy to report over the past year we've made a lot of
    progress in meeting the needs of the Nation by improving the
    rural economy and strengthening U.S. agriculture. Based on our
    conversations with Americans on the farm and off the farm, we
    developed a comprehensive list of farm bill proposals to
    strengthen the farm economy in rural America, and those were
    announced on the last day of January this year.
        My primary focus of course will be on the budget, but I
    would like to take just a few minutes to give an overview of
    the proposals. The 2007 farm bill proposals and the 2008 budget
    were developed on parallel tracks. The administration's farm
    bill proposals represent the final phase of what was a 2-year
    process. We listened to producers and stakeholders all across
    the country, and we took a reform-minded and a fiscally
    responsible approach to making farm policy more equitable and
    predictable and protected from challenge in the world trade
    arena.
        While I firmly believe that the current law was the right
    policy for the time, times do change and times have changed.
    When the 2002 farm bill was passed, commodity prices were low,
    exports had declined for several years, and the debt-to-asset
    ratio was nearly 15 percent.
        Today we see a different economic picture. Commodity prices
    are strong for most program crops. Exports have set records now
    several years in a row, including a record of $68 billion in
    2006, and projections suggest we will reach another record of
    $77 billion in 2007. We are experiencing the lowest debt-to-
    asset ratio actually in recorded history. It's at about 11
    percent for 2006.
        Add to all of this the enormous impact of renewable energy
    on the economy, and it's clear a lot of things have changed
    since 2002. The time has come to move forward with a farm
    program that's market-oriented and considers more than
    commodity prices when determining the appropriate level of
    support.
        Our farm bill proposals bolster this administration's
    commitment to conservation, with an additional $7.8 billion
    over 10 years for conservation purposes. We propose an
    additional $1.6 billion over 10 years to advance the
    development and production of renewable energy. This will help
    to achieve the President's goal of reducing our dependence on
    gasoline by 20 percent in 10 years.
        We propose funding to support $1.6 billion in loans to
    rehabilitate over 1,200 rural critical access hospitals.
    Another $400 million would be focused on trade, making sure
    that our producers have a level playing field.
        These are just a few highlights. When combined, we spend
    about $10 billion less than what was spent under the 2002 bill
    over the last 5 years, excluding the ad hoc disaster
    assistance. It would be about $18.5 billion less if you include
    that. But, importantly, we uphold the President's plan to
    eliminate the deficit in 5 years. On the other hand, looking
    forward, our proposals would provide about $5 billion more than
    the projected mandatory spending if the 2002 farm bill were
    just simply extended.
        And this brings me to a quick review of the budget. The
    2008 budget accommodates the farm bill proposals by including
    an additional $500 million per year in the total for the
    Commodity Credit Corporation. That was put there as a place-
    holder, anticipating the release of our proposals, the
    discretionary appropriation request pending before this
    committee, which does not include the Forest Service, is $16
    billion. It funds the highest priorities while exercising
    necessary fiscal discipline.
        I would like to note that the President's budget was
    developed prior to congressional action on funding for the
    remainder of fiscal year 2007. Therefore, our printed materials
    reflect an estimate for 2007 under terms of the Continuing
    Resolution that provided funding through February 15.
        Now that action has been taken on funding the balance of
    2007, I do want to thank the committee for addressing some
    really critical needs. Key among these resources are resources
    to ensure our meat and poultry inspection system can meet the
    demand for inspections, support for the Census of Agriculture,
    and funding to permit the Department to participate in
    reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
        Utilizing $91 million in emergency supplemental funding,
    USDA has significantly increased our efforts relative to avian
    influenza overseas. The 2008 budget requests $82 million to
    continue and enhance ongoing efforts to fight AI, an increase
    of $32 million over the 2007 level. This funding will be used
    for surveillance and diagnostics work, preparedness, response
    efforts, international veterinary capacity-building, and
    research relative to poultry vaccines.
        The budget proposes $341 million for USDA's part of the
    President's Food and Ag Defense Initiative. This includes $325
    million, an increase of $148 million, to enhance our ongoing
    efforts to detect and respond to food emergencies and threats
    to agriculture. To keep USDA in the forefront of avian disease
    research, the budget also requests $16 million to complete the
    planning and design of the Consolidated Poultry Research
    Facility in Athens, Georgia.
        We are making considerable progress in ensuring the safety
    of meat, poultry, and egg products. The Centers for Disease
    Control and Prevention has reported significant declines in
    foodborne illnesses. In order to continue protecting the
    Nation's supply of meat and poultry and egg products, this
    budget meets the demand for inspection services. The budget
    also requests funding to expand the Food Emergency Response
    Network, to increase the capability of State and local labs to
    handle large volumes of testing that would be needed in the
    event of a widespread food emergency.
        Moving on to energy, renewable energy supported by American
    agriculture and forestry does hold tremendous promise for our
    country. The budget proposes $397 million in loans, grants, and
    research, an increase of $161 million for our renewable energy
    programs. This amount includes $70 million for energy research.
    The majority of this will be focused on cellulosic energy. In
    addition to this research, the budget makes available over $320
    million in grants and guaranteed loans to assist efforts to
    support the commercialization of renewable energy.
        In the farm program area, our discretionary budget supports
    $3.4 billion in direct and guaranteed farm loans, which
    reflects the actual usage in recent years. The budget also
    requests $1.5 billion for the Farm Service Agency to deliver
    our farm programs. The level of funding is necessary to support
    approximately the same number of staff as we had in 2007.
        In 2008, crop insurance is expected to provide coverage for
    nearly $68 billion in agricultural production, double the
    amount of coverage provided in 2000. Recognizing the needs of
    all partners in the crop insurance system, the 2008 budget
    fully supports activities to ensure the integrity of the crop
    insurance program. These efforts have achieved savings of more
    than $456 million since the 2000 crop year, and program abuses
    have been curbed.
        Expanding access to global markets is essential for
    agriculture. Our budget proposals for 2008 support our
    continued commitment to trade expansion activities. Increased
    funding is proposed to permit FAS to maintain its overseas
    office presence and continue its representation and advocacy on
    behalf of U.S. agriculture.
        The budget includes $100 million for the McGovern-Dole
    International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program.
    Additionally, we request funding in the Office of the Secretary
    to support the department's efforts in Afghanistan and in Iraq.
    In order to respond to emergency food needs during 2007,
    supplemental appropriations of $350 million are requested for
    the Public Law 480 Title II donations program.
        The 2008 budget includes discretionary funding for
    conservation technical assistance to meet high priority natural
    resource concerns. It supports about $4 billion in mandatory
    funding to continue implementation of the conservation
    programs. In aggregate, funding in the budget will support
    enrollment of an additional 17.8 million acres in conservation
    programs, bringing total enrollment to 215 million acres.
    That's the highest enrollment in history.
        For rural development, the 2008 budget provides a $15
    billion program level of activities to improve the economic
    opportunities and quality of life in rural America. The
    assistance will be used to finance home ownership, rural
    business, renewable energy, electric, telecommunications, water
    and wastewater disposal, other community facilities, and it
    will also support revitalization of our multifamily housing
    portfolio.
        In the research area, the 2008 budget funds the highest
    priority research. It also increases the use of competition to
    improve the quality of research, including a total of $257
    million for the National Research Initiative. The budget
    includes $104 million in increases for high priority research
    in areas such as food and ag defense, avian influenza,
    bioenergy, animal genomics and genetics.
        Finally, the budget includes an increase of $25 million to
    support the 2007 Census of Agriculture.
        The budget does fully fund the expected requirements of our
    three major nutrition programs: WIC, food stamps, and the
    school lunch program. For WIC, which is our largest
    discretionary program, the budget proposes $5.5 billion in
    program level to support the estimated 8.3 million
    participants. For food stamps, the budget includes resources to
    fully fund the estimated food cost inflation and participation,
    and provides a $3 billion contingency in case costs exceed the
    estimated level. We expect an increased level of school lunch
    participation due to the increased number of school age
    children, so we include an additional $632 million for our
    Children Nutrition Programs.
        We have had tremendous response to MyPyramid, and I'm
    confident the awareness of eating a nutritious diet and being
    active will improve the health of Americans. So in order to
    continue this success, the budget includes a small increase to
    make enhancements to MyPyramid.

                              PREPARED STATEMENTS

        Let me just wrap up and say I want to emphasize that the
    budget before you strengthens agriculture and rural economies.
    It protects our food supply. It builds on our conservation
    efforts, and provides for the neediest of our citizens. With
    that, those of us at the table would be happy to respond to
    your questions verbally or to submit answers in writing where
    appropriate. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        [The statements follow:]

                       Prepared Statement of Mike Johanns

        Mr. Chairman and distinguished members of this Committee, I am
    pleased to appear before you to discuss the fiscal year 2008 budget for
    the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
        I am joined today by Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner; Scott Steele,
    our Budget Officer; and Keith Collins, our Chief Economist.
        It is a pleasure to come before the Committee to discuss U.S.
    agriculture and our efforts to make it stronger. I want to thank the
    Committee again this year for its support of USDA and for the long
    history of effective cooperation between this Committee and the
    Department in support of American agriculture. I look forward to
    working with you, Mr. Chairman, as well as the other Members to make
    progress on these issues during the 2008 budget process and to ensure
    strong programs for our Nation's farm sector and many other USDA
    programs.
        Over the past year, USDA has worked with and heard from people
    throughout the Nation about the importance of agriculture to the
    economy and the everyday life of all Americans. I am happy to report
    that we have made much progress in meeting the needs of the Nation,
    improving the rural economy, and strengthening U.S. agriculture. I
    would like to point out that:
      --Under President Bush's economic policy, rural America and U.S.
            agriculture has prospered.
      --Renewable energy production has grown dramatically and is
            contributing to the energy security of the United States as
            well as improving the farm economy.
      --Utilizing $91 million in emergency supplemental funding, USDA
            significantly increased its efforts to prepare for a potential
            influenza pandemic and participated in the worldwide effort to
            stop the spread of the H5N1 virus overseas.
      --We are making considerable progress in ensuring the safety of meat,
            poultry, and egg products. Recalls of meat and poultry and
            processed egg products have been cut in half during the last 4
            years due to improved oversight and the downward trend is
            continuing.
      --U.S. agricultural exports again reached a record level in 2006, and
            are forecast to set another record in 2007. The 2007 forecast
            level represents an increase of more than 50 percent since
            2000.
      --We have continued our efforts to open new markets. During the past
            year, Trade Promotion Agreements were signed with Colombia and
            Peru, and negotiations were completed with Panama.
      --We remain committed to our objective of achieving fundamental
            reform of agricultural trading practices through the Doha Round
            of multilateral trade negotiations. Although no major
            breakthroughs have been achieved, we are actively engaged in
            discussions with our trading partners on technical aspects of
            each of the three pillars in the agricultural area. We continue
            to believe a successful outcome is achievable.
      --We are continuing to regain our beef export market. Markets have
            been reopened or maintained in the countries that closed their
            borders to U.S. beef products after the first detection of BSE.
            Recent progress has been made in such countries as Russia,
            Columbia, Peru, and Panama.
      --We have had tremendous response to MyPyramid, and I am confident
            that as awareness of the importance of eating a nutritious diet
            and being physically active increases, so will the health of
            Americans.
        On January 31, 2007, I announced a comprehensive set of 2007 Farm
    Bill proposals for strengthening the farm economy and rural America.
    The 2008 budget is based on the current Farm Bill. However, beginning
    in 2008, the budget incorporates a $500 million increase each year in
    the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) estimates to accommodate the
    cost of new Farm Bill proposals to be allocated among the various
    titles of the bill.
    2008 Budget
        The President and the Congress are facing many challenges. The
    President's 2008 budget meets these challenges by funding our highest,
    most important priorities, while exercising the fiscal discipline that
    is absolutely necessary to achieve the President's goals of
    strengthening the economy and balancing the budget.
        Today, I will be focusing on the proposals contained in the 2008
    budget. Let me take a moment to briefly point out how this budget
    supports our highest priority programs--programs that achieve results.
    This budget:
      --Fulfills our commitment to reduce trade barriers and expand
            overseas markets;
      --Supports the President's vision for energy independence by
            significantly increasing funding for biofuels;
      --Continues programs vital to the protection of agriculture from
            disease, pests, and human threats, including avian influenza
            and BSE;
      --Supports policies that ensure Americans continue to enjoy a safe
            and wholesome food supply;
      --Provides sufficient resources to fully fund expected participation
            and food cost inflation in our major nutrition assistance
            programs;
      --Enhances the environment by providing a record level of funding to
            enroll a record number of acres into conservation programs;
      --Builds a strong rural economy by supporting policies that enhance
            job creation, improve rural infrastructure, and increase
            homeownership opportunities; and
      --Supports on-going basic and applied sciences that provide the
            technology and information necessary for the development of
            innovative solutions facing American agriculture;
        USDA also shares the responsibility of controlling Federal
    spending. This means doing more with less, eliminating programs that
    are not getting the job done, cutting out wasteful spending, and
    reforming the earmark process. We are pleased that the House Joint
    Resolution for 2007 continuing appropriations significantly reduced
    USDA's earmarks, and hopes that the Committee will continue those
    worthy efforts. So, you will see throughout the 2008 budget proposals
    that terminate or reduce spending. These proposals will produce real
    savings in both mandatory and discretionary spending.
        The President's 2008 budget, which was released on February 5,
    2007, proposes to increase USDA's total budget authority from $88
    billion in 2007 to $91 billion in 2008. For the Department's
    discretionary budget, the overall request is $20 billion, about the
    same level as in 2007 level. The discretionary appropriation request
    pending before this Committee, which does not include the Forest
    Service, is $16 billion.
        I would now like to focus on some specific program highlights.
    Pathogenic Avian Influenza (AI)
        The infrastructure developed in response to outbreaks of highly
    pathogenic AI has enabled the Department to strengthen its global
    leadership in combating its spread and keeping it from entering the
    United States. Utilizing the supplemental funding provided in fiscal
    year 2006, the Department has worked closely with international
    agencies and other countries to enhance the international capacity and
    technical skills necessary to keep AI at bay. Domestic efforts have
    built upon USDA programs that have been in place for more than two
    decades to prevent an outbreak of dangerous strains of AI in our
    country.
        The 2008 budget requests a total of approximately $82 million to
    continue and enhance on-going efforts related to AI, an increase of $32
    million over the amount estimated for 2007, not including supplemental
    funds. Of the increase, $20 million is related to continuing activities
    related to highly pathogenic AI, including: surveillance and
    diagnostics work; preparedness and response efforts; and international
    veterinary capacity building. An additional increase of $6 million is
    requested for the development of methods to detect AI in the
    environment and further AI research, including development of poultry
    vaccines. Another $6 million increase is requested to expand activities
    related to the on-going program for low pathogenic AI. Low pathogenic
    AI is of concern for its potential costs to the poultry industry and
    potential ability to mutate into highly pathogenic AI.
    Food and Agriculture Defense Initiative
        USDA continues to be vigilant in ensuring the safety of
    agriculture. The Department is a strong partner in the Administration's
    efforts to prepare for any potential bioterrorist attack. We have
    established effective working relationships with other Federal agencies
    to ensure an appropriate Government response to a wide array of
    threats.
        To protect American agriculture and the food supply from
    intentional terrorist threats and unintentional introductions, the
    budget proposes $341 million for USDA's part of the President's Food
    and Agriculture Defense Initiative. Funding for ongoing programs is
    $325 million, an increase of nearly $148 million from the 2007 level.
    Of the total amount for on-going programs, an increase of about $36
    million for Food Defense would enhance the Food Safety and Inspection
    Service's (FSIS) ability to detect and respond to food emergencies and
    for USDA research agencies to conduct related research. For Agriculture
    Defense, the budget includes an increase of about $39 million for
    research on emerging and exotic diseases to, among other things,
    improve animal vaccines and facilitate rapid response to agricultural
    threats. An additional $72 million would be used to improve USDA's
    ability to safeguard the agricultural sector through enhanced
    monitoring and surveillance of pest and disease threats, improved
    response capabilities, and other efforts, such as an expansion of the
    National Veterinary Stockpile.
        In order to keep USDA in the forefront of avian disease research,
    the budget requests an increase of $16 million for planning and design
    of the Consolidated Poultry Research Facility in Athens, Georgia. This
    facility is critically needed to conduct research on exotic and
    emerging avian diseases that could have devastating effects on animal
    and human health.
    Food Safety
        Americans enjoy one of the safest food supplies in the world. Data
    from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows improvements
    based on historical reductions in the incidence of foodborne illness.
    The continued reduction in illnesses from pathogens associated with the
    consumption of meat, poultry, and egg products is a tremendous success
    story. These results demonstrate that we are moving in the right
    direction. USDA is committed to continuing this positive trend in the
    future. We will continue to pursue the development and implementation
    of risk-based inspection systems that are grounded in science. These
    systems will make us smarter about where we focus our resources and our
    expertise to make the most difference.
        The 2008 budget requests record funding of nearly $1.1 billion, an
    increase of $104 million over 2007, for FSIS to protect the Nation's
    supply of meat, poultry and egg products. This includes $930 million in
    appropriated funds. About 80 percent of the increase in funds is for
    pay, including monies required for Federal and State inspection
    programs to meet the demand for inspection services. The budget
    requests an increase of $21.7 million to expand the Food Emergency
    Response Network (FERN and strengthen food and agriculture defense.
    With this funding, FSIS will continue to develop the network of food
    laboratories and the result will be an increase in the capability of a
    network of coordinated Federal, State and local laboratories to handle
    large volumes of testing that would be needed for biosurveillance or in
    the event of a widespread food emergency.
        The budget estimates that $135 million in existing user fees for
    voluntary inspection will be collected. For 2008, we will be submitting
    authorizing legislation to Congress to collect an additional $96
    million in user fees. The budget does not assume the use of these fees.
    Discretionary funding to cover the total cost of the program is
    included in the request. This includes legislation to authorize a
    licensing fee to collect $92 million from meat, poultry, and egg
    products establishments. In addition, it would also authorize the
    agency to recover $4 million for the cost of providing additional
    inspection services from establishments as a result of performance
    failures, such as sampling violations, recalls, or an outbreak of
    foodborne illness.
    Energy
        Another priority for the Department and the Administration is a
    continued focus on expanding renewable energy. I sit before you today
    with the belief that renewable energy, supported by American
    agriculture and forestry, holds tremendous potential for the Nation's
    future. We are starting to see that the benefits of renewable energy
    are far-reaching and will continue to grow as energy production from
    renewable sources continues to expand in the near future. Renewable
    fuels reduce our dependence on foreign oil, which contributes to our
    Nation's security. Renewable fuels are environmentally friendly and
    produce fewer emissions of greenhouse gases than fossil fuels.
    Furthermore, renewable fuels are often produced in rural areas,
    providing a source of income for farmers, ranchers and rural Americans.
        USDA is committed to ensuring that renewable fuels production
    continues to help meet the Nation's energy and security needs. The
    budget includes $396 million, an increase of $161 million, for the
    Department's energy initiatives. Part of USDA's commitment is
    demonstrated through research activities. The 2008 budget includes $70
    million, an increase of $29 million, for energy research supported by
    ARS and CSREES. A majority of this research will focus on improving
    cellulosic ethanol production by improving feedstock growth potential
    and introducing new ways to harvest, handle, and transport the
    feedstock to production facilities. In addition, USDA is working to
    improve the conversion efficiency of biomass feedstocks into biofuels
    and bioproducts. This research will lead to new opportunities to expand
    renewable fuel's potential to meet the Nation's energy needs, while
    creating significant opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and rural
    communities.
        In addition to this research, the budget would make available
    nearly $320 million in grants, guaranteed loans, and other efforts to
    support the commercialization of renewable energy production. Through
    the Rural Development mission area, USDA is making financial support
    available to leverage private sector funding for small and large-scale,
    renewable energy generation activities. This financial support provides
    incentives for individuals and cooperatives to choose renewable energy
    production methods. USDA has also encouraged the development of various
    renewable energy projects, including ethanol plants and wind farms. We
    remain committed to expanding these opportunities to improve the
    Nation's energy security and environment, while providing additional
    possibilities to U.S. agricultural and rural communities.
    Farm Commodity and Agriculture Credit Programs
        Rising crop prices, particularly for corn, has had a major impact
    on farm program costs, which is due to the rapid growth in ethanol
    production. As a result, farmers are relying more on the market for
    revenue rather than payments from the Government. As such, net outlays
    for the farm commodity programs funded through the Commodity Credit
    Corporation (CCC) are expected to decline significantly in 2007 and
    2008 as rising prices for corn and other major commodities are reducing
    outlays. Compared to estimates made when the 2002 Farm Bill was
    enacted, actual spending for CCC funded programs, which excludes some
    conservation programs, has been about $17 billion below the 2002
    projections when ad hoc disaster assistance is excluded. Beginning in
    2008, the budget incorporates a $500 million increase each year in the
    CCC estimates to accommodate the cost of the new Farm Bill proposals.
    This additional funding will be spread among various titles of the Farm
    Bill.
        USDA's farm credit programs provide an important safety net for
    farmers by providing a source of credit when they are temporarily
    unable to obtain credit from commercial sources. The 2008 budget
    supports about $3.4 billion in direct and guaranteed farm loans. The
    2008 budget proposes loan levels that generally reflect actual usage in
    recent years.
        The budget requests $1.5 billion for the Farm Service Agency to
    deliver farm programs. This level of funding will support approximately
    the same number of staff years as in 2007 and includes the funding to
    support ongoing operational needs based on current programs and the
    current delivery system. Once the parameters of the new Farm Bill are
    known, we may need to re-evaluate resource needs for program
    implementation, including staffing and information technology (IT).
    Crop Insurance
        Crop insurance is designed to be the primary Federal risk
    management tool for farmers and ranchers. In 2008, crop insurance is
    expected to provide coverage for nearly $68 billion in risk protection,
    double the amount of coverage provided as recently as 2000. This growth
    has been accomplished, in part, through the development of new and
    innovative plans of insurance. These innovations have expanded coverage
    to new crops or improved the coverage available under existing
    policies.
        Over the years, Congress has challenged USDA to expand the
    availability of crop insurance to under-served commodities, in
    particular, to livestock and pasture, rangeland, and forage. I am happy
    to say that USDA is meeting that challenge. Currently, the crop
    insurance program offers protection for swine, fed cattle, feeder
    cattle; and, new for 2007, lamb. Also new for 2007, the crop insurance
    program is offering two innovative programs covering pasture,
    rangeland, and forage.
        In order to build on these successes, Risk Management Agency's
    (RMA) aging information technology (IT) system needs to be modernized.
    The existing IT system has been in service for more than a decade and
    needs to be upgraded to address evolving programmatic needs. That
    system was designed for a much smaller and simpler program. As a
    result, RMA must use numerous manual over-rides and work-arounds to
    support the new insurance products. This manual intervention increases
    the costs to maintain and operate the system. It also increases the
    risk of data errors that could jeopardize the integrity of the crop
    insurance program. The 2008 budget includes a legislative proposal to
    initiate a small participation fee in the Federal crop insurance
    program to fund modernization and maintenance of a new IT system. The
    fee would generate about $15 million annually, which would initially
    supplement the annual appropriation to modernize the IT system.
    However, in future years, the fee would replace appropriated funding
    for IT maintenance.
        In addition, the 2008 budget includes about $79 million in
    discretionary funding to administer the Federal crop insurance program,
    compared to about $76 million for 2007. The increase would accommodate
    pay costs and inflationary increases. The budget also includes a
    general provision to fund data mining and the common information
    management system through the crop insurance mandatory account.
    International Programs
        Expanding access to global markets is essential for U.S. food and
    agricultural products, and plays a critical role in our efforts to
    provide a prosperous future for America's farmers and ranchers. In this
    regard, we must ensure that our producers and exporters have the tools
    they need to compete for a greater share of the benefits flowing from
    trade agreements and the resulting expansion in global markets.
        Our 2008 budget proposals support our continued commitment to trade
    expansion activities. Increased funding is provided for the Foreign
    Agricultural Service (FAS) to maintain its overseas office presence and
    continue its representation and advocacy activities on behalf of
    American agriculture.
        The FAS budget includes funding to restore the Cochran Fellowship
    Program to its traditional annual appropriated level of $5 million and
    also provides funding for FAS trade capacity building activities. Those
    activities assist developing countries to strengthen their agricultural
    policy making and regulatory systems adhere to internationally
    recognized standards and become better trading partners. By assisting
    them to adopt policies that meet World Trade Organization standards and
    adopt regulatory systems that are transparent and science-based, we
    improve access for U.S. products to their markets.
        For the foreign food assistance programs, the budget continues to
    place the highest priority on meeting emergency and economic
    development needs of developing countries. Appropriated funding for the
    McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition
    Program is increased to $100 million, which will allow USDA to extend
    school feeding and educational benefits to about 2.5 million women and
    children during 2008. The program is helping children in countries with
    severe educational and nutritional needs. In recent years, more than 13
    million children throughout the world have received benefits from the
    McGovern-Dole program and its predecessor, the Global Food for
    Education Initiative.
        In order to respond to emergency food needs during 2007,
    supplemental appropriations of $350 million are being requested for the
    Public Law 480 Title II donations program. The additional funding will
    be used to address urgent humanitarian needs in the Darfur region of
    Sudan, including for refugees and others in Chad and surrounding areas
    who are affected by the violence. The funding will also assist in
    meeting other critical food needs, particularly in the Horn of Africa,
    southern Africa, and Afghanistan.
        For 2008, the budget requests appropriated funding of $1.2 billion
    for the Public Law 480 Title II program, which is expected to support
    the donation of 2.5 million metric tons of food commodities. In
    addition, to help improve the timeliness, efficiency, and effectiveness
    of the U.S. Government's response to emergency situations, increased
    flexibility is requested in the purchasing of Title II commodities.
        In addition, the budget requests funding in the Office of the
    Secretary to support the Department's efforts to assist in agricultural
    reconstruction activities in Afghanistan and Iraq. USDA is providing
    technical advisors assigned to the Ministry of Agriculture in Iraq who
    are assisting in agricultural planning, extension, and food safety and
    inspection. Other agricultural advisors are serving on the Provincial
    Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) working in the rural provinces of
    Afghanistan and Iraq on activities such as irrigation system
    rehabilitation, post-harvest loss reduction, marketing system
    improvements, and livestock health. These advisors are providing much
    needed, valuable assistance in addressing a wide range of problems
    brought on by years of neglect and mismanagement in the agricultural
    sectors of these two countries.
    Conservation
        USDA also fosters environmental stewardship through conservation
    programs supported with mandatory CCC funding. The 2008 budget reflects
    an unprecedented commitment to conservation and includes nearly $4
    billion in mandatory funding to provide conservation financial and
    technical assistance on a cumulative total of 215 million acres, the
    greatest amount of conservation assistance provided in the Nation's
    history.
        Within the total amount of mandatory funds, the budget proposes
    over $455 million for the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), an increase
    of $191 million, or nearly 72 percent over 2007. The projected WRP
    enrollment for 2008 would be the largest ever, involving up to 250,000
    acres, and will bring the total acreage enrolled in the program to
    2,275,000 acres, the maximum level authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill.
    The WRP is the principal supporter of the President's goal to restore,
    protect, and enhance 3 million acres of wetlands by 2009.
        The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) accounts for more than half
    of the mandatory funds with total funding of just over $2 billion.
    Enrollment in CRP is expected to decline by about 9 percent to 33.6
    million acres in 2008. Although continuous sign-ups will be maintained,
    no general signups are assumed for 2007 and 2008 due to the increase in
    corn production to meet the demand for ethanol. Funding for the
    Environmental Quality Incentives Program will be maintained at $1
    billion to treat more than 170 million acres in 2008. The budget
    requests an increase of $57 million for the Conservation Security
    Program for total funding of $316 million. This level of funding will
    continue support to the more than 19,000 contracts signed in prior
    years.
        The 2008 budget includes $825 million in discretionary funding for
    on-going conservation work, a decrease of $94 million below the 2007
    level. This level of funding supports programs that provide the highest
    quality technical assistance to farmers and ranchers and address the
    most serious natural resource concerns. The budget includes a proposal
    to reduce the number of Federal coordinator positions funded under the
    Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) program, for a savings of
    $36 million. Under this proposal, the number of authorized RC&D areas
    would be maintained at the current level of 375, but coordinators would
    provide assistance to multiple areas by focusing on programmatic
    oversight.
    Rural Development
        Through Rural Development (RD) programs, USDA improves the economy
    and quality of life in all of rural America by supporting essential
    housing and public facilities, such as water and sewer systems, health
    clinics, and electric and telecommunication systems. In addition, RD
    promotes economic development by providing guaranteed loans to
    businesses in coordination with the private sector.
        The 2008 budget supports $14.9 billion for the RD programs. This is
    about $985 million more than the amount estimated to be available for
    2007. At the requested level, most key rural development programs would
    be maintained at their historic operating levels.
        The 2008 budget does, however, contain some important changes in
    policy and funding priorities. In particular, the 2008 budget
    significantly increases funding for single-family guaranteed loans.
    Guaranteed loans, which are unsubsidized, have accounted for almost all
    of the growth in USDA's homeownership assistance. Due to the success of
    guaranteed single-family loans in meeting the needs of rural citizens,
    the budget does not include funding for direct single-family loans, a
    reduction of nearly $1.2 billion. While not funding direct loans is a
    change in policy for USDA, it is consistent with Federal housing policy
    as reflected in the programs administered by the Departments of Housing
    and Urban Development and Veterans Affairs. Moreover, it reflects
    recent changes in the home mortgage market that allow more low-income
    families to qualify for private sector loans. USDA's single family
    guaranteed program is expected to provide 39,000 homeownership
    opportunities in 2008.
        With regard to multi-family housing, the 2008 budget includes $567
    million for rental assistance payments. This funding is needed to
    provide for a higher rate of renewals due to recent action to reduce
    the renewal period from 5 to 1 year. The 2008 budget also includes
    $27.8 million to continue the Administration's initiative to revitalize
    USDA's portfolio of multi-family housing projects, which are home to
    close to half a million low-income families. A recent Supreme Court
    decision allows project sponsors to prepay their loans and convert
    their projects to uses other than low-income housing, putting tenants
    at risk of higher rents and potential loss of housing. The
    Administration's initiative includes providing housing vouchers to
    protect the rents of tenants of projects that are withdrawn from the
    portfolio, as well as the restructuring of existing loans in exchange
    for the project sponsor's agreement to stay in the program and make
    improvements to their projects. A pilot program, as authorized by the
    2006 Appropriations Act is already underway. The Administration plans
    to resubmit to the Congress draft legislation to authorize debt
    restructuring and other revitalization incentives.
        For the on-going electric and telecommunications programs, the 2008
    budget supports about $4.8 billion in direct loans, of which $4.1
    billion would be for the electric programs. Most electric loans would
    be at interest rates that are currently comparable to the direct
    municipal and direct Treasury rate programs. Combined, these programs
    would simplify the overall program with essentially no adverse impact
    on borrowers. The electric program would focus on financing the
    distribution and transmission of power and the improvement of existing
    generation facilities. The commercial sector should be relied on for
    financing new power generation. For the water and waste disposal
    program, the 2008 budget provides for $349 million in grants and almost
    $1.1 billion in direct loans. This reflects a lower grant-to-loan ratio
    than the current program because the Administration is re-proposing its
    plan to reduce interest rates in exchange for a reduced amount of
    grants. For most rural communities, which receive a combination of loan
    and grant assistance, the reduction in interest rates would be of
    greater benefit because it would reduce the overall debt servicing
    costs of their projects.
        The 2008 budget includes additional funding for the renewable
    energy and energy efficiency loan and grant program. It includes $15
    million for grants and supports $195 million in guaranteed loans,
    compared to $11 million for grants and $175 million in loans estimated
    to be available for 2007.
        The business and industry guaranteed loan program would be
    increased to $1 billion, which is the historic funding level for this
    program. This program and the intermediary re-lending program have been
    an important source of job creation in rural communities.
    Research
        Over the last century, productivity has been a major focus of
    agricultural research. Driven by advances in plant and animal genetics,
    nutrition, and health, this research has paid off with major gains.
    Agricultural research is taking on the challenges of a new century and
    USDA's leadership will continue through innovative research in
    bioenergy production, obesity prevention, and food and agricultural
    defense.
        Advances in science have opened new frontiers in agricultural
    research that have put solutions to national challenges within our
    reach. It is important that we seize the opportunity by focusing our
    resources and efforts on the highest priority work relevant to the
    needs of producers and consumers of agricultural products. Our budget
    requests over $1 billion for the Agricultural Research Service. The
    proposed level includes $104 million in increases for high priority
    research on food and agricultural defense, bioenergy, plant and animal
    genomics and genetics, and human nutrition and obesity prevention.
    These lines of investigation have great potential to benefit producers
    and consumers; assure an abundant, safe, and inexpensive supply of
    food; and ensure the preservation of our natural resource base. The
    budget proposes elimination of $293 million of earmarked research and
    facility projects in ARS.
        A key factor in the success of agricultural research has been our
    continuing partnership with the land-grant universities and other
    performers of agricultural, natural resource and food research. These
    institutions provide a unique set of expertise in the range of
    scientific disciplines needed to address complex issues facing the
    food, agriculture and natural resource communities. Further, these
    partnerships foster the transfer of knowledge through higher education
    and the unique system of Extension that has been so successful in
    America. Our budget continues our support for university-based
    research, higher education and extension programs and addresses the
    need to focus those resources on the highest priorities. Under our
    proposal we are placing a greater emphasis on merit-based, peer-
    reviewed grants to achieve the highest quality research from taxpayer
    dollars. In addition, $157 million of earmarked Cooperative State
    Research, Education, and Extension Service research grants and lower
    priority projects would be eliminated.
        A major element of the research budget is an increase of $68
    million, for total funding of $257 million, for the National Research
    Initiative--the Nation's premier competitive, peer-reviewed research
    program for fundamental and applied sciences in agriculture. This
    increase includes funding for bioenergy and biobased fuels, one of the
    Department's highest priority initiatives. It also supports integrated
    projects that focus on water quality, food safety, organic transition,
    and pest management. In total, $29 million would be added to CSREES
    programs for research in bioenergy.
        A longstanding part of USDA support for the university research
    partnership has been through the Hatch Act and McIntire-Stennis Act
    formula grant programs. As stated above, the budget continues funding
    for these programs with a proposal to emphasize funding for
    competitively awarded multi-state research programs to ensure the
    highest quality research proposals are supported. We will be working in
    close consultation with our university partners to craft the details of
    these modifications.
        The budget includes an increase of $25 million to support the 2007
    Census of Agriculture, the most comprehensive source of statistically
    reliable information regarding our Nation's agriculture. With
    information collected at the national, State, and county levels, the
    Census provides invaluable, comprehensive data on the agricultural
    economy which are relied upon to keep agricultural markets stable and
    efficient.
    Nutrition Assistance
        The budget contains sufficient resources to fully fund expected
    participation and food cost inflation for the Department's three major
    nutrition assistance programs--Food Stamps; Women, Infants and Children
    (WIC); and Child Nutrition. Participation levels fluctuate with
    economic conditions and the budget keeps pace. WIC participation is
    expected to grow slowly in 2008 to a total of 8.3 million participants,
    while Food Stamp participation is estimated at 26.2 million, roughly
    the 2007 level. School Lunch participation is estimated to grow about 2
    percent to keep pace with the growing student population, as it has in
    recent years, to a new record level of 31.5 million children per day.
        For Food Stamps, legislation will be proposed that would exclude
    all retirement and education savings accounts from eligibility
    determinations regardless of how other programs treat them. By 2010,
    this would allow about 98,000 additional people to participate who,
    otherwise, would have been ineligible unless they spent down their
    retirement and education savings. This would add an estimated $44
    million in costs for 2008 and about $138 million in 2010 when fully
    implemented. The 2008 budget also reproposes legislation to restrict
    participation among certain households with incomes or resources above
    normal eligibility thresholds. Affected households are those that do
    not receive cash Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
    benefits, but become categorically eligible for food stamps because
    they receive a TANF-funded service, such as a one-time referral. This
    change would reduce costs by an estimated $65 million in 2008, with
    additional savings in subsequent years.
        The WIC request provides full funding for all those estimated to be
    eligible and seeking services. At the same time, the Department will
    work with stakeholders to contain costs and continue to improve the
    program's performance. WIC legislative proposals include limiting
    administrative funding to the 2006 per participant level and limiting
    categorical eligibility to those with incomes under 250 percent of
    poverty.
        The 2008 budget reproposes elimination of the Commodity
    Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which is not available nationwide and
    duplicates two of the Nation's largest Federal nutrition assistance
    programs--Food Stamps and WIC. Eligible women, infants and children
    participating in CSFP will be encouraged to migrate to the WIC Program.
    Eligible elderly CSFP recipients will be encouraged to migrate to the
    Food Stamp Program, where most are believed to be eligible. The budget
    includes temporary transitional benefits for CSFP participants 60 years
    of age or older equaling $20 per month for the lesser of 6 months or
    until the recipient starts participating in the Food Stamp Program.
        As I mentioned earlier, we have had a great deal of success in
    promoting healthy eating habits and active lifestyles with MyPyramid.
    The MyPyramid website has received 2.6 billion hits since it was made
    available in April 2005. In order to continue this success, the budget
    includes an increase of $2 million to make enhancements to MyPyramid
    and to begin planning for the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
    This supports two pillars of President Bush's HealthierUS Initiative,
    to eat a nutritious diet and to be physically active, and will help
    reduce obesity in America.
    Department Management
        The 2008 budget continues our progress in improving the overall
    management of the Department. Increased funding is being sought for
    selected key priorities including:
      --Replacing the Department's outdated, core financial system and
            supporting systems that no longer meet all Federal standards
            for financial reporting and management. The budget requests
            funding to begin a multi-year implementation of a replacement
            system that will provide consistency and increase efficiencies
            for financial reporting across the Department. The new system
            will strengthen internal controls, eliminate material
            weaknesses, and diminish improper payments, which will improve
            the Department's overall financial management.
      --Expanding Civil Rights compliance reviews of agency hiring
            practices and program activities. These reviews allow the
            Department to identify and address issues of inequality and
            unfairness in personnel decisions and the delivery of its
            program benefits.
      --Continuing capital improvements to USDA facilities to ensure that
            employees and customers have a safe and modern working
            environment.
        In closing, I want to emphasize that the USDA budget fully supports
    the President's goals to strengthen the economy, increase security, and
    restrain spending. The budget before you addresses these goals by
    funding our highest priorities. These funding priorities strengthen
    agriculture and rural economies, protect our food supply, build on our
    conservation efforts, and provide for the neediest individuals.
        That concludes my statement. I look forward to working with Members
    and staff of the Committee and will be glad to answer questions you may
    have on our budget proposals.
                                     ______

       Prepared Statement of Boyd K. Rutherford, Assistant Secretary for
                  Administration, Department of Administration

        Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the
    opportunity to submit this statement supporting the President's budget
    proposal for fiscal year 2008 for the Department of Agriculture's
    (USDA) Departmental Administration.
        Departmental Administration (DA) is at the core of USDA's
    management initiatives. Through a strong commitment to the President's
    Management Agenda, we have realigned our services to provide continued
    leadership and better program management, resulting in greater
    efficiencies, enhanced internal controls and effective customer
    service. DA enhances Department-wide strategies by ensuring appropriate
    administrative policy and by providing essential management to all
    agencies and staff offices. This is accomplished through our
    Department-wide management services, which include: human capital
    management; facilities operations; security services; procurement and
    property management; small business utilization; Administrative Law
    support; and ethics guidance.

                          FISCAL YEAR 2008 OBJECTIVES

        DA has the following objectives for fiscal year 2008 that
    contribute to the Department's ability to successfully fulfill its
    mission:
      --Ensure USDA has a diverse, ethical, results-oriented workforce able
            to meet mission priorities and work cooperatively with USDA
            partners and the private sector.
      --Ensure USDA has a trained acquisition workforce with the
            procurement policies and systems needed to ensure
            responsiveness, high quality, cost-effectiveness, and
            accountability using an increasingly diverse vendor pool and
            range of products.
      --Promote the efficient and economical use of USDA's resources to
            support customers, promote organizational productivity, and
            ensure accountability.
      --Provide the policies, technical guidance, and operating environment
            that enhance the safety and security of USDA personnel,
            information and facilities, and the continuity of its vital
            programs and operations.
      --Provide formal adjudicative support.
      --Expand the implementation of the BioPreferredSM Program
            within USDA and other Federal agencies. The
            BioPreferredSM Program, authorized in the 2002 Farm
            Bill, is a Federal procurement program that requires that
            Federal agencies provide a preference for the purchase of USDA
            designated biobased products. In fiscal year 2008 DA will be
            jointly focused on establishing USDA as a leader in biobased
            purchases and providing support and guidance to other Federal
            agencies and to biobased manufacturers.

                            FISCAL YEAR 2008 REQUEST

        DA's fiscal year 2008 budget request is divided into three separate
    appropriations: DA Direct; Agricultural Building and Facilities and
    Rental Payments; and Hazardous Material Management.

                                   DA DIRECT

        The DA Direct fiscal year 2008 budget is $24,608,000, which funds
    personnel and office operations costs. The increased request will
    address the following:
      --An increase to cover personnel costs for 2007 and 2008. This
            appropriation funds administrative support in the National
            Capital Area and on-going programs in human capital management
            and small business utilization across the Department.
      --An increase for Continuity of Operations (COOP) for the Office of
            the Secretary, providing guidance and training to the mission
            areas, and providing support and training to USDA's National
            Emergency Preparedness Team. These efforts will ensure USDA is
            compliant with Executive Orders and Presidential Directives
            associated with Emergency Preparedness and requirements for
            Executive Branch COOP.
            agriculture buildings and facilities and rental payments
        The fiscal year 2008 budget request for Agricultural Building and
    Facilities and Rental Payments is $216,837,000, of which $156,590,000
    is for rental payments to the General Services Administration (GSA) and
    Department of Homeland Security for security payments and $60,247,000
    for Building Operations and Maintenance.
        The increased request addresses the following:
      --An increase for the Central Rent Account is needed to fund the
            estimated cost of GSA space assignments and physical security
            costs payable to the Department of Homeland Security, increased
            lease expenses, maintenance services, and preventative
            maintenance services of the fire alarm and switchgear systems
            located at the USDA Headquarters Complex.
      --An increase for repairs and maintenance projects for the USDA South
            Building. The South Building of the Headquarters Complex was
            built between 1930 and 1936 and houses approximately 4,600
            employees. It is in much need of repair and maintenance.
            Repairs are needed to bring several major systems up to current
            code requirements and to generally improve employee safety.
            Providing a safe and healthy work environment for our employees
            supports our Human Capital Objective.
      --An increase to cover the rising cost for steam and electric
            utilities for the USDA Headquarters Complex. GSA has notified
            USDA to expect significant increases in 2007 and 2008 utility
            costs. In 2005, the price of GSA's district steam increased by
            22 percent. Paying utility costs from current Building
            Operations funding will reduce funding available to address the
            existing maintenance and repair needs for the facilities and
            possibly contribute to future system failures.
      --An increase for annual contract increases due to the Fair Labor
            Standards Act and collective bargaining. This request is needed
            to pay mandatory increases for payroll and other fixed and
            discretionary costs associated with operating USDA facilities.
            This request supports DA's continuing efforts to provide high
            quality services so that USDA personnel have the space,
            facilities, mail and property services, personnel support and
            resources needed to deliver their program services in a timely
            and effective manner.
      --An increase to support the Building Operations and Maintenance
            staffs in performing preventive and routine maintenance and
            repairs in the USDA Headquarters' Complex, including the George
            Washington Carver Center. This increase will cover rising
            general operating costs and preventive maintenance repairs to
            major systems within the Headquarters' Complex. The lack of
            funding in previous years for major repairs has led to a series
            of system failures which includes: repairs for building roofs
            and major plumbing, electrical, heating, and air conditioning
            systems. Instead of being able to address these matters before
            they fail, the Department is often patching and repairing
            damage resulting from the failure of systems long past their
            useful life. Routine maintenance and minor repairs to major
            systems, when done on a timely basis, prolong the life of
            equipment and avoid costly repairs and replacement if the
            equipment is allowed to fail.
      --An increase for the 2007 and 2008 pay costs. This increase is
            necessary to be able to maintain this office's current staffing
            levels without compromising its efforts to provide a safe
            workplace for USDA Headquarters and the George Washington
            Carver Center.

                         HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT

        The fiscal year 2008 budget request for Hazardous Material
    Management is $12,200,000. The increase represents pay costs. This
    request will fund clean-up activities under the Comprehensive
    Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (``CERCLA'')
    and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (``RCRA''). The purposes
    of the Hazardous Materials Management Program are to cleanup and
    restore USDA-managed lands.

                                   CONCLUSION

        The goal of DA is to provide the tools necessary for USDA to
    accomplish its mission of providing effective leadership on food
    safety, agriculture, and natural resources. Accordingly, we
    respectfully ask for your support in this effort.
        Thank you for this opportunity to present Departmental
    Administration's fiscal year 2008 request.
                                     ______

        Prepared Statement of David M. Combs, Chief Information Officer

                                  INTRODUCTION

        Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the
    opportunity to share with you our progress on using information
    technology (IT) to improve service delivery to the customers of the
    Department of Agriculture (USDA), while implementing Enterprise
    Architecture (EA) principles and Electronic Government (eGovernment)
    throughout the Department.
        USDA participates in 22 of the 30 government-wide President's
    Management Agenda (PMA) eGovernment initiatives and eight of the nine
    lines-of-business. At the same time, under the framework of the
    Department's EA, the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) is
    managing USDA IT investments to promote collaboration across common
    lines-of-business, reducing duplication through our internal Enterprise
    Shared Services, and finding savings by leveraging the USDA's size/
    economies-of-scale in Department-wide IT acquisitions.
        The President's fiscal year 2008 budget request for OCIO is $16.4
    million to continue to guide the Department's IT Strategy. We are
    requesting approximately $663,000 to cover pay costs.
       usda's fiscal year 2008 information technology investment summary
        During the fiscal year 2008 USDA budget preparation process, OCIO
    staff scrutinized agency IT investment plans to ensure alignment with
    USDA program delivery plans as well as the USDA EA. In fiscal year
    2008, the Department is requesting about $2.1 billion for IT.
    Components of the IT portfolio include:
      --$816 million (39 percent of fiscal year 2008 IT spending) for
            transfer to the States for the development and maintenance of
            automated systems to support Food Stamps, WIC, and related
            programs.
      --$1.3 billion in IT discretionary funding as broken down, includes:
        --$467 million (36 percent) for support services (e.g. architects,
                design engineers, project managers, and consultants). The
                Department seeks to use small businesses, especially
                disabled veteran owned businesses for these services.
        --$373 million (27 percent) for Federal IT personnel costs.
        --$170 million (13 percent) for computer and network equipment,
                such as routers, servers, workstations and printers.
        --$188 million (15 percent) for out-sourced services (e.g.
                telecommunications, help desk services, technical design
                and architect services).
        --$93 million (7 percent) for software to support our data centers,
                desktops, helpdesks and other hardware.
        Overall, the IT related proposals in this request represent about 3
    percent of the total $67 billion proposed for IT investments for the
    Federal Government in fiscal year 2008.
                service center modernization initiative--(scmi)
        The Common Computing Environment (CCE) initiative is managed by
    OCIO working in collaboration with the Service Center Agencies' (SCA).
    CCE supports over 36,000 Federal employees from the SCA and Information
    Technology Services (ITS), volunteers and partners in the delivery of
    over $55 billion in programs through our field office delivery system.
    The infrastructure is flexible and built around maximizing information
    sharing both within USDA and with other Federal, State and local
    agencies, the private sector, and USDA customers.
        The CCE is the commonly defined, commonly acquired, and commonly
    deployed IT infrastructure for the USDA county-based SCA, namely the
    Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service
    (NRCS), and Rural Development (RD). CCE was established to maximize
    data sharing, leverage investments and support true ``one-stop
    shopping'' for customers of the county-based agencies, and is managed
    by the ITS of OCIO. ITS serves as one unified organization dedicated to
    supporting both the shared and the diverse IT requirements of the SCA
    and their partner organizations.
        Several of ITS' significant accomplishments in 2006 include:
      --Deployment of database management systems in support of several FSA
            applications was completed.
      --Completion of the Software Update Service (SUS) migration for large
            offices was completed. SUS keeps computers up-to-date with the
            latest critical updates, security updates, and service packs.
            To date, a total of 89 security patches have been tested,
            certified and deployed since SUS went live on August 2004.
      --Completed and awarded a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for
            operational contract support. This allows for the consolidation
            of many existing legacy contracts resulting in cost savings and
            increased operational efficiency. Another BPA was awarded that
            allows for the SCA to purchase hardware such as workstations
            and certain peripherals as their need dictates and as their
            funds allow. Over $13.7 million was spent on workstations at
            the end of fiscal year 2006.
      --Deployed the Encrypted File System (EFS) to all laptops and tablet
            personal computers (PC) in the end user computer environment.
            EFS provides for the encryption of files, thus reducing the
            risk of compromising sensitivity data in the event of a lost or
            stolen laptop or tablet PC.
      --Conducted a disaster recovery test to simulate a loss of the Kansas
            City Web Farm; one major FSA financial application was
            successfully restored in St. Louis. Participated in the Kansas
            City Regional Inter-Agency Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP)
            Exercise. The Federal exercise tested COOP essential functions
            in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area and their ability
            to efficiently perform their duties during emergency
            situations. More than 600 officials representing over 30
            Federal agencies participated in the exercise. This was the
            third annual exercise and it exists as the largest interagency
            COOP exercise outside of Washington, DC.
        ITS management of CCE is maturing into a fee-for-service activity,
    while still supporting the ``one-stop shopping'' aims of the SCMI. This
    support includes contract consolidation, BPAs, and negotiating with the
    SCA for needed levels of service, while at the same time researching
    and implementing ways to achieve economies of scale. Because of the
    establishment of ITS as a fee-for-service entity, funds necessary to
    maintain the SCA shared IT infrastructure will be based upon the level
    of service delivery the SCA choose to effect.
        To that end, the fiscal year 2008 CCE budget is requesting no
    funds. For fiscal year 2008, the funds normally requested in the CCE
    appropriation can be found in the individual agencies' budget requests.
        ITS provides unified management of the shared IT infrastructure of
    the SCA, including CCE but also non-CCE legacy technologies, and
    manages the use of the CCE funds. While the responsibility for
    developing IT applications remains with the agencies with little or no
    involvement from ITS, ITS does deploy the applications, provides the
    platforms they run on, and provides those components of the
    infrastructure that make them available, reliable, and secure.
        The organization measures its success against service level
    agreements with each of the SCA that define performance metrics and
    customer expectations. This provides openness to the agencies regarding
    the costs of IT infrastructure, maximum leverage for large-scale system
    management techniques and technologies, and a basis for continuous
    improvement. To implement these agreements, ITS and the SCA negotiated
    the service lines, the appropriate metrics, and acceptable levels of
    service.
        Going forward in fiscal year 2008 and beyond, ITS will determine
    the agency obligations based on the service usage. This will be a more
    equitable method that can also provide the agencies with the
    information they need to reduce costs by effectively managing their IT
    infrastructure use.
        Congressional support for the CCE initiative has been key to its
    success. As we move forward with ITS, Congressional support will remain
    critical.

                               TELECOMMUNICATIONS

        USDA continues to evolve its telecommunications services to meet
    customer needs and provide secure infrastructure for the President's
    expanding eGovernment initiatives. Following the successful deployment
    of the Department's enterprise telecommunications network, the
    Universal Telecommunications Network (UTN), all USDA agencies are
    accessing the Internet via the UTN. USDA agencies continue to move
    their existing networks to the UTN. Agency network migration and
    optimization activities are achieved through a UTN Technical Review
    Board that is aligned with the Department's IT governance methodology.
        We are also developing a Department-wide strategy for Voice over
    Internet Protocol (VoIP). During fiscal year 2007, we will complete an
    enterprise ``roadmap'' for USDA agencies to use in their businesses
    cases for VoIP investments. Additionally, USDA is heavily engaged in
    the General Services Administration (GSA) Network acquisition (which we
    expect will help further reduce our costs) and transition activities as
    well as migration activities for the transition to Internet Protocol
    version 6.

           NATIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DATA CENTER (NITC) HOSTING

        NITC continues to be USDA's centralized source for IT services
    offering 24/7 operations and customer support. The organization began
    fee-for-services operations in July 1973. NITC serves the needs of over
    25 USDA agencies, and more than 15 non-USDA agencies. Our customer
    portfolio grew by 10.5 percent in fiscal year 2006 to a total of $85.6
    million.
        Certified by GSA as a Level 4 Facility, as delineated in the
    Department of Justice Security Level standards, NITC operates as a Tier
    IV Electrically and Tier III Mechanically data center. An electrical
    upgrade has been completed that eliminates any single point of failure,
    increases availability, and adds redundancy.
        Recently NITC received an Office of Inspector General Unqualified
    Opinion in 2006 for Internal Controls, the Commissioner's Special
    Citation from the Food and Drug Administration for software development
    work, the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization Award
    for Service Disabled Veterans, an ePermits Award, and a customer survey
    response of 85 percent satisfied or highly satisfied.

                              INFORMATION SECURITY

        For many years USDA has been slow to meet all Federal information
    security requirements. To address this situation, we have significantly
    improved the posture of our security program by shifting funds and
    developing policies and procedures. But there is still a tremendous
    amount of work to be done. The Federal Information Security Management
    Act (FISMA) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-
    130 require all Federal agencies, to certify and accredit (C&A) their
    systems. Through this effort we have improved our security plans,
    updated and corrected our security documentation, tested our networks
    and applications for security weaknesses, and successfully engaged our
    business organizations in the discipline of security management.
        USDA IT security staffs are now in the process of addressing
    security issues that arose through our C&A activities. Action plans
    have been established to mitigate specific security weaknesses and
    implement improved controls, and to meet the FISMA performance measures
    designed by OMB. These plans also support the remediation of
    information security weaknesses identified during the Department's
    implementation of the Circular A-123 review. Within the OCIO, we have
    established a rigorous process to track agencies in these corrective
    actions and to ensure they are completed in a timely and efficient
    manner.
        In order to eliminate the root causes for our security weaknesses,
    we must mature our information security processes. Automated tools are
    necessary to quickly and efficiently address cyber security risks. We
    must improve our ability to secure our data with monitoring devices and
    automated processes that assist in preventing disruption by intrusion
    or the introduction of malicious programs. During fiscal year 2006, we
    deployed an improved incident tracking system to help us better manage
    and report detected breaches. We will continue to maintain a rigorous
    security training and awareness program which requires annual
    participation by all USDA and contract personnel.
        Through good preventative planning, such as system C&A combined
    with improving the Department's overall operational response to
    security challenges, we are reducing the risk associated with the
    electronic use and delivery of USDA information and services.
    Congressional support for the initiatives we have planned is critical
    to their achieving the desired outcome.

                             ELECTRONIC GOVERNMENT

        We continue to move aggressively to implement inter-agency and
    inter-Departmental services to support common needs. The primary goals
    of our approach are to reduce costs and improve the quality of
    interactions with our customers.
        USDA, along with our partners in the other Federal agencies, has
    worked hard over the past 5 years to simplify citizen's access and
    interaction with their government. The results of these efforts are
    remarkable. As part of our support of the PMA's promise of easy access
    to the government, customers may now easily locate USDA's online
    information and services at www.usda.gov, and with ``MyUSDA'', visitors
    can customize USDA's Web-site to provide immediate access to the
    information they regularly want to see. Currently, 59 Web-sites have
    moved to the Department's Web standards, and another 31 agency sites
    are in the process of doing so. Our efforts reduced the burden on
    citizens, partners, and employees by simplifying access to the
    Department's information and services and streamlining internal
    processes. In addition, USDA is a partner in 30 inter-Departmental
    projects to improve citizen access to government. All fourteen USDA
    rulemaking agencies migrated in 2006 to the Federal Docket Management
    System which provides citizens easy access to USDA regulatory action.
    As a result, the public can review and comment on USDA regulatory
    actions through Regulations.gov.
        USDA posts all discretionary grants to Grants.gov which provides a
    single location for citizens to find funding opportunities and the
    ability to apply online for them using common forms, processes, and
    systems.
        USDA is a major geospatial data producer and contributor to the
    Federal Government's www.geodata.gov. USDA's partnership with the
    initiative allows cross-Departmental sharing of geospatial information
    and the opportunity for reducing costs.
        Through the USDA eAuthentication Service all USDA employees and
    over 130,000 customers use a secure, single sign-on to access
    applications, thereby reducing our customer support needs through
    improved security and usability. In addition to the 230 USDA
    applications, users can also use their eAuthentication credentials to
    access any of the 24 systems integrated with the Federal E-
    Authentication Federation. The eAuthentication Service is a component
    of the streamlined implementation of Homeland Security Presidential
    Directive 12 (HSPD-12.
        AgLearn is USDA's implementation of the E-Training initiative. The
    consolidation of training and learning management functions within
    AgLearn allows agencies to cooperate in developing, tracking, and
    purchasing training. Training that has proved successful for one agency
    can easily be made available for others, eliminating redundant costs
    for course development and sharing subject matter expertise to a
    broader audience and the coordination of agency purchases of online
    courseware provides volume discounts. USDA provides its mandatory
    training through AgLearn including the annual Ethics, Security
    Awareness, and Privacy Basics. In an average month, more than 16,000
    AgLearn users complete nearly 27,000 training events. This has
    significantly reduced the overall USDA training costs normally
    associated with courses that require travel.

            ENTERPRISE ARCHITECTURE (EA) AND IT MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

        USDA is managing its EA as a high-level roadmap to achieve our
    organizational and business needs within an efficient IT environment.
    USDA's EA program identifies similar processes and opportunities to
    improve and when possible share and reuse IT solutions across our
    agencies. We continue to assemble and refine the data needed, at both
    the Departmental level and within individual agencies, to better
    organize and analyze our business processes, information needs, and
    supporting technologies. The USDA EA Program is fully integrated with
    the Department's IT Capital Planning and Investment Control (CPIC)
    process. USDA's central CPIC body reviews, monitors and approves all
    major IT investments to ensure alignment with the Department's
    strategic goals and objectives. The EA provides a formal basis for
    evaluating a single investment against other investments in terms of
    its contribution to enhanced delivery of customer services and
    opportunities for collaboration and reuse. In addition to strengthening
    the CPIC process, EA enables USDA to improve key Department-wide
    enterprise hardware, software, and service agreements.
        The quality of this work is supported by an IT Project Management
    Program. USDA has trained 480 project managers who have helped us keep
    our IT projects on schedule and within budget.

                                   CONCLUSION

        Mr. Chairman, we are always looking for creative ways to improve
    our services, reduce our costs and be good stewards of the tax payers
    dollars. With the continued support of this Subcommittee and the
    Congress, I am confident that we will continue to be successful in
    achieving our objectives.
                                     ______

     Prepared Statement of Charles R. Christopherson, Jr., Chief Financial
                 Officer, Office of the Chief Financial Officer

        Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee, I am pleased to
    present the fiscal year 2008 budget request for the United States
    Department of Agriculture (USDA), Office of the Chief Financial Officer
    (OCFO) and the Department's Working Capital Fund (WCF).
        The myriad of programs at the Department of Agriculture create a
    large financial organization. If compared to companies in the private
    sector, USDA would be both the ninth largest company and the ninth
    largest bank in the United States. Under the Chief Financial Officers
    Act of 1990 (CFO Act), the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible
    for the financial management of the Department including financial
    policy, personnel, systems, and budget execution. First, this testimony
    will address the key areas of my responsibility under the CFO Act and
    then proceed into the specific budget of the OCFO and WCF.
        The President's budget for the Department of Agriculture is a
    comprehensive effort that involves the input of each mission area and
    staff office. The budgeting office does an exceptional job at managing
    and compiling the vast amount of financial information from each of the
    agencies within the Department. Over the years, the budget of the
    Department has remained relatively flat. The budget for fiscal year
    2008 is lean and focused on the highest priorities of the Department.
    Summary of Financial Operations and Processes
        In the area of financial operations and policy, the Department of
    Agriculture continues to make vast improvements in business processes,
    improper payments, and internal controls. For fiscal year 2006, the
    Department of Agriculture attained another clean opinion on its annual
    financial statements.
        Also during 2006, USDA achieved compliance with OMB Circular A-123,
    Appendix A by completing the assessment of Internal Controls over
    Financial Reporting in a single-year. This effort involved over 1,000
    USDA employees from 29 agencies and staff offices. These employees
    documented over 5,000 controls within 13 financial cycles, 76
    processes, and 92 financially significant systems. A significant number
    of the controls documented during this process were also tested. The
    assessment resulted in identifying four materials weaknesses which are:
      --Obligations--Forest Service and Commodity Credit Corporation
      --Management Estimates and Accruals--Forest Service and Commodity
            Credit Corporation
      --Producer Payments and Commodity Loans--Commodity Credit Corporation
      --Information Technology Controls--All Organizations
        Software Change Controls
        Disaster Recovery
        Access Control--Logical
        Access Control--Physical
        To manage the internal controls and eliminate material weaknesses,
    the Department has instituted a Senior Management Control Council,
    Chaired by the Deputy Secretary and Co-Chaired by the CFO with its
    committee members comprised of the highest ranking officials in each of
    our agencies and staff offices. The members of this committee are
    dedicated to the proper management and safe keeping of the funds of our
    Nation's tax paying citizens.
        In order to provide the most effective and efficient financial
    operations, this last year we started a dedicated effort of refining
    several of our processes and are actively moving to uniform processes,
    procedures, and systems across USDA. For example, this year we formed a
    grants committee to document the grants process across all mission
    areas of the Department. In the near future, a formal USDA process,
    with all of the correct internal controls, will be formally documented
    and we will start reducing the 13 grant systems into one. This will not
    be a new system, but one developed from a system currently in use in
    one of the agencies. The agency that currently operates that system
    will retain the management of the system while OCFO will manage the
    policy, process changes, and approve system modifications. We are also
    moving toward uniform processes for loans, contract invoices, and
    insurance.
        For all processes, we are moving toward solutions that provide
    electronic interfaces with the customers, automate document flow and
    approvals, and automate payments. The majority of the work will be
    accomplished with USDA employees and software that we currently own.
        Over this last year, we strengthened our policy on measuring
    improper payments to be in better alignment with the Improper Payments
    Act. Under the Act, agencies are required to measure both incorrect
    payment amounts and incomplete qualifying paperwork. Under this new
    policy, the Department continued to reduce incorrect payment amounts,
    but incomplete qualifying paperwork increased. The majority of the
    paperwork errors are in the Farm Service Agency. So as not to
    misinterpret the outcome of the information and to show the
    Department's commitment to correcting the paperwork problem, we met
    with House and Senate Committees. During these meetings we communicated
    both the results and the corrective plan. The agency continues to move
    forward with the corrections and we expect to see a vast reduction in
    paperwork issues in this year's review.
    Financial Systems
        The Department's current primary financial systems were developed
    in the late 1970's and early 1980's. For the 2008 OCFO budget, includes
    a request to continue the replacement of financial systems that are
    critical for payments, reporting, and fiscal management.
        Two financial systems are in need of replacement at USDA. The first
    is the core financial system; the second is the farm payments system.
    Currently the core financial system is comprised of nine general ledger
    systems which have not been supported by the vendor for several years.
    The systems do not meet Federal financial system requirements, and are
    showing the early signs of failure. The primary objective of the
    Financial Management Modernization Initiative (FMMI) is to replace this
    20 year old, outdated mainframe technology providing for Department-
    wide expanded functional capability, full integration of critical
    system components and high-quality production and customer support.
    FMMI also addresses a critical and growing need for better integration
    of program, financial, and budgetary information to support more
    efficient and effective management of USDA's missions and improved
    delivery of programs against established performance goals and
    objectives. Based on both the risk and the savings, we have accelerated
    the implementation timeline of this system to a 3 year implementation.
        The farm payments system is in critical need of modernization
    through replacement. This system manages the requirements and
    interactions of over 120 farm programs to create producer payments. The
    systems are homegrown, in an outdated programming language, and on
    hardware that is no longer manufactured. In addition, the systems
    cannot be modified to meet current Federal IT security requirements.
    Over the years, core financial software vendors have improved their
    products to support broader operational flexibility and requirements.
    Included in the request for proposals (RFP) for FMMI are the
    requirements and business cases to address the basic requirements of a
    modern farm programs system. We believe that the new financial system
    will provide a strong foundation to a modern and upgradeable payment
    system to support the farm programs.
        These critical systems are in the early phases of failure and
    require a multi-year implementation cycle. It is very important that
    the funds for these systems are approved at their requested fiscal year
    2008 budget levels.
    Financial Personnel
        Employee turnover in the Department for fiscal year 2005 equaled
    8.36 percent. The majority of this turnover is related to retirements
    in the Department (4.6 percent). I believe that it is also safe to
    speculate that USDA turnover is impacted by promotions due to
    retirements in other government entities. We project that turnover due
    to retirements will increase by approximately 1 percent each year which
    equals approximately 8 percent (at least 12 percent with other elements
    of turnover) by fiscal year 2009. This high level of turnover places a
    significant amount of responsibility on our management teams, as they
    must transition knowledge based jobs. To address the transition and the
    shrinking workforce, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer is
    training the financial workforce, standardizing and documenting
    processes, and competing work skills that are available in the private
    sector.
        Employee Training.--Office of the Chief Financial Officer has
    started training employees in the skills of Lean Six Sigma, which is
    characterized as an improvement methodology because it uses data to
    identify waste and non-value added activities; reduce them, while
    improving service delivery. Through the Lean Six Sigma process,
    employees' document current business processes and then refine the
    process for a zero tolerance for errors; while using fewer resources
    and improving customer service. In addition, the Office of the Chief
    Financial Officer holds various training sessions every year in order
    to address the knowledge gap in financial and USDA knowledge due to the
    high turnover rate.
        Competitive Sourcing.--Competitive sourcing provides a resource to
    supplement skills and resources of the Department's workforce. The
    Center for Naval Analysis conducted a study titled Long-run Costs and
    Performance Effects of Competitive Sourcing, and found that competition
    drove costs down over 30 percent while improving performance. The
    process is designed to select the competitor who can provide the most
    cost effective service delivery methodology to the Department and
    ultimately the taxpayers. Returns on investment are even greater for
    the activities that agencies have identified most frequently from
    competition: IT, maintenance/property management, logistics, HR/
    personnel servicing and education, and financial management. Two-year
    savings per Full-Time Equivalent studied in these categories generally
    range from $25,000 to $33,000. As required skill sets and technology
    change, the Federal sector, by using an external firm, can be flexible
    in the knowledge skill sets of technology teams by adjusting the
    requirements of the vendor's contract. Our veteran owned companies,
    small and disadvantaged businesses, as well as other private companies
    have been important to the past success of our government and will
    continue important technical skills in the future.
        Recruitment.--Last, we need to continue to recruit employees from
    our nation's universities into the Federal workforce. These young
    employees bring excitement to the work environment and complementary
    technical skills to our knowledge based employees. Since the Federal
    requirements for accounting are slightly different than those taught in
    the universities, we will partner with the USDA Graduate School to
    provide the additional Federal knowledge.
        This comprehensive approach to address the high turnover in the
    financial workforce should provide the Department with the employees
    required for the management and safeguarding of the assets appropriated
    by the Congress.
    National Finance Center
        Before we move to the budget request, I would be remiss if I did
    not discuss the National Finance Center. The National Finance Center
    (NFC), located in New Orleans, provides payroll processing and related
    services for approximately 33 percent of the Federal civilian workforce
    in more than 175 government entities. In fiscal year 2006, the NFC
    processed $30 billion in payroll for approximately 595,000 Federal
    employees. The NFC provides a human resources suite of services to
    approximately 150,000 employees of which 72,000 are USDA employees in
    Farm Service Agency, Rural Development, Natural Resources Conservation
    Service, and Forest Service; and 69,400 Department of Homeland Security
    employees in Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Coast Guard
    and Headquarters. The NFC services the Office of Personnel Management
    performing health benefit reconciliations and health care premium
    processing on a Government-wide level. Finally, the NFC provides
    personnel transaction processing services for several agencies
    including TSA, Coast Guard and Federal Emergency Management Agency
    (FEMA).
        The National Finance Center continues to prove the efficiencies and
    effectiveness of a very focused shared services operation. The payroll,
    human capital, and data center operations continue to be a low cost
    provider with a very high level of customer satisfaction. During fiscal
    year 2006, the NFC operations returned to New Orleans after relocating
    due to Hurricane Katrina. At the time of the return, the New Orleans
    area was still in the early stages of rebuild. The NFC employees have
    endured long lines at the limited number of grocery facilities, the
    constraints of living in FEMA trailers, slow payments of insurance
    proceeds, inflation in the cost of property insurance, and other
    hurdles. In addition, employees have increased workload as the employee
    vacancy rate has increased due to separations and retirements. Even
    with all of these hurdles, the work from the three CFO operations at
    the NFC is exceptional. We are very proud of these employees and
    consider them pioneers in the rebuild of New Orleans. Last year's
    significant results for the National Finance Center include:
      --Reduction of backlogs to pre-Katrina levels.
      --Implementation of the Department of Justice to the payroll system
            (30,000 employees).
      --First stage implementation of Forest Service to the Human Resource
            Line of Business suite of services.
      --Selection of and significant progress on the Primary Computer
            Facility (PCF). As disclosed in our report to Congress, the
            Primary Computer Facility is located at the Denver Federal
            Center. The project is on target to complete the relocation of
            the systems from the temporary disaster recovery facilities to
            the PCF by June 2007.
    Budget of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer
        The OCFO is responsible for the financial management of an
    enterprise with almost $75 billion in annual spending, over 106,000
    full time equivalents (staff years) and over $134 billion in assets.
        Areas of focus for fiscal year 2008 include supporting shared
    services that reduce the cost to USDA mission areas and the Federal
    Government; strengthening the financial operations of the program
    areas; completing uniform processes and procedures; creating efficient
    IT solutions; remediation of deficiencies in internal controls, and
    progressing in the implementation of the systems in critical need of
    replacement.
        Our fiscal year 2008 operating budget request is for $30.8 million,
    which includes increases for 2007 and 2008 pay costs as well as the
    replacement of the core financial system. Approximately 90 percent of
    the OCFO's obligations are for the salaries and benefits of the OCFO
    employees. OCFO is a labor intensive staff office with very little
    ability to absorb pay cost increases without holding a large number of
    positions vacant for the entire fiscal year; thereby adversely
    affecting its ability to lead the Department in the areas of financial
    management, oversight, and guidance necessary to prevent fraud, waste,
    and abuse; reduce risk of improper payments, plan for financial
    systems, and to institute proper internal financial controls. The pay-
    related increases requested are necessary for us to accomplish key
    outcomes and to successfully meet our goals for fiscal year 2008.
        OCFO is requesting an increase in funding to partially fund the
    implementation of the system used to replace our core financial
    management systems and provide a foundation to the farm payments
    system. These systems are in critical need of replacement. As I stated
    above, this core system is replacing nine general ledger systems
    currently operating in USDA and provides the foundation system for the
    modernization of the farm payment system. Currently these systems do
    not meet the requirement of financial systems as required by the
    Federal Financial Management Improvement Act, are showing early signs
    of failure, and are no longer supported by the vendor. If the current
    systems fail, the Department will not be able to report required
    financial information, manage receipts, or produce payments. This
    system will also replace the four general ledger systems and five
    payment modules currently contained in the farm payment systems (all of
    which are no longer supported by the vendor). Continued reliance upon
    this old technology poses unacceptable risks to USDA financial
    operations and data. I greatly appreciate your support in the
    replacement of these key systems.
    USDA Working Capital Fund
        The CFO is responsible for the budget of the Department's Working
    Capital Fund (WCF). The WCF serves as the Department's principal
    investment engine to achieve progress in developing and implementing
    new corporate systems.
        Unobligated Funds.--Under the authority of Congress, USDA is
    allowed to transfer unobligated balances from discretionary accounts
    into the WCF. For fiscal year 2005 the transfer was approximately $2
    million and for fiscal year 2006 the transfer was approximately $4
    million. During that same period we have received capital project
    requests for unobligated funds in excess of $30 million. While all of
    the requests appear to be very important, we have placed a priority to
    statutory obligations. The first obligation is for the capital required
    to meet the reporting requirements of the Transparency Act passed by
    Congress in this fiscal year. The next priority is to meet a small
    amount of the capital requirements of the PCF. As previously reported
    to Congress, the PCF will be operational by June of this year. The
    information concerning the transfer of unobligated funds and the
    capital requests for these funds will be reported to the Committees on
    Appropriations in the near future.
        Working Capital Funds--Capital.--For fiscal year 2007, request for
    the hardware to support corporate systems and facilities equaled $84.5
    million. The Department's available balance for allocation was $24.8
    million. The Department graded the investments with statutory,
    security, and disaster recovery receiving the highest scores for
    funding. Statutory investments include NFC's PFC, NFC's backup
    facility, and Homeland Security Operation Plan system. We are grateful
    for the support and look forward to working with the Committee as we
    repair and improve our corporate systems.
        Working Capital Funds--Operations.--In addition to the investments
    in corporate systems, the WCF supports the operations of our shared
    service activities. These services include financial management,
    information technology, payroll, human capital systems, communications,
    administration, as well as record keeping and item processing. It is
    our objective to use this financing mechanism to provide to the mission
    areas and the Federal Government the most effective cost-efficient
    services available.
        The President's fiscal year 2007 budget estimates that total costs
    for recurring operations in the WCF in fiscal year 2008 will be $534.3
    million, a 3.7 percent increase over the fiscal year 2007 estimate. The
    majority of this increase is to move the Department to a uniform human
    resource system hosted at the National Finance Center and an increase
    in the cost of services at the National Information Technology Center.
    Also included in the fund are such services as: video and
    teleconferencing production services provided by the Broadcast and
    Media Technology Center in the Office of Communications; personal
    property, mail, duplicating, and acquisition system provided by
    Department Administration.
        I would like to point out that the WCF financing mechanism, as a
    reimbursement for goods and services provided, gives us an opportunity
    to refine our estimates as newer and better information becomes
    available regarding customer demand and costs. Our office is working
    with activity centers to review fiscal year 2008 estimates with the
    goal of reducing the cost of individual services that are provided to
    USDA agencies. It was with this objective in mind that we were able to
    submit an operating estimate for fiscal year 2008 that is consistent
    with expected inflation.
        One thing we have done to impose more discipline on costs is to
    require individual activities to begin compiling and reporting costs
    for specific business lines within their respective activities. This
    method is being developed and refined as we move forward in fiscal year
    2007 and will be a critical element as we revisit fiscal year 2008 cost
    estimates. As we begin development of the fiscal year 2009 budget this
    spring, we will be reexamining fiscal year 2008 estimates for more
    economies and savings. As has been the practice for the last 2 fiscal
    years, we will establish spending targets for WCF activities that take
    into account the Department's spending priorities among its agencies
    reflected in the President's budget.
        Last year, we expressed to the Committee our appreciation for all
    of the assistance and support provided to the Department in the wake of
    Hurricane Katrina. It was a critical ingredient in our ability to
    resume normal business operations and recover from that event. We have
    continued to strengthen our business continuity practices, and we are
    working to ensure that in the event of the need to respond to a similar
    natural disaster in the future we are positioned even better to respond
    and ensure uninterrupted service to our customers. For your continued
    support in that effort, we are grateful.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the opportunity to share the results
    we have achieved and our fiscal year 2008 budget request with the
    Subcommittee. We have very dedicated employees that are passionate
    about nature and conservation, food assistance and the Nation's health,
    rural America and renewable energy, food production and safety, and the
    vast benefits of scientific research. The budget for such a large
    Department is an effort based on the goals of our 5 year strategic
    plan, the highest priorities of each mission area, and replacing
    critical support infrastructure. We look forward to working together
    with you and the Subcommittee in fulfilling the vision for financial
    management and accountability we all have for USDA.
                                     ______

      Prepared Statement of Margo M. McKay, Assistant Secretary for Civil
           Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

        Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the
    opportunity to submit this statement supporting the President's fiscal
    year 2008 budget proposal for the United States Department of
    Agriculture's (USDA) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
    (ASCR).
        The Office of the ASCR provides policy guidance, leadership,
    outreach, coordination, training, and complaint prevention and
    processing for USDA. Our mission is to provide equal opportunity, equal
    access and fair treatment for all USDA customers and employees.
        The Office of Civil Rights, under the ASCR, has made significant
    progress in complaint processing and complaint prevention. Overall USDA
    experienced a 15 percent decrease in the number of new Equal Employment
    Opportunity (EEO) complaints filed during fiscal year 2006 as compared
    to fiscal year 2005. The decrease in EEO complaint filing is attributed
    to factors such as increased usage of the Alternative Disputes
    Resolution (ADR) process, improved compliance and accountability, and
    an overall decrease in the size of the workforce.
        We have also strengthened our compliance and outreach efforts. In
    August 2006, we convened our Third Annual Partners' Meeting. This is a
    principal outreach effort for organizations representing underserved
    populations, including minority, small and limited resource farmers.
    These meetings continue dialogue with USDA stakeholders, providing a
    forum through which the voices and concerns of underserved constituents
    can be heard by USDA, and avenues can be found for resolving long-
    standing issues of access and accountability.

                          FISCAL YEAR 2008 OBJECTIVES

        The Office of Civil Rights (CR) has the following strategic
    objectives for fiscal year 2008 that contributes to the Department's
    success. They are to:
      --Ensure employees and applicants are provided equal opportunities in
            all aspects of employment activities.
      --Ensure USDA employment activities are conducted in a
            nondiscriminatory manner and agencies comply with CR/EEO laws,
            rules and regulations related to women, minorities, and persons
            with disabilities.
      --Ensure equal access to USDA programs.
      --Ensure Program and EEO complaints are timely processed.
      --Ensure complaints are processed in an efficient and cost-effective
            manner.
      --Increase USDA-wide awareness and use of Alternative Dispute
            Resolution (ADR), and resolution of conflicts through ADR in
            the early stages of workplace and program disputes (non-civil
            rights).
      --Establish effective outreach programs in the Department to ensure
            equal and timely access to USDA programs and services for all
            customers, with special emphasis on the minority and
            underserved.

                         FISCAL YEAR 2008 KEY OUTCOMES

        CR plans to achieve the following key outcomes in fiscal year 2008:
      --Decrease in the number of individual EEO and Program complaints
            filed.
      --Reduction in the average number of days to process Program and EEO
            complaints to issuance of Report of Investigation and Final
            Agency Decisions.
      --Increase in the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of processing of
            Program and EEO complaints within the regulatory timeframes.
      --Increase in ADR usage.
      --Increase the number of minority, underserved, and socially
            disadvantaged persons made aware of USDA programs and services.

                        FISCAL YEAR 2008 BUDGET REQUEST

        The fiscal year 2008 Appropriation request for CR is $23.1 million.
    The funding request includes increases for the following:
      --Civil Rights Enterprise System Improvements.--Funds for the Civil
            Rights Enterprise System are requested to continue the
            expansion of the complaints processing system. Funding is
            necessary to support the President's Management Agenda
            initiative of expanding electronic government by improving
            complainant/customer access to information about the complaints
            and providing a more accountable mechanism for EEO and Program
            complaint filing. USDA agencies will be able to interface on a
            Web-based system that will provide customers and employees
            real-time data regarding their discrimination complaints. The
            system encompasses a planned multi-year phased approach
            projected through fiscal year 2009. After fiscal year 2009, the
            implementation of the system will be complete and funds will
            only be needed to support operation and maintenance.
      --Compliance Monitoring Activities.--Funding is needed to meet new
            requirements designed to meet the affirmative employment goals
            of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's Management
            Directive 715. In addition, CR will undertake significant
            compliance activities in the field offices. Compliance reviews
            will result in civil rights complaint prevention and new
            complaint reductions.
      --Pay cost.--Funding is needed for the 2007 and 2008 pay raises.
        I would like to emphasize the importance of the Subcommittee's
    approval of the President's $23.1 million budget for CR. The proposed
    budget will help ensure that USDA continues to make substantial
    progress toward providing fair and equitable delivery of our services
    and programs to our customers and protecting the civil rights of USDA
    employees.
                                     ______

     Prepared Statement of Terri Teuber, Director, Office of Communications

        Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee, I am pleased to
    discuss the fiscal year 2008 budget request for the Department of
    Agriculture's Office of Communications (OC).
        When Congress wrote the law establishing the U.S. Department of
    Agriculture in 1862, it said the Department's ``. . . general designs
    and duties shall be to acquire and to diffuse among the people of the
    United States useful information on subjects connected with agriculture
    in the most general and comprehensive sense of the word.'' OC
    coordinates the implementation of that original mandate.
        OC coordinates communications with the public about USDA's
    programs, functions, and initiatives, providing vital information to
    the customers and constituency groups who depend on the Department's
    services for their well-being. For example, OC is coordinating the
    Department's communications efforts relating to the threat of avian
    influenza (AI) and is prepared, if necessary, to activate a Joint
    Information Center (JIC) funded through the Supplemental Appropriation,
    which would support the Department in meeting its obligations in the
    event of an AI detection and/or outbreak. This effort is a follow-on to
    efforts OC has undertaken in the past to inform the public of the
    Department's actions taken to protect animal and human health. OC
    assisted in addressing such serious issues as bovine spongiform
    encephalopathy (BSE), which have been of interest to consumers around
    the world. In addition, OC also coordinates the communications
    activities of USDA's seven major mission areas and provides leadership
    for communications within the Department to USDA employees.
        OC is adopting new technologies to meet the increased demands for
    the dissemination of accurate information in a timely manner. Using the
    Internet, radio, television and teleconference facilities, we are able
    to ensure that the millions of Americans whose lives are affected by
    USDA's programs receive the latest and most complete information. As
    the continuing concern over AI and BSE incidents demonstrate, these
    technologies are a critical resource used by the Secretary and the
    agencies to provide timely information, which helps to maintain
    consumer confidence and stabilize agricultural markets.
        OC's 5-year strategic goal is to provide maximum support to all
    mission areas of the Department in the development of programs and in
    creating awareness among the American public about USDA's initiatives
    and services. This is essential to providing effective customer
    services and efficient program delivery. As a result, we expect more
    citizens, especially those in underserved communities and geographic
    areas, to access helpful USDA services and information. A central
    element of this support is OC's active participation in the
    Department's eGovernment initiative as part of the President's
    Management Agenda. OC plays a key role in ensuring that the
    Department's eGovernment implementation results in the public's
    improved access to more current, accurate, relevant, and organized USDA
    products, services, and information. The USDA.gov portal, managed by
    OC, is customer- or citizen-centric, allowing OC to target information
    by audience preference, subject and personalization. On average, 1.5
    million citizens access the site weekly. The demand by citizens and
    other constituencies for information, via USDA.gov, Web casting,
    electronic mail distribution, teleconferences, and publications, is
    expected to continue to increase.
        OC will continue to take an active role in policy and program
    management discussions by coordinating the public communication of USDA
    initiatives. We will continue to provide centralized operations for the
    production, review, and distribution of USDA information to its
    customers and the general public. Also, we will monitor and evaluate
    the results of these communications. Our staff is instructed to use the
    most effective and efficient communications technology, methods, and
    standards in carrying out communications plans.
        Also, we are focusing on improved communications with USDA
    employees, especially those away from headquarters, which will enhance
    their understanding of USDA's general goals and policy priorities,
    programs and services, and cross-cutting initiatives.
        Our office will continue to work hard to meet our performance goals
    and objectives. We will work to communicate updated USDA regulations
    and guidelines, conduct regular training sessions for USDA
    communications staff about using communication technologies and
    processes to enhance public service, foster accountability for
    communications management performance throughout USDA, and continue to
    work to create a more efficient, effective and centralized OC.
        Increasing availability of USDA information and products to
    underserved communities and geographic areas through USDA's outreach
    efforts is integral to our performance efforts. OC will continue to
    provide equal opportunity for employment and promote an atmosphere that
    values individuals.

                        FISCAL YEAR 2008 BUDGET REQUEST

        OC is requesting a budget of $9,720,000, which includes an increase
    to cover fiscal year 2007 and fiscal year 2008 pay costs.
        As more than 89 percent of OC's obligations are for salaries and
    benefits, the requested increase is vital to support and maintain
    staffing levels for current and projected demands for our products and
    services. While OC has realized some cost savings by replacing high
    grade employees who have retired with lower grade employees, our
    current budget leaves little flexibility for absorbing increased costs.
    In fact, OC would not be able to absorb the increased salary costs in
    fiscal year 2008 without placing considerable constraints on daily
    operations or affecting staff size and therefore the timely delivery of
    information to the public.
        Our central task is to ensure the development of communications
    strategies, which are vital to the overall formation, awareness and
    acceptance of USDA programs and policies. OC has led the adoption of
    content management software which speeds the addition of new material,
    improves our quality control measures to ensure the accuracy of the
    information available through USDA.gov, and reduces the staff time
    required for overall maintenance of the site.
        This improved control greatly reduces the time necessary to post
    important information to the media and the public while providing a
    greater ability to ensure the accuracy of the information. This allows
    OC to use a large document and Web repository, sharing resources and
    information with mission areas and agencies as well as the public.
        OC looks forward to continuing our commitment to the American
    public by providing timely, accurate information about our programs and
    services.
        This concludes my statement, Mr. Chairman. I will be pleased to
    respond to any questions.
                                     ______

              Prepared Statement of Keith Collins, Chief Economist

        Mr. Chairman and members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the
    opportunity to discuss the general economic situation in U.S.
    agriculture as background for the Subcommittee's review of the
    Department of Agriculture's (USDA) fiscal year 2008 budget submission.
    I will review the major factors affecting agricultural markets in the
    coming year and their implications for financial conditions in U.S.
    agriculture.
        U.S. agriculture continues to prosper following the economic
    slowdown at the start of this decade. With solid growth in domestic and
    export demand, large crop harvests, and record-high cattle, broiler and
    milk prices, net cash farm income reached a record high $81.5 billion
    in 2004. In 2005, net cash farm income was nearly as high and the
    second highest on record despite a large increase in crop stocks which
    reduced crop prices; multiple hurricanes that shut down the central
    marketing infrastructure of the country; sharply higher energy prices
    that raised production, marketing and processing costs; continued loss
    of Asian beef markets; and the emergence of global Avian Influenza (AI)
    concerns. In 2006, net cash farm income is estimated at $66.7 billion,
    down from the previous 2 years, reflecting lower milk prices and
    government payments, smaller crop harvests, plus higher production
    expenses, especially energy costs.
        In 2007, global economic growth and food demand is expected to
    remain strong. However, growing demand for biofuels is expected to be
    the key factor driving crop prices. Markets for most major crops will
    experience stronger prices as stock levels decline. In addition,
    continued expansion of livestock production following several years of
    profitable returns could lead to slightly lower market prices for
    cattle and hogs. Weather, energy costs, higher interest rates, and a
    slow recovery of foreign markets due to animal health concerns are also
    likely to be factors affecting economic performance. Together, these
    factors suggest that net cash farm income will rise modestly in 2007.
    Rising expenses will cause financial stress for some farming
    operations, particularly livestock and poultry producers, but the
    overall farm economy is expected to perform above long-term average
    levels with net cash farm income forecast at $67.2 billion, farm
    household income remaining strong, and farm net worth continuing to
    increase.
    Global Economic Growth and Farm Product Demand
        The U.S. economy grew at 3.4 percent in 2006, up from 2005's 3.2
    percent but below 2004's 3.9 percent. For 2007, U.S. Gross Domestic
    Product (GDP) growth is expected to be slightly less than last year.
    The decline in the rate of growth in 2007 from last year is expected to
    be due to slower growth in consumption, weak housing, and tight energy
    markets. Increased tightness in labor markets is likely also to be a
    factor. As the unemployment rate remains low, productivity growth and
    output growth usually remain at or just below trend.
        Real foreign economic growth accelerated in 2006 to 4.0 percent
    from 2005's strong growth rate of 3.7 percent, with many areas
    improving, particularly Western Europe and Asia. This year, Western
    Europe is expected to grow at above 2 percent for the second
    consecutive year, the first time this has happened since 1999-2000.
    Growth in Japan, Canada, and Mexico are expected to be slightly below
    2006. Asia, excluding Japan, will likely grow at 7 percent in 2007,
    above trend for the 4th consecutive year. Foreign economic growth is
    expected to be 3.7 percent in 2007, down slightly from 2006, but well
    above trend, as has been the case beginning in 2004.
        With the U.S. economy expected to have another year of steady
    growth, consumption expenditures on food continue to rise, although the
    rate of growth is likely to decline to near 4.4 percent from the
    unusually high 6 percent growth in 2006. Growth was less than 2.5
    percent during the economic slowdown in 2001 and 2002. This year,
    slower growth in consumer spending on food is likely, as consumers face
    heavy debt loads and high energy costs and are less likely to use
    household assets to finance consumption. Consumer spending, which
    accounts for two-thirds of GDP, increased by 4.4 percent in the last
    quarter of 2006, well above the third-quarter, but a slowdown is
    expected in the first quarter of 2007.
    U.S. Agricultural Trade
        Turning to foreign demand for U.S. agricultural products, our
    latest quarterly forecast for farm exports in fiscal year 2007,
    released in March, is a record-high $78 billion, up $9.3 billion from
    fiscal year 2006's record. Gains are expected across the board in
    grains and feeds, livestock, and horticultural products.
        U.S. agricultural imports are forecast at a record $70 billion, $6
    billion more than in fiscal year 2006. The agricultural trade surplus
    for fiscal year 2007 is forecast at $8 billion, up from $4.7 billion in
    fiscal year 2006.
        While the agricultural export-weighted value of the dollar
    appreciated in the first half of 2006, it has depreciated steadily
    since July, continuing its declining long-term trend from 2001. The
    current period of strong foreign economic growth and continued effects
    of the decline in the value of the dollar from several years ago should
    result in higher U.S. agricultural exports in the future and a modestly
    improving trade balance. However, strong consumption growth in the
    United States and consumers' desire for year-round fruits and
    vegetables, as well as more variety, suggest the trade surplus in the
    future will be smaller than in the past. USDA's long-run projections
    issued February 14, 2007, forecast U.S. agricultural exports rising to
    nearly $94.8 billion by fiscal year 2016 and imports rising at an even
    faster pace to $92.7 billion, leaving a trade surplus of $2.1 billion.
    Major Crops: Supply, Demand, and Price
        The 2005/06 marketing year began with relatively ample world crop
    supplies. Thus, despite declines in production of grains and cotton,
    stocks remained relatively stable year-to-year. Global oilseed
    production was record high in 2005/06, boosting stocks to record
    levels. As a result of these generally plentiful supplies, market
    prices were relatively flat. In 2006/2007, global wheat and coarse
    grain production declined as weather problems affected output. World
    oilseed production set another record and world cotton production rose
    slightly. Global total use this year is expected to rise for rice,
    coarse grains, oilseeds, and cotton. Global wheat use is expected to
    decline modestly, reflecting tighter supplies and higher prices. With
    generally lower production and rising consumption, global stocks of
    most major commodities, except oilseeds, will decline in 2006/2007, and
    grain (wheat and coarse grain) stocks will fall well below last year's
    levels. In the United States, supplies for feed grains, cotton, and
    rice are well below their record levels in 2005/2006. U.S. wheat
    supplies are down sharply from 2005/2006, but soybean supplies set
    another record.
        With world grain consumption during 2006/2007 expected to exceed
    last year's record high and again exceed world production, world grain
    stocks as a percent of total use are expected to fall to 15.5 percent,
    compared with 19.5 percent in 2005/2006. The picture for oilseeds is
    quite different as global soybean production is forecast to be record
    high for the third consecutive year, exceed consumption, and result in
    higher global stocks. For soybeans, global stocks as a percent of use
    is forecast to exceed the high set in 1986. World cotton stocks are
    expected to decline slightly as consumption exceeds production for the
    second consecutive season.
        For the United States, good grain and oilseed harvests and strong
    demand have supported above average farm income in recent years.
    Current market prospects look even brighter as growth in demand,
    particularly for producing biofuels, has pushed grain prices to 10-year
    highs. High grain prices and demand for vegetable oil have also pushed
    soybean prices higher, despite the higher soybean supplies.
        U.S. soybean stocks are expected to be record high at the end of
    2006/2007, rising 132 percent above the level of 2 years ago. This jump
    reflects the bumper harvest this past fall and the highest beginning
    stocks in 20 years. This stock buildup is projected despite expected
    record soybean crush and exports. Still, U.S. soybean prices this
    winter have been strong in the face of the prospective stock buildup,
    reflecting higher corn prices, purchases by index funds, and strong,
    biodiesel-driven soybean oil prices. For the year as a whole, the farm
    price received for soybeans is expected to average $6.30 per bushel
    compared with $5.66 last marketing year. Despite prospects for record
    production in the Southern Hemisphere and the increase in U.S. stocks,
    soybean prices will likely remain strong in the second half of the
    year, reflecting relatively high corn prices.
        For 2007/2008, high corn prices relative to soybeans likely will
    cause a sharp swing away from soybean planting. We expect a reduction
    in soybean planted area of about 5 million acres. Lower planted area,
    combined with trend yields, would result in production below expected
    use; consequently, carryover levels would decline significantly.
    Reduced production, lower stocks, and high corn prices should keep
    soybean prices strong into 2007/2008.
        The U.S. corn market in 2006/2007 is expected to see a second year
    of declining carryover as ending stocks fall markedly from 2005/2006.
    Corn prices have risen sharply since September 2006 when the market
    began to reflect the extraordinary ongoing expansion in corn-based
    ethanol production capacity. Additional factors supporting the rapid
    rise in corn prices have been the decline in 2006-crop corn acreage and
    yield and strong export demand. Farm-level corn prices are expected to
    average $3.20 per bushel this marketing year, up substantially from
    $2.00 per bushel last year. The increase in prices nearly eliminated
    loan deficiency payments (LDPs) and marketing loan gains (MLGs) for
    2006-crop corn. As of March 2007, LDPs and MLGs totaled only $3 million
    on 2006-crop corn with all of these payments occurring in the first
    weeks of the marketing year. For the 2005 crop, LDPs and MLGs totaled
    $4.6 billion, with 97 percent of that year's production receiving an
    average payment of $0.42 per bushel.
        Biofuels is now the most important influence on corn and other crop
    markets. Ethanol production this marketing year is expected to account
    for 20 percent of U.S. corn production. The USDA's long-term
    projections to 2016, released on February 14, 2007, project ethanol
    production will account for 30 percent of corn use by 2009/2010 and
    drive corn prices to $3.75 per bushel. Biodiesel production has
    increased from less than a half million gallons in 1999 to over 225
    million in 2006, equivalent to 8 percent of soybean oil production.
        In 2004, ethanol accounted for about 2 percent of motor gasoline
    use in the United States on a volume basis. Under the Department of
    Energy's Annual Energy Outlook 2007, ethanol use is expected to grow to
    over 7 percent of motor gasoline use by 2010. The USDA projections to
    2016 put corn-based ethanol production at 11 billion gallons by 2010/
    2011. This would be a 3-fold increase in corn ethanol production since
    2004/2005.
        As a result of higher prices and returns for corn fueled by the
    expansion in ethanol use, corn area is expected to expand by about 9
    million acres in 2007. Much of this increase will come from soybeans.
    Additionally, area for cotton, hay, and other crops are all expected to
    decline to meet the demand for more corn production. Even with higher
    acreage and production, corn ending stocks are likely to tighten again
    in 2007/2008 and remain at relatively tight levels in the coming years
    as ethanol demand continues to be strong.
        The 2006/2007 wheat market reflects tighter world supplies, but
    continued strong demand. U.S. wheat stocks at the end of this marketing
    year are projected to decline from their levels in 2005/2006 as a
    result of weather problems that reduced yields in 2006. Farm prices are
    forecast to average $4.25 per bushel, up from $3.42 in 2005/2006 and
    $3.40 in 2004/2005. Prices in 2006/2007 have been boosted by weather
    problems in the United States and in Australia that reduced this year's
    production. Wheat prices have also benefited from rising corn prices.
        For 2007/2008, wheat acreage, which has been trending downward over
    the past 25 years, is expected to increase by nearly 3 million acres
    due to higher prices last fall that encouraged more seeding of winter
    wheat. Heavy fall rains limited seeding in the eastern Corn Belt, but
    the area is up for all classes of winter wheat. Yield prospects for the
    2007 crop remain favorable at this time as winter storms have brought
    much needed precipitation to the Central and Southern Plains. Global
    wheat production prospects are also good with most major wheat
    producing countries expected to expand acreage in 2007 because of
    strong prices. Weather in most of the major-producing countries has
    remained favorable for winter seeded crops. This suggests global wheat
    production will rise in 2007/2008. Based on trend yields, U.S. wheat
    production is expected to rebound in 2007, hitting its highest level
    since 2003. Despite higher expected demand, especially for feeding,
    ending stocks are expected to increase. Prices, however, are expected
    to be higher than in 2006/2007 as higher corn prices put a floor under
    wheat feeding value.
        U.S. cotton production fell 9 percent in 2006/2007 from the
    previous year's record, however, carryover stocks are still expected to
    rise for the third consecutive year and reach nearly 9 million bales.
    The increase is the result of declining domestic textile mill use and
    cotton exports. U.S. cotton mill use continues to trend down as textile
    mill activity continues to move offshore. Mill use this year is
    forecast at 5 million bales, compared with 5.9 million last season.
    Exports are forecast to decline by over 20 percent from last year's
    record to 14.0 million bales. Lower exports are due mainly to reduced
    import demand by China, the largest U.S. customer. Farm prices of
    cotton have been running about the same as year-ago levels. For 2007/
    2008, lower acreage and production are expected to support prices. With
    the prospect of stronger exports due to rising world demand, ending
    stocks will likely decline.
        Tighter domestic rice supplies and higher global prices have helped
    to boost U.S. farm prices in 2006/2007. The global rice market is a
    major factor contributing to strong U.S. farm prices as global ending
    stocks are expected to be the lowest since 1983/1984 and the lowest
    stocks-to-use ratio since 1981/1982. The season-average-farm price is
    forecast at $9.85 per cwt, over $2 per cwt above the year earlier
    average price and the highest since 1996/1997. Rice ending stocks are
    forecast at 31 million cwt, down from carry-in stocks of 43 million
    cwt. Medium and short grain stocks, at about 8 million cwt, are the
    tightest since 1998/1999.
        A reduction in area in 2006 led to a decline in production. Higher
    fuel and fertilizer prices, difficulty acquiring bank loans, and
    weather-related problems in some areas--especially Louisiana and parts
    of Arkansas--accounted for much of the area decline in the South. A
    second consecutive cold, wet spring prevented California growers from
    boosting rice acreage, despite high prices and expectations of tight
    global supplies of medium-grain rice.
        On the demand side, impact in some markets from the discovery of
    trace elements of a genetically engineered strain of rice--Liberty Link
    Rice 601 (LL601)--in U.S. long-grain supplies and reduced production
    are behind expectations of weaker U.S. exports in 2006/2007--forecast
    at 102 million cwt, down 12 percent from the year earlier. Despite an
    expected drop in exports to Europe due to the European Union's
    rejection of U.S. rice due to LL601, U.S. exports to markets in the
    Western Hemisphere, Northeast Asia, and the Middle East are expected to
    be strong.
        For 2007/2008, U.S. farm prices of rice are expected to strengthen
    on continued tight domestic supplies and firm global prices. Planted
    area is expected to be about the same as 2006 with a rebound in
    California, but a reduction in area in the South. Higher net returns
    for competing crops--mostly corn, restrictions on the planting of
    Clearfield CL131 seed and low government payments could lead to reduced
    rice planted area in the South. Total use and ending stocks are
    expected to be about the same as 2006/2007.
        Farm program costs for the 2006 program crops are sharply lower due
    to higher grains and oilseeds prices. Counter-cyclical payments are
    projected at $1.5 billion, down from $4.7 billion from the 2005 crops.
    Outlays for 2006-crop marketing loan benefits are projected at $900
    million, down substantially from $6.3 billion for the 2005 crops.
    Program crop producers also receive more than $5.2 billion annually in
    direct payments.
        The 2006/2007 sugar market has differed from other crops this year
    as prices have declined, returning from the extreme highs attained when
    hurricanes drastically reduced supplies in 2005/2006. To meet this
    year's demand and help relieve market tightness, USDA increased import
    quotas above the minimums established under the World Trade
    Organization. However, 2006/2007 sugar imports, forecast at 2 million
    tons, would be down from 3.4 million tons last year.
        Farm sales of fruits, nuts, vegetables, and nursery and greenhouse
    products are expected to remain steady at $53 billion in 2007,
    accounting for 40 percent of all crop cash receipts. Fiscal year 2007
    U.S. horticultural exports are forecast at $18.4 billion and imports at
    $31.2 billion, indicating a continuing widening of the sector's
    traditional trade deficit.
    Livestock & Livestock Products: Production, Demand, and Price
        Turning to livestock and poultry markets, U.S. red meat and poultry
    exports are expected to reach a record high in 2007. Pork exports are
    forecast to lead the way, increasing for the 17 consecutive year and
    exceeding 3.1 billion pounds carcass weight or 14.6 percent of
    production. After depressed sales in early 2006, poultry sales
    increased as foreign concerns about AI abated and United States broiler
    meat prices declined. Broiler exports likely will increase to 5.4
    billion pounds in 2007, but fall short of the record 5.6 billion pounds
    exported in 2001. Beef exports are expected to increase with the
    gradual expansion of exports to Japan and Korea. However, Korea's
    import restrictions and Japan's age limits on imported beef from the
    United States continue to limit growth. Although total beef exports are
    expected to increase 17 percent to 1.3 billion pounds in 2007, the
    level of exports will remain below the 2003 pre-bovine spongiform
    encephalopathy level of 2.5 billion pounds.
        Total U.S. production of meat and poultry is expected to be record-
    high in calendar year 2007, but nearly flat growth in supplies of
    broiler meat are expected to support higher broiler prices and help
    maintain cattle and hog prices near last year's levels. For livestock
    and poultry producers, feed prices will be an important component of
    producer production decisions in the upcoming year.
        Beef production is currently forecast to increase 1.6 percent in
    2006 as both slaughter numbers increase. Slaughter weights could
    decline in 2006 due to higher feed prices. Steer prices will likely
    remain near last year's $85.41 per cwt and average $84-$89 per cwt.
    Poor forage conditions resulted in higher cow slaughter during 2006 as
    many producers lacked sufficient forage resources to support their
    herds. Herd expansion is expected to be slow as the January Cattle
    report indicated a small calf crop and producers expected to retain 0.5
    percent fewer heifers for addition to the beef breeding herd.
        Pork production in 2007 will expand about 2.6 percent, marking the
    7 year of expansion as producers continue to respond to favorable
    returns over the last several years. Given farrowing intentions
    reported in the most recent Hogs and Pigs report, inventories will
    continue to expand, albeit at slower rates. The increase in 2007
    production primarily will reflect increased slaughter as weight gains
    will be limited as producers respond to higher feed prices. Hog prices
    are expected to reflect the increased production, declining from 2006's
    $47.26 per cwt to average $45-47 per cwt.
        Broiler producers have endured several periods of low returns due
    to relatively low broiler prices in 2005 and 2006 and higher feed
    costs. Consequently, producers reduced chicks placed in 2006, resulting
    in the lowest rate of production growth since the early 1980s.
    Production growth in 2007 is expected to be even slower. With tighter
    broiler meat supplies, prices are expected to average 72-77 cents per
    pound in 2007, up 16 percent from 2006.
        Milk producers are expected to respond to higher feed prices and
    lower 2006 milk prices by modestly reducing cow inventories and as a
    result, the rate of growth of milk production in 2007 will be slower
    than in 2006. Production in 2006 increased almost 3 percent and the
    all-milk price declined to $12.90 per cwt from $15.15 per cwt in 2005.
    Output per cow in 2006 was affected by abnormally high temperatures in
    much of the country during the summer, but growth is expected to follow
    a more normal pattern in 2007. Demand for dairy products, both
    domestically and for export, is expected to remain relatively firm in
    2007. Commercial exports of nonfat dry milk and whey are likely to
    remain strong, reflecting limited supplies from competing exporters.
    Domestic demand for cheese and butter is also likely to remain firm,
    thus, prices of cheese, butter, nonfat dry milk, and whey are all
    forecast higher in 2007 and will support the all-milk price at $15.05-
    $15.65 per cwt. With product prices above support, no Commodity Credit
    Corporation net removals are forecast.
    Implications for the Financial Situation of U.S. Agriculture
        Net cash farm income declined to $66.7 billion in 2006 from the
    record and near record levels of 2004 and 2005 but is expected to be
    slightly higher at $67.2 billion in 2007. This year strong crop prices
    and a modest increase in livestock receipts are expected to lead to a
    $16 billion rise in cash receipts to a record-high $258.7 billion. This
    large increase in cash receipts is not translating into a large
    increase in net cash farm income because much of the increase in market
    receipts is expected to be offset by higher cash expenses and declining
    government payments.
        In 2005, government payments to producers were a record high $24.3
    billion, declined to $16.3 billion in 2006, and are expected to fall to
    $12.4 billion in 2007. In 2005, increased marketing loan costs, higher
    counter-cyclical payments, ad hoc disaster assistance, and tobacco
    program buyout payments, all contributed to higher government payments.
    Lower ad hoc disaster payments, marketing assistance loan outlays, and
    counter-cyclical payments will combine to reduce direct government
    payments in 2007, as they did in 2006.
        Cash production expenses are expected to rise 6 percent, or $12.2
    billion, in 2007 following increases of 5 percent in 2006 and 7 percent
    in 2005. Energy-related inputs (fertilizer, lime, fuels, oils, and
    electricity) increased by $1.9 billion in 2006 and are expected to rise
    by nearly $1 billion in 2007. Fuels and oils expenses are expected to
    moderate in 2007 as the Department of Energy projects that diesel
    prices in 2007 will fall by 1.8 percent from 2006.
        Farm household income is also expected to recover in 2007, after
    its first decline in 7 years in 2006. At over $80,700 in 2006, farm
    household income would still be 20 percent higher than in 2003 and well
    above the average of all U.S. households.
        Farm real estate values are expected to rise again in 2007,
    following a 7.5 percent gain in 2006. Another land value increase would
    continue the recent strong improvement in the farm sector balance
    sheet. The ratio of real estate value to net cash farm income, a
    concept similar to a price-to-earnings ratio, is forecast to remain
    high in 2007, near the highest level since the early 1980s. Between
    2003 and 2006, farm net worth went up by $510 billion or about $170
    billion per year, which is far more than the annual increase in farm
    income and farm debt. In 2007, increases in farm real estate values are
    expected to slow to 4.7 percent and farm net worth is expected to
    increase by $66 billion. Farm net worth is expected to reach another
    record high at $1.76 trillion by the end of 2007, and the debt-to-
    equity ratio is forecast to remain at 13.4 percent, which would be the
    lowest on record.
        A return to slightly above average national farm income, for the
    second consecutive year, is likely to keep U.S. agriculture on a
    sustainable foundation. Most production sectors in U.S. agriculture are
    expected to see net cash income the same or higher in 2007, with hogs
    being the main exception. Farm prosperity in the coming year will be
    influenced by the durability of the United States foreign economic
    growth, oil prices, the value of the dollar, the ongoing biofuels
    production expansion and its impacts for feed costs, and trade-related
    animal health issues. The outcome of trade and farm bill negotiations
    will also be crucial determinants of the future direction of U.S.
    agriculture.

                        FISCAL YEAR 2008 BUDGET REQUEST

        The Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) advises the Secretary of
    Agriculture on the economic implications of USDA policies, programs and
    proposed legislation. OCE serves as the focal point for the Nation's
    agricultural economic intelligence and projections, risk analysis,
    global change issues, and cost-benefit analysis related to domestic and
    international food and agriculture, provides policy direction for the
    Department's bioenergy and biobased product programs, and is
    responsible for coordination, review and clearance of all commodity and
    aggregate agricultural and food-related data used to develop outlook
    and situation material within the Department.
        The OCE budget request for fiscal year 2008 is $11,347,000, which
    includes an increase of $360,000 for 2007 and 2008 pay costs. The
    budget request also includes an increase of $500,000 for the Methane-
    to-Markets Initiative. The Methane-to-Markets Partnership is designed
    to promote cost-effective, near-term methane recovery internationally
    through partnerships with fourteen other countries, including Russia,
    China, the United Kingdom, Italy, Mexico, and Brazil. Under this
    initiative, USDA will promote the international adoption of
    technologies to reduce methane emissions from animal waste systems and
    demonstrate United States leadership in reducing methane emissions.
        USDA support for the Methane-to-Markets Partnership will be used
    to: identify and promote areas of bilateral, multilateral, and private
    sector collaboration on methane recovery and use; develop emissions
    estimates and identify the largest relevant emission sources to
    facilitate project development; identify cost-effective opportunities
    to recover methane emissions and potential financing mechanisms to
    encourage investment; improve the legal, regulatory, financial,
    institutional and other conditions necessary to attract investment in
    methane recovery and utilization projects; identify and implement
    collaborative projects aimed at addressing specific challenges to
    methane recovery, such as raising awareness in key stakeholders,
    removing barriers to project development and implementation,
    identifying project opportunities, and demonstrating technologies; and
    develop and implement a process for evaluating progress and reporting
    results.
        That completes my comments and thank you.

                                     ______

    Prepared Statement of Phyllis K. Fong, Inspector General, Office of the
                               Inspector General

        Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony to the
    Subcommittee about the Office of Inspector General's (OIG) recent and
    ongoing audit and investigative work, and our fiscal year 2008 Budget
    Request.
        My testimony presents the highlights of our audit and investigative
    work for the period of March 2006-March 2007. OIG conducted extensive
    work in 2006 on important issues and USDA activities regarding food
    safety, the risks posed by plant and animal-based diseases, fraud that
    impairs vital nutrition and hurricane-relief programs, and financial
    management accountability within USDA agencies.
        To ensure that OIG devotes its resources to the most pressing
    issues and challenges facing USDA agencies, stakeholders, and
    consumers, we have formally prioritized our work and organized our
    resources according to three Strategic Goals. They are improving
    Safety, Security, and Public Health in USDA operations; enhancing
    Program Integrity in the many USDA benefit programs that touch the
    lives of your constituents; and oversight work regarding USDA's
    Management of Public Resources. This statement presents the key
    elements of our recent and current work to the Subcommittee under the
    framework of these three strategic priorities.

                      SAFETY, SECURITY, AND PUBLIC HEALTH

        One of OIG's top priorities is conducting independent and
    professional audits and investigations to protect the safety and
    security of USDA entities and the many agricultural stakeholders and
    consumers who benefit from USDA operations each day. In fiscal year
    2006, we issued 12 audit reports involving safety, security, and public
    health issues related to USDA programs and operations. During the
    fiscal year, OIG referred a total of 120 cases for prosecution.
    Assessing the Performance of Consumer Safety Inspectors in Meat and
            Poultry Establishments
        In our prior audits we determined that the Food Safety and
    Inspection Service's (FSIS) management control system needed
    strengthening to ensure accountability of consumer safety inspector
    performance. A key component of the FSIS management control system is
    the In-Plant Performance System (IPPS), which was established to
    strengthen supervision and improve inspector accountability. In
    response to several OIG audits, FSIS has cited IPPS reviews as a
    critical measure to improve monitoring of food safety at meat and
    poultry establishments.
        In our most recent audit of this area, issued in 2006, we evaluated
    the adequacy of agency policy and procedures related to preparing for,
    executing, and monitoring IPPS reviews. FSIS did not require
    supervisors to complete and/or document the completion of all IPPS
    review procedures when evaluating inspectors. In 84 percent of the
    inspector assessments OIG reviewed, certain elements of inspector
    duties--some of which could be considered critical \1\--were not
    addressed. We found that FSIS did not have a system to schedule and
    track the completion of IPPS reviews and supervisors were not required
    to use the extensive guidance available to help them prepare for the
    reviews. As a result, supervisors had not used significant segments of
    the guidance to enhance their onsite review of consumer safety
    inspectors.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \1\ Such as hazard analysis and critical control point system
    procedures.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        FSIS agreed to closely monitor field managers and supervisors
    involved in the IPPS process, analyze IPPS review data, and
    periodically evaluate the IPPS review process. FSIS also agreed to
    revise its guidance to require supervisors to examine specific data
    sources and system reports before performing an IPPS review and
    complete and provide narratives for all IPPS review elements during an
    inspector's performance rating period.
    Improving Pathogen Reduction Testing in Meat and Poultry Establishments
        The Pathogen Reduction Enforcement Program (PREP) is a system used
    to support FSIS' pathogen reduction efforts by scheduling
    microbiological product sampling at FSIS-inspected meat and poultry
    establishments and generating automated reports that allow FSIS
    managers to monitor both the sampling process and the results of
    laboratory tests.
        OIG evaluated the effectiveness of FSIS' process for scheduling and
    conducting microbiological testing of meat and poultry products. We
    found that in the testing programs for the adulterants E. coli 0157:H7
    and Listeria monocytogenes, FSIS had developed procedures to transfer
    establishment data from the Performance Based Inspection System (PBIS)
    to the PREP (two separate systems) and was selecting the identified
    meat and poultry establishments for testing within reasonable
    timeframes.
        However, we found that Salmonella testing program controls needed
    strengthening to ensure that all applicable establishments are included
    in the universe for microbiological testing. A significant number of
    establishments were excluded from Salmonell a testing due to
    ineffective processes for identifying establishments eligible for
    testing. FSIS district office personnel did not fully understand the
    process for inserting/updating establishments into the testing
    database. In one district we visited, 28 percent of the establishments
    subject to Salmonella testing were excluded from testing. We also found
    that establishments whose slaughter or processing activity falls below
    a specific threshold or produces non-intact beef products (such as raw
    ground beef sausages and meatballs) were also excluded from the
    universe for testing.
        We recommended that FSIS strengthen its procedures to ensure that
    all establishments subject to Salmonella testing are identified and
    modify PBIS to allow PREP to draw establishment information for testing
    from PBIS rather than depend on manual updates. The agency should
    develop a risk assessment to support its policy for excluding low-
    volume establishments from Salmonella testing or conduct testing in all
    plants. Further, FSIS should obtain scientific advice to evaluate
    whether its policy of not testing certain raw ground beef products for
    E. coli O157:H7 contamination should be continued. FSIS officials
    generally agreed with OIG's findings and recommendations.
    Assessing FSIS Oversight of State Meat and Poultry Inspection Programs
        FSIS has oversight responsibility for State meat and poultry
    inspection (MPI) programs to ensure that meat and poultry products sold
    intrastate meet inspection standards ``at least equal to'' \2\ Federal
    laws and regulations. OIG initiated a review to examine the
    effectiveness of FSIS management controls and procedures to ensure that
    State MPI programs were ``at least equal to'' Federal inspection
    programs.
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        \2\ As established by the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the
    Poultry Products Inspection Act.
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        We determined that FSIS was not providing timely oversight of State
    MPI programs. From October 2003 through June 2005, FSIS had conducted
    only 8 initial onsite reviews from a total of 28 State MPI programs.
    After our fieldwork began and since July 2005, FSIS initiated reviews
    of 16 more State MPI programs and developed plans to conduct the 4
    remaining reviews prior to the end of fiscal year 2006. Completing the
    review process is important, especially since four of the eight
    programs initially reviewed needed corrective actions to achieve ``at
    least equal to'' Federal standards.\3\
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        \3\ FSIS issued a report in January 2007 that contained the results
    of all 28 reviews.
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        Moreover, FSIS had not performed timely onsite fiscal reviews and
    reviews of new programs and did not timely implement its year-end grant
    closeout procedures to ensure that State MPI programs promptly returned
    any excess Federal funds. FSIS had not recovered $260,201 in excess
    Federal funds from one State for fiscal year 2004. In this State,
    during fiscal year 1997-2004, unnecessary interest costs of
    approximately $100,000 were incurred by the Federal Government because
    the State retained unused Federal funds.
        OIG made numerous program improvement recommendations based upon
    this audit. We recommended that FSIS establish criteria to determine
    how deficiencies in meat processing establishments affect State
    acceptability determinations. FSIS should analyze the staffing
    requirements of State MPI programs and confirm that laboratories adhere
    to standards ``at least equal to'' Federal requirements. The agency
    needs to eliminate the backlog of onsite fiscal reviews and perform
    timely, year-end grant closeouts of State MPI programs and seek prompt
    recovery of $260,201 from the identified State MPI program. FSIS
    responded positively to OIG's recommendations, and management decision
    was reached on 6 of the 12 recommendations.
    The USDA Response to Avian Influenza
        The emergence of highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) as a
    potential pandemic has rapidly changed the environment in which the
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) operates. The
    November 1, 2005, issuance of the President's strategy for the
    preparation, detection, and response to a pandemic accelerated APHIS'
    actions in dealing with AI. The strategy recognizes roles for all
    segments of society, including Federal, State, local and Tribal
    governments, private industry, international trade partners, and
    individual citizens.
        In our June 2006 review of APHIS' oversight of Avian Influenza
    (AI), we concluded that APHIS has made commendable progress in
    developing plans and establishing the networks necessary to prepare
    for, and respond to, outbreaks of AI. However, APHIS had not yet
    developed a comprehensive approach for surveillance and monitoring of
    AI in domestic poultry. APHIS relies on a variety of voluntary State
    and commercial programs to monitor and test domestic poultry and wild
    birds. Because these programs are voluntary, APHIS did not know the
    extent of surveillance activity in place and was not gathering
    consistent data to properly detect changes in epidemiological
    parameters (e.g., subtype of AI or rate of prevalence) or to report
    incidents of AI in accordance with new international trade
    requirements.
        In regard to USDA's National AI Preparedness and Response Plan, OIG
    found that APHIS needed to provide additional guidance on preparing and
    responding to HPAI or notifiable AI outbreaks in live bird markets or
    other ``off farm'' environments.\4\ APHIS also needed to clarify
    actions that employees should take in obtaining and administering
    necessary vaccines and anti-virals in the event that a culling
    operation for HPAI occurs. Finally, APHIS needed to finalize
    interagency coordination on the process and procedures for notifying
    owners of susceptible animals of the current infectivity risks and the
    necessary protective actions they should take when an outbreak of AI
    occurs. In its response, APHIS described a number of initiatives
    planned and in process to address our concerns.
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        \4\ The plan is intended to complement regional, State, and
    industry plans that are written to be more specific to local issues and
    needs. States should continue to develop plans that are specific to
    their poultry industries and requirements. The USDA/APHIS plan will
    evolve as additional information and experience is gained.
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        OIG currently has a related audit underway. We are evaluating the
    effectiveness of APHIS' implementation of the Homeland Security
    Council's National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza (issued May 2006).
    We will also follow up with the agency on its corrective actions
    responding to our prior audit.
    Targeting the Smuggling of Animals and Plant Products
        The smuggling of animals and animal/plant products into the United
    States is of significant concern. The smuggling of these products
    presents both a human health risk and a risk to the United States'
    animal and plant populations because of the potential for the
    transmission of disease.
        OIG works closely with USDA regulatory agencies such as APHIS and
    FSIS that enforce standards for the importation for meat, poultry, and
    live animals into the United States. As stated in our testimony before
    the Subcommittee last year, OIG works with USDA agencies to achieve a
    balance among risk mitigation efforts, regulatory investigations, and
    criminal investigations when such products are smuggled into the United
    States. To achieve this goal, we have been working to establish
    protocols to clarify each USDA agency's role in response to smuggling.
    We anticipate the Department will issue these protocols this summer.
        One of the groups in which OIG is participating is an interagency
    working group comprised of both regulatory and law enforcement agencies
    from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of
    Justice, and the Department of Interior. While the initial objective of
    this working group was to improve smuggling investigations concerning
    HPAI, OIG's participation has also improved our investigative
    capabilities to respond to smuggling investigations involving any type
    of prohibited product. The inter-agency working group fostered
    productive relationships and communications between OIG and those
    departments and more clearly defined our respective roles.
        OIG participated in a joint investigation at the Port of Newark
    known as ``Operation Fowl Play.'' The investigation led to the seizure
    of approximately 1 million pounds of prohibited poultry, fowl, meat,
    pork, vegetables, fruit, and other merchandise over several months. The
    investigation, which began in 2005, involved several New York based
    companies responsible for importing these products from China.
    Preparing for Agricultural Emergency Situations and Wildland Fire
            Fatalities
        OIG's Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Wildland Fire Investigation
    Team (WFIT) engaged in training and were both actively deployed in
    fiscal year 2006. The ERT has the capability to safely and effectively
    respond to criminal acts that could threaten or compromise the United
    States' food supply, agricultural infrastructure, or USDA facilities.
    The WFIT is responsible for conducting an independent investigation
    into the deaths of any Forest Service (FS) firefighters who are killed
    as a result of a burnover or entrapment. We thank the Members of the
    Subcommittee for your continued support of these important programs.
        During 2006, ERT members participated in several tabletop exercises
    concerning AI and Foot and Mouth Disease, attended Food Defense
    Exercises, and State and local emergency preparedness meetings. Our ERT
    works with various Federal, State, and local agencies to educate them
    about the assistance and resources OIG can provide when an agriculture-
    related incident occurs. Coordination with and outreach to our
    counterparts at the State and local level is vital to build the skills
    and partnerships necessary for effective, multilevel government
    responses to agricultural emergencies.
        During the execution of a search warrant in one investigation in
    2006, the ERT assisted with the identification and depopulation of game
    fowl at an illegal cockfighting pit in Oklahoma. Birds utilized in
    animal fighting competitions present a health risk to humans and
    animals because the birds may carry infectious diseases such as Exotic
    Newcastle Disease and AI.
        Our WFIT members undergo extensive training to gain the skills and
    experience necessary to conduct wildland fire-related
    investigations.\5\ The OIG agents comprising the WFIT attend the FS'
    Basic Fire Academy that incorporates training in Incident Command,
    Basic Wildfire Suppression Orientation, Firefighter Training,
    Introduction to Wildland Fire, and Interagency Serious Accident
    Investigation Training. In October 2006, WFIT members responded to the
    Esperanza Fire that claimed the lives of five FS fire engine crew
    members near Cabazon, California. WFIT members arrived at the site
    within 24 hours of the fatalities to begin organizing their
    investigation. OIG's investigation of the circumstances leading to the
    Esperanza Fire deaths is ongoing.
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        \5\  Public Law 107-203, enacted July 24, 2002, established the
    statutory requirement for a USDA-OIG investigation of FS fatalities
    occurring due to wildland fires.
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    The Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Program
        APHIS administers the Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Program
    (BTEP) that was established in 1917 to eliminate bovine tuberculosis
    (TB) in the United States. Because of concerns we previously identified
    regarding the agency's systemic classification and testing of relevant
    TB cases in one State, OIG conducted a more comprehensive audit of
    APHIS' administrative controls over BTEP. We found that APHIS had made
    improvements to BTEP since the Secretary's Emergency Declaration in
    October 2000,\6\ but weaknesses in oversight made it difficult for the
    agency to timely detect and eradicate the disease. APHIS' status
    system--important because it dictates the extent of Federal testing and
    movement controls for cattle in each State or zone--did not capture
    most TB cases. From fiscal year 2001 through 2005, 272 TB-infected
    cattle were detected through slaughter surveillance, but APHIS excluded
    96 percent from the status system because it could not locate the
    source herd or find an additional infected animal in that herd.
    Approximately 75 percent of the TB-infected cattle detected through
    slaughter surveillance originated in Mexico, and these animals spent
    months at U.S. farms and feedlots with no restrictions to prevent
    commingling with domestic cattle. Mexican cattle are tested before
    entry, but APHIS had not established controls to compensate for the 3-
    to2 month TB incubation period.
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        \6\  The emergency declaration authorized the transfer of $44.1
    million from emergency contingency funds to APHIS to expand the TB
    eradication program.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        We recommended that APHIS perform program reviews periodically;
    review and approve States' annual and monthly reports and use them to
    assess/minimize areas of highest risk; enhance its two key BTEP control
    functions (the status classification and slaughter surveillance
    systems); and strengthen movement/testing controls to address the
    disease's incubation period. The agencies agreed to take corrective
    actions based on our findings and recommendations.
    Agricultural Inspection Efforts on the U.S. Border
        With the creation of DHS in March 2003, U.S. Customs and Border
    Protection (CBP) assumed responsibility to inspect agricultural goods
    arriving at U.S. ports while APHIS retained responsibility for
    agriculture related policies and procedures. We issued a report in
    February 2007 from our joint review with DHS-OIG of border inspection
    issues. We assessed selected agricultural inspection activities that
    were transferred to CBP.
        Our joint review found that CBP generally complied with
    agricultural inspection requirements at the ports we visited. However,
    improvements are needed regarding risk identification activities. CBP's
    sampling for Agricultural Quarantine Inspection Monitoring (AQIM)--
    which helps USDA predict future risks to agriculture from pests/
    diseases--did not meet sampling requirements for 13 of 18 pathway
    activities at four ports.\7\ CBP also lacks a current staffing model
    for agriculture specialists and performance measures for many
    activities that would ensure personnel are used effectively.
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        \7\ Such as air passengers and truck cargo AQIM inspections.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        APHIS officials agreed to develop a risk assessment process for
    incoming rail cargo. However, agency officials cite operational
    difficulties (such as obtaining timely cargo manifests) as a barrier to
    developing a workable system. APHIS has not yet issued policies and
    uniform procedures to clearly define how transportation/export
    shipments will be monitored. We also found that APHIS needs to issue
    instructions to CBP clarifying APHIS policy on labeling and packaging
    seized agricultural products.
            protecting and improving the integrity of usda programs
        OIG's second strategic priority is audit and investigative work to
    protect the integrity and efficiency of USDA programs and benefits. A
    substantial amount of OIG's audit and investigation resources in fiscal
    year 2006 were focused on Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Risk Management
    Agency (RMA) programs and operations. OIG continues to work to combat
    fraud and deter criminal activity in farm programs, such as payment
    limitations, crop insurance, and conversion of mortgaged property.
        Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) programs providing food assistance
    to needy Americans is a major portion of USDA's annual budget--the Food
    Stamp Program helps over 26 million people each month, and 15.5 million
    children receive a free or reduced-price school lunch. Fraud in FNS
    programs such as the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Food Stamp,
    and the Children and Adult Care Feeding Programs remains a high
    priority for OIG.
    USDA Compliance with the Improper Payments Information Act
        Within USDA, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) is
    designated as the lead agency for coordinating and reporting on the
    Department's efforts to implement the Improper Payments Information Act
    (IPIA). OCFO has designated IPIA compliance as a top priority for
    fiscal year 2007.
        To determine the Department's compliance with IPIA, OIG initiated
    audits of four USDA agencies in fiscal year 2006--FSA, FS, Rural
    Development's (RD) Rural Housing Service (RHS), and the Natural
    Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Our objectives included
    reviewing agency efforts to quantify improper payments for high risk
    programs, assessing agency corrective actions related to our previous
    audits, and substantiating agency results reported in USDA's
    Performance and Accountability Report for fiscal year 2005.
        Our audits revealed significant findings on agency compliance with
    IPIA. OIG found that valid statistical samples had not been performed
    for three of the four agencies reviewed. Improper payments reported in
    fiscal year 2005 were not properly calculated and the estimated
    improper payments reported in fiscal year 2005 did not always include
    payments made to ineligible recipients. We determined that corrective
    actions were too narrow in scope and ineffective in addressing our
    prior findings. OCFO generally agreed with our recommendations to
    correct these conditions and we are working with agencies to improve
    their implementation of IPIA requirements. OIG is currently auditing
    several USDA agencies to assess their efforts to quantify improper
    payment error rates for high risk programs.
    Farm Programs--Improving Agency Controls to Prevent Loans to Ineligible
            Recipients
        When farmers and ranchers are unable to repay their Farm Loan
    Programs (FLP) loans in full, Congress requires that FSA consider them
    ineligible for future loans. Using data-mining techniques, we reviewed
    the approximately 139,000 loans active in FSA's database (as of the
    beginning of fiscal year 2005) to isolate 239 borrowers who were
    potentially ineligible for having received prior debt forgiveness. Our
    detailed review of six potentially ineligible borrowers revealed that
    three were, in fact, ineligible and should not have received FLP loans.
    FSA subsequently reviewed all 239 borrowers and ultimately found 113
    loans totaling over $7.5 million, issued during 1999-2004, were
    ineligible. In general, we determined that the unauthorized assistance
    occurred because FLP loan officials did not follow established
    procedures for determining applicants' eligibility and FSA's automated
    management tools lacked the applicants' complete debt history.
        FSA took action to collect the 113 ineligible loans as appropriate.
    Further, FSA issued guidance to help employees determine whether
    applicants have received prior FLP debt forgiveness and is developing a
    new automated system that will automatically display applicants'
    complete debt histories. FSA is currently pilot testing the new system
    at two State offices and plans to implement it nationwide.
    Improving the Integrity of the Crop Insurance Program
        Due to continuing concerns about costs incurred by the Federal crop
    insurance program, OIG conducted an overview of the program. In
    collaboration with FSA and RMA, OIG identified conditions that are
    often associated with fraud, abuse, and mismanagement.
        We identified two major factors that must be in place to enhance
    the integrity of the crop insurance program: effective management
    controls to ensure program operations are meeting program objectives
    and aggressive enforcement through criminal investigations and agency
    compliance reviews.
        Based on this overview and our discussions with FSA/RMA about the
    current state of the crop insurance program, we presented a series of
    recommendations that are consistent with OIG's prior work. Among other
    recommendations, we found that agency officials should accelerate plans
    to create a single comprehensive information system for crop insurance,
    conservation, and farm programs; increase coordination and
    communication between RMA and FSA to ensure more effective growing
    season inspections; and strengthen RMA's oversight and monitoring of
    the private sector's application of the quality control review system.
    Investigating Fraud in USDA Farm Programs
        A recent OIG investigation resulted in a Montana producer and a
    former loan officer being sentenced for a scheme in which the producer
    filed false claims with FSA in order to receive program payments. The
    producer circumvented program payment limitations to fraudulently
    receive $1.4 million. The private loan officer provided false financial
    documents to FSA regarding the other partners' participation in the
    farming operation. In July 2006, the producer was sentenced to serve 10
    months in Federal prison and ordered to pay $226,035 in restitution.
    The former loan officer was sentenced the following month to a period
    of home confinement and probation.
        Another OIG investigation into potential farm program fraud
    resulted in orders to repay the Government over $1 million and the
    sentencing of two individuals and three corporations in 2006. Our
    investigation revealed that two individuals and three corporations in
    the Texas panhandle fraudulently obtained approximately $400,000 in RMA
    crop insurance indemnity payments and FSA disaster program payments by
    shifting their unreported cotton production for program payment
    purposes. The producers assigned their hidden cotton production to
    other established accounts at a cotton gin owned by one of the
    individuals. A producer and two corporations were sentenced in August
    2006. The producer was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, followed
    by 36 months' supervised release, and was ordered to pay approximately
    $331,000 in restitution. The corporations each received sentences of 60
    months of probation and were ordered to pay restitution totaling
    approximately $331,000. In September 2006, the second individual and
    the remaining corporation were both sentenced to 60 months of probation
    and were ordered to pay restitution of $362,775, severally and jointly.
        A third OIG investigation involving farm program fraud resulted in
    the repayment of $1,085,000 to FSA. The Idaho producer involved
    received 3 years of probation and 80 hours of community service. The
    producer's son was also sentenced to 3 years probation and was fined
    $4,000. The sentence included a joint restitution order of $1,085,000
    imposed on the two defendants. The OIG investigation disclosed that the
    mother and son converted 305 head of cattle pledged as collateral to
    FSA. They pled guilty in May 2006 to theft/conversion of FSA
    collateral. FSA also has a lien against their property that is valued
    at more than $1 million.
    USDA Food Programs--FNS Oversight of Electronic Benefits Transfer
            Operations
        In fiscal year 2007, FNS estimates that Food Stamp benefits of
    about $30 billion will be provided to over 25 million participants.
    State agencies now deliver Food Stamp Program (FSP) benefits almost
    entirely through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) systems using EBT
    benefit cards issued to recipients. OIG has monitored and audited the
    implementation of EBT by FNS and States since the system's inception in
    the 1990s. We recently issued a follow-up audit to evaluate corrective
    actions FNS has taken in response to our prior audits and to ensure
    adequate agency oversight of EBT systems.
        We concluded that FNS oversight of EBT operations was generally
    effective. However, despite FNS requirements to safeguard EBT systems,
    inadequate control over State agency access to the system remains a
    problem. Based on our earlier work, FNS had agreed to strengthen
    procedures for controlling access to State EBT systems and directed
    States to conduct semiannual reviews of employee access. However, FNS
    did not independently confirm that States adequately controlled access.
        EBT trafficking through the illegal and unauthorized use of Point
    of Sale (POS) equipment is another system vulnerability. Unscrupulous
    retailers have circumvented the EBT security controls by fraudulently
    obtaining new equipment and/or illegally moving existing machines to
    unauthorized locations. Our September 2006 report found that in their
    contract proposals to acquire EBT systems, States were not required to
    consider equipment functionality and/or technological specifications
    that could prevent the illegal removal and unauthorized use of existing
    EBT POS equipment.
        Based on our audit, FNS agreed to take steps to ensure that States
    limit unauthorized access to EBT systems and to require States to
    implement, via the EBT contract, formal processes during POS equipment
    replacement to prevent retailers from fraudulently obtaining equipment.
        This year, we will conduct further audits regarding FNS oversight
    of EBT systems. Our work will include reviewing FNS oversight of the
    largest private EBT processor and two State agencies.
    Investigations of EBT Trafficking
        OIG devotes extensive resources to investigate unscrupulous
    retailers who circumvent EBT security controls by fraudulently
    obtaining new equipment and/or illegally moving existing machines to
    unauthorized locations. In our Food Stamp Program investigative work,
    we focus our resources on high impact cases, such as those involving
    large-scale traffickers, those with potential connections to terrorist
    activity, and cases involving additional types of criminal activities
    beyond benefit fraud.\8\ Comparing our final fiscal year 2006
    investigative statistics to the prior fiscal year, the number of food
    stamp trafficking investigations we opened increased from 77 to 84; the
    number we referred to DOJ increased from 21 to 31; and the number of
    indictments resulting from OIG food stamp investigations increased from
    70 to 146.
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        \8\ Examples would be food safety concerns affecting public heath,
    such as contaminated food or black-market WIC products.
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        EBT fraud cases are very complex investigations, so OIG worked in
    2006 to develop and conduct training focused on improving methods to
    detect and analyze trends indicating fraud. OIG is creating a database
    that will capture vital information regarding EBT trafficking
    investigations to identify large scale fraud networks.
        OIG has initiated numerous investigations as a result of our
    collaborative efforts with multiple Federal and local law enforcement
    agencies. A major OIG food stamp fraud investigation resulted in a
    Chicago grocery store owner being sentenced in August 2006 to 51 months
    in prison and ordered to pay $1.4 million in restitution. The store
    owner pled guilty to wire fraud and money laundering. Two months
    earlier, the store owner pled guilty in Federal court in Florida to
    conspiracy for providing funding to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, in
    violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The store
    owner had conspired with other persons and unauthorized stores to
    conduct thousands of illegal electronic food stamp benefit
    transactions.
    Expanding Efforts to Deter WIC Fraud
        WIC is a vital Federal program to provide supplemental foods and
    nutrition education to lower-income pregnant, breast-feeding, and
    postpartum women, and infants and children who are at nutritional risk.
        The main product purchased with WIC vouchers is infant formula.
    Theft rings around the country are stealing, re-labeling, and reselling
    infant formula. When infant formula is stolen, it is taken out of the
    regulated retail system, and there can be no guarantee the formula is
    safe and wholesome. In response to this growing concern, OIG is
    expanding alliances with State and local law enforcement agencies to
    better coordinate jurisdictional investigative efforts into broader
    regional efforts. Our ultimate objective is to develop a national
    initiative that will enable OIG to track and maintain records of stolen
    infant formula incidents across the United States.
        A recent OIG infant formula investigation involved an Ohio
    furniture store owner who led a nationwide network that trafficked in
    stolen merchandise and food stamps through inner-city markets. The
    stolen merchandise included infant formula, diabetic blood glucose test
    strips, and over-the-counter medications. The stolen merchandise was
    transported to wholesalers and warehouses in States including Indiana,
    Illinois, Wisconsin, New York, Florida, and California. The store owner
    and 24 other individuals were charged with crimes ranging from food
    stamp trafficking to transportation of stolen property and money
    laundering. During 2005-2006, 21 individuals have pled guilty or were
    found guilty, including the leader of the criminal organization.
    Sentences imposed on the defendants ranged from 8 months to 11 years,
    and monetary judgments and restitutions totaled over $2.7 million. On
    February 20, 2007, two of the three store owners involved in the scheme
    in Wisconsin pled guilty to false statements and conspiracy; the third
    is awaiting trial. This was a joint investigation with the FBI and the
    Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission.
        A second OIG infant formula investigation determined that a
    Pennsylvania convenience store owner was trafficking in food stamps and
    operating and engaging in an unlicensed money transmitting business.
    From 2001 to May 2006, the store owner transmitted more than $7 million
    without the license required by Federal and State law. The store owner
    bought and sold stolen goods such as infant formula, drug
    paraphernalia, and counterfeit cigarettes and music CDs. The store
    owner pled guilty in Federal court in November 2006 to operating an
    unlicensed money transmitting business and agreed to forfeit over
    $252,000. This investigation was part of a taskforce that included OIG
    agents and several other Federal and State enforcement agencies (FBI,
    Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Secret Service, IRS, and the
    Pennsylvania Department of Revenue).
    The OIG Response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Audit Oversight and
            Investigative Support
        During last year's testimony, we discussed USDA's role in the
    Federal recovery efforts related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. OIG
    continues to work with the President's Council on Integrity and
    Efficiency (PCIE) and DHS working groups to coordinate related
    investigative efforts and thereby maximize Federal investigative
    resources and prevent duplicative efforts. We coordinated efforts with
    both the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) OIG and
    DHS-OIG to develop computer matching agreements with RHS. These
    agreements facilitate the ability of the participants to identity
    improper and fraudulent disaster assistance payments. Data matching is
    a highly effective tool in disaster assistance payment investigations
    for all of the agencies involved.
        OIG special agents are working Hurricane Katrina Fraud Task Force
    investigations in the Gulf Coast region. We continue to receive
    referrals throughout the country on individuals who have submitted
    false claims or provided false statements to obtain Federal benefits
    for which they were not entitled. At this time, as hurricane
    reconstruction efforts in the Gulf Coast region continue, OIG has begun
    receiving investigative referrals from FSA and RD that involve larger
    monetary amounts of fraud or theft and more complex fraud cases.
        A recent example of our hurricane relief investigative work
    involved an Illinois woman who obtained at least $23,000 in Hurricane
    Katrina housing, food stamps, and cash assistance for which she was not
    entitled. OIG worked with the Postal Service's OIG to determine that
    the individual never resided in Louisiana or Mississippi and thus would
    not have been affected by Hurricane Katrina. The individual sought
    benefits for non-existent family members. She pled guilty in October
    2006 to mail fraud and false statements and was sentenced in January
    2007 to 48 months in Federal prison, followed by 36 months of
    supervised release, and was ordered to pay $23,982 in restitution.
        We have also committed significant audit resources to conduct
    reviews of the Department's hurricane relief efforts. In view of the
    substantial Federal funds appropriated for hurricane disaster relief, a
    continuing concern for both program managers and the Congress is the
    potential for excessive or duplicative payments to individuals in
    hurricane-affected communities.
        In the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, RD--through RHS--
    placed 11,000 evacuees into 4,100 Rural Rental Housing (RRH) apartment
    units in 45 States and provided $2.6 million in emergency rental
    assistance. OIG evaluated RHS management controls for multifamily
    housing funds targeted for disaster assistance. We found that most
    residents placed in RRH apartments needed only adequate housing and not
    rental assistance because the Federal Emergency Management Agency
    (FEMA) was already providing financial assistance. As a result, much of
    the $2.6 million provided by RHS duplicated FEMA assistance.
        Specifically, our review determined that RHS' database system
    contained generally inaccurate/incomplete information on hurricane
    victims and the amount of rental assistance they received. Some
    property owners required tenants to pay rent even though the owner had
    already received rental assistance directly from RHS. The agency was
    also not able to identify victims who used the FEMA identifying numbers
    of other individuals to obtain housing assistance. OIG found that some
    property owners had reclassified existing tenants as hurricane victims
    even though the tenants had no change in income or other circumstances.
    This resulted in unnecessary RRH rental assistance to the tenants.
        RHS agreed to improve its information system and related management
    controls. To better prepare for future disaster situations, the agency
    is implementing corrective actions regarding coordinating its actions
    and information with other Federal agencies providing housing
    assistance.
        This year, we will continue our oversight work regarding USDA's
    response to major hurricanes. OIG currently has 11 audits in process
    pertaining to the Department's hurricane relief operations, including
    reviews of FNS' Disaster Food Stamp Program payments in five hurricane-
    affected States and RMA controls to provide hurricane victims in
    Florida with timely and accurate indemnity payments.
    Assessing USDA Trade Programs and Operations
        In 2002, the Farm Bill and the President's Management Agenda (PMA)
    established a number of new goals and requirements for the Foreign
    Agricultural Service (FAS), the agency charged with coordinating USDA's
    international activities. The 2002 Farm Bill's trade section contained
    13 provisions affecting FAS programs, including export credit
    guarantees, market development, export enhancement, food aid
    development, and technical barriers to trade. OIG initiated a review to
    determine the status of FAS' efforts to implement the 2002 Farm Bill's
    trade and food aid programs and to evaluate the agency's efforts to
    address problems that the PMA identified in food aid programs.
        We found that FAS took prompt action to implement 10 out of the 13
    Farm Bill trade provisions within 1 year of enactment. However, FAS has
    not developed a business process to ensure that the Farm Bill's global
    market strategy requirements--coordinating USDA resources and programs
    with other Federal agencies to identify export opportunities and remove
    trade barriers--are being met on a global basis. FAS managers have
    followed a strategy of supporting agricultural exporters (referred to
    as ``cooperators'') when implementing their individual country and
    regional market strategies. In our view, such efforts have not been
    sufficiently integrated to produce a focused, global strategy that
    would allow FAS to effectively identify and react to changing trends in
    global markets. The U.S. share of global agricultural exports declined
    from 22 percent to 9.7 percent during 1984-2005, yet FAS officials do
    not believe that a central planning process or formal global marketing
    strategy is necessary.
        The PMA cited several problems in U.S. food aid programs, including
    program duplication between FAS and the U.S. Agency for International
    Development (USAID) that wasted donated food supplies and excessive
    administrative/transportation costs. OIG found that FAS has
    strengthened its program planning and improved consultation and
    coordination with USAID, USDA's Economic Research Service, and other
    organizations to develop better outcome-oriented performance measures
    and reporting. However, we recommended that FAS develop outcome-based
    performance measures to more accurately reflect program accomplishments
    in recipient countries. OIG is assessing the agency's response to our
    draft report and we anticipate issuing a final report in April 2007.
    Identifying Barriers to U.S Agricultural Exports
        OIG received a congressional request in 2006 to review certain
    aspects of FAS market development programs in fostering expanded trade
    activities for U.S. agricultural exports. We initiated an audit to
    examine the extent to which FAS conducts outreach to U.S. agricultural
    interests to identify trade constraints and foreign agricultural
    business opportunities; determine if the agency is presenting
    information on identified trade barriers to the U.S. Trade
    Representative (USTR) and FAS' private sector cooperators; and review
    whether USDA efforts to promote U.S. agricultural exports are being
    presented, with measurable benchmarks, in the National Export Strategy.
    OIG's report was issued in February 2007. We found that FAS does not
    formally track its efforts to expand trade activities or conduct
    outreach to U.S. exporters and does not have a formal process for
    summarizing and presenting trade barriers to the USTR.
    Ensuring Accountability in Foreign Food Aid Programs
        FAS administers foreign food aid programs, largely through grants
    to intermediaries known as private voluntary organizations (PVOs), the
    charitable, nonprofit organizations responsible for implementing
    program objectives abroad. FAS expended approximately $400 million for
    its food aid programs in fiscal year 2006. In March 2006, we issued a
    report assessing FAS' progress in addressing management control
    weaknesses regarding the Food for Progress program identified in an
    earlier OIG audit. Our latest report also reviewed eight judgmentally
    selected PVOs, three of which were the subjects of a hotline complaint.
    The audit evaluated issues such as internal agency controls/processes
    for evaluating grant proposals and awarding grant agreements,
    monitoring compliance with grant terms and conditions, and determining
    program results.
        OIG found that many of the recommendations from our prior audit
    report had not been implemented, and therefore FAS could not provide
    reasonable assurance that PVOs were meeting their program objectives or
    spending funds appropriately. FAS lacked procedures to confirm that
    PVOs were recognized by their host governments and were able to operate
    effectively in-country. FAS did not pursue grant funds lost due to PVO
    mismanagement. Due to these internal control weaknesses, we concluded
    that FAS did not adequately follow up and determine whether there was
    mismanagement of $2.2 million in grant funds.
        We recommended that FAS strengthen its ability to monitor food aid
    agreements by implementing procedures to review PVOs' semiannual
    reports, conduct onsite reviews, and complete closeout reviews of food
    aid agreements. The agency should confirm that PVOs are viable agents
    in their host countries before shipping donated commodities to these
    private groups and aggressively seek recovery of grant funds lost due
    to PVO mismanagement. Generally, FAS agreed with our recommendations
    and stated that agency efforts were underway to implement several of
    them.
    Oversight of Farm, Conservation, and Research Programs in 2007
        OIG has initiated or plans to conduct several audits to review USDA
    farm and conservation programs. Work is underway to examine RMA's
    effectiveness in monitoring private insurance providers and determine
    if its compliance activities are adequate to improve the crop insurance
    program and reduce fraud, waste, and abuse. We are planning to review
    FSA's management controls in 2007 to assess their effectiveness to
    prevent farm program payments being made to producers who have been
    disqualified due to civil, criminal, or administrative actions.
        There is considerable congressional interest in expanding USDA's
    role in our nation's efforts to develop a viable renewable energy
    program. The Department's activities include financial incentives
    (loans, loan guarantees, grants for capital equipment) for farmers to
    grow crops that can produce renewable energy products such as ethanol.
    USDA research agencies are engaged in developing and improving methods
    to produce renewable energy. In 2007, OIG will evaluate the
    Department's efforts to foster renewable energy technologies as well as
    the coordination between USDA agencies and other Federal agencies.
    These audits are currently underway.
        NRCS' Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is a voluntary program
    offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance
    wetlands on their property. NRCS provides technical and financial
    support to help landowners with their wetland restoration efforts. We
    are reviewing the legitimacy of restoration costs and the agency's
    ability to monitor restoration efforts. A related voluntary agency
    program is the Conservation Security Program (CSP), in which payments
    are provided to landowners to maintain and enhance natural resources.
    CSP identifies and rewards those farmers and ranchers who are meeting
    the highest standards of conservation and environmental management on
    their operations. The Government Accountability Office reported that
    NRCS lacked adequate controls to prevent participants from receiving
    financial assistance from multiple programs for the same conservation
    practice. OIG has initiated an audit to determine whether NRCS has
    adequately implemented provisions of CSP. We are focusing on whether
    the agency has properly handled key issues such as program eligibility,
    the calculation of program payments, and the detection of improper
    payments.
        OIG also has an audit underway to review the agency's procedures to
    assess and prioritize the rehabilitation of dams constructed with NRCS
    funding. Many of these dams are nearing the end of their 50-year design
    life. A recent survey of known rehabilitation needs in 22 States
    revealed that more than 2,200 dams need rehabilitation at an estimated
    cost of more than $540 million. The cost of rehabilitation will only
    increase with time as deterioration increases, construction costs rise,
    and more rehabilitation needs are identified. The Watershed
    Rehabilitation Program budget reported in the USDA fiscal year 2008
    Budget Summary and Annual Performance Plan is $6 million. Our primary
    objective is to review the adequacy of NRCS program controls for the
    rehabilitation of flood control dams to mitigate potential threat or
    danger to life and property.
        Congress has provided substantial resources to support Agricultural
    Research Service (ARS) research regarding a wide array of food quality
    and safety issues, nutritional needs, and our environment's natural
    resource base. ARS spends approximately $1.1 billion annually on 1,200
    research projects organized into 22 national program areas at 100
    locations and 4 overseas laboratories. We are currently evaluating the
    efficacy of ARS management controls over its intramural and extramural
    research agreements to ensure they are properly implemented. Our audit
    is examining ARS procedures to ensure that research funding is used for
    its intended purposes, research projects are adequately monitored, and
    project milestones are properly managed.

                   THE MANAGEMENT OF USDA'S PUBLIC RESOURCES

    Information Technology Security in USDA
        In recent years, USDA's Office of the Chief Information Officer
    (OCIO) and OIG have placed a major emphasis on the need to plan and
    implement effective information technology (IT) security for the
    Department. OIG continues to conduct various audits and reviews of the
    Department's IT security systems to assess and improve their
    performance.
        Based on our reviews in 2006, the National Information Technology
    Center (NITC) in Kansas City, Missouri, sustained its unqualified
    opinion on its general control structure, and OCFO's National Finance
    Center (NFC) in New Orleans, Louisiana, received its first unqualified
    opinion on its design of its general control structure. However, we
    issued a qualified opinion on the effectiveness of NFC's controls
    because the controls were not operating during the entire year. This
    effectiveness qualification was primarily attributed to the disruptive
    effects of Hurricane Katrina on NFC's normal operating procedures. When
    our review determined that certain controls were not adequately
    designed, OCFO NFC updated its procedures to address our concerns.
        As required by the Federal Information Security Management Act of
    2002, our annual audit of the Department's IT security program
    continued to find significant weaknesses. These included needed
    improvement in contingency planning and testing, annual risk
    assessments, and configuration management. Due to the significance of
    the issues identified in our reviews, we continue to classify IT
    security as a material internal control weakness for USDA.
        USDA's Universal Telecommunications Network (UTN) is the critical
    general support system serving the Department's data network backbone
    for telecommunications and network support services. We identified
    weaknesses in OCIO's ability to effectively manage and secure the UTN.
    OCIO had not completed required system testing, security control
    testing, and certification/accreditation of the UTN network prior to
    implementation. OCIO concurred with our recommendations and has taken
    significant actions to address identified weaknesses.
    Reducing Risks From Stolen USDA Computer Equipment
        In light of the disclosure or theft of Privacy Act/sensitive
    information from several Federal agencies in 2006 and OMB's recent
    mandates on securing such information, OIG is assessing potential risks
    at USDA. We issued a report on February 27, 2007, from our review of
    stolen equipment within USDA.
        To the extent possible, we identified the information maintained on
    the stolen computers as well as sensitive information currently
    maintained on computers within the Department. OIG found that controls
    over stolen computer equipment were lacking in the four USDA agencies
    reviewed.\9\ Specifically, we found Privacy Act/sensitive information
    was stored on computers that were stolen and the agencies did not
    notify the individuals whose information may have been compromised.
    Additionally, these agencies lacked policies and procedures to
    adequately notify proper authorities and affected parties when thefts
    of computer equipment occurred. The agencies agreed with OIG's
    recommendations.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \9\ FSA, NRCS, RD, and OCIO.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        To date, OCIO has provided agencies with limited guidance on what
    actions to take if computers are lost or stolen. OIG recommended that
    OCIO implement Departmentwide guidance regarding tracking and reporting
    requirements for lost/stolen computer equipment. This should include
    procedures for determining whether the subject equipment may have
    contained Privacy Act or sensitive information.
    USDA Procedures to Assess Employee Civil Rights Complaints
        We have previously presented testimony to the Subcommittee about
    our audit work focusing on the Department's processes and performance
    in handling allegations of discrimination against USDA employees or in
    USDA programs. Our most recent civil rights audit \10\ assessed the
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR)
    implementation of prior OIG recommendations that focused on the
    agency's management and oversight of program and employment complaints.
    In response to a 2006 congressional request, we initiated an audit to
    evaluate the Department's progress in addressing employee civil rights
    complaints and employee accountability for acts of discrimination. OIG
    will identify and evaluate the adequacy of the Department's controls to
    properly process employee civil rights complaints and its processes to
    hold employees accountable for discrimination towards employees or in
    USDA programs. We anticipate issuing this report by the end of March
    2007.
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        \10\  ``Follow-up on Prior Recommendations for Civil Rights Program
    and Employee Complaints,'' issued September 2005.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The National Computer Forensic Division: Advanced Investigative and
            Evidentiary Support
        As an authoritative resource in the investigation and analysis of
    network intrusions and attacks on USDA networks, OIG's National
    Computer Forensic Division (NCFD) conducts thorough and accurate
    analyses of any IT network compromise by analyzing compromised servers,
    firewall logs, Intrusion Detection System logs, and Internet Protocol
    traffic logs. The NCFD continues to provide support, training, and
    advice on evidence collection and analysis to USDA agencies. During the
    past year, the NCFD provided onsite search warrant assistance for 12
    warrants and analysis for 38 cases involving criminal activity,
    employee misconduct, and network intrusions.
        An example of NCFD's work includes an investigation that was
    requested by the Department relating to a network intrusion and two
    servers that were compromised. NCFD determined that while two computer
    servers had been compromised multiple times by hackers in June 2006,
    the database containing personal identity information for 26,000 USDA
    employees had not been compromised or transferred from USDA computers.
    OIG is working with OCIO to ensure that all USDA networks and employee
    personal information are secure.
        Another recent investigation involved a woman employed as a
    Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technician with FSA. The woman
    reproduced and sold 41 pirated copies of USDA-licensed software on two
    Internet auction websites. The woman received $7,120 from the sales of
    the pirated software although its retail value exceeded $326,000. In
    June 2006, the woman pled guilty in a Federal court in Indiana to
    copyright infringement and was sentenced to 5 years of probation,
    restitution of $7,120 to the company owning the software copyright, and
    forfeiture of all computer-related equipment seized at her residence.
    This case resulted in the first Federal criminal conviction in Indiana
    involving the illegal sale of copyrighted materials over the Internet.
        NCFD forensically imaged and analyzed the hard drives of eight
    computers in the GIS lab of FSA's Indiana State office for evidence
    that the software was copied utilizing one of the FSA computers. The
    forensic analysis produced evidence that was utilized in negotiating a
    guilty plea.
    USDA Financial Management
        As defined by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), success
    in Federal financial management is an unqualified audit opinion with no
    reportable conditions and no instances of noncompliance with laws and
    regulations. In 2006, the Department's financial statements received
    unqualified audit opinions, as did six USDA entities.\11\ This is an
    improvement from previous years. However, the Department and three
    agencies had material weaknesses and reportable conditions. The
    Department and four agencies also had instances of noncompliance with
    laws and regulations.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \11\ Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, Commodity Credit
    Corporation, FS, Rural Telephone Bank, FNS, and RD.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Specifically, the Department's material weaknesses related to
    improvements needed in overall financial management across USDA and IT
    security and controls. A reportable condition existed related to
    improvements needed in certain financial management practices and
    processes. Three instances of noncompliance were identified relating to
    the Federal Financial Management Improvement Act, the Improper Payments
    Information Act, and Managerial Cost Accounting practices. OIG
    continues to work with OCFO to ensure effective financial management
    throughout USDA.
    The Role of USDA and Agriculture in Protecting the Chesapeake Bay
            Watershed
        The Chesapeake Bay Program, which is administered by the U.S.
    Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is mandated to direct
    restoration of the Chesapeake Bay through a regional partnership of
    Federal, State, and local agencies, academic institutions, and non-
    government organizations. OIG participated in a joint review of the
    program with EPA's OIG that concentrated on the agricultural best
    management practices used to address non-point nutrient and sediment
    loading to the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
        Despite significant efforts to improve water quality in the
    Chesapeake Bay watershed, excess nutrients and sediment continue to
    impair the Bay's water quality. Our joint review found that few of the
    agricultural practices in the State tributary strategies have been
    implemented because the agricultural community considers many of these
    practices to be either unprofitable or to require significant changes
    in farming techniques. We found that EPA must improve its collaboration
    with its Bay partners and the agricultural community to reduce the
    agricultural nutrients and sediments entering the Chesapeake Bay
    watershed. Members of the agricultural community have been reluctant to
    participate in this endeavor with EPA because of its regulatory
    enforcement role.
        We recommended that the Secretary or Deputy Secretary assign a
    senior-level official with commensurate authority to coordinate
    relevant USDA goals and programs with EPA and the Chesapeake Bay
    Program. USDA should consider the feasibility of targeting USDA funds
    on a regional and/or geographical basis to assist the Bay's
    environmental restoration. The Department should also direct USDA
    agencies to expedite the establishment of outcome-based performance
    measurements to properly evaluate their conservation activities. USDA
    generally agreed with our recommendations.
    Evaluating Forest Service Use of Private Wildland Firefighting Crews
        As wildfire activity on National Forests (NF) has become more
    intense, FS has made increasing use of contract suppression crews to
    supplement agency resources. FS incident management personnel had
    previously noted numerous performance problems with poorly trained and
    inexperienced crews. Other reports (GAO, incident management personnel)
    have indicated similar problems. We evaluated FS' administration of
    these contracts and its coordination with other parties \12\ that also
    use these contracts.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \12\  Primarily State and local governments. The crews at issue in
    this report were obtained from the Oregon Department of Forestry's
    list.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        We determined that FS needed to improve its contract oversight to
    ensure that contract employees had met both the training and experience
    requirements for the positions they held on fire fighting crews. Our
    review found that a significant number of contract firefighters may not
    have been qualified to perform the duties required under the contract.
    FS needed to address control weaknesses with wildfire suppression
    associations \13\ that provide training to contract employees. Language
    proficiency assessments should be improved to ensure contract crew
    personnel can communicate adequately with FS incident management
    personnel. Finally, we recommended that FS coordinate with other
    Federal agencies to identify undocumented workers on contracted crews.
    FS officials agreed with all of OIG's recommendations and established
    timeframes for corrective actions.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \13\ Private organizations that represent wildlife suppression
    contractors and provide training to their employees.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Reducing Forest Service's Large Fire Suppression Costs: Shared
            Responsibilities
        FS' wildfire suppression costs have exceeded $1 billion in 4 of the
    past 7 years. Our audit focused on the most significant ``cost
    drivers'' that were impacting fire suppression costs. We determined
    that the majority of FS' large fire suppression costs are directly
    linked to protecting private property--as opposed to National Forest
    System land--in the wildland urban interface (WUI). FS managers need to
    evaluate their agreements with State and local governments to ensure
    the costs of protecting the WUI are appropriately apportioned. A
    significant portion of these costs can be avoided and the safety of
    firefighters improved if the Federal Government can proactively work
    with State and local governments regarding prudent ``Firewise'' zoning
    and building codes.
        In another report focusing on wildland fire issues and the Healthy
    Forest Initiative, we determined that FS needs to change some policies
    regarding wildland fire use (WFU). Hazardous fuels such as dead
    vegetation and undergrowth in our national forests are increasing the
    size and complexity of wildland fires. FS needs to reduce these fuels,
    increase the number of qualified personnel, and expand WFU to help
    control the costs of future fires. OIG further recommended that the
    agency implement improved processes to more effectively hold managers
    accountable for the financial impact of their decisions.
        FS agreed with our findings and recommendations and initiated
    corrective actions. These include working with OIG to jointly develop
    training for FS personnel conducting reviews of large fire operations.
    FS and OIG will jointly conduct the training prior to the 2007 fire
    season.

                     OIG'S FISCAL YEAR 2008 BUDGET REQUEST

        Before concluding, I would like to briefly comment on OIG's fiscal
    year 2008 Budget Request. With your assistance and support, we are
    pleased to have built a solid record of constructive audit oversight
    and investigative accomplishment. Over the last 4 years we have
    produced a return on investment of $5.34 for each dollar of
    appropriated funds you have provided. During that period, our work has
    produced over $1.65 billion in monetary recoveries and cost avoidances,
    1,449 indictments and 1,358 convictions. In addition to our monetary
    results, we have made numerous recommendations that resulted in
    substantive management and program improvements. For example, in fiscal
    year 2006 we issued 425 program improvement recommendations and USDA
    managers agreed to implement 384 of them. These recommendations
    involved issues of congressional and public concern such as improving
    surveillance and monitoring of AI in domestic poultry, strengthening
    USDA's food inspection operations, and improving the collection of
    unauthorized farm program payments.
        In addition to the statistical accomplishments mentioned above,
    fiscal year 2006 and the first few months of fiscal year 2007 have been
    a particularly productive time for OIG in other ways as well. The
    following activities may be of particular interest to the Subcommittee.
      --OIG has devoted over $2 million and several staff years to
            providing oversight to USDA programs supporting the Gulf Cost
            region devastated during the 2005 hurricane season in order to
            increase accountability in these programs and avoid waste and
            fraud in the distribution of benefits. The $445,000 Congress
            authorized in the fiscal year 2006 emergency supplemental to
            support these efforts was of great assistance. Currently, we
            have 11 audits and 11 investigations underway pertaining to
            USDA hurricane recovery assistance programs.
      --We also directed resources to review Departmental plans to deal
            with the threatened avian influenza pandemic, by advising the
            Department on how it could improve its plans and programs.
      --OIG took prompt and comprehensive action to evaluate the
            implementation of the Department's IT security system. Through
            a coordinated program of audits, investigations, and other
            reviews, USDA OIG is addressing the areas of highest risk and
            providing insight and support to USDA program agencies.
      --We formed an Office of Inspections and Research (OIR) to address
            emerging issues that may require scientific, legal,
            statistical, or other expert competencies. Generally, OIR will
            conduct short-term, focused reviews and inspections of USDA's
            programs and operations. OIR projects completed in the last
            year and currently underway include:
        A review of the Federal crop insurance program that, in
                collaboration with FSA and RMA, identified a number of
                fraud indicators or conditions that are often associated
                with fraud, waste, and mismanagement.
        An inspection regarding the coordination of the Department's
                international activities and agreements.
        An inspection of the security practices at a USDA laboratory that
                found the laboratory had made many improvements, both
                physical and through extensive training of personnel.
      --With the support of our congressional appropriators, we were able
            to strengthen our ability to support USDA programs through
            effective audits and investigations. Five years ago our
            information technology systems were inadequate to support our
            audit and investigative program. Thanks to your continued
            support, our IT environment is current and able to support
            sophisticated audit and investigative techniques. From fiscal
            year 1996 to fiscal year 2006, OIG's staff level fell a total
            of 21 percent--which directly translates into a commensurate
            reduction in our audit and investigative capacity. With your
            support, we were able to arrest that trend in fiscal year 2006
            and have begun--in a very small way--to strengthen our
            capacity.
        We respectfully request your support in continuing our efforts to
    maintain, and in some areas even improve, OIG effectiveness in fiscal
    year 2008. The President's request asks for the minimum necessary to
    support our staffing level and advance our ability to safely and
    effectively respond to emerging public health and agriculture security
    threats. Specifically, the President's fiscal year 2008 request of $84
    million for OIG provides for:
      --$1.9 million for 2008 mandatory pay costs.
      --$994,000 for 2007 pay costs.
      --$340,000 to fund five staff to reinforce our audit, investigation,
            and inspection programs focusing on the approximately $20
            billion spent annually on USDA farm programs.
      --$757,000 for necessary equipment and training updates to the
            Computer Forensics Unit and the Emergency Response Team, and
            implementation of an automated audit workpaper system that will
            improve the timeliness of our audits and ensure that audit
            evidence is kept in accordance with Department of Justice
            standards.
        This concludes my testimony statement. I thank the Members of the
    Subcommittee for the opportunity to present information about OIG's
    activities and our fiscal year 2008 Budget Request.
                                     ______

     Prepared Statement of Nancy C. Pellett, Chairman and Chief Executive
                      Officer, Farm Credit Administration

        Mr. Chairman, Members of the Subcommittee, I am Nancy C. Pellett,
    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Farm Credit Administration
    (FCA or Agency). On behalf of my colleagues on the FCA Board, Leland
    Strom of Illinois and Dallas Tonsager of South Dakota, and all the
    dedicated men and women of the Agency, I am pleased and honored to
    provide this testimony to the Subcommittee.
        I would like to thank the Subcommittee staff for its ongoing
    assistance during the budget process, and before I discuss the role and
    responsibility of the Farm Credit Administration and our budget
    request, I would respectfully bring to the Subcommittee's attention
    that FCA's administrative expenses are paid for by the institutions
    that we regulate and examine. In other words, FCA does not receive a
    Federal appropriation but is funded through annual assessments of Farm
    Credit System (System) institutions and the Federal Agricultural
    Mortgage Corporation (Farmer Mac). We fully support the proposed 2008
    Budget Submission of the President.
    Mission of the Farm Credit Administration
        As directed by Congress, FCA's mission is to ensure a safe, sound,
    and dependable source of credit and related services for agriculture
    and rural America. The Agency accomplishes its mission in two important
    ways.
        First, FCA ensures that the System and Farmer Mac remain safe and
    sound and comply with the applicable law and regulations. Specifically,
    our risk-based examinations and oversight strategies focus on an
    institution's financial condition and any material existing or
    potential risk, as well as on the ability of its board and management
    to direct its operations. Our oversight and examination strategies also
    evaluate each institution's efforts to serve all eligible borrowers,
    including young, beginning, and small farmers and ranchers.
        Secondly, FCA approves corporate charter changes, and researches,
    develops, and adopts regulations and policies that govern how System
    institutions conduct their business and interact with their customers
    and provides other necessary guidance. If a System institution violates
    a law or regulation, or operates in an unsafe or unsound manner, we use
    our supervisory and enforcement authorities to ensure appropriate
    corrective action.
    Fiscal Year 2006 Accomplishments
        In 2006 we continued our efforts to achieve our Agency's strategic
    goals through (1) responsible regulation and public policymaking and
    (2) effective risk identification and corrective action. FCA has worked
    hard to maintain the System's safety and soundness. We also continually
    explore ways to reduce regulatory burden on the FCS and to ensure that
    all System institutions are able to provide agriculture and rural
    America with continuous access to credit and related services.
              examination programs for fcs banks and associations
        One of the Agency's highest priorities is the development and
    implementation of efficient and effective risk-based oversight and
    examination programs that meet the high standards and expectations of
    the Congress; investors in System debt obligations; the farmers,
    ranchers, and cooperatives that own System banks and associations; and
    the public at large. Our examination programs and practices have worked
    well over the years and have contributed to the present safe and sound
    overall condition of the System, but we must continue to evolve and
    prepare for the increasingly complex nature of financing agriculture
    and rural America.
        With the changes in the System and our human capital challenges
    within the Agency (i.e., pending retirements, normal attrition of
    staff, and the ever-increasing need for more sophisticated skills in
    the financial sector), we have undertaken a number of initiatives to
    enhance our skills and level of expertise in key functional examination
    areas. We have also realigned our organizational structure to make the
    best use of our resources. The evolving nature of agriculture and the
    Farm Credit System necessitates a flexible organizational structure at
    FCA. At the present time, the sound financial condition of the System
    also provides us a unique opportunity to prepare for the future. In
    2006 our Office of Examination completed its transition from a
    regionally based field office structure to division examination teams
    that are organized on a national basis. Office locations have been
    retained, but the examination programs are now managed nationally to
    better match examiner skills to material and strategic risks faced by
    the FCS institutions.
        On a national level, we actively monitor risks that may affect
    groups of System institutions or the entire System, including risks
    that may arise from the agricultural, financial, and economic
    environment in which the System institutions operate. Our job is not to
    forecast specific events but to understand the environment so that we
    can take steps to help System institutions take pre-emptive actions
    before adverse trends develop.
        Examiners also use a risk-based examination and supervision program
    to differentiate the risks and develop individualized oversight plans
    for each FCS institution. We set the scope and frequency of each
    examination based on the level of risk in the institution. In addition,
    we continually identify, evaluate, and proactively address risks within
    each institution. Examiners base the scope of their oversight and
    examination activities on their assessment of an institution's internal
    control environments and the ability of the institution's board and
    management to manage risks, both present and future. The frequency and
    depth of our examination activities may vary, but each institution is
    provided a summary of our activities and a report on its overall
    condition every 18 months as required by the Farm Credit Act.
        As part of our ongoing efforts, we monitor each institution's risk
    profile. The Financial Institution Rating System (FIRS) is the primary
    risk categorization and rating tool used by examiners to indicate the
    safety and soundness of an institution. The rating system is similar to
    other Federal financial regulators' CAMELS (capital adequacy, asset
    quality, management performance, earnings, liquidity, and sensitivity
    to interest rate risk) rating scale. FIRS ratings range from 1 (for a
    sound institution) to 5 (for an institution that is likely to fail).
    Throughout fiscal year 2006, FIRS ratings as a whole continued to
    reflect the stable financial condition of the FCS. The overall trend in
    FIRS ratings continues to be positive, with eighty-three 1-rated
    institutions and seventeen 2-rated institutions, and one 3-rated
    institution. Importantly, there were no 4- or 5-rated institutions. In
    addition, no FCS institutions were under enforcement action and no FCS
    institutions were in receivership. The overall financial strength
    maintained by the System remains strong and does not pose material risk
    to investors in FCS debt, the Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation
    (FCSIC), and FCS institution stockholders.
        During fiscal year 2006, FCA also performed various examination and
    other services for the Small Business Administration, the U.S.
    Department of Agriculture, FCSIC, and the National Cooperative Bank.
    Each of these entities reimburses FCA for its services. The safety and
    soundness of the System and Farmer Mac remains our primary objective.
    However, we believe the continuing use of FCA examination resources by
    other agencies is a positive reflection on the expertise of FCA
    examiners and serves to broaden their examination skills while
    increasing job satisfaction and employee retention. It also helps us
    defray some of the costs of our operations while providing a valuable
    service.

                              REGULATORY ACTIVITY

        Congress has given the FCA Board statutory authority to establish
    policy and prescribe regulations necessary to ensure that FCS
    institutions comply with the law and operate in a safe and sound
    manner. The Agency's regulatory philosophy articulates our commitment
    to establishing a flexible regulatory environment that enables the
    System, consistent with statutory authority, to offer high-quality,
    reasonably priced credit to farmers and ranchers, their cooperatives,
    rural residents, and other entities on which farming operations depend.
    This translates into developing balanced, well-reasoned, flexible, and
    legally sound regulations. We strive to ensure that the benefits of
    regulations outweigh the costs; to maintain the System's relevance in
    the marketplace and rural America; and to ensure that FCA's policy
    actions encourage member-borrowers to participate in the management,
    control, and ownership of their Government-sponsored enterprise (GSE)
    institutions.
        For 2006 and early 2007, the Agency's regulatory and policy
    projects included the following:
      --A final rule on governance of FCS institutions that provided
            enhanced oversight of management and operations by
            strengthening the independence of System institution boards and
            by incorporating best governance practices.
      --A final rule that amended and updated the regulations governing the
            termination of System status by a System institution.
      --A final rule to improve the transparency of public disclosures,
            strengthen board and management accountability and auditor
            independence, and increase shareholder and investor confidence
            in the System.
        In addition, relative to Farmer Mac, the Agency finalized a rule
    updating the Farmer Mac Risk-Based Capital (RBC) Stress Test. We
    amended the RBC regulations in response to changing financial markets,
    new business practices, and the evolution of the loan portfolio at
    Farmer Mac, as well as continued development of industry best practices
    among leading financial institutions. The rule is intended to more
    accurately reflect risk in the model in order to improve the model's
    output--Farmer Mac's regulatory minimum risk-based capital level.
        The Agency has also adopted an ambitious regulatory and policy
    agenda for 2007. The agenda includes the following goals:
      --Evaluating comments received on a proposed rule to change the
            ownership requirement for the eligibility of processing and
            marketing entities.
      --Continuing to evaluate how System partnerships and investments can
            increase the availability of funds to help stimulate economic
            growth and development in rural America under a pilot program
            initiated during fiscal year 2005.
      --Continuing to review current regulatory requirements governing
            eligibility and scope of lending to determine if these
            requirements are reasonable in light of agriculture's changing
            landscape. Agency staff will identify issues and explore
            options for the Board's consideration.
      --Developing and issuing an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to
            solicit public input on appropriate changes to FCA's capital
            adequacy requirements for the System in light of Basel II and
            IA proposals by the other Federal banking agencies.

                              CORPORATE ACTIVITIES

        The pace of System restructuring remained slow in fiscal year 2006.
    Only one corporate application was submitted for FCA Board review and
    approval during fiscal year 2006, compared with four applications the
    prior year. As of January 1, 2007, the System had 95 direct-lender
    associations and five banks for a total of 100 banks and associations.
    Seven service corporations and special-purpose entities brought the
    total number of FCS institutions to 107 entities. Through mergers, the
    number of FCS associations has declined from 172 to 95 since 2000, and
    the number of FCS banks has dropped from seven to five.
    Condition of the Farm Credit System
        I will now turn to the condition of the Farm Credit System. I am
    pleased to report that the System's overall condition and performance
    remained strong throughout 2006. The FCS is fundamentally sound in all
    material aspects, and it continues to be a financially strong, reliable
    source of affordable credit to agriculture and rural America. Capital
    levels continued to be strong, especially in consideration of the
    System's risk profile. Asset quality remained high, loan volume growth
    was strong, and favorable credit conditions enabled the System to
    achieve almost $2.4 billion in earnings for the 12 months ended
    December 31, 2006.
        Loan volume continued to grow at a strong pace during 2006 while
    loan quality remained high. Gross loans increased by 16.2 percent to
    123.4 billion. The level of nonperforming loans, including nonaccrual
    loans, decreased to 0.50 percent of gross loans outstanding.
    Delinquencies also remained minimal. The System has earned more than $1
    billion consistently since the early 1990s; as a result, capital
    remains strong and is made up largely of earned surplus, the most
    stable form of capital. A strong capital position will help the System
    remain a viable, dependable, and competitive lender to agriculture and
    rural America during any near-term downturns in the agricultural
    economy.
    Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation
        FCA also has oversight, examination, and regulatory responsibility
    for the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation, which is commonly
    known as Farmer Mac.
        Congress established Farmer Mac in 1988 to provide secondary market
    arrangements for agricultural mortgage and rural home loans. In this
    capacity, Farmer Mac creates and guarantees securities and other
    secondary market products that are backed by mortgages on farms and
    rural homes. Through a separate office required by statute (Office of
    Secondary Market Oversight), the Agency examines, regulates, and
    monitors Farmer Mac's disclosures, financial condition, and operations
    on an ongoing basis and provides periodic reports to Congress.
        Like the Farm Credit System, Farmer Mac is a GSE devoted to
    agriculture and rural America. FCA and the financial markets recognize
    Farmer Mac as a separate GSE from the System's banks and associations.
    Farmer Mac is not subject to any intra-System agreements or to the
    joint and several liability of the FCS banks, nor does the Farm Credit
    System Insurance Fund back Farmer Mac's securities. However, by
    statute, in extreme circumstances Farmer Mac may issue obligations to
    the U.S. Treasury Department to fulfill the guarantee obligations of
    Farmer Mac Guaranteed Securities.
        In conclusion, we at FCA remain vigilant in our efforts to ensure
    that the Farm Credit System and Farmer Mac remain financially strong
    and focused on serving agriculture and rural America.
    Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Request
        Earlier this fiscal year, the Agency submitted a proposed total
    budget request of $47,482,520 for fiscal year 2008. The Agency's
    proposed budget includes an assessment on System institutions for
    fiscal year 2008 of $42,550,000. The total amount of assessments
    collected from the FCS and Farmer Mac with carryover funds equals
    $46,000,000. Since approximately 82 percent of the Agency's budget goes
    for salaries, wages, and related costs, almost all of the total budget
    amount will be used for these purposes.
        It is our intent to stay within the constraints of our fiscal year
    2008 budget as presented, and we continue our efforts to be good
    stewards of the resources entrusted to us in order to meet our
    responsibilities. The Agency has worked hard to hold down the
    assessment to the System for our operations, and I believe we have
    achieved that objective over the past several years. While we are proud
    of our record and accomplishments, I assure you that the Agency will
    continue its commitment to excellence, effectiveness, and cost
    efficiency and will remain focused on our mission of ensuring a safe,
    sound, and dependable source of credit for agriculture and rural
    America. On behalf of my colleagues on the FCA Board and at the Agency,
    this concludes my statement and I thank you for the opportunity to
    share this information.
        Senator Kohl. Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary. We'll now
    begin our rounds of questions.

                               FSIS FUNDING LEVEL

        Mr. Secretary, I was pleased to see an increase in the
    budget for the Food Safety and Inspection Service of
    approximately $100 million over the level provided in fiscal
    year 2006, but as you know, Mr. Secretary, there were some very
    serious budget problems last year, even though we provided the
    requested funding. Can you commit that this funding level will
    be adequate, in light of increasing workload and industry
    growth, for FSIS to maintain the proper amount of staff with
    the ability to do the proper testing and the work throughout
    the country?
        Secretary Johanns. Yes, we believe it will. And you're
    absolutely right, last year we were in a very tough situation
    with the budget, and about 80 percent of this area is staffing,
    so if you get in a tough situation there's not much you can do.
    It's just a very, very difficult situation. But with the
    increased funding we have requested, we believe we can cover
    the anticipated need out there and meet the needs of this
    inspection area. So we appreciate your understanding of the
    situation, but we believe this will get us there.
        Senator Kohl. All right. Mr. Secretary, the problems faced
    in fiscal year 2006 and fiscal year 2007 were the result of
    several years of FSIS being shortchanged in their pay costs,
    although Congress has always provided the full amount
    requested. We seem to have dug ourselves out of that hole. Will
    this funding level keep us above board, or is FSIS going to
    have to dig into their program levels to fully fund pay costs?
        Secretary Johanns. Well, I'll ask Scott to talk about pay
    costs, but again I think we're in good shape with this funding
    request to get the job done. But, Scott, talk about pay costs,
    if you will.
        Mr. Steele. Thank you. Yes, Senator, we have fully funded
    the on line inspection staff. We're anticipating the growth in
    the industry in terms of meat and poultry inspection
    requirements. Of course there is some uncertainty with that, in
    terms of how much demand for inspection will be out there in
    the meat industry, but this is our best estimate right now.
    Based on that, we have fully funded all the inspection
    requirements, on line inspectors, that we need.
        And of course, as the Secretary pointed out, a large part
    of the budget is for wages and benefits, so there is a limited
    amount of flexibility. But we are doing audits on the agency
    right now. We've had people come in and look at that, outside
    auditors to look at the financial balance sheets of the
    organization. We're doing a better job of tracking the
    expenditures in the agency. I think we're at this point in time
    on top of the workload and funding requirements, but we will
    keep the committee and staff informed as we move through the
    year and report to you if there are any changes to our
    estimates.
        Senator Kohl. That's good.

                              AVIAN INFLUENZA (AI)

        Mr. Secretary, the problem of avian flu, as we all know,
    has not gone away. In fact, there have been recent reports of
    an outbreak in England, and with spring weather around the
    corner there will be a lot of activity in migratory bird
    flyways. Can you tell us the total amount within APHIS that
    will be spent on avian flu activities this year, and tell us
    what this money will buy?
        Secretary Johanns. Yes. The 2008 budget requests a total of
    $82 million for avian influenza. This will continue efforts
    initiated with the supplemental funding, which if you'll
    remember was $91 million. $57 million of that is specifically
    designated for APHIS highly pathogenic AI activities.
        Funding will be used to continue our surveillance,
    diagnostics, preparedness and response efforts, and then a
    piece of that is for international veterinary capacity-
    building. Of the total requested, $3.2 million is to develop
    methods to detect AI in the environment and over $5 million is
    for further AI research, including development of poultry
    vaccines.
        The 2008 budget also includes about $17 million for the
    APHIS ongoing low pathogenic program. Low path AI is a concern
    for its potential cost to the poultry industry, but it's also a
    concern to us because of the potential that it might mutate
    into the highly pathogenic variety, so we also pay attention to
    that. So that details what we're doing with the AI funding.
        Senator Kohl. Mr. Secretary, can we expect more outbreaks
    of avian flu this spring? And if we can, what precautions do
    you have in place?
        Secretary Johanns. Low pathogenic AI is common in the
    United States, so to address low path first, it's been around
    about 100 years. Birds go through a flu season much like humans
    go through a flu season. It's typically not fatal to birds, and
    it's not a problem to human consumption of poultry. You cook
    the bird and you kill the virus. And that would be true of both
    low and high path. But we will see low path. We have strategies
    in place to deal with that, but again, it's fairly common.
        We've only had high path avian influenza in the United
    States on three occasions. The most recent was in 2004. And so
    far in this most recent international outbreak of high path
    avian influenza, we have not detected it.
        And we have been doing aggressive testing, in cooperation
    with the Department of the Interior, of wild birds and in
    Alaska, birds that would come down through the United States,
    through the flyway. In fact, we've done 79,000 wild bird
    samples to date. We haven't detected it, which is good news. We
    will continue our efforts to monitor and detect, will continue
    to do environmental samples, but so far, so good, on the high
    path.

                               EMERALD ASH BORER

        Senator Kohl. Good. I'd like to ask you about emerald ash
    borer. Would you speak to the efforts of APHIS in undertaking
    to control and eradicate emerald ash borer where it has been
    found, and also please say a word about the surveys that the
    budget requests funding for in order to prevent the spread of
    emerald ash borer in States like my own of Wisconsin?
        Secretary Johanns. The budget includes $30.7 million, an
    increase of about $21 million over the 2007 Continuing
    Resolution, for emerald ash borer efforts. The funding will
    support survey efforts and regulatory activities to prevent
    additional spread of the pest. The budget also requests $2
    million in APHIS plant methods development, a line item to
    develop control methods to do a better job of managing EAB.
        The program's immediate goal is to protect infested areas
    by containing the current infestation--mainly that would be in
    Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana--and eliminate isolated outbreaks,
    such as those detected in States like yours or Illinois or
    Maryland, and develop a long term control and eradication
    strategy. So we've boosted our request for funding here by
    about $21 million over where we were with the Continuing
    Resolution.
        Senator Kohl. I thank you very much. I'd like to call on
    Senator Bennett.
        Senator Bennett. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

                              FSA COMPUTER SYSTEM

        Mr. Secretary, we're becoming increasingly aware of the
    situation regarding the computer system in the Farm Service
    Agency. I'm sure you're familiar with that. I understand it has
    gotten so bad that direction has been given to State and county
    officers as to what times of day they could use the system
    because it's not up in a uniform fashion.
        Can you walk us through the issues in relation to that and
    what you're doing? The funding request did not appear in this
    year's budget, so I assume you have a strategy for dealing with
    it. Just talk us through that one.
        Secretary Johanns. Well, we are working with staff. In
    fact, I think it was yesterday we gave an extensive briefing
    with our computer experts on some of the problems we are
    facing. And I'll just be very candid with you. This is an area
    where we're going to need some help.
        Senator Bennett. Does ``help'' mean money?
        Secretary Johanns. It always does in government, doesn't
    it?
        Senator Bennett. Yes.
        Secretary Johanns. Here is the challenge we face. Beginning
    in November 2006, FSA experienced performance problems in its
    web-based software for programs such as the MILC program,
    Direct and Counter-Cyclical Payments, and the 2007 crop year
    farm reconstitutions. The amount of time systems were off line,
    in other words, dark, became progressively longer. A number of
    corrective actions were put in place, but again, the problem
    just continued to worsen.
        So FSA did what you said, they rationed web access time to
    try to alleviate that overloading of computing resources, as a
    means to try to continue serving producers while other steps
    were put in place to aggressively diagnose the problem we're
    facing. That policy was suspended on February 9.
        A team was put together of USDA and private sector experts
    to observe the Kansas City Web Farm under a load situation. The
    team's recommendations to optimize the performance of the
    computing environment in applications systems are being
    implemented, and service has been restored at a pre-November
    level. That's my understanding. But I will tell you that I
    don't believe, in fact, no doubt about it, the problem is not
    solved.
        FSA and the department's OCIO have compiled a comprehensive
    list of investments in managed services that are needed to
    stabilize the infrastructure used by FSA to deliver program
    benefits. There's dozens of reasons as to why this is happening
    now, but suffice it to say that over time a lot has been added
    to this system, and maybe at times not enough money to deal
    with the issues that the system was asked to face.
        So what happens now, as it has been explained to me, and
    this is very nontechnical language, but let's say a farmer
    shows up and we put that farmer's information into the system
    to assist that farmer in some way. That is routed to our Kansas
    City facility, where that request works its way through a very
    complex system of lap and overlap and overlays, and quite
    honestly patched-together systems over a period of years. And
    as it's working its way through all of that and trying to make
    this work, a period of time elapses, and if you don't get your
    request met within that period of time, it will just kick you
    out.
        Senator Bennett. Yes. I don't want to go that deep into it
    because I want to hang onto my time, but I'm glad to know
    you're on top of it to that degree. Can we expect a request for
    reprogramming or a supplemental or something?
        Secretary Johanns. In the next 3 weeks we hope to have in
    front of you, your staff, a business case for what's going to
    be involved in this system. Here is what I will tell you,
    Senator, just to cut to the chase.
        I think there's going to be a short term response to this,
    because building a new system takes time and it's very
    expensive. It takes time. It could take 3 years plus. And so
    because of a new farm bill, because of a whole bunch of other
    things that just come along, I think there will be a short term
    response that we're going to have to deal with and then a long
    term approach to a system.
        Senator Bennett. I see. Well, thank you.

                              INTERNATIONAL TRADE

        Let's talk about international trade. You mentioned exports
    being up, record levels. Trade Promotion Authority is set to
    expire this year. How much of the increase that we've seen in
    farm exports can be attributed to TPA, and also Trade
    Adjustment Assistance, or TAA, for farmers? How effective has
    all of this been with respect to that, and what would be the
    effect if TPA expired without being renewed?
        Secretary Johanns. Personally, I think it would be a very
    bad situation for farmers. Our exports have been growing. There
    are better experts here on the panel that can tell you or offer
    thoughts about what is related to Trade Promotion Authority or
    what is not, but here is the bottom line.
        I don't think you will see another trade agreement
    negotiated or approved without Trade Promotion Authority. I
    think the trade initiative will just stop. It will just stop.
    Why? Why would a country negotiate with us, if the end result
    is there really is no agreement? There really is no end to the
    negotiations, and the possibilities for shaking on the deal and
    then the deal not really being a deal. So I personally believe
    it's critically important.
        I will also offer this, because I've said it publicly. To
    me it doesn't matter who is in the White House, it doesn't
    matter if it's one party or another party, I would have the
    same argument for Trade Promotion Authority no matter who was
    in the White House. I believe it's just an important part of
    what we do.
        Now, I think there's always an opportunity for discussion
    and analysis and debate about are we doing it well enough, are
    we not doing it well enough, what should we be doing, are we
    taking care of labor issues, environmental issues, trade
    issues, all of that. I think that's a very, very appropriate
    discussion. But I think without Trade Promotion Authority we
    disarm whoever is in the White House to negotiate trade
    agreements and bring those to the Senate and the House for
    approval.
        Senator Bennett. Thank you. I was going to discuss ag
    disaster assistance, but I think Senator Dorgan has signaled
    that he is going to deal with that.

                  NATIONAL ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (NAIS)

        Let me ask you one last question quickly about the National
    Animal Identification System. There is some confusion about
    that. We have given you some money in the past. You have asked
    for some more money. But can you help us understand exactly
    where that is and where you see it going in the coming year?
        Secretary Johanns. The first thing I want to tell you is
    that it is a voluntary system. The system that we have designed
    and articulated basically says to the producer, ``this is for
    you to make a decision as to whether this is the best approach
    for what you're doing in your operation.'' It is a voluntary
    system.
        The first piece of funding, if you will, actually predates
    me, but it was funding designed to put in place the structure
    necessary to do premises identification and lay the groundwork
    for the next steps. I can tell you that we had a goal at the
    end of January of having 25 percent of our premises registered,
    and we met that goal. We were right there. It was about 24.6
    percent, so we have met that goal, and we continue to work with
    States across the country.
        The bottom line is this, Senator. Some States are really
    doing well. They're doing great. They're registering premises.
    People believe in it. Other States are not doing as well. They
    are behind. They are not registering premises as aggressively.
    There is a debate in the country as to how important this might
    be, but I think we're overcoming that. We're working to get
    good information out there.
        Ultimately, I think it has to happen. I was an advocate
    when I was Governor. I'm an advocate now as Secretary. I do
    believe the voluntary approach beats the mandatory approach. I
    think that's where we need to be now. So I personally believe
    it is where we need to be headed.
        Senator Bennett. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
        Secretary Johanns. Thank you, Senator.
        Senator Kohl. Thank you very much, Senator Bennett.
        Senator Dorgan.
        Senator Dorgan. Mr. Chairman, thank you very much.

                                  DISASTER AID

        Mr. Secretary, welcome. I intend to try to offer a disaster
    aid provision to the emergency supplemental bill. I mentioned
    to you that I've done that three times. Twice it got through
    the full Senate, got to conference, and was blocked by the
    administration. If I am successful in getting a disaster aid
    bill through the Senate on this supplemental, I'm wondering
    whether the administration will continue to want to block it or
    whether you'll be working with us to try to pass it.
        Secretary Johanns. As you know, the administration's
    historic position is to require offsets to find a way to pay
    for disaster aid, and I don't see anything that would indicate
    a change in that historic position.
        Senator Dorgan. Well, the President doesn't request any
    offsets for any emergency supplemental bills.
        Secretary Johanns. In this area, the administration's
    position, though, has been to require offsets. Here is what I
    would say, Senator, and you know I went through this when I was
    governor, and it hasn't changed. On an annual basis we talk
    about disaster, and there will be disasters. This is a very,
    very large country. Weather patterns are different north to
    south and east to west. Probably the one guarantee I can make
    you each year is that somewhere in the United States there will
    be a disaster.
        It's just a big country. Somewhere there's going to be
    drought. Somewhere there's probably going to be hurricane and
    tornado and hail damage and all of the things that farmers and
    ranchers deal with. And yet in other parts of the country they
    oftentimes experience historically best years. I won't go
    through the figures. You know the figures. But I could cite
    figures about corn production this year and soybean production,
    etcetera.
        I personally believe that the long term answer to this is
    to look at what we're doing here in terms of the policy and try
    to figure out, is there a solution? I would love to sit down
    with you and talk to you about some of the proposals we've made
    in the farm bill, because I believe they'll make a big
    difference. I believe they will help this situation. Revenue
    countercyclical does work better----
        Senator Dorgan. Mr. Secretary, I only have 5\1/2\ minutes
    of it is now gone. I'm very interested in what you are saying,
    but that--I'm interested in a response to the question of will
    the administration attempt to block a disaster piece that I put
    in the emergency supplemental.
        Secretary Johanns. I can tell you, Senator, today the
    administration's position has been and will be that offsets
    will be required to finance that.
        Senator Dorgan. Mr. Secretary, did the administration
    request offsets when we provided farm disaster aid for farmers
    who lost everything during Hurricane Katrina?
        Secretary Johanns. We have programs for disaster aid that
    we administer, and we administered some of those programs there
    that were funded and we literally could identify some funding
    and go out there and try to help in the Katrina situation.
        Senator Dorgan. Mr. Secretary, with respect to Katrina,
    that disaster had a name. Last year's drought, the epicenter of
    which was in North and South Dakota, but it spread
    substantially, had no name. But the farmers in the Gulf region,
    as a result of Hurricane Katrina, did get disaster relief. A
    significant portion of that was declared emergency, signed by
    the President.
        I think it is unfair to suggest somehow that other farmers
    who lost everything, and there are others that did, should be
    subject to a different standard. And I just would say to you
    that I'm going to attempt once again to put a disaster
    provision in the emergency supplemental, and my hope is that
    this time the administration will not block it.

                           COUNTRY-OF-ORIGIN LABELING

        I want to ask--again, we have such limited time--I want to
    ask about Canadian beef. I don't understand why the
    administration is so anxious to almost have a cattle drive from
    Canada coming to this country. One-third of the cattle that
    have been identified with BSE in Canada were born after the
    feed ban, and yet the administration tells us because of the
    imposition of a feed ban that we won't have any risk associated
    with this.
        It seems to me, Mr. Secretary, if you're at least
    considering, as you are, bringing in substantial additional
    animals from Canada, who just recently discovered their ninth
    case--or tenth, if you consider the American cow--of BSE, that
    before you would do that you would agree to implement country-
    of-origin labeling and be aggressively interested in country-
    of-origin labeling, after which we then have a discussion about
    whether it is protective of this country's economic interests
    and this country's beef industry to bring in additional cattle
    from Canada in the shadow of their ninth case of BSE. Would you
    respond?
        Secretary Johanns. I'd be happy to. In reference to the
    question about country-of-origin labeling, let there be no
    mistake. Country-of-origin labeling is the law, effective
    October 1, 2008. I want you to understand that although I may
    have personal feelings about it and desire to have a great
    debate about it, those personal feelings aren't important at
    this point. We will administer the law that Congress has put in
    place.
        In reference to the minimal risk rule that you referred to,
    that is in the rulemaking process at this point in time. We
    have sought comments. The deadline for that is coming up pretty
    quickly. We will very carefully review those comments and then
    make a decision about the appropriate course of action.
        We oftentimes say, and you've heard me say it, and probably
    read my comments when I speak of Japan and South Korea, that
    they must live by international standards. It's not fair to
    have a personal country standard. And so I will endeavor to do
    everything I can to make sure we live by those standards, and
    that not only do I preach them, but I'm willing to recognize
    those standards in this country. So that's kind of how we
    approach it.
        Senator Dorgan. Mr. Chairman, first of all, thank you. I
    would like to submit additional questions, and I'd like the
    record to show my great personal restraint in not responding to
    the cheerleading about Fast Track.
        Senator Kohl. Thank you, Senator Dorgan.
        Senator Craig.
        Senator Craig. Byron, message received.

                         USDA LOAN GUARANTEE AUTHORITY

        Mr. Secretary, I have twice passed legislation seeking to
    increase USDA loan guarantee authority from the $40 million it
    is now to about $100 million. Your lawyers said then that they
    couldn't handle the logistics for projects this size. Now the
    President has proposed in his fiscal year 2008 budget a USDA
    loan guarantee package much larger than I ever tried to pass,
    as you know, to get into the ag portfolio new technologies. We
    must go beyond where we have been. I sensed that some years ago
    with anaerobic digestion and a combination of other things, not
    only to solve waste problems but to enhance energy production.
        Question: Since we are now talking in the backdrop of a new
    farm bill that will likely increase the energy title and
    therefore the loan guarantee authority for USDA, could you talk
    about the process of the USDA's loan guarantee program and your
    opinion as to how the department will handle this new loan
    guarantee authority?
        Secretary Johanns. Well, we do loan guarantees. They're not
    new to us, as you know, Senator, and they are something we're
    familiar with. In the farm bill proposal that we have
    submitted, we are proposing, for example, $2.1 billion in loan
    guarantees targeted at cellulosic ethanol.
        Senator Craig. Right.
        Secretary Johanns. And I guess probably the best way of
    answering your question is that the process that we have in
    place, we really envision as the process that would move us
    through those loan guarantees. So, again, it's not new for us.
    It's something we have done in the past. We feel confident that
    we can do it for what we're proposing in the future.
        Senator Craig. Okay. Well, we'll work with you on it. We're
    glad that USDA is moving more aggressively in that direction.
    That's certainly part of the solution of getting us over the
    hump in some of these changes necessary in technology,
    cellulosic being one of them.

                 THE NATIONAL VETERINARIAN MEDICAL SERVICE ACT

        In December 2003 the President signed into law a USDA
    program called National Veterinarian Medical Service Act that
    provides incentive to bolster the number of veterinarians in
    the field who would serve as first responders in emergency
    situations. Now, we're primarily talking about large animal
    industry type veterinarians in rural areas.
        As I said in my opening statement, we are dumping millions
    of dollars into livestock disease research, and this panel
    helped provide hundreds of millions of dollars to create a
    National Animal Disease Lab in Ames, Iowa. I find it ironic
    that after spending all this money, we find ourselves in a
    crisis situation where we have a shortage of livestock
    veterinarians whose sole purpose is to intercept and defend
    this country against catastrophic animal diseases.
        Congress provided $500,000 in 2006, $750,000 in the 2007
    budget bill, to implement a pilot program, but your fiscal year
    2008 budget still does not support this program. Now I'm
    hearing from veterinarians that your department has no plan to
    implement the rules and regulations for the law passed over 3
    years ago to reverse the spiraling reduction in our first
    responders, i.e. large animal veterinarians. Your response to
    that?
        Secretary Johanns. You are right, there was $500,000 worth
    of funding in 2006. Here's what it boiled down to. By national
    standards, in trying to pull off a national program, it wasn't
    a huge amount of money, I think we would both agree. It turned
    out to be a rather complex program. It was a program that took
    some effort, if you will, to get together.
        I will assure you, Senator, it's not a program that we are
    opposed to, not at all. We see the need out there. Vets are
    educated and only a few of them decide to go with large animals
    versus the small animal practice. You see that in your State,
    we saw it in our State.
        Senator Craig. It's where the money is.
        Secretary Johanns. Yes. Well, and you know, there's just a
    certain difference in the kind of work that is performed, too.
        Senator Craig. Sure.
        Secretary Johanns. But we believe in the program. The only
    defense I can offer, and I don't want to sound defensive
    because we do like the program, is it just turned out to be
    more complicated than what it would appear.
        Senator Craig. Then my question is, is there a process of
    rules and regulations that will be implemented? Is this program
    something that will come into function, or is it at idle?
        Secretary Johanns. We are moving ahead with the design and
    the implementation of the program, so the answer to your
    question is yes.
        Senator Craig. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Kohl. Thank you very much.
        Senator Nelson.
        Senator Nelson. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

                      ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES FOR EARMARKS

        Mr. Secretary, as you know, during recent months there has
    been a great deal of attention drawn to earmarks, and we can
    certainly agree that transparency, accountability, and
    disclosure is extremely important on this topic. With that in
    mind, and this is sort of--it's a budget issue and question--
    can you tell me if 100 percent of the congressionally-directed
    earmarks that go through USDA are actually allocated to the
    congressionally-directed recipient?
        Put another way, does USDA take some money, a certain
    percent of the earmark, for its own administrative expenses in
    connection with the earmark, both related and unrelated to the
    earmark? And would you support greater transparency, so that
    Congress and the public are aware of exactly how USDA directs
    this money? And it may be something you want to refer to
    somebody else, but----
        Secretary Johanns. I'll have Scott Steele offer a thought
    on that.
        Mr. Steele. Senator, yes, as I understand it, each of the
    agencies that pass through money through earmarks do take some
    administrative costs from that amount, and I think the
    percentages vary by agency. But yes, we think it should be
    transparent. I think that we do identify, and I'd have to check
    the records on this, and I can respond more for the record
    exactly what percentages agencies do take, but the Cooperative
    State Research, Education and Extension Service I know does
    take a certain percentage, and NRCS and the others do, but I
    think they do vary by agency.
        Senator Nelson. But what is the authority to do that?
    Because I'm not sure that there's any mandated percentage that
    is part of the earmark, that directs the agency to be able to
    do this. And so is the amount determined within the agency? Why
    is that not included within the appropriations process for the
    agency's budget, so it doesn't become skimming?
        Mr. Steele. Well, I don't know if it's called skimming or
    not. I think it's an issue of the cost of doing business. There
    are some administrative costs in dealing with implementing
    programs, and they can't all be ignored.
        Senator Nelson. Well, why wouldn't that be, without being
    argumentative, why wouldn't that be in the budget process, in
    the appropriations process we approve here?
        Mr. Steele. Well, the earmarks themselves, we have not
    requested earmarks in our budget request. We receive the
    earmarks from the Congress. So in our justification to the
    committees, we would not be justifying the earmark to the
    committee.
        We receive the money. In turn, we make use of it and follow
    the legislative intent, and I think in that process certain
    agencies have taken a percentage of the earmark for their
    administrative costs of tracking the expenditures and making
    sure that the work is carried out properly and there is some
    overhead costs that have to be covered in this process.
        Senator Nelson. But that's not an agency expenditure that's
    appropriated as part of the budgetary process.
        Secretary Johanns. No. I think what's happening here,
    Senator, is this. Historically earmarks have not been included
    in the administration's budget request. Even before the
    discussion really heated up on earmarks, you could go and look
    at past budget requests and we don't include them, so therefore
    there would be no administrative costs to include.
        But, as Scott indicates--and you probably have the numbers
    in front of you but we would be happy to supply them to the
    committee, too--there is a certain cost in just administering
    the earmark that has been established, and so that
    administrative cost has been covered by some piece of that, and
    I'm not even aware how much, for the program itself.
        Senator Nelson. Well, some are 2.5 percent for expenses
    related to implementing the President's Management Agenda;
    agency assessment of about 8 percent to pay for administrative
    support; program assessment, 2.5 percent to 9 percent, to
    support overall program direction. It means that the range
    could be from somewhere from 13 to 20.5 percent, or higher if
    the department charge is raised.
        It is something I think we need to look into as part of the
    appropriations process, so that we don't end up with, in
    effect, off-budget, outside appropriation, taking of certain
    expenses to the agency for the process of doing that. Or at
    least it ought to be formalized in some uniform way, so that if
    an earmark is in fact directed to a certain agency, that you
    know in advance what it's going to be, so it doesn't erode the
    amount of the earmark that you're expecting to go to the
    recipient.
        Secretary Johanns. We would be happy to work with you to
    find a very transparent approach, because I think the dilemma
    we find ourselves in is, we do have certain oversight
    responsibilities and so that's how this is coming about. But
    again, we want to be transparent about it. If we're doing
    something that you'd like to see different, we're open to----
        Senator Nelson. As a matter of compliment, you were able to
    provide us some of this information when we requested it. Some
    other agencies told us it was none of our business.
        Secretary Johanns. No, we're happy to provide it and happy
    to work through the issue.
        [The information follows:]

                       Administrative Costs for Earmarks

        Several USDA agencies administer funds as a result of Congressional
    earmarks. The amount of administrative costs withheld from an earmark
    differs based on the nature of the earmarked funds and the agency
    administering the particular earmark. There are some specific statutory
    set-asides that all agencies within USDA are required by law to apply
    against programs, including from earmarks. For example, all funding
    related to extramural research and development is subject to a
    requirement to set aside 2.5 percent of funds to be used for the Small
    Business Innovation Research Program (Small Business Research and
    Development Enhancement Act of 1992, Public Law 102-564, as amended).
    In addition, all biotechnology research projects are required to set
    aside 2.0 percent of funds to support the Biotechnology Risk Assessment
    program (Section 1668 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade
    Act of 1990, Public Law 101-624, as amended).
        In addition to statutory set-asides, agencies also have authority
    to use a portion of the appropriated funds to pay for administrative
    costs. The portion of the appropriated funds used to pay for
    administration costs may differ for each agency and program. Specific
    examples include:
      --The Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service
            (CSREES) has specific statutory authority (Section 1469 of
            National Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching Policy
            Act of 1977, Public Law 95-113, as amended) to retain up to 4
            percent of amounts appropriated for research, extension and
            teaching programs for administration of these programs.
      --The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) assesses 10 percent of all
            appropriations to finance management costs associated with the
            conduct of their nationwide research programs. ARS does not
            have a separate budget line item to cover management support.
      --The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) assesses a
            rate between 2.5 percent to 9 percent depending upon the
            program. APHIS, like ARS, does not have a separate budget line
            item to cover management support.

        Senator Nelson. My time has expired. Thank you, Mr.
    Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Secretary.
        Secretary Johanns. Yes.
        Senator Kohl. Thank you, Senator Nelson. Senator Reed, then
    Senator Feinstein, then Senator Specter. Senator Reed?
        Senator Reed. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and Mr.
    Secretary and gentlemen.

                     PROVINCIAL RECONSTRUCTION TEAMS (PRTS)

        I understand that this budget for the first time includes
    $12.5 million to support USDA personnel in provincial
    reconstruction teams in both Afghanistan and Iraq. Is that
    correct, Mr. Secretary?
        Secretary Johanns. That is correct, yes.
        Senator Reed. Any reason why this is the first time it's
    been in the budget? I can tell you they are really high valued
    items over there.
        Secretary Johanns. Scott tells me that it was actually in
    last year's budget at $5 million, so maybe what caught your
    attention is that it's there this year at $12 million. The
    reason why it's there is that we do have a presence. We think
    that presence is important. We think we can do some good things
    in those countries.
        In fact, in one of the farm bill proposals we made, we
    identify a place for this kind of activity, whether it's Iraq
    or Afghanistan or some other place. We have international
    expertise. We have offices in 75 foreign countries or 70
    foreign countries. We are all over the world, and we think we
    can be very helpful.
        Senator Reed. Well, Mr. Secretary, I second that. I've been
    out visiting these PRT teams numerous times and talking to
    military leaders. I was up in Tikrit with General Nixon of the
    25th Infantry Division, and he said he could use many more USDA
    experts.
        Secretary Johanns. Yes.
        Senator Reed. Will you be able to fill all the requirements
    that you've received with this money?
        Secretary Johanns. Yes, we believe we will. I can give you
    an update today, that we have staff in Iraq and we have had
    from the beginning. We have, on the PRTs I think we have six
    positions, five of which are already there, and I think the
    sixth one will be heading over there in April of this year. So
    this would fund what we've been asked to do.
        Senator Reed. Are these contract personnel or employees?
        Secretary Johanns. No, they're employees.
        Senator Reed. There are some non-DOD agencies that are
    having difficulty getting personnel to go over, for a couple of
    reasons. One is, they don't get all the benefits that DOD gets,
    but also there's a fear that if they leave their job in the
    United States or elsewhere, that they will suffer in terms of
    promotion or their management will suffer in terms of losing a
    key person without replacement.
        How are you dealing with that? Say for example an expert
    from the Southeast of the United States goes overseas. Can you
    put a replacement in there, or does that agency or that unit
    have to get along without them?
        Secretary Johanns. I've never run into it, but I would tell
    you my personal approach would be that they not lose anything;
    that if they want to go over and do a period of time in Iraq,
    that is of real value, or Afghanistan, they should not be set
    back in their career pathway. But, like I said, I haven't run
    into it, so I'm hoping that's an indication that that has not
    been a problem. In fact, one of our personnel--he just
    refreshed my recollection--actually came back because they got
    a promotion, and so they came back to fill that promotion.
        Senator Reed. Well, I think this is a key area, and it's
    not just for the Department of Agriculture, it's for all the
    agencies that are complementing our military efforts, and I
    would ask you to go back and look seriously about the
    incentives or disincentives, about the ability to fill all of
    the requested slots and the sufficient funding to do that. But
    I note this is some progress. It's taken 4 years or so to
    finally gear up, but at least we've geared up.

                        LOCALLY PRODUCED FOOD TO SCHOOLS

        Let me change topics quickly. In Rhode Island there's a
    number of organizations that are working with farmers in our
    State to bring locally produced food to schools, and I'm glad
    that one of the recent USDA farm bill proposals indicates
    support for fresh fruits and vegetables in schools. However,
    since the Farm-to-Cafeteria program was authorized in Section
    122 of the 2004 child nutrition and WIC reauthorization, the
    program has received no funding in the administration's budget.
    Why is that the case, if we're trying to get fresh food into
    the school cafeteria program?
        Secretary Johanns. Scott, do you know about past funding?
        Mr. Steele. Senator, I think that there was a pilot for the
    schools in prior years that we did fund, and we've been trying
    to get local sponsors to work and continue those pilots. But I
    think that the farm bill proposal is going to accelerate our
    efforts in dealing with this question.
        Secretary Johanns. Our farm bill proposals, and I'll turn
    to that, would dramatically boost our efforts here. We're
    proposing $2.75 billion--and these are all scored in a 10-year
    basis--$2.75 billion in funds to purchase fruits and vegetables
    for our food assistance programs, and an additional $500
    million to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables in
    our school meals program. So over $3 billion will go into
    fruits and vegetables purchases in nutrition or school lunch.
        Senator Reed. And just a final question because my time has
    expired, but there will be an emphasis on purchasing local
    produce from local farmers?
        Secretary Johanns. Absolutely. Wherever we can buy locally,
    we want to do that. And the other thing I would point out is
    that our proposals at least are for mandatory money, so again
    if Congress agrees with us, your fruit and vegetable producers,
    your specialty crop farmers, will see a pretty significant
    presence in the farm bill that they have never seen before.
        Senator Reed. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Kohl. Thank you, Senator Reed.
        Senator Feinstein.
        Senator Feinstein. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.

                  DHS AGRICULTURAL INSPECTIONS AT U.S. BORDERS

        If I might, Mr. Secretary, why don't we go to this question
    that I had about DHS taking over ag inspections at the border.
    Just from the California experience, there is some indication
    to me that this may not be the best way to go. Could you
    comment?
        Secretary Johanns. We have a cooperative effort that goes
    on here with Homeland Security, and the USDA is a part of that.
    We can give you some numbers of things that we have done
    together. I can tell you from the USDA standpoint it is our
    goal to work as seamlessly as we possibly can with DHS in the
    administration of this program, and our attitude is, if we have
    resources that might be helpful, we want to provide those
    resources and be of assistance.
        I think, Senator, part of what is maybe being experienced
    here, this was a change, and sometimes it just takes a while
    for the system to adjust to that change. Every time I go to
    California, and I'm there on a frequent basis, this issue does
    arise from the agricultural community, because they're worried
    about pests coming in and that sort of thing.
        Senator Feinstein. And they're coming in.
        Secretary Johanns. Well, and from the USDA standpoint, I
    want you to know that we're ready to do whatever we can to make
    the system work, and we'll work as seamlessly as we possibly
    can to do that.
        Senator Feinstein. Well, I am told that fewer ag
    inspections are being done since the transfer.
        Secretary Johanns. I don't have those numbers in front of
    me, but----
        Senator Feinstein. May I ask you to take a look at that?
        Secretary Johanns. I will.
        Senator Feinstein. And get back to me, because California's
    ag is so big and affects so many States, and the penalty that
    comes from having fruit fly and then you quarantine three
    counties, the penalty is enormous. The key has to be to keep
    contaminated fruit out. Right now there's a problem with
    avocados coming in with a pest attached, and it's not being
    caught.
        Secretary Johanns. I will be happy to dig into the numbers
    and we will provide you with that information.
        [The information follows:]

                       AGRICULTURAL QUARANTINE INSPECTION
                                [Inspection Data]
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Pathway                   United States    California
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fiscal Year 2002:
        Air Passengers arrivals.............      55,220,906      10,728,329
        Air Passengers inspected............      10,521,155       1,560,235
        Cargo inspections/clearances........       2,821,221         518,040

    Fiscal Year 2003:
        Air Passengers arrivals.............      56,690,220      10,584,656
        Air Passengers inspected............       9,814,540       1,789,183
        Cargo inspections/clearances........       3,208,140         544,973

    Fiscal Year 2004:
        Air Passengers arrivals.............      57,204,756      11,354,159
        Air Passengers inspected............      11,757,977       1,551,359
        Cargo inspections/clearances........       2,544,184         644,893

    Fiscal Year 2005:
        Air Passengers arrivals.............      66,254,784      12,538,889
        Air Passengers inspected............      10,092,452       1,384,565
        Cargo inspections/clearances........       2,316,903         724,088

    Fiscal Year 2006:
        Air Passengers arrivals.............      68,457,060      12,832,403
        Air Passengers inspected............       8,523,178       1,437,212
        Cargo inspections/clearances........       2,110,075         752,715
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

        One of the major benefits of transferring all port of entry
    inspections to one agency is a front line inspection for all types of
    contraband by one individual. As a result, the front line inspectors
    today are not solely agricultural, narcotics, or weapons inspectors,
    but rather they have been trained to detect any and all contraband.
    This system allows for an efficient use of resources without
    compromising protection. However, having the front line inspectors
    trained to detect multiple forms of contraband does not allow for a
    direct comparison with the inspection regime prior to the transfer. For
    example, all international air passengers must be cleared through the
    Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection's (CBP)
    primary inspection. They may be directed to undergo a secondary
    agricultural inspection for a variety of reasons. While the actual
    number of secondary agricultural inspections of air passengers has
    decreased since the transfer, the primary inspection now includes a
    much stronger agriculture component because APHIS provides basic
    agricultural training to all CBP inspectors. Additionally, CBP has a
    more sophisticated risk identification system and database that allows
    for more targeted inspections.

                 AGRICULTURAL QUARANTINE INSPECTION (AQI) FEES

        Senator Feinstein. All right, because don't you have $133
    million for administrative expenses? Is that for new ag
    inspectors, or is that something else?
        Secretary Johanns. Scott, do you know?
        Mr. Steele. Senator, this is the Agricultural Quarantine
    Inspection fee program that we carry out. We collect these fees
    from airline passengers, and that money is collected and those
    fees do change periodically in terms of how much money we
    recover from them. Then some of that money is transferred over
    to DHS from the Department. At this point in time for the 2008
    budget, it looks like we have estimated obligations in this
    program of about $482 million, and about $299 million, almost
    $300 million, of that would be transferred to the Department of
    Homeland Security to carry out the inspections you're talking
    about.
        Now, APHIS does keep some of those fees for their own
    internal use in helping DHS carry out its responsibility, but
    DHS is now in charge of the front line inspectors. They would
    be the one checking the baggage and those kinds of things.
    APHIS would be called in if there needed to be fumigation,
    training, and other things, sort of a secondary back-up role to
    the DHS people. Now, those DHS people, they were transferred
    from APHIS over to DHS. They originally worked for USDA, and
    they are now working for DHS, and they are being assigned and
    managed by DHS.

                            NUMBER OF AQI INSPECTORS

        Senator Feinstein. How many of them are there?
        Secretary Johanns. I don't have an exact number, of the
    total number of inspectors, but we can provide that for the
    record and tell you exactly who is doing what.
        Senator Feinstein. Well, for the record, this is one
    Senator--
        Secretary Johanns. Yes, and how many are in California.
        Senator Feinstein [continuing]. That doesn't really like
    that transfer. I don't think that inspections are well served
    by taking agricultural people and putting them under DHS, where
    the mission is totally different, and I don't want to see my
    State suffer because of it, either. So I'm going to watch
    carefully, and I hope you will as well.
        Secretary Johanns. We will, and we'll get you that
    information you have requested.
        [The information follows:]
        Agricultural Quarantine Inspection Positions Transferred to DHS
        In fiscal year 2002, the Animal and Health Inspection Service
    (APHIS) had 3,484 Agricultural Quarantine Inspection (AQI) full time
    equivalents (FTEs). Of these FTEs, 2,515 were inspection personnel.
        In fiscal year 2003, APHIS transferred 2,655 positions (529 of
    those positions were in California with 75 vacant positions) to the
    Department of Homeland Security. Of these 2,655 positions, 2,407 were
    inspection positions (including Plant Protection and Quarantine
    Inspectors and Technicians). Of the inspection positions, 346 were
    vacant at the time of the transfer (accordingly, 2061 inspection
    personnel were transferred). Of the total 2,655 positions, 387 were
    vacant.
        In fiscal year 2007, DHS informs the Department that they have
    2,188 agricultural specialist positions, including 130 vacancies. DHS
    also indicates that there are 337 inspectors currently located in
    California.

                           E. COLI IN SPECIALTY CROPS

        Senator Feinstein. Thank you. Let me go to E. coli. The
    outbreak of E. coli that essentially came from California
    products, at least the spinach, I mean, 90 percent of the
    United States is fed with that spinach, and I note that the
    budget increases by $4 million food safety research, but you
    also discontinue the food safety project at the Albany station
    in California which specifically targets E. coli, and so my
    question is, why?
        Secretary Johanns. This is one of the things that I
    mentioned in my opening statement. We did a farm bill proposal
    on kind of a parallel track with the budget, but eventually
    these two have to marry together because in 2008 we have a new
    farm bill.
        When it comes to specialty crops, I think you're going to
    like the proposals we have made. We are proposing not only that
    increase of additional fruit and vegetable purchases, which of
    course would be really good for California, but we're also
    proposing to increase research in that area by $1 billion--and
    again, these numbers are all on a 10-year score--because one of
    the things that we heard from our specialty crop farmers was,
    we need assistance in this area of research and phytosanitary/
    sanitary issues.
        So we heard them, and again, never, I promise you, never in
    the history of farm bills have we had such a significant
    presence for specialty crop producers as what we are proposing.
    So if these proposals were to be adopted, there would be a
    major step forward for research in this area. It would be very
    significant.
        Senator Feinstein. My time is up, Mr. Chairman, but if I
    might just say--and you don't have to answer it, we can talk
    about this later--the time has perhaps come for some
    regulations from your department with respect to the
    phytosanitary handling of crops, to prevent this from happening
    again, instead of leaving it up to each State.
        Secretary Johanns. California has a very, very mature ag
    industry, as you know. They do good work. Some of their
    counties actually produce more agricultural products in value
    than some States. And so I guess what I would say to you is, we
    like what we're seeing there. They really do seem to be
    aggressively addressing this issue. Any time you go to a
    national phenomenon, it becomes that. I mean, it tends to be
    uniform, one-size-fits-all. I really want to talk to you about
    that before maybe any of us reach some conclusions on that.
        I would also mention that APHIS does work with California,
    and the FDA, in this area. But again, I think this would really
    warrant some serious thought and discussion, and I would really
    want to consult with our producers across the country,
    especially in California. They do some good work, as you know.
        Senator Feinstein. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Secretary.
    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Kohl. Thank you, Senator Feinstein.
        Senator Specter.
        Senator Specter. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

                   COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM (CSFP)

        Mr. Secretary, I am concerned about the budget request
    which is $4 billion lower than the 2006-2007 level, and the
    termination of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program which
    provided some 6.4 million food packages to over 500,000 people
    in low income brackets, also seniors. I know that the
    projection is that the WIC program and food stamps will meet
    the needs, but that really isn't applicable when the seniors
    are not included in those programs.
        So my question, how can your department really keep up with
    the demands for very important services, and have a budget cut
    and not have even an inflationary increase, and continue to
    provide important programs like the Commodity Supplemental Food
    Program?
        Secretary Johanns. Overall, our nutrition programs are
    fully funded--not only funded for what we have today but the
    anticipated need. They're fully funded for the inflationary
    increase we anticipate, and they're even fully funded in terms
    of a contingency amount of money for WIC and food stamps. So we
    believe that we will meet the needs that are out there, and if
    we don't, if we have underestimated those, we have a
    contingency program that is available.
        Senator Specter. What is the contingency program?
        Secretary Johanns. It's a large amount of money. Scott, how
    much?
        Mr. Steele. Senator, yes, we have set aside additional
    money in a contingency fund if we would need to use it. It's $3
    billion for the Food Stamp Program. If our estimates are wrong
    on participation, we could then go to that contingency fund to
    make up the difference, the shortfall.
        In the WIC program it's $200 million. If we miss the
    estimate that we have now for 8.3 million women, infants and
    children, we would be able to tap into that $200 million if our
    estimate is wrong. So we have asked for that additional amount
    of money in the budget request.
        Secretary Johanns. Here is the situation on CSFP, and it is
    a popular program. It's certainly well received out there. Here
    is why it keeps popping up. The administrative costs get
    people's attention. They are about 46 percent of the food that
    is purchased. It is not a nationwide program. It's in 32 out of
    the 50 States, and I think we have it on some Indian
    reservations.
        And, again, we just believe--and we have monies in the
    budget for outreach--that if we can identify the people and
    move them to one of our other programs, it will work better for
    them. So that's why it keeps popping up every year.
        Senator Specter. Mr. Secretary, let me thank Keith Collins,
    your chief economist, for substantial help he has given us in
    the past when we've had some tough milk issues in Pennsylvania.
    I recall one incident where he came to the State and was
    enormously helpful.
        I'm not going to be able to stay for Commissioner von
    Eschenbach's testimony. I want to note with approval his
    confirmation. Good to see him on the job, past that hurdle.
        And one question which I would like him to answer for the
    record. It involves the--I note an increase in user fees, $15.7
    billion, on some of the drug review programs. We hear comments
    from time to time that the people who are awaiting those
    programs would be glad to increase their user fees if we could
    have more expeditious treatment. I'd like him to take a look at
    that question and give us a response in writing.
        Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Kohl. Thank you, Senator Specter.
        Senator Harkin.
        Senator Harkin. Well, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
    Thank you, Mr. Secretary, Mr. Deputy Secretary, and all of you
    who are here. I just had a couple of questions.

                                ORGANIC FARMING

        Again, we tried in the last farm bill, Mr. Secretary, to
    put in some funds and different programs to help organic
    farmers. There has always been this sort of ``valley of death''
    as they call it, when a farmer wants to transition to become an
    organic. Well, you take 3 years. You've got to have 3 years.
    Well, during those 3 years you can't really say it's organic,
    so how do you get through that sort of ``valley of death'' from
    being nonorganic to being organic?
        So we put funds in the bill and we put a couple of programs
    in there to help farmers do this. I see that the budget now
    zeros this out, zeros this out. Let's see, where was it? Yes,
    we had $1.8 million, very small, in discretionary funds last
    year, and the budget would provide no funds at all.
        Now, we do have some money that we put in there, mandatory
    money. We do have some of the mandatory money in there, that's
    true, but that's sort of on research and stuff. But the
    transition funds--we do the research, and that money is there,
    Mr. Chairman, for research in organics and what farmers might
    do and how they set up marketing things and stuff like that.
    That's that research, but the transition funds were extremely
    important, and they're just zeroed out at a time when consumers
    can't get enough organics.
        The fastest growing part of the food industry in America is
    organics, 20 percent a year. People at Whole Foods say they
    can't get enough organics. They can't even keep up with it. So
    people want it. The producers can't keep up. It seems to me a
    great opportunity, and I just want to know what kind of
    justification there is, because I'm looking at the farm bill
    this year, and if nothing else, I'd like to actually beef that
    up and do more in that area, Mr. Secretary.
        Secretary Johanns. I was just looking at our proposals that
    we submitted to your Agriculture Committee, Mr. Chairman,
    relative to organic farming, and we're doing a number of things
    here that I think would be helpful. I don't pick up that
    proposal in what we've put here, though, I don't think.
        So I guess what I would offer to you, I'd be anxious to sit
    down with you and see if there's something we can do there,
    because you're right, there is a period of time where you
    transition. We do have some money in this year's budget, some
    mandatory funding, as you point out, but in the next farm bill
    there's probably an opportunity here to take a look at this
    issue again.
        Senator Harkin. I'm open for any suggestions you've got on
    things where we can work together and how we focus on this.
        And the other thing that I heard, Mr. Secretary, was that
    we just had a meeting with some of these farmers in Iowa
    recently, sometime in January, I think it was, and the problem
    seems to be in terms of marketing, regional kinds of processing
    facilities and stuff, where a small farmer could take this in
    and get it processed and packaged and sent out, someplace like
    that, so I would like to visit with you about that.
        Secretary Johanns. Okay.

                               DHS AQI INSPECTORS

        Senator Harkin. I am told that in my absence Senator
    Feinstein covered the problems with the inspectors coming in. I
    think we've got a real problem there, and we're going to have
    to think about whether or not, Mr. Chairman, whether or not
    these inspectors ought to be brought back under USDA or should
    they stay under DHS. And quite frankly, everything I have heard
    is that they were doing their job under Ag, they had a good
    structure for it, and now they have been shifted and it's sort
    of the tail end of everything out there under DHS. I just
    wonder if we shouldn't somehow bring them back in under USDA. I
    assume you spoke about that in my absence.
        Secretary Johanns. Yes. Senator Feinstein has asked for
    some information on where were we on inspections before the
    change, where are we at now, and we'll provide that.

                                    FOOD AID

        Senator Harkin. Okay. The last thing I just want to cover
    is food aid. Because of the continuing crisis in Africa and
    everywhere else, we have been obligated to provide additional
    emergency funding for Title II international food aid above and
    beyond the appropriated levels, and this goes back for the last
    several years.
        Again, the administration--we're talking about a budget
    here, now--the administration has been unwilling to acknowledge
    that increased demand. They have not requested any funding
    above the recent level of $1.2 billion for Title II, and I'm
    wondering why, since we know we're going to have to provide
    more, why there isn't more of a budget thing and why there
    isn't some justification in the budget for this food aid? It
    just makes it tough on us when it's not in that budget.
        Now, if you don't have the answer now, if you could submit
    it in writing, that would be fine with me.
        Secretary Johanns. Okay. We'll submit it in writing.
        Senator Harkin. That's fine. Just look at that.
        Secretary Johanns. Okay.
        Senator Harkin. Same level it has always been every year.
    We've got to come in and get more and more every year. And I
    think as you look around the world now, we're going to be asked
    to do that again, so it should be part of the budget.
        Secretary Johanns. Okay.
        [The information follows:]
           2008 Budget Request for Public Law 480 Title II Donations
        The 2008 budget requests just over $1.2 billion of appropriated
    funding for Public Law 480 Title II donations; this is a slight
    increase above the level provided in 2007. The requested funding will
    be supplemented by reimbursements from the Maritime Administration for
    prior year cargo preference costs, which are expected to total just
    over $120 million in 2008.
        The appropriations request reflects a careful prioritization among
    the competing demands for international humanitarian assistance. The
    United States has a number of different programs and authorities for
    responding to humanitarian needs overseas, each of which is important
    and makes a unique contribution to our humanitarian response efforts.
        In addition, it is important to understand that emergency food
    needs are difficult to predict in advance, especially given the complex
    nature of evolving, rapidly changing conflicts and the unpredictability
    of rainy seasons in drought-prone areas. However, should unanticipated
    and extraordinary emergencies arise during the course of the year, the
    Administration has a number of options for responding, including a
    supplemental appropriations request and a release of commodities from
    the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust. At present, the Trust holds
    915,000 metric tons of wheat and $107 million of cash. The wheat
    tonnage equivalent of that cash is approximately 500,000 metric tons,
    so in total the Trust has resources equal to about 1.4 million metric
    tons of wheat.
        In view of these considerations, the Administration believes the
    2008 budget continues our commitment to addressing the most severe and
    critical emergency food aid needs.

        Senator Harkin. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Kohl. Thank you, Senator Harkin.
        Senator Nelson, do you want to make comments?
        Senator Nelson. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

                              CONTINGENCY FUNDING

        One quick item: Mr. Chairman, I commend the contingency
    fund to deal with the challenges of food stamps and making sure
    that the numbers match with the requirements. I wonder if it's
    possible to do a similar thing with mitigation funding, with a
    contingency fund.
        We know every year we're going to have disasters that will
    relate to agriculture, whether it's hurricanes or whether it's
    continuing drought. In the past they've been offset typically
    from some program within the previous farm bill, 2002. I
    remember Nebraska being a beneficiary of that when you were
    Governor. It's an ongoing situation. We don't know where it's
    going to happen, but we know that it will happen.
        Why aren't we in a position to set aside a contingency? If
    we're going to take $18 billion, roughly, out of the farm bill,
    why don't we preserve some of that to deal with the fact that
    disasters will occur that are not going to be adequately
    covered by crop insurance?
        There isn't any way an 8-year continuing drought can be
    covered by crop insurance. We went over that, I think, in the
    Senate Ag Committee, in talking about how we will balance that
    all out. But isn't it possible to set aside $5 billion or $6
    billion? If we can set aside $3 billion for food stamps, it
    would seem to me that we ought to be able to hedge our bet a
    bit on natural disasters for crop coverage.

                          CROP INSURANCE GAP COVERAGE

        Secretary Johanns. Here is the challenge you will face if
    you want to establish a fund and just have money in it,
    whatever that amount would be. Keep in mind during the last
    farm bill, notwithstanding the attempts to pass recent disaster
    relief, we spent about $8 billion on disaster relief programs,
    and the current discussion is somewhere along the lines of $3
    or $4 additional billion, so you could be up to around $12
    billion. And you're going to start with a baseline just like we
    did, and everything outside of that is above the baseline, and
    you know the drill on amounts above the baseline.
        Here is what I would offer to you, though. I do believe
    that this crop insurance approach is worth looking at. One of
    the big criticisms with crop insurance today is, you can't
    cover the gap, so we're proposing a gap coverage be made
    available to cover that typically 30 percent gap in coverage
    between 70 percent and 100 percent.
        And then the second thing is the revenue-based
    countercyclical program just will work better. We can't talk
    about the specific product, we're forbidden, but there is some
    effort to look at this issue of ongoing disaster and its impact
    on crop insurance and----
        Senator Nelson. Well, you just reach the base, so that
    ultimately you're out of business unintentionally.
        Secretary Johanns. Exactly. Dr. Collins can give you a
    great briefing on that. But we're looking at some of the very
    issues you're talking about, and this actually might--I would
    respectfully suggest--be a better model than just the fund.
        Senator Nelson. Well, I would agree with you for the
    occasional loss. I don't think that you can rely on crop
    insurance to cover a disaster that continues for 8 years. It's
    not designed to do that. That's like insuring your house and
    having it burn down every year for 8 years. The mechanism just
    doesn't presuppose that in the actuarial computations.
        But statistically I'm sure Mr. Steele could calculate over
    the last 20 years what, adjusted for current dollar value, what
    the crop losses have been that would be disaster occurrences,
    so that you could calculate highs and lows and treat it as, if
    you will, a contingency fund on an actuarial or statistical
    basis within the budget, and have it covered.
        Now, it's true, sometimes it's better to cover that 30
    percent. I understand that difference. But I don't think your
    crop insurance is going to work for a multiyear drought that
    goes on and on and on and on. For occasional losses, I think
    that's the way to go for 2 or 3 years, but not an 8- or 9-year
    loss as you know we're experiencing in southwest Nebraska.
        Something for you to consider, and I hope that you will
    take a close look at it, and I hope as we put together the
    appropriations package, we can work in that direction.
        Secretary Johanns. Okay. We would be anxious to sit down
    with you, and we'll consider your comments.
        Senator Nelson. Thank you.

                         ADDITIONAL COMMITTEE QUESTIONS

        Senator Kohl. Thank you very much, Senator Nelson.
        And we would like to thank you, Secretary Johanns, along
    with Mr. Conner, Mr. Steele, Mr. Collins. Your testimony and
    your response to our questions has been really good, and we
    look forward to continuing to work with you as the process
    unfolds.
        Secretary Johanns. Mr. Chairman, thank you.
        [The following questions were not asked at the hearing, but
    were submitted to the Department for response subsequent to the
    hearing:]

                    Questions Submitted by Senator Herb Kohl

                                      veal
        Question. Mr. Secretary, I am very concerned that we have some
    serious trade distortions with Canada which disadvantage U.S. veal
    producers.
        Wisconsin veal producers believe that Canadian policies,
    particularly access to low-priced feed coupled with support from the
    Quebec production price insurance program, give their competitors in
    Canada an unfair economic advantage in the form of lower production
    cost which encourage over production. Some of the increased production
    is exported to the U.S. market where it is further processed and sold
    as U.S. produced product. The relatively low cost of production in
    Canada also encourages many Canadian producers to purchase replacement
    calves in the United States which drives up prices for U.S. producers.
        I would like the USDA's Economic Research Service to review this
    topic and provide some updated data on this matter. I'm particularly
    interested in an updated comparison of subsidies which apply to U.S.
    veal producers and their counterparts in Canada.
        Answer. The information is submitted for the record.
        [The information follows:]
        In 2005 the cost of production for a milk- or formula-fed veal calf
    raised to about 450 pounds in the United States was $682.50 versus a
    net cost of $699.97 in Canada, which includes a payment from the
    Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program.
        Exports of veal meat from Canada to the United States in the
    carcass, cuts-bone-in, and cuts boneless categories (assumed to be
    available for further processing in the United States) have increased
    from 2000 to 2005.
        Carcass exports to the United States have risen rapidly due to
    increased slaughter capacity in Canada and restrictions on live animal
    trade as a result of BSE-related border measures. U.S. cattle export
    data to Canada do not provide breakouts by size so we cannot readily
    determine how many calves are really being shipped to Canada for veal.
    A category in USDA export statistics that includes these calves is
    Cattle not for Breeding which we show here for 2002 to 2006.
        Exports fell with the onset of BSE-related border measures,
    dropping from about 133,500 animals in 2002 to a low of 14,200 in 2004
    and rebounding slowly afterward. Exports reached 36,050 animals in
    2006. Purchases of veal calves by Canadians make up some unknown share
    of these exports.
        Veal market data reports show the following calf slaughter numbers
    in Canada and the United States in recent years.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Canada           U.S.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2003....................................         251,309         971,459
    2004....................................         284,334         838,405
    2005....................................         267,900         717,338
    2006....................................         245,341         698,618
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Question. I would also like to receive a summary of steps you have
    taken in conjunction with the U.S. Trade Representative to resolve this
    dispute.
        Answer. USDA, along with the Office of the United States Trade
    Representative (USTR), is aware of the concerns that have been
    identified and has examined Canadian Federal and provincial policies
    regarding support provided to Canadian veal producers. To date, USDA
    has not identified components of the Quebec Income Stabilization
    Program that are inconsistent with Canada's international obligations
    but remains open to additional information and assessment. There are
    several recent factors that have changed the dynamics of the United
    States and Canadian veal and veal calf markets, including the
    imposition of U.S. BSE restrictions on Canadian cattle. USDA will
    continue to monitor the situation closely. If new information indicates
    that Canada is not fully meeting its international obligations, USDA
    and USTR will take prompt action to address the matter.

             AFGHANISTAN/IRAQ PROVINCIAL RECONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

        Question. Last August, we received notification from the U.S.
    Department of State that $7.8 million of the Iraq Relief and
    Reconstruction Fund was being transferred to USDA to restore and expand
    a sustainable agriculture sector in Iraq. Your request for 2008
    includes $12.5 million for Provincial Reconstruction Teams to restore
    and stabilize the agricultural economies in Afghanistan and Iraq.
        Please tell us the amount of funds that USDA has used for these
    activities since the beginning of fiscal year 2006, including funds
    directly appropriated to USDA or transferred from other Departments.
    Also tell us what specific activities were carried out with these
    funds.
        Answer. Since the beginning of fiscal year 2006 through March 2007,
    USDA has expended approximately $3.39 million in Afghanistan ($2.45
    million transferred from USAID, $140,000 from the CCC-funded Emerging
    Markets Program, and $800,000 from USDA appropriated funding) to
    support USDA participation in the Provincial Reconstruction Teams
    (PRTs); to provide technical assistance and capacity building to the
    Ministry of Agriculture; and to support development of agriculture and
    trade programs at institutions of higher education. This amount will
    grow as additional expenses are incurred during fiscal year 2007.
        Since the beginning of fiscal year 2006 through March 2007, USDA
    has used approximately $6.56 million in Iraq ($5.3 million transferred
    from the State Department to support revitalization of Iraqi
    agricultural extension programs; $260,000 transferred from USAID to
    support USDA participation in the PRTs; and $1 million from USDA
    appropriated funding) to provide both agricultural advisors to the PRTs
    and Ministry of Agriculture, and public affairs specialist to work with
    the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office (IRMO). This amount will also
    increase as we move through fiscal year 2007.
        Question. What specific outcomes have been realized by the
    expenditure of these funds and are these consistent (and on schedule)
    with the original objectives of the allocations?
        Answer. With this funding, USDA has been an active participant in
    the ongoing reconstruction initiatives in both Afghanistan and Iraq. In
    the case of Afghanistan, USDA has been able to introduce modern
    agriculture production and marketing techniques to the rural provinces.
    Among other things, efforts have been focused on irrigation system
    rehabilitation, post-harvest loss reduction, marketing system
    improvements and livestock health.
        In Iraq, USDA's Agricultural Extension Revitalization Program is on
    schedule to provide the first training of Iraqi extension agents in
    June 2007. In addition, USDA has deployed PRT and ministry advisors as
    well as public affairs specialists who are now embedded into the Iraqi
    and U.S. institutions to which they were assigned. Recruitment for
    additional advisors is ongoing. USDA is cooperating with other U.S.
    Government agencies to continue identifying appropriate assignments.
        The outcomes that have been achieved through these activities have
    been consistent with the purposes for which the funding was originally
    allocated.
        Question. How do you recruit people to take assignments in
    locations such as Iraq and Afghanistan, and how do you assure their
    security?
        Answer. The Foreign Agricultural Service coordinates the
    recruitment and selection of USDA agricultural advisors, drawing upon
    the expertise of the Department's agencies such as the Natural
    Resources Conservation Service, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection
    Service, and the Agricultural Marketing Service, as well as the Land
    Grant Universities and 1890 colleges. A panel from USDA interviews and
    selects candidates, matching their technical skills, as well as their
    anticipated ability to operate in an insecure area, to skills needed in
    the PRTs. Recommendations are sent to the Secretary for final approval.
        Prior to deployment, all advisors attend a two-week security
    training program. Once deployed, each advisor is embedded with the U.S.
    military to ensure personal security.
        Question. In Afghanistan, there had been hopes that poppy
    production could be replaced with food crops that could help sustain
    their people. Yet we hear that poppy production there is still their
    leading crop and that the World Food Program considers that country in
    serious need of humanitarian food assistance.
        Explain what has been done to try and move Afghan farmers away from
    poppy production and why does it not seem to be working?
        Answer. USDA's role in support of the Administration's efforts to
    promote alternative livelihoods includes providing expertise to the
    Afghanistan Ministry of Agriculture to strengthen programs in
    agricultural extension, animal health, plant protection, and natural
    resources, and helps the Ministry extend its programs to all provinces
    and districts of the country. USDA's advisors on the PRTs work with
    their ministry counterparts to build capacity and develop programs at
    the local level.
        USDA helped to establish and continues to support the Afghan
    Conservation Corps which has employed thousands of Afghans in projects
    for reforestation, soil and water conservation, and conservation
    education. With local sales proceeds derived from the monetization of
    USDA food aid commodities, USDA has supported the renovation of
    agricultural and veterinary teaching facilities at Kabul University and
    the training of faculty. USDA also is working to build the capacity of
    five agricultural universities in Afghanistan, through faculty
    training, construction, and renovation of laboratories and classrooms.
        Finally, because livestock is vitally important to the Afghan
    economy, USDA is training Afghan veterinarians in the recognition,
    diagnosis, and control of animal diseases.

                         CCE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

        Question. Mr. Secretary, the budget for the Common Computing
    Environment is spread to the 3 agencies it serves this year--Rural
    Development, the Natural Resources Conservation Services, and Farm
    Service Agency. However, total funding for CCE decreases by nearly $30
    million.
        It is not my understanding that information technology needs at
    USDA have decreased--in fact, at the Farm Service Agency--the opposite
    is true. We have all heard about the problems and delays at the county
    offices--when the East Coast is working, the West Coast can't work, and
    vice versa, or FSA risks overloading the system. This is clearly
    unacceptable, and although the Farm Bill is scheduled to be
    reauthorized this year, which will obviously increase FSA's workload,
    funding increases in their budget for IT will only maintain the
    antiquated system in place now. It's like trying to stop a dam from
    bursting with duct tape.
        Why is the budget for CCE decreasing this year, when needs are
    certainly not?
        Answer. Funding for the CCE has been comprised of Service Center
    Agency (FSA, NRCS, RD) information technology (IT) purchases through
    their own appropriations, in addition to funding provided through the
    CCE direct appropriation. This funding has been used to develop an
    infrastructure to support the business delivery functions of the
    Service Center Agency (SCA) field offices located across the country.
    The 2008 budget requests that $78.5 million with an additional $12
    million for CCE activities specific to FSA be included in the SCA
    salaries and expenses appropriations to meet the ongoing business
    delivery needs. This funding will support the continued IT activities
    of the SCAs as they jointly maintain the CCE infrastructure. In
    addition, the SCAs will continue to work with the Information
    Technology Services (ITS) division of the Office of the Chief
    Information Officer in USDA. ITS is funded through reimbursable
    agreements with the SCAs and delivers staffing and services to the
    agencies in support of the CCE. In coordination with ITS, the agencies
    will be able to ensure that the necessary services and staffing are
    available to maintain the infrastructure and program delivery.
        Question. Does the USDA have a solid budget estimate of the cost to
    replace the current outdated FSA computer system?
        Answer. FSA is planning to implement a long-term modernization
    effort known as MIDAS to replace its obsolete equipment. At this time,
    FSA anticipates submitting a business case for this investment to the
    Office of Management and Budget during March 2007. Preliminary cost
    estimates indicate that this planned transition would require about
    $278 million over fiscal years 2007 through 2009. It would also have a
    total 10-year lifecycle cost of $463 million unadjusted for risk and an
    estimated cost of $617 million when adjusted for risk.
        In addition to this modernization effort, further costs must be
    incurred to stabilize the FSA IT system components at field offices in
    the short term. These additional costs are estimated to be about $150
    million to bring the Kansas City web-based system up to at least
    moderate reliability; about $97 million to implement likely disaster
    assistance and Farm Bill legislation; and nearly $29 million to replace
    obsolete field office components. Thus, estimated total costs of nearly
    $553 million over fiscal years 2007 through 2010 will be required to
    bring the current system up reasonable operating capability and to
    transition to a modernized system. However, the actual modernization
    component as noted above is estimated to cost about $278 million.
        Question. Is this part of the Farm Bill proposals submitted? If
    not, where will this funding come from, since it is not in the
    President's budget?
        Answer. Funding for modernization of FSA's information technology
    systems is not included in the Administration's Farm Bill proposal.
    USDA is working with the Office of Management and Budget to identify an
    appropriate funding source for this investment.

                             AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

        Question. Federal support for agricultural research is one of the
    most important contributions we make to support productivity for our
    farmers, ranchers, and all parts of our rural economy. A very good case
    can be made that this type of research is not getting the full support
    it needs in terms of funding, but the results have been impressive.
        What, if anything, is broke about the current agricultural research
    programs? If there is a need to combine agencies like ARS and CSREES,
    isn't that just a matter of coordination? Isn't that the role of the
    Under Secretary now?
        Answer. While current agricultural research programs are
    functioning well, they can be strengthened. Currently, both ARS and
    CSREES support basic and applied research spanning the full spectrum of
    agriculture related issues including plant and animal systems, food and
    nutrition, and natural resources.
        Our proposal will greatly facilitate closer collaboration by
    establishing a single National Program Staff (NPS) to manage programs
    and resources across all areas of research, both intramural and
    extramural, as well as extension and education. This will help ensure
    that resources will be maximized and that the comparative strengths of
    our intramural and extramural system are better utilized to address
    critical problems facing agriculture.
        While the Under Secretary has a role in coordinating programs
    between the REE agencies, it is important that this coordination be
    institutionalized. This can best be accomplished by merging the
    agencies.
        Question. Can you please give us your view on how Federal support
    for agricultural research should be administered? For example, what is
    the role of the State/Federal partnerships that have worked so well
    over the past?
        Answer. Continued Federal support for agricultural research is
    critical to the future of American agriculture. It is important to
    maintain both strong intramural and extramural research programs.
    Central to USDA's extramural efforts is the State/Federal partnership
    with the Land Grant Universities and other cooperators. These efforts
    should be maintained and strengthened.
        Question. Do you think that USDA should have its own in-house
    research agency? As you know, there are proposals under consideration
    that would remove agricultural research from the jurisdiction of USDA
    and place it with an independent agency. How do you feel about that?
        Answer. Agricultural research and education is a core mission of
    USDA and it is important to maintain a strong intramural research
    capacity. The Administration strongly supports keeping intramural
    research efforts within the jurisdiction of USDA and does not support
    moving these efforts into an independent agency.
        One of the Administration's farm bill proposals would make
    significant changes to the Research, Education, and Economics mission
    area within USDA. Specifically, CSREES and ARS would be folded into one
    agency. The thrust of the argument for this change is that it will
    provide better coordination and allow for enhanced efficiency and
    effectiveness of program implementation and resource allocation.
        Question. How do you think we best meet the needs for long-term
    research that can be well served by long-term formula funds and
    competitive grants and the short term problem solving needs that can
    perhaps be best served by use of your special grant authorities? Do you
    think we need to maintain a balance to meet both these type of research
    needs?
        Answer. Our experience is that a mixed portfolio of formula funds
    and competitive grant programs allows us to address the needs of
    research for American agriculture. Our programs support the goals and
    objectives of USDA, and incorporate stakeholder input on a continuing
    basis. Formula funds ensure that each State has an immediate response
    capacity to address emerging issues and problems. When an issue arises,
    existing resources can be mobilized quickly to begin to deal with the
    problem.
        For those areas of longer-term concern, competitive programs are
    able to lay the scientific groundwork needed to address specific
    problems. Because these programs are designed at the Federal level,
    with stakeholder input, and take into account the needs of the entire
    nation, they apply available resources to America's highest
    agricultural research priorities. In our experience, well developed and
    logically structured competitive programs take no longer and can be as
    responsive to solving science based issues as legislatively mandated
    special research grants.

                    NATIONAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT

        Question. Please provide an update on the implementation of the
    National Veterinary Services Act.
        Answer. We plan to publish a Final Rule delegating the National
    Veterinary Medical Services Act program to CSREES in the Federal
    Register on March 19, 2007. Although there are additional
    administrative steps that must be completed prior to the distribution
    of funds, a framework for the program has been developed by CSREES. The
    Department recognizes the importance of this Act to the veterinary
    community and those that they serve and is moving forward in the
    implementation of this program as quickly as possible.

                                   AVIAN FLU

        Question. Secretary Johanns, as you are aware, we provided in the
    Joint Resolution we recently passed more than $47 million to annualize
    funding provided in an fiscal year 2006 supplemental bill for avian flu
    activities in APHIS. Further increases are included in the budget,
    although we understand that this may change some based on passage of
    the joint resolution. Although it may seem that there was certainly a
    few months where we didn't hear about too many avian flu outbreaks,
    very recently there has been a new outbreak in Britain, and we are
    headed into the spring, when the birds will be migrating and we know
    their migratory patterns must be monitored closely. I know that you are
    aware of the importance of staying ahead of this situation--this is
    evidenced by your budget request.
        What is the total amount within APHIS that will be spent on avian
    flu activities this year? What will this money buy?
        Answer. APHIS is planning to spend $107.7 million ($30 million in
    2006 supplemental funding, $16.8 million carryover from Low Pathogenic
    Avian Influenza (LPAI), $47.2 million for highly pathogenic avian
    influenza (HPAI) appropriated funding and $13.7 million for LPAI
    appropriated funding) during fiscal year 2007. The use of these funds
    will increase surveillance in wildlife, domestic poultry, and game
    birds; increase and enhance existing preparedness; and provide capacity
    building for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the
    international community. Additionally, APHIS is increasing its
    interdiction activities to reduce the threat of an HPAI introduction
    through smuggling.
        Question. Can we expect more outbreaks of avian flu as we enter
    Spring?
        Answer. The United States has not experienced any introductions of
    the Asian strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza. APHIS is
    confident that the current surveillance activities in wildlife,
    domestic poultry, as well as smuggling interdictions provide an ample
    early warning solution that will enable Federal, State, and local
    resources to rapidly respond to an incursion of the virus, and thereby
    limit its potential for spread.

                                 EMERGING PESTS

        Question. Secretary Johanns, I was pleased to see an increase of
    $20.5 million in the Emerging Plant Pests program for Emerald Ash
    Borer, bringing total funding to respond to this pest to more than $30
    million. I was also pleased to see that a portion of this increase is
    going to support surveys in States where EAB is most likely to occur
    next, one of which is my home State of Wisconsin. USDA estimates, as
    you know, that if EAB is not contained and eradicated, it could cost
    State and local governments and landowners $7 billion over the next 25
    years for tree removal and replacement. It has already devastated areas
    where it has shown up.
        Could you please speak to the efforts APHIS is undertaking to
    control and eradicate Emerald Ash Borer where it has been found? Also,
    please talk about the surveys the budget requests funding for in order
    to prevent the spread of EAB. What do you do if you find it in a new
    place?
        Answer. APHIS and USDA's Forest Service have been cooperating with
    affected States since 2002 to address EAB. The program uses a
    management strategy with survey, regulatory, outreach, and control
    components designed to contain the general EAB infestation and find any
    isolated infestations and take appropriate action to contain or
    eradicate them. In December 2006, APHIS expanded its EAB quarantine
    regulations to cover the entire States of Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio,
    more than tripling the existing regulated area to prevent additional
    spread of EAB.
        Regulatory activities include monitoring high-risk businesses and
    ensuring that they move regulated articles only under compliance
    agreement with the EAB program as well as working to identify pathways
    for the potential movement of regulated articles and conducting special
    operations such as weigh station blitzes. The regulatory program also
    includes a strong outreach component to ensure that businesses and
    residents in quarantined areas are aware of the risk of moving items.
        Survey activities, including visual surveys and the use of
    detection trees, which are trees that have been stressed to release
    volatile chemicals attractive to the beetle, are used to detect the
    presence of EAB in new areas and delimit the extent of known
    infestations. If the program detects EAB outside of the known infested
    areas, delimiting surveys are conducted to determine how old and how
    large the infestation is and what action would be appropriate. The only
    available eradication method requires the removal of all ash trees
    within a half-mile radius of a young infestation. Such activities take
    place only at small, truly isolated infestations.
        APHIS is also investing in methods development projects for EAB,
    including more accurate survey methods and control options. The fiscal
    year 2008 Budget also requests funds to expand survey efforts into
    States near currently infested areas, including Wisconsin, Minnesota,
    Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia,
    Pennsylvania, and New York. These States have risk factors based on the
    movement of EAB host materials.
        Question. How does APHIS work to prevent things such as Emerald Ash
    Borers (EAB) and the Asian Longhorn Beetles from entering the United
    States? What improvements need to be made at the borders to prevent
    these incredibly expensive pests from entering and causing these
    problems?
        Answer. The Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection program protects
    the United States from the risks associated with the introduction of
    invasive agricultural pests and diseases. APHIS and the Department of
    Homeland Security cooperate to carry out this program, and fund the
    programs through a combination of appropriations and user fees. The
    Pest Detection program supports APHIS' goal of safeguarding U.S.
    agricultural and environmental resources by ensuring that new
    introductions of harmful plant pests and diseases are detected as soon
    as possible, before they cause significant damage. USDA is requesting a
    $15 million increase in the Pest Detection program for fiscal year
    2008.
        Exotic wood boring and bark beetles such as EAB and Asian
    longhorned beetle (ALB) likely entered the United States through
    infested solid wood packing materials such as pallets, crates, and
    other materials used in international shipping. These materials are
    often reused and reshipped many times throughout the world. Many
    countries have recognized the need to deal with the pest risk. APHIS
    worked with its international counterparts to develop standards for
    safely moving solid wood packing materials and implemented regulations
    based on the developed standards. While APHIS and affected States are
    still dealing with the effects of EAB and ALB and several other exotic
    forest pests already in the United States, we believe that the new
    regulation of wood packaging materials should help prevent future
    infestations of this type.

                         ERADICATION VERSUS MANAGEMENT

        Question. At what point do you make a determination that the
    eradication of a disease isn't possible, such as in the case of citrus
    canker? What are the next steps once that determination has been made.
        Answer. Although each pest or disease situation must be analyzed
    separately, there are several factors we consider when determining
    whether or not eradication is feasible. Among these are: the
    availability of adequate funding and active participation from Federal,
    State, and industry cooperators; weather and any other environmental
    constraints; the potential of the pest to do significant economic
    damage to agricultural or forest resources; the extent to which the
    pest or disease has spread; the availability of effective detection,
    diagnostic, and control technology; the availability of acceptable
    alternatives to eradication; public support for an eradication program;
    the disease's public health significance; and the vectors associated
    with a disease (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks, etc.).
        Federal officials take all of these and other factors into
    consideration as they determine whether the eradication of a pest or
    disease is possible. If one or more of these factors change
    considerably during the course of an eradication effort, the planned
    course of action will be reevaluated. Prior to making any major
    decisions about discontinuing an eradication effort, Federal officials
    will consult with their State and industry cooperators, then update
    policies and regulations as appropriate.

                                INVASIVE SPECIES

        Question. Please provide a list of current plant and animal
    invasive species, ranked by their threat level. What is APHIS' short
    and long-term plans to deal with these?
        Answer. The Administration has not ranked invasive species by
    threat level. Invasive species that APHIS addresses include, but are
    not limited to, the programs focused on cattle fever tick,
    Mediterranean fruit fly, emerald ash borer, potato cyst nematode,
    sudden oak death, citrus diseases, brucellosis, pseudorabies, and
    chronic wasting disease. APHIS addresses each of these threats as
    resources allow.
        Over the long term, APHIS develops response plans for exotic pests
    and diseases that have the potential to cause significant economic or
    environmental damage and uses its safeguarding system, which involves
    prevention, detection, and management components, to protect U.S.
    agriculture. Under the Pest and Disease Exclusion mission area, APHIS
    works to prevent exotic pests such as cattle fever tick and
    Mediterranean fruit fly from entering the United States. These and
    other pests have direct pathways into the United States. APHIS takes
    action at U.S. borders or in other countries to mitigate the risks
    associated with them.
        Under the Monitoring and Surveillance mission area, APHIS conducts
    plant pest surveys, animal health surveillance, and other activities
    designed to detect exotic plant pests and foreign animal diseases if
    they are present so that we can deal with them quickly if needed. These
    programs target a changing list of high-risk plant pests depending on
    trade and travel pattern and outbreaks in other countries. These
    programs also conduct intensive monitoring and emergency preparedness
    efforts. APHIS analysts follow animal and plant health situations
    around the world and frequently adjust monitoring and surveillance
    efforts and pest and disease exclusion priorities to safeguard U.S.
    agriculture and natural resources from high-risk pests and diseases.
        APHIS also works to control or eradicate high priority invasive
    species through programs in the Pest and Disease Management area,
    including, but not limited to, emerald ash borer, potato cyst nematode,
    sudden oak death, several citrus diseases, brucellosis, pseudorabies,
    and chronic wasting disease.

                      CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE/STATE MATCH

        Question. The budget request includes a decrease of over $6 million
    for activities related to chronic wasting disease. One of the
    justifications for this decrease is a match in which the Federal
    Government will pay for 60 percent of anticipated program needs, and
    the State will fund the rest. Similar proposals for State match are
    mentioned throughout the APHIS budget.
        Specifically for Chronic Wasting Disease, how will the requirements
    for the States change with this proposal? Will their funding level need
    to increase?
        Answer. The 2008 budget proposes a reduction of about $4 million.
    The program requirements for the chronic wasting disease (CWD) herd
    certification program (HCP) will not change with the funding reduction.
    At the requested funding level, USDA anticipates the States and
    cooperators would contribute additional resources to support the
    efforts at current levels.
        Question. More broadly, what amount does APHIS anticipate saving by
    requiring increased State matches for APHIS activities? Is there
    currently a mandated match level for States, or is this an entirely new
    proposal? If a State can't or does not provide the requested match
    amount, what will APHIS do then?
        Answer. The following table is provided for the record.
        [The information follows:]

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Line Item                             Savings
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Chronic Wasting Disease.................................          $4,400
    Emerging Plant Pests--Citrus Health Response Program               2,300
     (Florida)..............................................
    Emerging Plant Pests--Asian Longhorned Beetle (NJ & NY).           1,691
    Emerging Plant Pests--Glassy-Winged Sharp Shooter                  1,001
     (California)...........................................
    Johne's Disease.........................................           5,005
    Noxious Weeds...........................................             300
                                                             ---------------
          Total.............................................          14,697
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

        There is currently no mandated match level for States, nor is USDA
    proposing a mandated level. It is our goal to leverage increased
    participation from the States to maximize the benefits received from
    Federal dollars.
        If a State is unable to contribute the estimated amount for a
    particular program, USDA will evaluate the overall impact to program
    efforts and adjust future funding requests accordingly.

                                JOHNE'S DISEASE

        Question. Mr. Secretary, the APHIS budget for Johne's disease
    includes a decrease of nearly $10 million approximately 75 percent. One
    of the reasons for this justification is the supposition that States,
    universities, and producers, would be responsible for testing, herd
    clean-up, risk assessments and disease management, as well as the
    continuation of the national Johne's demonstration herd project.
        Was there any input gathered from those whose responsibilities will
    be increased before this proposal was put forth? Are these activities
    that the States, etc. are currently undertaking, or would have to pick
    up?
        Answer. USDA has consulted with our partners in the Voluntary
    Bovine Johne's Disease Control Program (VBJDCP), and they are aware of
    our request. From its inception, the VBJDCP has been a cooperative
    effort among APHIS, State departments of agriculture, and industry.
    States have been the main driving force of the VBJDCP. A large part of
    the Johne's disease funds not requested in the President's Budget has
    been used by the States to pay for producer testing and risk assessment
    fees. With a reduction in Federal funding, these costs will need to be
    covered by producers who benefit from this program. In addition, State
    and University partners would assume responsibility for continuation of
    the Johne's disease demonstration herd projects implemented in each
    region. These projects focus on new and current testing schemes and
    control methods to determine the most effective cost management
    practice options.
        APHIS will continue to provide oversight to the VBJDCP and support
    analysis of the national demonstration projects, along with continuing
    laboratory approval and licensing diagnostic tests and vaccines for
    commercial use.

                     NATIONAL ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

        Question. What is the status of the development of a National
    Animal Identification System?
        Answer. The National Animal Identification System is composed of
    three components: premises registration, animal identification, and
    animal tracing. Premises registration is the foundation of the program.
    As of March 12, 2007, all 50 States, 60 Tribes, and 2 U.S. Territories
    are capable of registering premises according to USDA standards, and
    approximately 378,000 locations have been registered.
        Significant progress has also been made on the second component of
    NAIS, animal identification. As of March 12, 2007, approximately 1
    million Animal Identification Number devices have been distributed.
        The third component of the NAIS, animal tracing, is currently under
    development with the help of USDA's industry and State partners.
    Industry, through private systems, and States will manage the animal
    tracing databases that maintain the movement records of animals. Full
    deployment of the Animal Trace Processing System is planned for the
    near future.
        Question. If such an animal identification system is made
    voluntary, what effect does APHIS anticipate that will have on
    participation? What efforts will be made to encourage participation?
        Answer. Participation in the NAIS is voluntary. The USDA remains
    committed to building upon our strong partnership with the States and
    industry to meet producers' needs and establish a versatile system that
    makes sense for everyone.
        Moving forward with this voluntary approach has allowed producers
    the opportunity to test the program and recommend the most practical
    solutions for a more effective system. In this sense, producers
    themselves are playing an active role in helping to shape the NAIS
    program so that it works well for their particular needs. Additionally,
    a voluntary NAIS allows for the best price competition between service
    providers (identification device manufacturers, database providers,
    etc.) and leaves room for market applications (such as age/source/
    process verification) to help drive the system.
        To encourage participation, USDA has provided funding to facilitate
    development and implementation of an efficient system, and flexibility
    to adapt to producers' operations and needs. On February 2, 2007, USDA
    published a request for proposals from nonprofit organizations that
    wish to enter into cooperative agreements with USDA to advance premises
    registration. USDA will make up to $6 million available, subject to the
    availability of funding, for the cooperative agreements. These
    cooperative agreements will support the efforts of such organizations
    to promote the NAIS and, specifically, increase participation in
    premises registration--the foundation of the program.

                    SMALL FARM/ORGANICS/AMS SEED MISLABELING

        Question. We continue to hear reports that the number of farmers in
    the United States is getting smaller and the farms are getting larger.
    Still, we have a responsibility to promote programs and policies to
    help small and beginning farmers be productive and able to maintain a
    reasonable life style. After all, these small independent farmers are
    truly small business entrepreneurs who need the government to be their
    friend, not their obstacle. I fear that in too many cases, government
    is their obstacle.
        Last year I asked you a question about how USDA can help these
    small farmers.
        What have you done since then to improve their opportunities?
        Answer. Through a number of different programs, USDA helps
    operators of small and medium-size farms. For example, the Farm Service
    Agency (FSA) provides a variety of farm loan programs, including
    traditional operating loans, beginning farmer and youth programs. The
    Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) helps small producers obtain
    greater access to marketing channels and engage in more profitable farm
    marketing activities through research, alternative market development,
    and grant programs. Additional information will be provided for the
    record.
        [The information follows:]
        FSA offers direct and guaranteed farm ownership and operating loans
    to family-size farmers and ranchers who cannot obtain commercial credit
    from a bank, Farm Credit System institution, or other lender. Borrowers
    include beginning farmers who do not qualify for conventional loans
    because they have insufficient financial resources, as well as
    established farmers who have suffered financial setbacks from natural
    disasters, or whose resources are too limited to maintain profitable
    farming operations. FSA loans can be used to purchase land, livestock,
    equipment, feed, seed, and supplies; they can also be used for building
    construction and improvements. FSA guaranteed loans provide
    conventional agricultural lenders with up to a 95 percent guarantee of
    the principal loan amount. The lender is responsible for servicing a
    borrower's account, including the collection of payments, for the life
    of the loan. All loans must meet certain qualifying criteria to be
    eligible for guarantees. Farmers interested in these loans must apply
    to a conventional lender, which then arranges for the FSA guarantee.
        AMS conducts or supports applied research to help small and medium-
    sized farm producers and processors make better informed business
    decisions in the face of changing marketing conditions and practices;
    maintains a centralized information clearinghouse of agricultural
    marketing research materials and resources on the agency's website and
    disseminates research results, technical assistance, and data via
    internet, publications, conference presentations, and outreach efforts;
    administers the Farmers Market Promotion and Federal-State Marketing
    Improvement grant programs; and collaborates with other agencies that
    support small farm marketing, including State departments of
    agriculture, land-grant universities, Tribal governments, trade
    associations, non-profit organizations and private foundations.
        During fiscal year 2006 and early 2007 AMS supported four national
    and four regional farmers market and direct marketing workshops, and
    AMS personnel presented or trained at nineteen conferences and meetings
    that support small farms, farmers markets, and agricultural community
    outreach to improve food marketing practices among small-scale and
    socially disadvantaged farmers, and expand awareness of available
    marketing services and resources. Further, AMS created a regularly
    updated Farmers Market Resource Guide in March 2006 that provides a
    one-stop information source about available financial and technical
    assistance for farmers market and direct farm marketing activities.
        AMS also provides specific funding assistance. AMS awarded $1
    million through 20 Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) grants for
    2006. Agricultural cooperatives; local and Tribal governments; non-
    profit, public benefit and economic development corporations; and
    regional farmers' market authorities are eligible for FMPP grants. The
    Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP) funded 27
    competitive matching grants worth $1.334 million to State Departments
    of Agriculture and other appropriate State agencies to assist in
    exploring new market opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural
    products and to encourage research and innovation aimed at improving
    the efficiency and performance of the U.S. marketing system. The
    majority of FSMIP projects are geared toward small to medium sized
    producers. In addition, the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program makes
    funds available to State departments of agriculture to enhance the
    competitiveness of specialty crops. It has made $6.58 million available
    to 50 States (and to Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia).
        Question. When we see problems like the mis-labeling of GM grain
    that gets into the market place, that sends a very troubling message to
    our trade partners and can create problems that small operators can't
    absorb.
        We have heard several reports of genetically modified material
    getting into crops intended for commercial sales, the most well-known
    being rice. What has the economic effect been of instances such as
    this?
        Answer. The economic effect can be reductions in seed available for
    planting and potential trade restrictions. For example, two popular
    long grain rice varieties can no longer be planted for commercial
    production due to the presence of genetically modified material. The
    value of certified seed of these varieties produced in 2006 for
    planting in 2007 is estimated to be $39 million.
        Question. What programs does USDA have in place to make sure those
    sort of labeling problems don't happen?
        Answer. The Agricultural Marketing Service administers the
    interstate labeling provisions of the Federal Seed Act, a truth-in-
    labeling law that regulates the interstate shipment of agricultural and
    vegetable seeds. Enforcement of the Act by AMS helps ensure that seed
    purchased by small independent farmers is of high quality and
    truthfully labeled. However, the Act does not regulate biotechnology
    traits or biotechnologically derived seeds. Instead, the Act considers
    biotechnology derived seeds found in traditional varieties as ``other''
    crop seeds and they have to be labeled as such. If the biotechnology
    derived seeds exceed 5 percent, they have to be listed as a separate
    component on the seed label.
        Question. As you know, the organics label is a very important
    label, what are you doing to protect the integrity of that label?
        Answer. USDA's National Organic Program (NOP) is responsible for
    administering the organic regulations and ensuring that all
    requirements are met to protect the integrity of the organic label. The
    2008 budget includes an increase of about $1 million above the 2007
    level of $2 million to ensure that the NOP can meet the needs of the
    rapidly growing organic industry. The increase will support, among
    other efforts, development of standards requested by the industry and
    regulatory enforcement to maintain labeling credibility. To ensure
    compliance with the regulations, the NOP directly oversees its
    accredited certifying agents to monitor organic producers and
    processors, conducts retail surveillance, conducts investigations,
    takes action on complaints, and imposes penalties where appropriate.

               GENETICALLY MODIFIED MATERIALS IN COMMERCIAL CROPS

        Question. How is AMS, and USDA overall, working to prevent the
    introduction of genetically modified materials into crops intended for
    commercial sales?
        Answer. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is
    involved in regulation of the biotechnology industry. Various measures
    are used in authorized field tests to ensure that genetically
    engineered organisms are confined to the test site. The measures
    include isolation distances to mitigate cross pollination with other
    crops and weedy relatives, cleaning of farm equipment to mitigate the
    inadvertent spread of seed, timely disposition of the field test, and
    post-harvest monitoring for volunteers. To ensure compliance,
    inspections of the test site, facilities, and records are conducted.
    Once a crop is deregulated, that crop is considered no different than
    conventional crops and may be planted without restrictions from APHIS.
        For organic products, regulations of AMS' National Organic Program
    prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms in organic
    production. Accredited certifying agents review organic production and
    handling plans before certified organic production begins to ensure
    that no genetically modified organisms are used in production and that
    handling procedures protect organic products from contact with
    genetically engineered materials. Penalties are in place for
    intentional disregard of the regulations.

                       COUNTRY OF ORIGIN LABELING (COOL)

        Question. Please provide an update on plans to implement COOL.
        Answer. AMS has entered into cooperative agreements with 14 States
    for the purpose of conducting audits of retail establishments to
    enforce the COOL regulations for fish and shellfish. Audits in States
    without cooperative agreements were conducted by USDA personnel. In
    fiscal year 2006 1,159 retail stores were audited; the number of audits
    in fiscal year 2007 will increase slightly.
        For the remaining covered commodities, AMS will issue proposed
    regulations for public comment and issue final regulatory actions to
    implement COOL by the statutorily established effective date.
        Question. If language was enacted that would move the current
    implementation date for COOL forward to sometime during fiscal year
    2008, please explain what steps would be required to implement it on an
    accelerated schedule. What funds would be required to implement COOL
    during fiscal year 2008?
        Answer. To implement COOL for the remaining covered commodities on
    an accelerated schedule, it could be necessary for AMS to issue final
    regulatory actions without the benefit of a public comment process.
        Given the current implementation date, AMS will not need additional
    funding in fiscal year 2008. To include the additional commodities, the
    program needs to develop the necessary regulations. Once regulations
    are established, the program must expand retail and supplier
    enforcement through adequate Federal staffing and by establishing
    additional cooperative agreements with State agencies and U.S.
    territories to conduct retail surveillance audits. The program would
    focus on training and educating Federal and State employees on their
    enforcement responsibilities; overseeing the uniform application of the
    requirements from the Federal level; conducting educational and
    outreach activities with interested parties; conducting routine
    surveillance and product trace-back audits throughout the supply chain
    to ensure proper labeling and enforcement; responding to formal
    complaints; and initiating enforcement actions against violators. Since
    expanding the current program to all commodities in the statute will
    constitute an increase in program activity, implementation will require
    an increase in funding.

                             RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY

        Question. Is RMA developing any new products to serve regions of
    the country that currently have few, if any, options for risk
    management? If so, please explain them.
        Answer. The Risk Management Agency (RMA) has undertaken an
    evaluation of its product portfolio to identify gaps in availability,
    particularly with respect to underserved crops and/or regions. This
    evaluation found that, with few exceptions, crop insurance coverage is
    generally available for the most economically significant crops in the
    underserved regions. This result is consistent with the conclusions of
    a recent independent evaluation of RMA's product portfolio. This
    suggests that RMA should place greater emphasis on improving currently
    available products to provide more effective risk management
    protection, and target efforts on the development of new products
    towards filling the few remaining gaps. RMA is currently conducting
    comprehensive evaluations of several crop programs to identify areas
    for improvement, particularly among underserved regions.
        In addition, RMA has implemented several new products, most notably
    Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), Adjusted Gross Revenue-Lite (AGR-Lite),
    and two Pasture, Rangeland and Forage (PRF) pilot programs. The AGR,
    AGR-Lite and PRF programs are particularly oriented to producers for
    whom traditional crop insurance products were either impractical, or
    did not provide effective risk management protection. In addition, over
    twenty pilot programs are currently active that pertain to specialty
    crops, including pilot programs for processing chili peppers, Hawaii
    Tropical Fruit, and Florida Fruit Trees. RMA also has ongoing
    development efforts for a revenue insurance product for certain
    specialty crops, as well as an umbrella weather-peril product that
    could provide effective coverage for certain crops with relatively
    limited market value. Additional risk management tools are developed
    through partnership agreements that impact underserved producers. These
    partnership agreements deal with a wide range of topics including the
    development and understanding of markets, pest and disease control, and
    water management.
        The Crop Insurance Board also accepts private sector submissions
    that allows persons to develop and submit for approval their own
    products targeted to specific risk management needs.

                                 GLOBAL WARMING

        Question. USDA conservation programs provide a model for natural
    resources protection on a vast scale. Today, there is much discussion
    about the issue of global climate change.
        Please describe any current agricultural activities that may
    contribute to global climate change.
        Answer. Through a portfolio of beneficial conservation programs and
    energy conservation practices Producers have opportunities to save
    money and time while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. There are
    several agricultural and forestry production systems that can be
    implemented to reduce GHG emissions and increase carbon storage, called
    sequestration, in soils and vegetation. Many conservation practices
    used by agricultural producers can mitigate negative effects attributed
    to climate change. One example of a specific practice is Conservation
    tillage. Residues and tillage can be managed to build organic matter
    and to sequester carbon while also reducing energy requirements and
    soil erosion. Another example is Comprehensive Nutrient Management
    systems. These systems can capture methane for energy production while
    also reducing negative water quality impacts.
        Question. Please describe any changes in agricultural production or
    conservation practices that might better mitigate against the threat of
    global climate change. For example, what are the benefits of carbon
    sequestration as a means to reduce greenhouse gasses or other potential
    contributors to global warming?
        Answer. USDA is providing incentives and supporting voluntary
    actions by private landowners in targeting efficiency improvements
    through the USDA/Department of Energy (DOE)/Environmental Protection
    Agency (EPA) AgSTAR, as well as many other programs. USDA has
    instituted new standards and is targeting specific incentives that
    encourage carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission
    reduction efforts. USDA also is sponsoring improved monitoring and
    reporting guidelines for voluntary initiatives. USDA agencies and their
    partners are developing tools to estimate the amount of carbon stored
    and GHG emissions reduced at the field and producer level. Such tools
    will make it easier for producers to estimate carbon storage and GHG
    emissions reductions.
        The Agricultural Research Service conducts global climate change
    research under the Global Change National Program. This research
    focuses on four aspects of global change: Carbon Cycle and Carbon
    Storage; Trace Gases; Agricultural Ecosystem Impacts; and Changes in
    Weather and the Water Cycle at Farm, Ranch, and Regional Scales. These
    factors may significantly affect agricultural productivity and are not
    addressed specifically by other ARS National Programs. Recently, in
    response to concerns about global climate change, a strong interest has
    developed in determining how agricultural activities and practices can
    be used to store carbon, particularly in soil. A Federal multi-agency
    research initiative on the carbon cycle, the U.S. Global Change
    Research Program Carbon Cycle Initiative, is under development to
    address carbon cycle science.

                               VALUE-ADDED GRANTS

        Question. Funding has been provided for Value-Added Agricultural
    Product Market Development Grants since the Agricultural Risk
    Protection Act of 2000. Ample time has elapsed to evaluate the
    effectiveness of this program.
        Please describe the types of products that have been funded.
        Answer. A wide variety of projects are funded, including value
    added products made from meat, dairy products, grains, fruits and
    vegetables, oilseeds, and renewable energy sources. Grant funds
    totaling $150,000 were used as working capital for the start up phase
    of a new tilapia production facility where the fish will be raised and
    processed into fillets. Other types of products include wine, compost
    made from diary waste, wind energy, soy-flour, identity-preserved
    yogurt, dehydrated apple slices, and branded cuts of beef.
        Question. Are these products becoming marketable and sustainable?
        Answer. Information about the long-term sustainability became
    available early this year from a study that the University of Missouri
    has done. The study indicates that approximately 60 percent of the
    projects funded resulted in a marketable product.
        Question. What are the outcome measures that are being used to
    determine the success of this program?
        Answer. Several measures evaluating the program are in place,
    including the number of jobs created, the increase in producer revenue
    due to the project, the increase in customer base due to the project,
    and the sustainability of the business receiving the grant.
        Question. How many grants and how much funding has been provided to
    energy-related projects?
        Answer. Since 2001, 155 grants have been made for energy-related
    projects, totaling $25.2 million.
        Question. How successful are these energy-related projects and how
    do you define success?
        Answer. We define the success of energy-related projects in the
    same way as for other project types--we consider any project that
    resulted in a marketable product to be successful. We estimate that
    approximately 48 percent of energy related projects resulted in a
    marketable product. This compares to 60 percent success in projects
    over all for the value added program.

                      SINGLE FAMILY HOUSING LOAN PROGRAMS

        Question. Mr. Secretary, the Budget terminates the direct single
    family housing loan program that has served very low and low income
    rural households well for over 40 years. The 2000 Census reveals that
    7.8 million of the non-metropolitan population is poor, 5.5 million
    face housing cost overburden, and 1.6 million non-metro housing units
    are either moderately or severely substandard.
        While the direct loan program is terminated, funding for the
    guaranteed loan program is given a concomitant increase. However, this
    increase comes with a 50 percent rise in the fee to participate.
    Average incomes of households in the guaranteed program are about twice
    as high as in the direct program, and this fee increase will force
    those incomes higher.
        The Administration proposes to submit legislation for subsidized
    guaranteed options, but no language has been provided and no funding is
    requested in 2008.
        Given the large income differential between direct and guaranteed
    program participants, how will very low income households gain
    assistance for homeownership loans?
        Answer. We anticipate that many very-low income families will be
    able to participate in our guaranteed homeownership program. Currently
    about 30 percent of those families who have received guaranteed loans
    have very low and low incomes.
        Question. When does the Administration expect to send up
    legislation on subsidized guarantees?
        Answer. We anticipate the legislative package will be delivered
    soon.
        Question. The current direct program can provide mortgage interest
    rates as low as 1 percent for very low income households. How deeply
    subsidized do you expect the proposed guaranteed program to be?
        Answer. We are currently developing options to assist very low and
    lower income families through the subsidized guaranteed program. Our
    goal is to help more lower income families to achieve homeownership
    through a guaranteed loan originated and serviced by private sector
    lenders. Currently interest rate reduction provisions have not been
    developed.
        Question. Do you expect the guarantee fee increase to result in a
    deterioration in the credit quality of the guaranteed portfolio?
        Answer. No, all applicants will be required to meet current credit
    quality standards. The proposed fee increase, which can be financed as
    part of the loan, will only increase the average customer's loan
    payment by about $7 per month.
        Question. How much do you expect the average income of guaranteed
    program participants to rise as a result of raising the fee?
        Answer. We do not expect to see an increase in the income of our
    guarantee program participants.

                             OFFICE CONSOLIDATIONS

        Question. Mr. Secretary, delivering a direct single family housing
    program is clearly much more labor intensive than a guaranteed program.
    In conjunction with refocusing housing lending from direct to
    guaranteed loans, Rural Development is proposing to reduce staff
    somewhat and consolidate its field office structure.
        What is the proposed magnitude of staff reductions, and extent of
    field office consolidations?
        Answer. Any office consolidations that may occur will be done so as
    recommended by each Rural Development State Director in order to
    accommodate a reduction of management levels in each State while
    recognizing population shifts, the need to improve delivery systems in
    order to deliver all programs in all locations and to accommodate
    enhancements in technology enabling us to do business in new ways.
        Since the State plans are currently being reviewed, we do not know
    the number of offices to be closed or that will operate on a part-time
    basis. RD will keep the Committee informed of its plans. It is RD's
    intent that the realignment be completed by March, 2008.
        Rural Development operated with 6,475 FTE's in fiscal year 2006,
    and expects to operate with 6,300 FTE's in fiscal year 2007. Rural
    Development is not proposing a Reduction-in-Force and all employees
    will be offered a position at their current grade and pay level. We are
    also seeking Voluntary Early Retirement Authority which could be of
    interest to those employees who are several years short of being
    eligible for regular retirement.

                          COMMUNITY FACILITIES GRANTS

        Question. Rural Development's Community Facilities program includes
    direct loans, guaranteed loans, and grants to support essential
    community facilities in poor, remote rural communities. Through this
    program communities can finance rural hospitals, health clinics, day
    care centers, libraries, town halls, fire trucks and other first
    responder vehicles and equipment, and a myriad of other essential
    community facilities. This has been one of the most successful programs
    in Rural Development's portfolio.
        Budget authority may be transferred among the loan and grant
    programs. However, this Budget appears to eliminate the grant program,
    leaving only direct and guaranteed loans to meet needs of small rural
    communities.
        What is the back-log of applications and pre-applications for loans
    and grants?
        Answer. As of March 13, 2007, there were 667 applications and pre-
    applications totaling $955,581,290 for the Community Facilities direct
    loan program, 48 applications and pre-applications totaling
    $176,316,844 for the guaranteed loan program, and 757 applications and
    pre-applications totaling $62,511,425 for the grant program.
        Question. Will the aggregate requested program level be adequate
    for the fiscal year 2008 demand?
        Answer. The aggregated requested program level will be adequate to
    meet our highest priorities in fiscal year 2008.
        Question. How will small, low income communities, who in the past
    relied on grant assistance, finance the community infrastructure they
    need?
        Answer. There are a number of Federal community development
    programs and State and local economic development agencies designed to
    serve low-income and rural communities. A recent GAO report highlighted
    73 Federal agencies which serve the purpose of economic development,
    with several of these specifically supporting the construction of
    facilities in low-income rural communities.
        Question. Has Rural Development estimated the impacts of this
    proposal on communities by size, region and income level? What are the
    results of that study?
        Answer. No, RD has not estimated the impacts by size, region and
    income level. However, as there are other Federal agencies providing
    grant funding for low-income rural communities, the impacts of the
    proposal will be ameliorated.

                          MUTUAL AND SELF-HELP HOUSING

        Question. The Self Help Housing Program has been hugely successful
    in assisting very low income households become successful homeowners.
    With technical assistance provided by grantees, program participants
    jointly contribute sweat equity as they construct their new homes. Long
    term financing has been provided by the Sec. 502 direct program.
    However, this Budget terminates the direct program, terminates the Sec.
    523 Self-Help Land Development loan program, and reduces Self-Help
    grants by 72 percent.
        In the face of the success and long term support for the Self-Help
    program, why is the Administration taking this action at this time?
        Answer. Increasing cost in other Rural Housing Programs and fiscal
    year 2008 budget constraints require program reductions. Rural
    residents participating in the Self Help Housing program are encouraged
    to seek financing using the Section 502 guaranteed program or obtain
    financing from the private sector.
        Question. What are the private sector funding sources that will
    replace this program, and provide homeownership opportunities for these
    very low income households?
        Answer. Most Self-Help Housing grantees have been successful in
    securing other financial assistance to operate their programs. We
    anticipate that grantees can seek further funds from outside sources
    and use the Habitat for Humanity model which does not rely upon Federal
    financing.

                              RURAL RENTAL HOUSING

        Question. Mr. Secretary, this Budget again proposes to terminate
    direct rural rental housing loans (Sec. 515), to rely solely on the
    Sec. 538 guaranteed loan program for affordable rural rental housing
    construction. The direct program provides subsidized mortgage loans and
    allows the opportunity for rental assistance for very low income
    tenants. Subsidized financing, coupled with rental assistance that caps
    certain tenants' rent payments at 30 percent of income, allows the
    program to serve tenants with mean incomes under $10,000.
        The bulk of Sec. 515 tenants are very low income, with a majority
    female headed households, elderly and/or handicapped. Without the Sec.
    515 program, what will be the source of new affordable rental housing
    for these, most vulnerable, rural residents?
        Answer. Section 538 guaranteed multi family rural rental housing
    program has experienced great success and will be the primary source of
    multi family units without Section 515 funding.
        Question. Rental assistance is not available in Sec. 538 projects.
    Without rental assistance, how can the Sec. 538 program reach the very
    low income rural population now being served?
        Answer. The section 538 program reaches very low income rural
    population in two ways. Leveraged tax credit financing is present in
    nearly 80 percent of section 538 projects. Nearly 7,000 units currently
    enjoy tax credits. Additionally, savings incurred from interest credit
    subsidies are passed on to the tenants through lower required rent
    payments.
        Question. Are there areas of the country where the Sec. 515
    program, even without new rental assistance, could reach very low
    income households that would not be served through the Sec. 538
    program?
        Answer. The section 538 program can provide rents that are
    comparable to the rents created by the section 515 program without
    rental assistance. This is because the section 538 is eligible to be
    combined with 9 percent tax credits, as well as other affordable
    funding sources. The 538 program also offers an interest credit which
    buys down the interest rate of up to $1.5 million of the lender's loan
    to the Applicable Federal Rate for the entire term of the loan and loan
    amortizations of up to 40 years. These factors all aid in the creation
    of units with affordable rents.

                      MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING REVITALIZATION

        Question. Mr. Secretary, Rural Development has a direct loan
    portfolio reflecting over 17,000 properties, containing over 460,000
    affordable rental units. Many of these properties are in excess of 20
    years old, in need of substantial repair and rehabilitation. A recent
    study indicated that the portfolio could be segmented into three
    components: 10 percent are in growing markets in which it is
    economically feasible for owners to prepay, leave the program, and
    raise rents; 10 percent are in declining markets where the costs of
    maintaining the properties exceed the foreseeable benefits and need;
    and the 80 percent balance of the portfolio that is appropriate for
    revitalization and retention in the affordable housing program. Last
    year the Administration proposed revitalization legislation, including
    restructuring tools such as interest rate reductions, loan deferrals,
    reamortizations, subordination, debt forgiveness, etc. Funds were
    provided in fiscal year 2006 for a demonstration revitalization program
    for rural rental housing properties.
        Please provide a summary of actions taken under the fiscal year
    2006 revitalization demonstration program.
        Answer. Last year we were able to approve and obligate funding to
    revitalize 78 properties with over 2,300 apartment units in 16 States,
    using $8.9 million in budget authority provided to the demonstration
    program.
        Question. How much of the funds were utilized and in what manner?
        Answer. We were able to obligate the following program level
    amounts: $48 million in debt deferral, $4.5 million in soft ``bullet''
    (any loan that requires a generous repayment term usually at the end of
    the life of the loan and it is anticipated that the loan will be
    refinanced) loans, $.28 million in zero percent loans and $.21 million
    in grants.
        Question. What is the status of a demonstration for fiscal year
    2007?
        Answer. With a similar level of budget authority this year, we
    anticipate that the funding NOFA will be released during the month of
    April. Our key demonstration goals this year are to fund revitalization
    transactions in every State, fund an increased number of portfolio
    level transactions and increase the use of leveraged funds.
        Question. What is the status of the Administration's revitalization
    legislation proposal?
        Answer. Our legislative proposal is currently in the final stages
    of review. We expect to transmit it to Congress shortly.
        Question. What were the lessons learned under the fiscal year 2006
    demonstration and have you revised the legislative proposal
    accordingly?
        Answer. We found last year that by using debt deferral and
    carefully underwriting revitalization transactions, we were able to
    approve transactions with very limited rent increases. We also found
    last year that applications were received from approximately 4,100
    properties or a quarter of the Section 515 properties in our portfolio.
    The large number of applicants reflects the clear need to have new cost
    effective revitalization tools to help preserve this valuable
    portfolio.

                         MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING VOUCHERS

        Question. In the face of loan prepayment demands by multi-family
    housing property owners, raising the specter of increased rents for
    very low income rural tenants, $16 million was provided in fiscal year
    2006 for rental housing vouchers.
        How many properties, containing how many units, prepaid in fiscal
    year 2006?
        Answer. In fiscal year 2006, owners of 151 properties containing
    2,330 units went through the Rural Development prepayment process. In
    addition, 58 properties containing about 1,000 units completed the
    foreclosure process. This was a total of 209 properties containing
    3,330 units.
        Question. How many properties and units do you expect to prepay in
    fiscal year 2007 and in fiscal year 2008?
        Answer. We are currently forecasting a total of 225 properties
    containing about 3,600 units to prepay or complete foreclosure
    proceedings in fiscal year 2007. We are currently forecasting a total
    of 275 properties containing about 4,400 units to prepay or complete
    foreclosure proceedings in fiscal year 2008.
        Question. How many vouchers, using how much of the funds, were
    obligated in fiscal year 2006?
        Answer. In fiscal year 2006, we offered vouchers to all tenants in
    properties where the mortgage was prepaid after September 30, 2005. The
    first voucher was issued in April, 2006. Three hundred and eight one-
    year vouchers were obligated for a total of $601,000 which represents
    12 months of payment.
        Question. What are your forecasts for voucher utilization in fiscal
    year 2007 and fiscal year 2008?
        Answer. In the first 6 months of fiscal year 2007, approximately
    600 vouchers were obligated for a total of $1.5 million. We are
    estimating to obligate a total of 1,800 vouchers this fiscal year and
    we estimate obligating about 2,200 vouchers in fiscal year 2008. Our
    experience, somewhat limited at this point, is that about half of a
    property's tenants accept the offer of a voucher, and of those about
    half utilize the voucher. The majority of the tenants utilize the
    voucher in the property where they were living at the time of
    prepayment or foreclosure, although the voucher can be used in any
    property where the owner will accept it.

                       RURAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

        Question. Mr. Secretary, this Budget, again, terminates successful
    grant programs that promote economic development and job creation in
    rural America. Rural Business Enterprise Grants (RBEG) facilitate
    development of small and emerging business enterprises, while Rural
    Business Opportunity Grants (RBOG) provide technical assistance for
    business development planning. Current funding levels would create or
    save about 24,500 jobs, through 560 recipients, in rural areas
    desperately needing development assistance.
        On a cost per job basis, these grant programs are probably the most
    effective in the Rural Development portfolio. Why is the Administration
    proposing to terminate such successful programs?
        Answer. Funding can be provided by other business loan and grant
    programs within the Federal Government and rural development.
        Question. This proposal was soundly rejected last year. What has
    changed in the rural economy to make this proposal now more palatable?
        Answer. Limited discretionary funding, higher priorities, and the
    need to support other Departmental priorities all played into the
    Administration's proposal. Rural Development intends to focus its
    resources on programs with higher potential for encouraging private-
    sector investments, and that would reach a broader range of rural
    communities.

                  FINANCING NEW ELECTRIC GENERATION FACILITIES

        Question. Mr. Secretary, we understand that there are about 66
    electric Generation and Transmission (G&T) cooperatives and 864
    distributional cooperatives, many of which rely on the Rural Utilities
    Service (RUS) electric loan program for financing. These cooperatives
    serve about 13 percent of U.S. electric customers, provide 11 percent
    of electric sales, and own about 4 percent of total U.S. operational
    capacity.
        Cooperatives are entering a new wave of power plant investment to
    increase capacity and replace aging infrastructure that dates from the
    mid-1970's to mid 1980's. Planning for new construction takes several
    years, followed by construction periods that can span 5 years or
    longer. Cooperatives depend on the Federal Government for adequate, low
    cost financing to accommodate the Nation's growing energy needs.
    Financing is principally provided by Federal Financing Bank (FFB) loans
    guaranteed by RUS, which is offered at Treasury interest rates plus \1/
    8\ percent.
        We are concerned that this Budget will not meet capital needs of
    rural electric cooperatives. RUS currently has applications exceeding
    $10 billion for generation and transmission purposes, scheduled for
    funding in fiscal year 2007 and fiscal year 2008. About 80 percent of
    this total is for construction of new baseload generation. This Budget
    seeks only $4.1 billion in fiscal year 2008 funding, and, for the first
    time, bars funding for new baseload generation.
        Prohibiting new baseload generation will make many of these plants
    less feasible economically at a time when electricity demand is growing
    rapidly. Rural consumers already pay an average of 12 percent higher
    electric rates than neighboring utilities. Terminating Federal funding
    will force rural electric cooperatives to face higher interest rates,
    shorter loan terms, and raise rates charged to rural customers.
        In the face of demonstrated needs for extensive infrastructure
    replacement and expansion, why is the Administration barring access to
    financing for new baseload generation?
        Answer. There are significant demands on RUS electric loan
    resources. Needs for transmission and plant upgrades, including
    environmental upgrades, as well as the need for new generation plans
    are high. Due to the inherent risks associated with construction of
    baseload generation, other significant demands on loan resources and
    the ability to obtain commercial financing, the Administration
    determined that restricting the use of electric loan funds made the
    best use of taxpayer funds while still providing significant support
    for rural electric needs.
        However, understanding the concerns of Congress, the Administration
    has committed to providing a generation only subsidy rate.
        Question. What studies has the Administration performed that
    indicate sufficient private financing is available to meet this
    immediate need for baseload generation?
        Answer. Though no studies have been conducted by the
    Administration, there is significant liquidity in the capital markets
    to absorb demand for this segment of the energy sector.
        Question. Has the RUS estimated the impacts of this policy change
    on electricity costs of rural consumers? What are the impacts?
        Answer. The Administration has not estimated the impacts of this
    proposal on electricity costs.

                            WATER AND WASTE PROGRAM

        Question. Mr. Secretary, Rural Development's Water and Waste Water
    program has provided loan and grant funds for years to small rural
    communities to ensure adequate clean water and sanitary waste disposal
    systems. This Budget again proposes to alter the method to determine
    borrower interest rates. Poverty and intermediate interest rates would
    float such that the poverty rate would be 60 percent of the market rate
    and the intermediate rate would be 80 percent of market. In the current
    interest rate environment, poverty and intermediate interest rates
    would substantially fall. Projects would be financed with substantially
    more debt and reduced grant funds, but with little change in
    communities' debt burdens due to the dramatic interest rate reductions.
        Will you provide assurance that small, poor communities will not be
    left out of the program, and that debt burdens will not increase and
    raise water and sewer rates?
        Answer. The lower interest rate would allow a small community to
    borrow more loan funds without an increase in their annual debt
    repayment. While a community's total debt may increase, their annual
    debt burden should not increase and will not raise water and sewer
    rates. Our objective is to provide a funding mix of low interest loan
    and grant funds to keep user rates reasonable and consistent with the
    cost of similar systems in the area. It is still anticipated that grant
    funds would be focused on helping the neediest communities. With lower
    interest rates, we would be able to increase our reach to more
    communities with lower incomes.
        Question. Do regulations still allow borrowers with loan funds
    obligated but not closed to receive the interest rate in effect at the
    time of obligation or closing?
        Answer. Yes.
        Question. What is the magnitude of loan funds currently obligated
    but not closed?
        Answer. As of March 13, 2007, there were $2,482,693,545 in loan
    funds obligated but not closed. This represents 1,813 unclosed loan
    obligations.
        Question. Please provide a distribution of unclosed obligations, by
    year.
        Answer. As of March 13, 2007, the unclosed obligations by year
    were:
        [The information follows:]

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Fiscal year                      No.           Amount
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2007....................................             209    $270,506,775
    2006....................................             655     845,439,746
    2005....................................             399     569,531,323
    2004....................................             226     328,100,059
    2003....................................             116     164,029,838
    2002....................................             113     172,123,226
    2001....................................              25      37,473,080
    2000....................................              24      39,727,518
    1999....................................              19      21,932,140
    1998....................................              15      23,712,840
    1997....................................               5       4,201,300
    1996....................................               4       4,260,700
    1995....................................  ..............  ..............
    1994....................................               1         300,000
    1993....................................               2       1,355,000
                                             -------------------------------
          Total.............................           1,813   2,482,693,545
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) ISSUES

        Question. Mr. Secretary, it appears that automated systems for the
    Farm Service Agency (FSA) are currently in an untenable situation. The
    current spate of severe access and response problems emerged last
    November, peaking in January with field offices experiencing only
    sporadic, random access to program software. FSA program participants
    faced substantial delays while FSA field staff endured long, erratic
    periods of unresponsive software.
        Please describe how this Budget addresses FSA IT needs.
        Answer. The fiscal year 2008 President's Budget provides sufficient
    funding to maintain the IT system at its current level of operation.
    USDA is working with the Office of Management and Budget to identify an
    appropriate funding source for stabilization and modernization.
        Question. Our understanding is that it will take hundreds of
    millions to fully resolve the unstable IT situation. Please provide a
    detailed plan, with associated costs, that generates a long-term,
    sustainable, solution to this problem.
        Answer. A business plan is being prepared to address the
    requirements and resources necessary to stabilize the current system,
    prepare it for implementation of a potential disaster bill and the new
    farm bill, and replace the current system with a fully modernized and
    integrated new system.
        FSA's business plan includes the following major components:
      --Network Stabilization (e.g., expand equipment capacity, purchase
            monitoring tools and hire personnel to monitor the system)
      --Stabilize Databases and Farm Program Payment Applications (e.g.,
            establish proper test environment; employee training and
            consultants to address database design, configuration and
            problems; update applications; establish data warehouse for
            queries and reporting)
      --Disaster Bill (e.g., hardware, software development and testing)
      --Farm Bill (e.g., hardware, software development and testing)
      --Modernization (e.g., capital investments and incremental operating
            costs)
      --Field office system replacement (e.g. replacement of field office
            servers)
        The following table summarizes the estimated costs.
        [The information follows:]

                                      FSA IT SYSTEM STABILIZATION AND MODERNIZATION
                                               [Preliminary Cost Estimate]
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Fiscal Year
                                     ----------------------------------------------------------------   Total Cost
                                           2007            2008            2009            2010         Requirement
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Capital Requirements:
        Network Stabilization.......      11,467,850      12,966,667      12,548,750  ..............      36,983,267
        Database/Application              12,983,000      44,047,100      12,067,100  ..............      69,097,200
         Stabilization..............
        Disaster Bill...............       8,500,000  ..............  ..............  ..............       8,500,000
        Farm Bill \1\...............      16,000,000      42,000,000  ..............  ..............      58,000,000
        Modernization...............         675,521     132,154,811     120,572,189  ..............     253,402,521
                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total.....................      49,626,371     231,168,578     145,188,039  ..............     425,982,988
                                     ===============================================================================
    Incremental Operating
     Requirements:
        Network Stabilization.......       4,949,286       5,307,077       6,798,435       1,556,275      18,611,072
        Database/Application               8,120,857       7,245,800       8,864,800  ..............      24,231,457
         Stabilization..............
        Disaster Bill...............  ..............       5,080,000      25,420,000  ..............      30,500,000
        Farm Bill \1\...............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
        Modernization...............  ..............      12,118,000      12,364,000  ..............      24,482,000
        Field Office System           ..............      19,200,000       9,600,000  ..............      28,800,000
         Replacement \2\............
                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Total...................      13,070,143      48,950,877      63,047,235       1,556,275     126,624,530
                                     ===============================================================================
    Total Cost:
        Network Stabilization.......      16,417,136      18,273,743      19,347,185       1,556,275      55,594,339
        Database/Application              21,103,857      51,292,900      20,931,900  ..............      93,328,657
         Stabilization..............
        Disaster Bill...............       8,500,000       5,080,000      25,420,000  ..............      39,000,000
        Farm Bill \1\...............      16,000,000      42,000,000  ..............  ..............      58,000,000
        Modernization...............         675,521     144,272,811     132,936,189  ..............     277,884,521
        Field Office System           ..............      19,200,000       9,600,000  ..............      28,800,000
         Replacement \2\............
                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total.....................      62,696,514     280,119,454     208,235,274       1,556,275     552,607,517
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Farm Bill estimate includes only IT related costs. Additional expenditures to deliver the 2007 Farm Bill
      will be required. For example, temporary employee cost for the 2002 Farm Bill was approximately $26 million
      for 1,100 temporary employees.
    \2\ Includes only those costs necessary to upgrade network servers located in field office locations. Estimate
      does not include normal replacement costs for other field office equipment (e.g. phone systems, printers,
      workstations, mobile devices, GPS systems, etc.) which may also be approaching the end of their expected
      useful life.

                      FSA FIELD STAFF AND OFFICE STRUCTURE

        Question. Mr. Secretary, adequate FSA field staffing and office
    locations have been issues for some time. Substantial concerns were
    raised in the recent past in response to FSA plans to restructure.
        What are current plans for altering FSA field staffing levels and
    field office locations?
        Answer. FSA has asked each State Executive Director (SED) to
    conduct an independent local-level review of the efficiency and
    effectiveness of FSA offices in their respective State. There is no
    national plan or formula for closing or consolidating offices. SEDs and
    State committees have been directed by the FSA Administrator to form a
    review committee to identify what the optimum network of FSA
    facilities, staffing, training and technology should be for their
    State. Efficiencies will be based on each State's individual needs and
    will be within existing budgetary resources and staffing ceilings. FSA
    is also committed to coordinating with Congress, stakeholders, local
    groups and customers to ensure the agency offers the best service
    possible.

                          FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

        Question. The budget request includes an increase of $24.8 million
    for the financial management system of the Chief Financial Officer.
        What will the total cost for completion of this system be?
        Answer. The estimated cost for implementation of USDA's new
    financial management system is approximately $90 million.
        Question. How many years will it take for this system to be
    completed?
        Answer. Our preliminary schedule shows completion of implementation
    at the end of fiscal year 2011. USDA is presently in the acquisition
    phase and has yet to award a contract for services or hosting.
        Question. If no funds are provided for this, will work continue?
        Answer. If appropriated funding is not provided, the project will
    continue, but will do so at a pace that reflects the funding that would
    be available, and this is likely to be at a much slower pace than
    projected. Funding would be sought from other sources--the Working
    Capital Fund, reimbursements from customer agencies, purchase card
    rebate proceeds, and/or any funds that might be made available under
    authority to transfer unobligated balances. By relying upon these
    alternative sources, implementation timing will be affected as these
    resources may also be needed for other important corporate investments.
    To the extent that implementation is delayed, USDA will need to
    maintain operation of the legacy financial system, adding additional
    costs.

                     CAPITAL SECURITY COST SHARING PROGRAM

        Question. The budget includes an increase of $5,241,000 under the
    Foreign Agricultural Service for the Capital Security Cost Sharing
    Program. Since fiscal year 2005, this program has increased
    substantially.
        When do you expect funding for this to plateau and then start to
    decline?
        Answer. The Capital Security Cost Sharing (CSCS) program is
    designed to generate a total of $17.5 billion to fund 150 new
    diplomatic facilities over a 14-year period. The FAS assessment
    comprises approximately 70 percent of USDA's total annual contribution
    to the program. In the case of FAS, its assessment started at $0.6
    million in 2005 and increased to over $5.5 million in 2007. It is
    estimated to increase annually until 2009, at which time the estimated
    annual assessed level will total approximately $9 million. This level
    is assumed to remain constant at that point for the next 9 years with
    FAS payments totaling as much as $140 million over the life of the
    program.
        Question. What assurance have you received from the State
    Department that FAS is paying for space that they actually occupy?
        Answer. FAS Washington staff have worked closely with our field
    offices and with the State Department's Office of Building Operations
    to correctly identify positions that should be billed to FAS. Also,
    according to Section 604 of the Secure Embassy Construction and
    Counterterrorism Act of 1999, the funds collected under the CSCS
    program are devoted entirely to the construction of new embassy and
    consular compounds worldwide, regardless of presence.
        Question. Is the agency currently paying for space in facilities
    where they do not have a presence?
        Answer. The CSCS program funds construction of new U.S. embassy
    compounds by contributions from all agencies in proportion to their
    overseas presence. Of the 80 planned security projects in the next
    seven years, FAS will occupy space in 27 of the new facilities.
        Question. Which agencies at USDA contribute to the Capital Security
    Cost Share Program?
        Answer. Other USDA agencies that contribute to the CSCS program
    include the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Agricultural
    Research Service, Rural Development, Natural Resources Conservation
    Service, and Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration.
        Question. Is this reflected in all of their budget justifications?
    If not, why?
        Answer. Like FAS, APHIS and ARS display their contributions to the
    CSCS program in their explanatory notes. In the case of the other
    agencies, the amounts involved are less than $60,000 for 2008, and the
    agencies have not displayed them separately from other administrative
    funding.

              PUBLIC LAW 480 TITLES I AND II AND FOOD FOR PROGRESS

        Question. Over the past several years, funds have been transferred
    from Public Law 480 Title I to carry out activities under the Food for
    Progress program. Please explain the impact of your request to
    eliminate the Title I program will have on the Food for Progress
    program.
        Answer. Food for Progress programming in 2008 will continue to be
    carried out through Commodity Credit Corporation funding. The 2008
    President's budget projects that CCC-funded Food for Progress
    programming will total approximately $163 million.
        Public Law 480 Title I funding to carry out Food for Progress will
    no longer be available in 2008. Although no funding was appropriated
    for Public Law 480 Title I for 2007, approximately $39 million of Title
    I funding that was carried over from prior years is being used to
    support Food for Progress programs this year. No similar carry over
    balances are expected to be available during 2008.
        Question. Is it your anticipation that there will be increased
    availability of funds in fiscal year 2008 for non-emergency programs
    under Title II? If not, is the Title I elimination another overall
    reduction in non-emergency food aid programs?
        Answer. It is difficult to predict with certainty what the level of
    emergency needs will be in 2008 and, therefore, difficult to state
    whether funding for non-emergency programs will increase above this
    year's level. When the 2007 budget recommended no further funding for
    Public Law 480 Title I, a corresponding increase of $80 million was
    requested for Public Law 480 Title II donations. That increase was
    approved and remains in the base funding level for Title II and can,
    therefore, be used to support either emergency or non-emergency Title
    II programming.

                     AGRICULTURAL RECONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

        Question. The Department supports the use of Provincial
    Reconstruction Teams as a way to assist, re-stabilize, and promote
    agricultural production in certain areas of the world, such as Iraq and
    Afghanistan. However, it seems that many of the developmental aspects
    of these teams could also serve in developing countries, such as in
    sub-Saharan Africa, where the ability to promote food security is
    crucial.
        Do you think that the use of a mechanism similar to the Provincial
    Reconstruction Teams could serve a useful purpose as part of an overall
    global food security strategy?
        Answer. The PRTs were first established in Afghanistan for the
    international community to provide improved security and to facilitate
    reconstruction, along with economic development, throughout the
    country. The PRTs are seen as transitional structures and operate in
    high risk, unstable and difficult situations. The PRTs have a broad
    mandate in bringing reconstruction to the local people and allow the
    U.S. Government to engage with key government, military, tribal,
    village, and religious leaders in the provinces, while monitoring and
    reporting on important political, military and reconstruction
    developments. They also provide protective services to experts
    providing assistance.
        USDA has found PRTs to be effective in allowing USDA agricultural
    advisors to work and directly affect agriculture on a local level in
    Afghanistan and Iraq. PRTs could serve a useful purpose as part of an
    overall global food security strategy, especially in reconstruction and
    stabilization situations. In other situations they might have
    usefulness but, as transitional structures, they would need to be
    modified considerably to make them relevant and cost effective.
        Question. If not, then why do you think they will be successful in
    Afghanistan and Iraq?
        Answer. USDA believes that PRTs in Afghanistan and Iraq are
    effective platforms from which our specialists can operate. USDA's PRT
    advisors continue to make significant contributions to the training of
    Ministry of Agriculture staff at the local level, and they provide
    valuable expertise to local and international non-governmental
    organizations, donors, and others working in agricultural development.
    PRTs allow USDA to work in close collaboration with other agencies to
    plan and implement projects that utilize a combination of resources.
    Many of these projects would be beyond the capacity of USDA alone.

                            CONSERVATION OPERATIONS

        Question. For Conservation Technical Assistance, there is an
    increase of $1,000,000 for a stand-alone financial audit.
        Why is this audit necessary?
        Answer. The Conservation Technical Assistance program is the
    foundation for all of USDA's conservation efforts. This makes it vital
    for policy officials to have the most accurate information possible in
    order to make the best programmatic and management decisions. An
    independent financial audit will help the agency identify weaknesses in
    program implementation and help institute improvements for program
    management and accountability.
        Question. What concerns were raised in order for these funds to be
    needed?
        Answer. During preparation of the 2008 President's budget request,
    issues of program management and accountability were closely looked at.
    It was determined that an independent financial audit would help
    identify steps needed to address concerns regarding improper or
    duplicate payments; large number of up(down)ward adjustments, proper
    use of commitments and obligations; and validity of open obligations
    and reimbursable accounts.
        Question. The budget includes a decrease of $17,225,000 for the
    Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative but retains $10,000,000 for a
    competitive grants program.
        Please explain the purpose and aspects of this program.
        Answer. By Congressional directive in recent years, NRCS provided
    technical assistance to owners and managers of private grazing lands to
    improve long-term productivity and ecological health. In fiscal year
    2006, Congress directed that $4,188,000 (of the $27,500,000 GLCI
    earmark) be used on efforts to manage the spread of invasive species. A
    nationwide competitive grants process was used to carry out the fiscal
    year 2006 Congressional directive. The President's 2008 budget proposes
    to continue the competitive grants program to control invasive species.
    It is estimated that invasive plants infest over 100 million acres of
    grazing land in the United States.
        Question. How will these funds be awarded?
        Answer. A nationwide announcement would be issued to attract viable
    applications from eligible government and non-government organizations
    and individuals to compete for the available funding. The grants would
    be awarded based on various elements in the applications including
    purpose and goals, soundness of approach, proposed project management,
    and transferability (technology transfer). A matching contribution
    would be required of the applicant. A portion of the funds would be set
    aside for competition among limited resource farmers and ranchers and
    Tribes.
        Question. What are the goals and expected outcomes of this program?
        Answer. The objective of the invasive species grants would be to
    encourage and support the management and control of invasive species
    affecting grazing lands. We will use the ``cooperative conservation''
    approach to address invasive species concerns on a local, statewide, or
    regional basis. The use of Integrated Pest Management techniques and
    biological pest control methods would be encouraged.

                     RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

        Question. The budget includes a decrease of $37,717,000 for
    Resource Conservation and Development program activities. Included in
    this is a proposed consolidation of RC&D Coordinators, reducing the
    number from 375 to 50.
        Why is this consolidation necessary?
        Answer. The Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART) analysis found
    the program to be duplicative of other conservation and rural
    development programs and the program does not prioritize or target
    funding effectively. Specifically, the purposes and services provided
    by the RC&D program overlap with other similar resource conservation
    planning, rural economic development, and community facilities/
    amenities development services provided by other USDA agencies (such as
    the Forest Service and Rural Development) and other Federal departments
    (such as the Department of Commerce's Economic Development
    Administration).
        Question. What plans are currently in place should the Committee
    decide to decrease funding for RC&D?
        Answer. While the overall program budget will decrease, NRCS will
    continue to provide support through a state-wide RC&D coordinator. The
    coordinator's role will focus more on coordinating USDA assistance
    toward the implementation of RC&D Area Plans rather than day-to-day
    operations of RC&D councils. For several years, USDA has partnered with
    the National Association of RC&D Councils, Inc. to increase the
    capacity and sustainability of RC&D councils across the country. Many
    councils have increased their partnerships and financial portfolios so
    they are less reliant on NRCS direct technical and financial
    assistance. The budget proposal reflects an expectation that more
    councils will be able to take on the additional responsibility.
        Question. Will staff be folded into other agencies within the
    Department?
        Answer. The majority of RC&D coordinators are classified in such a
    way that they will fit well within other jobs and activities of NRCS.
    Most RC&D Coordinators were previously NRCS Soil Conservationists prior
    to becoming RC&D Coordinators. The majority would easily adjust to soil
    conservationist type work at the field level.

                         AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE

        Question. How does AMS intend to protect the organic standard in
    light of current FDA proposals to approve food from cloned animals,
    with no requirement for labeling?
        Answer. In response to the FDA announcement regarding cloned
    animals, AMS issued a notice to the industry that, pursuant to the
    National Organic Program (NOP) regulations, cloning is a prohibited
    practice in organic production. AMS also consulted the National Organic
    Standards Board (NOSB) and received a recommendation to prohibit not
    only cloning as a production method, but the use of their progeny in
    organic production as well. AMS intends to develop rulemaking or
    guidance related to clones and their progeny in organic production.
        Question. What actions has AMS taken in response to the audits
    performed by the American National Standards Institute in 2004 and by
    the USDA Office of Inspector General in 2005, which made strong
    recommendations about changes needed in the administration of the
    National Organic Program?
        Answer. The audit conducted by the American National Standards
    Institute (ANSI) found that there were many procedures, required by an
    ISO Guide 61 system (since revised by ISO and reissued as ISO 17011),
    that the ANSI auditors were not able to identify during the onsite
    audit. In response, AMS assigned a task force of experienced quality
    system specialists to work on the NOP quality management system. Those
    processes were completed by the September 2005 target date agreed to by
    AMS. Some processes that require participation by certifying agents or
    certified operations, such as our reinstatement procedures, have been
    posted on the NOP website. Some additional procedures have been posted
    as they were approved by the Office of the Inspector General, who
    conducted a separate but similar review at about the same time. The OIG
    audit found similar deficiencies as the ANSI audit and identified 10
    action items to be completed by the NOP. All of the OIG action items
    have been completed.

               NATIONAL ORGANIC CERTIFICATION COST SHARE PROGRAM

        Question. Of the $5 million provided in the fiscal year 2002 Farm
    Bill for the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program, how
    much remains unobligated and/or unspent? Please provide a breakdown of
    the States with remaining unobligated and/or unspent funds, as well as
    a list of States that have spent all of their funds.
        Answer. The information is provided for the record. As of March 20,
    2007, $148,340 is unobligated and unspent funds total $247,100 for the
    24 States with funds remaining.
        Eighteen States have exhausted all of their allotted funds:
    Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts,
    Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma,
    Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
        Seven States that have spent more than 90 percent of program
    allotted funds: California, Maine, Michigan, North Dakota, Oregon,
    South Dakota, and Vermont.
        Seventeen States have more than 10 percent of program allotted
    funds remaining: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky,
    Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico,
    Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming.
        Eight States chose not to participate in this program: Alabama,
    Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Louisiana, Nevada, Rhode Island, and
    West Virginia.
        Question. If funding for the National Organic Certification Cost
    Share Program remains unobligated and/or unspent in some States at the
    end of fiscal year 2007, does USDA have the authority to make that
    funding available to other States? Does USDA plan to do so?
        Answer. Within each AMS-State cooperative agreement, there is a
    provision that gives AMS the authority to terminate agreements and
    redistribute unspent funds to other States that have exhausted funds.
    If States are not actively obligating funds and large balances remain
    unspent at the end of fiscal year 2007, AMS will exercise this
    authority.
        Question. What is the total funding provided in the fiscal year
    2008 budget for the National Organic Program?
        Answer. The fiscal year 2008 request for Organic Standards is $3.18
    million.

                                 EMERGING PESTS

        Question. How does APHIS work to prevent things such as Emerald Ash
    Borers and Asian Longhorn Beetles from entering the United States? What
    improvements need to be made at the borders to prevent these incredibly
    expensive pests from entering and causing these problems?
        Answer. The Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection program protects
    the United States from the risks associated with the introduction of
    invasive agricultural pests and diseases. APHIS and the Department of
    Homeland Security cooperate to carry out this program, and fund the
    programs through a combination of appropriations and user fees. The
    Pest Detection program supports APHIS' goal of safeguarding U.S.
    agricultural and environmental resources by ensuring that new
    introductions of harmful plant pests and diseases are detected as soon
    as possible, before they cause significant damage. USDA is requesting a
    $15 million increase in the Pest Detection program for fiscal year
    2008.
        Exotic wood boring and bark beetles such as EAB and Asian
    longhorned beetle (ALB) likely entered the United States through
    infested solid wood packing materials such as pallets, crates, and
    other materials used in international shipping. These materials are
    often reused and reshipped many times throughout the world. Many
    countries have recognized the need to deal with the pest risk. APHIS
    worked with its international counterparts to develop standards for
    safely moving solid wood packing materials and implemented regulations
    based on the developed standards. While APHIS and affected States are
    still dealing with the effects of EAB and ALB and several other exotic
    forest pests already in the United States, we believe that the new
    regulation of wood packaging materials should help prevent future
    infestations of this type.
        Question. At what point do you make a determination that the
    eradication of a disease isn't possible, such as in the case of citrus
    canker? What are the next steps once that determination has been made?
        Answer. Although each pest or disease situation must be analyzed
    separately, there are several factors we consider when determining
    whether or not eradication is feasible. Among these are: the
    availability of adequate funding and active participation from Federal,
    State, and industry cooperators; weather and any other environmental
    constraints; the potential of the pest to do significant economic
    damage to agricultural or forest resources; the extent to which the
    pest or disease has spread; the availability of effective detection,
    diagnostic, and control technology; the availability of acceptable
    alternatives to eradication; public support for an eradication program;
    the disease's public health significance; and the vectors associated
    with a disease (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks, etc.).
        Federal officials take all of these and other factors into
    consideration as they determine whether the eradication of a pest or
    disease is possible. If one or more of these factors change
    considerably during the course of an eradication effort, the planned
    course of action will be reevaluated. Prior to making any major
    decisions about discontinuing an eradication effort, Federal officials
    will consult with their State and industry cooperators, then update
    policies and regulations as appropriate.
        Question. Specifically for Chronic Wasting Disease, how will the
    requirements for the States change with the proposal for a match in
    which the Federal Government will pay for 60 percent of anticipated
    program needs, and the State will fund the rest? Will the State funding
    level need to increase?
        Answer. The 2008 budget proposes a reduction of about $4 million.
    The program requirements for the chronic wasting disease (CWD) herd
    certification program (HCP) will not change with the funding reduction.
    At the requested funding level, USDA anticipates the States and
    cooperators would contribute additional resources to support the
    efforts at current levels.
        Question. More broadly, what amount does APHIS anticipate saving by
    requiring increased State matches for APHIS activities? Is there
    currently a mandated match level for States, or is this an entirely new
    proposal? If a State can't or does not provide the requested match
    amount, what will APHIS do then?
        Answer. The following table is provided for the record.
        [The information follows:]

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Line Item                             Savings
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Chronic Wasting Disease.................................          $4,400
    Emerging Plant Pests--Citrus Health Response Program               2,300
     (Florida)..............................................
    Emerging Plant Pests--Asian Longhorned Beetle (NJ & NY).           1,691
    Emerging Plant Pests--Glassy-Winged Sharp Shooter                  1,001
     (California)...........................................
    Johne's Disease.........................................           5,005
    Noxious Weeds...........................................             300
                                                             ---------------
          Total.............................................          14,697
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

        There is currently no mandated match level for States, nor is USDA
    proposing a mandated level. It is our goal to leverage increased
    participation from the States to maximize the benefits received from
    Federal dollars.
        If a State is unable to contribute the estimated amount for a
    particular program, USDA will evaluate the overall impact to program
    efforts and adjust future funding requests accordingly.

                          APHIS COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS

        Question. Please provide a chart showing all cooperative agreements
    with States and other organizations to be carried out in fiscal year
    2007, including total funding provided by Congress, and funding
    retained by APHIS.
        Answer. Given the timing of the full-year fiscal year 2007
    appropriation, APHIS is currently in the process of negotiating with
    States and other organizations in the development of work plans and
    agreements for this year. Therefore, the requested information is not
    available at this time. This information will be provided when
    available, but not later than August 1, 2007.
        Question. Was there any input gathered from those whose
    responsibilities will be increased before this proposal was put forth
    to decrease funding for Johne's disease? Are these activities that the
    States, etc. are currently undertaking, or would have to pick up?
        Answer. USDA has consulted with our partners in the Voluntary
    Bovine Johne's Disease Control Program (VBJDCP), and they are aware of
    our request. From its inception, the VBJDCP has been a cooperative
    effort among APHIS, State departments of agriculture, and industry.
    States have been the main driving force of the VBJDCP. A large part of
    the Johne's disease funds not requested in the President's Budget has
    been used by the States to pay for producer testing and risk assessment
    fees. With a reduction in Federal funding, these costs will need to be
    covered by producers who benefit from this program. In addition, State
    and University partners would assume responsibility for continuation of
    the Johne's disease demonstration herd projects implemented in each
    region. These projects focus on new and current testing schemes and
    control methods to determine the most effective cost management
    practice options.
        APHIS will continue to provide oversight to the VBJDCP and support
    analysis of the national demonstration projects, along with continuing
    laboratory approval and licensing diagnostic tests and vaccines for
    commercial use.

                          COMMON COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT

        Question. Why is the budget for CCE decreasing this year, when
    needs are certainly not?
        Answer. Funding for the CCE has been comprised of Service Center
    Agency (FSA, NRCS, RD) information technology (IT) purchases through
    their own appropriations, in addition to funding provided through the
    CCE direct appropriation. This funding has been used to develop an
    infrastructure to support the business delivery functions of the
    Service Center Agency (SCA) field offices located across the country.
    The 2008 budget requests that $78.5 million with an additional $12
    million for CCE activities that are specific to FSA be included in the
    SCA salaries and expenses appropriations to meet the ongoing business
    delivery needs. This funding will support the continued IT activities
    of the SCAs as they jointly maintain the CCE infrastructure. In
    addition, the SCAs will continue to work with the Information
    Technology Services (ITS) division of the Office of the Chief
    Information Officer in USDA. ITS is funded through reimbursable
    agreements with the SCAs and delivers staffing and services to the
    agencies in support of the CCE. In coordination with ITS, the agencies
    will be able to ensure that the necessary services and staffing are
    available to maintain the infrastructure and program delivery.
        Question. Please provide a chart showing the total CCE funding,
    either within the CCE account or at the Agencies, over the past 5
    years.
        Answer. A chart has been provided for the record showing the
    funding for the CCE for fiscal year 2002 through fiscal year 2006. This
    chart includes funding from the CCE direct appropriation, agency direct
    purchases of IT equipment and services for the CCE, and agency
    reimbursements of the OCIO-Information Technology Services (ITS)
    through the Working Capital Fund (WCF). These amounts paid for ITS
    operating expenses for the CCE and other IT activities, such as
    Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
        [The information follows:]

                                                       CCE FUNDING
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Fiscal year
                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           2002            2003            2004            2005            2006
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Funding Source:
        CCE Direct Appropriation....     $59,369,000    $133,155,000    $118,585,000    $121,577,300    $108,971,000
        Service Center Agency IT          29,174,241      30,924,733      30,748,000      55,413,000      30,265,009
         purchases for CCE (paid
         directly to vendors; did
         not go through WCF)........
                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Total...................      88,543,241     164,079,733     149,333,000     176,990,300     139,236,009
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Question. Does the USDA have a solid budget estimate of the cost to
    replace the current outdated FSA computer system?
        Answer. FSA is planning to implement a long-term modernization
    effort known as MIDAS to replace its obsolete equipment. FSA
    anticipates submitting a business case for this investment to the
    Office of Management and Budget during March 2007. Preliminary cost
    estimates indicate that this planned transition would require about
    $278 million over fiscal years 2007 through 2009. It would also have a
    total 10-year lifecycle cost of $463 million unadjusted for risk and an
    estimated cost of $617 million when adjusted for risk.
        In addition to this modernization effort, further costs must be
    incurred to stabilize the FSA IT system components at field offices in
    the short term. These additional costs are estimated to be about $150
    million to bring the Kansas City web-based system up to at least
    moderate reliability; about $97 million to implement likely disaster
    assistance and Farm Bill legislation; and nearly $29 million to replace
    obsolete field office components. Thus, estimated total costs of nearly
    $553 million over fiscal years 2007 through 2010 will be required to
    bring the current system up reasonable operating capability and to
    transition to a modernized system. However, the actual modernization
    component as noted above is estimated to cost about $278 million.
        Question. Is an FSA replacement system part of the Farm Bill
    proposals submitted? If not, where will this funding come from, since
    it is not in the President's budget?
        Answer. Funding for modernization of FSA's information technology
    systems is not included in the Administration's Farm Bill proposal.
    USDA is working with the Office of Management and Budget to identify an
    appropriate funding source for this investment.

                      COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM

        Question. How many people currently on CSFP do you estimate will
    lose all benefits, either by not deciding to participate in Food
    Stamps, or receiving fewer benefits under Food Stamps?
        Answer. We do not know how many current CSFP participants would not
    participate or potentially receive a food stamp benefit lower than the
    value of the CSFP package. We estimate that CSFP participants who opt
    to transition to food stamps will receive an average monthly benefit of
    $54 per person. In contrast, we project that the average CSFP food
    package for elderly people would have a retail value of about $44 in
    fiscal year 2007.

                  PROPOSED LIMIT ON WIC ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDING

        Question. Please explain how the proposed limit on WIC
    administrative funding will affect the activities that WIC providers
    are required to carry out, including nutrition education, referral
    services, and other important services?
        Answer. We appreciate the hard work that WIC professionals have
    done to create and operate one of our premier nutrition assistance
    programs. However, nutrition services and administration (NSA) funding
    continues to require a greater and greater proportion of the annual WIC
    appropriation. In every other sector of government--Federal, State and
    local--we have all had to learn to become more efficient within tighter
    administrative budgets. We believe WIC can, too. WIC State agencies
    have achieved remarkable success in controlling food costs; we have no
    doubt that the same creativity can be applied to the NSA costs without
    compromising important client services and program operations.
        Our proposal would provide NSA funds at the fiscal year 2006 per-
    person level. This would allow for a greater proportion of appropriated
    funds to be used for food benefits and to ensure that funding continues
    to be adequate to serve all eligible individuals who wish to
    participate. It is anticipated that the total appropriation needed for
    fiscal year 2008 would be reduced by approximately $145 million through
    this redirection of NSA funds to food funds.
        Question. Please outline how this proposal is different from the
    fiscal year 2007 budget request.
        Answer. The current proposal is intended to provide a reduction in
    WIC NSA funding to slow its growth rather than to ``cap'' the funds
    available for NSA at 25 percent as proposed in the fiscal year 2007
    budget.
        Current legislation provides an amount for State agency NSA grants
    sufficient to guarantee a national administrative grant per participant
    (AGP). The guaranteed national AGP for each fiscal year is based on the
    prior year's AGP, inflated by the State and Local Purchase Index, as
    required by legislation. The WIC AGP inflation rate from fiscal year
    2006 to fiscal year 2007 was 6 percent.
        Our current proposal would reduce the AGP used to determine the
    proportion of funds made available for NSA in fiscal year 2008 rather
    than using the inflated fiscal year 2007 AGP level.
        Question. If this proposal is not adopted, will your request level
    for WIC still be adequate?
        Answer. USDA estimates that setting the fiscal year 2008
    administrative grant per participant at the fiscal year 2006 level will
    save approximately $145 million through redirection of NSA funds to
    food funds. If this proposal is not adopted, then an additional $145
    million would be needed in the fiscal year 2008 appropriation for the
    WIC Program in order to support average monthly participation at the
    anticipated level of 8.28 million.
        Question. Will the proposal regarding income limits actually save
    any money? Will this proposal, if included, require States to re-check
    the eligibility of all of their participants?
        Answer. USDA estimates that approximately $2 million per year will
    be saved by the proposal to limit income eligibility based on
    participation in Medicaid to those individuals whose incomes are below
    250 percent of the Federal poverty guidelines. This will help ensure
    that WIC benefits are targeted to those most in need. The proposal
    would not require States to re-check the eligibility of all of their
    current participants. Rather, affected States will need to ask new WIC
    applicants and applicants whose prior certification has expired to show
    documentation of eligibility in a means-tested program other than
    Medicaid, such as the Food Stamp Program or Temporary Assistance for
    Needy Families, or to show documentation of their income to determine
    eligibility.
        Question. How many States will be affected by the income
    eligibility proposal, and how much will it cost them to re-certify all
    WIC participants? How many people do you think will have to be re-
    certified, and how many ineligible participants will be identified?
        Answer. Based on current Medicaid income eligibility levels, seven
    States would be affected: Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New
    Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. The proposal would not require
    these States to re-certify current participants. Rather, these seven
    States will need to ask new WIC applicants and applicants whose prior
    certification has expired to show documentation of eligibility in a
    means-tested program other than Medicaid, such as the Food Stamp
    Program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or to show
    documentation of their income to determine eligibility. We estimate
    that approximately 3,000 applicants who are on Medicaid in these States
    will have incomes above the 250 percent threshold and therefore no
    longer be eligible for benefits.

                    FOOD STAMP PROGRAM LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS

        Question. How does the legislative proposal in the Food Stamp
    Program work to streamline Federal assistance programs?
        Answer. Many of the proposals work together to streamline the
    administration of the Food Stamp Program by simplifying complex
    policies, while at the same time supporting low-income working
    families. For example, we are proposing to exclude all retirement
    accounts and certain educational savings accounts from resources when
    determining eligibility. This simplifies the eligibility determination
    on the part of the State agencies while encouraging low-income families
    to save for retirement and their children's future even if they
    experience a temporary need for food stamps. We are proposing to
    exclude combat related pay for military personnel. This proposal would
    make permanent a policy that has been enacted on a yearly basis through
    the budget process. This proposal makes it easier for State agencies to
    determine eligibility while supporting the families of service
    personnel fighting overseas by ensuring that they do not lose food
    stamps as a result of the additional deployment income. Taken as a
    whole, these proposals would have a significant affect on streamlining
    the administration of the Food Stamp Program.

                   CENTER FOR NUTRITION POLICY AND PROMOTION

        Question. Please list all cooperative agreements or contracts
    entered into by CNPP in regard to My Pyramid, including funding levels
    and recipients.
        Answer. Current contracts are for hosting and maintenance
    operations, evaluation, customer service, and refinement of tools
    already developed for the MyPyramid.gov Web site. Three cooperative
    agreements exist for educational purposes in support of MyPyramid and
    the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. No funds are exchanged
    between parties for these cooperative agreements. A list will be
    provided for the record.
        [The information follows:]

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Hosting and Maintenance Contracts (for support of
     website and associated databases):
        National Information Technology Center, Kansas City,        $181,000
         KS.................................................
        American Systems Corporation, Chantilly, VA.........          90,000
        Akamai Technologies, Cambridge, MA..................         120,000
    Evaluation (for 12 month American Customer Satisfaction
     Index):
        ForSee Results, Ann Arbor, MI.......................          25,000
    Customer Service (for customer support specialist):
        Network Management Resources Consulting, Inc.,                79,451
         Annapolis, MD......................................
    Refinement of Tools (to increase usability of existing
     interactive tools):
        Porter Novelli, Washington, DC......................         102,052
    Cooperative Agreements (To promote MyPyramid and the
     2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans):
        Tufts University, Boston, MA and Safeway, Inc.,              ( \1\ )
         Pleasanton, CA.....................................
        Naturally Nutrient Rich Coalition (NNRC), Chicago,           ( \1\ )
         IL.................................................
        Hispanic Communication Network (HNC), Washington, DC         ( \1\ )
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ No funds were exchanged for Cooperative Agreements.

                       FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE

        Question. Will States receive the full funding level they requested
    in fiscal year 2007 with the additional funding that we provided in the
    Joint Resolution?
        Answer. Funding levels for the States are reviewed in order to
    determine the amounts they require to perform their inspection tasks
    and may at times vary from the amount requested. However, adequate
    funds are available for States.
        Question. Is the President's budget for fiscal year 2008 sufficient
    to provide the States with their full funding request in fiscal year
    2008 for their State meat inspection programs?
        Answer. FSIS requests an increase of nearly $1 million for State
    MPI programs in fiscal year 2008, as stated in the amended budget
    explanatory notes. The fiscal year 2008 President's Budget provides
    full funding for the State MPI programs based on estimated needs when
    the budget was proposed. FSIS will know the funding request from the
    States sometime after August 2007, when the States provide updated
    funding needs.
        Question. Please provide information regarding any long-term
    contracts FSIS has regarding public meeting space, including funding
    spent on these contracts.
        Answer. The Food Safety and Inspection Service has no long-term
    contracts for public meeting space.
        Question. Please provide information on employee performance
    bonuses at FSIS in fiscal year 2006, including the total amount of
    bonuses provided to GS employees, and the total amount of bonuses
    provided to SES employees.
        Answer. The Food Safety and Inspection Service's Senior Executive
    Service (SES) performance awards for fiscal year 2006 totaled $269,362,
    and were paid in fiscal year 2007 using fiscal year 2007 funds. For
    fiscal year 2006, all other employees received a total of $2,774,926 in
    bonuses.
        Question. How often do processing inspectors working in combination
    slaughter/processing plants have to perform slaughter duties because of
    an absence of a slaughter inspector due to vacancies, illness,
    vacations, etc.? Please describe the type of records the Agency keeps
    in such instances provide those records for the past 2 years.
        Answer. The Food Safety and Inspection Service utilizes a variety
    of strategies to staff critical slaughter positions when absences occur
    due to vacancies, illnesses, and vacations. These strategies include
    utilization of relief inspectors and relief public health
    veterinarians, other-than-permanent employees, higher graded slaughter
    inspection personnel, and processing inspection personnel. The use of
    processing inspectors to cover the absence of slaughter inspectors has
    been policy for several decades, and is the best use of staff, as the
    presence of inspectors at slaughter facilities must be continuous.
    Documentation of the daily staffing strategies utilized at each plant
    is not maintained. Thus, records on the use of these staffing
    strategies are not available.
        Question. What is the current career ladder for FSIS inspection
    personnel? For the years 1996-2006, please identify the number of
    Agency employees by GS level that worked in Agency headquarters; that
    worked in field locations. How will the Agency's implementation of RBI
    affect the numbers of employees in each GS level?
        Answer. FSIS' inspection program personnel include the following
    primary occupations:
      --Food Inspection (slaughter), GS-5, career ladder GS-7
      --Consumer Safety Inspectors (processing), GS-8, career ladder GS-9
      --Consumer Safety Inspectors (relief positions), GS-10
      --Public Health Veterinary Medical Officers, GS-11, career ladder GS-
            12
        Under a more robust risk-based inspection system for meat and
    poultry processing, USDA will continue using the same number of
    inspection program personnel, spending the same amount of overall time
    conducting inspections. Risk-based inspection is about working smarter
    to protect public health by having inspection personnel spend more time
    in the processing plants that need assistance and expertise.
        A chart identifying the number of Food Safety and Inspection
    Service positions at headquarters and in field positions (1996-2006)
    follows:
        [The information follows:]

                                                                                   FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE
                                                                          Actual Headquarters and Field Positions for 1996-2006
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                1996          1997          1998          1999          2000          2001          2002          2003          2004          2005          2006
                                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Grade                  Wash          Wash          Wash          Wash          Wash          Wash          Wash          Wash          Wash          Wash          Wash
                                             DC    Field   DC    Field   DC    Field   DC    Field   DC    Field   DC    Field   DC    Field   DC    Field   DC    Field   DC    Field   DC    Field
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Senior Executive Service..............    16       5    23       1    20       1    21  ......    21  ......    19       2    19       2    21  ......    26  ......    25       1    25       1
    GS-15.................................    44       9    45      30    45      30    57      25    51      25    52      25    51      26    59      27    60      26    59      32    58      32
    GS-14.................................    89      44   100      48   100      48   102      49    93      46    94      46   103      58   107      72    98      72   130      87   128      85
    GS-13.................................   212     246   215     347   215     347   248     297   232     283   248     301   221     331   228     351   208     369   293     406   240     394
    GS-12.................................    91     956   148     939   148     939   106     935    81     874    91     883    93     889   108     960    97   1,027   117   1,058    97   1,027
    GS-11.................................    67     387    28     463    28     463    36     406    35     345    42     329    34     384    44     304    32     280    53     260    45     253
    GS-10.................................  ....     176  ....     195     1     345  ....     471     2     510  ....     515     1     516     1     494     2     459     1     409     1     403
    GS-9..................................    60   2,195   104    ,264   109   2,168    42   2,017    41   1,826    45   1,859    49   1,951    43   1,878    57   1,971    49   1,959    42   1,892
    GS-8..................................    25   1,235     8   1,220     8   1,171    13     986    11   1,023    12   1,046    11   1,068    14   1,101    31     965    14     959    12     930
    GS-7..................................    86   3,492    84   3,265    84   3,267    75   3,551    70   3,647    64   3,630    54   3,348    57   3,234    74   3,278    60   3,223    55   3,120
    GS-6..................................    73      63    38      70    38      70    34      55    37      47    27      47    17      43    14      42    11      50    14      48    11      46
    GS-5..................................    68     460    46     341    44     341    16     284    18     656    19     676    11     317    12     401    14     313    11     240     8     232
    GS-4..................................    20      84    38      49    38      49     7      54     2      34  ....      36     1      32     3      24     3      51     8      38     6      36
    GS-3..................................     2      17     3       6     3       6     1  ......  ....  ......  ....      21     1      20     2      19     1       1  ....  ......  ....  ......
    GS-2..................................     2       2  ....  ......  ....  ......  ....  ......  ....  ......  ....       1  ....  ......  ....  ......  ....  ......  ....  ......  ....  ......
    GS-1..................................     2       1  ....  ......  ....  ......  ....  ......  ....  ......  ....
    Ungraded Positions....................     2      19     2      24     1      22     1      23  ....      23  ....  ......  ....  ......  ....  ......  ....  ......  ....  ......  ....  ......
                                           ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total Permanent Positions.......   859   9,391   882   9,262   882   9,267   759   9,153   694   9,339   713   9,417   666   8,985   713   8,907   720   8,863   834   8,720   728   8,451
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Question. In late October 2006, 493 beef carcasses at the Swift &
    Company plant located in Grand Island, Nebraska were inadvertently
    sprayed with sewage water. Instead of condemning the carcasses
    according to the provisions of 9 CFR 318.14, FSIS management officials
    instead approved a ``rework'' of the contaminated carcasses. Please
    explain the justification for this action.
        Answer. Under 9 CFR 318.2(d), USDA's Food Safety and Inspection
    Service (FSIS) has historically considered offers to recondition
    product if it believes that an establishment can make the product safe
    for human consumption. I will provide more information on this
    particular action for the record.
        [The information follows:]
        In this case, the establishment developed an aggressive
    reconditioning plan based on relevant science, in close consultation
    with FSIS officials, and approved by FSIS. After reconditioning,
    extensive testing showed that, microbiologically, these carcasses had
    testing results equal to or better than carcasses normally processed at
    the facility.
        Question. The fiscal year 2008 budget proposal calls for the
    imposition of a licensing fee on all meat, poultry and egg production
    facilities within FSIS jurisdiction. Will the approximately 1000
    foreign establishments that are eligible to export to the United States
    also be subject to such a licensing fee?
        Answer. No, foreign establishments eligible to export to the United
    States would not be subject to the proposed fee. USDA is recommending a
    fee for each Federally inspected establishment or official plant to
    partially cover the costs of USDA inspection services.
        Question. The fiscal year 2008 calls for the imposition of
    reinspection fees for all firms that are subject to failure of
    performance standards and/or recalls. Will foreign establishments that
    export to the United States be subject to reinspection fees when FSIS
    auditors find violations of U.S. standards?
        Answer. No. The proposal would not provide for charging fees to
    foreign establishments that export meat, poultry or egg products to the
    United States. FSIS may decertify foreign establishments, i.e.,
    prohibit them from exporting meat, poultry or egg products to the
    United States, if it finds that they do not meet the requirements set
    forth in its regulations for imports.
        Question. What is the status of the study being conducted in Canada
    to justify less than daily inspection of processed meat and poultry
    products that are exported to the United States?
        Answer. The Canadians are continuing their study of less-than-daily
    inspection, and nothing has been submitted to USDA at this time. Once a
    study is completed, it will need to be peer reviewed and the data
    assessed by USDA. The Canadians will maintain daily inspection for any
    product exported to the United States until the study is completed and
    reviewed and a decision is made on how to proceed.
        Question. What is the Meat Safety Enhancement Program as it applies
    to meat imports from Australia? How does it differ from traditional
    inspection procedures? Have there been any Australian establishments
    approved to export meat products to the United States using MSEP? Are
    there any pending applications from any Australian meat establishments
    to use MSEP to export to the United States? If there are, what is the
    status of those applications? What criteria will FSIS use to make its
    final determination on the viability of those applications?
        Answer. Australia's Meat Safety Enhancement Program (MSEP) is an
    alternative inspection program to Australia's traditional slaughter
    inspection procedures, which rely solely on government-paid inspectors.
    MSEP differs from Australia's traditional inspection approach by using
    both company inspectors and government-paid inspectors. It was
    developed by the Australian government patterned after the United
    States' HACCP-Based Inspection Model Project (HIMP). USDA's Food Safety
    and Inspection Service determined MSEP to be equivalent in 1999. While
    one MSEP establishment in Australia has applied for the ability to
    export its product to the United States, FSIS has not given approval
    until it completes its assessment of a pilot study carried out by the
    establishment and the Australian government and concurs that the food
    safety conditions established as part of the 1999 equivalence decision
    are being achieved.

                           FSIS RISK BASED INSPECTION

        Question. Please provide us an update on the FSIS announcement
    regarding its change to risk-based inspection. What is the ultimate
    goal of this change, and do you believe that FSIS has the right science
    and testing capabilities at this time, to do this safely?
        Answer. A risk-based inspection system will help USDA improve the
    safety of meat and poultry products from USDA-inspected processing
    establishments, and therefore decrease the incidence of illness and
    deaths caused by foodborne pathogens.
        Since USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) inspection
    program personnel are in each plant every day, FSIS has the necessary
    scientific and testing data to institute a risk-based inspection system
    in processing establishments. In addition to considering the inherent
    risk of product, as well as its volume, FSIS will use seven key factors
    to specifically determine a plant's ability to control risk: food
    safety recalls; verified food safety consumer complaints; noncompliance
    records that are significant to public health, enforcement actions FSIS
    has taken against establishments, ready-to-eat and E. coli O157:H7
    sampling results, ready-to-eat Listeria monocytogenes control
    alternatives, and a plant's Salmonella verification category. For more
    information on how FSIS will measure risk in 30 prototype processing
    establishments, visit the agency's Web site at: http://
    www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/RBI_Meeting_040207/index.asp.
        Question. Do you currently have enough data on E. coli, Salmonella
    and Listeria testing, for example, to make sure that you are targeting
    the right plants, or are you still collecting it?
        Answer. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has
    sufficient data to establish the plants' ability to control risk, but
    the agency will continue to collect data on a daily basis. The data
    already on hand is historical, and the last 12 months data can be used
    to calculate ability to control risk. The data the agency will collect
    in the future will give FSIS a snapshot of current conditions in
    establishments, as well as provide the agency with a measure of
    establishments' ability to control risk that particular day. The data
    will allow FSIS to adjust plant inspection intensity in real-time,
    based on current data, thereby being more proactive instead of reactive
    by, for instance, increasing intensity after a recall.
        Specifically with regard to E. coli O157:H7, Listeria
    monocytogenes, and Salmonella sampling analysis, in calendar year 2003,
    FSIS conducted over 80,000 analyses of samples, and that number grew to
    almost 100,000 in CY 2006. These sampling data, particularly when
    combined with the other risk-based factors, provide FSIS with a very
    good picture of the food safety controls within regulated
    establishments.
        Question. Will risk-based inspection result in fewer food
    inspectors at processing facilities?
        Answer. Under a more robust risk-based inspection system for meat
    and poultry processing, USDA will continue using the same number of
    inspection program personnel, spending the same amount of overall time
    conducting inspections. Risk-based inspection is about working smarter
    to protect public health by having inspection personnel spend more time
    in the processing plants that need assistance and expertise.
        Question. What level of funding has been used so far to develop
    this program?
        Answer. FSIS has not dedicated a specific funding level for the
    risk-based inspection initiative. However, some of the recent
    expenditures for this effort include public meetings and technical
    summits, employee meetings, meetings with the National Advisory
    Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection, a contract with Resolve Inc.,
    and other miscellaneous items.
        Question. Please provide a detailed explanation of the evaluation
    FSIS will undertake of the pilot risk-based inspection program before
    expanding it to further plants. How will you measure success or
    failure, and what are the parameters of that determination?
        Answer. USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) intends to
    implement and review risk-based inspection for processing in a careful
    and deliberative manner. The perfect report card for the long-term
    would be a measured decrease of food borne disease and death. While
    FSIS is still in the process of developing how we intend to evaluate
    RBIS, in the near-term, FSIS will compare such measures as verified
    consumer food safety complaints, product recalls, and changes in the
    effectiveness of establishment risk controls between RBIS and
    traditionally-inspected establishments. In addition, FSIS will be
    interviewing inspection program personnel, and the USDA's Office of
    Inspector General will be continuing to audit the development and
    implementation of RBIS.
        Question. What role is turning off the PBIS inspection task
    scheduler playing in risk-based inspection in processing? Have there
    been circumstances when the PBIS scheduler has been turned off within
    the past 5 years, and if so, please identify those circumstances and
    the reasons for them.
        Answer. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will no
    longer use the Performance Based Inspection System (PBIS) database
    scheduler in the initial 30 prototype processing locations under risk-
    based inspection. However, at that time, the agency will not
    discontinue the use of PBIS as a whole--only the scheduler. Processing
    inspectors at the prototype processing locations will continue to
    report their findings into the PBIS system, and these data will be
    analyzed on an on-going basis.
        In 2000, FSIS allowed District Offices the option of not scheduling
    the inspection procedures to be performed in a plant on a specific day.
    This change recognized that some establishments operate seasonally,
    such as plants that specialize in seasonal or holiday meats; some
    operate infrequently, such as one day per week; and some prepare
    products for inspection by FSIS and by the Department of Health and
    Human Services' Food and Drug Administration on different days. This
    policy saves inspection program personnel time, since they do not have
    to check a ``not performed'' box for a day when an establishment is
    simply not producing FSIS-inspected product.
        Question. The fiscal year 2008 budget proposal calls for the
    expenditure of funds during the last quarter of the fiscal year to
    cover the costs of training and relocation of staff when risk-based
    inspection in slaughter is implemented. How did the Agency arrive at
    those figures? Does the Agency anticipate reductions in staff when
    risk-based inspection in slaughter is implemented?
        Answer. The agency's goal is to begin to implement risk-based
    inspection for young chickens at slaughter plants during the last
    quarter of fiscal year 2008. For that to happen, FSIS will need to have
    a final rule in place.
        Implementation of risk-based inspection in slaughter facilities is
    projected to require two weeks of training for Food Inspectors and one
    week for Consumer Safety Inspectors. Cost considerations include
    travel, per diem, supplies, and materials as well as backfill of
    frontline inspection personnel while employees are in training. These
    costs also include post-training meetings conducted by FSIS' Technical
    Service Center employees to ensure consistent policy application. Other
    cost considerations include employee relocation expenses in accordance
    with Federal travel regulations.
        Risk-based inspection in processing establishments will not lead to
    reductions in the inspection program personnel workforce. Once it is
    implemented in the future, risk-based inspection for slaughter may
    result in a redistribution of the inspection workforce.
        Question. Does the Agency anticipate reductions in the overall
    inspection workforce as it implements both risk-based inspection in
    processing and slaughter? If it does, what role will attrition play in
    those reductions? Will the Agency be forced to reduce staffing through
    layoffs?
        Answer. Under a more robust risk-based inspection system for meat
    and poultry processing, USDA will continue using the same number of
    inspection program personnel, spending the same amount of overall time
    conducting inspections.
        Risk-based inspection for slaughter will likely result in a
    redistribution of the inspection workforce. Anyone who is employed by
    FSIS when risk-based inspection for slaughter is implemented and
    desires to keep working for the agency will continue to do so. Risk-
    based inspection is about working smarter to protect public health by
    having inspection personnel spend more time in the plants that need
    assistance and expertise.
        Question. What Notices and Directives has the Agency issued in
    preparation for the implementation of risk-based inspection in
    processing? What is the legal justification for implementing risk-based
    inspection in processing without the need for formal rulemaking or a
    change in existing statutes?
        Answer. As of February 27, 2007, USDA's Food Safety and Inspection
    Service (FSIS) has not issued any directives, but will issue a
    directive to personnel regarding the implementation of risk-based
    inspection at the thirty prototype processing locations in order to
    instruct employees on how they are to perform daily tasks. In addition,
    before implementing the nationwide risk-based inspection system for
    processing, the agency will issue either an updated or new directive
    for personnel. I will have FSIS provide additional information
    explaining this rationale more thoroughly.
        [The information follows:]
        The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C. 511-599) is the
    law under which regulatory agencies, including FSIS create the rules
    and regulations necessary to implement and enforce the statute such as
    the Federal Meat Inspection Act, the Poultry Products Inspection Act,
    and the Egg Products Inspection Act. Section 553 of the APA, titled
    ``Rule making'' defines the procedures and specifies exemptions from
    rulemaking. Section 553(a) of the APA States that matters relating to
    agency management or personnel are not subject to rule making. Risk-
    based inspection does not place new regulatory requirements on
    establishments that will be subject to this new inspection management
    strategy. What risk-based inspection does is determine which inspection
    tasks are to be completed by FSIS inspectors for specific
    establishments. This is a matter of agency management, and so is not
    subject to rule making.
        Even though rule making is not required, FSIS has engaged in, and
    plans to continue to engage in, a public, transparent development
    process in devising its new management strategy. The agency believes
    that public involvement by its stakeholders will yield the best results
    and the best positive effects on public health in the end. As FSIS
    gains practical insights from prototyping risk-based inspection, the
    agency plans to adapt the system to changing circumstances and its
    evolving understanding as to how best to manage inspection staff.
        Some of FSIS' public participation activities used in the
    development of risk-based inspection include a two-day public listening
    session in October 2006, and three public sessions with the National
    Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection to gather input. In
    addition, on April 2, 2007, FSIS will hold a public meeting to gather
    feedback on the proposed methodology to determine plant ability to
    control risk, and specifically how best to utilize noncompliance
    records. The agency will also hold another public meeting on April 5,
    2007, to determine to how to improve attribution data. Public meetings
    are scheduled for April 25 and 30, 2007, to discuss how best to use
    establishment volume and establishment reported data, respectively, in
    the formulas for risk determination.
        Question. What is the status of the installation of the FSIS
    Automated Technology Suite (FACTS)? How is FACTS being used in the data
    collection for plants involved in the risk-based inspection in
    processing program? Please specify all the types of recorded data
    available to the Agency that will be considered in making decisions for
    risk-based inspection. For example, the Agency plans to use information
    on Noncompliance Records (NRs)--what specific information is available
    on a NR that will be factored into RBI decisions?
        Answer. The Food Safety and Inspection Service's (FSIS) Automated
    Technology Suite (FACTS) applications have been incorporated into the
    Public Health Data Consolidation business case. When fully funded, this
    will allow FSIS to continue building an information technology system
    that is modernized to consolidate data into one data warehouse system
    and process and analyze this data through transactional systems. With
    this initiative FSIS will be able to gather data efficiently, increase
    data integrity and security, and expedite analysis of all FSIS data.
        The data from the processing plants that has already been gathered,
    along with risk-based inspection data to be gathered, will be stored
    and utilized through the data warehouse system described above.
        Since FSIS inspection program personnel are in each plant every
    day, the agency has the necessary data to institute an enhanced risk-
    based inspection system in processing establishments. In addition to
    considering the inherent risk of product, as well as its volume, FSIS
    will use seven key factors to specifically determine a plant's ability
    to control risk: food safety recalls; verified food safety consumer
    complaints; noncompliance records that are significant to public
    health, enforcement actions FSIS has taken against establishments,
    ready-to-eat and E. coli O157:H7 sampling results, ready-to-eat
    Listeria monocytogenes control alternatives, and a plant's Salmonella
    verification category. For more information on how FSIS will measure
    risk in 30 prototype processing establishments, visit the agency's Web
    site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/
    RBI_Meeting_040207/index.asp.

                              FSIS FOOD INSPECTORS

        Question. Please provide vacancy rates for food inspectors by
    district. Please provide a breakdown of FSIS inspectors and plant
    responsibility over the past 5 years.
        Answer. As of February 27, 2007, the inspection work force has
    increased by 139 positions since the end of fiscal year 2006. These are
    potential new employees who have passed background checks, had
    satisfactory interviews, and have agreed to a start date. At any given
    time, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) shows a vacancy
    rate due to a lag in hiring, attrition, difficulty in recruiting in
    some remote areas, difficulty in recruiting in some high income
    locations, and retirement. To meet current demand, FSIS projects that
    we would have 7,500 in-plant personnel by the end of the fiscal year.
    The information is provided for the record.
        [The information follows:]

                                           IN-PLANT OFF-LINE VACANCY DATA \1\
                                                [As of February 27, 2007]
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                       Current Value
                                District                                 Positions      Employment    Rate (percent)
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Alameda.........................................................          275.00          229.00           16.73
    Denver..........................................................          278.00          253.00            8.99
    Minneapolis.....................................................          185.00          167.00           9.730
    Des Moines......................................................          259.00          236.00            8.88
    Lawrence........................................................          227.00          206.00        \1\ 9.25
    Springdale......................................................          313.00          286.00            8.63
    Dallas..........................................................          229.00          183.00           20.09
    Madison.........................................................          148.00          140.00            5.41
    Chicago.........................................................          278.00          234.00           15.83
    Philadelphia....................................................          281.00          259.00            7.83
    Albany..........................................................          254.00          214.00           15.75
    Beltsville......................................................          190.00          170.00           10.53
    Raleigh.........................................................          261.00          233.00           10.73
    Atlanta.........................................................          333.00          297.00           10.81
    Jackson.........................................................          317.00          296.00          6.6296
                                                                     -----------------------------------------------
          Total.....................................................        3,828.00        3,403.00          11.10
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Talmadge/Aiken (T/A) plants are not included.

                                            ON-LINE (SLAUGHTER) VACANCY DATA
                                                [As of February 27, 2007]
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                          Current
                                District                                 Positions      Employment     Vacancy Rate
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Alameda.........................................................          209.00          175.00           16.27
    Denver..........................................................          220.00          187.00           15.00
    Minneapolis.....................................................          164.00          141.00           14.02
    Des Moines......................................................          413.00          373.00            9.69
    Lawrence........................................................          334.00          313.00            6.29
    Springdale......................................................          453.00          431.00            4.86
    Dallas..........................................................          337.00          309.00            8.31
    Madison.........................................................          104.00           90.00           13.46
    Chicago.........................................................          169.00          141.00           16.57
    Philadelphia....................................................          142.00          126.00           11.27
    Albany..........................................................           33.00           25.00           24.24
    Beltsville......................................................          275.00          255.00           7.270
    Raleigh.........................................................          504.00          456.00            9.52
    Atlanta.........................................................          509.00          450.00           11.59
    Jackson.........................................................          612.00          576.00            5.88
                                                                     -----------------------------------------------
          Total.....................................................        4,478.00        4,048.00           9.60
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Note: It is important to note that the total number of field inspection staff identified above cannot be
      compared with the total number of ``field staff'' in an exhibit of FSIS' fiscal year 2008 Explanatory Notes
      entitled: ``Permanent Positions by Grade and Staff Year Summary -2006 Actual and Estimated 2007 and 2008.''
      The field staff identified above relate to the inspection personnel whereas the ``field staff'' in the
      ``Permanent Positions by Grade and Staff Year Summary--2006 Actual and Estimated 2007 and 2008'' exhibit
      relate to all FSIS staff outside of the Washington, D.C. area (e.g., Technical Service Center staff in Omaha,
      Nebraska, Financial Processing Center in Urbandale, IA, lab personnel in the three FSIS laboratories, etc.)

                                  INPLANT POSITION AND EMPLOYMENT FIVE YEAR HISTORY \1\

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          On-Line        Off-Line      Enforcement,    Public Health
                                     --------------------------------  Investigation  Veterinariian/
                                                                         Analysis      Veterinarian
                                                                         Officer/         Medical
                                                                        Compliance      Officer \2\        Total
                                          Sla-07         CSI 08-10        Officer    ----------------
                                                                     ----------------
                                                                         GS 12-13        GS 11-13
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Available Positions
    Fiscal Year 03..................           3,952           3,491             189             992           8,624
    Fiscal Year 2004................           3,652           3,749             195             983           8,579
    Fiscal Year 05..................           3,547           3,608             212             995           8,362
    Fiscal Year 06..................           3,509           3,556             215             966           8,246
    Fiscal Year 07 \2\..............           3,518           3,610             202             964           8,294
               Employment
    Fiscal Year 03..................           3,310           3,226             189             838           7,563
    Fiscal Year 2004................           3,302           3,090             195             850           7,437
    Fiscal Year 2005................           3,217           3,150             188             831           7,386
    Fiscal Year 2006................           3,158           3,183             185             793           7,319
    Fiscal Year 20071A\3\...........           3,147           3,181             183             772           7,283
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ T/Apositions are not included.
    \2\ Includes VMS.
    \3\ Current as of 2/27/2007. The end of fiscal year projected employment is 7,500.

                        OTHER THAN PERMANENT--STAFF YEARS
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Years                                Usage
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2003....................................................             438
    2004....................................................             377
    2005....................................................             310
    2006....................................................             298
    \1\ 2007................................................             360
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Planned OTP usage.

                             RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY

        Question. Is RMA developing any new products to serve regions of
    the country that currently have few, if any, options for risk
    management? If so, please explain them.
        Answer. The Risk Management Agency (RMA) has undertaken an
    evaluation of its product portfolio to identify gaps in availability,
    particularly with respect to underserved crops and/or regions. This
    evaluation found that, with few exceptions, crop insurance coverage is
    generally available for the most economically significant crops in the
    underserved regions. This result is consistent with the conclusions of
    a recent independent evaluation of RMA's product portfolio. This
    suggests that RMA should place greater emphasis on improving currently
    available products to provide more effective risk management
    protection, and target efforts on the development of new products
    towards filling the few remaining gaps. RMA is currently conducting
    comprehensive evaluations of several crop programs to identify areas
    for improvement, particularly among underserved regions.
        In addition, RMA has implemented several new products, most notably
    Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), Adjusted Gross Revenue-Lite (AGR-Lite),
    and two Pasture, Rangeland and Forage (PRF) pilot programs. The AGR,
    AGR-Lite and PRF programs are particularly oriented to producers for
    whom traditional crop insurance products were either impractical, or
    did not provide effective risk management protection. In addition, over
    twenty pilot programs are currently active that pertain to specialty
    crops, including pilot programs for processing chili peppers, Hawaii
    Tropical Fruit, and Florida Fruit Trees. RMA also has ongoing
    development efforts for a revenue insurance product for certain
    specialty crops, as well as an umbrella weather-peril product that
    could provide effective coverage for certain crops with relatively
    limited market value. Additional risk management tools are developed
    through partnership agreements that impact underserved producers. These
    partnership agreements deal with a wide range of topics including the
    development and understanding of markets, pest and disease control, and
    water management.
        The Crop Insurance Board also accepts private sector submissions
    that allows persons to develop and submit for approval their own
    products targeted to specific risk management needs.

                     NATIONAL ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

        Question. What is the status of the development of a National
    Animal Identification System?
        Answer. The National Animal Identification System is composed of
    three components: premises registration, animal identification, and
    animal tracing. Premises registration is the foundation of the program.
    As of March 12, 2007, all 50 States, 60 Tribes, and 2 U.S. Territories
    are capable of registering premises according to USDA standards, and
    approximately 378,000 locations have been registered.
        Significant progress has also been made on the second component of
    NAIS, animal identification. As of March 12, 2007, approximately 1
    million Animal Identification Number devices have been distributed.
        The third component of the NAIS, animal tracing, is currently under
    development with the help of USDA's industry and State partners.
    Industry, through private systems, and States will manage the animal
    tracing databases that maintain the movement records of animals. Full
    deployment of the Animal Trace Processing System is planned for the
    near future.
        Question. If such an animal identification system is made
    voluntary, what effect does APHIS anticipate that will have on
    participation? What efforts will be made to encourage participation?
        Answer. Participation in the NAIS is voluntary. The USDA remains
    committed to building upon our strong partnership with the States and
    industry to meet producers' needs and establish a versatile system that
    makes sense for everyone.
        Moving forward with this voluntary approach has allowed producers
    the opportunity to test the program and recommend the most practical
    solutions for a more effective system. In this sense, producers
    themselves are playing an active role in helping to shape the NAIS
    program so that it works well for their particular needs. Additionally,
    a voluntary NAIS allows for the best price competition between service
    providers (identification device manufacturers, database providers,
    etc.) and leaves room for market applications (such as age/source/
    process verification) to help drive the system.
        To encourage participation, USDA has provided funding to facilitate
    development and implementation of an efficient system, and flexibility
    to adapt to producers' operations and needs. On February 2, 2007, USDA
    published a request for proposals from nonprofit organizations that
    wish to enter into cooperative agreements with USDA to advance premises
    registration. USDA will make up to $6 million available, subject to the
    availability of funding, for the cooperative agreements. These
    cooperative agreements will support the efforts of such organizations
    to promote the NAIS and, specifically, increase participation in
    premises registration--the foundation of the program.

                                INVASIVE SPECIES

        Question. Please provide a list of current plant and animal
    invasive species, ranked by their threat level. What is APHIS' short
    and long-term plans to deal with these?
        Answer. The Administration has not ranked invasive species by
    threat level. Invasive species that APHIS addresses include, but are
    not limited to, the programs focused on cattle fever tick,
    Mediterranean fruit fly, emerald ash borer, potato cyst nematode,
    sudden oak death, citrus diseases, brucellosis, pseudorabies, and
    chronic wasting disease. APHIS addresses each of these threats as
    resources allow.
        Over the long term, APHIS develops response plans for exotic pests
    and diseases that have the potential to cause significant economic or
    environmental damage and uses its safeguarding system, which involves
    prevention, detection, and management components, to protect U.S.
    agriculture. Under the Pest and Disease Exclusion mission area, APHIS
    works to prevent exotic pests such as cattle fever tick and
    Mediterranean fruit fly from entering the United States. These and
    other pests have direct pathways into the United States. APHIS takes
    action at U.S. borders or in other countries to mitigate the risks
    associated with them.
        Under the Monitoring and Surveillance mission area, APHIS conducts
    plant pest surveys, animal health surveillance, and other activities
    designed to detect exotic plant pests and foreign animal diseases if
    they are present so that we can deal with them quickly if needed. These
    programs target a changing list of high-risk plant pests depending on
    trade and travel pattern and outbreaks in other countries. These
    programs also conduct intensive monitoring and emergency preparedness
    efforts. APHIS analysts follow animal and plant health situations
    around the world and frequently adjust monitoring and surveillance
    efforts and pest and disease exclusion priorities to safeguard U.S.
    agriculture and natural resources from high-risk pests and diseases.
        APHIS also works to control or eradicate high priority invasive
    species through programs in the Pest and Disease Management area,
    including, but not limited to, emerald ash borer, potato cyst nematode,
    sudden oak death, several citrus diseases, brucellosis, pseudorabies,
    and chronic wasting disease.

                         AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE

        Question. We have heard several reports of genetically modified
    material getting into crops intended for commercial sales, the most
    well-known being rice. What has the economic effect been of instances
    such as this?
        Answer. The economic effect can be reductions in seed available for
    planting and potential trade restrictions. For example, two popular
    long grain rice varieties can no longer be planted for commercial
    production due to the presence of genetically modified material. The
    value of certified seed of these varieties produced in 2006 for
    planting in 2007 is estimated to be $39 million.

               GENETICALLY MODIFIED MATERIALS IN COMMERCIAL CROPS

        Question. How is AMS, and USDA overall, working to prevent the
    introduction of genetically modified materials into crops intended for
    commercial sales?
        Answer. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is
    involved in regulation of the biotechnology industry. Various measures
    are used in authorized field tests to ensure that genetically
    engineered organisms are confined to the test site. The measures
    include isolation distances to mitigate cross pollination with other
    crops and weedy relatives, cleaning of farm equipment to mitigate the
    inadvertent spread of seed, timely disposition of the field test, and
    post-harvest monitoring for volunteers. To ensure compliance,
    inspections of the test site, facilities, and records are conducted.
    Once a crop is deregulated, that crop is considered no different than
    conventional crops and may be planted without restrictions from APHIS.
        For organic products, regulations of AMS' National Organic Program
    prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms in organic
    production. Accredited certifying agents review organic production and
    handling plans before certified organic production begins to ensure
    that no genetically modified organisms are used in production and that
    handling procedures protect organic products from contact with
    genetically engineered materials. Penalties are in place for
    intentional disregard of the regulations.

                               VALUE-ADDED GRANTS

        Question. Funding has been provided for Value-Added Agricultural
    Product Market Development Grants since the Agricultural Risk
    Protection Act of 2000. Ample time has elapsed to evaluate the
    effectiveness of this program.
        Please describe the types of products that have been funded.
        Answer. A wide variety of projects are funded, including value
    added products made from meat, dairy products, grains, fruits and
    vegetables, oilseeds, and renewable energy sources. Grant funds
    totaling $150,000 were used as working capital for the start up phase
    of a new tilapia production facility where the fish will be raised and
    processed into fillets. Other types of products include wine, compost
    made from diary waste, wind energy, soy-flour, identity-preserved
    yogurt, dehydrated apple slices, and branded cuts of beef.
        Question. Are these products becoming marketable and sustainable?
        Answer. Information about the long-term sustainability became
    available early this year from a study that the University of Missouri
    has done. The study indicates that approximately 60 percent of the
    projects funded resulted in a marketable product.
        Question. What are the outcome measures that are being used to
    determine the success of this program?
        Answer. Several measures evaluating the program are in place,
    including the number of jobs created, the increase in producer revenue
    due to the project, the increase in customer base due to the project,
    and the sustainability of the business receiving the grant.
        Question. How many grants and how much funding has been provided to
    energy-related projects?
        Answer. Since 2001, 155 grants have been made for energy-related
    projects, totaling $25.2 million.
        Question. How successful are these energy-related projects and how
    do you define success?
        Answer. We define the success of energy-related projects in the
    same way as for other project types--we consider any project that
    resulted in a marketable product to be successful. We estimate that
    approximately 48 percent of energy related projects resulted in a
    marketable product. This compares to 60 percent success in projects
    over all for the value added program.
                                     ______

                   Questions Submitted by Senator Tom Harkin

                     AGRICULTURE QUARANTINE AND INSPECTION

        Question. In 2002, agriculture inspectors who protect our Nation
    from invasive species and pests at ports of entry were transferred from
    USDA to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Consequently, now
    USDA is responsible for creating the policy for agriculture inspections
    at ports of entry but DHS is responsible for the implementation of that
    policy.
        Secretary Johanns, can you tell me how much control USDA still has
    over the agriculture inspectors at ports of entry?
        Answer. In order to fulfill the requirements of the Homeland
    Security Act of 2002, USDA and DHS entered into a memorandum of
    agreement (MOA) which specified the roles of the Animal and Plant
    Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Customs and Border Protection
    (CBP). Through this MOA, CBP conducts the majority of the front line
    activities. APHIS provides training, risk assessment, and technical
    support.
        Question. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that came
    out last year noted that agriculture inspectors' morale is low, their
    rates of interception of potentially harmful material is low, and that
    there are fewer canine units performing inspections. Can USDA do
    anything to improve these problems, or is this responsibility now
    entirely in the hands of DHS?
        Answer. After the issues were highlighted by GAO, the Animal and
    Plant Health Inspection Service within USDA and the Customs and Border
    Protection within DHS instituted quarterly face-to-face meetings. These
    meetings occur at both the technical level and managerial level. These
    meetings ensure transparency and are a forum for addressing present and
    future issues.
        Question. What would be the positive and negative impacts in
    transferring these inspectors back to USDA from DHS?
        Answer. The USDA supports the President's decision to transfer
    inspectors from the USDA to DHS. This decision allowed for the creation
    of a consolidated border inspection organization which provides
    information sharing, streamlined services, cross-training among
    specialists, and innovative techniques that were not possible when
    border inspection was the responsibility of three separate agencies.
    Rather than limiting agricultural inspection to a relatively small
    cadre of specialized inspectors, DHS greatly expanded the number of
    inspectors who can screen air passengers and vehicles at land border
    crossings for prohibited agricultural products.

                          U.S. FOREIGN FOOD ASSISTANCE

        Question. As a result of continuing food crises in Africa and
    elsewhere, Congress has been obliged to provide additional emergency
    funding for Title II international food aid above and beyond
    appropriated levels for the last several years.
        Why has the Administration been unwilling to acknowledge that
    increased demand for emergency food assistance has persisted, and not
    requested funding above the recent levels of $1.2 billion for Title II
    in the fiscal 2008 budget proposal?
        Answer. The 2008 budget request reflects a careful prioritization
    among the competing demands for international humanitarian assistance.
    It is also important to understand that emergency food needs are
    difficult to predict in advance, especially given the complex nature of
    evolving, rapidly changing conflicts and the unpredictability of rainy
    seasons in drought-prone areas.
        Nevertheless, the 2008 budget does support our commitment to
    addressing the most severe and critical emergency food aid needs. And
    should unanticipated needs arise, the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust
    is available to ensure we can respond to them.
        Question. The USDA policy with respect to the Bill Emerson
    Humanitarian Trust, at least as indicated in the budget summary
    document for fiscal 2008, is that up to 500,000 tons of food is
    available annually for unanticipated emergency food assistance. Since
    the Emerson Trust now has commodity reserves of about 800,000 tons,
    that would last less than 2 years. When does the Administration plan to
    ask for funds to replenish the Trust?
        Answer. The Trust currently holds 915,000 metric tons of wheat and
    $107 million of cash. Based on a current price of hard red winter wheat
    of about $216 per metric ton, that cash equates to approximately
    495,000 metric tons of wheat. That amount, combined with the 915,000
    metric tons of wheat held in the Trust, provides a total tonnage of
    just over 1.4 million metric tons. Wheat is not the only commodity that
    might be needed in an emergency, of course, but because it is used so
    frequently in overseas feeding programs, it provides a good
    illustration of the level of the Trust's resources.
        At this time, the Administration is not planning to request funds
    to replenish the Trust. However, in 2 recent years, $20 million was
    transferred annually from the Public Law 480 program to the Commodity
    Credit Corporation as reimbursement for commodities previously released
    from the Trust, and those funds were, in turn, assigned to the Trust.
    The Administration may consider future transfers of Public Law 480
    funds that can be used to replenish the Trust, but current statutory
    authorities preclude annual reimbursement and replenishment above the
    $20 million level.

                                 CROP INSURANCE

        Question. Wouldn't the Department's request to utilize mandatory
    funds to cover data mining and computer hardware costs cover some of
    the same costs that the user fee proposal would pay for?
        Answer. No. The data mining operation is conducted on separate IT
    systems than those that would be funded through the user fee proposal.
    The existing IT system used by the Risk Management Agency (RMA) is
    outdated and is not capable of conducting the data mining activities.
    Consequently, RMA contracts with Tarleton State University to perform
    the data warehousing and data mining activities mandated by Congress.

                    NATIONAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT

        Question. In 2003 Congress passed the National Veterinary Medical
    Services Act to address the shortage of large animal veterinarians
    across the country. Four years later the regulations have yet to be
    issued for this program even though Congress has appropriated $1
    million for the program. At last year's agriculture appropriations
    hearing, you said the regulations would be done in 18 months.
         When can we expect to see USDA release the regulations for this
    program?
        Answer. We plan to publish a Final Rule delegating the National
    Veterinary Medical Services Act program to CSREES in the Federal
    Register on March 19, 2007. Although there are additional
    administrative steps that must be completed prior to the distribution
    of funds, a framework for the program has been developed by CSREES.

                         CONSERVATION SECURITY PROGRAM

        Question. As part of the Continuing Resolution for fiscal year
    2007, it is my understanding that the CSP includes a funding cap that
    will result in farmers and ranchers receiving a pro-rated reduced
    payment for contract modifications, which they are required to complete
    despite reduced payment.
        How much of a reduction from the contract level will producers have
    to accept? Is there consideration of giving farmers the option of
    delaying their compliance with the modified contract if the Federal
    Government is not living up to its side of the bargain to make payment?
    If a farmer receives a partial CSP payment this year, will USDA pay the
    rest of the balance next year (or out of any supplemental funding
    provided in fiscal year 2007)?
        Answer. Unmodified contracts and those that were modified but did
    not exceed their 2006 payment level, are fully funded in 2007.
    Participants with 2007 contract obligations that exceeded their 2006
    level will receive just over half of the amount above what they
    received in 2006.
        If the producer is not in compliance with the modified contract,
    the State Conservationist has the flexibility, on a case by case basis,
    to make adjustments to the participant's contract.
        CSP is annually funded and payments will be made up to the level of
    funding made available by Congress.

                APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FOR RURAL AREAS

        Question. In 1985, Congress authorized the implementation of a
    sustainable agriculture information service, Appropriate Technology
    Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA), to provide technical assistance and
    information to farmers, ranchers, extension agents, educators and
    others involved in sustainable agriculture. ATTRA now supports more
    than 20 agricultural specialists working in six locations across the
    Nation. I strongly urge USDA to not consider ATTRA an earmark given it
    was authorized in the 1985 farm bill.
         What will USDA do to ensure ATTRA's funding level remains intact
    for fiscal year 2007?
        Answer. Under the first Continuing Resolution $936,000 was
    obligated in 2007 for ATTRA compared to about $2.5 million that was
    provided in 2006. The revised Continuing Resolution reduced funding for
    rural cooperative development grants and no further funding was
    provided for ATTRA. No funding is included in the 2008 budget request
    for ATTRA, although the budget request does include funding for similar
    competitive grants.
                                     ______

                 Questions Submitted by Senator Byron L. Dorgan

                              ARS RESEARCH FUNDING

        Question. Secretary Johanns, in your statement you describe how the
    President's fiscal year 2008 budget request for USDA meets the
    challenges of the agricultural community by ``funding our highest, most
    important priorities.'' That is why I was disappointed to see harsh
    cuts to important agricultural research across the country,
    particularly in North Dakota.
        The President's fiscal year 2008 budget cuts research at the Fargo
    and Mandan ARS Centers. These cuts include research into wheat and
    barley scab, sclerotinia--a white mold disease that wilts or rots
    broadleaf crops, and precision agriculture.
        Can you please explain why these research programs are singled out
    for cuts in the fiscal year 2008 budget?
        Answer. The 2008 Budget for ARS proposes to discontinue funding for
    a number of research projects added by Congress that provide mostly
    localized benefits and do not have a nationwide impact. Doing so will
    enable the Department to focus limited resources on higher priority
    research and on addressing important national goals such as emerging
    and exotic diseases of plants and animals, renewable energy and
    obesity.

               NATIONAL ANIMAL HEALTH LABORATORY NETWORK FUNDING

        Question. The National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) was
    established to create a greater infrastructure that enabled a rapid and
    adequate response to animal health emergencies. In addition to
    protecting animal health and the agriculture industries, these labs
    also play an important role in protecting public health.
        The Network was started with 12 ``pilot labs'' around the country,
    and has since been expanded to include diagnostic labs from virtually
    every State. My State of North Dakota is a full partner in the network
    and is certified to respond in four areas, including avian influenza
    (AI), exotic Newcastle disease (END), foot and mouth disease (FMD), and
    classical swine fever (CSF).
        Of the funding provided for the NAHLN, some goes to maintain the 12
    pilot labs, and the rest is distributed to some of the remaining
    diagnostic labs. It appears that there are inadequate resources going
    into the NAHLN to adequately fund all participating labs or support the
    infrastructure that was created.
        Will the President's fiscal year 2008 budget request for NAHLN
    support some operating or structural costs of each participating
    diagnostic lab (as supported by the American Veterinary Medical
    Association, the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory
    Diagnosticians, and the National Institute for Animal Agriculture)?
        Answer. The NAHLN is a cooperative effort between the Animal and
    Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Cooperative State
    Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES). CSREES provides
    infrastructure support to the 12 NAHLN pilot labs, while APHIS provides
    infrastructure support to other laboratories in the network as funds
    become available.
        APHIS' fiscal year 2008 budget request will support upgrading three
    laboratories to biosafety level (BSL)-3 requirements. The agency is
    currently conducting disease risk assessments to determine the highest
    priority labs for the upgrade. The assessment will determine those
    areas that have the greatest risk of the introduction of a disease for
    which diagnostics would require this level of bio-security.
                                     ______

                Questions Submitted by Senator Richard J. Durbin

                  FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PROGRAM IN SCHOOLS

        Question. With the President's Budget request, how many new States
    will be able to join the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Snack Program this
    year?
        Answer. The Department is not proposing to expand the Fresh Fruit
    and Vegetable Program. Instead, our Farm Bill proposal would increase
    mandatory spending for fruits and vegetables in the National School
    Lunch and School Breakfast Programs by $500 million over 10 years. In
    addition, the Farm Bill proposal would increase section 32 spending on
    fruits and vegetables by $2.75 billion over 10 years, some of which
    would likely go to schools. The Department considered a range of
    approaches to increase the availability of fruits and vegetables in
    schools, and ultimately selected this approach because it has the
    potential to increase fruit and vegetable access to the greatest number
    of school children.
        The Administration is committed to increasing fruit and vegetable
    consumption, given their importance to health and the specific
    recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Increased
    funding for fruits and vegetables in the school programs will help
    support the Administration's implementation of the 2005 Dietary
    Guidelines for Americans in the more than 31 million lunches served
    every school day.
        Question. Is there a set of selection criteria at USDA for
    admittance to the program?
        Answer. Almost all of the States currently participating in the
    Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program were designated by Congress. Since
    the Department is not proposing to expand the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable
    Program, we have not developed selection criteria for additional
    States.
        Question. Which States are poised to be accepted to the program
    soonest?
        Answer. The Department is aware that a number of additional States
    have expressed interest in participating in the Fresh Fruit and
    Vegetable Program. The program has been well received by students and
    by State and local school administrators in those places where it
    currently operates. However, we believe that the policy emphasis is
    best placed on our Farm Bill proposals. The Administration's Farm Bill
    proposals have the potential to increase fruit and vegetable access to
    school children in every State.

            BROADBAND AND DISTANCE LEARNING AND TELEMEDICINE FUNDING

        Question. The President's Budget decreases funding for the set of
    broadband programs housed at USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS). The
    budget proposes to cut the Distance Learning, Telemedicine, and
    Broadband Program from $85 million in 2006 (actual) to $31 million
    (fiscal year 2008 Budget). Grants are cut from $70 million in fiscal
    year 2006 (actual) to $25 million (fiscal year 2008 Budget). Total
    direct loan levels are decreased from $1.155 billion in fiscal year
    2007 (estimated) to $300 million (fiscal year 2008 Budget). Direct
    loans for distance learning and telemedicine are eliminated entirely,
    from a level of $156 million in fiscal year 2007 (estimated).
        Can you explain the reasons why funding levels for these programs
    were decreased?
        Answer. The distance learning and telemedicine program has received
    only a few applications for loans since the program was established a
    number of years ago. The 2008 budget maintains the grant portion of the
    program at its current level of about $25 million although it does not
    include funding for other broadband grant programs for which about $20
    million is available for 2007. The 2008 budget also includes funding
    for $300 million in broadband loans which is expected to be enough to
    meet the needs of those rural communities that have no or only limited
    access to broadband services.
        Question. How do these decreases fit within the President's stated
    policy objective of making broadband universal and affordable by 2007?
        Answer. USDA is providing a sufficient level of funding to meet the
    expected demand for loans. Moreover, program regulations are being
    revised to focus on areas that do not already have existing broadband
    providers. These revisions are expected to improve the performance of
    meeting the President's goal of universal and affordable service
    budget.
        Question. Are there alternative funding streams or mechanisms in
    the President's Budget that make up for these decreased funding levels?
        Answer. Currently the USDA's telecommunication loan programs
    finance technology that supports Broadband ready capabilities. Further,
    the Administration's 2007 Farm Bill proposal addresses the need for
    enhancing rural infrastructure by providing an additional $500 million
    over 10 years. Both the broadband access and the distance learning and
    telemedicine programs are included among the programs that would be
    eligible for this funding.
        Question. Last, have you heard of Connect Kentucky's work mapping
    broadband networks and increasing build out and demand in rural areas,
    and would you be interested in looking at ways the Department could
    work to facilitate similar work in other States and regions?
        Answer. I understand that Connect Kentucky was recently recognized
    by the Economic Development Agency for excellence in innovation. It is
    a model for State-wide commitment for using technology to address
    economic opportunities and quality of life. Most importantly, it has an
    advisory board consisting of a wide range of public and private sector
    partners. I would encourage anyone with an interest in rural
    development to visit its website for more information.

                       RURAL DEVELOPMENT HOUSING PROGRAMS

        Question. The President's Budget contains significant modifications
    to the rural housing programs run through USDA Rural Development (RD).
         Can you please provide detailed information to assure me that USDA
    RD's overall loan activity in the area of housing would not decrease if
    these policy proposals were enacted into law?
        Answer. The 2008 budget provides for over $5 billion in housing
    loans, which is slightly higher than the amount available for 2007. In
    2007 the total single family housing homeownership lending available
    was $4.7 billion ($1.1 billion for direct loans and $3.6 billion for
    guarantees). Historically, RHS has offered both direct and guaranteed
    homeownership loans. Beginning in 2008 however, RHS will only offer
    guaranteed loans. The budget provides no funding for the 502 direct
    single family housing loan program, but total lending for single family
    housing homeownership loans will be $1 million higher then in 2007 at
    $4.8 billion. The direction of Rural Development's single family
    housing mortgage assistance over the last two decades has been towards
    guaranteed loans. Solely utilizing guarantees for single family housing
    mortgage is consistent with the other Federal homeownership programs.
    In fact, there are no Federal single family direct loan homeownership
    programs for urban areas.
        Furthermore, financial markets have become more efficient and
    increased the reach of mortgage credit to lower credit qualities and
    incomes. While there are still rural areas with ``pockets of need'',
    these areas are shrinking as improvements and innovations in the
    banking industry take hold, use of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac grows,
    and lending through the internet have become more prevalent. Therefore,
    utilizing the private banking industry to provide this service, with a
    guarantee from the Federal Government, is a more efficient way to
    deliver that assistance.
        The demand for Rural Development's single family housing guaranteed
    loan program has been consistently strong both among borrowers and
    private lenders. We have no reason to expect a change to this in 2008
    and are confident that with the requested level of funding for
    guaranteed loans, RHS will be able to facilitate the dream of
    homeownership to more rural residents than we did in 2007.
        Question. What motivated the policy proposal of decreasing direct
    loan activity to the area of guaranteed loans--are there differentials
    in default rates or other operational aspects that inspired the
    policies?
        Answer. No other Federal agency offers direct loans for single
    family housing. So the decision was made to conform to a consistent
    Federal policy on the type of assistance to provide in promoting
    homeownership. Further, guaranteed loans have accounted for almost all
    the growth in our program activity since the mid 1990's and borrowers
    with very low and low incomes account for 30 percent of this activity.
    Default rates for both direct and guaranteed loans have been relatively
    low, although this was not a factor in the decision.
        Question. Currently, what is the difference in the terms and rates
    offered to applicants on average through the direct loan versus the
    loan guarantee program, and would the President's policies negatively
    affect RD housing loan applicants?
        Answer. In short, the difference is that interest rates on direct
    loans may be subsidized down to 1 percent and there are no fees, while
    the interest rates on guaranteed loans reflect the market rate and
    there is a one-time fee which is currently set at 2 percent and
    proposed to be increased to 3 percent in the 2008 budget.
        USDA recognizes that guaranteed loans are more costly to borrowers
    than direct loans and is examining alternatives for proposed
    legislation to provide a subsidy to soften the difference. Specifically
    to help replace the loss of assistance for mortgage credit from the
    direct loan program, the Administration expects to propose legislation
    to authorize a subsidized guaranteed single family housing program.

                          CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM

        Question. In terms of conservation, the Budget proposes to
    eliminate new enrollments in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in
    2007 and 2008. The economics of high commodity prices will play a
    significant role in landowner decisions to re-enroll in the program.
        Given these higher prices and higher motivation not to participate
    in CRP as well as the Administration's 2007 Farm Bill conservation
    recommendations, why is the Administration proposing no new sign ups in
    2007 and 2008?
        Answer. As you point out, higher commodity prices will probably
    dissuade many landowners from participating in the CRP. For this
    reason, the Administration's budget baseline does not assume a general
    sign-up for 2007 or 2008. However, continuous sign-up of high-priority
    buffers, wetlands and other initiatives, as well as the Conservation
    Reserve Enhancement Program, will continue and USDA encourages farmers
    and ranchers to consider these opportunities. We are closely monitoring
    interest in CRP re-enrollment, planting projections, and supply-demand
    situations for various commodities to determine the most appropriate
    future actions in administering the CRP.

                       NRCS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FUNDING

        Question. Also, I have been concerned to see USDA Natural Resources
    Conservation Service (NRCS) technical assistance (TA) funding decrease.
    The fiscal year 2008 Budget proposes to cut TA from $708 million in
    fiscal year 2007 (estimated) and $727 million in fiscal year 2006
    (actual) to $689 million in fiscal year 2008 (proposed).
        How is NRCS supposed to support higher program activities when its
    TA allocation is being cut?
        Answer. Higher priority program activities within NRCS will
    continue to be supported in 2008. The decrease in conservation
    technical assistance (CTA) that you reference in your question
    represents amounts for Congressional earmarks in the CTA account and
    reflects the realignment of the Administration's conservation
    priorities.
        It should be noted that NRCS also provides technical assistance to
    producers through other discretionary programs as well as through
    mandatory programs authorized in the current Farm Bill. Our 2007 Farm
    Bill proposals significantly increase funding for conservation programs
    and include the technical assistance component needed to implement
    these programs.

                                BSE SURVEILLANCE

        Question. In 2004, USDA boosted BSE testing. Over a period of 18-
    months, a total of 759,000 cattle were tested and two additional cases
    of BSE were detected. USDA has relied on this data to prove that BSE is
    rare in the United States; however, USDA's Inspector General criticized
    the expanded testing program. The IG noted that because the expanded
    program was voluntary, the testing might not have captured a
    representative sample of the Nation's herd.
        Last year, USDA announced plans to scale back BSE testing by 90
    percent and based its decision on the results of the expanded testing
    program.
        With 35 million cattle slaughtered for the U.S. food supply each
    year, how can testing only 40,000 cattle each year be sufficient to
    detect BSE?
        Answer. The expanded surveillance effort, which was biased toward
    finding the disease, was designed to estimate the level of disease
    presence in the United States and provide input for designing a long-
    term surveillance plan. USDA has now developed such a plan. USDA has
    the ability to detect BSE at 1 infected animal per 1,000,000 adult
    cattle with a high degree of confidence. This ability far exceeds the
    international standards set by the World Organization for Animal Health
    (OIE).
                                     ______

                   Questions Submitted by Senator Ben Nelson

                              DISASTER ASSISTANCE

        Question. The Administration has worked to block each and every
    emergency disaster assistance funding legislation we have attempted in
    the Senate and it has consistently argued against the need for such
    assistance. As I look through the President's budget proposal and the
    USDA budget justifications I am struck by two things: first, that there
    is practically no funding for drought and disaster assistance; and
    second, there is no funding for efforts to mitigate the devastating
    impacts of droughts and disasters.
        As such, I have to ask what the Administration proposes to do, or
    expects to see happen, with regard to the many farmers and ranchers
    that continue to suffer from drought?
        Answer. The Federal crop insurance program is intended to be, and
    should remain, our foremost tool to assist farmers and ranchers
    impacted by natural disasters of all types. The Administration's budget
    request fully funds the Federal crop insurance program.
        In addition, this Administration has responded, with appropriate
    forms of assistance, to mitigate losses resulting from drought and
    other forms of disaster. However, this assistance has been crafted to
    specifically target producers directly impacted by adverse weather
    conditions. For example, the Administration developed the Livestock
    Assistance Grant Program (LAGP) which provided $50 million in State
    block grants to help livestock producers recover forage production
    losses due to drought conditions during 2006. Furthermore, I would note
    that the assistance provided by this Administration has been provided
    within our available resources. Accordingly, this Administration would
    strongly urge Congress to fully offset the cost of any ad hoc disaster
    assistance with commensurate reductions in other agricultural spending.
        Question. And, if the Administration is so opposed to providing
    emergency disaster aid why does it completely fail to provide funding
    to help mitigate the impacts from droughts and natural disasters?
        Answer. The President's budget request for 2008 was prepared on a
    parallel track with the Administration's 2007 Farm Bill proposals.
    Taken together, these two documents provide for both disaster
    assistance and disaster mitigation. The 2008 budget request fully funds
    the Federal crop insurance program which is intended to be the primary
    tool for providing disaster assistance. In addition, a key farm bill
    proposal would improve the counter-cyclical payment (CCP) program by
    basing payments on revenue rather than price. Crop prices tend to be at
    their highest following a disaster. Under the current design of the CCP
    program high commodity prices means that producers are not eligible to
    receive a CCP payment. However, this is precisely the time when
    producers need the payments the most. Producers cannot benefit from
    high commodity prices if they have no commodity to sell. Our farm bill
    proposal would correct this situation by providing an effective means
    of mitigating the financial effects of a disaster.

                 USDA RENEWABLE ENERGY AND BIOFUELS INVESTMENT

        Question. I applaud the Administration's multiple investments in
    renewable fuels and biofuels in the fiscal year 2008 budget, but I am
    concerned that we are not doing enough to help this important industry
    progress as expeditiously as possible.
        Can you explain what the goals are for the renewable energy and
    biofuels investments in this budget?
        Answer. The energy goals of this budget are to expand research and
    development of potential bioenergy sources and to encourage
    commercialization of production facilities and infrastructure by
    increasing the production of renewable energy, particularly biofuels
    from cellulosic feedstocks. USDA will focus primarily on research and
    development of innovative processes that are cost-effective and energy
    efficient, and financial support aimed at advancing commercial
    applications to facilitate sufficient amounts of private sector
    investment.
        Question. What achievements can we expect to see and when can we
    expect to see them?
        Answer. Ultimately, we expect to develop and encourage the adoption
    of technologies for commercially viable, low cost and energy efficient
    production of cellulosic ethanol. This includes the development of
    commercially-viable, value-added co-products. This achievement will be
    reached when cellulosic energy is a vital component of the Nation's
    energy production as was highlighted by the ``20 in 10'' initiative in
    the President's State of the Union address. Even though commercial
    viability of cellulosic ethanol may be several years off, the
    Department has already achieved numerous advances that will contribute
    to this ultimate goal. Included in these advancements are innovations
    in cellulosic feedstock development and research into energy conversion
    techniques.
        Question. In what ways do the various proposals for renewable fuels
    complement each other--both within the USDA budget and across budgets
    with other agencies such as the Department of Energy?
        Answer. USDA has the scientific expertise for conducting and
    administering research programs relating to all aspects of crop
    production, including post harvest usage of crops. Consequently, it is
    ideally suited to address these aspects of advancing the Nation's
    biofuel industry. Moreover, USDA's Rural Development mission area has
    the experience and capacity to provide financial support for a wide
    range of business and infrastructure projects that will be needed to
    encourage private sector investments in the industry. There are a
    number of other Federal agencies that have expertise to offer, most
    notably the Department of Energy (DOE) for its research capacities. To
    avoid duplication and ensure coordination, USDA, DOE and other Federal
    agencies are participating in the statutorily established Biomass
    Research and Development Board to coordinate activities.
        Question. Can you further explain how the USDA and DOE budgets work
    together to make sure we are advancing our biofuels industry in the
    most efficient and timely manner, without unnecessary duplication or
    conflict?
        Answer. USDA and DOE are working together through the Biomass
    Research and Development Board and the USDA Energy Council. The
    Administration's Farm Bill proposes that this relationship be
    strengthened by moving the authority for USDA's existing renewable
    energy and energy efficiency loan and grant program, which is a stand
    alone authority contained in the 2002 Farm Bill, into the Biomass
    Research and Development Act of 2000, which established the Biomass
    Research and Development Board and contains the authority for the
    Biomass Research and Development program that received funding under
    Section 9008 of the 2002 Farm Bill.
        Additionally, DOE and USDA will lead an interagency effort to
    prepare a detailed multi-year interagency coordination plan (MYICP).
    The MYICP will aim to improve the efficient use of resources by
    minimizing duplication of effort and defining clear roles and
    responsibilities for each agency and program. The MYICP will define a
    realistic long-term vision for achieving public policy goals through
    biomass utilization.
        Question. With regard to the production of cellulosic ethanol: do
    you feel that we (both Congress and the Administration) are doing
    enough to make sure that not only are we advancing the production of
    cellulosic ethanol, but that we are also keeping up on a parallel track
    the advancement of the on-farm production of a diverse range of biomass
    feedstocks--such as, developing the infrastructure and logistical
    components for harvesting, transporting, storing and handling these
    potentially bulky feedstocks?
        Answer. Production of cellulosic ethanol is at an early stage of
    development. New technologies will have a significant influence on the
    types of infrastructure and other related needs for commercial
    production. These technologies will likely affect even the location of
    production facilities. Consequently, while USDA is aware of various
    infrastructure and environmental issues relating to ethanol production,
    it is too early to know what the funding needs to address these issues
    may be. However, USDA does have research activities underway that are
    looking into the issues of harvesting, transportation, and storage of
    the feedstocks.
        Question. Where in this budget are the Administration's investments
    in this important part of the cellulosic ethanol production chain?
        Answer. There are a number of USDA programs that are available to
    support a cellulosic energy industry. Possible programs include The
    Renewable Energy and Energy Efficient loan and grant program, Business
    and Industry guaranteed loan program, and the Value Added Producer
    Grant program can be used to finance renewable energy related
    activities. In most cases, these programs serve a multitude of purposes
    and funding for celluloic industry needs is not specifically targeted
    for this purpose.

                      RURAL DEVELOPMENT GUARANTEED LENDING

        Question. Can you further explain the Administration's focus for
    rural development funding on guaranteed business and industry loans
    versus other programs such as the rural business grants, etc.?
        Answer. In general, loans and loan guarantees are effective in
    providing support for rural infrastructure and they are less costly to
    the Government than grants. Rural Development intends to re-focus its
    limited resources on programs that have more potential for encouraging
    private sector investments and that would reach a broader range of
    rural communities. However, there is a role for the limited use of
    grants for such things as market surveys and technical assistance as
    well as demonstration projects.
        Question. Do you have any data or other information that supports
    concentrating funding on the loans instead of the grants?
        Answer. The 2008 budget contains information on the Government's
    cost for various loan programs. For example, it shows that the $43.2
    million in budget authority for business and industry loan guarantees
    will support about $1 billion in private sector financing. Further, the
    Administration's 2007 Farm Bill proposal indicates that $210 million in
    budget authority will support $2.17 billion in guaranteed loans. It
    also indicates that the Administration proposes that the loan limit for
    renewable energy loans for cellulosic facilities be increased to $100
    million. If the same amount of budget authority were used to finance
    such facilities, only a small fraction of projects could be financed
    unless the grant funds are used only for specific purposes that
    encourage private sector financing.
        Question. Certainly many of the witnesses at a recent rural
    development hearing before the Senate Ag Committee raised concerns
    about an over-emphasis on loans instead of grants for rural
    communities, especially when compared with how we provide funding to
    urban communities. Do you have any information or explanation for this
    discrepancy?
        Answer. There is no denying the fact that certain needs for both
    rural and urban communities require mostly Federal funding, for example
    roads or rental housing projects. Minimizing the use of grant funds
    allows Rural Development to provide funding to more communities. For
    example, the 2008 budget proposes to reduce the interest rate on Water
    and Waste Disposal loans and reducing the amount of grants. This
    proposal is expected to provide more assistance to most rural
    communities at no additional cost to the Government.

                      COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM

        Question. The Administration again proposes cutting the Commodity
    Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) this year because it has concluded
    that the CSFP program is duplicative of other nutrition programs. This
    is the exact opposite of what I am hearing from folks in Nebraska,
    specifically as it relates to elderly recipients and the supplemental
    nature of the products this program provides.
        What support do you have for the conclusion that this is a
    duplicative program?
        Answer. The CSFP does not duplicate other programs in every
    respect. However, there is significant overlap between the CSFP
    eligible populations of women, infants and pre school children and
    those of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants
    and Children (WIC). There is also significant overlap between the CSFP
    eligible elderly population and that of the Food Stamp Program. In
    addition, low-income elderly persons have access to the Emergency Food
    Assistance Program and programs administered by the Administration on
    Aging. Our priority is to fund the Food Stamp Program, WIC, and the
    Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) because they are nationally
    available, including in the communities served by CSFP. I will ask the
    agency to provide some additional details on this.
        [The information follows:]
        CSFP was created in January 1969 to assist nutritionally at-risk
    women, infants, and pre school children by providing commodities in
    specific amounts judged necessary for their health. WIC was enacted in
    September 1972 serving a very similar purpose through provision of
    coupons that could be redeemed at food retailers for supplemental food.
    WIC soon became the preeminent program serving this population,
    currently reaching over 8 million participants in an average month in
    fiscal year 2006, while CSFP WIC-type participation is about 40,000.
    WIC provides eligible participants better nutrition education, more
    active referrals to needed health care resources, and higher
    supplemental food benefits than the CSFP.
        The Food Stamp Program is the Nation's primary domestic nutrition
    assistance program for low-income households including the elderly. The
    Food Stamp Program is a mandatory program available in all
    jurisdictions. It is designed to provide low-income households with
    adequate resources to buy a nutritious, low-cost diet. Because the CSFP
    operates in limited areas, some low-income elderly have access to
    nutrition assistance through commodities and/or Food Stamps, while most
    others must rely on Food Stamps, TEFAP and Administration on Aging
    programs for such help.
        Ensuring adequate funding for programs that have the scope and
    reach necessary to provide access to eligible people wherever they may
    reside is a better and more equitable use of scarce resources than to
    allocate them to programs that cannot provide access to many areas of
    the country. For this reason, the Administration has placed a priority
    on funding the Food Stamp Program, WIC, and other nationally-available
    programs, such as the Administration on Aging programs for seniors and
    the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which provide benefits
    to eligible people wherever they may live, including communities
    currently served by CSFP. All seniors over age 60 are eligible for both
    congregate and home-delivered nutrition assistance provided by one of
    655 Area Agencies on Aging, which are funded through the Administration
    on Aging in the Department of Health and Human Services. In addition to
    the Administration on Aging programs for seniors, low-income
    individuals of any age have access to TEFAP.
        Question. How is it duplicative, particularly with regard to the
    specific components of CSFP compared to Food Stamps and WIC; i.e. where
    do those programs provide the food packages and items to needy and
    elderly people?
        Answer. It is duplicative in that there are other, nationally
    available nutrition assistance programs that serve the same or similar
    demographics. In the few areas where CSFP is available, there is
    significant overlap between the eligible populations and areas of
    operation of CSFP and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC),
    and for elderly eligibles, CSFP and the Food Stamp Program. Both the
    Food Stamp Program and WIC are available nationwide. Benefits in the
    Food Stamp Program provide low-income households with adequate
    resources to buy a nutritious, low-cost diet.
        Question. Does the Administration have any idea of how many people
    will not be served or by how much they will lose support?
        Answer. Most of the current CSFP participants will be able to
    switch over to food stamps and/or WIC. Spending for WIC food benefits
    would be as much, or more, than CSFP benefits; and for the elderly, the
    average elderly food stamp benefit purchases about 50 percent more than
    the retail value of the CSFP benefit. There would be some current CSFP
    recipients who would not qualify for either of these programs and who
    would need to go to TEFAP and/or the Agency on Aging programs. I have
    asked staff to provide more specifics.
        [The information follows:]
        Recent program reporting data show that about 463,000 individuals
    participated in CSFP in 2006--40,000 women, infants, and pre school
    children, and 423,000 elderly, persons 60 years of age or older. The
    Department estimates that a substantial portion of the women, infants
    and children who participate in CSFP will be eligible for WIC. The two
    groups of CSFP participants that are not eligible for the WIC program
    are children between the ages of 5 and 6 and certain women who are 6 to
    12 months post-partum.
        Based on the circumstances and experiences of all low-income
    elderly, we believe about two-thirds of the projected 423,000 elderly
    CSFP participants will be eligible for food stamps. Compared to CSFP
    benefits, food stamp benefits are more advantageous for elderly persons
    because they often have medical conditions that limit their food
    choices. Also, food stamps allow them to select foods appropriate to
    their preparation abilities and cultural preferences, both a challenge
    to meet via commodity distribution, where food selection is more
    limited than at food stamp retailers.
        In addition to food stamps, all seniors over age 60 are eligible
    for both congregate and home-delivered nutrition assistance provided by
    one of 655 Area Agencies on Aging, which are funded through the
    Administration on Aging in the Department of Health and Human Services.
    Low-income individuals of any age also have access to the Emergency
    Food Assistance Program and other government and private non-profit
    programs that offer nutrition assistance.

                            U.S. AGRICULTURAL TRADE

        Question. Finally, below are two common assumptions or perceptions
    that many believe help drive farm policy development. I have a few
    questions that correspond to these assumptions, and I would welcome
    answers to the questions that include any information or compilation of
    information (reports, charts, graphs, etc.) that address each:
        Increased net agricultural exports through trade agreements
    focusing on greater market access are assumed to have been successful
    and that they hold the greatest promise for U.S. agriculture.
        Has USDA developed a year-by-year analysis for the U.S.
    agricultural net balance of trade for the years 1975-2006--including
    the trade balance in both nominal terms, and in inflation adjusted 2006
    dollar terms, as well as highlighting specific years when significant
    agricultural trade agreements have been passed? Please provide.
        Answer. A table showing the U.S. agricultural trade balance from
    fiscal year 1975 to fiscal year 2006 will be submitted for the record.
    The trade balance is shown in nominal terms and real terms, using the
    GDP deflator based on 2000, as reported in the 2007 Economic Report of
    the President. In general, the agricultural trade balance has reflected
    the U.S. exchange rate, growing when the dollar was weak, such as in
    the early 1980s and early 1990s, but shrinking when the dollar
    appreciated, such as in the mid-1980s and in the early 2000s. Imports
    have been growing rapidly over the past decade, and do not seem to be
    strongly influenced by the value of the dollar. Exports have increased
    significantly the past few years, reflecting higher commodity prices
    and a weaker dollar.
        The change in the agricultural trade surplus does not correspond
    with the implementation of a particular free trade agreement (FTA) for
    several reasons. FTAs are, by design, implemented slowly over a
    transition period to expressly avoid major trade disruptions. The U.S.-
    Canada FTA began in 1989, and U.S. exports increased by $4 billion that
    year. But the NAFTA with Mexico began in 1994, and U.S. exports stayed
    about the same as in 1993. However, when viewed over the longer term,
    data show that the value of U.S. agricultural exports to Canada have
    increased by 119 percent and to Mexico by 181 percent since
    implementation of NAFTA. In addition, Canada and Mexico are now more
    important markets for U.S. agriculture than they were before NAFTA. In
    1993, Canada and Mexico combined accounted for about 21 percent of
    total U.S. agricultural exports. By 2006, that percentage had risen to
    32 percent.
        Exports in any 1 year are more influenced by changes in world
    commodity prices and global economic growth than by FTAs. Imports are
    more influenced by economic growth in the United States, which
    translates into greater purchasing power for U.S. consumers and greater
    demand for imported goods.
        [The information follows:]

                                     VALUE OF U.S. AGRICULTURAL TRADE BY FISCAL YEAR
                                                [In billions of dollars]
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       GDP deflator    Trade Balance
                  Year                    Exports         Imports      Trade Balance     2000=100        in 2000 $
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1975............................           21.82            9.44           12.38            38.0           32.58
    1976............................           22.74           10.49           12.25            40.2           30.48
    1977............................           23.97           13.36           10.61            42.8           24.80
    1978............................           27.29           13.89           13.40            45.8           29.27
    1979............................           31.98           16.19           15.79            49.5           31.91
    1980............................           40.47           17.29           23.18            54.0           42.92
    1981............................           43.78           17.34           26.44            59.1           44.75
    1982............................           39.10           15.46           23.64            62.7           37.70
    1983............................           34.77           16.28           18.49            65.2           28.36
    1984............................           38.03           18.91           19.12            67.7           28.24
    1985............................           31.20           19.74           11.46            69.7           16.44
    1986............................           26.31           20.88            5.43            71.3            7.61
    1987............................           27.88           20.65            7.23            73.2            9.87
    1988............................           35.32           21.01           14.30            75.7           18.89
    1989............................           39.67           21.57           18.10            78.6           23.03
    1990............................           40.35           22.71           17.64            81.6           21.62
    1991............................           37.86           22.74           15.13            84.4           17.93
    1992............................           42.55           24.50           18.05            86.4           20.89
    1993............................           43.06           24.60           18.46            88.4           20.88
    1994............................           43.89           26.56           17.33            90.3           19.19
    1995............................           54.61           29.79           24.82            92.1           26.95
    1996............................           59.79           32.44           27.34            93.9           29.12
    1997............................           57.31           35.65           21.65            95.4           22.70
    1998............................           53.66           36.83           16.83            96.5           17.44
    1999............................           49.12           37.29           11.83            97.9           12.08
    2000............................           50.76           38.86           11.90           100.0           11.90
    2001............................           52.72           39.03           13.69           102.4           13.37
    2002............................           53.32           40.95           12.37           104.2           11.87
    2003............................           56.01           45.68           10.33           106.4            9.71
    2004............................           62.41           52.66            9.75           109.4            8.91
    2005............................           62.52           57.74            4.78           112.7            4.24
    2006............................           68.72           64.03            4.70           115.8            4.06
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    October-September fiscal year.

    Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census; Economic Report of the President for GDP deflator

        Question. Has USDA developed an equivalent analysis and graph for
    only the food portion of the U.S. agricultural balance of trade, since
    the commonly published agricultural trade balance includes forest and
    other non-food items. Please provide.
        Answer. There is no commonly accepted definition of ``food'' for
    purposes of analyzing U.S. agricultural trade. For example, the
    Department of Commerce includes fish and fish products in its
    definition of food trade, but USDA does not include fish in its
    official U.S. agricultural trade figures.
        Tables will be provided for the record that show one breakdown of
    food trade, including fish. In general, practically all U.S.
    agricultural imports are food, under this definition. The share of food
    in U.S. agricultural exports has been growing, as exports have
    diversified into many more products such as fruits, vegetables, meats,
    and processed foods.
        [The information follows:]

                                                                                        U.S. AGRICULTURAL IMPORTS
                                                                                        [In billions of dollars]
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                 Cal. yrs
                                                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           1989            1990            1991            1992            1993            1994            1995            1996
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    All processed foods.............................................          19.304          20.399          20.426          21.557          21.630          23.588          24.768          27.556
        Grain mill products.........................................           1.217           1.240           1.328           1.658           1.608           1.962           2.194           2.666
        Sugar & confections.........................................           1.862           2.188           2.091           2.142           2.059           2.088           2.330           3.101
        Preserved fruits & vegetables...............................           2.326           2.589           2.404           2.623           2.414           2.597           2.658           3.118
        Dairy products..............................................            .740            .783            .702            .782            .768            .855           1.060           1.227
        Meat products...............................................           2.597           3.016           2.999           2.758           2.915           2.799           2.486           2.474
        Fish and seafood............................................           5.381           5.169           5.604           5.617           5.761           6.545           6.691           6.607
        Bakery products.............................................            .343            .347            .381            .422            .473            .546            .603            .660
        Miscellaneous foods.........................................           1.337           1.358           1.488           1.622           1.781           1.967           2.150           2.395
        Beverages...................................................           3.501           3.708           3.429           3.934           3.852           4.229           4.595           5.308
    Unprocessed foods...............................................           2.843           3.341           3.472           3.449           3.795           4.027           4.460           5.032
        Fruits, nuts, vegetables....................................          72.795          73.286          73.425          73.395          73.665          73.921           4.405           4.961
        Fish and seafood............................................            .048            .055            .047            .054            .130            .106            .055            .072
                                                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          TOTAL FOOD IMPORTS........................................          22.146          23.740          23.899          25.006          25.424          27.615          29.228          32.589
                                                                     ===============================================================================================================================
          TOTAL NONFOOD IMPORTS.....................................           5.161           4.403           4.628           5.458           5.598           6.060           7.773           7.602
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

                                                                                  U.S. AGRICULTURAL IMPORTS--CONTINUED
                                                                                        [In billions of dollars]
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         Cal. yrs.
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           1997            1998            1999            2000            2001            2002            2003            2004            2005
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    All processed foods.............................          30.072          31.858          34.549          36.600          37.024          37.807          42.465          47.067          51.029
        Grain mill products.........................           2.768           2.715           2.546           2.557           2.369           2.275           2.577           3.298           3.408
        Sugar & confections.........................           3.119           3.189           2.947           2.818           2.982           3.378           4.283           4.450           5.027
        Preserved fruits & vegetables...............           3.279           3.250           3.852           3.834           3.624           3.219           3.740           4.068           4.487
        Dairy products..............................           1.164           1.398           1.456           1.529           1.642           1.575           1.740           2.027           2.224
        Meat products...............................           2.825           3.044           3.477           3.992           4.447           4.443           4.618           5.858           5.895
        Fish and seafood............................           7.626           8.025           8.872           9.593           9.268           9.356           9.914          10.056          10.625
        Bakery products.............................            .711            .799            .921           1.032           1.124            .821            .878            .929           1.007
        Miscellaneous foods.........................           2.650           2.998           3.160           3.189           3.098           3.295           3.521           4.114           4.578
        Beverages...................................           5.929           6.441           7.318           8.056           8.472           9.445          11.194          12.265          13.780
    Unprocessed foods...............................           5.173           5.878           6.289           6.631           7.351           8.775           9.968          11.235          12.444
        Fruits, nuts, vegetables....................           5.093           5.808           6.239           6.279           6.880           8.074           8.928          10.070          11.097
        Fish and seafood............................            .080            .071            .050            .351            .470            .700           1.040           1.165           1.347
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          TOTAL FOOD IMPORTS........................          35.246          37.737          40.838          43.231          44.375          46.581          52.433          58.302          63.473
                                                     ===============================================================================================================================================
          TOTAL NONFOOD IMPORTS.....................           8.609           7.254           5.756           5.688           4.730           5.384           5.897           6.895           7.780
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

                                                                                        U.S. AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS
                                                                                        [In billions of Dollars]
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                  Cal.yrs
                                                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           1989            1990            1991            1992            1993            1994            1995            1996
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    All processed foods.............................................          15.546          17.133          18.906          21.460          22.129          24.726          27.643          28.441
        Grain mill products.........................................           5.163           4.782           5.081           5.633           5.724           6.101           6.775           6.930
        Sugar & confections.........................................            .521            .649            .682            ,726            .822            .871            .891            .890
        Preserved fruits & vegetables...............................           1.423           1.771           1.966           2.210           2.294           2.580           2.869           2.960
        Dairy products..............................................            .493            .439            .553            .832            .951            .867            ,872            .827
        Meatproducts................................................           2.864           3.270           3.780           4.376           4.504           5.315           6.572           7.067
        Fish and seafood............................................           2.288           2.785           3.041           3.358           2.964           3.010           3.145           2.909
        Bakery products.............................................            .110            .190            .233            .306            .358            .389            .382            .407
        Miscellaneous foods.........................................           1.684           1.912           2.167           2.470           2.762           3.318           3.590           3.935
        Beverages...................................................           1.000           1.335           1.405           1.549           1.751           2.276           2.545           2.517
    Unprocessed food................................................           2.861           3.877           4.131           4.462           4.788           5.517           5.579           5.884
        Fruits, nuts, vegetables....................................           2.815           3.810           4.031           4.368           4.709           5.436           5.478           5.779
        Fish and seafood............................................            .047            ,067            .100            .094            .080            .081            .101            .105
                                                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          TOTAL FOOD EXPORTS........................................          18.407          21.010          23.037          25.922          26.918          30.244          33.222          34.324
                                                                     ===============================================================================================================================
          TOTAL NONFOOD EXPORTS.....................................          24.030          21.334          19.453          20.631          18,989          19.040           26275          28.998
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

                                                                                  U.S. AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS--CONTINUED
                                                                                        [In Billions of Dollars]
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                         Cal. yrs.
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           1997            1998            1999            2000            2001            2002            2003            2004            2005
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Ali processed foods.............................          29.654          28.150          27.655          28.245          30.112          26.565          28.652          28.525          32.076
        Grain mill products.........................           8.063           7.807           6.600           6.454           7.081           6,871           6.852           6.969           7.534
        Sugar & confections.........................            .929            .849            .884           1.041           1.230           1.052           1.119           1.238           1.307
        Preserved fruits & vegetables...............           3.163           3.105           3.209           3.243           3.243           2.783           2.906           2.994           3.160
        Dairy products..............................           1.048           1.008           1.029           1.076           1.192           1.047           1.131           1.642           1.788
        Meatproducts................................           7.021           6.552           6.644           7.202           7.533           5,096           6.034           3.937           5,400
        Fish and seafood............................           2.029           2.642           2.651           2.894           2.606           2.629           2.898           3.112           2.909
        Bakery products.............................            .446            .459            .456            .466            .489            .386            .385            .429            .478
        Miscellaneous foods.........................           3.762           3.912           3.799           3.662           3.717           4.018           4.501           5,111           6.029
        Beverages...................................           2.613           2.429           2.394           2.451           2.732           2.705           3.097           3.306           3.270
    Unprocessed food................................           6.007           5.951           5.790           6.238           6.261           7.257           7.894           9.149          10.633
        Fruits, nuts, vegetables....................           5.878           5.676           5.544           5.984           5.973           6.763           7.328           8.405           9.744
        Fish and seafood............................            .130            .275            .246            .254            .288            .494            .566            .744            .889
                                                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          TOTAL FOOD EXPORTS........................          35.662          34.101          33.445          34.483          36.373          33.822          36.547          37.674          42.709
                                                     ===============================================================================================================================================
          TOTAL NONFOOD EXPORTS.....................          24.228          19.956          17.821          19.668          20.467          22.392          26.012          27.352          24.249
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Source: U.S. Census Bureau.

        Question. It is generally assumed that approximately one-third of
    all U.S. farm production is exported. According to some analysts,
    however, 8 percent of the farm value of U.S. agricultural production is
    exported, and the ``one-third'' figure is largely based on processed
    food value at the export/import points, not farm-gate value, which
    arguably skews the data.
        Has USDA analyzed and tabulated data showing the proportion of
    total farm cash receipts ($239.0 billion in 2005) that have been
    exported, based on farm value for the years 1975 to 2006? Please
    provide.
        Answer. There are several ways to measure the importance of trade
    to the agricultural sector, and none is perfect. A typical approach is
    to compare the value of exports to the value of agricultural
    production, or to farm cash receipts. One shortcoming of this method is
    that exports are valued at the point of export, which includes the
    value of farm-to-port transportation and other costs. It is also
    difficult to measure the value of processed products at the farm gate,
    which account for a large share of U.S. agricultural exports. Another
    factor affecting export share that is not captured in this measure is
    the increasing amount of corn, soybeans, and other feeds that are
    exported indirectly in the form of meat rather than directly.
        USDA's Economic Research Service uses two methods to examine the
    share of production that is exported. One approach is based on volume
    weights, and the other is based on dollar values.
        Information reported by ERS using these two methods, will be
    supplied for the record. Data are not available before 1980.
        [The information follows:]

                                      EXPORT SHARES OF U.S. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Measure                          1980-84         1990-94          1999            2002
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Percent of production:
        Volume-based................................            29.2            23.1            22.8            21.9
        Value-based.................................            21.9            16.8            16.7            17.7
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Both the volume and value measures include primary livestock and
    crop commodities as well as major processed food products. Each measure
    has advantages. The volume-based measure reduces the variations due to
    product prices, while the value measure better reflects product
    quality, such as differences between a pound of steak and a pound of
    hamburger.
        To make volume- and value-based export shares comparable, the
    measures include only products for which both production and export
    volumes are available. Products excluded for this reason are mostly
    minor and include greenhouse and nursery products, seeds, cattle, hides
    and skins, and animal fats.
        The export share of U.S. agricultural production, based on volume,
    has averaged 22 percent since 1996, reflecting the high weight of
    exported food and feed grains, oilseeds and oilseed products, cotton,
    and tobacco relative to their total harvested weight. However, this
    overall export share masks differences in trends between livestock
    products and crops and crop products. The export share of U.S.
    livestock products rose from 3 percent in the 1980s to more than 10
    percent in recent years, while the export share of crops and crop
    products fell from over 30 percent to 23 percent during the same
    period. Behind these contrasting trends has been the increase in U.S.
    livestock and poultry production and the corresponding feed
    requirements that have diminished feed grains available for export.
        The export share of U.S. agricultural products, based on values,
    averaged 17 percent from 1998 to 2002, 5 percentage points lower than
    the volume-based average. The lower value-based measure reflects the
    lower aggregate value of livestock exports relative to their farm
    production value. The historical movement of the two export share
    measures shows no consistent pattern--about half the time they move in
    the same direction and the other half not. For example, the volume-
    based share declined from 23 percent in 2001 to 22 percent in 2002,
    while the value-based share rose from 17 to 18 percent.
                                     ______

                    Questions Submitted by Senator Jack Reed

              PROGRESS IMPLEMENTING LOCAL FOOD PURCHASE PROVISION

        Question. Section 4303 of the 2002 Farm Bill allows school
    districts to pursue a local food purchasing preference.
        Can you tell me about USDA's progress in implementing the
    provision?
        Answer. This Farm Bill provision authorized funds to be requested
    to encourage schools to purchase locally produced foods and to provide
    grants and technical assistance for projects that improve access to
    local foods from small farmers and support school garden programs. This
    provision has not been funded. Nonetheless, I know that the Food and
    Nutrition Service has done quite a bit to encourage local purchases
    anyway. I will ask staff to provide more details on this.
        [The information follows:]
        Regarding implementation of section 4303 of the 2002 Farm Bill, the
    Conference Report that accompanied the Farm Bill indicated that this
    provision was not intended to permit State or local geographic
    preferences, or to circumvent Federal procurement requirements. School
    districts participating in the National School Lunch and School
    Breakfast Programs are prohibited by government-wide regulation from
    applying a geographic preference in their procurements.
        Although no funds have been appropriated to carry out Section 4303,
    USDA has supported farm to school initiatives. In 1997, the Food and
    Nutrition Service established a ``farm to school'' initiative which is
    based on the cooperation of Federal, State, and local governments, as
    well as local farm and educational organizations. The initiative
    encourages schools to purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables. As
    part of this initiative, USDA has created two publications, which are
    posted on our web site, called Eat Smart-Farm Fresh! A Guide to Buying
    and Serving Locally-Grown Produce in School Meals and Small Farms/
    School Meals Initiative: a Step-by-Step Guide on How to Bring Small
    Farms and Local Schools Together. These publications provide practical
    tips in a handbook format on how school food service personnel can
    purchase products from local farmers.
        Questions. If it is USDA's position that Congress's guidance in
    Section 4303 is inadequate to authorize farm to school initiatives and
    other local food purchasing programs, what language would you recommend
    that Congress include in the next Farm Bill to make clear its intent to
    authorize and encourage programs?
        Answer. Current statutory authority does not unduly restrict farm
    to school and local food purchasing initiatives. Although school
    districts participating in the National School Lunch and School
    Breakfast Programs are prohibited by government-wide regulation from
    applying a geographic preference in their procurements, school
    districts may tailor their procurement specifications to maximize full
    and open competition and obtain high quality fresh produce for their
    school meal programs, in many instances from local producers.
    Consequently, we do not believe any change to current law is necessary
    to further authorize or encourage farm to school initiatives.
        The Department is supportive of farm to school initiatives, and
    believes that these initiatives can be successful within the framework
    of current law and regulations and free and open competition for
    contracts.
                                     ______

                Questions Submitted by Senator Robert F. Bennett

                               RENTAL ASSISTANCE

        Question. Mr. Secretary, the budget proposes changing the length of
    rental assistance contracts to a term of 1 year. Prior to fiscal 2007,
    those contracts were generally longer in length. The fiscal 2007 budget
    proposed a reduction to 2 years, and now the fiscal 2008 budget
    proposes renewing contracts for 1 year.
        Can you please explain the rationale behind this change?
        Answer. Other Federal housing programs offering rental assistance
    provide annual renewals, for instance the Department is aware of
    similar assistance offered by the department of Housing and Urban
    Development. The budget change will not affect the cost of the program,
    but the change in contract terms will impact the distribution of budget
    authority during the transition period.
        Question. Would this change improve the ability of USDA to estimate
    the number of contracts expiring in a given year?
        Answer. USDA has several tools available to assist in estimating
    the number of contracts expiring in a given year. However, contract
    costs are subject to many variables, including tenant income
    variations, increases in operating costs (particularly insurance and
    energy costs) that result in rent increases that increase the use of
    rental assistance, and rental assistance utilization rates that vary by
    property. The effects of these variables may be more prominent on
    contracts with a one-year term than contracts with multiple years,
    which could spread the impact of such variables across a longer period
    of time. USDA intends to monitor closely the performance of these one-
    year contracts and is developing an analysis of these variables on
    rental assistance.
        Question. If this proposal is adopted, there would be a significant
    amount of contracts expiring in 2008, ranging from 5-year contracts
    signed in 2003 to some one-year contracts signed in 2007.
        How will this affect the budget for fiscal 2009?
        Answer. Current estimates for fiscal year 2009 indicate
    approximately 231,000 rental assistance units will be up for renewal.
    This is 84 percent of all rental assistance units. These consist of
    units obligated prior to fiscal year 2004 and units obligated under
    contract term limits in fiscal year 2005, fiscal year 2007 and fiscal
    year 2008.
        Question. Do you feel a significant amount of additional funding
    will be necessary to renew this extreme volume of contracts?
        Answer. There would be additional costs of continuing the same
    terms and conditions of contracts.
        Question. Do you feel that adequate funding to cover all of these
    contracts will appear in your budget proposal for next year?
        Answer. No decisions have been made for the President's 2009
    Budget.
        Question. Do you feel that Rural Development has the staff and
    resources needed to renew such a high volume of contracts in 1 year?
        Answer. The majority of the tasks associated with renewing
    contracts are already automated, and we are currently modifying
    documents to require minimal manual intervention for renewals. We
    believe that Rural Development has the staff and resources needed for
    this renewal process.

                        RURAL DEVELOPMENT--DIRECT LOANS

        Question. Funding for both Single Family and Multi-Family Direct
    Loans has been eliminated in your budget proposal.
        Can you please explain the basis for eliminating these programs?
        Answer. The other major Federal single family housing guarantee
    programs, including those operated by HUD and VA, rely on guaranteed
    loans. Direct loan programs are more costly to taxpayers. Based upon
    the fiscal year 2008 budget, the taxpayer's cost for providing a direct
    subsidized housing loan of $100,000 would be $9,357. With a 3 percent
    guarantee fee, a guaranteed housing loan of $100,000 costs the taxpayer
    only $200. With the same cost, taxpayers can provide one direct housing
    loan or almost 50 guaranteed loans. For this reason, guaranteed loans
    have accounted for virtually all the growth in our Single Family
    Housing program since the mid 1990s.
        With regard to Multifamily Housing program, the primary reason for
    not requesting funds for direct loans is to concentrate on
    revitalization of existing portfolio. Direct loans for section 515 new
    construction have a subsidy rate of 45.67 percent and these projects
    also regenerate additional costs for rental assistance payments.
        Question. If adopted, what effect will these changes have on the
    make-up of the participants in single family and multi-family housing
    programs? Will there be people who participate in these programs now
    who will no longer be eligible?
        Answer. We anticipate that many customers once served by the direct
    housing loan program will be able to be served by the guaranteed
    program. Moreover, directing resources to our existing multifamily
    portfolio will protect the rent of existing tenants.

                 RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY CROP INSURANCE USER FEE

        Question. The budget proposes the collection of a user fee from
    participants in the crop insurance program to fund the Risk Management
    Agency's IT modernization beginning in fiscal 2009.
        Please explain how the user fee would function and who would pay
    the fee?
        Answer. The fee would be payable by the private sector insurance
    companies who participate in the Federal crop insurance program. The
    fee would be capped at $15 million annually and would be based on a
    percentage of the premium written by the companies during the prior
    crop year. In this way, the companies that are the primary
    beneficiaries of the IT system would pay the larger portion of the fee.
    Based on current projections of total premiums, the fee is expected to
    be about one-quarter cent per dollar of premium.
        Question. How would this proposal, if adopted, affect future RMA IT
    appropriations requests? Did I understand your testimony correctly that
    this fee would replace the need for appropriated IT funds entirely?
        Answer. It is anticipated that the fee would eventually replace the
    need for appropriated funding. However, the budget proposal is designed
    such that the fee would initially supplement the annual appropriation
    for information technology (IT). This funding would be used to
    modernize the IT system currently in use by the Risk Management Agency
    (RMA). However, once modernization is complete, the funding would be
    used for IT maintenance and would replace the need for appropriated
    funding. We anticipate that the modernization process will take about 2
    years to complete.

                       RENEWABLE ENERGY--COMMODITY PRICES

        Question. The recent boom in biofuel production has caused some
    commodity prices to spike. While this has a positive effect on many
    agricultural economic aspects, such as farmers earning more of their
    income from the market, these price increases have also caused negative
    results for some. Livestock feed prices have climbed dramatically,
    putting a strain on many ranchers across the country. Also, higher
    commodity prices have had a negative impact on food aid, since fewer
    commodities can be purchased for the same dollar amount.
        With such a strong focus on renewable energy in both this budget
    and your farm bill proposal, how do you propose to combat the negative
    aspects of these new policies?
        Answer. The extraordinary price run-up that started last fall has
    raised costs for the livestock and poultry industry, along with other
    users of corn. The spillover has also led to higher prices for most
    other commodities and is straining fixed budgets for food aid. However,
    as often noted, the best cure for high prices is high prices. That is,
    the market is responding to the incentive of high prices by a dramatic
    expansion in corn acreage that will boost supplies and lead to
    substantial moderation in prices.
        There is no denying that this transition period before adjustments
    have occurred will be painful, but it should also be noted that grain
    prices have been very low for many years. In real terms, these prices
    have been extremely low and have made it difficult for farmers to cover
    costs without support from the Government. Consumers pay a record low
    share of their incomes for food in this country. Because of the
    expansion of biofuels, we do not project grain prices to fall back to
    very low levels, like the $2.00 per bushel corn of recent years. Rising
    productivity and response to market incentives will bring prices down
    in the next few years from the highs seen last winter. Any
    breakthroughs in the production of ethanol from cellulosic materials
    would also contribute to easing pressure on grain supplies. Given huge
    interest and new investments in research, the ability to use cellulosic
    feedstocks, in a cost-effective way, for ethanol production may not be
    far away.
        In the current environment, there are other adjustments taking
    place to reduce pressure on the livestock industry. Cattle and dairy
    producers are increasingly feeding distillers grains, a by-product of
    ethanol production. Research is underway to make these by-products more
    useable to pork and poultry feeders, as only limited amounts can be fed
    to these animals given current formulations.
        On the food aid side, higher prices are not all negative. Many, if
    not all, farmers in developing countries face low prices, frequently
    reflecting an urban bias. These farmers respond to market incentives
    too. The well publicized case of Mexico, where corn-based tortilla
    prices have risen sharply, also offers an encouraging lesson. Mexican
    farmers are expanding corn production, and this will help contribute
    greatly to rural development as much as to increasing local food
    supplies.
        We will continue to coordinate closely with the program agencies,
    USAID, FAS, to review commodities requested and complete market
    research to identify the most economical and effective products.
    Contracts are awarded based on lowest landed cost, so FSA must evaluate
    the combined commodity cost and the freight cost. The new award system
    implemented in February 2007 should help achieve some cost savings in
    all international food aid purchases.

                        AGRICULTURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE

        Question. There have been many efforts in Congress to pass
    comprehensive disaster assistance for the nation's farmers and ranchers
    dating back to 2005. I fully expect attempts by Members to include an
    agriculture disaster package in the supplemental appropriations bill
    Congress will soon be considering.
        In your opinion, is there a need for ag disaster, and if so, where
    is it needed the most?
        Answer. This Administration does not deny there have been times it
    has been necessary to provide relief to farmers and ranchers harmed by
    natural disasters. In fact, since 2005, this Administration has
    developed numerous ad hoc disaster assistance programs to aid producers
    impacted by adverse weather. However, these programs have been targeted
    to producers directly impacted by these extraordinary weather events.
    What this Administration has not supported are Congressional efforts to
    provide a multi-billion dollar, broad based, non-targeted disaster
    assistance package covering a time period when producers have seen
    record or near record production and/or farm income levels and crop
    insurance losses have been at record or near record lows. The
    Administration would not support a broad disaster bill unless it is
    fully offset from other agricultural spending.
        While individual producers in certain regions of the nation have
    experienced crop losses due to adverse weather, the farm economy
    overall has been financially strong. For calendar year 2005, total crop
    cash receipts were $114 billion, the second highest ever. Preliminary
    estimates for calendar year 2006 are that total crop cash receipts will
    reach a record $122 billion. However, that record is expected to be
    short-lived as calendar year 2007 crop cash receipts are forecasted to
    reach nearly $134 billion.
        For the period 2003-2005 the crop insurance loss ratio has averaged
    just 0.77, including a record low of 0.60 in 2005. This means that, on
    average, only 77 cents have been paid out in indemnities for each $1 of
    premium. And, while the loss ratio for the 2006 crop year is not yet
    finalized, current estimates place it at about 0.8. By comparison,
    during the early 1990's the loss ratio averaged nearly 1.5.
        Question. What has USDA done to address disaster needs since the
    start of 2005? Has the money that has been obligated by the department
    actually made its way to producers?
        Answer. Throughout this period, assistance has been available under
    Federal Crop Insurance and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance
    Program.
        In addition, in October 2005, USDA authorized the use of $250
    million from Section 32 funds for crop disaster, livestock, tree, and
    aquaculture assistance. These funds are being distributed by way of
    five new programs; the Tree Indemnity Program (TIP), the Hurricane
    Indemnity Program (HIP), the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), and the
    Feed Indemnity Program (FIP); and an Aquaculture Grant Program.
        Producers in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North
    Carolina and Texas counties declared primary presidential or
    secretarial disaster areas in 2005 because of hurricanes were eligible
    to apply for assistance under the new programs. In general, funds under
    these programs have been distributed to producers. However, for some
    programs it has been necessary to delay payments until it could be
    determined if there would be a need to prorate the available funding.
        I will provide a list of further measures taken by USDA to assist
    farmers and ranchers in 2006.
        [The information follows:]
        Sign-up for programs authorized by the Emergency Agricultural
    Disaster Assistance Act of 2006 began on December 11, 2006.
        In August 2006, USDA authorized $780 million in assistance to help
    farmers and ranchers manage drought and weather related production
    challenges. This funding included a $50 million Livestock Assistance
    Grant Program for States which had counties which were designated as D3
    or D4 on the Drought Monitor anytime between March 7 and August 31,
    2006.
        In fiscal year 2006, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) provided $48
    million in Emergency (EM) loan assistance.
        On July 13, 2006, USDA announced the expansion of Conservation
    Reserve Program (CRP) acreage eligible for emergency haying and grazing
    for livestock producers hit hard by drought. The expansion allows
    livestock producers from eligible counties to obtain needed hay or
    forage. The expanded area radiates 150 miles out from any county
    approved for emergency haying and grazing.
        USDA also reduced producers' CRP rental payments by 10 percent,
    instead of the standard 25 percent, on CRP lands that are hayed or
    grazed under emergency authority in 2006.
        On July 14, 2006 USDA announced sign-up for the Emergency
    Forestry--Conservation Reserve Program.
        On June 29, 2006, USDA announced $11.8 million in Emergency
    Conservation Program (ECP) funding for 18 States to help producers
    rehabilitate land damaged by drought and other natural disasters.
        On June 9, 2006, USDA announced the availability of $75.7 million
    in Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) funds for victims of the 2005
    hurricanes.
        On March 24, 2006, USDA announced that agricultural producers in 16
    Texas counties adversely affected by wildfires would be eligible to
    receive $8.1 million in ECP funds.
        On March 21 2006, USDA announced that agricultural producers in six
    Oklahoma counties and 27 north Texas counties affected by wildfires
    could remove dry grass on and move cattle to CRP acreage, without
    facing charges for grazing value or the baled value of removed forage.
        On March 15, 2006, USDA announced the allocation of more than $20
    million in ECP funds to 26 states affected by drought, wildfires and
    other natural disasters.
        On March 3, 2006, USDA announced the allocation of $63 million in
    ECP funds to assist agricultural producers struck by hurricanes in the
    Gulf of Mexico region during calendar year 2005.

                               USER FEE PROPOSALS

        Question. The budget proposes user fees totaling $149 million for
    the Food Safety and Inspection Service, Animal and Plant Health
    Inspection Service, Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards
    Administration and Risk Management Agency. In previous fiscal years,
    USDA assumed savings for these fee requests. I am pleased to see that
    this budget request does not assume savings. However, I understand that
    USDA expects to realize savings from these fees in fiscal 2009.
    Realizing this savings requires USDA to actively engage the Congress
    and affected industry to pass this legislation.
        Please describe, in detail, USDA's plan for getting each user fee
    passed including discussions with industry and the authorizing
    committees.
        Answer. Although the budgetary treatment of proposed user fees has
    changed this year, procedures for implementing new user fees would
    remain the same. Generally, the steps for user fee implementation
    consist of: submitting proposed legislation to Congress; participating
    in special hearings or answering Congressional inquiries about the
    proposed fees; and engaging in the Federal rule-making process after
    enactment. Statutory prohibitions prevent us from lobbying for passage
    of new user fee legislation outside our communication with Congress.
    The rule-making process provides an opportunity for public input on any
    proposed rule. All public comments are evaluated and considered before
    a final rule is promulgated.

                               GREENBOOK CHARGES

        Question. I am concerned that the charges assessed to the agencies
    by USDA, known commonly as greenbook charges, have grown excessively
    over the last few years.
        Please provide, for the record, greenbook charges by category for
    each agency for fiscal year 2006, 2007, and 2008. For each category,
    provide an explanation of how the charges were assessed.
        Answer. The actual funding for fiscal year 2006 and estimated 2007
    funding by category for greenbook charges, including an explanation of
    how the charges were assessed, is provided for the record. Estimates
    for fiscal year 2008 greenbook charges have not been decided.
        The cost breakout by agency for the greenbook charges is also
    provided for the record. The actual costs by agency for fiscal year
    2007 are not yet known.
        [The information follows:]

                      Department Wide Reimbursable Programs
    [USDA Agencies fiscal year 2006 Allowance and fiscal year 2007 Estimated
                                  Cost Shares]
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Fiscal year     Fiscal year
                                              2006 allowance   2007 estimate
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Agricultural Marketing Service..........      $1,291,169      $1,392,694
     Agricultural Research Service..........       4,378,636       4,915,646
     Animal and Plant Health Inspection            4,563,266       5,020,820
     Service................................
     Cooperative State Research, Education           493,847         313,085
     and Extension Service..................
     Departmental Administration............         181,779         250,226
     Economic Research Service..............         278,897         235,454
     Farm Service Agency....................       5,293,884       8,175,512
     Food and Nutrition Service.............       1,604,131       1,103,188
     Food Safety and Inspection Service.....       4,584,996       4,890,378
     Foreign Agricultural Service...........       1,125,309         993,690
     Forest Service.........................      20,141,973      21,221,635
     Grain Inspection, Packers and                   364,035         409,168
     Stockyards Administration..............
     National Agricultural Statistics                789,616         632,371
     Service................................
     National Appeals Division..............          80,711          49,284
     Natural Resources Conservation Service.       5,555,459       5,583,986
     Office of Budget and Program Analysis..          33,508          30,091
     Office of Chief Economist..............         114,940          99,493
     Office of Civil Rights.................          94,242          92,852
     Office of Communications...............          66,883          49,916
     Office of Executive Secretariat........          10,749           9,316
     Office of General Counsel..............         151,143         164,899
     Office of the Chief Financial Officer..         735,596       1,096,120
     Office of the Chief Information Officer       5,969,036       2,832,153
     Office of the Inspector General........         448,138         457,316
     Office of the Secretary................          65,775          13,314
     Risk Management Agency.................         452,737         263,383
     Rural Development......................       4,312,387       3,547,010
                                             -------------------------------
          TOTAL.............................      63,182,838      63,843,000
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

        Question. The budget proposal requests an increase of almost $25
    million for the development of a new financial management system.
    Implementing new IT systems is often very costly, especially replacing
    a financial system as large as USDA's.
        How much does USDA plan to spend on the financial system
    implementation in fiscal 2007? Did this funding come from annual
    appropriations or from the working capital fund?
        Answer. USDA intends to spend $4.5 million in fiscal year 2007 for
    implementation activities. These funds would come from reimbursements
    received from USDA customer agencies to continue the planning and
    initial implementation of the Financial Management Modernization
    Initiative.
        Question. Does USDA plan to fund any part of the financial system
    in fiscal 2008 from the working capital fund?
        Answer. The President's fiscal year 2008 budget includes an
    estimate of $5.5 million in operating support for this project, to be
    recovered via reimbursements from USDA customer agencies under the
    Working Capital Fund. This estimate is subject to change as the
    implementation schedule and requirements gathering move forward.
        Question. Does the fiscal 2008 budget request any funding for the
    financial system from the interior appropriations subcommittee for the
    Forest Service?
        Answer. The fiscal year 2008 budget for the Forest Service does not
    request any funds for the financial system from the Interior
    Appropriations Subcommittee. We do not expect to begin implementation
    of the Forest Service into the new system until after fiscal year 2008.
        Question. Has USDA entered into a contract with a private company
    for the implementation of the new financial system? If so, please
    explain the terms of the contract. For example, what constitutes
    satisfactory completion of the system implementation by the contractor?
        Answer. USDA is currently in the acquisition process and has not
    entered into a contract.
        Question. What is the estimated total cost for development and
    implementation of the new financial system?
        Answer. The estimated cost for implementation of USDA's new
    financial management system is approximately $90 million.
        Question. How much of the total development and implementation
    costs will be requested through the agriculture appropriations
    subcommittee?
        Answer. At this time, no final decision has been made as to the
    allocation of funding needed for Financial Management Modernization
    Initiative implementation between the Agriculture and Interior
    appropriations subcommittees.
        Question. How much of the total development and implementation
    costs will be requested through the interior appropriations
    subcommittee for the Forest Service?
        Answer. At this time, no final decision has been made as to the
    allocation of funding needed for Financial Management Modernization
    Initiative implementation between the Agriculture and Interior
    appropriations subcommittees.
        Question. How much of the total development and implementation
    costs will be funded through the working capital fund?
        Answer. We do not expect that development and implementation costs
    will be funded through the Working Capital Fund (WCF). We have a small
    amount of operating funds budgeted for the system through the WCF, but
    it is our aim that development and implementation funds be made
    available through appropriations and Departmental Reimbursable Program
    authority, if appropriate.
        Question. Once the system is implemented, how much will operations
    and maintenance of the financial system cost annually?
        Answer. The estimated average annual operations and maintenance
    cost for the expected life of the system, for the period fiscal year
    2012 through fiscal year 2021, is approximately $50 million.
        Question. Will annual appropriations or the working capital fund
    pay for operations and maintenance costs?
        Answer. Historically USDA has used the working capital fund
    reimbursement mechanism to pay for USDA's financial management system
    operations and maintenance costs.

                                  FSIS FUNDING

        Question. The Food Safety and Inspection Service received a
    significant funding increase of more than $57 million in the fiscal
    2007 joint resolution. How does FSIS plan to spend the additional
    funding?
        Answer. FSIS allocated the fiscal year 2007 increase of $62.1
    million by funding pay costs, employee benefits and activities to
    strengthen the Food and Agriculture Defense Initiative.
        Question. How many staff will FSIS be able to hire as a result of
    the additional funding?
        Answer. FSIS is actively recruiting and hiring for positions in all
    of its 15 Districts and intends on filling 98 positions for slaughter
    services and 86 positions for in-plant processing in fiscal year 2007.
    In addition, the agency is recruiting to fill new positions resulting
    from industry growth and vacancies resulting from attrition.

                             RISK BASED INSPECTION

        Question. Mr. Secretary, recently the Food Safety and Inspection
    Service announced a plan and time table for implementing risk based
    inspection in meat and poultry plants.
        Please explain this proposal.
        Answer. Under a risk-based inspection system, the type and
    intensity of inspection activity at each establishment will be
    determined by the relative inherent risk of product, the volume
    processed, and the ability of each establishment to control risk. Risk-
    based inspection will allow USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service
    (FSIS) to more effectively allocate inspection resources to those
    processing plants that need them the most and carry out less intense
    inspection at plants with better risk control, while continuing daily
    inspection at all processing facilities. The public health goal of
    risk-based inspection is to target FSIS resources more directly at the
    greatest risks and reduce overall risks found in meat, poultry and egg
    products under agency jurisdiction.
        Question. How have industry and consumer groups reacted to this
    proposal?
        Answer. Most of the industry and consumer groups with whom FSIS has
    met believe the concept of risk-based inspection can achieve the
    desired goal of using FSIS resources more effectively.
        Question. Does FSIS have an IT system for collecting and analyzing
    data for risk based inspection? If not, why not?
        Answer. In fiscal year 2008, FSIS will use base funds to help move
    forward with information technology hardware and software improvements.
    The improvements are necessary to build a public health data
    infrastructure that will allow for real-time data analysis--a key
    element of the enhanced risk-based inspection system. FSIS efforts to
    upgrade its information technology infrastructure are expected to be
    completed in the first quarter of fiscal year 2008. The IT system will
    improve data by incorporating new inspection data generated as a
    consequence of planned enhancements to inspection activity. In
    addition, the agency will design an external-USDA peer-reviewed, risk
    assessment to model the implementation of risk-based inspection in
    processing plants such that we can predict and respond to the public
    health outcomes of inspection activity nationwide.
        Question. How does FSIS expect risk based inspection will make meat
    safer for consumers?
        Answer. RBI will make meat safer for consumers by targeting
    inspection resources to high risk activities and establishments. This
    will help ensure that meat and poultry products are being more
    effectively inspected using state-of-the-art data collection techniques
    and analysis.
        Question. How will FSIS measure the success of the program?
        Answer. USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) intends to
    implement and review risk-based inspection for processing in a careful
    and deliberative manner. The perfect report card for the long-term
    would be a measured decrease of food borne disease and death. While
    FSIS is still in the process of developing how we intend to evaluate
    RBIS, in the near-term, FSIS will compare such measures as verified
    consumer food safety complaints, product recalls, and changes in the
    effectiveness of establishment risk controls between RBIS and
    traditionally-inspected establishments. In addition, FSIS will be
    interviewing inspection program personnel, and the USDA's Office of
    Inspector General will be continuing to audit the development and
    implementation of RBIS.
        Question. Will total inspection hours or inspection staff be
    reduced as a result of this proposal?
        Answer. Under a more robust risk-based inspection system for meat
    and poultry processing, USDA will continue using the same number of
    inspection program personnel, spending the same amount of time
    conducting inspections. Risk-based inspection is about working smarter
    to protect public health by having inspection personnel spend more time
    in the processing plants that need assistance and expertise.

                     NATIONAL ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

        Question. Mr. Secretary, the Congress has provided over $99 million
    for the implementation of an animal identification system. I understand
    that an additional $18.7 million has been transferred from the
    Commodity Credit Corporation for this purpose as well. The fiscal 2008
    budget request proposes an additional $33 million to continue this
    project. If this funding is provided in fiscal 2008, the total amount
    spent on the animal identification system will be in excess of $150
    million by the end of 2008. Unfortunately, the direction USDA plans to
    go with this system is still not clear.
        What has all this funding accomplished?
        Answer. The National Animal Identification System is composed of
    three components: premises registration, animal identification, and
    animal tracing. Premises registration is the foundation of the program.
    As of March 12, 2007, all 50 States, 60 Tribes, and 2 U.S. Territories
    are capable of registering premises according to USDA standards, and
    approximately 378,000 locations have been registered.
        Significant progress has also been made on the second component of
    NAIS, animal identification. As of March 12, 2007, approximately 1
    million AIN devices have been distributed.
        The third component of the NAIS, animal tracing, is currently under
    development with the help of USDA's industry and State partners.
    Industry, through private systems, and States will manage the animal
    tracing databases that maintain the movement records of animals. Full
    deployment of the Animal Trace Processing System is planned for the
    near future.
        Question. In USDA's opinion, how does a comprehensive animal
    identification system work from identification of an animal disease
    outbreak to resolution of the problem?
        Answer. The NAIS includes three components: premises registration,
    animal identification, and animal tracing. When the system is fully
    operational, all three of the NAIS components would be used together to
    provide a streamlined system of information in a disease situation.
    This information would be available to help investigate the source of a
    disease outbreak and identify any animals and/or locations in the
    United States that may be at risk of spreading disease.
        An example will be provided for the record.
        [The information follows:]
        A diseased animal is detected at a slaughterhouse; authorized
    animal health officials enter the animal's identification number (AIN)
    into the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) Animal Trace
    Processing System (ATPS); the search will provide information on AIN
    devices distributed to a premises and animal movement records for that
    animal from the private/State animal tracing database; authorized
    animal health officials then have a listing of locations associated
    with the animal; the search will also provide the other animal
    identification numbers that were present on the premises during the
    time the animal in question was there. This helps officials identify
    animals that may have been exposed to the disease. Animal health
    officials can then begin an epidemiologic investigation and take
    precise actions to address the situation, minimize its impact on
    producers, and speed disease response efforts.
        While NAIS will not ``prevent'' the initial occurrence of a
    disease, it can reduce or prevent the spread of disease. Without this
    system of information, it can take days, weeks, and too often, months
    of manual searching to complete a disease investigation. Moreover, the
    inability to quickly address an emerging animal disease can have
    negative economic and domestic/international trade implications for the
    livestock industry and governments. Having NAIS--a streamlined, modern
    information system--in place will not only speed up disease response
    but also ensure that these efforts are comprehensive and accurate.
        Question. How much does USDA estimate the animal identification
    system will cost when completed? Is there an end in sight to continual
    $33 million funding requests?
        Answer. It is projected that, once NAIS has been fully implemented,
    the funding necessary to maintain the system will be less than the
    funding necessary to create the supporting infrastructure in all
    States, participating Tribes, and Territories. However, premises
    information will need to be updated as changes occur throughout the
    country. Participants in the private sector will require ongoing
    administrative support and the technologies that enhance NAIS.
    Therefore, funding will still be necessary to maintain the system, to
    preserve security, to make any necessary upgrades, and to ensure that
    producers are well-informed regarding the system.

             COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM (CSFP) ELIMINATION

        Question. Mr. Secretary, for the second year in a row the budget
    request eliminates the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which
    serves the elderly and young women and their children in 32 States, 2
    Indian reservations, and the District of Columbia. The elimination of
    this program results in a $107 million reduction from the fiscal 2007
    joint resolution rate. Please explain why USDA chose to eliminate this
    program.
        Answer. In the Administration's view, ensuring adequate funding for
    programs that have the scope and reach necessary to provide access to
    eligible people wherever they may reside is a better and more equitable
    use of scarce resources than to allocate them to programs that cannot
    provide access to many areas of the country. For this reason, the
    Administration has placed a priority on funding the Food Stamp Program,
    WIC, and other nationally-available programs which provide benefits to
    eligible people wherever they may live, including communities currently
    served by CSFP.
        Question. Does the budget proposal provide an alternative for all
    CSFP participants?
        Answer. In the Administration's view, ensuring adequate funding for
    programs that have the scope and reach necessary to provide access to
    eligible people wherever they may reside is a better and more equitable
    use of scarce resources than to allocate them to programs that cannot
    provide access to many areas of the country. For this reason, the
    Administration has placed a priority on funding FSP, WIC, and other
    nationally-available programs which provide benefits to eligible people
    wherever they may live, including communities currently served by CSFP.
        Included in these programs are Federal nutrition assistance
    programs targeted specifically to seniors. These programs, administered
    by the Administration on Aging and authorized by the Older Americans
    Act of 1965, include congregate nutrition services and home-delivered
    nutrition services and are available nationwide to all seniors aged 60
    and older. The Administration's 2008 budget request includes $383
    million and $181 million for these two programs, respectively. In
    addition, the 2008 budget request includes $147 million for the
    Nutrition Services Incentive Program. Combined, the Older Americans
    Nutrition Programs serve about 250 million congregate and in-home meals
    to about 2.6 million older adults annually. In addition to the
    Administration on Aging programs for seniors, low-income individuals of
    any age have access to TEFAP.
        Question. What percentage of elderly CSFP participants are
    currently enrolled in food stamps and receive CSFP as a supplement to
    their monthly food stamp allotment?
        Answer. We estimate that about 20 percent of elderly CSFP
    participants are currently enrolled in food stamps, based on data on
    low-income elderly individuals we have used in our budget estimates.

                           WIC LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS

        Question. Mr. Secretary, the budget includes a proposal to reduce
    state nutrition services and administration grants in the WIC program.
    Specifically, the proposal reduces the per participant nutrition
    services and administration amount paid to states in fiscal 2008 back
    to the fiscal 2006 rate. The proposal is accompanied by a $145 million
    reduction to the WIC program in the budget. Please explain why USDA
    chose to reduce the NSA grant to states.
        Answer. The current proposal is intended to provide a reduction in
    WIC NSA funding to slow its growth. Further cost containment is needed
    to maintain the Program's ability to serve all eligible persons
    expected to seek services in fiscal year 2008, which is estimated to be
    approximately 8.28 million persons. WIC State agencies have been
    extremely successful in containing food costs. We therefore believe WIC
    State agencies can achieve similar success in containing NSA costs.
        Question. Why did USDA choose to go back to 2006 as the base year
    instead of keeping costs flat at the 2007 rate?
        Answer. The administrative expenditure per participant (AGP) is
    determined each year by inflating the prior year's AGP by the State and
    Local Expenditure Index (SLEI). From fiscal year 1999 through fiscal
    year 2006, the SLEI increased 32 percent, or an average of 4.5 percent
    per year. The SLEI increase from fiscal year 2006 to fiscal year 2007
    is even higher at 6 percent. Over the same period, some broader
    measures of inflation (e.g., the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage
    Earners and Clerical Workers and the Gross Domestic Product Price
    Index) have risen more slowly (21 percent and 18 percent respectively).
    Given that these other measures reflect a significantly lower rate of
    inflation than the SLEI, using 2006 as the base year will reduce the
    AGP so that it is more consistent with what would have occurred if it
    had grown at a rate comparable to those broader inflation indicators.
        Question. Why did USDA choose to use the budget as a vehicle for
    changing the NSA grant amount instead of asking for the change as a
    part of farm bill discussions with the authorizing committees?
        Answer. For the proposed NSA cost containment initiative to be
    effective for fiscal year 2008, the proposal had to be included in the
    fiscal year 2008 budget request.
        Question. How will this reduction impact the states ability to
    implement new WIC programs such as the revised food packages that are
    to be implemented at the end of this year?
        Answer. State agencies will be encouraged to work with Federal
    program staff to seek efficiencies in the administration of the
    requirements so that the reduction in NSA funding does not negatively
    impact program operations. FNS does not believe that the food package
    rule will necessitate increased staff or any other action that would
    result in major, additional administrative expenditures over the long
    term. FNS does not expect the reduction in NSA will affect the States'
    ability to implement the revisions to the food packages.

                   WIC MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM FUNDING

        Question. The budget request does not include funding for
    Management Information Systems. Please describe the current state of
    Management Information Systems in the WIC program including a
    discussion of states that still use paper systems to manage WIC
    caseload.
        Answer. Currently, all State agencies use automated systems to
    manage caseload and support daily operations. While the vast majority
    of WIC systems are electronic rather than paper-based, many clinics
    have insufficient computers to accommodate every workstation. Thus, in
    some cases participant data may be collected manually and later entered
    into a centralized system.
        Question. Why does the budget not include funding for Management
    Information Systems?
        Answer. The fiscal year 2008 budget does not request additional
    funding for implementation of WIC EBT. In fiscal years 2006 and 2007,
    $19.8 million was available for management information systems and
    technology needs. Assuming these funds are not needed to support
    caseload in fiscal year 2007, current funding is sufficient through
    fiscal year 2008 for system development and EBT initiatives.

                       WIC $200 MILLION CONTINGENCY FUND

        Question. The budget request proposes to increase the WIC
    contingency fund to $200 million from $125 million. Why does the
    contingency fund need to be increased?
        Answer. Increasing the amount of funds available in the contingency
    fund will allow the Department to ensure that adequate funds are
    available to support expected participation should food costs exceed
    projections. The Department is concerned about the potential of
    increased food costs in fiscal year 2008. Infant formula rebate savings
    are a significant and integral part of the WIC Program and are
    estimated to support the participation of over 2 million women, infants
    and children. Any erosion of these savings has serious implications for
    funding needs to support projected participation. In the past 2 to 3
    years, the Department has observed a reduction in the percent discount
    on infant formula received by some WIC State agencies, which has led to
    increased formula costs. For example, twenty-seven geographic State
    agencies have recently awarded contracts that have started in fiscal
    year 2007 or fiscal year 2008 and all but one of these State agencies
    received a rebate that yields a significant decrease in the discount on
    the wholesale cost from that received in its prior contract.

                                WIC FOOD PACKAGE

        Question. The updated WIC food package is supposed to be finalized
    and implemented at the end of this year. Is the Department on-time to
    implement the food package?
        Answer. Over 46,000 comments that were received on the proposed
    changes to the WIC food packages published for comment August 7, 2006
    and are currently being analyzed. We anticipate issuing an interim
    final rule updating the WIC food packages in September 2007.

               RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND ECONOMICS REORGANIZATION

        Question. One of the administration's farm bill proposals would
    make significant changes to the Research, Education, and Economics
    mission area within USDA. Specifically, CSREES and ARS would be folded
    into one agency. The thrust of the argument for this change is that it
    will lead to better coordinated research and end redundancies.
         Is that not the job of the Under Secretary?
        Answer. While the Under Secretary has a role in coordinating the
    efforts of the four REE agencies, it is important to institutionalize
    this coordination within the agencies themselves. This can best be
    accomplished by merging ARS and CSREES into a single agency with a
    single national program staff.
        This will help ensure that resources will be maximized and that the
    comparative strengths of our intramural and extramural system are
    better utilized to tackle critical problems facing agriculture. This
    merger will also strengthen the tie between USDA's intramural research
    programs and the extension service. This will facilitate a broader
    dissemination of science-based technologies to farmers and ranchers.
        Question. Does he not have the authority to make ARS and CSREES
    operate more efficiently?
        Answer. While the Under Secretary has the authority to help make
    REE agencies more efficient, the current organizational structure of
    the mission area is a limiting factor. By having separate agencies with
    separate national program staffs, there are some inefficiencies that
    cannot be fully addressed without bringing the agencies together. The
    merger of ARS and CSREES will better enable the Under Secretary to
    overcome these inefficiencies.
        Question. Why don't you use the budget process to better coordinate
    research?
        Answer. The REE budget process promotes research coordination
    across the REE agencies. As part of the budget formulation process,
    each year the Under Secretary, in consultation with the agency
    Administrators, identifies high priority issues for which coordinated
    budget requests are developed. The proposals take into consideration
    the current research program within each agency and identify program
    enhancements that are responsive to research needs and agency
    strengths. For example, the President's fiscal year 2008 budget
    proposes complementary budget increases in bioenergy for CSREES, ARS,
    and ERS. Merging ARS and CSREES would result in one National Program
    staff and a single planning process for each program that would result
    in an integrated plan for the core program that capitalizes on the
    strengths of intramural and extramural research and minimizes any
    undesirable redundancies.
        Question. What steps have you taken in the fiscal 2008 budget to
    eliminate redundancies and better coordinate research among ARS and
    CSREES?
        Answer. For the REE fiscal 2008 budget, similar to previous years,
    the Under Secretary, in consultations with the agency Administrators,
    identified high priority issues for which coordinated budget requests
    were developed, thus promoting cross-agency coordination. The Under
    Secretary also oversaw the development of the agency proposed budgets
    to ensure an appropriate balance across programs and agencies. In some
    cases, this involved reprogramming within the core budget.
        Throughout the fiscal year, the agencies frequently coordinate
    efforts on a range of research issues. For example, ARS and CSREES have
    recently developed a joint plan to address the Colony Collapse Disorder
    threatening the honey bee industry and production of many crops. Were
    ARS and CSREES to merge, there would be one national program staff that
    would routinely develop integrated program plans with intramural and
    extramural components. Such plans would inherently promote coordination
    and avoid redundancy.
        Question. What specific direction has been provided to Under
    Secretary Buchanan to make certain that redundancies are eliminated and
    research is better coordinated?
        Answer. USDA is continually striving to maximize the efficiency and
    effectiveness of its programs. Likewise, Under Secretary Buchanan is
    looking for ways to make REE agencies more efficient and effective.
    Merging ARS and CSREES will help reduce redundancies and better
    coordinate research, thus furthering this objective.

                            APHIS PROGRAM COST SHARE

        Question. The President's budget for the Animal and Plant Health
    Inspection Service requests decreases for numerous programs such as
    Agricultural Quarantine Inspection, Boll Weevil, Brucellosis, Chronic
    Wasting Disease, Asian Longhorned Beetle, Glassy-winged Sharpshooter,
    Johne's Disease, Pink Bollworm, Wildlife Services Operations and
    Wildlife Services Methods Development. The justification for the
    funding reductions is the assumption that States or other cooperators/
    beneficiaries will begin paying more toward efforts to fight such plant
    and animal pests and diseases. In some cases, specific cost-share rates
    are indicated.
        For the record, please provide the funding contributions and cost-
    share rates for Federal vs. State/Local/Other for fiscal year 2006, and
    estimates for fiscal year 2007 and fiscal year 2008. for all programs
    in the budget that request decreases to allow others to assume a larger
    funding portion of the program. In addition, please indicate what
    process and/or policies the Department uses to determine appropriate
    cost-share rates for these programs, and provide information on what
    indication you have that other State/cooperator/beneficiaries will
    begin paying the additional costs when Federal contributions are
    reduced.
        Answer. The following table depicts the funding contributions and
    cost-share rates for fiscal year 2006. In addition, we have provided
    estimates for fiscal year 2007 and fiscal year 2008.
        [The information follows:]

                                           TOTAL FUNDING: ALL SOURCES (ANNUAL)
                                                  [Dollars in Millions]
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                          Percent
                                                          Federal       Cooperator         Total          Federal
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Chronic Wasting Disease:
        Fiscal year 2006 actual.....................         $15.163          $4.473         $19.636           77.22
        Fiscal year 2007 (estimated)................          13.746           9.164          22.910           60.00
        fiscal year 2008 (estimated)................          10.009          11.141          21.150           47.32
    EPP-Asian Longhorned Beetle:
        Fiscal year 2006 actual.....................          27.322          10.434          37.756           72.36
        Fiscal year 2007 (estimated)................          19.904          13.713          33.617           59.21
        Fiscal year 2008 (estimated)................          18.316          15.404          33.720           54.32
    EPP-Citrus Health:
        Fiscal year 2006 actual.....................          21.191          39.884          61.075           34.70
        Fiscal year 2007 (estimated)................          36.455          29.022          65.477           55.68
        Fiscal year 2008 (estimated)................          34.409          33.368          67.777           50.77
    EPP-Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter:
        Fiscal year 2006 actual.....................          27.311          25.443          52.754           51.77
        Fiscal year 2007 (estimated)................          24.130          25.000          49.130           49.11
        Fiscal year 2008 (estimated)................          23.174          27.133          50.307           46.07
    Johne's Disease:
        Fiscal year 2006 actual.....................          13.057           6.900          19.957           65.43
        Fiscal year 2007 (estimated)................          12.080           7.877          19.957           60.53
        Fiscal year 2008 (estimated)................           3.266          16.691          19.957           16.37
    Noxious Weeds:
        Fiscal year 2006 actual.....................           1.875           0.121           1.996           93.94
        Fiscal year 2007 (estimated)................           1.441           0.121           1.562           92.25
        Fiscal year 2008 (estimated)................           1.146           0.716           1.862           61.55
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Emergency program costs generally have been shared by APHIS and the
    State(s). These arrangements may also include local governments,
    industries, organizations, and groups that benefit from or are affected
    by animal and plant protection.
        Long-standing relationships between APHIS and State and industry
    cooperators usually enable an effective programmatic response to
    serious outbreaks. While cooperator contributions are frequently in-
    kind or intangible in the early stages of a program, after several
    years USDA expects that funding would be requested at both the Federal
    and State levels, as appropriate, to ensure continued progress in
    controlling and/or managing the pest or disease. When requested funding
    is not provided, USDA evaluates the overall impact to program efforts
    and adjusts future funding requests accordingly.
        USDA believes that increased participation by all parties will
    facilitate improved planning and funding decisions by the Federal
    Government and its cooperators regarding plant and animal pest and
    disease programs. However, USDA has no pre-determined rates.
        In planning with our partners, we consider factors such as the
    availability of funding to program participants; weather and any other
    environmental constraints; the potential of the pest to cause
    significant economic damage to agricultural or natural resources; the
    extent to which the pest or disease has spread; the availability of
    effective detection and control technology or availability of
    diagnostic tests; and, the availability of acceptable alternatives for
    controlling and managing the pest or disease.

          CROSS-CUTTING TRADE NEGOTIATIONS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY RESOURCES

        Question. What is the basis for the funding increase proposed for
    fiscal year 2008?
        Answer. As the usage of biotechnology, both domestically and
    internationally, has expanded in recent years, the Department has
    recognized the need to increase its oversight and regulatory activities
    in this area. The requested funding increase would allow for the
    expansion of regulatory and trade strategies for specialty crops and
    transgenic animals, and improved communication materials for both
    domestic and international markets.
        Question. Specifically, how will the funds for ``cross-cutting
    trade negotiations and biotechnology resources'' be used?
        Answer. Cross-cutting trade and biotechnology funding would be used
    to conduct: quantitative analyses and studies needed to support
    increasingly complex compliance activities; expand a project to develop
    a regulatory and trade strategy for specialty crops; increase
    regulatory activity in the area of transgenic animals--domestically, in
    international markets, and in international standard setting
    organizations; and increase outreach activities for both domestic and
    international markets. These projects would involve multiple USDA
    agencies.
        Question. Please discuss specific results achieved using these
    funds in the past?
        Answer. The Foreign Agricultural Service has used this funding to
    support U.S. trade policy objectives for agricultural biotechnology
    that include expanding market access through negotiation and coalition
    building initiatives. The funds support USDA bilateral and multi-
    lateral negotiating efforts by providing the means to sponsor technical
    and policy level exchanges (e.g., during the Korea and Malaysia FTA
    negotiations, Vietnam WTO accession negotiations, etc.), and to support
    the U.S. WTO challenge of the EU moratorium on agricultural
    biotechnology approvals. The funds also have helped to support U.S.
    coalition building efforts to address overly restrictive
    interpretations of the Cartagena Protocol. U.S. outreach efforts center
    around an array of USDA sponsored workshops hosted in multiple foras,
    including the Asia Pacific Economic Council and North American
    Biotechnology Initiative, to raise awareness of the importance of sound
    regulatory systems. Initiatives undertaken using these funds are aimed
    at increasing market access for U.S. agricultural trade and fostering
    implementation of policies that are transparent and based on sound
    science through coalition building, global public diplomacy, the
    advancement of science-based regulation and in accordance with
    international obligations.
        The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has used the funds
    to focus on two areas. First, to strengthen Federal-State partnerships,
    APHIS' Biotechnology Regulatory Services supported the pilot State
    inspection project, designed and began developing an on-line
    biotechnology training module for State regulatory officials and
    others, and conducted outreach to State regulators. Second, APHIS
    implemented recommendations from the Office of the Inspector General to
    enhance compliance and inspection activities, and funded select
    biotechnology inspections.
        The Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
    used the funds to support the initial phases of the Specialty Crops
    Regulatory Initiative (SCRI), an effort by a diverse group of public
    and private-sector stakeholders to establish an entity that can assist
    developers of biotechnology-derived specialty crops to complete the
    existing regulatory process. During 2006-2007, a consultant for the
    SCRI planning group began development of a business plan and structure
    for SCRI, as well as a roadmap for phased implementation of the SCRI
    program.
        Question. Why should the funds be appropriated to the Office of the
    Secretary instead to specific agencies?
        Answer. Because of the cross-cutting nature of these activities,
    which can involve a number of different USDA agencies, the Department
    proposed several years ago that the funding be provided to the Office
    of the Secretary. This approach allows the funding to be allocated in
    response to emerging issues to whatever agency or agencies have the
    appropriate expertise and knowledge to address them. In addition,
    having a central fund helps in the coordination of these activities
    within the Department and avoids duplication in agencies' efforts.

            OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, PROVINCIAL RECONSTRUCTION TEAMS

        Question. How would the funding be allocated between Iraq and
    Afghanistan?
        Answer. USDA estimates that $5.3 million will be used to support
    PRT activities in Afghanistan and $7.2 million will be used to support
    PRT activities and related technical assistance in Iraq. These
    estimates are subject to change as conditions and opportunities
    dictate.
        Question. For each country, please explain what activities the
    members of the PRT will be involved in.
        Answer. In Iraq, USDA's advisors serving with the PRTs will work to
    support a market-based approach to agribusiness; improve livestock
    health and animal production; improve the production of dryland
    agriculture, especially wheat yields and crop diversification; and
    increase the production and processing of horticultural crops.
        In Afghanistan, USDA will address many of the same issues, and will
    also continue efforts to improve irrigation and farm water use
    efficiency; promote post-harvest storage for improved nutrition;
    stimulate tree production, reforestation, and re-vegetation; and
    reestablish production of high-value horticultural crops.
        Question. How will you measure success?
        Answer. USDA's PRT advisors rely on funding from USAID and the
    military to carry out specific reconstruction projects. In designing
    projects, each advisor will establish metrics to measure success. In
    the long-term, success will be evident in improved crop yields,
    increased irrigated land under cultivation, and greater food stores in
    periods of seasonal need.
        Question. How will you ensure these funds are used effectively?
        Answer. USDA has instituted programmatic and administrative
    controls in field offices as well as Washington-based offices. USDA
    coordinated closely with other U.S. Government, Iraqi, and Afghan
    agencies to ensure that programs are designed to meet the specific
    needs of the end users.
        Question. How much of the requested funding will go into the field?
        Answer. USDA estimates that of the $12.5 million requested for
    these activities in Iraq and Afghanistan, 76 percent or approximately
    $9.5 million will be used to cover in-country staff salaries,
    operations, and technical assistance/capacity building activities.
        Funding that is not used in country covers items that are essential
    for the administration and conduct of these activities. They include
    the costs for such things as recruitment and selection, medical and
    security clearances, supplies and equipment (e.g., satellite phones),
    travel for both recruitment interviews and deployment to the countries,
    and associated administrative costs of FAS, which administers these
    activities on behalf of the Department.
        Question. Will any of the requested funding go to the State
    Department and/or Defense Department? Is so, for what?
        Answer. USDA anticipates that approximately $200,000 will be
    transferred to the State Department to cover fiscal year 2008
    International Cooperative Administrative Support Services (ICASS)
    charges related to USDA activities in Afghanistan. However, we do not
    anticipate that USDA will be assessed fiscal year 2008 ICASS charges
    for USDA activities in Iraq.

            AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH SERVICE, BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES

        Question. How much will the new facility in Athens, Georgia cost to
    construct, furnish, and equip?
        Answer. The latest design and construction estimate is $207
    million--$16 million for design in fiscal year 2008 and $191 million
    for construction. Equipment necessary for the facility is included in
    the total construction cost.
        Question. Please describe the process used to determine that this
    facility is necessary?
        Answer. Avian Influenza is a continuing problem in Asia where
    millions of poultry have been killed to protect both the industry and
    the consumers, and where over 150 humans have died from infection after
    direct contact with sick birds. Avian influenza and other viral
    diseases of poultry, such as NewCastle disease that recently devastated
    the poultry industry in the Southwest require new technologies to
    understand the origin and spread of the disease, their rapid detection
    and their control through vaccines and novel management approaches. A
    leading laboratory in the world to conduct research on such poultry
    diseases is the USDA Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory in Athens,
    Georgia. The high containment laboratory is housed in outdated
    facilities that make it difficult to meet the needs of a modern bio-
    containment facility. Clearly, a new facility is critical to the
    protection of humans as well as poultry. The proposed new, modernized
    facility will meet the long term needs for bio-containment laboratory
    and animal space. It will enable scientists to more adequately address
    the emerging/exotic poultry diseases which threaten not only the
    Nation's poultry industry but potentially the health of hundreds of
    thousands of Americans. This new facility would consolidate existing
    facilities in Athens, Georgia, and East Lansing, Michigan, some of
    which were constructed as early as 1939.
        Question. How will ARS manage this construction project to make
    sure it is on budget and on time?
        Answer. ARS has experience managing projects of this complexity and
    scope as evidenced by the successful implementation of the Ames
    Modernization Project. The engineering and contract management
    responsibilities and oversight will be handled by the ARS Facilities
    Division (FD). All detailed planning, design, scheduling and day-to-day
    construction inspection will be achieved through contracts with
    architect-engineering firms with oversight provided by the FD. Rigorous
    quality assurance measures will be instituted and lessons learned from
    the Ames Modernization Project related to bio- containment construction
    will be incorporated into the management strategy to ensure budget,
    schedule, and quality issues are adequately addressed.
        Question. Are all ARS facilities currently in good repair? Do they
    meet all applicable state and Federal codes? Do they pose any threat to
    human health or safety? Please provide information, including an
    estimated cost, for each location where repairs are necessary to bring
    the facility into compliance.
        Answer. In response to Executive Order 13327, Real Property Asset
    Management, ARS is in the process of implementing a Facility Asset
    Management program that will capture accurate repair and modernization
    needs--information not currently available. A private firm specializing
    in documenting facility condition was hired to support our efforts by
    sampling facility condition, analyzing ARS replacement values, and
    providing estimates of repair needs based upon sampling results and
    industry metrics. Based upon this analysis it has been determined that
    the ARS facility portfolio is considered to be in ``fair'' condition
    with an average condition index of 0.90 out of 1.0, and total deferred
    maintenance needs estimated at $317 million.
        All human health or safety issues are handled immediately utilizing
    existing funding resources. All non-threatening code issues are
    addressed as funds become available.
        Question. Please provide an update on the status of the Anacostia
    Waterfront Corporation's Riverwalk project along the perimeter of the
    U.S. National Arboretum.
        Answer. The U.S. National Arboretum (USNA) has contracted with a
    landscape architecture firm to develop a conceptual plan for
    improvements to and development of the USNA property adjacent to the
    Anacostia River water front. The plan includes access to the Anacostia
    River, a tram stop on the flood plain area, and considerable
    improvements to the entire Asian Collections. Portions of this area
    will become accessible and a new parking lot, as well as orientation
    and restroom facilities are planned. The USNA has met with the National
    Park Service to coordinate long-range plans which were then
    incorporated into a revised USNA Master Plan that was approved by the
    National Capital Planning Commission and the U. S. Commission on Fine
    Arts.

                            USDA OVERSEAS ACTIVITIES

        Question. Please provide information on the activities of USDA in
    the Middle East, Southwest Asia, India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and East
    Africa.
        Answer. The requested information will be provided for the record.
        [The information follows:]
        Middle East and Southwest Asia.--With funding from the Department
    of State under the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), USDA is
    implementing projects supporting Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Trade
    and Investment Framework Agreements (TIFAs), and WTO Accession for
    selected countries in the North Africa and the Gulf Region. Activities
    include technical assistance in food safety and food defense, animal
    health, plant health, and environmental considerations in these areas.
        In Egypt, USDA and USAID are actively engaged in capacity building
    programs in cooperation with Egyptian Ministries. A main effort is to
    develop a biosafety regulatory system. Other U.S.-Egyptian capacity
    building efforts include U.S. inter-agency and Egyptian science and
    technology collaboration and training on sanitary and phytosanitary
    (SPS) standards.
        The Cochran Fellowship Program has trained 163 fellows from
    Southwest Asia and Middle Eastern countries since 1999. Recent programs
    include training in food safety, agricultural extension, grain
    procurement and poultry management. The Norman E. Borlaug International
    Agricultural Science and Technology Fellows Program (Borlaug Fellows
    Program) conducts faculty and scientist exchange programs with
    developing countries. During fiscal years 2004-2007, the Borlaug
    Fellows program included eight participants from the Middle East and 12
    from Southwest Asia.
        India.--USDA is the lead agency on the U.S.-India Agricultural
    Knowledge Initiative (AKI), a 3-year public/private sector Presidential
    Initiative. Support for this initiative comes from USDA and across the
    U.S. Government, resulting in a large number of successful activities
    in four focus areas: (1) university capacity building; (2)
    biotechnology; (3) food processing and marketing; and (4) water
    resource management. For example, USDA is currently supporting four
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) technicians in India
    working on pre-clearance of mangoes. USDA is hosting two workshops on
    food safety regulations in Mumbai and Bangalore, with an upcoming
    workshop on biotechnology for the public and private sector and
    scientists. In addition, USDA worked with the National Association of
    State Universities and Land Grant Colleges to fund small seed grants to
    foster university-to-university collaboration.
        With funds from USAID, USDA is providing training and technical
    assistance to the Government of India on rural electrification and
    alternative financing models. The Cochran Fellowship Program has
    trained 97 Indians since 2000. Under the India-U.S. Agriculture
    Knowledge Initiative, the Cochran Program will train 12 individuals per
    year from 2006 through 2008.
        Afghanistan.--USDA's primary technical assistance initiatives in
    Afghanistan address a range of issues, including livestock health, SPS
    standards, agricultural extension, conservation of biodiversity,
    rangelands and watersheds management, and capacity building in
    information technology and communications. Under the Provincial
    Reconstruction Team (PRT) program, USDA has deployed and supported 36
    agricultural advisors from nine USDA agencies on 9-month assignments.
    The advisors' activities focus on projects that rehabilitate a
    province's agricultural infrastructure, both physical and
    institutional. In 2007, USDA is providing seven advisors for PRTs.
        The Cochran Fellowship Program has trained 14 Afghans since 2004 in
    the areas of small business entrepreneurship and animal disease
    diagnosis. The Cochran Program is currently planning programs for
    fiscal year 2007 and fiscal year 2008 in the areas of animal health and
    agricultural extension.
        Pakistan.--Under a reimbursable agreement, since 2006 USDA has had
    two staff members detailed to USAID/Pakistan, working on the 4-year,
    $200 million Pakistan Earthquake Reconstruction Program. USDA staff
    lead a 10-person team spread across four locations in Pakistan. The
    teams focus on construction, training, capacity building, and the
    rehabilitation of livelihoods (agriculture and markets). The Cochran
    Program has trained 20 Fellows from Pakistan since 2000 in the areas of
    feed manufacturing, grain procurement, cotton classification,
    cooperative development, biotechnology and wheat milling.
        East Africa.--In 2007, USDA led an Agribusiness Trade and
    Investment Mission to East Africa. Participant countries included
    Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. The
    Mission's objectives were to promote U.S.-Africa agribusiness
    cooperation, trade, and investment. Under the Africa Growth and
    Opportunities Act (AGOA) USDA is implementing an SPS program that
    includes capacity building in plant and animal health and food safety
    systems for the East Africa region. This program specifically helps the
    following East African countries: Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, and
    Tanzania. The Cochran Fellowship Program has trained 207 fellows from
    East Africa; Cochran expects to train a total of 20-25 participants
    from these countries in fiscal year 2007. The Borlaug Fellows program
    on Women in Science has supported six scholars from Kenya and five from
    Uganda.
        USDA has also provided food assistance to various countries in
    these regions as follows:

     USDA FOOD AID ACTIVITIES IN SELECTED COUNTRIES IN FISCAL YEAR 2006 AND
                                FISCAL YEAR 2007
                              [Dollars in millions]
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Country                       Activity            Value
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Afghanistan........................  School feeding........        $26.2
    Afghanistan........................  Agricultural                   12.7
                                          development.
    Afghanistan........................  Agricultural and rural         10.4
                                          development.
    Afghanistan........................  Agricultural and rural          9.5
                                          development.
    Bangladesh.........................  School feeding and              4.4
                                          food processing
                                          improvements.
    Bangladesh.........................  School feeding........          7.4
    Ethiopia...........................  Support for poverty             6.3
                                          alleviation programs.
    Jordan.............................  Agricultural                   20.0
                                          development, natural
                                          resource management,
                                          and income
                                          supplements for the
                                          poor.
    Kenya..............................  School feeding........         18.1
    Kenya..............................  Dairy development.....          7.8
    Kenya..............................  Rural development and           9.1
                                          improvement in
                                          financing system.
    Lebanon............................  Agricultural                    9.2
                                          development and food
                                          security.
    Mozambique.........................  Agricultural                   12.7
                                          development.
    Mozambique.........................  School feeding........          4.4
    Mozambique.........................  Rural development and           8.4
                                          HIV/AIDS education
                                          and prevention.
    Pakistan...........................  School feeding and              8.1
                                          food processing
                                          improvement.
    Pakistan...........................  School feeding........          7.0
    Pakistan...........................  Relief for earthquake          11.9
                                          victims.
    Sri Lanka..........................  School feeding........          0.2
    Sri Lanka..........................  Agricultural                   10.7
                                          development and de-
                                          mining.
    Tanzania...........................  Agricultural                    6.8
                                          development.
    Yemen..............................  Rural development.....         11.6
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

                              FOOD SAFETY RESEARCH

        Question. Please provide an overview on all food safety research
    being conducted through ARS and CSREES.
        Answer. The information is submitted for the record.
        [The information follows:]
        ARS food safety research focuses on finding ways to assess and
    control potentially harmful food contaminants. These activities are
    conducted through 4 program components: microbial pathogens; chemical
    contaminants; mycotoxins and plant toxins. Research is designed to
    yield science-based knowledge on the safe production, storage,
    processing and handling of plant and animal products, and on the
    detection and control of toxin-producing and/or pathogenic bacteria and
    fungi, parasites, chemical contaminants, mycotoxins, plant toxins and
    biosecurity. This knowledge will assist regulatory agencies and the
    food industry in reducing the incidence of foodborne illnesses. ARS
    research also assists defense related agencies.
        The research program is directed towards improving public health,
    which is in-line with other countries. Research accomplishments are
    measured by the development, transfer and implementation of new
    technologies to Federal agencies and the private sector. Since food-
    safety and -security are global issues, research also involves both
    national and international collaborations.
        The program's role in bioterrorism related research is to establish
    methods to protect ``at-risk'' foods; strengthen and expand laboratory
    preparedness; and develop rapid and confirmatory laboratory methods to
    analyze suspect foods for ``select agents,'' toxins and chemical
    contaminants.
        Research is coordinated to meet the needs of USDA-FSIS; DHHS-FDA
    and the CDC, EPA and the DHS. The Program collaborates with the FDA,
    CDC, DHS, and fellow USDA agencies CSREES, ERS and FSIS on a wide
    variety of issues.
        A detailed 2006-2010 Action Plan outlining the ARS Food Safety
    Research Program is available at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/
    programs/programs.htm?np_code=108&docid=278
        The Food Safety Program has a long history of accomplishments for
    its major stakeholders and customers. The 5-year Accomplishment Report
    is available at: http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/programs/
    programs.htm?np_code=108&docid=7589
        Recent areas of accomplishment include:
      --Sensing technologies that enable detection of fecal contamination
            on animal carcasses and produce, helping lower the incidence of
            E. coli 0157:H7.
      --Giving cattle an oral dose of sodium chlorate prior to slaughter
            holds promise as an effective intervention to kill E. coli in
            live cattle.
      --Rapid, sensitive and inexpensive assays for detecting pathogens and
            chemical residues, for example dioxins in food.
        Among the food safety research goals for the coming 5-years are:
      --Understanding the epidemiology and ecology of pathogens in the farm
            environment through production and processing.
      --Development of intervention strategies to control pathogens in
            animal and produce production and processing.
      --Identification of factors responsible for mediating antibiotic
            resistance in foodborne and other bacteria.
      --Genomics to understand the differences between pathogens and non-
            pathogens, and identify factors that encode for variations in
            virulence.
      --Development and validation of methodologies and rapid screening
            tests, including on-line methods, to detect fungal and plant
            toxins.
        The Food Safety Program involves 10 major laboratories and
    approximately 250 scientists. The total budget for fiscal year 2007 is
    $105.2 million.
        CSREES' competitively funded food safety research programs are
    presently focusing on a few areas of interest to U.S. agriculture and
    consumers, including microbial contamination of fresh produce which is
    minimally processed prior to consumption. Bacterial pathogens E. coli
    and Salmonella are emphasized in this area as they have been
    particularly problematic. Contamination of seafood with viruses and
    Vibrio bacteria, Campylobacter and Salmonella bacteria in poultry and
    swine, and epidemiological approaches to development of on-farm
    mitigation measures and analysis of critical control points are also
    focus areas for the Agency this year. Also funded are competitively
    awarded projects which couple research, education, and extension
    activities with focus on education, certification, and training of
    industry, retail personnel, and consumers. Integrated food safety
    projects also include emphasis in analysis of microbial contamination
    of fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat and poultry with subsequent
    information exchange through formal and informal educational settings.
        Funded projects cover a wide variety of food safety issues;
    however, all maintain a scope of funding that relies on producing real-
    world answers to problems facing the food production, processing,
    distribution and regulatory communities as well as consumers. Priority
    areas align with CSREES mission and relevant goals, and demonstrate
    relevance to U.S. agriculture. Priorities are assessed annually to
    ensure food safety programs are able to respond to emerging issues. It
    is estimated that $23 million of CSREES funds in fiscal year 2006,
    fiscal year 2007, and fiscal year 2008 support food safety research.
                                     ______

                 Questions Submitted by Senator Robert C. Byrd

                     NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

        Question. Could you please provide the committee with information
    regarding plans by the Department to close agency field offices across
    the country, including the possible reorganization of these offices
    within each State? The committee is aware that some States are
    currently operating with a deficit in funding and one of the options
    apparently being discussed to address these deficits is the
    reorganization of field offices in these states. I have been informed
    that NRCS in West Virginia, for example, could have a loss in workforce
    to address the deficit in our state. I have heard concerns from my
    constituents that a NRCS office in Hamlin, West Virginia, could be
    closed which will result in a loss of services to constituents in
    southern West Virginia.
        Answer. In the face of constrained discretionary funding levels,
    NRCS has taken appropriate management steps to ensure that NRCS
    operates within its budget. As part of this effort, a central point of
    focus has been to ensure that there is the right number of offices in
    the right places. NRCS has not prescribed specific office moves or
    consolidation from Washington, DC. Instead, NRCS leadership believes
    that local agency staff, including the State Conservationist, know the
    State and local needs better than anyone. State Conservationists have
    to manage and work within a budget allocation each year. As a result,
    states are working with local partners, stakeholders, and constituents
    to develop plans that work to the betterment of each locale. Consistent
    with the Department's policy of keeping Congress informed of its
    activities, NRCS will notify Congress of office closures as
    appropriate.

                               RURAL DEVELOPMENT

        Question. Could you please provide the committee with information
    regarding plans by the Department to close agency field offices across
    the country, including the possible reorganization of these offices
    within each State? The committee is aware that some states are
    currently operating with a deficit in funding and one of the options
    apparently being discussed to address these deficits is the
    reorganization of field offices in these states. I have heard concerns
    from my constituents that it is possible that Rural Development offices
    could be closed or reorganized in West Virginia which will result in a
    loss of services to my constituents.
        Answer. The Rural Development State Directors have developed their
    reorganization plans for National Office consideration. While some
    employees will be working at a different office location, we are making
    every effort to minimize the disruption to staff. Rural Development is
    not proposing a Reduction-in-Force and all employees will be offered a
    position at their current grade and pay level. We are also seeking
    Voluntary Early Retirement Authority which could be of interest to
    those employees who are several years short of being eligible for
    regular retirement.
        Since the State plans are currently being reviewed, we do not know
    the number of offices to be closed or that will operate on a part-time
    basis. RD will keep the committee informed of its plans. It is RD's
    intent that the reorganization be completed by March, 2008.
        Our intent is to train staff so that they are knowledgeable in all
    Rural Development programs in order to provide better customer. We
    anticipate no reduction in services and plan to continue to provide
    comprehensive access to our programs.

                              FARM SERVICE AGENCY

        Question. Could you please provide the committee with information
    regarding plans by the Department to close agency field offices across
    the country, including the possible reorganization of these offices
    within each State? The committee is aware that some states are
    currently operating with a deficit in funding and one of the options
    apparently being discussed to address these deficits is the
    reorganization of field offices in these States. I have heard concerns
    from my constituents that it is possible that Farm Service Agency
    offices could be closed or reorganized in West Virginia which will
    result in a loss of services to my constituents.
        Answer. As competition and accountability for limited resources
    continue to increase, we want to ensure we are still providing our
    customers with the efficient, accurate and timely service they deserve.
    Our FSA State Executive Directors (SEDs) are conducting independent,
    local-level reviews of the efficiency and effectiveness of the FSA
    office structure in their State. In each State, the SED and State
    Committee have formed a review committee to develop proposals for the
    optimum network of FSA facilities, staffing, training, and technology
    for their State within existing budgetary resources and staffing
    ceilings. FSA is committed to meeting the needs of farmers and ranchers
    in the 21st century, and our hope is to wisely invest in our employees,
    technology and equipment.
        There is no comprehensive national plan or formula for identifying
    the optimum network of FSA offices. Each State will submit
    recommendations to FSA's Deputy Administrator for Field Operations for
    review. If a State's plan proposes office closures or consolidations,
    we will strictly and faithfully follow the congressional and public
    notification procedures as required and outlined in Public Law 110-5.
    If a State recommends that any of our offices be closed or
    consolidated, we will hold public meetings in that county with area
    farmers, ranchers, and stakeholders within 30 days of headquarters
    concurrence with the plan. We will notify Congress of the Agency's
    intent to close offices 120 days prior to closure.
                                     ______

                  Question Submitted by Senator Arlen Specter

                      COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM

        Question. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides
    6.4 million food packages to over 500,000 mothers, infants, children,
    and primarily low-income seniors--in fiscal year 2005, 15,575
    households in PA received CSFP packages. CSFP food packages are
    delivered monthly, and provide $20 worth of food including cheese,
    milk, and canned fruits and vegetables. In his fiscal year 2008 budget
    request, as in his fiscal year 2007 request, the President eliminated
    this program, stating that Food Stamps and the WIC program could meet
    the needs of CSFP recipients. Congress provided $112 million in fiscal
    year 2006 and has maintained that level in the fiscal year 2007
    Continuing Resolution. Seniors, who represent 90 percent of CSFP
    recipients, are not eligible for the WIC program, and many of these
    seniors are also not eligible for food stamps, or are only eligible to
    receive $10 per month in food stamp benefits. Additionally, for seniors
    with disabilities, the CSFP program meets a vital need by bringing food
    directly to their homes. How does the Department plan to meet the needs
    of many of these seniors who depend on the CSFP program and who will
    not be eligible to receive any benefits, or will receive reduced
    benefits, from the Food Stamp program?
        Answer. Elderly participants who are leaving the CSFP upon
    termination of its funding and who are not already receiving food stamp
    benefits would be eligible to receive a transitional benefit worth $20
    per month, ending in the first month following enrollment in the Food
    Stamp Program under normal program rules, or 6 months, whichever occurs
    first. Based on the information we have about the characteristics of
    all elderly food stamp participants, the average monthly food stamp
    benefit for an elderly person living alone was $70 per month in 2005.
    The percentage of food stamp households with elderly that received the
    maximum benefit (14.1 percent) was nearly as large as the percentage
    that received the minimum benefit of $10 (15.5 percent). Using
    information on the financial circumstances of low-income elderly, we
    estimate that CSFP participants transitioning to food stamps will
    receive an average monthly benefit of $54 per person.
        Elderly CSFP participants who are ineligible for food stamps will
    be treated no differently than anyone else living in similar
    circumstances who is currently unable to participate in the CSFP due to
    its limited availability. Former CSFP participants will have access to
    the Emergency Food Assistance Program and other government and private
    non-profit programs that offer community-based food assistance
    opportunities.
        Included in these programs are Federal nutrition assistance
    programs targeted specifically to seniors. These programs, administered
    by the Administration on Aging and authorized by the Older Americans
    Act of 1965, include congregate nutrition services and home-delivered
    nutrition services. The Administration's 2008 budget request includes
    $383 million and $181 million for these two programs, respectively. In
    addition, the 2008 budget request includes $147 million for the
    Nutrition Services Incentive Program. Combined, the Older Americans
    Nutrition Programs serve about 250 million congregate and in-home meals
    to about 2.6 million older adults annually.

                             FSIS IT INFRASTRUCTURE

        Question. It is my understanding that USDA's Food Safety and
    Inspection Service is initiating a major change in its inspection
    program in order to allocate Agency resources according to risk. In
    order to determine risk on an ongoing basis, the Agency will need to
    analyze a significant amount of data from a wide variety of diverse
    sources. Please detail the level of funding for information technology
    infrastructure for FSIS for fiscal year 2008 and compare this funding
    to 1) previous funding for information technology for FSIS for the past
    3 fiscal years, and 2) information technology infrastructure funding
    for other agencies in the Department.
        Answer. A chart detailing the funding for information technology
    infrastructure for USDA by mission area, for the previous 3 fiscal
    years, is provided for the record.
        [The information follows:]

                                      INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS BY AGENCY
                                                  [Dollars in Millions]
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                Fiscal Year
                         Agency                      ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        2002 Actual     2006 Actual    2007 Estimate    2008 Budget
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services:
        Foreign Agricultural Service................           $23.3           $23.1           $29.9           $26.2
        Farm Service Agency.........................           237.6           263.6           270.4           303.0
        Risk Management Agency......................            17.6            20.4            21.7            30.7
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
          Subtotal, FFAS............................           278.5           307.2           322.0           359.9
                                                     ===============================================================
    Food Nutrition and Consumer Services: Food and              52.2           593.8           605.3           641.2
     Nutrition Service..............................
    Food Safety: Food Safety and Inspection Service.            39.6            43.4            40.2            38.2
    Natural Resources and Environment:
        Natural Resources Conservation Service......            71.8           102.3           104.4            71.6
        Forest Service..............................           411.2           396.7           410.0           407.1
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
          Subtotal, NRE.............................           483.0           499.0           514.3           478.7
                                                     ===============================================================
    Research, Education and Economics:
        Agricultural Research Service...............            37.4            52.2            59.1            39.3
        Cooperative State Research, Education &                 10.0             9.7            10.8            10.8
         Extension Service..........................
        Economic Research Service...................             7.1             7.3             6.1             6.3
        National Agricultural Statistics Service....            23.5            24.1            24.3            24.8
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
          Subtotal, REE.............................            78.0            93.2           100.3            81.3
                                                     ===============================================================
    Rural Development: Rural Development............           108.5           119.9           137.5           138.1
    Marketing and Regulatory Programs:
        Agricultural Marketing Service..............            18.1            35.8            35.2            48.3
        Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service..            75.1            81.7            73,7            76.2
        Grain Inspection, Packers & Stockyards                   6.9            12.6            12.3            10.7
         Administration.............................
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
          Subtotal, MRP.............................           100.0           130.0           121.2           135.2
                                                     ===============================================================
    Office of the Chief Financial Officer: Office of            83.4            99.5           188.7           118.8
     the Chief Financial Officer....................
    Office of the Chief Information Officer:
        Office of the Chief Information Officer.....           145.0            62.2            54.0            30.2
        Common Computing Environment................           179.9           128.3           217.8         ( /1/ )
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
          Subtotal, OCIO............................           324.9           190.4           271.8            30.2
                                                     ===============================================================
    Staff Offices...................................            45.7            44.7            56.5            69.7
                                                     ---------------------------------------------------------------
        Total, Information Technology Investments...         1,593.9         2,121.0          ,357.9        2,091.3
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Fiscal year 2008 President's Budget includes funding for CCE in FSA, RD, and NRCS.

        Question. Is the current level of funding sufficient for FSIS' data
    analysis needs for the Agency's new risk-based inspection initiative?
        Answer. The Food Safety and Inspection Service's fiscal year 2008
    budget request includes sufficient funding for hardware and software
    application needs, which includes the agency's needs for risk-based
    inspection in processing.
                                     ______

               Questions Submitted by Senator Christopher S. Bond

                         LOAN PROGRAM DELINQUENCY RATES

        Question. For the geopolitical districts (States, Congressional
    districts) involved in each Federally declared disaster during the past
    5 years, please provide a table showing the delinquency rates of
    participants in all USDA loan programs for each of the past 5 years.
         Please clearly indicate in which of the past 5 years the disaster
    affecting that district was declared and what the nature of the
    disaster was.
        Answer. I have asked my staff to prepare the available data.
        [The information follows:]

                                                 EMERGENCY DISASTER DESIGNATIONS APPROVED/PROCESSED BY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND PROGRAMS BRANCH, PECD
                                                                                   [Final totals for fiscal year 2002]
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             State Abbrev                 Name          PRE-Primary   PRE-Contiguous    ADM-Primary   ADM-Contiguous    SEC-Primary   SEC-Contiguous        PRE             ADM             SEC
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    AL............................  Alabama.........              19              35  ..............  ..............  ..............               7              54  ..............               7
    AK............................  Alaska..........               6              15  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............              21  ..............  ..............
    AZ............................  Arizona.........               4              11  ..............  ..............              20              10              15  ..............              30
    AR............................  Arkansas........              20              69               9              29               6              26              89              38              32
    CA............................  California......  ..............               1  ..............  ..............              10              49               1  ..............              59
    CO............................  Colorado........              59               9  ..............  ..............              62              61              68  ..............             123
    CT............................  Connecticut.....  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............              10  ..............  ..............              10
    DE............................  Delaware........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               1  ..............  ..............               1
    FL............................  Florida.........               4               3  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               7  ..............  ..............
    GA............................  Georgia.........  ..............               5               2              10              25              86               5              12             111
    HI............................  Hawaii..........  ..............  ..............               1  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               1  ..............
    ID............................  Idaho...........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............              10              47  ..............  ..............              57
    IL............................  Illinois........             106             129  ..............  ..............  ..............               9             235  ..............               9
    IN............................  Indiana.........              72             112               5              22               6              34             184              27              40
    IA............................  Iowa............              21              26  ..............  ..............               8              29              47  ..............              37
    KS............................  Kansas..........              35              40  ..............               6              75             135              75               6             210
    KY............................  Kentucky........              86             157  ..............               2  ..............              19             243               2              19
    LA............................  Louisiana.......              15              15  ..............               2              32              26              30               2              58
    ME............................  Maine...........  ..............  ..............               1  ..............              27               5  ..............               1              32
    MD............................  Maryland........               3               7               1  ..............  ..............               8              10               1               8
    MA............................  Massachusetts...  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               7              12  ..............  ..............              19
    MI............................  Michigan........               7              14  ..............               1             107              59              21               1             166
    MN............................  Minnesota.......              26              70  ..............  ..............              15              36              96  ..............              51
    MS............................  Mississippi.....              21              38               6              15              21              43              59              21              64
    MO............................  Missouri........             142             283  ..............               1              14              51             425               1              65
    MT............................  Montana.........               5              10  ..............  ..............              56              24              15  ..............              80
    NE............................  Nebraska........               1               5               9              35             104             125               6              44             229
    NV............................  Nevada..........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               1              15  ..............  ..............              16
    NH............................  New Hampshire...  ..............               2  ..............  ..............  ..............              11               2  ..............              11
    NJ............................  New Jersey......  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NM............................  New Mexico......  ..............              10  ..............  ..............              38              24              10  ..............              62
    NY............................  New York........              56              15               1               4              54             106              71               5             160
    NC............................  North Carolina..  ..............               8  ..............  ..............              60              53               8  ..............             113
    ND............................  North Dakota....              10              35  ..............  ..............              83              39              45  ..............             122
    OH............................  Ohio............  ..............              10  ..............               2              43              95              10               2             138
    OK............................  Oklahoma........              48              37               1               4             105              28              85               5             133
    OR............................  Oregon..........               5               9  ..............  ..............               7              26              14  ..............              33
    PA............................  Pennsylvania....  ..............               7  ..............  ..............              46              36               7  ..............              82
    RI............................  Rhode Island....  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               4  ..............  ..............               4
    SC............................  South Carolina..  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............              46              11  ..............  ..............              57
    SD............................  South Dakota....  ..............               1  ..............  ..............              55              54               1  ..............             109
    TN............................  Tennessee.......              36              72               7              20              27              77             108              27             104
    TX............................  Texas...........              67             215               6              34              69             300             282              40             369
    UT............................  Utah............  ..............               7  ..............  ..............              53              11               7  ..............              64
    VT............................  Vermont.........               4              15  ..............  ..............              11              16              19  ..............              27
    VA............................  Virginia........              25              86  ..............  ..............              14              80             111  ..............              94
    WA............................  Washington......  ..............  ..............               1               6              17              43  ..............               7              60
    WV............................  West Virginia...              11              41  ..............  ..............  ..............               7              52  ..............               7
    WI............................  Wisconsin.......              27              51               9              34  ..............               6              78              43               6
    WY............................  Wyoming.........  ..............               4  ..............  ..............              29              41               4  ..............              70
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          TOTALS..................  ................             941           1,679              59             227           1,363           1,995           2,620             286           3,358
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          TOTALS..................                                                                               6,264
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    PRE=Presidental, ADM=FSA Administrator, SEC=Sectretarial.

                                                 EMERGENCY DISASTER DESIGNATIONS APPROVED/PROCESSED BY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND PROGRAMS BRANCH, PECD
                                                                                [Preliminary totals for fiscal year 2003]
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             State Abbrev                 Name          PRE-Primary   PRE-Contiguous    ADM-Primary   ADM-Contiguous    SEC-Primary   SEC-Contiguous        PRE             ADM             SEC
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    AL............................  Alabama.........              69              68  ..............               4              67              49             137               4             116
    AK............................  Alaska..........              11              18  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............              29  ..............  ..............
    AZ............................  Arizona.........               1               6  ..............  ..............              16               9               7  ..............              25
    AR............................  Arkansas........              41              75              28              72              93              48             116             100             141
    CA............................  California......  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............              52              74  ..............  ..............             126
    CO............................  Colorado........              29              28  ..............               3               6              26              57               3              32
    CT............................  Connecticut.....               8               7  ..............               8               8              13              15               8              21
    DE............................  Delaware........               7               8  ..............               1               3               7              15               1              10
    FL............................  Florida.........              10              20  ..............               2              12              23              30               2              35
    GA............................  Georgia.........  ..............              32               4              13             270              67              32              17             337
    HI............................  Hawaii..........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               1  ..............  ..............  ..............               1
    ID............................  Idaho...........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............              24              35  ..............  ..............              59
    IL............................  Illinois........              16              46  ..............               4              65              66              62               4             131
    IN............................  Indiana.........              67              87  ..............  ..............              74              51             154  ..............             125
    IA............................  Iowa............  ..............               4               2              11              21              34               4              13              55
    KS............................  Kansas..........              15              50  ..............               5              63              66              65               5             129
    KY............................  Kentucky........             119             157  ..............               6             120              61             276               6             181
    LA............................  Louisiana.......              86             118               2              11              63              51             204              13             114
    ME............................  Maine...........              12              11  ..............  ..............              16               2              23  ..............              18
    MD............................  Maryland........              44              52  ..............  ..............              21              12              96  ..............              33
    MA............................  Massachusetts...              14              14              10               3              12              12              28              13              24
    MI............................  Michigan........              14              14               2              11              33              25              28              13              58
    MN............................  Minnesota.......  ..............  ..............              10              31               6              22  ..............              41              28
    MS............................  Mississippi.....              57             114  ..............               6              82              50             171               6             132
    MO............................  Missouri........              75              73  ..............               9              29              59             148               9              88
    MT............................  Montana.........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               2               3  ..............  ..............               5
    NE............................  Nebraska........              19              52              21              62              53              17              71              83              70
    NV............................  Nevada..........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............              34               6  ..............  ..............              40
    NH............................  New Hampshire...               7              15  ..............               3              10  ..............              22               3              10
    NJ............................  New Jersey......              26              22               8              12              19              20              48              20              39
    NM............................  New Mexico......  ..............               3  ..............  ..............  ..............              17               3  ..............              17
    NY............................  New York........             133              95               9              39              81              82             228              48             163
    NC............................  North Carolina..              76              76               1               5              44              79             152               6             123
    ND............................  North Dakota....               1               6  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               7  ..............  ..............
    OH............................  Ohio............              76             181              21              28             158              24             257              49             182
    OK............................  Oklahoma........              41              77               1               5              75              47             118               6             122
    OR............................  Oregon..........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............              14              38  ..............  ..............              52
    PA............................  Pennsylvania....              50             111  ..............               6              59              49             161               6             108
    RI............................  Rhode Island....               2               6  ..............               3               5  ..............               8               3               5
    SC............................  South Carolina..               6              15  ..............  ..............              46              25              21  ..............              71
    SD............................  South Dakota....  ..............               5               9              18               8              31               5              27              39
    TN............................  Tennessee.......             120             179               3               9             108             149             299              12             257
    TX............................  Texas...........              91             212               1               9             163             222             303              10             385
    UT............................  Utah............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............              29               8  ..............  ..............              37
    VT............................  Vermont.........               4              16  ..............               2               6              20              20               2              26
    VA............................  Virginia........             139             166              15              48             105             144             305              63             249
    WA............................  Washington......  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............              34              86  ..............  ..............             120
    WV............................  West Virginia...              79             119  ..............              12              51              54             198              12             105
    WI............................  Wisconsin.......  ..............  ..............               4              16              41              35  ..............              20              76
    WY............................  Wyoming.........  ..............               3  ..............  ..............               7              11               3  ..............              18
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          TOTALS..................  ................           1,565           2,361             151             477           2,309           2,029           3,926             628           4,338
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          GRAND TOTAL.............                                                                               8,892
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    PRE=Presidental, ADM=FSA Administrator, SEC=Sectretarial.

                                                 EMERGENCY DISASTER DESIGNATIONS APPROVED/PROCESSED BY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND PROGRAMS BRANCH, PECD
                                                                                [Preliminary totals for fiscal year 2004]
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             State Abbrev                 Name          PRE-Primary   PRE-Contiguous    ADM-Primary   ADM-Contiguous    SEC-Primary   SEC-Contiguous        PRE             ADM             SEC
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    AL............................  Alabama.........              67              44  ..............  ..............  ..............               5             111  ..............               5
    AK............................  Alaska..........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    AZ............................  Arizona.........  ..............               2  ..............  ..............  ..............               9               2  ..............               9
    AR............................  Arkansas........              28              35              14              29              55              83              63              43             138
    CA............................  California......               8              18  ..............  ..............              40             181              26  ..............             221
    CO............................  Colorado........  ..............               2  ..............               2              49              71               2               2             120
    CT............................  Connecticut.....               7               8  ..............  ..............               8               9              15  ..............              17
    DE............................  Delaware........  ..............               2  ..............  ..............  ..............               3               2  ..............               3
    FL............................  Florida.........             174             117  ..............  ..............  ..............               9             291  ..............               9
    GA............................  Georgia.........             124             157  ..............  ..............              87              37             281  ..............             124
    HI............................  Hawaii..........  ..............  ..............               3  ..............               7               2  ..............               3               9
    ID............................  Idaho...........  ..............               7  ..............  ..............              33              63               7  ..............              96
    IL............................  Illinois........               4              40  ..............               5              42              53              44               5              95
    IN............................  Indiana.........              89             104  ..............  ..............              30              34             193  ..............              64
    IA............................  Iowa............              77              83  ..............               9              72              74             160               9             146
    KS............................  Kansas..........              31              77  ..............               2             129             103             108               2             232
    KY............................  Kentucky........             105              92               1               6  ..............              23             197               7              23
    LA............................  Louisiana.......              17              30               1               6              49              38              47               7              87
    ME............................  Maine...........              25              23  ..............  ..............               4               9              48  ..............              13
    MD............................  Maryland........  ..............              11  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............              11  ..............  ..............
    MA............................  Massachusetts...              17              15  ..............  ..............              10              13              32  ..............              23
    MI............................  Michigan........              23              31               1               5             126              90              54               6             216
    MN............................  Minnesota.......  ..............              15               5              25              65              59              15              30             124
    MS............................  Mississippi.....              23              35               3              10  ..............              11              58              13              11
    MO............................  Missouri........              37              43  ..............               5              78              81              80               5             159
    MT............................  Montana.........  ..............               4  ..............  ..............              46              45               4  ..............              91
    NE............................  Nebraska........              39              61              17              50              61              99             100              67             160
    NV............................  Nevada..........               1               7  ..............  ..............              17              13               8  ..............              30
    NH............................  New Hampshire...               8              15  ..............  ..............  ..............               6              23  ..............               6
    NJ............................  New Jersey......               2              12  ..............  ..............              16               3              14  ..............              19
    NM............................  New Mexico......  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............              32              20  ..............  ..............              52
    NY............................  New York........              18              62               7              20              55             101              80              27             156
    NC............................  North Carolina..              86              79  ..............               1               6              29             165               1              35
    ND............................  North Dakota....              27              32  ..............               4              82              44              59               4             126
    OH............................  Ohio............              72             130  ..............  ..............              46              77             202  ..............             123
    OK............................  Oklahoma........  ..............               7  ..............               1  ..............              34               7               1              34
    OR............................  Oregon..........              30              10  ..............  ..............              12              44              40  ..............              56
    PA............................  Pennsylvania....              70             102               2              14               1              19             172              16              20
    RI............................  Rhode Island....  ..............               7  ..............  ..............  ..............               6               7  ..............               6
    SC............................  South Carolina..              22              57  ..............  ..............               8              20              79  ..............              28
    SD............................  South Dakota....               9              21  ..............               6              74              70              30               6             144
    TN............................  Tennessee.......  ..............              35  ..............  ..............              12              32              35  ..............              44
    TX............................  Texas...........  ..............               5               6              41              82             432               5              47             514
    UT............................  Utah............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............              20              30  ..............  ..............              50
    VT............................  Vermont.........               7              17  ..............  ..............  ..............               4              24  ..............               4
    VA............................  Virginia........              22              64               2               6               9              50              86               8              59
    WA............................  Washington......              15              18  ..............  ..............              29              45              33  ..............              74
    WV............................  West Virginia...              84             124  ..............               2  ..............               4             208               2               4
    WI............................  Wisconsin.......              44              44              39             161              59              38              88             200              97
    WY............................  Wyoming.........  ..............  ..............  ..............               2              14              37  ..............               2              51
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          TOTALS..................  ................           1,412           1,904             101             412           1,565           2,362           3,316             513           3,927
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          GRAND TOTAL.............                                                                               7,756
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    PRE=Presidental, ADM=FSA Administrator, SEC=Sectretarial.

                                                 EMERGENCY DISASTER DESIGNATIONS APPROVED/PROCESSED BY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND PROGRAMS BRANCH, PECD
                                                                                   [Final totals for fiscal year 2005]
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             State Abbrev                 Name          PRE-Primary   PRE-Contiguous    ADM-Primary   ADM-Contiguous    SEC-Primary   SEC-Contiguous        PRE             ADM             SEC
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    AL............................  Alabama.........              53              95  ..............              10  ..............              21             148              10              21
    AK............................  Alaska..........               3               5  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               8  ..............  ..............
    AZ............................  Arizona.........              15              18               3               6  ..............               3              33               9               3
    AR............................  Arkansas........               0               6  ..............               2              40              56               6               2              96
    CA............................  California......              15              18               1               5              49             146              33               6             195
    CO............................  Colorado........               0               5  ..............  ..............               5              23               5  ..............              28
    CT............................  Connecticut.....               0               4  ..............  ..............               4               9               4  ..............              13
    DE............................  Delaware........               1               2  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               3  ..............  ..............
    FL............................  Florida.........              30              62  ..............               1  ..............               4              92               1               4
    GA............................  Georgia.........               0              27              22              77              32              49              27              99              81
    HI............................  Hawaii..........               1  ..............               4  ..............  ..............  ..............               1               4  ..............
    ID............................  Idaho...........               1               6  ..............  ..............              11              37               7  ..............              48
    IL............................  Illinois........              16              24  ..............  ..............              93              27              40  ..............             120
    IN............................  Indiana.........             136              45              20              16  ..............              24             181              36              24
    IA............................  Iowa............               0               6  ..............               1              16              27               6               1              43
    KS............................  Kansas..........              41              35  ..............               3              19             101              76               3             120
    KY............................  Kentucky........              30              82  ..............              10  ..............              24             112              10              24
    LA............................  Louisiana.......              54              83               1               6  ..............              20             137               7              20
    ME............................  Maine...........              13              11  ..............  ..............               2               6              24  ..............               8
    MD............................  Maryland........               0               2  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               2  ..............  ..............
    MA............................  Massachusetts...               0               3               3               5               2               8               3               8              10
    MI............................  Michigan........               0               3              27              25              94              41               3              52             135
    MN............................  Minnesota.......               7              19  ..............  ..............              65              82              26  ..............             147
    MS............................  Mississippi.....              74              70              11              44              69              49             144              55             118
    MO............................  Missouri........               0              13  ..............               1             112              20              13               1             132
    MT............................  Montana.........               0               1  ..............  ..............              43              49               1  ..............              92
    NE............................  Nebraska........              11              26              12              32              30              54              37              44              84
    NV............................  Nevada..........               2              12  ..............               3              19              13              14               3              32
    NH............................  New Hampshire...               0               5  ..............               2  ..............  ..............               5               2  ..............
    NJ............................  New Jersey......              14              30  ..............  ..............               4              11              44  ..............              15
    NM............................  New Mexico......               0              10  ..............  ..............               1              14              10  ..............              15
    NY............................  New York........              48             113               7              23              65             105             161              30             170
    NC............................  North Carolina..               0              26  ..............  ..............  ..............               7              26  ..............               7
    ND............................  North Dakota....              26              49  ..............  ..............              14              23              75  ..............              37
    OH............................  Ohio............              79              59               6              24             108              82             138              30             190
    OK............................  Oklahoma........               0              10  ..............  ..............              60              41              10  ..............             101
    OR............................  Oregon..........               0               1  ..............  ..............               5              26               1  ..............              31
    PA............................  Pennsylvania....              11              50  ..............               2  ..............              18              61               2              18
    RI............................  Rhode Island....               0  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               0  ..............  ..............
    SC............................  South Carolina..              28              12  ..............  ..............  ..............               1              40  ..............               1
    SD............................  South Dakota....               7              22  ..............               3               3              26              29               3              29
    TN............................  Tennessee.......              15              47               1               4              30              69              62               5              99
    TX............................  Texas...........              22              35               3              21              96             579              57              24             675
    UT............................  Utah............              10              31               1               5               2              17              41               6              19
    VT............................  Vermont.........  ..............               1  ..............  ..............  ..............               6               1  ..............               6
    VA............................  Virginia........              10              13  ..............  ..............               2               8              23  ..............              10
    WA............................  Washington......               0               2  ..............  ..............               9              27               2  ..............              36
    WV............................  West Virginia...               6              20  ..............               4  ..............              19              26               4              19
    WI............................  Wisconsin.......               0  ..............  ..............  ..............              16              58               0  ..............              74
    WY............................  Wyoming.........               1               5  ..............               3               5              12               6               3              17
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          TOTALS..................  ................             780           1,224             122             338           1,125           2,042           2,004             460           3,167
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          GRAND TOTAL.............                                                                               5,631
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    PRE=Presidental, ADM=FSA Administrator, SEC=Sectretarial.

                                         EMERGENCY DISASTER DESIGNATIONS APPROVED/PROCESSED BY THE DISASTER ASSISTANCE BRANCH/EMERGENCIES SECTION (DAB/ES), PECD
                                                                                   [Final totals for fiscal year 2006]
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             State Abbrev                 Name          PRE-Primary   PRE-Contiguous    ADM-Primary   ADM-Contiguous    SEC-Primary   SEC-Contiguous        PRE             ADM             SEC
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    AL............................  Alabama.........  ..............  ..............  ..............               2              67             103  ..............               2             170
    AK............................  Alaska..........               1               3  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............               4  ..............  ..............
    AZ............................  Arizona.........               6              14  ..............  ..............              14              10              20  ..............              24
    AR............................  Arkansas........               7              29              23              72              98             113              36              95             211
    CA............................  California......              48              54  ..............  ..............              55              97             102  ..............             152
    CO............................  Colorado........  ..............               5  ..............  ..............              79             187               5  ..............             266
    CT............................  Connecticut.....               5              14               1               5              16              17              19               6              33
    DE............................  Delaware........               1               4  ..............  ..............  ..............               2               5  ..............               2
    FL............................  Florida.........              17              35  ..............  ..............  ..............              15              52  ..............              15
    GA............................  Georgia.........  ..............               6               7              36             267              57               6              43             324
    HI............................  Hawaii..........               2  ..............               2  ..............               2  ..............               2               2               2
    ID............................  Idaho...........               1               9  ..............  ..............  ..............              12              10  ..............              12
    IL............................  Illinois........               6              22  ..............  ..............               5              33              28  ..............              38
    IN............................  Indiana.........               2               5               5              15              24              47               7              20              71
    IA............................  Iowa............  ..............               2               2              12              24              68               2              14              92
    KS............................  Kansas..........              24              48  ..............  ..............              12             109              72  ..............             121
    KY............................  Kentucky........               2              23  ..............  ..............             109              43              25  ..............             152
    LA............................  Louisiana.......               8              32  ..............  ..............              40              41              40  ..............              81
    ME............................  Maine...........               1               4  ..............  ..............  ..............               2               5  ..............               2
    MD............................  Maryland........               3              24  ..............  ..............  ..............               6              27  ..............               6
    MA............................  Massachusetts...              12              17               1               3              13              27              29               4              40
    MI............................  Michigan........  ..............               2  ..............  ..............              74              79               2  ..............             153
    MN............................  Minnesota.......              18              40               1               6              36              37              58               7              73
    MS............................  Mississippi.....  ..............               4  ..............  ..............             166              28               4  ..............             194
    MO............................  Missouri........              48             155  ..............              12  ..............              17             203              12              17
    MT............................  Montana.........  ..............               7               4              18               3              25               7              22              28
    NE............................  Nebraska........              29              35  ..............  ..............              98             136              64  ..............             234
    NV............................  Nevada..........               6              16  ..............  ..............  ..............              13              22  ..............              13
    NH............................  New Hampshire...              13              20  ..............  ..............              10               7              33  ..............              17
    NJ............................  New Jersey......               3              15  ..............  ..............              36              12              18  ..............              48
    NM............................  New Mexico......              15              34  ..............  ..............              31              31              49  ..............              62
    NY............................  New York........              21              59               3              18              93             267              80              21             360
    NC............................  North Carolina..              10              22  ..............  ..............  ..............              33              32  ..............              33
    ND............................  North Dakota....              35              50  ..............               4              90              38              85               4             128
    OH............................  Ohio............               9              24  ..............  ..............  ..............              19              33  ..............              19
    OK............................  Oklahoma........              29              73               1              11             154              55             102              12             209
    OR............................  Oregon..........              20              26  ..............  ..............              10              61              46  ..............              71
    PA............................  Pennsylvania....              28              96  ..............  ..............              23              60             124  ..............              83
    RI............................  Rhode Island....  ..............               6  ..............  ..............               5              12               6  ..............              17
    SC............................  South Carolina..               7               7  ..............               4  ..............              18              14               4              18
    SD............................  South Dakota....              32              44               3              13              94             156              76              16             250
    TN............................  Tennessee.......              15              51               2              15              42             153              66              17             195
    TX............................  Texas...........              33             123               2               9             342           1,252             156              11           1,594
    UT............................  Utah............  ..............               1  ..............  ..............               1              12               1  ..............              13
    VT............................  Vermont.........  ..............              12  ..............  ..............              14              25              12  ..............              39
    VA............................  Virginia........              37              68  ..............  ..............              51             142             105  ..............             193
    WA............................  Washington......              11              13  ..............  ..............              28              42              24  ..............              70
    WV............................  West Virginia...  ..............               5  ..............  ..............              29              30               5  ..............              59
    WI............................  Wisconsin.......  ..............  ..............               3              12              46              98  ..............              15             144
    WY............................  Wyoming.........  ..............               1  ..............  ..............  ..............              14               1  ..............              14
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          TOTALS..................  ................             565           1,359              60             267           2,301           3,861           1,924             327           6,162
                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          GRAND TOTAL.............                                                                               8,413
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    PRE=Presidental, ADM=FSA Administrator, SEC=Sectretarial.

        This data represents the dollar delinquency rate for all geographic
    counties, whether or not there was any loan activity in those counties.
    Data is as of December 31 in order to correspond to calendar year
    Presidential and Secretarial disaster declarations. For the year of the
    disaster declaration, primary counties are highlighted in red and
    contiguous counties in yellow. This data represents a snapshot on a
    particular day. In some instances, the delinquencies identified may be
    resolved within days as producers sell their crop and apply the
    proceeds to their loans

                                                       DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM DELINQUENCIES (ALL LOAN TYPES)
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              DELQ RATE  12/  DELQ RATE  12/  DELQ RATE  12/  DELQ RATE  12/  DELQ RATE  12/
                    STATE NAME                           COUNTY NAME               31/06           31/05           31/04           31/03           31/02
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ALABAMA...................................  AUTAUGA.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .01             .08
    ALABAMA...................................  BALDWIN.....................  ..............             .36            2.89            3.02             .99
    ALABAMA...................................  BARBOUR.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.47             .04
    ALABAMA...................................  BIBB........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           13.38
    ALABAMA...................................  BLOUNT......................            2.55            1.47            1.65            1.15            9.29
    ALABAMA...................................  BULLOCK.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           12.85
    ALABAMA...................................  BUTLER......................  ..............             .76            5.90            3.25  ..............
    ALABAMA...................................  CALHOUN.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.34             .70
    ALABAMA...................................  CHAMBERS....................  ..............  ..............            1.17             .92  ..............
    ALABAMA...................................  CHEROKEE....................             .12            2.29             .84  ..............            1.04
    ALABAMA...................................  CHILTON.....................  ..............  ..............            2.30            1.98           16.72
    ALABAMA...................................  CHOCTAW.....................          100.00           62.66           33.12           25.45            8.34
    ALABAMA...................................  CLARKE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALABAMA...................................  CLAY........................             .77             .98            2.99  ..............  ..............
    ALABAMA...................................  CLEBURNE....................           36.33            4.77            7.68            4.76            2.88
    ALABAMA...................................  COFFEE......................  ..............             .68            1.35             .33             .27
    ALABAMA...................................  COLBERT.....................             .28  ..............  ..............            3.50            2.42
    ALABAMA...................................  CONECUH.....................            4.33            3.79            1.14            5.13  ..............
    ALABAMA...................................  COOSA.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALABAMA...................................  COVINGTON...................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .29  ..............
    ALABAMA...................................  CRENSHAW....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALABAMA...................................  CULLMAN.....................  ..............            8.60            4.18            1.99            1.72
    ALABAMA...................................  DALE........................  ..............            2.96  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALABAMA...................................  DALLAS......................            1.01            1.05            4.01             .62             .65
    ALABAMA...................................  DE KALB.....................            7.15            2.33            5.49            3.86            2.80
    ALABAMA...................................  ELMORE......................  ..............           10.38            1.49            1.20             .64
    ALABAMA...................................  ESCAMBIA....................            1.72             .38  ..............            4.17            4.00
    ALABAMA...................................  ETOWAH......................            2.22            2.18             .93           14.89            7.83
    ALABAMA...................................  FAYETTE.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............            3.08            3.75
    ALABAMA...................................  FRANKLIN....................            1.01             .92             .84             .94            1.18
    ALABAMA...................................  GENEVA......................            2.81            4.15            3.73            3.77            3.58
    ALABAMA...................................  GREENE......................            1.86             .94            1.28            1.89            5.83
    ALABAMA...................................  HALE........................            7.16           15.01            7.92            6.29             .73
    ALABAMA...................................  HENRY.......................  ..............  ..............            2.58            4.29            1.61
    ALABAMA...................................  HOUSTON.....................  ..............            7.73            5.22            4.10            2.63
    ALABAMA...................................  JACKSON.....................            5.22            7.37            9.79            8.19            5.49
    ALABAMA...................................  JEFFERSON...................  ..............  ..............           10.86  ..............  ..............
    ALABAMA...................................  LAMAR.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            3.30            2.91
    ALABAMA...................................  LAUDERDALE..................            1.25             .81           12.12           11.75            8.91
    ALABAMA...................................  LAWRENCE....................           11.42            9.59            7.31            5.25            4.20
    ALABAMA...................................  LEE.........................  ..............  ..............           15.54  ..............  ..............
    ALABAMA...................................  LIMESTONE...................            2.51            1.05             .66            2.30             .10
    ALABAMA...................................  LOWNDES.....................           15.00           17.36           16.71           14.30           14.66
    ALABAMA...................................  MACON.......................            4.93  ..............            8.92  ..............  ..............
    ALABAMA...................................  MADISON.....................            2.39             .65            1.40            2.13             .17
    ALABAMA...................................  MARENGO.....................            3.21            3.78            2.87            1.73            1.57
    ALABAMA...................................  MARION......................  ..............  ..............            5.36  ..............             .57
    ALABAMA...................................  MARSHALL....................             .02             .97            2.42             .03            8.02
    ALABAMA...................................  MOBILE......................  ..............            1.32  ..............           14.97  ..............
    ALABAMA...................................  MONROE......................            1.49            1.39            2.23            1.49            1.13
    ALABAMA...................................  MONTGOMERY..................             .13             .20            2.30  ..............            4.37
    ALABAMA...................................  MORGAN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .29
    ALABAMA...................................  PERRY.......................           11.51           10.92            3.92            5.46            1.29
    ALABAMA...................................  PICKENS.....................            3.79            3.76            1.60            1.93             .59
    ALABAMA...................................  PIKE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           18.73
    ALABAMA...................................  RANDOLPH....................             .28             .12             .33             .07  ..............
    ALABAMA...................................  RUSSELL.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALABAMA...................................  SHELBY......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            8.48            6.54
    ALABAMA...................................  ST. CLAIR...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALABAMA...................................  SUMTER......................           10.43            4.20            4.93            8.01            8.21
    ALABAMA...................................  TALLADEGA...................            1.83  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.14
    ALABAMA...................................  TALLAPOOSA..................  ..............            2.24  ..............  ..............            2.44
    ALABAMA...................................  TUSCALOOSA..................            1.08             .62            3.82             .18  ..............
    ALABAMA...................................  WALKER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALABAMA...................................  WASHINGTON..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            3.16
    ALABAMA...................................  WILCOX......................            2.12  ..............            1.93             .31  ..............
    ALABAMA...................................  WINSTON.....................  ..............  ..............             .27            1.79            1.76
    ALASKA....................................  ALEUTIANS E BOROUGH.........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  ALEUTIANS W CENSUS A........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  ANCHORAGE BOROUGH...........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  BETHEL CENSUS AREA..........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  BRISTOL BAY BOROUGH.........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  DENALI BOROUGH..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  DILLINGHAM CENSUS A.........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR........           11.75           10.74            8.53           11.32            5.82
    ALASKA....................................  HAINES BOROUGH..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  JUNEAU......................             .17            1.33            1.40            8.95            5.50
    ALASKA....................................  KENAI PENINSULA.............            4.12  ..............  ..............  ..............           15.99
    ALASKA....................................  KETCHIKAN GATEWAY...........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  KODIAK ISL. BOROUGH.........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  LAKE & PENINSULA............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  MATANUSKA-SUSITNA...........           14.53           10.61            7.19            4.15            3.89
    ALASKA....................................  NOME CENSUS AREA............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH.........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  NORTHWEST ARCTIC............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  PRINCE OF WALES.............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  SITKA BOROUGH...............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  SKAGWAY-YAKUTAT-ANGO........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  SOUTHEAST FAIRBANKS.........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  VALDEZ-CORDOVA..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  WADE-HAMPTON................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  WRANGELL-PETERSBURG.........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  YAKUTAT.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ALASKA....................................  YUKON-KOYUKUK...............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ARIZONA...................................  APACHE,S....................           38.25           32.21           23.82           10.62            8.74
    ARIZONA...................................  COCHISE.....................           19.73           20.85           20.15           14.46           22.17
    ARIZONA...................................  COCONINO....................  ..............  ..............           11.99           10.45           15.54
    ARIZONA...................................  GILA........................           86.80           72.30           63.01           44.74  ..............
    ARIZONA...................................  GRAHAM......................           18.78            8.77            5.11           33.36           31.82
    ARIZONA...................................  GREENLEE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           19.31
    ARIZONA...................................  LA PAZ......................  ..............  ..............            4.61  ..............           19.71
    ARIZONA...................................  MARICOPA....................           21.63           48.43           39.07           66.94           62.73
    ARIZONA...................................  MOHAVE......................            9.17            1.49            9.28            8.05            9.44
    ARIZONA...................................  NAVAJO,S....................           70.65           32.30           80.77           76.52           58.92
    ARIZONA...................................  PIMA........................           54.40          100.00           47.09           43.44           45.98
    ARIZONA...................................  PINAL.......................           24.87           23.21            3.46           19.13           13.15
    ARIZONA...................................  SANTA CRUZ..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ARIZONA...................................  YAVAPAI.....................  ..............           80.69           78.00           76.27           71.46
    ARIZONA...................................  YUMA........................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .13           11.30
    ARKANSAS..................................  ARKANSAS....................            6.38            8.46            5.92            7.33            8.45
    ARKANSAS..................................  ASHLEY......................           15.50           26.88           22.61           30.67           32.25
    ARKANSAS..................................  BAXTER......................             .04             .03             .18             .07  ..............
    ARKANSAS..................................  BENTON......................            5.16            9.05            6.22            4.90            8.93
    ARKANSAS..................................  BOONE.......................  ..............  ..............             .10             .01             .03
    ARKANSAS..................................  BRADLEY.....................           44.57           44.07           48.42           51.24           39.29
    ARKANSAS..................................  CALHOUN.....................           57.07           53.37           46.60           38.11           23.28
    ARKANSAS..................................  CARROLL.....................            1.74            1.67            1.52             .96             .50
    ARKANSAS..................................  CHICOT......................           30.48           25.83           24.66           20.40           26.57
    ARKANSAS..................................  CLARK.......................             .14           15.56           14.32            1.39            3.03
    ARKANSAS..................................  CLAY........................             .57            7.53            2.66            3.22             .04
    ARKANSAS..................................  CLEBURNE....................            1.50             .83             .88            1.12            1.88
    ARKANSAS..................................  CLEVELAND...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ARKANSAS..................................  COLUMBIA....................  ..............  ..............  ..............           25.19           20.54
    ARKANSAS..................................  CONWAY......................            3.72            4.01            4.60            3.33            3.10
    ARKANSAS..................................  CRAIGHEAD...................            2.18            3.06             .88            6.90            4.34
    ARKANSAS..................................  CRAWFORD....................            2.36             .76            3.86            2.48            2.53
    ARKANSAS..................................  CRITTENDEN..................           25.94           35.00           37.17           30.91           31.61
    ARKANSAS..................................  CROSS.......................           22.11           10.77           20.66           11.07            9.75
    ARKANSAS..................................  DALLAS......................            9.09  ..............  ..............             .38            6.19
    ARKANSAS..................................  DESHA.......................            4.25            2.69            5.72            7.53            4.99
    ARKANSAS..................................  DREW........................           19.45            4.28            2.29           14.55           10.97
    ARKANSAS..................................  FAULKNER....................           26.65           20.50           14.94            1.10            4.57
    ARKANSAS..................................  FRANKLIN....................             .85             .76             .37            2.40            2.24
    ARKANSAS..................................  FULTON......................            4.65            1.70            2.57            1.38            1.41
    ARKANSAS..................................  GARLAND.....................           19.47  ..............  ..............             .25  ..............
    ARKANSAS..................................  GRANT.......................  ..............            6.00           57.29           57.50           59.97
    ARKANSAS..................................  GREENE......................  ..............             .18            3.20            9.74           16.34
    ARKANSAS..................................  HEMPSTEAD...................             .42            2.88            4.13            2.72            1.18
    ARKANSAS..................................  HOT SPRING..................            2.45  ..............  ..............             .21             .04
    ARKANSAS..................................  HOWARD......................           21.67           21.65           18.48           15.12           13.28
    ARKANSAS..................................  INDEPENDENCE................            4.49            3.47            4.46            1.74            2.08
    ARKANSAS..................................  IZARD.......................             .78            1.12             .89            8.44            7.17
    ARKANSAS..................................  JACKSON.....................            8.03            5.39            4.12           12.11           18.23
    ARKANSAS..................................  JEFFERSON...................           17.66           17.57           18.59           20.55           15.71
    ARKANSAS..................................  JOHNSON.....................             .73             .33             .34             .21             .22
    ARKANSAS..................................  LAFAYETTE...................            7.14            6.68            8.55           10.98            8.83
    ARKANSAS..................................  LAWRENCE....................             .27             .25  ..............             .02           13.38
    ARKANSAS..................................  LEE.........................           21.15           21.84           20.10           24.83           25.61
    ARKANSAS..................................  LINCOLN.....................           44.89           44.62           33.82           25.54           20.05
    ARKANSAS..................................  LITTLE RIVER................            5.63           15.13           21.42           19.06           15.89
    ARKANSAS..................................  LOGAN.......................            8.47            5.33            5.11             .29            1.15
    ARKANSAS..................................  LONOKE......................            8.93            7.39            5.63            4.52            5.72
    ARKANSAS..................................  MADISON.....................             .14             .13            5.67           13.10           10.00
    ARKANSAS..................................  MARION......................  ..............  ..............           10.70           11.33            9.53
    ARKANSAS..................................  MILLER......................            3.55            1.89            5.62            3.94            3.58
    ARKANSAS..................................  MISSISSIPPI.................            2.31            2.45            4.66            3.31            5.75
    ARKANSAS..................................  MONROE......................           12.17           11.97           20.02           22.42           29.36
    ARKANSAS..................................  MONTGOMERY..................            8.29            6.87            6.85            5.95            2.79
    ARKANSAS..................................  NEVADA......................           23.13           24.92           19.65           17.26           17.57
    ARKANSAS..................................  NEWTON......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ARKANSAS..................................  OUACHITA....................            1.26           41.07           19.28           10.29            5.70
    ARKANSAS..................................  PERRY.......................  ..............  ..............             .93  ..............  ..............
    ARKANSAS..................................  PHILLIPS....................           36.77           35.21           33.13           34.06           33.43
    ARKANSAS..................................  PIKE........................            1.71           12.05           11.79            6.83           12.35
    ARKANSAS..................................  POINSETT....................            2.14            3.80            7.08           10.69           10.39
    ARKANSAS..................................  POLK........................            2.38            1.79            1.26             .64            2.02
    ARKANSAS..................................  POPE........................            5.60            4.28            2.38             .69             .32
    ARKANSAS..................................  PRAIRIE.....................           11.70           10.77            6.50            5.63            2.71
    ARKANSAS..................................  PULASKI.....................            1.91            1.79            1.54            3.08           19.15
    ARKANSAS..................................  RANDOLPH....................            6.76            8.20            7.49            4.69            3.96
    ARKANSAS..................................  SALINE......................  ..............            5.45            2.74  ..............  ..............
    ARKANSAS..................................  SCOTT.......................            2.38            1.68             .05  ..............  ..............
    ARKANSAS..................................  SEARCY......................            3.40            2.42            2.58            4.63             .22
    ARKANSAS..................................  SEBASTIAN...................  ..............            2.04            1.19             .24  ..............
    ARKANSAS..................................  SEVIER......................            2.82            1.94            4.65            4.53            3.72
    ARKANSAS..................................  SHARP.......................             .11             .87            1.43            1.45            1.39
    ARKANSAS..................................  ST. FRANCIS.................           15.12            5.17            5.64            5.14            5.17
    ARKANSAS..................................  STONE.......................             .80             .60            1.78            1.56             .40
    ARKANSAS..................................  UNION.......................           18.71           12.14            9.31            8.02            6.78
    ARKANSAS..................................  VAN BUREN...................            2.48            8.03            6.57            6.09            5.76
    ARKANSAS..................................  WASHINGTON..................            3.63            2.05            1.07            1.12            9.48
    ARKANSAS..................................  WHITE.......................            4.47            4.63            7.18            9.68            9.84
    ARKANSAS..................................  WOODRUFF....................           21.91           21.26           21.96           18.11           17.66
    ARKANSAS..................................  YELL........................             .14             .16             .28             .11             .42
    CALIFORNIA................................  ALAMEDA.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............           12.00           53.62
    CALIFORNIA................................  ALPINE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    CALIFORNIA................................  AMADOR......................            2.63            2.72             .31  ..............            4.39
    CALIFORNIA................................  BUTTE.......................           10.64           18.08           12.49           20.14           17.14
    CALIFORNIA................................  CALAVERAS...................           63.73           94.84           14.25            5.74  ..............
    CALIFORNIA................................  COLUSA......................           34.86            4.66            4.29            4.30            6.96
    CALIFORNIA................................  CONTRA COSTA................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    CALIFORNIA................................  DEL NORTE...................  ..............            3.49             .27            2.07            5.24
    CALIFORNIA................................  EL DORADO...................  ..............           42.31           39.25           17.24           25.00
    CALIFORNIA................................  FRESNO......................           17.78           15.64           28.52           26.82           24.26
    CALIFORNIA................................  GLENN.......................            3.77            5.26            8.07            9.15            7.96
    CALIFORNIA................................  HUMBOLDT....................            5.93            6.53           13.11           21.56           35.17
    CALIFORNIA................................  IMPERIAL....................  ..............            1.06           24.81           26.92           15.59
    CALIFORNIA................................  INYO........................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .60             .91
    CALIFORNIA................................  KERN........................            1.47           59.46           65.12           61.27           56.85
    CALIFORNIA................................  KINGS.......................  ..............             .12           11.20            7.33            4.63
    CALIFORNIA................................  LAKE........................            8.81            6.83           15.08           22.35           29.56
    CALIFORNIA................................  LASSEN......................           67.08           70.99           65.40           60.13           60.49
    CALIFORNIA................................  LOS ANGELES.................  ..............  ..............          100.00  ..............           86.33
    CALIFORNIA................................  MADERA......................           19.78           19.90           18.28           19.58           22.25
    CALIFORNIA................................  MARIN.......................            1.33           10.56           10.65           10.19            1.93
    CALIFORNIA................................  MARIPOSA....................            4.80  ..............  ..............           41.10           37.81
    CALIFORNIA................................  MENDOCINO...................           30.00           22.87           23.54           24.44           14.60
    CALIFORNIA................................  MERCED......................           47.89           44.13           38.33           35.29           34.20
    CALIFORNIA................................  MODOC.......................           15.23           15.67           13.55           13.22           12.67
    CALIFORNIA................................  MONO........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    CALIFORNIA................................  MONTEREY....................           17.58           10.66            8.86           23.70           25.28
    CALIFORNIA................................  NAPA........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    CALIFORNIA................................  NEVADA......................           19.56           16.30            9.44  ..............            8.21
    CALIFORNIA................................  ORANGE......................           88.96           77.59           18.78           17.18  ..............
    CALIFORNIA................................  PLACER......................            7.03           15.72           19.99           23.63           21.49
    CALIFORNIA................................  PLUMAS......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    CALIFORNIA................................  RIVERSIDE...................            6.20            2.32            3.89           21.51           54.80
    CALIFORNIA................................  SACRAMENTO..................           37.68           32.57           23.28           21.42           12.25
    CALIFORNIA................................  SAN BENITO..................           93.48           91.52           90.98           90.90           93.89
    CALIFORNIA................................  SAN BERNARDINO..............           76.77           24.07           32.32           30.76           28.85
    CALIFORNIA................................  SAN DIEGO...................           20.95           20.23           57.61           53.98           60.50
    CALIFORNIA................................  SAN FRANCISCO...............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    CALIFORNIA................................  SAN JOAQUIN.................           12.16           13.75           18.73           18.16           20.46
    CALIFORNIA................................  SAN LUIS OBISPO.............           45.47           42.65           29.58           27.78           25.90
    CALIFORNIA................................  SAN MATEO...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    CALIFORNIA................................  SANTA BARBARA...............           20.12            8.14           15.11  ..............            3.62
    CALIFORNIA................................  SANTA CLARA.................           82.53           78.46           79.50           78.30           77.80
    CALIFORNIA................................  SANTA CRUZ..................            7.83           13.98            9.94            9.32            7.10
    CALIFORNIA................................  SHASTA......................  ..............  ..............             .70  ..............             .70
    CALIFORNIA................................  SIERRA......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .41  ..............
    CALIFORNIA................................  SISKIYOU....................            1.97            1.95           11.05            9.46            7.22
    CALIFORNIA................................  SOLANO......................            6.57  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.64
    CALIFORNIA................................  SONOMA......................           18.00           62.28           74.25           64.65           39.72
    CALIFORNIA................................  STANISLAUS..................            2.20            2.66            6.76            6.08            5.67
    CALIFORNIA................................  SUTTER......................            2.94            3.06            2.04            5.92            5.82
    CALIFORNIA................................  TEHAMA......................           13.24           11.06           11.88           14.10            7.58
    CALIFORNIA................................  TRINITY.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    CALIFORNIA................................  TULARE......................            4.65            7.12            9.56           11.84           10.82
    CALIFORNIA................................  TUOLUMNE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    CALIFORNIA................................  VENTURA.....................           72.04           75.51           74.61           73.49           70.47
    CALIFORNIA................................  YOLO........................            1.13             .21            8.95            6.90            3.98
    CALIFORNIA................................  YUBA........................             .45             .04            1.46             .77            2.28
    COLORADO..................................  ADAMS.......................            4.76            6.91           11.81            3.56            3.57
    COLORADO..................................  ALAMOSA.....................            1.75            2.68            3.68            9.87            6.29
    COLORADO..................................  ARAPAHOE....................            6.87           16.63           17.91           18.69  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  ARCHULETA...................            4.05            1.60            2.45            1.05             .55
    COLORADO..................................  BACA........................           10.15           15.86           15.64            9.69           26.44
    COLORADO..................................  BENT........................             .32           19.41           23.31           14.88           11.26
    COLORADO..................................  BOULDER.....................            3.87  ..............            1.43            7.54  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  BROOMFIELD..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  CHAFFEE.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  CHEYENNE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  CLEAR CREEK.................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  CONEJOS.....................            7.54            9.09            5.98            7.20           21.36
    COLORADO..................................  COSTILLA....................            3.35            3.33            2.12            1.07            7.88
    COLORADO..................................  CROWLEY.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           15.82
    COLORADO..................................  CUSTER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           34.64
    COLORADO..................................  DELTA.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  DENVER......................           99.61           99.81          100.00            3.88  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  DOLORES.....................  ..............            2.32             .26  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  DOUGLAS.....................           14.10             .80            2.25  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  EAGLE.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  EL PASO.....................           18.70           15.84           12.11            9.83           12.27
    COLORADO..................................  ELBERT......................             .83            2.87            2.54            1.57            3.12
    COLORADO..................................  FREMONT.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  GARFIELD....................            9.61  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  GILPIN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  GRAND.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  GUNNISON....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  HINSDALE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  HUERFANO....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  JACKSON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            8.57
    COLORADO..................................  JEFFERSON...................  ..............  ..............           15.04            7.82  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  KIOWA.......................            2.81            1.48  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  KIT CARSON..................             .98            1.07            1.75  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  LA PLATA....................            6.13             .31  ..............             .15            1.83
    COLORADO..................................  LAKE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  LARIMER.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............           11.69           13.31
    COLORADO..................................  LAS ANIMAS..................           12.68           12.23           16.56           15.52            4.72
    COLORADO..................................  LINCOLN.....................            1.43             .27             .49             .06            1.28
    COLORADO..................................  LOGAN.......................            7.90           10.79            6.67           10.08            4.62
    COLORADO..................................  MESA........................            2.69  ..............            1.06           20.00           10.50
    COLORADO..................................  MINERAL.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  MOFFAT......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  MONTEZUMA...................            3.45             .89             .91            1.69            3.76
    COLORADO..................................  MONTROSE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.22            1.21
    COLORADO..................................  MORGAN......................           10.75           13.76           16.19           15.85           12.72
    COLORADO..................................  OTERO.......................            3.49             .93             .94           37.90           39.62
    COLORADO..................................  OURAY.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  PARK........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .29
    COLORADO..................................  PHILLIPS....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  PITKIN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  PROWERS.....................           22.38           21.52           19.77           22.56           29.61
    COLORADO..................................  PUEBLO......................             .33  ..............  ..............             .01            5.74
    COLORADO..................................  RIO BLANCO..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  RIO GRANDE..................  ..............             .22             .95            2.40             .50
    COLORADO..................................  ROUTT.......................  ..............  ..............            8.97  ..............            8.95
    COLORADO..................................  SAGUACHE....................             .83            8.63            8.11           12.61            8.01
    COLORADO..................................  SAN JUAN....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  SAN MIGUEL..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  SEDGWICK....................  ..............            3.85            3.71            4.46            9.29
    COLORADO..................................  SUMMIT......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  TELLER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    COLORADO..................................  WASHINGTON..................            6.53            4.31            3.00            4.12            6.35
    COLORADO..................................  WELD........................           17.81           13.03           15.04           12.70           14.09
    COLORADO..................................  YUMA........................             .06           16.40           13.01           13.12            9.98
    CONNECTICUT...............................  FAIRFIELD...................  ..............  ..............           59.10           38.25           19.18
    CONNECTICUT...............................  HARTFORD, PT................            1.87  ..............  ..............            9.54           28.30
    CONNECTICUT...............................  LITCHFIELD..................             .09  ..............           17.49           12.73           12.07
    CONNECTICUT...............................  MIDDLESEX,S.................  ..............  ..............           33.81           32.51           38.51
    CONNECTICUT...............................  NEW HAVEN, NE...............  ..............  ..............          100.00  ..............  ..............
    CONNECTICUT...............................  NEW LONDON..................  ..............             .68           30.59           25.51           23.40
    CONNECTICUT...............................  TOLLAND.....................           15.02           26.65           27.26           23.94           18.46
    CONNECTICUT...............................  WINDHAM.....................            7.56            3.39            2.72            5.89            2.23
    DELAWARE..................................  KENT........................  ..............  ..............           10.54            3.89            1.30
    DELAWARE..................................  NEW CASTLE..................           45.75           45.23           43.45           35.88           17.07
    DELAWARE..................................  SUSSEX......................           66.24           75.39           41.44           37.24           32.17
    FLORIDA...................................  ALACHUA.....................  ..............  ..............             .51  ..............            7.50
    FLORIDA...................................  BAKER.......................           91.38           90.51           89.90           62.60           38.06
    FLORIDA...................................  BAY.........................  ..............  ..............  ..............           89.94            2.00
    FLORIDA...................................  BRADFORD....................  ..............  ..............           23.64  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  BREVARD.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            4.32
    FLORIDA...................................  BROWARD.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .58             .28
    FLORIDA...................................  CALHOUN.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  CHARLOTTE...................           82.38           83.18           84.04           66.58           48.92
    FLORIDA...................................  CITRUS......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  CLAY........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  COLLIER.....................  ..............  ..............           14.15  ..............           38.59
    FLORIDA...................................  COLUMBIA....................             .23  ..............            6.00            8.14            4.04
    FLORIDA...................................  DADE........................            3.16            6.02            4.35            5.67           10.85
    FLORIDA...................................  DE SOTO.....................  ..............  ..............             .13  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  DIXIE.......................  ..............           22.24           11.78           11.13           10.33
    FLORIDA...................................  DUVAL.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  ESCAMBIA....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            8.93
    FLORIDA...................................  FLAGLER.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.74            2.80
    FLORIDA...................................  FRANKLIN....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  GADSDEN.....................           25.89             .06  ..............  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  GILCHRIST...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  GLADES......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  GULF........................  ..............             .02  ..............  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  HAMILTON....................  ..............            2.61           22.96           24.19           30.87
    FLORIDA...................................  HARDEE......................  ..............  ..............            3.87           26.75           78.32
    FLORIDA...................................  HENDRY......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............          100.00
    FLORIDA...................................  HERNANDO....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  HIGHLANDS...................             .50            8.05             .41           25.94           24.27
    FLORIDA...................................  HILLSBOROUGH................           13.54           11.52           17.24           17.60           14.79
    FLORIDA...................................  HOLMES......................             .47            1.31            3.94            4.30            7.79
    FLORIDA...................................  INDIAN RIVER................            8.04            6.59            7.15           32.98           21.50
    FLORIDA...................................  JACKSON.....................             .40             .15             .95           16.95           45.45
    FLORIDA...................................  JEFFERSON...................  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.16  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  LAFAYETTE...................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .03             .03
    FLORIDA...................................  LAKE........................            2.34             .19           46.71           48.20            8.04
    FLORIDA...................................  LEE.........................  ..............  ..............  ..............           30.00           34.64
    FLORIDA...................................  LEON........................  ..............           12.42  ..............  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  LEVY........................            6.22            6.20            4.54            1.84            2.12
    FLORIDA...................................  LIBERTY.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  MADISON.....................           28.22           25.02           17.62           14.66           27.68
    FLORIDA...................................  MANATEE.....................           10.77            9.21           67.33           31.69           18.33
    FLORIDA...................................  MARION......................  ..............           77.13           67.14           89.48           92.16
    FLORIDA...................................  MARTIN......................  ..............            7.94           15.46            6.03  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  MONROE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  NASSAU......................  ..............  ..............          100.00           85.72           52.93
    FLORIDA...................................  OKALOOSA....................  ..............  ..............  ..............            9.41            8.85
    FLORIDA...................................  OKEECHOBEE..................            8.56            7.86            8.48            2.76            1.35
    FLORIDA...................................  ORANGE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  OSCEOLA.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  PALM BEACH..................           45.43           38.52           44.41           38.49           31.62
    FLORIDA...................................  PASCO.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............           51.76           48.64
    FLORIDA...................................  PINELLAS....................  ..............           14.34  ..............  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  POLK........................            9.55           15.82           15.42           15.47           10.72
    FLORIDA...................................  PUTNAM......................  ..............             .08             .92           15.48            9.97
    FLORIDA...................................  SANTA ROSA..................             .57  ..............  ..............  ..............            4.40
    FLORIDA...................................  SARASOTA....................  ..............           99.43           85.87           82.99           79.72
    FLORIDA...................................  SEMINOLE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  ST. JOHNS...................  ..............  ..............            1.01            2.44  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  ST. LUCIE...................  ..............  ..............  ..............           50.18           67.13
    FLORIDA...................................  SUMTER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .32
    FLORIDA...................................  SUWANNEE....................           58.17           18.15           13.07            6.70            6.07
    FLORIDA...................................  TAYLOR......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  UNION.......................           16.91           15.15           13.98           14.67           84.13
    FLORIDA...................................  VOLUSIA.....................             .08            3.31           11.61           11.79            7.76
    FLORIDA...................................  WAKULLA.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    FLORIDA...................................  WALTON......................             .22           22.30           20.02           17.83           21.76
    FLORIDA...................................  WASHINGTON..................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .42           25.12
    GEORGIA...................................  APPLING.....................            1.43            6.62            2.38             .23             .35
    GEORGIA...................................  ATKINSON....................  ..............  ..............             .43           11.44           18.75
    GEORGIA...................................  BACON.......................            2.68            4.16            5.55           10.59           15.18
    GEORGIA...................................  BAKER.......................            3.84            3.09            2.28            2.26           20.79
    GEORGIA...................................  BALDWIN.....................           49.10           52.55           46.90           24.18           19.74
    GEORGIA...................................  BANKS.......................           63.49           69.48           65.46           40.84           31.57
    GEORGIA...................................  BARROW......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  BARTOW......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            3.90           10.17
    GEORGIA...................................  BEN HILL....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  BERRIEN.....................            4.12            1.99            3.22            4.29            5.20
    GEORGIA...................................  BIBB........................  ..............             .47  ..............            4.51  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  BLECKLEY....................           30.33            6.91           15.89            7.97            9.54
    GEORGIA...................................  BRANTLEY....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  BROOKS......................           19.91           18.07           17.73           12.57           10.22
    GEORGIA...................................  BRYAN.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  BULLOCH.....................            4.59            8.67            5.20            3.52            1.55
    GEORGIA...................................  BURKE.......................           11.45           11.05            8.60            5.34            4.12
    GEORGIA...................................  BUTTS.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  CALHOUN.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  CAMDEN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  CANDLER.....................  ..............  ..............           50.19  ..............           66.70
    GEORGIA...................................  CARROLL.....................             .05           57.07           56.06           54.55           54.25
    GEORGIA...................................  CATOOSA.....................  ..............           14.93  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  CHARLTON....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  CHATHAM.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  CHATTAHOOCHEE...............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  CHATTOOGA...................            1.14            6.12           14.44            5.96            6.46
    GEORGIA...................................  CHEROKEE....................           21.68  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  CLARKE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  CLAY........................          100.00           25.14           14.24           22.93           11.21
    GEORGIA...................................  CLAYTON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............          100.00  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  CLINCH......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  COBB........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  COFFEE......................           15.54           12.15            8.45            6.68            5.46
    GEORGIA...................................  COLQUITT....................           16.99           10.43           17.56           13.89           22.68
    GEORGIA...................................  COLUMBIA....................  ..............  ..............            5.97             .45  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  COOK........................           10.93            6.37            6.97            5.96           10.60
    GEORGIA...................................  COWETA......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  CRAWFORD....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  CRISP.......................            2.38            3.56            1.82             .87  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  DADE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  DAWSON......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  DECATUR.....................           11.88           16.67           12.67           28.27           19.58
    GEORGIA...................................  DEKALB......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  DODGE.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  DOOLY.......................            1.11             .72            4.03            5.44            3.53
    GEORGIA...................................  DOUGHERTY...................  ..............  ..............           45.24           28.54  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  DOUGLAS.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  EARLY.......................            7.21             .06             .37  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  ECHOLS......................            6.03            2.84           11.93            9.51  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  EFFINGHAM...................  ..............  ..............           26.70           24.03  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  ELBERT......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .03            5.38
    GEORGIA...................................  EMANUEL.....................  ..............  ..............             .94             .79             .42
    GEORGIA...................................  EVANS.......................  ..............  ..............           53.79            4.56  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  FANNIN......................  ..............           12.89           10.23            1.91  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  FAYETTE.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  FLOYD.......................            3.62            3.27  ..............            8.99            3.27
    GEORGIA...................................  FORSYTH.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  FRANKLIN....................  ..............  ..............             .33            9.65            5.86
    GEORGIA...................................  FULTON......................           98.52           98.87           99.15           99.35           99.52
    GEORGIA...................................  GILMER......................             .63             .24            3.23            8.21            3.55
    GEORGIA...................................  GLASCOCK....................  ..............           26.52  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  GLYNN.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  GORDON......................             .16             .36            3.23            1.40           11.72
    GEORGIA...................................  GRADY.......................  ..............           15.24           23.35           21.85           50.79
    GEORGIA...................................  GREENE......................           13.02           10.61            7.33            6.48            6.89
    GEORGIA...................................  GWINNETT....................  ..............           98.62           97.55           96.35           95.03
    GEORGIA...................................  HABERSHAM...................  ..............  ..............            1.35  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  HALL........................            8.30           10.01            7.97           11.21            4.66
    GEORGIA...................................  HANCOCK.....................           21.80            4.02            3.14            2.21             .36
    GEORGIA...................................  HARALSON....................             .90  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  HARRIS......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  HART........................  ..............  ..............             .90             .51            1.35
    GEORGIA...................................  HEARD.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............           14.57           12.28
    GEORGIA...................................  HENRY.......................  ..............             .42            3.27  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  HOUSTON.....................           32.71           23.83           22.09           25.46           19.14
    GEORGIA...................................  IRWIN.......................           14.60           22.38           21.54           23.70           23.42
    GEORGIA...................................  JACKSON.....................  ..............  ..............            7.05           20.92           16.96
    GEORGIA...................................  JASPER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            3.83  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  JEFF DAVIS..................           11.80            9.50            6.16            2.56            4.19
    GEORGIA...................................  JEFFERSON...................            9.97           10.15            9.07            7.38            6.82
    GEORGIA...................................  JENKINS.....................  ..............            1.55             .45            4.69  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  JOHNSON.....................             .96             .53             .77             .20             .17
    GEORGIA...................................  JONES.......................  ..............  ..............            2.09            7.31  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  LAMAR.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  LANIER......................  ..............            2.24           31.23           13.44             .78
    GEORGIA...................................  LAURENS.....................           17.10           22.00            5.21           18.69           14.73
    GEORGIA...................................  LEE.........................           14.98           12.72           16.89           21.29           12.65
    GEORGIA...................................  LIBERTY.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  LINCOLN.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .01            1.28
    GEORGIA...................................  LONG........................           31.53           26.81           22.15           17.41           16.69
    GEORGIA...................................  LOWNDES.....................           48.04           46.15           40.30           41.42           26.99
    GEORGIA...................................  LUMPKIN.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  MACON.......................           11.05            9.07           20.71           18.11           17.20
    GEORGIA...................................  MADISON.....................            3.20            1.58             .13             .25            1.59
    GEORGIA...................................  MARION......................  ..............  ..............            3.97  ..............            1.87
    GEORGIA...................................  MCDUFFIE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  MCINTOSH....................  ..............  ..............  ..............          100.00          100.00
    GEORGIA...................................  MERIWETHER..................  ..............  ..............            2.79  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  MILLER......................  ..............            1.60            1.49            1.32           10.11
    GEORGIA...................................  MITCHELL....................           10.23           12.08           11.79            6.76            6.49
    GEORGIA...................................  MONROE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  MONTGOMERY..................  ..............           39.77            1.88            8.51  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  MORGAN......................  ..............  ..............             .60             .21            4.25
    GEORGIA...................................  MURRAY......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           16.05
    GEORGIA...................................  MUSCOGEE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  NEWTON......................  ..............  ..............            4.38  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  OCONEE......................            1.46            1.42            1.84            1.37            3.97
    GEORGIA...................................  OGLETHORPE..................  ..............  ..............  ..............            3.99            1.39
    GEORGIA...................................  PAULDING....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  PEACH.......................  ..............  ..............           12.08           13.97           15.25
    GEORGIA...................................  PICKENS.....................           53.92           64.55           61.68           46.72           44.07
    GEORGIA...................................  PIERCE......................           10.71           18.52           16.41           18.53           24.41
    GEORGIA...................................  PIKE........................           52.89           46.56           39.13           35.93           29.41
    GEORGIA...................................  POLK........................  ..............           33.01           24.02           24.27           15.33
    GEORGIA...................................  PULASKI.....................             .87            2.81            7.25            6.21            8.12
    GEORGIA...................................  PUTNAM......................            7.54            5.69            3.44            3.77           10.80
    GEORGIA...................................  QUITMAN.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  RABUN.......................            3.96            3.07            2.82  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  RANDOLPH....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  RICHMOND....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  ROCKDALE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............          100.00
    GEORGIA...................................  SCHLEY......................           42.67           64.10           46.02           39.05           32.36
    GEORGIA...................................  SCREVEN.....................            9.25           15.38           14.77           14.02            9.09
    GEORGIA...................................  SEMINOLE....................            6.30            4.79            7.89           39.12           55.39
    GEORGIA...................................  SPALDING....................  ..............             .89            1.18            1.12             .93
    GEORGIA...................................  STEPHENS....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  STEWART.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............           20.27  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  SUMTER......................           23.77           25.12           25.06           22.57           25.58
    GEORGIA...................................  TALBOT......................           76.12           51.52           24.65  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  TALIAFERRO..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  TATTNALL....................            4.62            7.65            7.55           33.24           38.38
    GEORGIA...................................  TAYLOR......................            7.47            4.83            3.86            3.70            7.00
    GEORGIA...................................  TELFAIR.....................            4.73            3.80            2.97            3.53            2.77
    GEORGIA...................................  TERRELL.....................            8.93            6.81            3.29            6.10            3.62
    GEORGIA...................................  THOMAS......................           20.58           21.90           19.49           15.46           13.48
    GEORGIA...................................  TIFT........................           22.67           22.13           22.20           29.22           27.01
    GEORGIA...................................  TOOMBS......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .19
    GEORGIA...................................  TOWNS.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            4.80  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  TREUTLEN....................           35.50           22.44           22.01           15.71            7.18
    GEORGIA...................................  TROUP.......................            6.91            8.24            8.16  ..............            3.03
    GEORGIA...................................  TURNER......................            1.13            1.19            8.89           11.63           11.82
    GEORGIA...................................  TWIGGS......................            1.14  ..............  ..............  ..............            4.41
    GEORGIA...................................  UNION.......................             .10            8.36             .25             .17            8.67
    GEORGIA...................................  UPSON.......................  ..............  ..............           27.54           13.85  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  WALKER......................            7.39            3.42            9.45            1.22             .10
    GEORGIA...................................  WALTON......................  ..............            8.54  ..............           39.05           40.38
    GEORGIA...................................  WARE........................            2.05            1.16            1.71             .07            5.60
    GEORGIA...................................  WARREN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  WASHINGTON..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  WAYNE.......................           12.41            9.07            9.21            8.38            5.82
    GEORGIA...................................  WEBSTER.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  WHEELER.....................            1.59  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  WHITE.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  WHITFIELD...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  WILCOX......................            5.39            2.20             .69            1.52            1.15
    GEORGIA...................................  WILKES......................            7.17           28.99           10.94           61.06           46.06
    GEORGIA...................................  WILKINSON...................  ..............           25.63  ..............  ..............  ..............
    GEORGIA...................................  WORTH.......................           36.87           33.03           29.62           25.26           23.94
    GUAM......................................  AGANA.......................            3.27            2.16           14.54           20.50           21.57
    HAWAII....................................  AMERICAN SAMOA..............            2.10            1.23  ..............  ..............  ..............
    HAWAII....................................  HAWAII, E. (HILO)...........           13.25           10.53            6.28            8.08            6.72
    HAWAII....................................  HONOLULU....................           39.48           32.20           30.25           29.07           23.75
    HAWAII....................................  KALAWAO.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    HAWAII....................................  KAUAI.......................            4.93            8.88            7.60            9.31            7.30
    HAWAII....................................  MAUI........................            1.23            6.87            7.40            8.34            5.79
    IDAHO.....................................  ADA.........................            4.66            6.10            6.40            8.43            4.99
    IDAHO.....................................  ADAMS.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IDAHO.....................................  BANNOCK.....................             .73             .46             .52  ..............            2.72
    IDAHO.....................................  BEAR LAKE...................            1.37             .42  ..............             .22             .25
    IDAHO.....................................  BENEWAH.....................            4.19  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IDAHO.....................................  BINGHAM.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IDAHO.....................................  BLAINE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.58            1.32
    IDAHO.....................................  BOISE.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IDAHO.....................................  BONNER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.59
    IDAHO.....................................  BONNEVILLE..................            4.06            2.86            7.71            3.52            3.01
    IDAHO.....................................  BOUNDARY....................  ..............  ..............            3.68            2.92            1.57
    IDAHO.....................................  BUTTE.......................            1.13             .33            5.69            6.95            3.78
    IDAHO.....................................  CAMAS.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IDAHO.....................................  CANYON......................            3.74            8.78            5.06            7.86            8.69
    IDAHO.....................................  CARIBOU.....................            4.57            2.37            2.20            1.03             .18
    IDAHO.....................................  CASSIA......................            4.37            2.29            1.62            1.89            4.03
    IDAHO.....................................  CLARK.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............           23.47           15.30
    IDAHO.....................................  CLEARWATER..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IDAHO.....................................  ELMORE......................            1.43             .13           11.21            4.54            3.04
    IDAHO.....................................  FRANKLIN....................  ..............             .39             .24             .65             .52
    IDAHO.....................................  FREMONT.....................            3.03             .33           33.61           22.54           48.12
    IDAHO.....................................  GEM.........................             .73            1.30             .87            6.40            4.53
    IDAHO.....................................  GOODING.....................            1.10             .77  ..............           14.49           13.69
    IDAHO.....................................  IDAHO.......................           30.46           28.86           12.02            9.75            6.98
    IDAHO.....................................  JEFFERSON...................            3.56            1.16            2.08            1.24            1.84
    IDAHO.....................................  JEROME......................            2.48  ..............            2.15            1.05            1.64
    IDAHO.....................................  KOOTENAI....................             .01  ..............            3.74             .07  ..............
    IDAHO.....................................  LATAH.......................            2.87  ..............            7.16           30.93           42.19
    IDAHO.....................................  LEMHI.......................           19.91           24.18           19.33            9.17            4.82
    IDAHO.....................................  LEWIS.......................           14.85           13.49           12.55           13.71           20.62
    IDAHO.....................................  LINCOLN.....................  ..............  ..............             .60            1.59             .88
    IDAHO.....................................  MADISON.....................            3.50            4.06           14.15           13.08            2.71
    IDAHO.....................................  MINIDOKA....................           14.28           13.96           11.21            9.37           13.80
    IDAHO.....................................  NEZ PERCE...................  ..............            2.00             .10             .48             .43
    IDAHO.....................................  NORTH CUSTER................  ..............            6.14            2.78             .58            1.23
    IDAHO.....................................  ONEIDA......................             .73             .16            1.16           25.53           27.09
    IDAHO.....................................  OWYHEE......................           11.47            7.72            8.11           12.97            8.28
    IDAHO.....................................  PAYETTE.....................  ..............             .52           32.41           24.66            8.36
    IDAHO.....................................  POWER.......................             .07            2.88            6.48            4.98             .51
    IDAHO.....................................  SHOSHONE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IDAHO.....................................  TETON.......................            5.31  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IDAHO.....................................  TWIN FALLS..................            1.21             .63             .46             .13             .66
    IDAHO.....................................  VALLEY......................  ..............  ..............  ..............           45.81           11.76
    IDAHO.....................................  WASHINGTON..................            1.10            2.37            1.11            3.85            2.01
    ILLINOIS..................................  ADAMS.......................             .28  ..............            1.13            3.86            2.99
    ILLINOIS..................................  ALEXANDER...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  BOND........................             .21             .14             .12  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  BOONE.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            7.32            6.91
    ILLINOIS..................................  BROWN.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  BUREAU......................  ..............  ..............             .69            1.06            4.03
    ILLINOIS..................................  CALHOUN.....................            6.44            6.02  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  CARROLL.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  CASS........................            5.16            4.73  ..............           23.87           16.04
    ILLINOIS..................................  CHAMPAIGN...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  CHRISTIAN...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  CLARK.......................            5.82            5.86            6.35            3.36            2.38
    ILLINOIS..................................  CLAY........................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .22  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  CLINTON.....................  ..............  ..............             .63            1.25             .92
    ILLINOIS..................................  COLES.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  COOK........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  CRAWFORD....................  ..............  ..............  ..............            3.97             .96
    ILLINOIS..................................  CUMBERLAND..................  ..............            6.31            4.95            4.01            1.27
    ILLINOIS..................................  DEKALB......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  DEWITT......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  DOUGLAS.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  DUPAGE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  EDGAR.......................             .54             .51             .21             .17  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  EDWARDS.....................  ..............             .47            1.08             .79             .75
    ILLINOIS..................................  EFFINGHAM...................           12.56           11.73           11.01            8.40            7.85
    ILLINOIS..................................  FAYETTE.....................             .26  ..............             .07            4.27            4.62
    ILLINOIS..................................  FORD........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  FRANKLIN....................  ..............            7.85            4.11           14.89           14.87
    ILLINOIS..................................  FULTON......................             .72            2.98           12.62           13.09            9.99
    ILLINOIS..................................  GALLATIN....................           10.00            8.92            6.84            8.97            8.50
    ILLINOIS..................................  GREENE......................            2.46            2.53            2.83             .71             .91
    ILLINOIS..................................  GRUNDY......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .78  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  HAMILTON....................             .89             .04             .22             .30             .31
    ILLINOIS..................................  HANCOCK.....................  ..............             .86             .33             .13             .03
    ILLINOIS..................................  HARDIN......................            8.94  ..............            2.35            5.44            7.12
    ILLINOIS..................................  HENDERSON...................  ..............  ..............  ..............            3.51            4.60
    ILLINOIS..................................  HENRY.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.00
    ILLINOIS..................................  IR0QUOIS....................            1.44             .64             .87             .45             .48
    ILLINOIS..................................  JACKSON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  JASPER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            3.12            2.52
    ILLINOIS..................................  JEFFERSON...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  JERSEY......................  ..............            1.82            1.22             .15            4.64
    ILLINOIS..................................  JO DAVIESS..................             .13  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  JOHNSON.....................             .26            7.40             .56             .76            2.60
    ILLINOIS..................................  KANE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  KANKAKEE....................             .86             .77             .16             .87             .14
    ILLINOIS..................................  KENDALL.....................            4.32             .75             .40            4.94           13.20
    ILLINOIS..................................  KNOX........................             .56             .28             .85             .76            1.52
    ILLINOIS..................................  LA SALLE....................             .03  ..............             .07             .04             .05
    ILLINOIS..................................  LAKE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  LAWRENCE....................            1.24            1.26            1.17            4.21            1.05
    ILLINOIS..................................  LEE.........................  ..............  ..............            1.74            1.12             .42
    ILLINOIS..................................  LIVINGSTON..................             .22             .25             .47             .48             .40
    ILLINOIS..................................  LOGAN.......................  ..............  ..............             .13             .18            1.46
    ILLINOIS..................................  MACON.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  MACOUPIN....................             .18            1.78             .60             .59             .92
    ILLINOIS..................................  MADISON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  MARION......................             .37            1.80            1.52            1.32            1.00
    ILLINOIS..................................  MARSHALL....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  MASON.......................  ..............  ..............             .63  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  MASSAC......................            4.13            8.45            5.32            3.19            9.47
    ILLINOIS..................................  MCDONOUGH...................            1.42            1.45            1.43            1.25            2.06
    ILLINOIS..................................  MCHENRY.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  MCLEAN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  MENARD......................  ..............  ..............  ..............           14.57  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  MERCER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  MONROE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  MONTGOMERY..................            6.88            6.80            6.21            5.52           31.88
    ILLINOIS..................................  MORGAN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .34             .31
    ILLINOIS..................................  MOULTRIE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  OGLE........................            8.25            7.11            6.97           11.93           10.32
    ILLINOIS..................................  PEORIA......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  PERRY.......................            2.78            3.14            1.80  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  PIATT.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            4.38  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  PIKE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.61            1.55
    ILLINOIS..................................  POPE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  PULASKI.....................            3.09            5.63            3.88            1.83            1.38
    ILLINOIS..................................  PUTNAM......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .47
    ILLINOIS..................................  RANDOLPH....................  ..............            2.40            2.04  ..............            4.51
    ILLINOIS..................................  RICHLAND....................            1.05             .71             .76             .83            1.01
    ILLINOIS..................................  ROCK ISLAND.................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  SALINE......................            4.33            4.76            3.78            4.96            7.00
    ILLINOIS..................................  SANGAMON....................  ..............  ..............            3.08            7.74            6.52
    ILLINOIS..................................  SCHUYLER....................  ..............  ..............  ..............            4.70  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  SCOTT.......................  ..............           60.17           57.25           38.54           29.62
    ILLINOIS..................................  SHELBY......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  ST. CLAIR...................  ..............  ..............  ..............            8.25            9.10
    ILLINOIS..................................  STARK.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  STEPHENSON..................             .23             .76            1.11            1.09             .70
    ILLINOIS..................................  TAZEWELL....................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.21  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  UNION.......................           10.11           11.83            7.76            4.80            3.67
    ILLINOIS..................................  VERMILION...................            2.04            1.96            1.80            1.33            1.24
    ILLINOIS..................................  WABASH......................            1.66            1.43            1.59             .36  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  WARREN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .05  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  WASHINGTON..................  ..............  ..............             .02  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  WAYNE.......................             .46             .16             .06  ..............            1.41
    ILLINOIS..................................  WHITE.......................  ..............            3.41            5.02            3.51  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  WHITESIDE...................  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.29            1.70
    ILLINOIS..................................  WILL........................           10.67            8.83            7.84            7.21            6.62
    ILLINOIS..................................  WILLIAMSON..................  ..............            3.67             .98            1.22  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  WINNEBAGO...................  ..............  ..............           30.31  ..............  ..............
    ILLINOIS..................................  WOODFORD....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  ADAMS.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            5.95
    INDIANA...................................  ALLEN.......................  ..............  ..............            3.52            4.88           17.24
    INDIANA...................................  BARTHOLOMEW.................             .79             .34             .42  ..............             .51
    INDIANA...................................  BENTON......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            9.25           11.57
    INDIANA...................................  BLACKFORD...................  ..............             .19  ..............  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  BOONE.......................  ..............            9.82            7.19            8.48           11.60
    INDIANA...................................  BROWN.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  CARROLL.....................             .05  ..............             .13             .49             .15
    INDIANA...................................  CASS........................             .13             .73  ..............  ..............             .83
    INDIANA...................................  CLARK.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  CLAY........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  CLINTON.....................            2.71            5.09            3.25            8.94           33.67
    INDIANA...................................  CRAWFORD....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           71.69
    INDIANA...................................  DAVIESS.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .06
    INDIANA...................................  DEARBORN....................  ..............  ..............            8.39           60.49           57.14
    INDIANA...................................  DECATUR.....................             .81            2.79            2.65            1.41            1.87
    INDIANA...................................  DEKALB......................             .25             .13            3.63             .33            9.60
    INDIANA...................................  DELAWARE....................            1.69  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  DUBOIS......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           13.21
    INDIANA...................................  ELKHART.....................            2.05  ..............           21.49           20.58           19.71
    INDIANA...................................  FAYETTE.....................            9.19           10.12           14.66           13.58           11.25
    INDIANA...................................  FLOYD.......................  ..............  ..............           41.47           34.85           30.94
    INDIANA...................................  FOUNTAIN....................            7.06            5.35            4.77           26.61           22.59
    INDIANA...................................  FRANKLIN....................  ..............  ..............  ..............           49.50           36.17
    INDIANA...................................  FULTON......................            1.98            2.37            1.14             .35            2.14
    INDIANA...................................  GIBSON......................  ..............           11.25            1.58             .24           55.09
    INDIANA...................................  GRANT.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .24             .23
    INDIANA...................................  GREENE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  HAMILTON....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  HANCOCK.....................            5.08            7.38            6.32            6.37             .24
    INDIANA...................................  HARRISON....................             .50             .69             .59             .63             .28
    INDIANA...................................  HENDRICKS...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.01
    INDIANA...................................  HENRY.......................            6.22            5.47            5.48           11.98           14.43
    INDIANA...................................  HOWARD......................  ..............  ..............  ..............           19.37           16.74
    INDIANA...................................  HUNTINGTON..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .03
    INDIANA...................................  JACKSON.....................            1.48            1.63             .90            7.22            6.65
    INDIANA...................................  JASPER......................             .51            2.26            4.14            8.02            2.69
    INDIANA...................................  JAY.........................           13.78           10.19            7.81            4.62            1.33
    INDIANA...................................  JEFFERSON...................            8.93           11.21           10.76           11.91           11.53
    INDIANA...................................  JENNINGS....................            5.87            5.07            4.65           27.66           24.23
    INDIANA...................................  JOHNSON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  KNOX........................            3.50  ..............             .01  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  KOSCIUSKO...................            2.63            2.45            3.80            2.92            2.77
    INDIANA...................................  LAGRANGE....................             .18  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.45
    INDIANA...................................  LAKE........................           11.66            7.03            6.08            3.00            2.73
    INDIANA...................................  LAPORTE.....................           10.63           14.47            8.01            8.01            5.82
    INDIANA...................................  LAWRENCE....................             .28             .31             .20            6.83            5.59
    INDIANA...................................  MADISON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............            9.88            8.14
    INDIANA...................................  MARION......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  MARSHALL....................            2.71           14.33           11.08           11.09           10.18
    INDIANA...................................  MARTIN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  MIAMI.......................            3.33            2.79            2.48            1.52            5.36
    INDIANA...................................  MONROE......................  ..............          100.00  ..............          100.00          100.00
    INDIANA...................................  MONTGOMERY..................            1.28             .87            3.07            6.25            3.66
    INDIANA...................................  MORGAN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.18  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  NEWTON......................            4.77            1.85            5.47            2.43            3.34
    INDIANA...................................  NOBLE.......................            2.98             .75             .13            3.34  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  OHIO........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  ORANGE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            8.62           63.76
    INDIANA...................................  OWEN........................  ..............  ..............             .92           35.60           41.18
    INDIANA...................................  PARKE.......................           14.40            5.34            4.15            2.62           12.94
    INDIANA...................................  PERRY.......................  ..............             .38  ..............            8.17  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  PIKE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  PORTER......................  ..............             .20            6.22           14.10            8.36
    INDIANA...................................  POSEY.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  PULASKI.....................            6.16            8.12            7.12           11.70            8.71
    INDIANA...................................  PUTNAM......................            2.71  ..............  ..............           45.38           49.07
    INDIANA...................................  RANDOLPH....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .87
    INDIANA...................................  RIPLEY......................  ..............            1.14           15.32            3.41             .89
    INDIANA...................................  RUSH........................             .20           14.84           12.99            7.99            7.44
    INDIANA...................................  SCOTT.......................           49.49           48.17  ..............             .07             .18
    INDIANA...................................  SHELBY......................  ..............  ..............             .30             .60             .12
    INDIANA...................................  SPENCER.....................             .90             .12             .36  ..............             .14
    INDIANA...................................  ST. JOSEPH..................            2.11           13.88           11.22           12.28           14.48
    INDIANA...................................  STARKE......................            1.54            6.60            4.23            8.38            9.01
    INDIANA...................................  STEUBEN.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.92
    INDIANA...................................  SULLIVAN....................            2.51            1.45             .73  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  SWITZERLAND.................           22.38           17.80           14.81           13.70           34.26
    INDIANA...................................  TIPPECANOE..................            3.89            2.84           21.70           12.16           23.34
    INDIANA...................................  TIPTON......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           28.35
    INDIANA...................................  UNION.......................  ..............  ..............             .30  ..............            3.20
    INDIANA...................................  VANDERBURGH.................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  VERMILLION..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  VIGO........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  WABASH......................  ..............             .74             .87            1.29            1.11
    INDIANA...................................  WARREN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.01  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  WARRICK.....................           35.82           35.33           47.95           43.27           40.09
    INDIANA...................................  WASHINGTON..................  ..............  ..............             .31            2.25            1.79
    INDIANA...................................  WAYNE.......................           20.70  ..............  ..............            4.54           34.66
    INDIANA...................................  WELLS.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    INDIANA...................................  WHITE.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............           15.39           13.91
    INDIANA...................................  WHITLEY.....................            1.62            1.13  ..............            1.02             .17
    IOWA......................................  ADAIR.......................            2.60            2.78            2.56  ..............            5.23
    IOWA......................................  ADAMS.......................  ..............             .18  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  ALLAMAKEE...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  APPANOOSE...................             .14             .16  ..............             .28            7.53
    IOWA......................................  AUDUBON.....................  ..............  ..............             .08  ..............             .02
    IOWA......................................  BENTON......................            4.61            3.52            2.51            2.83            3.17
    IOWA......................................  BLACK HAWK..................  ..............           12.18            7.91  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  BOONE.......................  ..............             .70            1.09             .96             .57
    IOWA......................................  BREMER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .30
    IOWA......................................  BUCHANAN....................            3.06            2.91            3.17            3.14            2.98
    IOWA......................................  BUENA VISTA.................            3.56            1.51            2.59            1.22            1.09
    IOWA......................................  BUTLER......................            1.55            1.66            1.65            1.43            2.47
    IOWA......................................  CALHOUN.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  CARROLL.....................             .07             .06             .09             .17             .36
    IOWA......................................  CASS........................           12.49           11.46           12.53           12.75           10.59
    IOWA......................................  CEDAR.......................            1.11            1.32             .87             .69             .41
    IOWA......................................  CERRO GORDO.................            8.96            9.21            4.81            4.39            4.62
    IOWA......................................  CHEROKEE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .83
    IOWA......................................  CHICKASAW...................            3.72            3.84            5.34            3.50            4.49
    IOWA......................................  CLARKE......................             .02             .02             .01             .02             .44
    IOWA......................................  CLAY........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  CLAYTON.....................  ..............            1.08  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  CLINTON.....................             .01  ..............  ..............             .02             .18
    IOWA......................................  CRAWFORD....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  DALLAS......................  ..............            6.07            4.21            2.35  ..............
    IOWA......................................  DAVIS.......................             .49            1.96            3.66            2.25            1.29
    IOWA......................................  DECATUR.....................             .07             .06             .05             .14             .13
    IOWA......................................  DELAWARE....................  ..............  ..............             .37             .02             .25
    IOWA......................................  DES MOINES..................             .66  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  DICKINSON...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  DUBUQUE.....................             .10            1.04            1.00            3.36            3.62
    IOWA......................................  EMMET.......................             .35  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  FAYETTE.....................             .89            1.19             .88             .94            1.06
    IOWA......................................  FLOYD.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  FRANKLIN....................  ..............  ..............            1.23           12.54             .27
    IOWA......................................  FREMONT.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  GREENE......................           14.16           13.12           10.23            7.75            5.73
    IOWA......................................  GRUNDY......................            2.16            1.74  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  GUTHRIE.....................  ..............             .29             .38             .24            1.66
    IOWA......................................  HAMILTON....................           45.51           40.07           29.90           32.63           28.80
    IOWA......................................  HANCOCK.....................  ..............            3.73            2.83            2.47            1.93
    IOWA......................................  HARDIN......................  ..............  ..............            3.42            1.95             .46
    IOWA......................................  HARRISON....................  ..............             .21            1.59            1.33            1.55
    IOWA......................................  HENRY.......................            8.39           11.46            2.23            2.22            5.69
    IOWA......................................  HOWARD......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .05             .27
    IOWA......................................  HUMBOLDT....................             .35  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  IDA.........................             .01             .03  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  IOWA........................             .85            2.25            1.45            1.95            1.36
    IOWA......................................  JACKSON.....................             .78            3.69            3.84            3.59            3.05
    IOWA......................................  JASPER......................             .28  ..............  ..............             .06  ..............
    IOWA......................................  JEFFERSON...................            1.49            1.41            1.29             .68            1.73
    IOWA......................................  JOHNSON.....................            3.91            3.78            2.88             .03           15.34
    IOWA......................................  JONES.......................            2.00            2.37            1.58             .78             .14
    IOWA......................................  KEOKUK......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .18
    IOWA......................................  KOSSUTH.....................             .75  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.10
    IOWA......................................  LEE.........................  ..............  ..............             .72             .07           10.65
    IOWA......................................  LINN........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  LOUISA......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .02
    IOWA......................................  LUCAS.......................            3.06            3.03            2.79            3.11            2.57
    IOWA......................................  LYON........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  MADISON.....................            7.52           40.71           32.88           29.41           18.51
    IOWA......................................  MAHASKA.....................  ..............            1.32            1.16             .93             .83
    IOWA......................................  MARION......................  ..............             .12            2.22             .13             .09
    IOWA......................................  MARSHALL....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .05            5.01
    IOWA......................................  MILLS.......................            6.76            5.44            3.66            1.34            1.95
    IOWA......................................  MITCHELL....................            1.82            2.57            1.30            9.44            5.67
    IOWA......................................  MONONA......................             .13  ..............             .10  ..............             .85
    IOWA......................................  MONROE......................             .02             .13            1.31             .37             .39
    IOWA......................................  MONTGOMERY..................            1.92            6.87            1.91            1.75            1.71
    IOWA......................................  MUSCATINE...................  ..............             .69  ..............             .26             .14
    IOWA......................................  O'BRIEN.....................            1.50  ..............            4.87  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  OSCEOLA.....................             .31             .78             .88            1.08            1.21
    IOWA......................................  PAGE........................             .65             .49             .61             .75            1.38
    IOWA......................................  PALO ALTO...................             .05  ..............  ..............             .04  ..............
    IOWA......................................  PLYMOUTH....................             .02             .58             .79            4.59            3.84
    IOWA......................................  POCAHONTAS..................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .03            3.48
    IOWA......................................  POLK........................           17.55           15.65           17.04            5.45            2.57
    IOWA......................................  POTTAWATTAMIE...............            4.57            4.39            5.44            4.77            2.97
    IOWA......................................  POWESHIEK...................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.23            1.00
    IOWA......................................  RINGGOLD....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .02             .46
    IOWA......................................  SAC.........................             .55             .61             .96            1.06            5.40
    IOWA......................................  SCOTT.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .19  ..............
    IOWA......................................  SHELBY......................             .55  ..............             .11  ..............             .21
    IOWA......................................  SIOUX.......................  ..............             .74  ..............  ..............             .94
    IOWA......................................  STORY.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  TAMA........................            3.10            3.19            1.51            1.96             .68
    IOWA......................................  TAYLOR......................           22.04           25.04           25.46           22.78           28.09
    IOWA......................................  UNION.......................            8.41            6.66            6.18            5.75            5.43
    IOWA......................................  VAN BUREN...................             .36             .33             .37             .75             .74
    IOWA......................................  WAPELLO.....................             .28  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  WARREN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            3.44
    IOWA......................................  WASHINGTON..................             .79             .11             .15            4.30             .67
    IOWA......................................  WAYNE.......................  ..............  ..............             .23  ..............            2.59
    IOWA......................................  WEBSTER.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  WINNEBAGO...................            1.22            1.10            4.05            2.45            1.48
    IOWA......................................  WINNESHIEK..................  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.19            1.09
    IOWA......................................  WOODBURY....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.65
    IOWA......................................  WORTH.......................             .56  ..............             .24  ..............  ..............
    IOWA......................................  WRIGHT......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.00
    KANSAS....................................  ALLEN.......................  ..............            2.57            7.08           22.93           35.46
    KANSAS....................................  ANDERSON....................            1.11  ..............  ..............             .07  ..............
    KANSAS....................................  ATCHISON....................            1.37            1.15            1.39            3.36            2.86
    KANSAS....................................  BARBER......................             .05             .92            1.50            1.10             .48
    KANSAS....................................  BARTON......................             .70             .27             .54             .75             .54
    KANSAS....................................  BOURBON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KANSAS....................................  BROWN.......................             .15  ..............             .18  ..............            1.01
    KANSAS....................................  BUTLER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .18             .32
    KANSAS....................................  CHASE.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KANSAS....................................  CHAUTAUQUA..................            2.75            1.87             .43  ..............             .99
    KANSAS....................................  CHEROKEE....................  ..............            3.57            3.16  ..............  ..............
    KANSAS....................................  CHEYENNE....................            6.41            4.80            4.92            3.22            2.40
    KANSAS....................................  CLARK.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.40  ..............
    KANSAS....................................  CLAY........................             .14             .16             .37             .15             .01
    KANSAS....................................  CLOUD.......................            1.55            2.30            7.39            7.74            7.42
    KANSAS....................................  COFFEY......................           20.01           17.26            3.51            2.64            3.12
    KANSAS....................................  COMANCHE....................             .84            2.02            1.06            2.74            3.71
    KANSAS....................................  COWLEY......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.99             .01
    KANSAS....................................  CRAWFORD....................             .49  ..............  ..............             .73             .38
    KANSAS....................................  DECATUR.....................            4.43            3.99            3.12            2.45            2.27
    KANSAS....................................  DICKINSON...................            3.15            1.90            5.32            3.67            3.13
    KANSAS....................................  DONIPHAN....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .92  ..............
    KANSAS....................................  DOUGLAS.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.34
    KANSAS....................................  EDWARDS.....................            1.65            1.78            2.31            1.81            4.78
    KANSAS....................................  ELK.........................            1.26            3.26            2.15            2.88            2.24
    KANSAS....................................  ELLIS.......................             .74             .25            1.37            1.32             .94
    KANSAS....................................  ELLSWORTH...................             .42             .42             .29             .27             .09
    KANSAS....................................  FINNEY......................            1.27            1.99            2.38             .60             .84
    KANSAS....................................  FORD........................            3.03            3.79            2.78            1.34            3.55
    KANSAS....................................  FRANKLIN....................  ..............             .33            1.19            5.15            3.33
    KANSAS....................................  GEARY.......................            1.97  ..............  ..............  ..............             .64
    KANSAS....................................  GOVE........................            6.15            6.20            5.36           15.28           12.10
    KANSAS....................................  GRAHAM......................             .45             .89             .54             .49             .33
    KANSAS....................................  GRANT.......................  ..............             .22           11.29            8.45           16.01
    KANSAS....................................  GRAY........................             .25             .41             .10            3.36            1.14
    KANSAS....................................  GREELEY.....................            2.40            2.14            3.44            1.78            1.75
    KANSAS....................................  GREENWOOD...................  ..............  ..............           14.56           29.21           27.27
    KANSAS....................................  HAMILTON....................             .93  ..............  ..............  ..............             .10
    KANSAS....................................  HARPER......................             .37             .93             .97            1.25            1.07
    KANSAS....................................  HARVEY......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.24
    KANSAS....................................  HASKELL.....................            4.48            3.83            3.50           19.58            2.60
    KANSAS....................................  HODGEMAN....................             .36             .27            2.71            3.98            2.12
    KANSAS....................................  JACKSON.....................  ..............            1.07  ..............            1.20  ..............
    KANSAS....................................  JEFFERSON...................             .45  ..............  ..............  ..............             .16
    KANSAS....................................  JEWELL......................            2.43            2.30            2.49            2.24            2.36
    KANSAS....................................  JOHNSON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KANSAS....................................  KEARNY......................            1.47            1.06             .98            1.25            1.11
    KANSAS....................................  KINGMAN.....................            3.31            2.55            3.81            5.39            4.74
    KANSAS....................................  KIOWA.......................            2.33  ..............            2.13            1.15            1.36
    KANSAS....................................  LABETTE.....................             .72             .87            1.01             .95             .82
    KANSAS....................................  LANE........................             .39             .84             .90             .75             .85
    KANSAS....................................  LEAVENWORTH.................           23.78           18.46           15.55           12.73            9.82
    KANSAS....................................  LINCOLN.....................             .10             .47             .77            1.18            1.48
    KANSAS....................................  LINN........................  ..............  ..............             .18           18.21           15.95
    KANSAS....................................  LOGAN.......................            2.91             .69            2.15            2.73             .61
    KANSAS....................................  LYON........................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .52             .18
    KANSAS....................................  MARION......................  ..............            2.23            1.07            1.52             .37
    KANSAS....................................  MARSHALL....................            1.13            1.85            1.21            1.78            2.08
    KANSAS....................................  MCPHERSON...................            2.91            3.19            2.56            4.04            5.57
    KANSAS....................................  MEADE.......................             .32             .86             .72             .79            2.27
    KANSAS....................................  MIAMI.......................            9.28           10.80            8.66            6.62            6.56
    KANSAS....................................  MITCHELL....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .53
    KANSAS....................................  MONTGOMERY..................             .46            1.09            6.43            7.64            7.74
    KANSAS....................................  MORRIS......................  ..............  ..............            5.18            5.19            5.52
    KANSAS....................................  MORTON......................            1.68            1.05            1.76            1.09             .03
    KANSAS....................................  NEMAHA......................             .05             .06             .06             .06             .15
    KANSAS....................................  NEOSHO......................  ..............             .90           19.53           13.85            1.57
    KANSAS....................................  NESS........................            1.82             .80             .63             .74             .79
    KANSAS....................................  NORTON......................            1.12             .96             .99            1.03            1.12
    KANSAS....................................  OSAGE.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............           32.62           31.65
    KANSAS....................................  OSBORNE.....................             .30             .32            2.33             .95             .82
    KANSAS....................................  OTTAWA......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KANSAS....................................  PAWNEE......................             .32             .85  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KANSAS....................................  PHILLIPS....................             .63             .18             .70             .56             .57
    KANSAS....................................  POTTAWATOMIE................             .28            1.15             .99            1.92            2.11
    KANSAS....................................  PRATT.......................             .91             .39            2.97            1.59            2.90
    KANSAS....................................  RAWLINS.....................  ..............  ..............            3.55            1.61            1.66
    KANSAS....................................  RENO........................             .60             .35             .33            1.02            5.37
    KANSAS....................................  REPUBLIC....................            2.12            2.34            1.92            2.13            1.56
    KANSAS....................................  RICE........................             .51            1.57            2.00            2.71            2.41
    KANSAS....................................  RILEY.......................  ..............             .74            9.64           12.09            9.53
    KANSAS....................................  ROOKS.......................            3.21            3.33            3.76            1.62            3.44
    KANSAS....................................  RUSH........................            2.61             .18             .27  ..............             .32
    KANSAS....................................  RUSSELL.....................            2.95             .22             .10             .92            1.14
    KANSAS....................................  SALINE......................            8.89            9.11  ..............            7.88            7.50
    KANSAS....................................  SCOTT.......................             .68            2.62            2.60             .74             .07
    KANSAS....................................  SEDGWICK....................             .16             .86             .51             .24            1.19
    KANSAS....................................  SEWARD......................            4.57            2.49           10.64           34.22           34.73
    KANSAS....................................  SHAWNEE.....................  ..............  ..............            2.52  ..............  ..............
    KANSAS....................................  SHERIDAN....................             .47             .65             .79            1.14            1.24
    KANSAS....................................  SHERMAN.....................            5.73            4.45           11.27            6.33            6.99
    KANSAS....................................  SMITH.......................             .35             .76             .33             .48             .32
    KANSAS....................................  STAFFORD....................            4.70            1.36            1.07             .40            2.77
    KANSAS....................................  STANTON.....................            1.37             .63             .82            3.98             .81
    KANSAS....................................  STEVENS.....................            1.57            5.29            2.75            8.67            3.74
    KANSAS....................................  SUMNER......................            1.18            1.97            3.65            3.94            5.10
    KANSAS....................................  THOMAS......................            2.82            2.94            3.40             .28             .15
    KANSAS....................................  TREGO.......................            5.06            6.49            1.44            1.38             .41
    KANSAS....................................  WABAUNSEE...................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .75             .77
    KANSAS....................................  WALLACE.....................             .17  ..............             .66            5.85            3.33
    KANSAS....................................  WASHINGTON..................            2.42            1.93            2.75            2.60            1.97
    KANSAS....................................  WICHITA.....................            5.52            3.74            3.26            3.88            3.62
    KANSAS....................................  WILSON......................            1.97            1.02             .32            5.90            6.18
    KANSAS....................................  WOODSON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............            4.54            2.48
    KANSAS....................................  WYANDOTTE...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  ADAIR.......................             .03             .11             .39             .10             .16
    KENTUCKY..................................  ALLEN.......................             .63             .55             .10             .16             .02
    KENTUCKY..................................  ANDERSON....................  ..............             .51  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  BALLARD.....................  ..............             .48             .33            4.39            1.99
    KENTUCKY..................................  BARREN......................            7.01            7.16            6.65            6.71            3.91
    KENTUCKY..................................  BATH........................            3.47            3.45            3.25            3.06             .95
    KENTUCKY..................................  BELL........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  BOONE.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  BOURBON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  BOYD........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  BOYLE.......................             .25             .23  ..............             .80             .19
    KENTUCKY..................................  BRACKEN.....................  ..............  ..............             .16            5.13            3.22
    KENTUCKY..................................  BREATHITT...................            3.30  ..............           15.87            4.37            3.38
    KENTUCKY..................................  BRECKINRIDGE................             .10             .11             .39             .51             .37
    KENTUCKY..................................  BULLITT.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  BUTLER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .21
    KENTUCKY..................................  CALDWELL....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .27            3.16
    KENTUCKY..................................  CALLOWAY....................            1.62             .10            2.51             .15  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  CAMPBELL....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  CARLISLE....................             .15  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.43
    KENTUCKY..................................  CARROLL.....................           26.22           23.52           24.66           21.13           17.81
    KENTUCKY..................................  CARTER......................            3.38             .14  ..............  ..............            1.79
    KENTUCKY..................................  CASEY.......................           34.07           29.06           26.41           30.61           17.18
    KENTUCKY..................................  CHRISTIAN...................            2.92            2.44            2.19             .87            1.04
    KENTUCKY..................................  CLARK.......................             .11  ..............  ..............             .47             .35
    KENTUCKY..................................  CLAY........................           10.10            7.56           10.91            8.72           16.83
    KENTUCKY..................................  CLINTON.....................             .34            2.59            2.41            2.19            7.95
    KENTUCKY..................................  CRITTENDEN..................             .45            3.03            2.18             .18           36.71
    KENTUCKY..................................  CUMBERLAND..................           16.22           19.38           18.40           14.34           11.44
    KENTUCKY..................................  DAVIESS.....................  ..............           29.99           29.32           35.96           35.57
    KENTUCKY..................................  EDMONSON....................            4.71             .87             .01            2.31            3.19
    KENTUCKY..................................  ELLIOTT.....................  ..............           22.40           20.76           14.57            7.74
    KENTUCKY..................................  ESTILL......................             .17             .29  ..............  ..............            3.97
    KENTUCKY..................................  FAYETTE.....................            1.25  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  FLEMING.....................            1.40            1.17             .94             .70            1.00
    KENTUCKY..................................  FLOYD.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            9.26           21.44
    KENTUCKY..................................  FRANKLIN....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .03  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  FULTON......................  ..............            2.60            2.85            1.14  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  GALLATIN....................           20.52           17.35           15.70           13.72           12.31
    KENTUCKY..................................  GARRARD.....................             .08  ..............  ..............  ..............             .92
    KENTUCKY..................................  GRANT.......................            2.22            1.09  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  GRAVES......................             .61             .26             .24             .28            4.01
    KENTUCKY..................................  GRAYSON.....................  ..............             .84             .54             .61             .32
    KENTUCKY..................................  GREEN.......................  ..............             .78  ..............             .04            1.59
    KENTUCKY..................................  GREENUP.....................            1.80            4.05            1.49            4.37            2.15
    KENTUCKY..................................  HANCOCK.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  HARDIN......................  ..............             .27  ..............             .09             .27
    KENTUCKY..................................  HARLAN......................          100.00          100.00          100.00           77.76  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  HARRISON....................            1.40            1.21            1.64            1.65            1.51
    KENTUCKY..................................  HART........................            1.00             .97             .96            1.00             .67
    KENTUCKY..................................  HENDERSON...................  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.68  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  HENRY.......................            5.73            7.97            6.99            5.82            6.46
    KENTUCKY..................................  HICKMAN.....................  ..............             .59  ..............  ..............            1.28
    KENTUCKY..................................  HOPKINS.....................  ..............           10.92            7.94  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  JACKSON.....................             .05            2.10            2.24            2.40             .57
    KENTUCKY..................................  JEFFERSON...................             .18  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  JESSAMINE...................            5.55            1.88             .18  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  JOHNSON.....................            1.52             .96            1.82            1.13             .89
    KENTUCKY..................................  KENTON......................            3.41  ..............  ..............            4.05  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  KNOTT.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .50           35.41
    KENTUCKY..................................  KNOX........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.50
    KENTUCKY..................................  LARUE.......................  ..............           14.05           15.79           16.53           13.70
    KENTUCKY..................................  LAUREL......................  ..............  ..............            1.32            2.17            1.20
    KENTUCKY..................................  LAWRENCE....................            3.27            1.81            1.03  ..............           17.97
    KENTUCKY..................................  LEE.........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .77
    KENTUCKY..................................  LESLIE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  LETCHER.....................  ..............  ..............           17.19           52.76           17.20
    KENTUCKY..................................  LEWIS.......................             .14            1.54             .86  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  LINCOLN.....................            3.01            2.48            4.73            3.79           12.35
    KENTUCKY..................................  LIVINGSTON..................  ..............             .74             .60            4.14            3.96
    KENTUCKY..................................  LOGAN.......................            1.74            2.75            1.65             .78             .53
    KENTUCKY..................................  LYON........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            6.06
    KENTUCKY..................................  MADISON.....................             .92  ..............  ..............             .72            2.91
    KENTUCKY..................................  MAGOFFIN....................  ..............            7.88           16.78           10.57            6.09
    KENTUCKY..................................  MARION......................             .22             .03             .30  ..............            1.98
    KENTUCKY..................................  MARSHALL....................  ..............           26.70           11.32            6.50  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  MARTIN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  MASON.......................            4.58            3.05            1.54            6.32            6.00
    KENTUCKY..................................  MCCRACKEN...................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .33             .14
    KENTUCKY..................................  MCCREARY....................           13.59            7.38  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  MCLEAN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  MEADE.......................  ..............            1.21             .20             .07  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  MENIFEE.....................             .11            5.53            5.54            3.79            3.82
    KENTUCKY..................................  MERCER......................  ..............  ..............            1.84            1.08            1.70
    KENTUCKY..................................  METCALFE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            5.79
    KENTUCKY..................................  MONROE......................  ..............            2.57            3.23            1.88            1.51
    KENTUCKY..................................  MONTGOMERY..................  ..............            1.30            1.16            2.49             .40
    KENTUCKY..................................  MORGAN......................             .16             .30             .60             .68            9.20
    KENTUCKY..................................  MUHLENBERG..................  ..............            3.37  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  NELSON......................            2.31            2.54            2.27           20.61           20.92
    KENTUCKY..................................  NICHOLAS....................             .33            3.27            2.97            2.84            1.82
    KENTUCKY..................................  OHIO........................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .03  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  OLDHAM......................  ..............  ..............            1.48             .88  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  OWEN........................           27.76           20.59           15.15           11.82           10.09
    KENTUCKY..................................  OWSLEY......................            3.11  ..............           35.67           27.86           22.70
    KENTUCKY..................................  PENDLETON...................            5.61            4.87            2.40             .90  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  PERRY.......................           50.62           15.53           10.13           17.77           13.61
    KENTUCKY..................................  PIKE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  POWELL......................  ..............             .01             .58             .14  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  PULASKI.....................             .79             .49             .65            1.05             .40
    KENTUCKY..................................  ROBERTSON...................            6.17            5.29           10.34            8.36            8.22
    KENTUCKY..................................  ROCKCASTLE..................            2.32            1.80            1.33            1.16            1.01
    KENTUCKY..................................  ROWAN.......................             .33            3.49  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  RUSSELL.....................            6.13            4.77            4.31            3.45            3.14
    KENTUCKY..................................  SCOTT.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            6.30
    KENTUCKY..................................  SHELBY......................             .40             .48             .64            2.05           14.96
    KENTUCKY..................................  SIMPSON.....................            8.13           11.20            3.43           11.23            9.54
    KENTUCKY..................................  SPENCER.....................  ..............            3.98            5.31             .83  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  TAYLOR......................  ..............  ..............             .73             .62            1.05
    KENTUCKY..................................  TODD........................             .66             .48             .29             .18             .39
    KENTUCKY..................................  TRIGG.......................           15.17           32.97           32.54           30.58            1.05
    KENTUCKY..................................  TRIMBLE.....................  ..............  ..............             .61             .04  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  UNION.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.53
    KENTUCKY..................................  WARREN......................            6.99            7.14            7.17            5.32            3.59
    KENTUCKY..................................  WASHINGTON..................            3.99            4.96            4.28            4.27            3.68
    KENTUCKY..................................  WAYNE.......................             .40             .04             .06             .09  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  WEBSTER.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............            8.61            1.59
    KENTUCKY..................................  WHITLEY.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    KENTUCKY..................................  WOLFE.......................            2.76            2.85            2.32            1.14             .72
    KENTUCKY..................................  WOODFORD....................  ..............            3.86            2.66            1.67            1.84
    LOUISIANA.................................  ACADIA......................           25.99           36.66           24.63           14.01           15.20
    LOUISIANA.................................  ALLEN.......................           25.86           18.36           16.26           11.41            7.05
    LOUISIANA.................................  ASCENSION...................  ..............  ..............  ..............           79.45           78.82
    LOUISIANA.................................  ASSUMPTION..................  ..............  ..............             .69  ..............  ..............
    LOUISIANA.................................  AVOYELLES...................           15.16           19.11           10.01           12.75           11.09
    LOUISIANA.................................  BEAUREGARD..................  ..............  ..............            7.94            3.81           66.56
    LOUISIANA.................................  BIENVILLE...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    LOUISIANA.................................  BOSSIER.....................            9.13            9.66           27.68           15.89           19.41
    LOUISIANA.................................  CADDO.......................             .60            5.61           20.13           19.70           17.89
    LOUISIANA.................................  CALCASIEU...................           63.06           52.62           59.44           45.12           52.20
    LOUISIANA.................................  CALDWELL....................             .16            1.78            1.62            1.18            3.26
    LOUISIANA.................................  CAMERON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    LOUISIANA.................................  CATAHOULA...................           11.54           12.34           10.28           11.03           11.07
    LOUISIANA.................................  CLAIBORNE...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            9.08
    LOUISIANA.................................  CONCORDIA...................           17.62           17.90           17.72           16.00           17.79
    LOUISIANA.................................  DE SOTO.....................           35.54           31.87           29.26           22.72           16.34
    LOUISIANA.................................  EAST BATON ROUGE............  ..............  ..............           37.10           29.84           23.11
    LOUISIANA.................................  EAST CARROLL................           15.81           21.92           20.87           19.07           15.71
    LOUISIANA.................................  EAST FELICIANA..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    LOUISIANA.................................  EVANGELINE..................             .49            2.69             .49           44.67           59.04
    LOUISIANA.................................  FRANKLIN....................           21.38           22.94           25.74           26.39           28.61
    LOUISIANA.................................  GRANT.......................            8.78            7.41            6.61            6.98           61.45
    LOUISIANA.................................  IBERIA......................           19.46           19.57           19.72           27.57           31.92
    LOUISIANA.................................  IBERVILLE...................           17.74           15.44           19.66           23.98           18.03
    LOUISIANA.................................  JACKSON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    LOUISIANA.................................  JEFFERSON...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    LOUISIANA.................................  JEFFERSON DAVIS.............            5.12            5.16            2.20            2.16            1.27
    LOUISIANA.................................  LA SALLE....................  ..............           71.56           53.22           22.51           70.55
    LOUISIANA.................................  LAFAYETTE...................  ..............  ..............           12.78           16.65           11.12
    LOUISIANA.................................  LAFOURCHE...................  ..............  ..............            6.40           16.06           25.44
    LOUISIANA.................................  LINCOLN.....................  ..............             .65            1.34            3.66  ..............
    LOUISIANA.................................  LIVINGSTON..................             .21            3.22  ..............  ..............  ..............
    LOUISIANA.................................  MADISON.....................           13.32            9.59            6.62            6.76            5.13
    LOUISIANA.................................  MOREHOUSE...................           15.31           14.39           15.09           14.07           12.06
    LOUISIANA.................................  NATCHITOCHES................            8.62            9.53            8.21           26.06           88.68
    LOUISIANA.................................  ORLEANS.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    LOUISIANA.................................  OUACHITA....................           47.64           43.12           42.41           17.52           37.71
    LOUISIANA.................................  PLAQUEMINES.................             .11             .19  ..............            1.20           20.90
    LOUISIANA.................................  POINTE COUPEE...............           16.14           17.21           20.79           16.72           26.96
    LOUISIANA.................................  RAPIDES.....................           13.27           18.28           21.95           28.31           28.89
    LOUISIANA.................................  RED RIVER...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           25.11
    LOUISIANA.................................  RICHLAND....................           25.48           26.91           27.74           27.03           33.13
    LOUISIANA.................................  SABINE......................            4.59            5.55            5.09           27.05           52.37
    LOUISIANA.................................  ST. BERNARD.................  ..............  ..............            6.11            2.27            1.41
    LOUISIANA.................................  ST. CHARLES.................  ..............            8.29  ..............  ..............  ..............
    LOUISIANA.................................  ST. HELENA..................           22.98           46.15           24.14           19.24           22.41
    LOUISIANA.................................  ST. JAMES...................            6.18            7.47  ..............  ..............  ..............
    LOUISIANA.................................  ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    LOUISIANA.................................  ST. LANDRY..................            8.94           13.93           13.10           21.90           17.72
    LOUISIANA.................................  ST. MARTIN..................            2.29            6.78           10.21           11.82           20.14
    LOUISIANA.................................  ST. MARY....................           25.47            7.71            3.13             .84            7.10
    LOUISIANA.................................  ST. TAMMANY.................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    LOUISIANA.................................  TANGIPAHOA..................           11.16           13.28           11.80           10.15            7.81
    LOUISIANA.................................  TENSAS......................           38.51           35.93           31.49           31.20           26.90
    LOUISIANA.................................  TERREBONNE..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    LOUISIANA.................................  UNION.......................             .16            1.86            1.70            1.72            6.02
    LOUISIANA.................................  VERMILION...................            9.45           11.92            9.61           16.97           17.69
    LOUISIANA.................................  VERNON......................           31.16            6.35           35.00            4.14           29.59
    LOUISIANA.................................  WASHINGTON..................             .17            1.10            2.09            4.39             .85
    LOUISIANA.................................  WEBSTER.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    LOUISIANA.................................  WEST BATON ROUGE............  ..............  ..............             .54             .53  ..............
    LOUISIANA.................................  WEST CARROLL................           20.00           18.17           19.49           20.37           18.54
    LOUISIANA.................................  WEST FELICIANA..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    LOUISIANA.................................  WINN........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MAINE.....................................  ANDROSCOGGIN................            1.51            1.76            2.00  ..............  ..............
    MAINE.....................................  AROOSTOOK, PT...............           17.81           18.33           15.98           15.32           20.08
    MAINE.....................................  CUMBERLAND, PT..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MAINE.....................................  FRANKLIN....................            2.79  ..............           21.15           20.10           14.09
    MAINE.....................................  HANCOCK, PT.................             .84            2.07            4.59            7.82            7.02
    MAINE.....................................  KENNEBEC, PT................            4.66            4.18            3.69            9.55           12.96
    MAINE.....................................  KNOX........................           26.50           15.58           11.13           16.53           12.56
    MAINE.....................................  LINCOLN.....................  ..............  ..............            3.69            4.25           29.51
    MAINE.....................................  OXFORD......................           11.11            8.52            8.53            6.02            5.09
    MAINE.....................................  PENOBSCOT, PT...............           12.81           14.06           11.72           12.09           10.20
    MAINE.....................................  PISCATAQUIS.................  ..............  ..............  ..............           10.13            8.89
    MAINE.....................................  SAGADAHOC...................  ..............  ..............            1.12            2.13  ..............
    MAINE.....................................  SOMERSET....................            2.11            1.71            2.16            3.14            1.41
    MAINE.....................................  WALDO, PT...................  ..............           15.76  ..............  ..............            5.82
    MAINE.....................................  WASHINGTON, PT..............            8.21           31.97           18.56           11.35           15.79
    MAINE.....................................  YORK........................           11.18            6.49            3.12            1.78  ..............
    MARYLAND..................................  ALLEGANY....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MARYLAND..................................  ANNE ARUNDEL................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MARYLAND..................................  BALTIMORE...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MARYLAND..................................  BALTIMORE CITY..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MARYLAND..................................  CALVERT.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MARYLAND..................................  CAROLINE....................  ..............            4.47            3.31            8.26            9.26
    MARYLAND..................................  CARROLL.....................             .81             .16            3.05             .75            1.26
    MARYLAND..................................  CECIL.......................  ..............            1.53  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MARYLAND..................................  CHARLES.....................           24.08           20.03           18.60           15.89           15.01
    MARYLAND..................................  DORCHESTER..................  ..............  ..............           25.21           15.76           10.71
    MARYLAND..................................  FREDERICK...................           31.03           21.14           20.05           13.63           13.31
    MARYLAND..................................  GARRETT.....................            2.78            2.37            4.57            3.76            1.69
    MARYLAND..................................  HARFORD.....................  ..............            5.58            4.96            2.29            2.23
    MARYLAND..................................  HOWARD......................  ..............  ..............            8.74            5.50            5.59
    MARYLAND..................................  KENT........................            9.31           13.07            2.95            5.42            2.62
    MARYLAND..................................  MONTGOMERY..................           21.51           16.75           10.98           10.45            8.77
    MARYLAND..................................  PRINCE GEORGE'S.............           30.65           28.06           25.35           23.64           21.96
    MARYLAND..................................  QUEEN ANNE'S................           56.91            5.46            4.04            1.30  ..............
    MARYLAND..................................  SOMERSET....................           25.28           15.70           38.89           34.76           38.54
    MARYLAND..................................  ST. MARY'S..................  ..............  ..............           21.45           10.97            5.23
    MARYLAND..................................  TALBOT......................  ..............  ..............           22.00            8.23           19.21
    MARYLAND..................................  WASHINGTON..................            1.32             .98            6.14            7.27            8.65
    MARYLAND..................................  WICOMICO....................            2.57  ..............           38.30           42.74           29.85
    MARYLAND..................................  WORCESTER...................           36.13           49.04           39.25           33.72           31.81
    MASSACHUSETTS.............................  BARNSTABLE..................           13.50           10.40            8.42            6.83            5.65
    MASSACHUSETTS.............................  BERKSHIRE...................            8.88            9.73           10.30           10.24           13.20
    MASSACHUSETTS.............................  BRISTOL.....................           11.75            8.40            7.64            9.76           12.54
    MASSACHUSETTS.............................  DUKES.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            8.77
    MASSACHUSETTS.............................  ESSEX.......................           24.58           19.91           18.38           19.66           19.19
    MASSACHUSETTS.............................  FRANKLIN, PT................           11.68           17.14           18.80           16.18           16.34
    MASSACHUSETTS.............................  HAMPDEN, PT.................            4.41            4.96            2.21            1.87            3.59
    MASSACHUSETTS.............................  HAMPSHIRE...................           35.99           36.23           34.86           33.76           29.96
    MASSACHUSETTS.............................  MIDDLESEX...................           26.85           27.18           24.75           18.47           17.95
    MASSACHUSETTS.............................  NANTUCKET...................  ..............  ..............           13.89  ..............  ..............
    MASSACHUSETTS.............................  NORFOLK.....................           25.61           34.21           18.64            7.81            4.73
    MASSACHUSETTS.............................  PLYMOUTH, PT................            9.30            8.78            9.11            6.85            5.15
    MASSACHUSETTS.............................  SUFFOLK.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MASSACHUSETTS.............................  WORCESTER, PT...............           16.42           24.50           24.11           24.76           21.57
    MICHIGAN..................................  ALCONA......................            2.58             .65             .55  ..............             .82
    MICHIGAN..................................  ALGER.......................            1.40             .95  ..............  ..............            1.80
    MICHIGAN..................................  ALLEGAN.....................            1.19  ..............            6.53  ..............             .31
    MICHIGAN..................................  ALPENA......................            1.84            1.37             .55            1.39            1.95
    MICHIGAN..................................  ANTRIM......................  ..............             .12  ..............             .24  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  ARENAC......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  BARAGA......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  BARRY.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  BAY.........................            8.97            9.65           13.41            8.94            8.89
    MICHIGAN..................................  BENZIE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............           20.40           21.77
    MICHIGAN..................................  BERRIEN.....................            4.35            3.79            2.76            1.34            3.34
    MICHIGAN..................................  BRANCH......................            2.81             .77            3.50             .80  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  CALHOUN.....................           11.55            6.77            5.13            3.75           11.15
    MICHIGAN..................................  CASS........................            5.78            5.23            7.22            1.78            1.22
    MICHIGAN..................................  CHARLEVOIX..................  ..............           79.34           77.04           65.98           52.52
    MICHIGAN..................................  CHEBOYGAN...................            1.51            1.70             .93             .03  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  CHIPPEWA....................             .54             .57            1.25             .54            1.06
    MICHIGAN..................................  CLARE.......................  ..............            1.13  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  CLINTON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .19  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  CRAWFORD....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  DELTA.......................             .76           14.97           15.57           12.46           10.36
    MICHIGAN..................................  DICKINSON...................  ..............  ..............            5.02  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  EATON.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  EMMET.......................  ..............  ..............           38.71           29.93           26.63
    MICHIGAN..................................  GENESEE.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  GLADWIN.....................           15.11           10.98           10.47            8.33            7.47
    MICHIGAN..................................  GOGEBIC.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  GRAND TRAVERSE..............            2.01  ..............            1.18  ..............            1.73
    MICHIGAN..................................  GRATIOT.....................            2.47            2.54            3.29            2.85            3.50
    MICHIGAN..................................  HILLSDALE...................            1.86            6.44            5.60            4.38            4.26
    MICHIGAN..................................  HOUGHTON....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  HURON.......................  ..............  ..............             .55             .13             .31
    MICHIGAN..................................  INGHAM......................            8.56            7.29            2.29            2.00           42.89
    MICHIGAN..................................  IONIA.......................            6.29            1.55            2.00  ..............             .64
    MICHIGAN..................................  IOSCO.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  IRON........................            4.85            1.55           36.38           61.81           22.52
    MICHIGAN..................................  ISABELLA....................             .64  ..............             .15            1.17  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  JACKSON.....................            5.38            3.61            3.31             .82            1.02
    MICHIGAN..................................  KALAMAZOO...................           11.95            4.27            2.18            2.22             .15
    MICHIGAN..................................  KALKASKA....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .82            6.16
    MICHIGAN..................................  KENT........................             .25            7.26            9.33            2.66           70.03
    MICHIGAN..................................  KEWEENAW....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  LAKE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  LAPEER......................            4.61            7.78            5.15            4.58            4.25
    MICHIGAN..................................  LEELANAU....................             .30             .42  ..............  ..............             .56
    MICHIGAN..................................  LENAWEE.....................            7.30            6.97            6.38            6.89            4.92
    MICHIGAN..................................  LIVINGSTON..................  ..............  ..............            4.84             .30  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  LUCE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  MACKINAC....................            2.40  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  MACOMB......................  ..............  ..............            6.77  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  MANISTEE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  MARQUETTE...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  MASON.......................            1.36            1.59            1.63            1.55            1.88
    MICHIGAN..................................  MECOSTA.....................            6.72            6.64             .37  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  MENOMINEE...................             .15            2.58            5.32            3.69            2.34
    MICHIGAN..................................  MIDLAND.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  MISSAUKEE...................  ..............           22.87           21.02           20.24           17.76
    MICHIGAN..................................  MONROE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .06           39.39
    MICHIGAN..................................  MONTCALM....................            2.70            2.81            1.43            1.20            1.87
    MICHIGAN..................................  MONTMORENCY.................            1.66            2.24  ..............  ..............             .39
    MICHIGAN..................................  MUSKEGON....................  ..............  ..............  ..............            3.52            1.11
    MICHIGAN..................................  NEWAYGO.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  OAKLAND.....................            7.95  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  OCEANA......................            8.98           16.79           14.20           10.08           15.24
    MICHIGAN..................................  OGEMAW......................  ..............             .07  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  ONTONAGON...................            7.46            5.66            1.00           26.06           24.56
    MICHIGAN..................................  OSCEOLA.....................            3.56            2.04            1.27  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  OSCODA......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  OTSEGO......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  OTTAWA......................  ..............            1.69             .66             .58             .53
    MICHIGAN..................................  PRESQUE ISLE................            7.70            3.69            4.60            5.18            4.84
    MICHIGAN..................................  ROSCOMMON...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  SAGINAW.....................             .16  ..............             .04            2.36            2.21
    MICHIGAN..................................  SANILAC.....................            4.68            4.47            4.32            4.03            4.19
    MICHIGAN..................................  SCHOOLCRAFT.................             .73  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  SHIAWASSEE..................            5.65            5.30            5.86            1.21  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  ST. CLAIR...................  ..............  ..............  ..............           30.78           28.40
    MICHIGAN..................................  ST. JOSEPH..................            2.49            2.94            2.12            2.43            3.63
    MICHIGAN..................................  TUSCOLA.....................            4.02            4.04            3.95            4.29            4.59
    MICHIGAN..................................  VAN BUREN...................  ..............  ..............             .76            2.03            5.99
    MICHIGAN..................................  WASHTENAW...................            2.59            2.91            2.89            2.45            1.53
    MICHIGAN..................................  WAYNE.......................             .55             .52             .44             .32  ..............
    MICHIGAN..................................  WEXFORD.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............           25.85           51.85
    MINNESOTA.................................  AITKIN......................            6.78            6.30           10.32            9.88           22.35
    MINNESOTA.................................  ANOKA.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  BECKER......................             .61             .80             .59           11.26           10.95
    MINNESOTA.................................  BELTRAMI....................            4.25             .16  ..............             .38            4.80
    MINNESOTA.................................  BENTON......................             .64             .66            2.54            1.55            1.23
    MINNESOTA.................................  BIG STONE...................  ..............  ..............            2.03  ..............             .58
    MINNESOTA.................................  BLUE EARTH..................             .15             .20  ..............  ..............             .07
    MINNESOTA.................................  BROWN.......................             .96             .92            1.84            1.54            1.54
    MINNESOTA.................................  CARLTON.....................            3.05            3.08            3.14            2.26  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  CARVER......................             .51  ..............             .61             .01             .85
    MINNESOTA.................................  CASS........................            8.79            4.55            6.14            8.55           10.30
    MINNESOTA.................................  CHIPPEWA....................  ..............  ..............             .78            2.73            2.25
    MINNESOTA.................................  CHISAGO.....................  ..............  ..............             .71           24.58           32.28
    MINNESOTA.................................  CLAY........................            3.03            5.44            4.51            3.88            8.01
    MINNESOTA.................................  CLEARWATER..................             .68             .28            2.38            3.42            5.62
    MINNESOTA.................................  COOK........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  COTTONWOOD..................            3.16            3.39            5.32            2.77            2.18
    MINNESOTA.................................  CROW WING...................  ..............            2.34            4.86            1.51            5.85
    MINNESOTA.................................  DAKOTA......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  DODGE.......................            1.10             .01             .07  ..............  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  DOUGLAS.....................            3.38            3.08            3.88            1.07            2.53
    MINNESOTA.................................  FARIBAULT...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .09
    MINNESOTA.................................  FILLMORE....................             .24             .11             .06             .77            3.50
    MINNESOTA.................................  FREEBORN....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.20
    MINNESOTA.................................  GOODHUE.....................  ..............            3.83            3.25            1.80             .99
    MINNESOTA.................................  GRANT.......................             .47             .44           11.19             .09            1.11
    MINNESOTA.................................  HENNEPIN....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  HOUSTON.....................  ..............  ..............             .25            1.01           16.03
    MINNESOTA.................................  HUBBARD.....................  ..............  ..............           10.51            2.87            2.17
    MINNESOTA.................................  ISANTI......................            2.63            2.70  ..............            3.08  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  ITASCA......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.59           13.49
    MINNESOTA.................................  JACKSON.....................            2.45            2.36            2.48            1.77             .39
    MINNESOTA.................................  KANABEC.....................             .26             .06            1.92            2.17           28.92
    MINNESOTA.................................  KANDIYOHI...................  ..............             .39             .97            4.95            4.59
    MINNESOTA.................................  KITTSON.....................             .36             .17             .14            1.45            6.70
    MINNESOTA.................................  KOOCHICHING.................            1.56             .72            1.37            1.09             .58
    MINNESOTA.................................  LAC QUI PARLE...............            1.26  ..............             .01             .11             .86
    MINNESOTA.................................  LAKE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  LAKE OF THE WOODS...........            6.11            8.25            7.90           11.78           11.00
    MINNESOTA.................................  LE SUEUR....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  LINCOLN.....................             .87             .64             .10            1.97            2.49
    MINNESOTA.................................  LYON........................            4.42            5.01            6.87            6.88            4.66
    MINNESOTA.................................  MAHNOMEN, S.................             .11             .60            3.82            4.20            4.38
    MINNESOTA.................................  MARSHALL,W..................             .33             .42            1.13            1.13            2.63
    MINNESOTA.................................  MARTIN......................             .28             .03             .20             .32             .59
    MINNESOTA.................................  MCLEOD......................             .55             .36             .65             .20            4.93
    MINNESOTA.................................  MEEKER......................           10.10            7.44            6.93            6.52            5.68
    MINNESOTA.................................  MILLE LACS..................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .99            2.71
    MINNESOTA.................................  MORRISON....................            3.09            1.96            6.00            4.44            6.29
    MINNESOTA.................................  MOWER.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            3.93            5.92
    MINNESOTA.................................  MURRAY......................            1.33            1.20            2.11            1.81            2.44
    MINNESOTA.................................  NICOLLET....................             .43             .41             .49             .53             .42
    MINNESOTA.................................  NOBLES......................            2.73            2.73            3.73            4.31            4.19
    MINNESOTA.................................  NORMAN......................             .21  ..............             .28             .43            2.40
    MINNESOTA.................................  OLMSTED.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  PENNINGTON..................             .32             .86            1.20            1.14            1.80
    MINNESOTA.................................  PINE........................            5.82            7.36            3.33            1.29             .39
    MINNESOTA.................................  PIPESTONE...................            1.28            1.34            1.39            2.89            3.70
    MINNESOTA.................................  POPE........................            1.28             .94             .60           13.95           12.36
    MINNESOTA.................................  RAMSEY......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  RED LAKE....................             .72             .54             .18             .11             .88
    MINNESOTA.................................  REDWOOD.....................            1.47            2.09            1.87            1.40            1.42
    MINNESOTA.................................  RENVILLE....................            6.42            6.70            9.08           10.10            8.57
    MINNESOTA.................................  RICE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .37
    MINNESOTA.................................  ROCK........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            3.46
    MINNESOTA.................................  ROSEAU......................            3.48            4.31            5.99            7.01            8.65
    MINNESOTA.................................  SCOTT.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  SHERBURNE...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  SIBLEY......................            2.18            1.58            3.00            3.83            4.42
    MINNESOTA.................................  ST. LOUIS, S................             .18  ..............            1.06             .82             .57
    MINNESOTA.................................  STEARNS.....................             .14             .68             .07             .26             .33
    MINNESOTA.................................  STEELE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  STEVENS.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  SWIFT.......................             .63             .62            1.39            1.31            1.83
    MINNESOTA.................................  TODD........................             .74             .53            4.74            3.79            3.03
    MINNESOTA.................................  TRAVERSE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  WABASHA.....................            1.98            2.86            2.89            1.99             .51
    MINNESOTA.................................  WADENA......................             .84            5.55            6.31           19.55           21.18
    MINNESOTA.................................  WASECA......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  WASHINGTON..................           22.76            7.86  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  WATONWAN....................             .85             .41  ..............             .07  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  WEST OTTER TAIL.............             .83             .43            1.41            2.50            2.12
    MINNESOTA.................................  WEST POLK...................             .06             .81             .92             .91            1.39
    MINNESOTA.................................  WILKIN......................  ..............             .01             .02  ..............             .02
    MINNESOTA.................................  WINONA......................             .98             .08            5.15            7.52            7.37
    MINNESOTA.................................  WRIGHT......................             .26  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MINNESOTA.................................  YELLOW MEDICINE.............             .03             .05            1.31             .49            1.10
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  ADAMS.......................  ..............  ..............            4.15           10.99           10.71
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  ALCORN......................             .23             .38             .16             .13            1.25
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  AMITE.......................           18.85           19.52           14.11            7.96            9.83
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  ATTALA......................  ..............             .68            7.75            8.64            5.90
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  BENTON......................           24.12           18.35           16.33           25.70           30.75
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  BOLIVAR.....................           54.54           61.68           61.76           57.79           56.13
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  CALHOUN.....................             .64            6.09            9.04            8.10            8.71
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  CARROLL.....................  ..............             .27             .44            6.90           34.08
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  CHICKASAW...................           11.33           11.69           12.10           12.22            9.59
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  CHOCTAW.....................           21.55           17.82           14.35           10.74            5.58
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  CLAIBORNE...................            9.00            8.88           13.45           11.64           25.27
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  CLARKE......................  ..............  ..............            1.05            3.23             .65
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  CLAY........................           26.91           25.88           23.45           12.83            8.46
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  COAHOMA.....................           42.43           44.60           50.31           44.68           38.84
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  COPIAH......................  ..............  ..............           23.45           20.20           16.73
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  COVINGTON...................  ..............            7.19            5.78            4.35            5.54
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  DESOTO......................           29.20           73.04           67.61           60.75           61.15
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  FOREST......................  ..............  ..............  ..............           49.45           45.67
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  FRANKLIN....................  ..............  ..............            1.19  ..............            6.78
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  GEORGE......................  ..............           78.65           82.44           85.35           84.61
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  GREENE......................  ..............            2.39            2.32            2.90            4.00
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  GRENADA.....................           12.92             .63             .60             .54             .43
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  HANCOCK.....................  ..............            5.46  ..............            7.93           20.95
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  HARRISON....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           54.70
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  HINDS.......................  ..............             .95           15.65           17.22            7.05
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  HOLMES......................           23.32           28.84           29.61           26.42           22.83
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  HUMPHREYS...................           27.74           28.93           36.34           56.13           59.23
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  ISSAQUENA...................           21.64           19.49           36.02           38.65           29.16
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  ITAWAMBA....................  ..............  ..............           34.45           31.14           45.42
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  JACKSON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  JASPER......................             .17             .53            1.89            2.91            1.31
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  JEFFERSON...................  ..............             .44            4.31            2.98            2.67
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  JEFFERSON DAVIS.............           15.64           30.19           36.39           38.96           35.29
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  JONES.......................            3.40            3.95            6.48            2.96           22.73
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  KEMPER......................            2.58            3.17            3.48            3.13            4.58
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  LAFAYETTE...................  ..............  ..............            1.87           37.11           24.23
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  LAMAR.......................           23.99           23.89           21.55           24.79           27.74
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  LAUDERDALE..................           45.03           43.37           43.43           35.08           49.68
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  LAWRENCE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .04
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  LEAKE.......................           29.19           26.36           26.77           37.45           41.38
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  LEE.........................             .11  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  LEFLORE.....................           76.86           75.74           70.95           67.95           64.77
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  LINCOLN.....................  ..............  ..............            3.14            2.55           18.28
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  LOWNDES.....................            2.58            3.29            2.74            1.50             .77
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  MADISON.....................            4.83            7.14           20.99           19.08           15.00
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  MARION......................           30.58           23.88           23.59           23.17           17.91
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  MARSHALL....................           62.67           60.50           68.86           63.73           55.63
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  MONROE......................           11.51           12.96           11.17           15.91           13.37
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  MONTGOMERY..................  ..............             .89            2.09            3.71            3.32
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  NESHOBA.....................  ..............             .07  ..............            1.31            1.25
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  NEWTON......................            6.78             .05            2.79            5.66           13.07
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  NOXUBEE.....................           26.94           28.75           23.83           24.78           20.83
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  OKTIBBEHA...................           11.17            6.54            5.45            3.24            1.19
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  PANOLA......................           11.21           12.82           50.82           47.23           43.01
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  PEARL RIVER.................           39.53           46.29           51.06           55.69           62.82
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  PERRY.......................  ..............             .14             .18            1.02  ..............
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  PIKE........................           38.10           44.52           45.87           42.44           40.89
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  PONTOTOC....................             .21             .14            1.91            9.42           15.39
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  PRENTISS....................  ..............            6.66            5.58            4.38            3.97
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  QUITMAN.....................           52.65           48.94           50.07           44.71           39.25
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  RANKIN......................           67.35           65.85           54.37           51.65           54.04
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  SCOTT.......................            6.57            5.90            7.09            4.90           21.02
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  SHARKEY.....................           72.34           78.58           78.90           70.64           70.95
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  SIMPSON.....................           53.02           48.00           51.34           54.39           50.89
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  SMITH.......................           10.31           15.64           10.88            8.96            8.90
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  STONE.......................            2.37           62.82           59.21           58.47           58.94
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  SUNFLOWER...................           58.82           61.08           57.47           50.55           56.04
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  TALLAHATCHIE................           26.90           28.06           23.92           21.89           22.51
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  TATE........................           29.10           37.93           51.55           47.39           51.07
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  TIPPAH......................           10.25            8.51            8.60           16.31           12.47
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  TISHOMINGO..................           45.32           50.16           41.78           33.36           29.77
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  TUNICA......................           55.31           57.64           52.72           48.74           49.60
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  UNION.......................            8.98            8.63            7.91            7.14            6.01
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  WALTHALL....................            5.38           23.08           23.30           24.17           26.76
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  WARREN......................           22.83           21.01           20.20           27.98           21.97
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  WASHINGTON..................           55.50           56.92           47.24           63.73           60.91
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  WAYNE.......................  ..............             .51            2.01            1.00            2.62
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  WEBSTER.....................             .90             .58             .01            1.67  ..............
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  WILKINSON...................             .49  ..............  ..............            3.33           14.58
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  WINSTON.....................  ..............             .08            2.34            1.91            1.12
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  YALOBUSHA...................            5.98            7.15            6.51            4.01            3.66
    MISSISSIPPI...............................  YAZOO.......................           15.67           16.37           21.37           30.08           32.13
    MISSOURI..................................  ADAIR.......................             .67  ..............             .06  ..............             .20
    MISSOURI..................................  ANDREW......................  ..............  ..............             .16            2.08            2.06
    MISSOURI..................................  ATCHISON....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  AUDRAIN.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .22            1.13
    MISSOURI..................................  BARRY.......................             .44             .21  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  BARTON......................             .24             .06             .01             .60             .80
    MISSOURI..................................  BATES.......................           11.69            9.86            8.58            6.23            5.00
    MISSOURI..................................  BENTON......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .67            1.04
    MISSOURI..................................  BOLLINGER...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  BOONE.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  BUCHANAN....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  BUTLER......................            8.89            7.96            8.01           12.41            9.86
    MISSOURI..................................  CALDWELL....................  ..............  ..............             .19             .13  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  CALLAWAY....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  CAMDEN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  CAPE GIRARDEAU..............             .39             .25  ..............            1.34             .29
    MISSOURI..................................  CARROLL.....................  ..............             .35             .03  ..............            1.48
    MISSOURI..................................  CARTER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  CASS........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  CEDAR.......................  ..............           13.99           15.20            7.57            9.97
    MISSOURI..................................  CHARITON....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .11
    MISSOURI..................................  CHRISTIAN...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  CLARK.......................            1.26            1.96             .90            1.30             .45
    MISSOURI..................................  CLAY........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  CLINTON.....................  ..............            1.27  ..............             .82  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  COLE........................             .98             .87            1.15            2.36  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  COOPER......................             .07  ..............             .10  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  CRAWFORD....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .75  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  DADE........................  ..............             .41  ..............  ..............             .66
    MISSOURI..................................  DALLAS......................           12.82            8.40            6.31            5.90           24.55
    MISSOURI..................................  DAVIESS.....................  ..............  ..............            9.14            7.29            6.19
    MISSOURI..................................  DEKALB......................            1.13            1.17            1.76             .72             .15
    MISSOURI..................................  DENT........................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.57  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  DOUGLAS.....................            1.91             .80             .10             .04            1.05
    MISSOURI..................................  DUNKLIN.....................             .32             .02            1.02            1.93             .72
    MISSOURI..................................  FRANKLIN....................             .28             .33  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  GASCONADE...................             .50             .26            2.61  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  GENTRY......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  GREENE......................             .41             .31  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  GRUNDY......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .39
    MISSOURI..................................  HARRISON....................  ..............  ..............  ..............            7.51            5.06
    MISSOURI..................................  HENRY.......................            5.63           21.55           12.92           12.36           10.55
    MISSOURI..................................  HICKORY.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  HOLT........................            1.02            1.02            1.09             .25            1.28
    MISSOURI..................................  HOWARD......................             .30             .09  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  HOWELL......................            9.34             .20             .20  ..............             .20
    MISSOURI..................................  IRON........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  JACKSON.....................  ..............  ..............           23.38           22.15           11.85
    MISSOURI..................................  JASPER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .43             .22
    MISSOURI..................................  JEFFERSON...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  JOHNSON.....................           23.09           23.23           23.32           19.78           16.14
    MISSOURI..................................  KNOX........................            7.88            2.63            3.31            1.70            6.81
    MISSOURI..................................  LACLEDE.....................            2.20            2.17            4.68            8.28            5.21
    MISSOURI..................................  LAFAYETTE...................             .25             .27  ..............             .52  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  LAWRENCE....................  ..............             .30             .42             .14            7.99
    MISSOURI..................................  LEWIS.......................             .43            4.33            7.09            5.64            3.52
    MISSOURI..................................  LINCOLN.....................            1.35  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  LINN........................             .04             .03             .46             .39  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  LIVINGSTON..................            3.86            3.04            3.10            3.18            2.58
    MISSOURI..................................  MACON.......................            1.20             .95             .41            1.86             .57
    MISSOURI..................................  MADISON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .02            5.86
    MISSOURI..................................  MARIES......................             .62            1.10  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  MARION......................  ..............            2.62  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  MCDONALD....................  ..............  ..............  ..............           12.72            9.54
    MISSOURI..................................  MERCER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .01            2.98
    MISSOURI..................................  MILLER......................            1.35            2.15            2.83            1.78            9.40
    MISSOURI..................................  MISSISSIPPI.................            5.39            5.64            7.74           12.63            6.17
    MISSOURI..................................  MONITEAU....................            9.44  ..............            2.19           13.69           10.81
    MISSOURI..................................  MONROE......................            1.47            1.33             .48            3.76  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  MONTGOMERY..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  MORGAN......................  ..............             .59             .58  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  NEW MADRID..................             .33             .20            5.73            6.40            5.61
    MISSOURI..................................  NEWTON......................            2.64  ..............            2.45            1.55             .43
    MISSOURI..................................  NODAWAY.....................             .04  ..............             .03             .40             .27
    MISSOURI..................................  OREGON......................            1.78             .63  ..............             .24            5.41
    MISSOURI..................................  OSAGE.......................            1.74            1.22             .70             .79            1.28
    MISSOURI..................................  OZARK.......................            1.47            1.96            9.54            7.79            7.36
    MISSOURI..................................  PEMISCOT....................           12.97           13.35           11.36           12.77            9.35
    MISSOURI..................................  PERRY.......................            2.34  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  PETTIS......................  ..............  ..............             .15             .17             .06
    MISSOURI..................................  PHELPS......................             .55  ..............  ..............             .01  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  PIKE........................  ..............             .29  ..............            1.16             .17
    MISSOURI..................................  PLATTE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            3.43  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  POLK........................            1.08             .17  ..............  ..............            1.50
    MISSOURI..................................  PULASKI.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  PUTNAM......................            4.62             .30             .25             .55           11.98
    MISSOURI..................................  RALLS.......................  ..............  ..............             .25             .30  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  RANDOLPH....................             .01  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.52
    MISSOURI..................................  RAY.........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  REYNOLDS....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  RIPLEY......................             .74             .70             .54             .28             .08
    MISSOURI..................................  SALINE......................             .02             .12             .64             .90            1.26
    MISSOURI..................................  SCHUYLER....................             .13  ..............             .74            1.06            8.55
    MISSOURI..................................  SCOTLAND....................  ..............            2.89  ..............             .37             .12
    MISSOURI..................................  SCOTT.......................  ..............             .19           32.64  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  SHANNON.....................            3.59  ..............            9.00             .40             .41
    MISSOURI..................................  SHELBY......................             .22  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  ST LOUIS CITY...............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  ST. CHARLES.................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  ST. CLAIR...................            3.61            5.73            5.96            7.69            7.08
    MISSOURI..................................  ST. FRANCOIS................  ..............             .20  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  ST. LOUIS...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  STE. GENEVIEVE..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  STODDARD....................            1.30            1.19             .86             .66            1.18
    MISSOURI..................................  STONE.......................  ..............             .28             .27            1.38  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  SULLIVAN....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .15
    MISSOURI..................................  TANEY.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  TEXAS.......................             .04             .20             .20             .18             .78
    MISSOURI..................................  VERNON......................             .21           31.45           24.13           14.72           12.03
    MISSOURI..................................  WARREN......................            3.81  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  WASHINGTON..................  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.14  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  WAYNE.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............           13.91            3.66
    MISSOURI..................................  WEBSTER.....................            1.22             .35             .11           14.84           13.38
    MISSOURI..................................  WORTH.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .86  ..............
    MISSOURI..................................  WRIGHT......................            4.06            2.69            1.44            1.16             .05
    MONTANA...................................  BEAVERHEAD..................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.67            1.45
    MONTANA...................................  BIG HORN....................           15.98           18.39           22.98           24.15           20.84
    MONTANA...................................  BLAINE......................           40.00           38.09           37.02           37.85           32.28
    MONTANA...................................  BROADWATER..................            1.95  ..............           62.56           58.47           53.05
    MONTANA...................................  CARBON......................           43.20           12.63           11.52           18.21           18.47
    MONTANA...................................  CARTER......................            4.96            5.58           18.72           14.03           12.52
    MONTANA...................................  CASCADE.....................             .54  ..............             .76             .30             .22
    MONTANA...................................  CHOUTEAU....................             .94             .66             .55            1.26            1.41
    MONTANA...................................  CUSTER......................             .08             .09             .33             .97             .27
    MONTANA...................................  DANIELS.....................            5.01            4.43            6.77            7.18            7.05
    MONTANA...................................  DAWSON......................             .14            4.85            3.45            1.76            1.36
    MONTANA...................................  DEER LODGE..................             .07  ..............  ..............             .14             .51
    MONTANA...................................  FALLON......................            1.69            1.50            1.47             .95            1.32
    MONTANA...................................  FERGUS......................            1.58             .35            1.70            2.30            2.88
    MONTANA...................................  FLATHEAD....................  ..............            7.14            9.81           23.99           21.19
    MONTANA...................................  GALLATIN....................             .81  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MONTANA...................................  GARFIELD....................           35.40           19.14           50.87           44.82           35.03
    MONTANA...................................  GLACIER.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           11.63
    MONTANA...................................  GOLDEN VALLEY...............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .86  ..............
    MONTANA...................................  GRANITE.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.11
    MONTANA...................................  HILL........................            1.09            1.19  ..............            1.58            2.72
    MONTANA...................................  JEFFERSON...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MONTANA...................................  JUDITH BASIN................  ..............             .22  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MONTANA...................................  LAKE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MONTANA...................................  LEWIS AND CLARK.............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MONTANA...................................  LIBERTY.....................            1.30            3.32  ..............  ..............            5.07
    MONTANA...................................  LINCOLN.....................            9.25            8.83            8.25            7.96            6.99
    MONTANA...................................  MADISON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .23            1.24
    MONTANA...................................  MCCONE......................             .96            1.39            1.16            1.62            2.52
    MONTANA...................................  MEAGHER.....................  ..............  ..............             .55  ..............            1.72
    MONTANA...................................  MINERAL.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MONTANA...................................  MISSOULA....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .55
    MONTANA...................................  MUSSELSHELL.................  ..............  ..............           32.28            3.02            1.22
    MONTANA...................................  PARK........................           21.11           18.82           13.87           12.10           10.47
    MONTANA...................................  PETROLEUM...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MONTANA...................................  PHILLIPS....................           10.84            9.07            6.54            6.00            9.33
    MONTANA...................................  PONDERA.....................            3.86            2.93            2.67            1.92            1.12
    MONTANA...................................  POWDER RIVER................  ..............            2.68            1.76            3.47             .51
    MONTANA...................................  POWELL......................             .51            5.27            5.22            2.88            2.94
    MONTANA...................................  PRAIRIE.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............            6.82            1.93
    MONTANA...................................  RAVALLI.....................           12.09            5.59  ..............            6.84            2.20
    MONTANA...................................  RICHLAND....................            1.96            5.61           11.20           12.69            7.92
    MONTANA...................................  ROOSEVELT...................             .27  ..............  ..............  ..............            7.22
    MONTANA...................................  ROSEBUD.....................             .69  ..............            1.18             .20            2.03
    MONTANA...................................  SANDERS.....................            9.31            7.13           22.95           12.48            7.97
    MONTANA...................................  SHERIDAN....................  ..............             .27             .06  ..............  ..............
    MONTANA...................................  SILVER BOW..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    MONTANA...................................  STILLWATER..................            6.02           15.91           15.15           14.07           10.75
    MONTANA...................................  SWEET GRASS.................            3.54            1.01            2.93            2.14             .28
    MONTANA...................................  TETON.......................           15.20           25.81           24.27            4.10            4.06
    MONTANA...................................  TOOLE.......................             .23             .30             .35             .43             .22
    MONTANA...................................  TREASURE....................  ..............           26.91           24.22           11.38  ..............
    MONTANA...................................  VALLEY......................           17.32           19.80           20.87           19.95           17.15
    MONTANA...................................  WHEATLAND...................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.76  ..............
    MONTANA...................................  WIBAUX......................             .04  ..............             .62            1.24             .14
    MONTANA...................................  YELLOWSTONE.................           21.61           20.18           16.67           13.40            9.39
    NEBRASKA..................................  ADAMS.......................             .42             .47             .52             .76             .50
    NEBRASKA..................................  ANTELOPE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .29             .25
    NEBRASKA..................................  ARTHUR......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEBRASKA..................................  BANNER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEBRASKA..................................  BLAINE......................           11.81  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEBRASKA..................................  BOONE.......................             .05  ..............  ..............            1.01            3.62
    NEBRASKA..................................  BOX BUTTE...................  ..............  ..............             .09  ..............             .23
    NEBRASKA..................................  BOYD........................            1.15            1.20            2.52            1.64            2.57
    NEBRASKA..................................  BROWN.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .12
    NEBRASKA..................................  BUFFALO.....................            1.36            2.77           15.84           14.24           19.72
    NEBRASKA..................................  BURT........................             .39             .39            9.33           12.06            7.38
    NEBRASKA..................................  BUTLER......................             .13            4.60             .09             .03             .63
    NEBRASKA..................................  CASS........................  ..............  ..............             .25             .79             .39
    NEBRASKA..................................  CEDAR.......................             .67             .30             .20             .02             .04
    NEBRASKA..................................  CHASE.......................            7.44             .68             .32            2.35            2.03
    NEBRASKA..................................  CHERRY......................             .55             .84             .49             .38            1.02
    NEBRASKA..................................  CHEYENNE....................            1.59            2.98            1.50            5.19            4.90
    NEBRASKA..................................  CLAY........................            1.00            1.25             .27             .92           14.32
    NEBRASKA..................................  COLFAX......................             .10             .31             .57            6.96            2.53
    NEBRASKA..................................  CUMING......................             .33             .30             .30             .34             .33
    NEBRASKA..................................  CUSTER......................            5.99            5.20             .34            2.32            2.10
    NEBRASKA..................................  DAKOTA......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEBRASKA..................................  DAWES.......................  ..............            1.58             .42  ..............             .47
    NEBRASKA..................................  DAWSON......................             .04             .05            1.50             .79            1.03
    NEBRASKA..................................  DEUEL.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEBRASKA..................................  DIXON.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .39
    NEBRASKA..................................  DODGE.......................             .51             .45            3.16            2.83            2.65
    NEBRASKA..................................  DOUGLAS.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEBRASKA..................................  DUNDY.......................  ..............  ..............            4.11           17.06            5.79
    NEBRASKA..................................  FILLMORE....................             .79  ..............  ..............  ..............             .77
    NEBRASKA..................................  FRANKLIN....................            1.36  ..............             .07             .66            5.90
    NEBRASKA..................................  FRONTIER....................            1.14             .95            2.01            4.21            2.02
    NEBRASKA..................................  FURNAS......................             .56            3.49            3.42            3.46            3.63
    NEBRASKA..................................  GAGE........................             .13             .07             .07             .67             .38
    NEBRASKA..................................  GARDEN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEBRASKA..................................  GARFIELD....................            1.11  ..............            4.02           30.23           31.15
    NEBRASKA..................................  GOSPER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.28             .41
    NEBRASKA..................................  GRANT.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEBRASKA..................................  GREELEY.....................             .87             .77             .75             .69           11.38
    NEBRASKA..................................  HALL........................  ..............             .27            1.10           13.11           11.59
    NEBRASKA..................................  HAMILTON....................             .24  ..............             .70             .49             .16
    NEBRASKA..................................  HARLAN......................             .70  ..............             .57            7.66            2.10
    NEBRASKA..................................  HAYES.......................           16.68           15.19           14.26            8.22            7.15
    NEBRASKA..................................  HITCHCOCK...................  ..............            9.03           16.46           14.05           12.63
    NEBRASKA..................................  HOLT........................             .12  ..............             .45             .09             .06
    NEBRASKA..................................  HOOKER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEBRASKA..................................  HOWARD......................            1.88             .29             .46            3.24            1.01
    NEBRASKA..................................  JEFFERSON...................  ..............             .36           13.10           14.09           16.90
    NEBRASKA..................................  JOHNSON.....................            1.08             .33            1.31            1.14             .51
    NEBRASKA..................................  KEARNEY.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.66
    NEBRASKA..................................  KEITH.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            4.64  ..............
    NEBRASKA..................................  KEYA PAHA...................             .49  ..............            4.06            6.90            3.02
    NEBRASKA..................................  KIMBALL.....................  ..............             .79             .49           13.56             .60
    NEBRASKA..................................  KNOX........................            1.89            1.38            1.13            1.10            2.90
    NEBRASKA..................................  LANCASTER...................  ..............             .06  ..............             .41             .33
    NEBRASKA..................................  LINCOLN.....................            1.72            1.40             .70            1.55            3.33
    NEBRASKA..................................  LOGAN.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.03
    NEBRASKA..................................  LOUP........................            2.19             .15  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEBRASKA..................................  MADISON.....................  ..............  ..............             .15  ..............  ..............
    NEBRASKA..................................  MCPHERSON...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEBRASKA..................................  MERRICK.....................            3.09            3.64            4.89            8.04            6.56
    NEBRASKA..................................  MORRILL.....................           21.95           18.30           17.96           15.57           14.30
    NEBRASKA..................................  NANCE.......................             .68             .10             .24             .25             .23
    NEBRASKA..................................  NEMAHA......................             .79             .68             .84             .83            2.84
    NEBRASKA..................................  NUCKOLLS....................            2.59            2.32            6.45            6.12           11.10
    NEBRASKA..................................  OTOE........................             .76             .79             .73             .82            9.64
    NEBRASKA..................................  PAWNEE......................             .35            2.27             .89             .88            2.25
    NEBRASKA..................................  PERKINS.....................  ..............  ..............             .11             .04             .12
    NEBRASKA..................................  PHELPS......................            1.53            2.38            3.99            6.57            8.44
    NEBRASKA..................................  PIERCE......................             .64            1.19             .60            1.67             .90
    NEBRASKA..................................  PLATTE......................             .72             .70             .89            1.02             .09
    NEBRASKA..................................  POLK........................             .06  ..............  ..............             .65            3.44
    NEBRASKA..................................  RED WILLOW..................            3.03            1.97             .95            1.68            2.26
    NEBRASKA..................................  RICHARDSON..................             .49             .54            1.79             .97            1.55
    NEBRASKA..................................  ROCK........................            1.58            2.10            1.64            4.60           16.59
    NEBRASKA..................................  SALINE......................             .52             .52             .98             .89            1.25
    NEBRASKA..................................  SARPY.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .45             .35
    NEBRASKA..................................  SAUNDERS....................             .28             .22  ..............             .82             .69
    NEBRASKA..................................  SCOTTS BLUFF................           16.20           18.17           16.03           16.82           15.09
    NEBRASKA..................................  SEWARD......................  ..............             .16             .14  ..............            1.07
    NEBRASKA..................................  SHERIDAN....................            4.40            1.73            1.26             .87             .07
    NEBRASKA..................................  SHERMAN.....................            3.12            1.51            1.01             .94           16.82
    NEBRASKA..................................  SIOUX, S1/2.................            1.92             .35  ..............             .32            1.39
    NEBRASKA..................................  STANTON.....................            2.68             .21            8.93            6.62            6.33
    NEBRASKA..................................  THAYER......................             .51             .50            4.62            5.42            3.46
    NEBRASKA..................................  THOMAS......................  ..............            5.42            4.65           19.72           34.47
    NEBRASKA..................................  THURSTON....................             .28  ..............           10.10            6.31            6.64
    NEBRASKA..................................  VALLEY......................            3.59            2.79             .42             .40             .60
    NEBRASKA..................................  WASHINGTON..................             .03             .01             .11             .93            2.47
    NEBRASKA..................................  WAYNE.......................            1.65           14.61           14.73           16.56           12.93
    NEBRASKA..................................  WEBSTER.....................  ..............  ..............             .35             .22            1.46
    NEBRASKA..................................  WHEELER.....................             .08  ..............  ..............  ..............             .96
    NEBRASKA..................................  YORK........................            5.39            3.81            3.39            3.56            7.07
    NEVADA....................................  CARSON CITY.................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEVADA....................................  CHURCHILL...................            2.13           14.53  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEVADA....................................  CLARK.......................  ..............             .01             .81  ..............  ..............
    NEVADA....................................  DOUGLAS.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEVADA....................................  ELKO........................           20.36            7.29           13.63            6.27            6.41
    NEVADA....................................  ESMERALDA...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEVADA....................................  EUREKA......................             .20           24.81           17.02           12.39           11.28
    NEVADA....................................  HUMBOLDT....................           15.59           19.47            6.83            9.72            6.05
    NEVADA....................................  LANDER......................            2.06  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEVADA....................................  LINCOLN.....................           24.31  ..............  ..............  ..............           74.44
    NEVADA....................................  LYON........................  ..............  ..............            3.55             .98  ..............
    NEVADA....................................  MINERAL.....................  ..............  ..............           22.34            6.29  ..............
    NEVADA....................................  NYE,NW......................  ..............             .53  ..............           30.90           28.93
    NEVADA....................................  PERSHING....................             .54  ..............  ..............             .33  ..............
    NEVADA....................................  STOREY......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEVADA....................................  WASHOE......................           70.07           68.04           63.04           58.07           54.38
    NEVADA....................................  WHITE PINE..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW HAMPSHIRE.............................  BELKNAP.....................            2.68             .88             .91            1.59            2.67
    NEW HAMPSHIRE.............................  CARROLL.....................            2.61  ..............  ..............            3.03  ..............
    NEW HAMPSHIRE.............................  CHESHIRE....................  ..............             .07  ..............             .06  ..............
    NEW HAMPSHIRE.............................  COOS........................            4.40            6.40            6.46            8.17            7.54
    NEW HAMPSHIRE.............................  GRAFTON.....................  ..............            3.59            4.04            4.72            3.95
    NEW HAMPSHIRE.............................  HILLSBOROUGH................             .89  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW HAMPSHIRE.............................  MERRIMACK...................             .29  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW HAMPSHIRE.............................  ROCKINGHAM..................             .04  ..............  ..............             .02             .52
    NEW HAMPSHIRE.............................  STRAFFORD...................            4.61            4.19            4.38            3.73            3.58
    NEW HAMPSHIRE.............................  SULLIVAN....................  ..............             .35  ..............            4.43            1.56
    NEW JERSEY................................  ATLANTIC....................            8.36           25.38           30.29           31.23           28.26
    NEW JERSEY................................  BERGEN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW JERSEY................................  BURLINGTON..................           34.19           29.72           25.86           24.93           26.37
    NEW JERSEY................................  CAMDEN......................  ..............           43.62           43.43           29.95           26.95
    NEW JERSEY................................  CAPE MAY....................  ..............           16.01           80.06           79.93           79.95
    NEW JERSEY................................  CUMBERLAND..................           37.81           35.00           40.14           38.70           42.37
    NEW JERSEY................................  ESSEX.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW JERSEY................................  GLOUCESTER..................           58.84           67.47           57.78           55.76           53.93
    NEW JERSEY................................  HUDSON......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW JERSEY................................  HUNTERDON...................            2.46            4.89           11.12            9.30           13.31
    NEW JERSEY................................  MERCER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............          100.00  ..............
    NEW JERSEY................................  MIDDLESEX...................           82.88           82.86           82.68           82.66           56.49
    NEW JERSEY................................  MONMOUTH....................           56.77           75.28           74.72           74.00           59.26
    NEW JERSEY................................  MORRIS......................  ..............            1.98  ..............  ..............           10.28
    NEW JERSEY................................  OCEAN.......................  ..............           90.95  ..............  ..............            9.43
    NEW JERSEY................................  PASSAIC.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW JERSEY................................  SALEM.......................           48.91           49.26           53.50           46.95           49.33
    NEW JERSEY................................  SOMERSET....................  ..............             .74           40.11           35.87           25.40
    NEW JERSEY................................  SUSSEX......................            3.77            1.71  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW JERSEY................................  UNION.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW JERSEY................................  WARREN......................            5.11            4.41            4.24            5.28            4.12
    NEW MEXICO................................  BERNALILLO WEST.............           41.39           27.29           15.81            1.20  ..............
    NEW MEXICO................................  CATRON......................            7.28            5.13            6.78            3.70            3.15
    NEW MEXICO................................  CHAVES......................           31.80           26.59           21.63           18.16           17.87
    NEW MEXICO................................  CIBOLA......................           47.44           74.12           72.48           68.32           65.66
    NEW MEXICO................................  COLFAX......................  ..............            1.99  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW MEXICO................................  CURRY.......................            4.45            4.19            7.58           11.91           10.09
    NEW MEXICO................................  DEBACA......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .96  ..............
    NEW MEXICO................................  DONA ANA....................            9.27            9.11            7.80            5.96             .65
    NEW MEXICO................................  EDDY........................           28.85           19.77           13.65           14.74            9.74
    NEW MEXICO................................  GRANT.......................           28.41           23.42           18.45           18.04           10.15
    NEW MEXICO................................  GUADALUPE...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW MEXICO................................  HARDING, PT.................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW MEXICO................................  HIDALGO.....................           16.29           17.69           22.09           23.80            8.57
    NEW MEXICO................................  LEA.........................           17.67           15.88           14.62            8.52            8.12
    NEW MEXICO................................  LINCOLN.....................            1.76            2.52           14.11           13.10           11.09
    NEW MEXICO................................  LOS ALAMOS..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW MEXICO................................  LUNA........................            3.87            6.65            6.84            3.84            2.51
    NEW MEXICO................................  MCKINLEY....................            8.99           11.57           15.15           26.61           20.31
    NEW MEXICO................................  MORA........................  ..............             .26             .17             .87            1.40
    NEW MEXICO................................  OTERO, PT...................           27.20           23.35           25.27           13.59           13.43
    NEW MEXICO................................  QUAY........................  ..............             .34            2.08            2.21            1.73
    NEW MEXICO................................  RIO ARRIBA..................            9.39           17.54           15.79           12.09           10.74
    NEW MEXICO................................  ROOSEVELT...................           21.77           22.28           26.80           21.02           18.83
    NEW MEXICO................................  SAN JUAN....................           45.80           42.09           33.05            9.10            3.37
    NEW MEXICO................................  SAN MIGUEL..................             .15           44.63           32.06           37.85           45.32
    NEW MEXICO................................  SANDOVAL....................            6.49            7.84            4.99             .37             .11
    NEW MEXICO................................  SANTA FE, N.................            9.56           21.99           11.72            7.26  ..............
    NEW MEXICO................................  SIERRA......................           27.37           19.38           17.14           16.70           14.75
    NEW MEXICO................................  SOCORRO.....................           30.24           31.48           24.60           20.72           19.54
    NEW MEXICO................................  TAOS........................  ..............  ..............            2.75            4.02            3.15
    NEW MEXICO................................  TORRANCE....................            2.33           25.76           22.26           21.53           21.58
    NEW MEXICO................................  UNION.......................            4.21            2.79            1.51  ..............           11.38
    NEW MEXICO................................  VALENCIA, WEST..............            8.20            6.63            9.57            2.27            2.06
    NEW YORK..................................  ALBANY......................            1.62            2.82            8.40  ..............  ..............
    NEW YORK..................................  ALLEGANY....................           12.98           11.53           10.78            9.24            4.83
    NEW YORK..................................  BRONX.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW YORK..................................  BROOME......................  ..............  ..............            2.65            1.62             .03
    NEW YORK..................................  CATTARAUGUS.................             .89            5.00           10.69           12.42           21.44
    NEW YORK..................................  CAYUGA......................           17.87           15.49           16.56           18.46           16.03
    NEW YORK..................................  CHAUTAUQUA..................            5.96            9.56            7.83            8.59            8.62
    NEW YORK..................................  CHEMUNG.....................  ..............            1.69            6.35  ..............  ..............
    NEW YORK..................................  CHENANGO....................            6.18            5.41            4.45           12.21           20.02
    NEW YORK..................................  CLINTON.....................            4.35  ..............           27.49           39.16           31.95
    NEW YORK..................................  COLUMBIA....................            3.49            7.00            5.12            5.88            6.96
    NEW YORK..................................  CORTLAND....................            2.26            1.51            2.26             .93            1.18
    NEW YORK..................................  DELAWARE....................           14.31           14.68           15.85           17.22           26.81
    NEW YORK..................................  DUTCHESS....................  ..............           26.31           32.60           45.68           50.85
    NEW YORK..................................  ERIE........................            7.06            7.08            9.73           13.82           16.84
    NEW YORK..................................  ESSEX.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            7.99  ..............
    NEW YORK..................................  FRANKLIN....................           21.37           27.43           25.49           27.46           26.41
    NEW YORK..................................  FULTON......................  ..............             .43             .45            1.15             .33
    NEW YORK..................................  GENESEE.....................           10.59           27.01           22.99           14.99           13.03
    NEW YORK..................................  GREENE......................            7.40  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW YORK..................................  HAMILTON....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW YORK..................................  HERKIMER....................            4.12            4.91            4.99            5.98            4.76
    NEW YORK..................................  JEFFERSON...................            4.68            6.41            7.75            7.55           16.84
    NEW YORK..................................  KINGS.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW YORK..................................  LEWIS.......................           11.05            9.29            8.62            9.91           26.21
    NEW YORK..................................  LIVINGSTON..................           32.63           34.53           36.79           36.03           36.47
    NEW YORK..................................  MADISON.....................           10.01           11.85           12.42           10.81            7.55
    NEW YORK..................................  MONROE......................            4.09           11.20           11.13           14.80           24.48
    NEW YORK..................................  MONTGOMERY..................            2.28            2.93            1.41            5.95            5.01
    NEW YORK..................................  NASSAU......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW YORK..................................  NEW YORK....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW YORK..................................  NIAGARA.....................            2.08            2.50            1.83            8.02           13.21
    NEW YORK..................................  ONEIDA......................            1.23            5.77            6.12           19.98           17.48
    NEW YORK..................................  ONONDAGA....................           10.50           19.57           10.99           14.55           11.22
    NEW YORK..................................  ONTARIO.....................           12.78           14.43           19.41           24.70           26.16
    NEW YORK..................................  ORANGE......................           14.63           10.60           33.45           35.43           44.92
    NEW YORK..................................  ORLEANS.....................           29.28           27.80           27.84           19.57           26.08
    NEW YORK..................................  OSWEGO......................           44.08           29.59           24.34           22.63           21.86
    NEW YORK..................................  OTSEGO......................            1.99            2.54            6.26            6.01           10.50
    NEW YORK..................................  PUTNAM......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW YORK..................................  QUEENS......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW YORK..................................  RENSSELAER..................  ..............            5.76            5.22           15.09           10.58
    NEW YORK..................................  RICHMOND....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW YORK..................................  ROCKLAND....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW YORK..................................  SARATOGA....................           45.25           25.64           23.63           21.92           19.44
    NEW YORK..................................  SCHENECTADY.................  ..............           19.34             .51  ..............  ..............
    NEW YORK..................................  SCHOHARIE...................            1.84            2.36            5.47            4.83            3.95
    NEW YORK..................................  SCHUYLER....................             .24  ..............            1.21            2.07           11.63
    NEW YORK..................................  SENECA......................            2.07            2.68            5.46            3.99            2.41
    NEW YORK..................................  ST. LAWRENCE................           13.13           13.57           13.70           14.19           14.31
    NEW YORK..................................  STEUBEN.....................            5.06            8.08            6.14           23.87           26.88
    NEW YORK..................................  SUFFOLK.....................            1.13  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.94
    NEW YORK..................................  SULLIVAN....................            2.52            1.73  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW YORK..................................  TIOGA.......................           15.93           13.11            8.66            6.97            7.63
    NEW YORK..................................  TOMPKINS....................           11.80           10.05           19.50            8.86            8.20
    NEW YORK..................................  ULSTER......................           33.51           40.62           43.30           37.21           37.05
    NEW YORK..................................  WARREN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NEW YORK..................................  WASHINGTON..................           16.95           12.25           21.58           20.32           21.81
    NEW YORK..................................  WAYNE.......................           15.42           13.07           11.53           14.13           10.98
    NEW YORK..................................  WESTCHESTER.................           48.51           49.68           54.19           60.25           67.02
    NEW YORK..................................  WYOMING.....................            5.72            6.48            6.59            6.61           19.97
    NEW YORK..................................  YATES.......................           10.87            9.81            8.01            7.92            8.44
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  ALAMANCE....................  ..............  ..............            1.76            2.55  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  ALEXANDER...................  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.88  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  ALLEGHANY...................           19.48           19.37           20.35           17.24           14.44
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  ANSON.......................  ..............            4.49            2.71           18.84           15.56
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  ASHE........................           19.84           17.74            9.33            8.39            2.97
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  AVERY.......................            4.18            3.63            3.63            5.92            5.48
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  BEAUFORT....................            5.23            6.59            8.54            6.89           14.71
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  BERTIE......................             .40  ..............            3.12            5.47           12.50
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  BLADEN......................           19.96           26.55           24.50           21.61           23.95
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  BRUNSWICK...................  ..............  ..............           21.28           12.44           12.33
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  BUNCOMBE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  BURKE.......................  ..............            5.06  ..............           36.56           31.82
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  CABARRUS....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  CALDWELL....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  CAMDEN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  CARTERET....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           45.63
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  CASWELL.....................           22.78           26.68           27.53           23.50           22.43
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  CATAWBA.....................           64.17           61.04  ..............            1.69  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  CHATHAM.....................            1.04             .41             .96            7.23            3.43
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  CHEROKEE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  CHOWAN......................             .33  ..............            3.99  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  CLAY........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  CLEVELAND...................            1.18             .15            2.86  ..............             .91
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  COLUMBUS....................            8.57            9.51            6.02            2.75            2.33
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  CRAVEN......................           13.86           16.78           11.51           20.12           19.10
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  CUMBERLAND..................  ..............            5.91           23.90           11.36           32.80
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  CURRITUCK...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            7.62
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  DARE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  DAVIDSON....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  DAVIE.......................  ..............           23.14  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  DUPLIN......................            2.07            2.01            3.44            2.84            2.49
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  DURHAM......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  EDGECOMBE...................            7.20            8.25           10.58           10.74           15.96
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  FORSYTH.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  FRANKLIN....................  ..............  ..............            3.13  ..............           12.98
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  GASTON......................  ..............  ..............           99.41          100.00          100.00
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  GATES.......................            4.02            7.73            6.89            6.24            7.98
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  GRAHAM......................  ..............  ..............  ..............           98.17           97.97
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  GRANVILLE...................  ..............           56.27           57.08           41.42           41.78
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  GREENE......................           10.28           14.61           14.52           11.20            9.73
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  GUILFORD....................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.08  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  HALIFAX.....................           30.11           26.19           24.47           38.17           43.81
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  HARNETT.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............           25.76           28.24
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  HAYWOOD.....................             .61  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  HENDERSON...................           62.67           60.55           52.17           44.97           35.67
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  HERTFORD....................           23.37           20.01           16.94           16.40           18.74
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  HOKE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............           11.56           11.63
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  HYDE........................           17.32           11.51            9.02            2.69            3.34
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  IREDELL.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .89             .14
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  JACKSON.....................  ..............            1.70  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  JOHNSTON....................            7.61           11.13           13.08           17.13           21.65
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  JONES.......................            4.55           16.72            9.39  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  LEE.........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  LENOIR......................            5.16            4.53            5.27            2.52            1.55
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  LINCOLN.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           18.22
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  MACON.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  MADISON.....................            7.78           15.24           13.19            9.55            9.91
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  MARTIN......................            8.92            8.38            7.77            7.18           12.18
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  MCDOWELL....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  MECKLENBURG.................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  MITCHELL....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  MONTGOMERY..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  MOORE.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  NASH........................            2.36            1.04            1.53            7.34            6.45
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  NEW HANOVER.................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  NORTHAMPTON.................           17.11           14.57           21.63           26.68           31.55
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  ONSLOW......................            6.50            7.58            9.05           53.65           53.67
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  ORANGE......................           82.77           69.64           69.25           67.44           56.28
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  PAMLICO.....................             .91           32.13            6.56           11.73           11.04
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  PASQUOTANK..................             .81             .68            7.21             .86             .69
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  PENDER......................           72.13           73.16           71.62           74.00           70.98
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  PERQUIMANS..................             .32             .71             .97  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  PERSON......................           31.78           29.28           29.14           25.31           23.54
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  PITT........................           49.09           45.86           40.08           40.08           39.76
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  POLK........................            8.52  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  RANDOLPH....................  ..............  ..............            5.15            2.55            2.54
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  RICHMOND....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .03  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  ROBESON.....................           30.76           54.99           49.62           45.28           42.21
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  ROCKINGHAM..................            6.33            8.13             .75             .37           28.84
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  ROWAN.......................           10.09  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  RUTHERFORD..................  ..............  ..............  ..............            3.05  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  SAMPSON.....................           12.67            9.76            9.26           42.47           47.85
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  SCOTLAND....................  ..............  ..............           84.80           69.78           36.99
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  STANLY......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            4.37
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  STOKES......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  SURRY.......................             .47  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  SWAIN.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  TRANSYLVANIA................           72.66           71.39           71.38           70.37           69.91
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  TYRRELL.....................           10.26            3.74            9.79           56.96           55.82
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  UNION.......................           25.12           57.71           20.36           16.83           28.02
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  VANCE.......................  ..............  ..............           17.09           14.02           15.30
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  WAKE........................  ..............           27.46           32.17           25.91           32.42
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  WARREN......................           22.33           29.11           23.04           24.36           53.96
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  WASHINGTON..................           14.61           17.52            6.66            3.41            7.43
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  WATAUGA.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  WAYNE.......................  ..............            5.08            3.55            6.77            8.29
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  WILKES......................            1.78            1.60            2.27            2.22            2.63
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  WILSON......................            7.63            7.36             .18             .32            1.33
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  YADKIN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    NORTH CAROLINA............................  YANCEY......................  ..............             .48            1.35  ..............            1.12
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  ADAMS.......................            6.20            5.65            4.26            4.30            4.64
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  BARNES......................  ..............  ..............            3.97            2.98            2.36
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  BENSON......................            1.53            3.18            2.75            4.24            4.44
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  BILLINGS....................            4.37             .63             .14            1.75            1.29
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  BOTTINEAU...................            2.04            1.63            2.75            2.68            3.25
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  BOWMAN......................  ..............  ..............             .85             .20             .58
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  BURKE.......................  ..............  ..............             .50  ..............             .45
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  BURLEIGH....................             .31            3.06            1.93            1.51            2.14
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  CASS........................            2.24             .86  ..............             .11             .57
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  CAVALIER....................             .34             .37             .08             .08             .30
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  CORSON SD, PT...............             .09  ..............  ..............             .28            3.56
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  DICKEY......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.88             .45
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  DIVIDE......................             .58             .16             .53             .33            1.50
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  DUNN, PT....................           51.09           48.57           43.23           39.54           36.15
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  EDDY........................             .18            5.97            4.09            2.13            3.16
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  EMMONS......................             .88            1.35            1.06            1.07            3.06
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  FOSTER......................  ..............  ..............           10.74            8.71            7.48
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  GOLDEN VALLEY...............            1.92             .54            1.04             .12            1.14
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  GRAND FORKS.................             .37  ..............             .54            3.45            2.94
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  GRANT.......................            1.86            1.00            1.04            1.74            1.59
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  GRIGGS......................  ..............  ..............            2.49             .53            2.76
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  HETTINGER...................             .35            1.49             .74            1.89            3.45
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  KIDDER......................             .69            3.00            4.09            1.90            4.81
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  LAMOURE.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .53             .20
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  LOGAN.......................             .37            1.34             .45             .56             .64
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  MCHENRY.....................            1.54            1.62            2.29            2.23            1.78
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  MCINTOSH....................            1.19             .63             .49            1.01            1.72
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  MCKENZIE, PT................           23.90           22.20           20.71           19.44           17.73
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  MCLEAN, PT..................           22.21           19.26           16.05           12.37           13.14
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  MERCER, PT..................           56.65           52.20           45.12           37.57           32.15
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  MORTON......................            2.09            1.83            1.76            1.66            2.81
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  MOUNTRAIL, PT...............           41.43           42.29           42.97           39.96           35.83
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  NELSON......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .53
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  OLIVER......................            2.53            8.08            6.22            6.07            1.95
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  PEMBINA.....................            5.29            6.43            5.87            6.87            6.74
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  PIERCE......................            1.47            1.11            1.22             .88             .37
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  RAMSEY......................  ..............  ..............             .12             .09            4.61
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  RANSOM......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .10             .72
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  RENVILLE....................  ..............             .05             .02            2.31            1.62
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  RICHLAND....................             .38  ..............  ..............            3.13            4.18
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  ROLETTE.....................            3.42            1.56            6.09            3.98           21.21
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  SARGENT.....................            1.55             .54             .46             .27            1.92
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  SHERIDAN....................           14.57           15.73           11.29           12.88            7.01
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  SIOUX.......................           20.53           24.96           26.89           26.74           33.27
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  SLOPE.......................             .02  ..............             .51  ..............             .36
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  STARK.......................            2.56             .59            3.82            2.52            2.73
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  STEELE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .13             .18
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  STUTSMAN....................            1.18            2.33            7.43            3.45            2.19
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  TOWNER......................            5.25            4.72            3.34            4.17            8.69
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  TRAILL......................             .56             .25  ..............             .05            4.60
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  WALSH.......................            3.51            2.85            2.77            3.70            3.93
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  WARD........................            2.54            2.45            3.70            6.02            3.70
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  WELLS.......................             .82             .38  ..............            5.43            4.97
    NORTH DAKOTA..............................  WILLIAMS....................            5.83            5.37            8.36            8.66            9.58
    OHIO......................................  ADAMS.......................             .39             .96            1.58            1.39            1.92
    OHIO......................................  ALLEN.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  ASHLAND.....................             .99            1.59            1.91             .91            3.03
    OHIO......................................  ASHTABULA...................           14.35            8.09            6.89            9.02            2.40
    OHIO......................................  ATHENS......................  ..............  ..............           18.03            6.20            1.52
    OHIO......................................  AUGLAIZE....................  ..............            1.16           29.35           23.07           21.58
    OHIO......................................  BELMONT.....................           17.86           17.73           18.38           18.85           20.79
    OHIO......................................  BROWN.......................            7.74             .31            7.88             .71             .22
    OHIO......................................  BUTLER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............           19.36           17.59
    OHIO......................................  CARROLL.....................            8.14            7.13            6.97            6.42            2.79
    OHIO......................................  CHAMPAIGN...................             .55             .04  ..............  ..............             .97
    OHIO......................................  CLARK.......................            1.14            1.06            1.08            1.24            1.35
    OHIO......................................  CLERMONT....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  CLINTON.....................            1.14             .27            2.54             .82             .29
    OHIO......................................  COLUMBIANA..................             .19             .04             .37            4.29            3.30
    OHIO......................................  COSHOCTON...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .85
    OHIO......................................  CRAWFORD....................  ..............  ..............             .61  ..............           41.02
    OHIO......................................  CUYAHOGA....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  DARKE.......................            5.21            4.71           10.05           17.04           15.07
    OHIO......................................  DEFIANCE....................             .23             .36  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  DELAWARE....................           42.59           39.65           29.84           44.80           37.91
    OHIO......................................  ERIE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  FAIRFIELD...................            1.49            5.05            5.23            7.54           11.16
    OHIO......................................  FAYETTE.....................            9.43            9.13            7.55            8.14            4.14
    OHIO......................................  FRANKLIN....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  FULTON......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.20            1.56
    OHIO......................................  GALLIA......................           47.94           72.71           21.20           42.88           39.03
    OHIO......................................  GEAUGA......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  GREENE......................            7.58            5.53            8.02           15.31           12.55
    OHIO......................................  GUERNSEY....................             .84  ..............  ..............  ..............             .06
    OHIO......................................  HAMILTON....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  HANCOCK.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  HARDIN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .56
    OHIO......................................  HARRISON....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  HENRY.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  HIGHLAND....................  ..............  ..............             .11             .08             .08
    OHIO......................................  HOCKING.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  HOLMES......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            3.60
    OHIO......................................  HURON.......................  ..............            4.54            4.48           13.43           10.01
    OHIO......................................  JACKSON.....................  ..............  ..............           40.48           32.43           32.67
    OHIO......................................  JEFFERSON...................  ..............  ..............           11.33            5.17  ..............
    OHIO......................................  KNOX........................            6.23            4.63            6.57            4.78            5.46
    OHIO......................................  LAKE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  LAWRENCE....................             .30  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  LICKING.....................  ..............  ..............            1.21            7.19            4.60
    OHIO......................................  LOGAN.......................            1.11           56.54           42.11           38.42           38.54
    OHIO......................................  LORAIN......................             .35            1.79            1.27           12.47           11.49
    OHIO......................................  LUCAS.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  MADISON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .15             .09
    OHIO......................................  MAHONING....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  MARION......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  MEDINA......................           19.43             .75             .67             .58             .60
    OHIO......................................  MEIGS.......................           19.79           19.80           20.15            8.77            8.13
    OHIO......................................  MERCER......................           26.96           33.16           50.46           42.32           40.86
    OHIO......................................  MIAMI.......................  ..............            2.72            2.62            1.69            3.99
    OHIO......................................  MONROE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  MONTGOMERY..................  ..............  ..............           19.11           13.76            9.16
    OHIO......................................  MORGAN......................           18.49           11.58            8.28            3.25            2.36
    OHIO......................................  MORROW......................             .29             .74             .92            1.78             .44
    OHIO......................................  MUSKINGUM...................            9.47  ..............  ..............             .07             .45
    OHIO......................................  NOBLE.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  OTTAWA......................             .88             .96             .59             .86             .36
    OHIO......................................  PAULDING....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  PERRY.......................  ..............  ..............            5.19            8.97            1.58
    OHIO......................................  PICKAWAY....................           27.21           25.00           23.90           23.09           35.35
    OHIO......................................  PIKE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  PORTAGE.....................  ..............  ..............            3.31            3.07             .33
    OHIO......................................  PREBLE......................            1.28             .96            1.56           11.30           11.93
    OHIO......................................  PUTNAM......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  RICHLAND....................             .37  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  ROSS........................  ..............  ..............  ..............            9.91            9.36
    OHIO......................................  SANDUSKY....................  ..............  ..............             .95           19.59           18.18
    OHIO......................................  SCIOTO......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  SENECA......................             .72             .07             .08             .08             .07
    OHIO......................................  SHELBY......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  STARK.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            7.61           13.89
    OHIO......................................  SUMMIT......................  ..............  ..............            4.67  ..............           17.39
    OHIO......................................  TRUMBULL....................            2.05             .88            1.62            2.21            1.95
    OHIO......................................  TUSCARAWAS..................             .93  ..............           12.65           28.39           46.16
    OHIO......................................  UNION.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           58.35
    OHIO......................................  VAN WERT....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  VINTON......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  WARREN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  WASHINGTON..................  ..............           35.66           13.06            8.06           47.60
    OHIO......................................  WAYNE.......................            1.38  ..............             .63  ..............            5.52
    OHIO......................................  WILLIAMS....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.93
    OHIO......................................  WOOD........................            5.22            5.93            8.55  ..............  ..............
    OHIO......................................  WYANDOT.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OKLAHOMA..................................  ADAIR.......................            1.13            6.57            4.90            2.79            2.13
    OKLAHOMA..................................  ALFALFA.....................  ..............             .43             .23            8.50            6.62
    OKLAHOMA..................................  ATOKA.......................            1.99           10.84           11.11           10.21           64.02
    OKLAHOMA..................................  BEAVER......................            1.13            2.00            3.92            8.36            8.10
    OKLAHOMA..................................  BECKHAM.....................            5.89            7.31            6.57            4.99            5.81
    OKLAHOMA..................................  BLAINE......................            7.43            6.46            6.62            6.12            9.42
    OKLAHOMA..................................  BRYAN.......................            4.01            5.96            9.22           10.34           15.21
    OKLAHOMA..................................  CADDO.......................            4.97            4.71            6.70           14.94           13.66
    OKLAHOMA..................................  CANADIAN....................            4.81             .50            1.64            1.86            6.11
    OKLAHOMA..................................  CARTER......................            1.13             .13            2.89            1.33             .57
    OKLAHOMA..................................  CHEROKEE....................            1.08            1.24            1.60            2.92            2.01
    OKLAHOMA..................................  CHOCTAW.....................           16.45           11.87           11.11           26.33           26.90
    OKLAHOMA..................................  CIMARRON....................            6.54            4.55            3.88            4.46            3.40
    OKLAHOMA..................................  CLEVELAND...................           33.81           25.05           16.25            5.86            4.76
    OKLAHOMA..................................  COAL........................            1.64             .84            2.15           17.12           16.06
    OKLAHOMA..................................  COMANCHE....................            2.42             .75            1.10            7.56            9.06
    OKLAHOMA..................................  COTTON......................            5.65            1.77            3.15           25.87           28.04
    OKLAHOMA..................................  CRAIG.......................             .19           15.06           14.74           12.33           12.71
    OKLAHOMA..................................  CREEK.......................            1.14             .48  ..............             .91  ..............
    OKLAHOMA..................................  CUSTER......................            9.77            4.80            5.12            4.64            2.63
    OKLAHOMA..................................  DELAWARE....................            7.25            5.69            5.23           13.23           12.47
    OKLAHOMA..................................  DEWEY.......................            8.78            7.93            7.25            5.85            5.34
    OKLAHOMA..................................  ELLIS.......................            8.99            7.63            3.82            4.01            2.89
    OKLAHOMA..................................  GARFIELD....................            1.49            2.98            2.25             .91            2.50
    OKLAHOMA..................................  GARVIN......................            7.44            2.77            5.40            4.86            7.83
    OKLAHOMA..................................  GRADY.......................            2.07            2.60            3.09            3.25            2.36
    OKLAHOMA..................................  GRANT.......................            2.76            3.31            8.90           10.30            9.06
    OKLAHOMA..................................  GREER.......................            5.65            7.94           11.10            5.49            6.13
    OKLAHOMA..................................  HARMON......................            4.74            4.07            4.68            4.89            3.83
    OKLAHOMA..................................  HARPER......................           14.81           10.95            7.11            3.38            1.93
    OKLAHOMA..................................  HASKELL.....................             .42             .27            1.40            2.09            2.28
    OKLAHOMA..................................  HUGHES......................           15.62           20.21           23.58           33.96           31.70
    OKLAHOMA..................................  JACKSON.....................            5.49            4.27            5.13            4.07            3.96
    OKLAHOMA..................................  JEFFERSON...................            4.59           13.05           16.28           17.55           11.63
    OKLAHOMA..................................  JOHNSTON....................            5.80            5.68            5.97            7.89           10.48
    OKLAHOMA..................................  KAY.........................            1.49            1.40            4.28            2.80            3.65
    OKLAHOMA..................................  KINGFISHER..................            4.35            3.97            4.14            7.16            6.71
    OKLAHOMA..................................  KIOWA.......................            7.72            5.06            5.14            5.52           11.07
    OKLAHOMA..................................  LATIMER.....................             .91             .12           18.81           20.40           14.81
    OKLAHOMA..................................  LE FLORE....................            6.82            6.23            4.50            6.12            7.86
    OKLAHOMA..................................  LINCOLN.....................           12.61           10.43            7.66            5.37            7.46
    OKLAHOMA..................................  LOGAN.......................            2.74            7.83            6.43            6.51            8.46
    OKLAHOMA..................................  LOVE........................            2.44             .75            3.13            4.51            3.95
    OKLAHOMA..................................  MAJOR.......................            1.85            1.91            1.26            2.00            5.73
    OKLAHOMA..................................  MARSHALL....................            5.97            5.85            6.54            7.35           59.81
    OKLAHOMA..................................  MAYES.......................            8.37            8.78           10.76           10.65            9.74
    OKLAHOMA..................................  MCCLAIN.....................            7.90            5.02           19.72           20.89           28.12
    OKLAHOMA..................................  MCCURTAIN...................            3.61            3.48            1.60            4.97           20.27
    OKLAHOMA..................................  MCINTOSH....................            3.62            4.54            3.83            4.43            3.44
    OKLAHOMA..................................  MURRAY......................            3.72            3.52           15.78            5.31           12.68
    OKLAHOMA..................................  MUSKOGEE....................           12.03           11.28           12.42           11.88           18.79
    OKLAHOMA..................................  NOBLE.......................             .75             .66            1.37            1.11             .82
    OKLAHOMA..................................  NOWATA......................             .77             .48            5.67            2.74            1.60
    OKLAHOMA..................................  OKFUSKEE....................            4.65           14.32           14.52           28.27           30.72
    OKLAHOMA..................................  OKLAHOMA....................           28.45           26.88           21.71           20.80           49.90
    OKLAHOMA..................................  OKMULGEE....................            9.62            8.78            6.66            7.10            5.09
    OKLAHOMA..................................  OSAGE.......................            4.60            8.00            9.55           11.18           12.26
    OKLAHOMA..................................  OTTAWA......................            4.86            5.81           11.63           11.32           10.88
    OKLAHOMA..................................  PAWNEE......................           22.19           23.28           10.45           11.16            8.38
    OKLAHOMA..................................  PAYNE.......................           13.94           20.18           22.05           29.37           23.08
    OKLAHOMA..................................  PITTSBURG...................            3.63            6.85            6.90            5.91            6.92
    OKLAHOMA..................................  PONTOTOC....................            2.47            4.68            7.90           16.31           16.78
    OKLAHOMA..................................  POTTAWATOMIE................             .50            9.57           16.40           17.94           17.07
    OKLAHOMA..................................  PUSHMATAHA..................           29.48           31.94           33.57           30.18           34.34
    OKLAHOMA..................................  ROGER MILLS.................  ..............            1.65            2.45            1.52            2.33
    OKLAHOMA..................................  ROGERS......................           10.27           11.75           15.84           14.89           16.82
    OKLAHOMA..................................  SEMINOLE....................             .72            1.03            1.66            5.07            2.79
    OKLAHOMA..................................  SEQUOYAH....................            5.45            5.97            5.35            6.40            7.16
    OKLAHOMA..................................  STEPHENS....................             .50             .70            4.35            3.91            4.62
    OKLAHOMA..................................  TEXAS.......................            8.91           15.36           11.51            9.29           14.75
    OKLAHOMA..................................  TILLMAN.....................            3.04            3.61            2.02            2.41            3.61
    OKLAHOMA..................................  TULSA.......................            8.46           12.40           12.70           13.81            8.01
    OKLAHOMA..................................  WAGONER.....................           15.27           11.78           10.46           16.72           14.33
    OKLAHOMA..................................  WASHINGTON..................             .25            1.18             .15  ..............  ..............
    OKLAHOMA..................................  WASHITA.....................           12.23            3.45            2.78            3.31           10.97
    OKLAHOMA..................................  WOODS.......................             .18            3.11            3.68            4.80            8.51
    OKLAHOMA..................................  WOODWARD....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           42.50
    OREGON....................................  BAKER.......................            5.41            4.17            3.92            1.90            3.65
    OREGON....................................  BENTON......................            4.47            6.76            3.26            1.73            2.73
    OREGON....................................  CLACKAMAS...................            7.67            9.05           13.39            4.19            3.33
    OREGON....................................  CLATSOP.....................           56.61           52.21           36.87           29.98           24.91
    OREGON....................................  COLUMBIA....................            9.91            7.41            7.01           10.21            8.79
    OREGON....................................  COOS........................            2.28            2.01            2.32            5.64            7.90
    OREGON....................................  CROOK.......................           11.86            4.57  ..............  ..............            4.29
    OREGON....................................  CURRY.......................            4.41            1.49            1.09            2.32            2.60
    OREGON....................................  DESCHUTES...................            6.46  ..............            6.79            5.73             .77
    OREGON....................................  DOUGLAS.....................             .79            1.15             .85            4.13            3.02
    OREGON....................................  GILLIAM.....................            7.47            9.53            3.70            8.74            9.11
    OREGON....................................  GRANT.......................             .05             .47             .13  ..............            3.69
    OREGON....................................  HARNEY......................            4.07            6.11            7.56            4.59            4.29
    OREGON....................................  HOOD RIVER..................             .44             .43            9.39           23.38           20.31
    OREGON....................................  JACKSON.....................            3.03            4.40            3.02           19.39           15.32
    OREGON....................................  JEFFERSON...................  ..............  ..............           11.12           10.12            8.78
    OREGON....................................  JOSEPHINE...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OREGON....................................  KLAMATH.....................             .07             .50           10.22            9.30            6.65
    OREGON....................................  LAKE........................             .45            1.31            3.79            4.00             .41
    OREGON....................................  LANE........................            1.88            2.63            1.96           11.74           10.68
    OREGON....................................  LINCOLN.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OREGON....................................  LINN........................            4.72            5.63            5.52            3.24            3.90
    OREGON....................................  MALHEUR.....................            5.69            4.62            4.13            4.48            5.31
    OREGON....................................  MARION......................            5.83            3.12            2.58            2.89            3.95
    OREGON....................................  MORROW......................  ..............            2.66  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OREGON....................................  MULTNOMAH...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OREGON....................................  POLK........................            1.61             .80             .87            3.00            1.51
    OREGON....................................  SHERMAN.....................            4.28            1.75           21.84           16.45           14.88
    OREGON....................................  TILLAMOOK...................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .47             .50
    OREGON....................................  UMATILLA....................            1.76            2.25            3.25            3.37            4.49
    OREGON....................................  UNION.......................           16.18           13.93            2.71            2.07            2.81
    OREGON....................................  WALLOWA.....................             .41            3.03            1.75            1.97            3.77
    OREGON....................................  WASCO.......................  ..............             .11  ..............             .76             .05
    OREGON....................................  WASHINGTON..................             .59             .75             .71             .74             .77
    OREGON....................................  WHEELER.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    OREGON....................................  YAMHILL.....................           26.59           33.67           22.97           17.20           12.51
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  ADAMS.......................             .55            1.64            3.07           19.39            2.53
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  ALLEGHENY...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  ARMSTRONG...................           17.64           23.54           38.84            6.95            4.60
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  BEAVER......................  ..............  ..............            8.33  ..............  ..............
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  BEDFORD.....................             .19             .20             .21             .18             .34
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  BERKS.......................            7.34           10.54           11.05           15.82           12.61
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  BLAIR.......................             .67  ..............  ..............            1.07             .07
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  BRADFORD....................             .25             .34             .55            1.44            1.96
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  BUCKS.......................  ..............  ..............           10.04           15.11            8.29
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  BUTLER......................             .08            4.33            3.21            1.17            1.53
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  CAMBRIA.....................            2.50            3.09            2.86            5.97            7.93
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  CAMERON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  CARBON......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  CENTRE......................             .13             .15             .07             .43             .91
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  CHESTER.....................           11.27            8.46            9.56           11.30           11.22
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  CLARION.....................            4.67            6.15            5.71           11.55            7.92
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  CLEARFIELD..................            3.90            3.06            5.58            1.64            2.25
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  CLINTON.....................             .27  ..............            1.40             .54             .79
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  COLUMBIA....................           13.89           19.78           11.96           11.39           13.72
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  CRAWFORD....................            4.22            2.61             .88             .25            4.41
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  CUMBERLAND..................            4.40            2.29            4.25            2.78            2.14
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  DAUPHIN.....................  ..............             .42  ..............             .43            2.69
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  DELAWARE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  ELK.........................           92.80           90.74           89.88           88.51           86.62
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  ERIE........................             .29             .19            1.99            2.36            2.26
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  FAYETTE.....................            1.19  ..............             .08  ..............            3.68
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  FOREST......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  FRANKLIN....................             .70             .75           21.02           11.97           14.58
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  FULTON......................             .33             .38             .31            5.98            6.04
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  GREENE......................  ..............  ..............            7.06            5.18            4.26
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  HUNTINGDON..................             .53             .31             .87             .91            1.69
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  INDIANA.....................  ..............            3.41           12.39           10.16           12.30
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  JEFFERSON...................  ..............  ..............            1.02            1.47  ..............
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  JUNIATA.....................            2.23            5.33            1.67            1.35             .55
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  LACKAWANNA..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  LANCASTER...................            1.43             .95            3.16            3.45            2.80
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  LAWRENCE....................           13.75            9.96           10.89           10.10           14.42
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  LEBANON.....................           15.25           13.01            5.75            3.65            9.15
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  LEHIGH......................            1.15  ..............  ..............             .01  ..............
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  LUZERNE.....................  ..............           10.85            5.90           21.20           17.29
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  LYCOMING....................            2.83            7.15            1.13             .48            2.27
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  MCKEAN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .03
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  MERCER......................            6.65            6.40            5.15            8.10            3.01
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  MIFFLIN.....................            1.66             .67            5.64            4.95            4.54
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  MONROE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  MONTGOMERY..................           28.67           30.01           32.24           28.30           33.57
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  MONTOUR.....................  ..............  ..............            2.48             .80            1.58
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  NORTHAMPTON.................           72.55           73.70           84.03           48.17           42.22
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  NORTHUMBERLAND..............            3.97            3.17            1.05             .58            4.80
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  PERRY.......................            5.23            4.53            1.19  ..............             .58
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  PHILADELPHIA................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  PIKE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  POTTER......................             .04  ..............  ..............            1.23            1.99
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  SCHUYLKILL..................            2.57            1.56            1.27            2.86             .17
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  SNYDER......................            2.63            2.85            4.95            4.72            3.47
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  SOMERSET....................            1.78             .55             .09  ..............             .02
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  SULLIVAN....................  ..............            2.66  ..............  ..............  ..............
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  SUSQUEHANNA.................  ..............             .29             .31            9.23            7.06
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  TIOGA.......................             .21             .66            6.07            5.25            7.24
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  UNION.......................  ..............            2.00            1.52            1.53            1.99
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  VENANGO.....................            5.49            3.86            2.47             .40  ..............
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  WARREN......................             .01  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.89
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  WASHINGTON..................            8.13            5.13            8.51            1.92             .99
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  WAYNE.......................            1.34           34.98           19.69           15.77           19.82
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  WESTMORELAND................           17.19           19.44           15.13           11.07            8.10
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  WYOMING.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    PENNSYLVANIA..............................  YORK........................             .06  ..............            4.83            4.33           16.28
    PUERTO RICO...............................  ADJUNTAS....................           27.19           25.23           23.03           20.81           18.03
    PUERTO RICO...............................  AGUADILLA...................           82.23           80.72           75.99           66.63           60.99
    PUERTO RICO...............................  BARRANQUITAS................           16.12           13.82           15.33           15.35           14.34
    PUERTO RICO...............................  BAYAMON.....................           67.93           62.64           60.00           57.92           59.70
    PUERTO RICO...............................  CAGUAS......................           30.39           26.63           20.94           15.71           14.91
    PUERTO RICO...............................  CAMUY.......................           45.93           37.67           31.24           24.49           23.60
    PUERTO RICO...............................  CIALES......................           48.26           45.99           38.05           32.76           24.59
    PUERTO RICO...............................  COAMO.......................           28.66           24.99           21.65           17.19           12.28
    PUERTO RICO...............................  COROZAL.....................           22.12           17.24           14.77           13.37           17.01
    PUERTO RICO...............................  FAJARDO.....................           47.25           50.10           44.53           39.49           36.05
    PUERTO RICO...............................  GUAYAMA.....................           48.71           48.91           46.65           44.69           43.21
    PUERTO RICO...............................  HUMACAO.....................           28.15           23.76           22.62           22.91           20.16
    PUERTO RICO...............................  JAYUYA......................            7.08            8.25            7.47            7.61            9.90
    PUERTO RICO...............................  JUANA DIAZ..................           20.75           18.93           21.95           27.88           26.87
    PUERTO RICO...............................  LARES.......................           25.14           23.69           21.38           20.04           17.21
    PUERTO RICO...............................  MAYAGUEZ....................           13.88           12.57           12.07           12.03           12.05
    PUERTO RICO...............................  MOROVIS.....................           43.02           39.79           38.43           31.53           25.85
    PUERTO RICO...............................  RIO GRANDE..................           22.78           20.71           15.63           12.24            9.76
    PUERTO RICO...............................  SAN GERMAN..................           41.89           37.19           34.89           33.26           31.61
    PUERTO RICO...............................  SAN LORENZO.................           19.95           26.07           17.89           11.34            9.17
    PUERTO RICO...............................  SAN SEBASTIAN...............           24.51           22.49           21.44           21.47           24.55
    PUERTO RICO...............................  UTUADO......................           15.45           13.16           11.66           10.28           10.85
    PUERTO RICO...............................  YAUCO.......................           35.83           31.87           26.73           22.77           17.73
    RHODE ISLAND..............................  BRISTOL.....................           38.13            2.96  ..............           11.20  ..............
    RHODE ISLAND..............................  KENT........................           34.74           29.11           25.94           22.42           19.75
    RHODE ISLAND..............................  NEWPORT.....................           30.40           25.20           22.76           23.11           24.62
    RHODE ISLAND..............................  PROVIDENCE..................            7.70            5.64            4.20            2.26            8.40
    RHODE ISLAND..............................  WASHINGTON..................            1.67            5.20            1.58            1.97            8.34
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  ABBEVILLE...................  ..............            1.82            1.76            1.41  ..............
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  AIKEN.......................  ..............  ..............            6.75            9.81            4.90
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  ALLENDALE...................  ..............  ..............            1.66            1.75            4.21
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  ANDERSON....................           10.74           33.49           20.30            1.41            1.21
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  BAMBERG.....................  ..............             .72  ..............             .46            1.79
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  BARNWELL....................           47.59           52.40           48.94           49.41           48.54
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  BEAUFORT....................           58.85           98.22           98.17           98.16           98.10
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  BERKELEY....................  ..............  ..............           10.70            5.70            4.56
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  CALHOUN.....................           24.53           20.48           16.97           13.62           14.31
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  CHARLESTON..................           21.55           28.16           15.76           19.03           14.25
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  CHEROKEE....................            5.61  ..............            4.64  ..............  ..............
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  CHESTER.....................  ..............  ..............            3.47  ..............           11.34
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  CHESTERFIELD................             .32  ..............             .68             .72            1.43
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  CLARENDON...................            4.76           19.57           16.33           14.60           12.91
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  COLLETON....................           21.81           19.87           17.73           17.72           14.46
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  DARLINGTON..................            4.23            4.60            3.60            3.02            3.83
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  DILLON......................            1.69            1.16            1.43            1.38            1.15
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  DORCHESTER..................             .94            1.08           16.02            9.73            9.48
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  EDGEFIELD...................  ..............           72.07           67.44           71.54           73.57
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  FAIRFIELD...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  FLORENCE....................           21.28           20.73           28.95           27.39           25.67
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  GEORGETOWN..................            5.65  ..............            3.54            3.07            6.09
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  GREENVILLE..................  ..............  ..............            2.03  ..............  ..............
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  GREENWOOD...................           14.47           11.76           10.16            9.46            5.07
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  HAMPTON.....................  ..............  ..............           14.95           55.76           66.83
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  HORRY.......................  ..............             .13             .18             .09            1.21
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  JASPER......................           64.42           80.66           79.83           79.36           74.86
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  KERSHAW.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  LANCASTER...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  LAURENS.....................  ..............           11.08           19.07           10.73           13.37
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  LEE.........................            1.13            1.55            9.39            7.89            6.58
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  LEXINGTON...................            1.80            1.93            3.36            1.26            4.09
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  MARION......................           16.65           16.55           24.16           21.06           14.25
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  MARLBORO....................            5.35            5.23            4.60            2.99            9.00
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  MCCORMICK...................  ..............  ..............  ..............           12.75  ..............
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  NEWBERRY....................            1.10             .60            6.56            3.21            1.97
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  OCONEE......................            8.39           12.57           23.55           45.06           43.43
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  ORANGEBURG..................            5.13            8.43            7.06            4.91            4.25
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  PICKENS.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .14  ..............
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  RICHLAND....................  ..............           10.35  ..............            1.79           18.54
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  SALUDA......................            1.80            1.23            2.51            1.92            3.18
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  SPARTANBURG.................           23.15           20.69            5.13            3.22            1.90
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  SUMTER......................            7.83            6.16            4.10            4.56            6.65
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  UNION.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  WILLIAMSBURG................           15.95           17.11           19.87           17.91           15.60
    SOUTH CAROLINA............................  YORK........................             .54             .45  ..............  ..............  ..............
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  AURORA......................            3.05            2.37            1.81            1.60            1.24
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  BEADLE......................             .56             .80             .87            7.14           13.03
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  BENNETT.....................             .39             .53             .49             .06             .43
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  BON HOMME...................            2.20            1.59            3.03             .86             .18
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  BROOKINGS...................             .27             .66             .19             .34             .17
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  BROWN.......................             .07             .08             .07             .07             .24
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  BRULE.......................  ..............  ..............             .56             .01             .68
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  BUFFALO.....................  ..............  ..............             .11             .46             .08
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  BUTTE.......................  ..............             .03  ..............             .06            1.74
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  CAMPBELL....................             .13             .13             .09             .08            8.74
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  CHARLES MIX.................            2.46            2.71            2.68            2.48            2.82
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  CLARK.......................  ..............             .02             .01             .63            2.48
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  CLAY........................             .12             .14             .12  ..............             .74
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  CODINGTON...................            1.24            1.63            1.59             .51            4.25
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  CUSTER......................             .36  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  DAVISON.....................           18.27           15.31           26.96           23.40           19.72
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  DAY.........................            1.08             .33            6.58            2.52             .90
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  DEUEL.......................            1.91             .31             .24             .65             .20
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  DEWEY.......................            5.45            6.77            4.99            4.76            4.12
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  DOUGLAS.....................             .05             .38             .09             .01  ..............
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  EDMUNDS.....................             .17  ..............             .02            1.37            1.40
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  FALL RIVER..................             .24  ..............  ..............  ..............             .39
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  FAULK.......................             .04             .06  ..............             .06             .03
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  GRANT.......................             .42             .44             .11  ..............             .93
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  GREGORY.....................             .82             .86             .78             .72            3.29
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  HAAKON......................             .67             .47             .25            1.06             .30
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  HAMLIN......................             .93             .94             .79             .64            1.82
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  HAND........................             .18             .50             .23            1.05            1.78
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  HANSON......................  ..............  ..............             .10  ..............             .47
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  HARDING.....................             .36  ..............  ..............  ..............            3.49
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  HUGHES......................  ..............             .03  ..............  ..............             .01
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  HUTCHINSON..................  ..............             .02  ..............  ..............  ..............
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  HYDE........................             .26  ..............             .24             .39            1.31
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  JACKSON.....................            1.31            1.21            1.05             .57             .70
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  JERAULD.....................             .05             .06             .04             .32             .10
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  JONES.......................             .61             .71             .60             .70  ..............
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  KINGSBURY...................             .82             .34             .13             .03            1.87
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  LAKE........................  ..............             .47             .40             .40             .28
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  LAWRENCE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  LINCOLN.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  LYMAN.......................             .77  ..............  ..............  ..............            4.41
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  MARSHALL....................             .11            1.39            1.02             .83            1.25
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  MCCOOK......................  ..............           15.58            3.88            2.72            1.72
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  MCPHERSON...................  ..............  ..............             .93            1.07             .71
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  MEADE.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  MELLETTE,W..................  ..............            1.62            1.70            1.69  ..............
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  MINER.......................  ..............             .18             .26            6.22            3.97
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  MINNEHAHA...................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .54             .37
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  MOODY.......................             .04  ..............  ..............             .22  ..............
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  PENNINGTON..................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .09  ..............
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  PERKINS.....................             .27             .15             .22             .66            1.17
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  POTTER......................            1.01             .90             .68             .51             .16
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  ROBERTS.....................             .18  ..............  ..............             .31            1.03
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  SANBORN.....................  ..............  ..............             .71  ..............  ..............
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  SHANNON, PT WEST............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .10             .10
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  SPINK.......................            2.83             .73             .71            4.47            4.03
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  STANLEY.....................             .21  ..............             .43  ..............  ..............
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  SULLY.......................             .59  ..............  ..............  ..............           39.81
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  TODD........................  ..............             .94             .82             .77             .68
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  TRIPP.......................            2.05            2.30            2.73            4.82            3.46
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  TURNER......................             .03  ..............             .47  ..............             .12
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  UNION.......................             .57            1.24            1.73             .21  ..............
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  WALWORTH....................           16.12           13.62           10.14           10.01           13.28
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  YANKTON.....................             .08             .14             .08            2.42            1.76
    SOUTH DAKOTA..............................  ZIEBACH.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           19.65
    TENNESSEE.................................  ANDERSON....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TENNESSEE.................................  BEDFORD.....................            5.06             .73             .68             .67            6.97
    TENNESSEE.................................  BENTON......................  ..............  ..............            3.55             .87  ..............
    TENNESSEE.................................  BLEDSOE.....................           12.10           10.76            9.02            6.96            7.20
    TENNESSEE.................................  BLOUNT......................  ..............  ..............            8.55            9.96            1.30
    TENNESSEE.................................  BRADLEY.....................           13.65            9.96            8.70           14.16           10.29
    TENNESSEE.................................  CAMPBELL....................  ..............  ..............  ..............            5.04            6.10
    TENNESSEE.................................  CANNON......................            5.00            1.80             .85  ..............  ..............
    TENNESSEE.................................  CARROLL.....................             .07            4.31            6.99            4.39           20.45
    TENNESSEE.................................  CARTER......................           43.56  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TENNESSEE.................................  CHEATHAM....................           21.19           15.92           34.26           25.99           43.80
    TENNESSEE.................................  CHESTER.....................            3.75            2.44            1.55             .80             .66
    TENNESSEE.................................  CLAIBORNE...................            1.99           18.28           22.10           21.90           20.40
    TENNESSEE.................................  CLAY........................  ..............  ..............             .26            1.64             .95
    TENNESSEE.................................  COCKE.......................  ..............            7.44            3.37             .10            7.00
    TENNESSEE.................................  COFFEE......................            6.24            4.79            3.99            5.43            3.62
    TENNESSEE.................................  CROCKETT....................            6.59            6.12            5.36            4.75            4.94
    TENNESSEE.................................  CUMBERLAND..................            8.91           14.43            4.67            6.02            1.75
    TENNESSEE.................................  DAVIDSON....................  ..............  ..............          100.00  ..............  ..............
    TENNESSEE.................................  DECATUR.....................            1.86            1.92            4.39            4.62            3.46
    TENNESSEE.................................  DEKALB......................            1.95           11.01            9.42            7.66            6.99
    TENNESSEE.................................  DICKSON.....................            5.27            4.66            7.66           12.14            3.62
    TENNESSEE.................................  DYER........................            1.31            5.56            6.76            6.07            4.76
    TENNESSEE.................................  FAYETTE.....................            2.21            2.92            3.90            4.10            6.11
    TENNESSEE.................................  FENTRESS....................           20.51           20.06           22.24           14.34            9.48
    TENNESSEE.................................  FRANKLIN....................            8.10            6.41            5.50            3.80            3.53
    TENNESSEE.................................  GIBSON......................             .59             .86             .01             .01  ..............
    TENNESSEE.................................  GILES.......................            7.57            5.06            6.41            9.43            3.34
    TENNESSEE.................................  GRAINGER....................            1.35  ..............            6.52            4.16            1.37
    TENNESSEE.................................  GREENE......................           10.25           15.03           24.69           24.69           20.52
    TENNESSEE.................................  GRUNDY......................            4.94            4.11            3.37            2.54            9.59
    TENNESSEE.................................  HAMBLEN.....................            7.39  ..............  ..............  ..............           34.92
    TENNESSEE.................................  HAMILTON....................           57.11           49.55           21.85            6.52           39.20
    TENNESSEE.................................  HANCOCK.....................  ..............           13.40           13.37           10.33           10.71
    TENNESSEE.................................  HARDEMAN....................            1.91             .01             .58            2.71            3.23
    TENNESSEE.................................  HARDIN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .42            2.24
    TENNESSEE.................................  HAWKINS.....................            9.81             .04             .13             .05             .09
    TENNESSEE.................................  HAYWOOD.....................            5.40            5.82           11.03           15.19           11.73
    TENNESSEE.................................  HENDERSON...................           10.27           11.06            5.05            1.80            7.87
    TENNESSEE.................................  HENRY.......................            4.90            6.00           10.17            5.47           11.26
    TENNESSEE.................................  HICKMAN.....................            2.95  ..............            6.71            3.30             .12
    TENNESSEE.................................  HOUSTON.....................             .24  ..............             .55             .49  ..............
    TENNESSEE.................................  HUMPHREYS...................            9.19            6.83             .87            2.08            1.71
    TENNESSEE.................................  JACKSON.....................            7.82            7.66             .23             .19            5.83
    TENNESSEE.................................  JEFFERSON...................            3.68            3.36            2.57            6.12            7.16
    TENNESSEE.................................  JOHNSON.....................  ..............            1.88  ..............             .03             .64
    TENNESSEE.................................  KNOX........................           15.79           13.89             .31             .30             .46
    TENNESSEE.................................  LAKE........................  ..............  ..............            3.34            3.17            2.81
    TENNESSEE.................................  LAUDERDALE..................            8.65            6.41            4.88            7.17            9.67
    TENNESSEE.................................  LAWRENCE....................            5.58            6.65            2.59            2.40            5.08
    TENNESSEE.................................  LEWIS.......................  ..............             .12             .08             .04             .04
    TENNESSEE.................................  LINCOLN.....................            1.73            8.36            5.78            4.01            2.74
    TENNESSEE.................................  LOUDON......................  ..............             .25           14.68            9.47            5.75
    TENNESSEE.................................  MACON.......................  ..............             .60             .80             .53             .59
    TENNESSEE.................................  MADISON.....................            7.28           10.27            8.02            5.08            4.70
    TENNESSEE.................................  MARION......................            3.21            1.29            1.57            1.04            4.58
    TENNESSEE.................................  MARSHALL....................           20.32           18.48           14.78           12.91            5.67
    TENNESSEE.................................  MAURY.......................            6.95            7.40            9.09            6.41            4.45
    TENNESSEE.................................  MCMINN......................           26.67           22.99            7.09            5.28           20.76
    TENNESSEE.................................  MCNAIRY.....................             .53            6.19            4.04            2.88            3.08
    TENNESSEE.................................  MEIGS.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .59            2.73
    TENNESSEE.................................  MONROE......................            4.93            1.61            1.00            4.50           11.18
    TENNESSEE.................................  MONTGOMERY..................            3.51            4.18            5.76           15.52           12.88
    TENNESSEE.................................  MOORE.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.85  ..............
    TENNESSEE.................................  MORGAN......................            1.60           18.03            9.97            6.59            2.35
    TENNESSEE.................................  OBION.......................             .37             .36  ..............             .32             .23
    TENNESSEE.................................  OVERTON.....................           13.91           12.13            9.58            8.26            8.29
    TENNESSEE.................................  PERRY.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TENNESSEE.................................  PICKETT.....................            1.31            8.64            1.28             .21  ..............
    TENNESSEE.................................  POLK........................            4.01            2.33             .82  ..............  ..............
    TENNESSEE.................................  PUTNAM......................  ..............            2.81           65.22           64.18           61.32
    TENNESSEE.................................  RHEA........................            1.26            1.23            2.96            1.89  ..............
    TENNESSEE.................................  ROANE.......................            8.55            6.06            5.82            6.27            3.18
    TENNESSEE.................................  ROBERTSON...................            6.41            8.13            8.74            8.28            4.83
    TENNESSEE.................................  RUTHERFORD..................             .41             .21             .65            2.51            9.70
    TENNESSEE.................................  SCOTT.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.92            2.24
    TENNESSEE.................................  SEQUATCHIE..................  ..............  ..............  ..............           17.16           16.69
    TENNESSEE.................................  SEVIER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            3.36  ..............
    TENNESSEE.................................  SHELBY......................            4.12            3.89            4.40            3.85            7.47
    TENNESSEE.................................  SMITH.......................            2.05  ..............            2.35            2.35            1.71
    TENNESSEE.................................  STEWART.....................            2.73            1.94            2.44            2.01            2.59
    TENNESSEE.................................  SULLIVAN....................           32.40           25.75           22.98           18.37           14.99
    TENNESSEE.................................  SUMNER......................            7.75            4.99            2.44            1.44            1.45
    TENNESSEE.................................  TIPTON......................  ..............            3.97            2.31            3.84            5.89
    TENNESSEE.................................  TROUSDALE...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TENNESSEE.................................  UNICOI......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TENNESSEE.................................  UNION.......................  ..............  ..............            2.64             .36            1.06
    TENNESSEE.................................  VAN BUREN...................            2.62            2.44            1.12            2.10           72.06
    TENNESSEE.................................  WARREN......................            4.65            3.93            4.51            2.52            7.05
    TENNESSEE.................................  WASHINGTON..................            4.75            4.00            1.82             .68             .55
    TENNESSEE.................................  WAYNE.......................             .09            1.02            1.21             .06            2.06
    TENNESSEE.................................  WEAKLEY.....................            2.74            2.13             .87            2.00            3.07
    TENNESSEE.................................  WHITE.......................             .90            2.66            3.79            1.49            1.43
    TENNESSEE.................................  WILLIAMSON..................            2.53            3.00            3.89            1.99            1.26
    TENNESSEE.................................  WILSON......................  ..............             .09            3.44            1.95            2.16
    TEXAS.....................................  ANDERSON....................           40.46           42.48           38.24           39.01           22.33
    TEXAS.....................................  ANDREWS.....................  ..............  ..............           64.50           77.41           65.46
    TEXAS.....................................  ANGELINA....................           22.56            4.85            5.59            3.50           76.24
    TEXAS.....................................  ARANSAS.....................          100.00          100.00          100.00          100.00          100.00
    TEXAS.....................................  ARCHER......................            3.26            3.60            6.07            1.76            7.13
    TEXAS.....................................  ARMSTRONG...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  ATASCOSA....................             .45             .37           38.04           31.00           35.68
    TEXAS.....................................  AUSTIN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  BAILEY......................            7.69           13.47           13.84           24.04           26.00
    TEXAS.....................................  BANDERA.....................  ..............  ..............           96.81           74.62           70.47
    TEXAS.....................................  BASTROP.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  BAYLOR......................           10.15  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  BEE.........................           22.76           31.12           38.52           41.03           36.51
    TEXAS.....................................  BELL........................           37.60           10.68           59.72           55.38           43.71
    TEXAS.....................................  BEXAR.......................  ..............            7.37            9.55           26.53           13.06
    TEXAS.....................................  BLANCO......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  BORDEN......................             .01            1.13            3.52            2.47            2.00
    TEXAS.....................................  BOSQUE......................  ..............            1.26  ..............  ..............           27.83
    TEXAS.....................................  BOWIE.......................            1.65            2.63            4.12            2.20            2.03
    TEXAS.....................................  BRAZORIA....................           42.03           67.46           33.71           55.82           60.22
    TEXAS.....................................  BRAZOS......................           73.25           81.70           99.55           97.54           95.36
    TEXAS.....................................  BREWSTER....................  ..............  ..............  ..............           39.23           17.21
    TEXAS.....................................  BRISCOE.....................  ..............            1.02             .11  ..............            7.39
    TEXAS.....................................  BROOKS......................           17.07           16.28           41.66           59.75           50.39
    TEXAS.....................................  BROWN.......................  ..............           22.29           21.34           18.59           27.51
    TEXAS.....................................  BURLESON....................  ..............             .54  ..............            5.49  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  BURNET......................  ..............  ..............  ..............           99.99          100.00
    TEXAS.....................................  CALDWELL....................  ..............           33.10           25.34           52.02           48.78
    TEXAS.....................................  CALHOUN.....................           31.39           33.33           31.55           32.77           30.14
    TEXAS.....................................  CALLAHAN....................            2.98            2.92             .24            4.36            3.33
    TEXAS.....................................  CAMERON.....................           38.59           49.93           56.50           65.93           63.10
    TEXAS.....................................  CAMP........................  ..............  ..............           17.40           10.58           12.05
    TEXAS.....................................  CARSON......................  ..............  ..............           27.86           38.54           23.64
    TEXAS.....................................  CASS........................             .67             .14             .15  ..............             .20
    TEXAS.....................................  CASTRO......................           10.91           31.06           44.72           39.96           42.84
    TEXAS.....................................  CHAMBERS....................           64.40           58.70           60.40           89.81           81.48
    TEXAS.....................................  CHEROKEE....................            3.99           28.21           25.54           32.76           37.21
    TEXAS.....................................  CHILDRESS...................           24.31           20.08           16.16           14.79           16.51
    TEXAS.....................................  CLAY........................            2.25            1.07            4.10            7.18            8.80
    TEXAS.....................................  COCHRAN.....................           19.75           37.43           34.17           33.93           29.05
    TEXAS.....................................  COKE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  COLEMAN.....................           80.53           74.72           74.34           62.35           60.90
    TEXAS.....................................  COLLIN......................            4.76            4.65             .80             .65            3.99
    TEXAS.....................................  COLLINGSWORTH...............           22.57           16.82           12.46           10.21            6.33
    TEXAS.....................................  COLORADO....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           16.94
    TEXAS.....................................  COMAL.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  COMANCHE....................           52.33           63.18           62.11           56.87           49.95
    TEXAS.....................................  CONCHO......................  ..............  ..............  ..............           25.81           43.42
    TEXAS.....................................  COOKE.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           41.59
    TEXAS.....................................  CORYELL.....................           10.88           59.99           57.20           66.72           59.84
    TEXAS.....................................  COTTLE......................           35.29           33.76           33.56           33.61           31.43
    TEXAS.....................................  CRANE.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  CROCKETT....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  CROSBY......................           13.41           20.71           21.81           21.16           20.42
    TEXAS.....................................  CULBERSON...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           62.15
    TEXAS.....................................  DALLAM......................            3.14            2.45            8.04            6.51            3.28
    TEXAS.....................................  DALLAS......................  ..............            4.35  ..............           17.46           15.63
    TEXAS.....................................  DAWSON......................           14.72           27.05           36.64           47.28           51.79
    TEXAS.....................................  DEAF SMITH..................  ..............            3.71            7.91           13.09           28.31
    TEXAS.....................................  DELTA.......................            6.18            4.06            2.39            5.49            5.33
    TEXAS.....................................  DENTON......................  ..............  ..............           71.01           68.13           49.36
    TEXAS.....................................  DEWITT......................  ..............  ..............            4.00           24.69           30.21
    TEXAS.....................................  DICKENS.....................           34.01           33.91           35.10           37.23           50.97
    TEXAS.....................................  DIMMIT......................           95.24           94.05           65.45           61.16           64.74
    TEXAS.....................................  DONLEY......................  ..............            3.44            5.20            5.20           13.78
    TEXAS.....................................  DUVAL.......................           17.71           21.60           24.99           32.58           19.98
    TEXAS.....................................  EASTLAND....................           38.53           37.27           31.22           32.52           24.37
    TEXAS.....................................  ECTOR.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  EDWARDS.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  EL PASO.....................           36.27           45.16           46.78           46.96           45.39
    TEXAS.....................................  ELLIS.......................            7.27           26.14           47.05           42.37           39.77
    TEXAS.....................................  ERATH.......................           40.03           48.82           44.12           39.49           37.00
    TEXAS.....................................  FALLS.......................           24.72           26.44           36.14           50.05           61.25
    TEXAS.....................................  FANNIN......................            7.11            9.77           13.98           31.68           32.18
    TEXAS.....................................  FAYETTE.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............           65.69           34.85
    TEXAS.....................................  FISHER......................            1.12            3.74            4.58           12.90           13.70
    TEXAS.....................................  FLOYD.......................            9.43            7.04           11.87           16.39           15.79
    TEXAS.....................................  FOARD.......................           30.72           34.26           43.43           48.08           48.51
    TEXAS.....................................  FORT BEND...................  ..............            2.30            3.93  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  FRANKLIN....................            2.57            1.17            2.24            1.24            5.75
    TEXAS.....................................  FREESTONE...................           10.55           11.60           17.96           33.73           40.06
    TEXAS.....................................  FRIO........................           66.56           70.09           63.32           66.32           64.85
    TEXAS.....................................  GAINES......................            1.33            2.05            5.16           13.75           15.07
    TEXAS.....................................  GALVESTON...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  GARZA.......................             .51  ..............             .14            3.22             .29
    TEXAS.....................................  GILLESPIE...................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.08           10.03
    TEXAS.....................................  GLASSCOCK...................           18.32           15.40           13.81           11.48           13.26
    TEXAS.....................................  GOLIAD......................  ..............  ..............           64.24           80.19           47.58
    TEXAS.....................................  GONZALES....................             .05            3.86           11.91           18.30           30.41
    TEXAS.....................................  GRAY........................  ..............            3.10  ..............  ..............             .73
    TEXAS.....................................  GRAYSON.....................  ..............           44.36           35.21           38.81           27.93
    TEXAS.....................................  GREGG.......................           28.04           21.67            3.63            2.22            2.39
    TEXAS.....................................  GRIMES......................            5.37  ..............  ..............             .03            2.17
    TEXAS.....................................  GUADALUPE...................             .30             .94            3.01            3.37            2.06
    TEXAS.....................................  HALE........................            2.15           14.31           16.18           23.58           24.31
    TEXAS.....................................  HALL........................            2.46            6.51            4.80            7.22            5.31
    TEXAS.....................................  HAMILTON....................  ..............           23.36           16.12           21.51           40.02
    TEXAS.....................................  HANSFORD....................  ..............  ..............           21.23           13.93            4.41
    TEXAS.....................................  HARDEMAN....................           14.68           20.18           20.63           18.11           14.03
    TEXAS.....................................  HARDIN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  HARRIS......................  ..............           14.79           14.78           11.52           10.82
    TEXAS.....................................  HARRISON....................           28.32           16.28           10.68            2.17           25.18
    TEXAS.....................................  HARTLEY.....................  ..............           12.51           12.60            6.02            4.97
    TEXAS.....................................  HASKELL.....................           13.34            9.29           24.13           34.22           32.38
    TEXAS.....................................  HAYS........................           34.03           39.83           35.54           31.99           28.04
    TEXAS.....................................  HEMPHILL....................  ..............  ..............             .57            4.09  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  HENDERSON...................           39.34           33.15           30.24           29.68           24.58
    TEXAS.....................................  HIDALGO.....................           34.44           49.30           59.09           57.00           53.27
    TEXAS.....................................  HILL........................            1.75            6.26           13.55           18.84           17.31
    TEXAS.....................................  HOCKLEY.....................           15.47           29.09           37.91           35.76           34.53
    TEXAS.....................................  HOOD........................  ..............           31.54           34.90           81.74           81.56
    TEXAS.....................................  HOPKINS.....................             .21            4.28            4.18           12.89           13.61
    TEXAS.....................................  HOUSTON.....................           65.09           52.43           63.44           64.72           61.69
    TEXAS.....................................  HOWARD......................           21.34           28.71           29.59           25.88           29.17
    TEXAS.....................................  HUDSPETH....................           16.27           45.67           38.02           37.10           38.82
    TEXAS.....................................  HUNT........................             .82            1.61             .72             .52  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  HUTCHINSON..................  ..............            2.06  ..............           21.37  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  IRION.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  JACK........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           97.01
    TEXAS.....................................  JACKSON.....................           17.78           21.02           23.58           28.14           34.50
    TEXAS.....................................  JASPER......................             .40           11.89           78.13           78.14           69.37
    TEXAS.....................................  JEFF DAVIS..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  JEFFERSON...................           27.30           81.72           76.04           69.32           78.38
    TEXAS.....................................  JIM HOGG....................           95.59           91.55           90.22           84.79           62.29
    TEXAS.....................................  JIM WELLS...................           14.30           24.02           30.25           24.66           22.56
    TEXAS.....................................  JOHNSON.....................            2.71           25.30           22.05           25.60           23.21
    TEXAS.....................................  JONES.......................           14.62           14.26           20.66           22.03           21.84
    TEXAS.....................................  KARNES......................            7.28           22.04           18.88           19.44           27.45
    TEXAS.....................................  KAUFMAN.....................           21.96           30.57           30.83           47.37           44.00
    TEXAS.....................................  KENDALL.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............           44.34           44.17
    TEXAS.....................................  KENEDY......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  KENT........................           13.72           10.23           14.80           37.78           17.36
    TEXAS.....................................  KERR........................  ..............           23.72           66.30          100.00          100.00
    TEXAS.....................................  KIMBLE......................  ..............            1.54            2.77             .84            1.69
    TEXAS.....................................  KING........................            8.43            6.46  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  KINNEY......................            4.58  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  KLEBERG.....................           47.29           61.82           55.74           56.88           53.05
    TEXAS.....................................  KNOX........................             .48           10.41           11.13            8.10           14.53
    TEXAS.....................................  LA SALLE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............           34.39           36.12
    TEXAS.....................................  LAMAR.......................             .92            2.78            3.07            8.36           10.36
    TEXAS.....................................  LAMB........................           12.88           41.98           46.54           55.04           60.54
    TEXAS.....................................  LAMPASAS....................  ..............           44.95           38.58           34.71           29.70
    TEXAS.....................................  LAVACA......................  ..............  ..............           40.22           35.26           92.16
    TEXAS.....................................  LEE.........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  LEON........................  ..............           33.17           41.82           52.02           64.37
    TEXAS.....................................  LIBERTY.....................  ..............           19.39           13.84           11.20           47.24
    TEXAS.....................................  LIMESTONE...................           32.70           36.71           41.62           35.58           39.12
    TEXAS.....................................  LIPSCOMB....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  LIVE OAK....................           20.64           16.69           24.17           21.51           21.03
    TEXAS.....................................  LLANO.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  LOVING......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  LUBBOCK.....................             .43            5.98            7.80           14.60           13.72
    TEXAS.....................................  LYNN........................             .38            1.21            5.47            9.51            8.84
    TEXAS.....................................  MADISON.....................           76.09  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  MARION......................           22.95           27.47           21.73           18.47           16.61
    TEXAS.....................................  MARTIN......................            6.67           20.48           26.28           29.88           47.24
    TEXAS.....................................  MASON.......................           44.31           40.97           32.75           40.35           34.68
    TEXAS.....................................  MATAGORDA...................           17.97           23.69           16.90           17.67           17.64
    TEXAS.....................................  MAVERICK....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  MCCULLOCH...................  ..............            8.23            4.73           10.30           17.20
    TEXAS.....................................  MCLENNAN....................  ..............            4.92            3.30           11.19           11.21
    TEXAS.....................................  MCMULLEN....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  MEDINA......................  ..............  ..............           19.75           51.30           41.71
    TEXAS.....................................  MENARD......................  ..............           16.87           20.61           13.73           30.59
    TEXAS.....................................  MIDLAND.....................           19.53           22.33           17.83           28.02           26.38
    TEXAS.....................................  MILAM.......................            6.39           18.48           31.72           26.87           32.20
    TEXAS.....................................  MILLS.......................           97.12           97.56           67.92           69.82           66.43
    TEXAS.....................................  MITCHELL....................            2.86            3.25            8.08           20.16           16.17
    TEXAS.....................................  MONTAGUE....................           26.86            9.52            4.68           12.02            5.65
    TEXAS.....................................  MONTGOMERY..................           29.73           28.25            6.68           86.92           37.36
    TEXAS.....................................  MOORE.......................           44.71           28.06           24.56            9.49           18.05
    TEXAS.....................................  MORRIS......................           37.70           22.23           11.28            7.88  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  MOTLEY......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           13.39
    TEXAS.....................................  NACOGDOCHES.................           29.94           33.24           34.25           33.33           33.30
    TEXAS.....................................  NAVARRO.....................           55.20           43.68           59.73           32.31           51.08
    TEXAS.....................................  NEWTON......................           54.30           54.38           48.23           40.69           36.06
    TEXAS.....................................  NOLAN.......................            8.71            5.74           19.48           31.23           27.88
    TEXAS.....................................  NUECES......................           17.21           19.71           16.38           24.20           21.53
    TEXAS.....................................  OCHILTREE...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  OLDHAM......................  ..............           22.37           21.58           20.07           23.34
    TEXAS.....................................  ORANGE......................           31.06            8.09            9.37           21.93             .68
    TEXAS.....................................  PALO PINTO..................  ..............           97.64           97.54           70.26           61.54
    TEXAS.....................................  PANOLA......................           49.64           35.62           35.60           33.34           31.61
    TEXAS.....................................  PARKER......................           27.80           15.93           15.27            5.97           29.53
    TEXAS.....................................  PARMER......................            1.24            2.23           14.28           15.69           14.80
    TEXAS.....................................  PECOS.......................  ..............            2.83            1.46           18.97           18.45
    TEXAS.....................................  POLK........................           43.71           45.33           42.63           39.55           55.69
    TEXAS.....................................  POTTER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  PRESIDIO....................           43.37           35.14           28.08           17.18           38.90
    TEXAS.....................................  RAINS.......................  ..............            1.39            9.25            6.99           31.62
    TEXAS.....................................  RANDALL.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............           18.87           28.88
    TEXAS.....................................  REAGAN......................           24.84           24.99           26.01           31.87           30.62
    TEXAS.....................................  REAL........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  RED RIVER...................            8.68            8.17            9.29           22.46           18.69
    TEXAS.....................................  REEVES......................           22.29           31.03           23.89           21.63           40.08
    TEXAS.....................................  REFUGIO.....................            6.74           14.18           11.17           10.47            9.77
    TEXAS.....................................  ROBERTS.....................  ..............  ..............           24.22           14.88           13.65
    TEXAS.....................................  ROBERTSON...................            3.97           17.47           21.59           27.45           26.48
    TEXAS.....................................  ROCKWALL....................           31.20           37.40           57.82           59.18           53.32
    TEXAS.....................................  RUNNELS.....................            5.38           14.83           23.18           28.89           28.01
    TEXAS.....................................  RUSK........................            3.26           20.15           34.57           30.62           29.82
    TEXAS.....................................  SABINE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  SAN AUGUSTINE...............  ..............            1.17             .87           14.46           13.01
    TEXAS.....................................  SAN JACINTO.................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  SAN PATRICIO................           13.01           12.91           24.38           17.91           14.56
    TEXAS.....................................  SAN SABA....................           47.77           35.39           28.28           33.45           23.72
    TEXAS.....................................  SCHLEICHER..................             .82           18.01           15.36           11.75           12.95
    TEXAS.....................................  SCURRY......................  ..............            3.58            8.69            5.54            3.46
    TEXAS.....................................  SHACKELFORD.................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  SHELBY......................           19.56           24.00           20.77           22.37           17.91
    TEXAS.....................................  SHERMAN.....................            2.25  ..............           54.85           32.83           35.45
    TEXAS.....................................  SMITH.......................  ..............  ..............           27.61           27.99           52.67
    TEXAS.....................................  SOMERVELL...................  ..............  ..............            3.00  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  STARR.......................           29.20           53.83           36.97           36.39           35.95
    TEXAS.....................................  STEPHENS....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  STERLING....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  STONEWALL...................            1.84            2.14             .95           12.04           12.18
    TEXAS.....................................  SUTTON......................           20.31           20.59           13.82            9.71           10.32
    TEXAS.....................................  SWISHER.....................            1.83            2.59            3.83            4.21            8.06
    TEXAS.....................................  TARRANT.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  TAYLOR......................             .23            1.27             .15             .10             .07
    TEXAS.....................................  TERRELL.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           14.25
    TEXAS.....................................  TERRY.......................            6.22            5.92            6.77           12.24           11.69
    TEXAS.....................................  THROCKMORTON................  ..............           41.43           35.93           30.39           14.63
    TEXAS.....................................  TITUS.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .70             .43
    TEXAS.....................................  TOM GREEN...................           16.22           10.26           14.25           12.17           13.77
    TEXAS.....................................  TRAVIS......................  ..............  ..............           99.57           91.45           88.31
    TEXAS.....................................  TRINITY.....................           40.71           42.22           46.99           41.74           38.02
    TEXAS.....................................  TYLER.......................           27.70           24.35           20.29           16.41           14.35
    TEXAS.....................................  UPSHUR......................  ..............             .47  ..............  ..............           26.27
    TEXAS.....................................  UPTON.......................            5.13            2.19            9.09           12.91           25.42
    TEXAS.....................................  UVALDE......................            1.06  ..............           22.36           24.62           35.92
    TEXAS.....................................  VAL VERDE...................  ..............            5.68  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  VAN ZANDT...................            2.81           31.40           25.37           41.51           43.15
    TEXAS.....................................  VICTORIA....................           40.58           30.21           21.97           38.73           30.34
    TEXAS.....................................  WALKER......................  ..............  ..............            2.78            2.75             .76
    TEXAS.....................................  WALLER......................             .95  ..............  ..............           99.29           24.85
    TEXAS.....................................  WARD........................  ..............  ..............             .44             .53  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  WASHINGTON..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  WEBB........................  ..............  ..............           35.76           34.50           33.55
    TEXAS.....................................  WHARTON.....................           12.15           16.91           15.20           22.47           23.36
    TEXAS.....................................  WHEELER.....................  ..............           31.49           28.03           20.67           27.88
    TEXAS.....................................  WICHITA.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  WILBARGER...................            6.58            9.23           14.66           13.72           14.49
    TEXAS.....................................  WILLACY.....................           53.11           47.35           37.49           32.25           33.08
    TEXAS.....................................  WILLIAMSON..................           68.13           69.02           63.64           70.94           54.50
    TEXAS.....................................  WILSON......................           27.75           43.71           54.61           55.44           51.59
    TEXAS.....................................  WINKLER.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    TEXAS.....................................  WISE........................  ..............  ..............           59.90           14.39           75.05
    TEXAS.....................................  WOOD........................            3.35            1.49            2.61            4.67           58.36
    TEXAS.....................................  YOAKUM......................            7.26            9.36            9.94           19.08           17.62
    TEXAS.....................................  YOUNG.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           39.62
    TEXAS.....................................  ZAPATA......................  ..............           38.30           42.45           36.44           30.93
    TEXAS.....................................  ZAVALA......................           10.79  ..............           29.48           62.95           54.87
    UTAH......................................  BEAVER......................             .23  ..............  ..............            1.47             .80
    UTAH......................................  BOX ELDER...................            5.58            1.60            9.87           10.85           12.25
    UTAH......................................  CACHE.......................            4.61            2.03            2.34            3.36            1.64
    UTAH......................................  CARBON......................  ..............             .29  ..............  ..............  ..............
    UTAH......................................  DAGGETT.....................  ..............             .28            8.48            5.77            3.64
    UTAH......................................  DAVIS.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    UTAH......................................  DUCHESNE....................  ..............            2.77             .18             .02             .14
    UTAH......................................  EMERY.......................  ..............             .35             .69             .33  ..............
    UTAH......................................  GARFIELD....................             .17             .12             .98            1.61            1.62
    UTAH......................................  GRAND,E.....................  ..............            3.75            2.70            3.44  ..............
    UTAH......................................  IRON........................            4.88  ..............            1.68             .75  ..............
    UTAH......................................  JUAB........................             .84             .81             .57             .64             .56
    UTAH......................................  KANE........................  ..............            2.18            1.52            2.60            2.17
    UTAH......................................  MILLARD.....................             .90             .73            2.20            5.97            6.01
    UTAH......................................  MORGAN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    UTAH......................................  PIUTE.......................             .71             .13            1.78            2.07            3.78
    UTAH......................................  RICH........................  ..............  ..............            1.94            2.16            1.71
    UTAH......................................  SALT LAKE...................  ..............  ..............             .59  ..............  ..............
    UTAH......................................  SAN JUAN....................             .11             .10             .03  ..............             .04
    UTAH......................................  SANPETE.....................             .65            1.26            1.25             .69            1.39
    UTAH......................................  SEVIER......................            2.61            2.08             .46            1.25            3.45
    UTAH......................................  SUMMIT......................             .12             .24  ..............  ..............            1.33
    UTAH......................................  TOOELE......................            2.18            1.25  ..............  ..............  ..............
    UTAH......................................  UINTAH......................             .49             .03             .50             .18             .15
    UTAH......................................  UTAH........................            2.39             .16             .32            1.41             .91
    UTAH......................................  WASATCH.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    UTAH......................................  WASHINGTON..................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.61            3.08
    UTAH......................................  WAYNE.......................             .91             .77            4.27            4.02            4.36
    UTAH......................................  WEBER.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VERMONT...................................  ADDISON.....................            4.00            6.23            8.61            9.57            8.24
    VERMONT...................................  BENNINGTON..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............           22.65
    VERMONT...................................  CALEDONIA...................           13.93           12.49           13.63           11.62           12.33
    VERMONT...................................  CHITTENDEN..................  ..............             .98  ..............  ..............            1.33
    VERMONT...................................  ESSEX.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.78             .98
    VERMONT...................................  FRANKLIN....................            1.87            6.05            6.40            5.92            6.79
    VERMONT...................................  GRAND ISLE..................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.20            1.63
    VERMONT...................................  LAMOILLE....................  ..............            2.73  ..............            7.43            8.28
    VERMONT...................................  ORANGE......................  ..............  ..............            3.73            3.22            2.95
    VERMONT...................................  ORLEANS.....................             .02             .13  ..............  ..............             .05
    VERMONT...................................  RUTLAND.....................            2.26            2.93             .33            2.22            4.85
    VERMONT...................................  WASHINGTON..................  ..............            4.66            2.18  ..............  ..............
    VERMONT...................................  WINDHAM.....................             .39            4.48            2.45            4.32            3.48
    VERMONT...................................  WINDSOR.....................           23.76           20.36           22.63           16.35           18.89
    VIRGIN ISLANDS............................  ST. CROIX...................           37.62           32.24           26.64           21.58           18.75
    VIRGIN ISLANDS............................  ST. JOHN....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGIN ISLANDS............................  ST. THOMAS..................  ..............  ..............             .53  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  ACCOMACK....................            3.31            2.36            5.05           11.24            7.93
    VIRGINIA..................................  ALBEMARLE...................            1.73  ..............            3.68  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  ALEXANDRIA CITY.............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  ALLEGHANY...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  AMELIA......................            4.09            8.93            6.81           11.27            5.86
    VIRGINIA..................................  AMHERST.....................            2.96            5.14            2.59             .67  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  APPOMATTOX..................            6.01            3.33           35.11           31.30           26.85
    VIRGINIA..................................  ARLINGTON...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  AUGUSTA.....................            1.26             .36            6.06            8.74           20.50
    VIRGINIA..................................  BATH........................  ..............  ..............          100.00           87.63           76.36
    VIRGINIA..................................  BEDFORD.....................            1.90  ..............            1.39            1.58           10.00
    VIRGINIA..................................  BEDFORD CITY................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  BLAND.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.02  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  BOTETOURT...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  BRISTOL.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  BRUNSWICK...................             .83             .44            1.84            2.24           11.75
    VIRGINIA..................................  BUCHANAN....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  BUCKINGHAM..................             .18  ..............           10.04             .85             .44
    VIRGINIA..................................  BUENA VISTA.................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  CAMPBELL....................             .20            3.14             .34             .84            4.47
    VIRGINIA..................................  CAROLINE....................  ..............            2.29            2.15           20.64           19.29
    VIRGINIA..................................  CARROLL.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .96            1.95
    VIRGINIA..................................  CHARLES CITY................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  CHARLOTTE...................            1.62            1.52  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  CHESAPEAKE..................           63.71           61.72           56.41           48.77           46.53
    VIRGINIA..................................  CHESTERFIELD................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  CLARKE......................  ..............  ..............            2.60            1.32           10.38
    VIRGINIA..................................  COLONIAL HEIGHTS............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  COURTLAND...................           14.07           15.34           16.64           18.29           19.52
    VIRGINIA..................................  COVINGTON...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  CRAIG.......................            9.82  ..............            5.48            6.21            5.95
    VIRGINIA..................................  CULPEPER....................           28.72           24.06           17.24           14.64           10.60
    VIRGINIA..................................  CUMBERLAND..................             .57             .31            1.24            2.17            5.48
    VIRGINIA..................................  DANVILLE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  DICKENSON...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  DINWIDDIE...................           67.18           76.61           72.65           71.87           71.01
    VIRGINIA..................................  EMPORIA.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  ESSEX.......................            1.15            4.61            2.76            1.98            1.47
    VIRGINIA..................................  FAIRFAX.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  FAIRFAX CITY................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  FALLS CHURCH................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  FAUQUIER....................            2.36             .18             .17            8.25            4.89
    VIRGINIA..................................  FLOYD.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  FLUVANNA....................  ..............  ..............            3.41            3.97           15.29
    VIRGINIA..................................  FRANKLIN....................            6.03            9.81           11.81           10.54           24.45
    VIRGINIA..................................  FRANKLIN CITY...............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  FREDERICK...................            2.19            7.53            7.06            6.52            5.00
    VIRGINIA..................................  FREDERICKSBURG..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  GALAX.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  GILES.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  GLOUCESTER..................           10.27            8.81           11.80  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  GOOCHLAND...................             .30             .35             .61             .79  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  GRAYSON.....................            5.80            3.56            1.77             .28  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  GREENE......................            3.10  ..............  ..............            9.05  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  GREENSVILLE.................  ..............           12.82            1.72  ..............            5.89
    VIRGINIA..................................  HALIFAX.....................            4.45            3.84            5.76            7.27           18.31
    VIRGINIA..................................  HAMPTON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  HANOVER.....................            2.98            1.63            2.03            8.15            6.48
    VIRGINIA..................................  HARRISONBURG................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  HENRICO.....................            8.13  ..............            9.34  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  HENRY.......................           24.81           20.54           17.03           13.13           13.56
    VIRGINIA..................................  HIGHLAND....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  HOPEWELL....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  ISLE OF WIGHT...............            1.85            7.32           10.33            4.57           11.68
    VIRGINIA..................................  JAMES CITY..................           21.38           20.65           19.63           18.81           18.13
    VIRGINIA..................................  KING AND QUEEN..............            8.40            6.37            5.10           20.22           16.10
    VIRGINIA..................................  KING GEORGE.................  ..............            1.01           18.53            9.26           11.30
    VIRGINIA..................................  KING WILLIAM................  ..............  ..............            4.89  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  LANCASTER...................  ..............  ..............  ..............           44.04           68.26
    VIRGINIA..................................  LEE.........................             .58  ..............             .13  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  LEXINGTON...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  LOUDOUN.....................            4.78  ..............  ..............           14.22           16.94
    VIRGINIA..................................  LOUISA......................            2.80  ..............  ..............            5.73  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  LUNENBURG...................  ..............             .67             .71             .55            1.18
    VIRGINIA..................................  LYNCHBURG...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  MADISON.....................           11.76            7.78           14.81            4.80            8.34
    VIRGINIA..................................  MANASSA PARK CITY...........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  MANASSAS....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  MARTINSVILLE................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  MATHEWS.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  MECKLENBURG.................             .69           12.73           12.12            9.78            8.26
    VIRGINIA..................................  MIDDLESEX...................           16.15            7.61            6.73            6.07             .06
    VIRGINIA..................................  MONTGOMERY..................  ..............  ..............  ..............            2.15  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  NELSON......................  ..............  ..............            1.76  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  NEW KENT....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  NEWPORT NEWS................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  NORFOLK CITY................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  NORTHAMPTON.................            7.22           15.64           19.20           12.02            1.99
    VIRGINIA..................................  NORTHUMBERLAND..............           90.62           90.22           90.22           89.72           88.58
    VIRGINIA..................................  NORTON......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  NOTTOWAY....................             .79  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  ORANGE......................            1.65  ..............  ..............  ..............            8.17
    VIRGINIA..................................  PAGE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  PATRICK.....................            4.32             .37  ..............             .76             .78
    VIRGINIA..................................  PETERSBURG..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  PITTSYLVANIA................            5.84            6.05            5.89            3.79            1.14
    VIRGINIA..................................  POQUASON....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  PORTSMOUTH CITY.............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  POWHATAN....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  PRINCE EDWARD...............  ..............            8.51            2.91  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  PRINCE GEORGE...............            3.03           19.99            5.02            2.94            3.67
    VIRGINIA..................................  PRINCE WILLIAM..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  PULASKI.....................           71.12           72.07           70.96           69.47           48.43
    VIRGINIA..................................  RADFORD.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  RAPPAHANNOCK................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  RICHMOND....................            8.44            5.56            1.12           10.91           16.45
    VIRGINIA..................................  RICHMOND CITY...............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  ROANOKE.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  ROANOKE CITY................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  ROCKBRIDGE..................             .89            2.29             .45             .96            5.18
    VIRGINIA..................................  ROCKINGHAM..................            1.38            1.29             .57  ..............            3.08
    VIRGINIA..................................  RUSSELL.....................  ..............  ..............            1.06            1.25             .40
    VIRGINIA..................................  SALEM.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  SCOTT.......................           31.38           29.03           21.91           21.64           18.60
    VIRGINIA..................................  SHENANDOAH..................            1.02            1.28            2.46            4.30            1.22
    VIRGINIA..................................  SMYTH.......................  ..............           38.87           34.67           31.11           22.97
    VIRGINIA..................................  SPOTSYLVANIA................           45.60           32.38           25.52            2.66            2.80
    VIRGINIA..................................  STAFFORD....................  ..............  ..............            2.01            2.66  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  STAUNTON....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  SUFFOLK.....................            7.04            2.08            2.31            9.47            8.24
    VIRGINIA..................................  SURRY.......................            9.50            4.73            5.72            5.06             .07
    VIRGINIA..................................  SUSSEX......................           11.71           11.49            3.87            6.40            3.36
    VIRGINIA..................................  TAZEWELL....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  VIRGINIA BEACH (CITY........  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  WARREN......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  WASHINGTON..................  ..............            3.83            3.25            4.71            2.14
    VIRGINIA..................................  WAYNESBORO..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  WESTMORELAND................           13.10            7.58           19.94            1.26            8.60
    VIRGINIA..................................  WILLIAMSBURG................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  WINCHESTER..................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  WISE........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    VIRGINIA..................................  WYTHE.......................           36.09           29.32           27.37           21.51           18.52
    VIRGINIA..................................  YORK........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WASHINGTON................................  ADAMS.......................            7.30           11.35           15.57           18.73           10.65
    WASHINGTON................................  ASOTIN......................  ..............  ..............          100.00  ..............  ..............
    WASHINGTON................................  BENTON......................            1.68            2.32            4.27            5.39            3.68
    WASHINGTON................................  CHELAN......................            2.42            3.47            3.07            2.56            6.03
    WASHINGTON................................  CLALLAM.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WASHINGTON................................  CLARK.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WASHINGTON................................  COLUMBIA....................  ..............  ..............            2.94  ..............  ..............
    WASHINGTON................................  COWLITZ.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WASHINGTON................................  DOUGLAS.....................            1.60            3.41            4.09            4.43            4.20
    WASHINGTON................................  FERRY.......................           35.65           34.59           36.55           32.98           41.27
    WASHINGTON................................  FRANKLIN....................            4.19           17.04           10.24           10.86            6.74
    WASHINGTON................................  GARFIELD....................            1.18            4.77  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WASHINGTON................................  GRANT, N....................            1.00            2.00            2.21            2.33            2.09
    WASHINGTON................................  GRAYS HARBOR................  ..............             .15  ..............  ..............             .93
    WASHINGTON................................  ISLAND......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WASHINGTON................................  JEFFERSON...................  ..............  ..............           25.25  ..............             .35
    WASHINGTON................................  KING........................  ..............  ..............            8.35  ..............            4.04
    WASHINGTON................................  KITSAP......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WASHINGTON................................  KITTITAS....................             .03             .64             .63            9.99            9.62
    WASHINGTON................................  KLICKITAT...................             .21             .40             .29             .29           15.28
    WASHINGTON................................  LEWIS.......................           21.84           19.92           34.06           28.02           21.59
    WASHINGTON................................  LINCOLN.....................            1.54            1.78             .93             .66             .22
    WASHINGTON................................  MASON.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WASHINGTON................................  OKANOGAN....................           14.55           13.39           15.21           12.62           12.77
    WASHINGTON................................  PACIFIC.....................            3.54            2.16            1.75            1.31             .98
    WASHINGTON................................  PEND OREILLE................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WASHINGTON................................  PIERCE......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WASHINGTON................................  SAN JUAN....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WASHINGTON................................  SKAGIT......................           14.22           13.15           19.79           21.50           19.50
    WASHINGTON................................  SKAMANIA....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WASHINGTON................................  SNOHOMISH...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .69
    WASHINGTON................................  SPOKANE.....................            6.01            1.99            2.29            8.09            5.34
    WASHINGTON................................  STEVENS.....................            3.62             .64           11.65            9.28           10.21
    WASHINGTON................................  THURSTON....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WASHINGTON................................  WAHKIAKUM...................  ..............  ..............           17.21           13.77           10.96
    WASHINGTON................................  WALLA WALLA.................            4.32            3.42            2.92            4.62            7.06
    WASHINGTON................................  WHATCOM.....................            4.30            2.42            3.43            2.45            3.71
    WASHINGTON................................  WHITMAN.....................            1.91            1.54            6.51            4.54            2.86
    WASHINGTON................................  YAKIMA......................            6.28            8.04            6.78            6.70            5.05
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  BARBOUR.....................             .20             .12            4.77            4.25            8.04
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  BERKELEY....................            6.35           42.59           37.20           41.43           22.99
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  BOONE.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  BRAXTON.....................            1.01            1.58            1.77           14.37           12.31
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  BROOKE......................            4.12           13.19  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  CABELL......................            4.24            1.21            9.68            8.65            6.08
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  CALHOUN.....................             .93            1.02             .65            1.05            2.37
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  CLAY........................            1.86             .54  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  DODDRIDGE...................             .29           10.23            7.24            8.40            4.99
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  FAYETTE.....................            3.65           12.96           29.85           31.48           11.83
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  GILMER......................            1.84             .77            2.08            2.93           18.68
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  GRANT.......................            1.44            1.88            1.01             .36             .03
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  GREENBRIER..................           11.65           12.61           10.12            8.75            6.99
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  HAMPSHIRE...................            9.69            9.54            7.27            7.10            1.96
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  HANCOCK.....................           16.16            9.42  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  HARDY.......................            1.26             .24             .04            1.79            2.96
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  HARRISON....................            5.81            6.06            9.81            7.79            7.55
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  JACKSON.....................            1.23             .69             .24             .07  ..............
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  JEFFERSON...................           10.24            8.26            6.36           10.29            3.37
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  KANAWHA.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  LEWIS.......................             .51           18.01           14.41           16.15           22.58
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  LINCOLN.....................            4.11            1.64            6.69            8.65            3.67
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  LOGAN.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  MARION......................            1.48            8.86            4.81            2.45  ..............
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  MARSHALL....................           10.11           12.10            9.53            8.49            8.20
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  MARSHALL....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  MASON.......................            3.33            6.00            9.15           10.39            8.78
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  MCDOWELL....................           28.81           24.36           18.97           13.37            7.47
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  MERCER......................            8.92           10.65           10.32            9.32            6.70
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  MINERAL.....................            1.84  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  MINGO.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  MONONGALIA..................  ..............             .20             .22             .12  ..............
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  MONROE......................           13.21           14.04            9.98            8.84            7.78
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  MORGAN......................            6.83            2.91            6.49            2.43  ..............
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  NICHOLAS....................            3.30            1.02             .17             .36            1.45
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  PENDLETON...................            1.90             .76            1.13            1.25             .02
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  PLEASANTS...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  POCAHONTAS..................  ..............             .09             .55            1.12            1.26
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  PRESTON.....................            1.22            5.47            1.94            9.33            8.96
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  PUTNAM......................             .18            3.47            5.09            5.87            4.04
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  RALEIGH.....................           25.55           22.09           20.78           20.47           17.08
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  RANDOLPH....................             .19  ..............            3.49             .15  ..............
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  RITCHIE.....................            1.72             .67           14.10            1.31            9.21
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  ROANE.......................            1.12            1.00            1.06            1.26            6.30
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  SUMMERS.....................           15.57            9.47            7.77            6.25            7.00
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  TAYLOR......................  ..............            1.15             .94            2.91             .87
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  TUCKER......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  TYLER.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............             .09
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  UPSHUR......................            5.84           14.17           11.22           10.22           15.91
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  WAYNE.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            4.70  ..............
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  WEBSTER.....................            2.01            1.41  ..............            3.49            2.44
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  WETZEL......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            4.01            2.93
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  WIRT........................  ..............             .70            2.09            3.05            5.28
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  WOOD........................  ..............           17.00           15.91           35.87           29.28
    WEST VIRGINIA.............................  WYOMING.....................           20.44           22.44           10.96            4.80  ..............
    WISCONSIN.................................  ADAMS.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WISCONSIN.................................  ASHLAND.....................             .20            3.10            3.74            3.47            7.27
    WISCONSIN.................................  BARRON......................            2.16  ..............             .24            2.09             .35
    WISCONSIN.................................  BAYFIELD....................             .31             .28            1.75             .94            2.94
    WISCONSIN.................................  BROWN.......................             .20             .21            3.22            3.76            1.74
    WISCONSIN.................................  BUFFALO.....................  ..............             .42             .51  ..............  ..............
    WISCONSIN.................................  BURNETT.....................  ..............             .38            1.34             .48  ..............
    WISCONSIN.................................  CALUMET.....................            1.05  ..............  ..............            4.41            1.16
    WISCONSIN.................................  CHIPPEWA....................            1.35             .71            5.69            6.09            3.92
    WISCONSIN.................................  CLARK.......................             .55             .51             .84            1.06             .85
    WISCONSIN.................................  COLUMBIA....................            4.11            1.58            2.54            1.70            2.91
    WISCONSIN.................................  CRAWFORD....................             .31  ..............  ..............             .30             .16
    WISCONSIN.................................  DANE........................  ..............             .82             .71            1.35            9.23
    WISCONSIN.................................  DODGE.......................            3.84            3.47            3.49            6.21            3.37
    WISCONSIN.................................  DOOR........................  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.43             .61
    WISCONSIN.................................  DOUGLAS.....................             .36  ..............             .41            5.50            2.31
    WISCONSIN.................................  DUNN........................            1.09            4.13            5.26            9.56            8.23
    WISCONSIN.................................  EAU CLAIRE..................            8.31  ..............            2.21            1.12            2.31
    WISCONSIN.................................  FLORENCE....................           11.97            7.08            1.41  ..............  ..............
    WISCONSIN.................................  FOND DU LAC.................            1.79            2.30            3.56            6.26            4.65
    WISCONSIN.................................  FOREST......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WISCONSIN.................................  GRANT.......................             .07             .88            1.07            2.28            1.03
    WISCONSIN.................................  GREEN.......................             .37            1.67            4.27            3.71            4.35
    WISCONSIN.................................  GREEN LAKE..................             .39             .28             .20            1.37             .98
    WISCONSIN.................................  IOWA........................             .61             .01  ..............             .50            1.97
    WISCONSIN.................................  IRON........................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.01
    WISCONSIN.................................  JACKSON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WISCONSIN.................................  JEFFERSON...................             .19             .06  ..............             .12            1.12
    WISCONSIN.................................  JUNEAU......................            1.56             .18             .18             .97  ..............
    WISCONSIN.................................  KENOSHA.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WISCONSIN.................................  KEWAUNEE....................            2.85            2.96            2.69            2.44            3.60
    WISCONSIN.................................  LA CROSSE...................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .41            1.42
    WISCONSIN.................................  LAFAYETTE...................             .47             .34             .57             .42             .64
    WISCONSIN.................................  LANGLADE....................             .65            4.62            2.65            3.45            2.62
    WISCONSIN.................................  LINCOLN.....................  ..............  ..............            1.99  ..............  ..............
    WISCONSIN.................................  MANITOWOC...................             .04             .34             .28             .12             .15
    WISCONSIN.................................  MARATHON....................             .14            2.14            1.04            2.74            7.32
    WISCONSIN.................................  MARINETTE...................            5.84            5.46            3.94            3.52            4.03
    WISCONSIN.................................  MARQUETTE...................            2.77  ..............  ..............           11.20            2.25
    WISCONSIN.................................  MENOMINEE...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WISCONSIN.................................  MILWAUKEE...................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WISCONSIN.................................  MONROE......................             .03             .91            1.48             .56             .27
    WISCONSIN.................................  OCONTO......................            1.69            2.07             .66            1.38            1.20
    WISCONSIN.................................  ONEIDA......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WISCONSIN.................................  OUTAGAMIE...................             .85            1.37            2.40             .94             .69
    WISCONSIN.................................  OZAUKEE.....................  ..............  ..............            6.58            2.42  ..............
    WISCONSIN.................................  PEPIN.......................             .58  ..............  ..............  ..............            6.28
    WISCONSIN.................................  PIERCE......................            2.44            2.28            1.11  ..............             .29
    WISCONSIN.................................  POLK........................            1.78             .69             .52             .21             .35
    WISCONSIN.................................  PORTAGE.....................            1.46            1.44             .63             .40            1.68
    WISCONSIN.................................  PRICE.......................             .24            1.02            1.41             .43  ..............
    WISCONSIN.................................  RACINE......................            3.55  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WISCONSIN.................................  RICHLAND....................            1.47             .75            1.15             .76            1.00
    WISCONSIN.................................  ROCK........................             .40            4.61            7.76            5.99            8.24
    WISCONSIN.................................  RUSK........................             .54  ..............            2.63            1.59            7.86
    WISCONSIN.................................  SAUK........................            1.55            2.74            3.22            2.23            4.12
    WISCONSIN.................................  SAWYER......................  ..............  ..............            1.27  ..............  ..............
    WISCONSIN.................................  SHAWANO.....................            2.21            1.95            1.96            2.47             .60
    WISCONSIN.................................  SHEBOYGAN...................  ..............            4.56            3.46            1.11            1.02
    WISCONSIN.................................  ST. CROIX...................             .01             .28  ..............             .95             .50
    WISCONSIN.................................  TAYLOR......................  ..............             .03             .71             .77             .69
    WISCONSIN.................................  TREMPEALEAU.................            2.29            2.29            1.90            1.74            1.88
    WISCONSIN.................................  VERNON......................             .17             .41             .34             .47            1.34
    WISCONSIN.................................  VILAS.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            5.67
    WISCONSIN.................................  WALWORTH....................  ..............  ..............            1.08            1.61             .27
    WISCONSIN.................................  WASHBURN....................             .22  ..............             .33  ..............  ..............
    WISCONSIN.................................  WASHINGTON..................             .03  ..............  ..............            7.00            5.56
    WISCONSIN.................................  WAUKESHA....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WISCONSIN.................................  WAUPACA.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............             .96            1.98
    WISCONSIN.................................  WAUSHARA....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............            1.00
    WISCONSIN.................................  WINNEBAGO...................  ..............  ..............             .82  ..............           12.93
    WISCONSIN.................................  WOOD........................            1.44            1.06             .84             .33            3.32
    WYOMING...................................  ALBANY......................  ..............             .30  ..............  ..............            7.86
    WYOMING...................................  BIG HORN, SOUTHERN..........            2.82            8.53            7.08            6.89           18.84
    WYOMING...................................  CAMPBELL....................           43.00           25.88           21.15            4.87  ..............
    WYOMING...................................  CARBON......................            1.23  ..............             .48            7.38            5.93
    WYOMING...................................  CONVERSE....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WYOMING...................................  CROOK.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WYOMING...................................  FREMONT.....................           10.62           14.63           13.63           14.11           12.15
    WYOMING...................................  GOSHEN......................            6.54           11.37            9.51            7.25            5.40
    WYOMING...................................  HOT SPRINGS.................           16.64           14.96           12.87           10.20            9.51
    WYOMING...................................  JOHNSON.....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WYOMING...................................  LARAMIE.....................           13.77           18.56           15.62           14.36           10.50
    WYOMING...................................  LINCOLN.....................  ..............  ..............            1.87  ..............            4.13
    WYOMING...................................  NATRONA.....................             .33             .19  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WYOMING...................................  NIOBRARA....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WYOMING...................................  PARK........................  ..............  ..............             .21            2.00            2.27
    WYOMING...................................  PLATTE......................            5.94            6.06            4.54            8.68            7.66
    WYOMING...................................  SHERIDAN....................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WYOMING...................................  SUBLETTE....................          100.00           65.30           70.56  ..............            6.48
    WYOMING...................................  SWEETWATER..................            5.59  ..............           12.60  ..............  ..............
    WYOMING...................................  TETON.......................  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............  ..............
    WYOMING...................................  UINTA.......................           20.12           13.49            7.44            1.96            1.99
    WYOMING...................................  WASHAKIE....................            2.12            1.42            2.35  ..............            3.95
    WYOMING...................................  WESTON......................  ..............  ..............  ..............            8.37  ..............
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                  PRESIDENTIAL DISASTER DECLARATIONS WITH INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                 Year                     State              County             Date               FEMA No                       Incident Type
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Barbour..........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Bibb.............  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Blount...........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Calhoun..........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Cherokee.........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Cleburne.........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Cullman..........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Dale.............  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  DeKalb...........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Etowah...........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Fayette..........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Franklin.........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Greene...........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Hale.............  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Henry............  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Houston..........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Jefferson........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Lamar............  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Lawrence.........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Marion...........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Marshall.........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Morgan...........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Pickens..........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Shelby...........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  St. Clair........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Talladega........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Tuscaloosa.......  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Walker...........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alabama..........  Winston..........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1442-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Alaska...........  Aniak, Crooked     6/26/02.........  FEMA-1423-DR........  Flooding
                                                        Creek.
    2002..........................  Alaska...........  Chignik Bay area.  12/04/02........  FEMA-1445-DR........  Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Coastal
                                                                                                                   Erosion and Tidal Surge
    2002..........................  Alaska...........  Delta Greely       11/08/02........  FEMA-1440-DR........  Earthquake
                                                        Regional
                                                        Educational
                                                        Attendance Area.
    2002..........................  Alaska...........  Ekwok and New      6/26/02.........  FEMA-1423-DR........  Flooding
                                                        Stuyahok in the
                                                        Southwest Region
                                                        REAA.
    2002..........................  Alaska...........  Fairbanks North    6/26/02.........  FEMA-1423-DR........  Flooding
                                                        Star Borough.
    2002..........................  Alaska...........  Fairbanks North    11/08/02........  FEMA-1440-DR........  Earthquake
                                                        Star Borough.
    2002..........................  Alaska...........  Kenai Peninsula    12/04/02........  FEMA-1445-DR........  Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Coastal
                                                        Borough.                                                   Erosion and Tidal Surge
    2002..........................  Alaska...........  Kodiak Island      12/04/02........  FEMA-1445-DR........  Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Coastal
                                                        Borough.                                                   Erosion and Tidal Surge
    2002..........................  Alaska...........  Kwethluk in the    6/26/02.........  FEMA-1423-DR........  Flooding
                                                        Lower Kuskokwim
                                                        REAA.
    2002..........................  Alaska...........  McGrath and Lime   6/26/02.........  FEMA-1423-DR........  Flooding
                                                        Village in the
                                                        Iditarod REAA.
    2002..........................  Alaska...........  Red Devil and      6/26/02.........  FEMA-1423-DR........  Flooding
                                                        Sleetmute in the
                                                        Kuspuk REAA.
    2002..........................  Arizona..........  Apache...........  6/25/02.........  FEMA-1422-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Arizona..........  Coconino.........  6/25/02.........  FEMA-1422-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Arizona..........  Fort Apache        6/25/02.........  FEMA-1422-DR........  Wildfires
                                                        Indian
                                                        Reservation.
    2002..........................  Arizona..........  Gila.............  6/25/02.........  FEMA-1422-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Arizona..........  Navajo...........  6/25/02.........  FEMA-1422-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Adams............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Alamosa..........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Arapahoe.........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Archuleta........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Baca.............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Bent.............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Boulder..........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Broomfield City    6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
                                                        and County.
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Chaffee..........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Cheyenne.........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Clear Creek......  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Conejos..........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Costilla.........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Crowley..........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Custer...........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Delta............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Denver City and    6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
                                                        County.
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Dolores..........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Douglas..........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Eagle............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  El Paso..........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Elbert...........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Fremont..........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Garfield.........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Gilpin...........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Grand............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Gunnison.........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Hinsdale.........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Huerfano.........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Jackson..........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Jefferson........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Kiowa............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Kit Carson.......  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  La Plata.........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Lake.............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Larimer..........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Las Animas.......  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Lincoln..........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Mesa.............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Mineral..........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Moffat...........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Montezuma........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Montrose.........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Otero............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Ouray............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Park.............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Pitkin...........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Pueblo...........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Rio Blanco.......  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Rio Grande.......  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Routt............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Saguache.........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  San Juan.........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  San Miguel.......  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Southern Ute       6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
                                                        Reservation.
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Summit...........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Teller...........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Ute Mountain       6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
                                                        Reservation.
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Washington.......  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Weld.............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Colorado.........  Yuma.............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1421-DR........  Wildfires
    2002..........................  Federated States   Chuuk State......  7/11/02.........  FEMA-1427...........  Tropical Storm Chata'an, including
                                     of Micronesia.                                                                flooding, mudslides and landslides
    2002..........................  Guam.............  Territory of Guam  7/06/02.........  FEMA-1426-DR........  Typhoon Chata'an
    2002..........................  Guam.............  Territory of Guam  12/08/02........  FEMA-1446-DR........  Super Typhoon Pongsona
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Adams............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Alexander........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Bond.............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Brown............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Calhoun..........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Cass.............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Champaign........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Christian........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Clark............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Clay.............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Clinton..........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Coles............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Crawford.........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Cumberland.......  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  De Witt..........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Douglas..........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Edgar............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Edwards..........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Effingham........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Fayette..........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Ford.............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Franklin.........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Fulton...........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Gallatin.........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Greene...........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Hamilton.........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Hancock..........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Hardin...........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Iroquois.........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Jackson..........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Jasper...........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Jefferson........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Jersey...........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Johnson..........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Lawrence.........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Logan............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Macon............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Macoupin.........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Madison..........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Marion...........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Mason............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Massac...........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  McDonough........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Menard...........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Monroe...........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Montgomery.......  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Morgan...........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Moultrie.........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Perry............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Piatt............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Pike.............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Pope.............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Pulaski..........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Randolph.........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Richland.........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Saline...........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Sangamon.........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Schuyler.........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Scott............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Shelby...........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  St. Clair........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Union............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Vermilion........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Wabash...........  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Washington,......  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Wayne............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  White............  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Illinois.........  Williamson.......  5/21/02.........  FEMA-1416-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Martin...........  6/13/02.........  FEMA-1418-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Bartholomew......  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Blackford........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Brown............  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Daviess..........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Dearborn.........  6/13/02.........  FEMA-1418-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Dearborn.........  6/13/02.........  FEMA-1418-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Decatur..........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Delaware.........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Fayette..........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Franklin.........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Gibson...........  6/13/02.........  FEMA-1418-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Gibson...........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Grant............  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Greene...........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Hamilton.........  6/13/02.........  FEMA-1418-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Hamilton.........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Hancock..........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Hendricks........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Henry............  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Jay..............  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Johnson..........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Knox.............  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Lawrence.........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Madison..........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Marion...........  6/13/02.........  FEMA-1418-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Marion...........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Monroe...........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Morgan...........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Orange...........  6/13/02.........  FEMA-1418-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Owen.............  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Pike.............  6/13/02.........  FEMA-1418-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Pike.............  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Posey............  6/13/02.........  FEMA-1418-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Posey............  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Randolph.........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Rush.............  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Shelby...........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Sullivan.........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Tipton...........  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Vanderburg.......  9/25/02.........  FEMA-1433-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Indiana..........  Vigo.............  6/13/02.........  FEMA-1418-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Allamakee........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Benton...........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Buchanan.........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Cedar............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Clayton..........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Clinton..........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Delaware.........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Des Moines.......  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Dubuque..........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Fayette..........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Henry............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Iowa.............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Jackson..........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Johnson..........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Jones............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Lee..............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Linn.............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Louisa...........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Muscatine........  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Scott............  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Iowa.............  Winneshiek.......  6/19/02.........  FEMA-1420-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Allen............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Anderson.........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Barber...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Bourbon..........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Butler...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Chautauqua.......  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Coffey...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Cowley...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Crawford.........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Douglas..........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Elk..............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Franklin.........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Greenwood........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Labette..........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Linn.............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Miami............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Montgomery.......  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Neosho...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Osage............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Sumner...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Wilson...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kansas...........  Woodson..........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1402-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Bath.............  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Bell.............  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Bourbon..........  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Boyd.............  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Breckinridge.....  5/07/02.........  FEMA-1414-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Carter...........  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Clay.............  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Crittenden.......  5/07/02.........  FEMA-1414-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Fleming..........  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Floyd............  5/07/02.........  FEMA-1414-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Grayson..........  5/07/02.........  FEMA-1414-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Greenup..........  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Hancock..........  5/07/02.........  FEMA-1414-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Hardin...........  5/07/02.........  FEMA-1414-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Harlan...........  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Henderson........  5/07/02.........  FEMA-1414-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Hopkins..........  5/07/02.........  FEMA-1414-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Knox.............  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Laurel...........  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Laurel...........  5/07/02.........  FEMA-1414-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Lawrence.........  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Leslie...........  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Letcher..........  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Letcher..........  5/07/02.........  FEMA-1414-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Lewis............  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Marion...........  5/07/02.........  FEMA-1414-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Martin...........  5/07/02.........  FEMA-1414-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  McCreary.........  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  McLean...........  5/07/02.........  FEMA-1414-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Meade............  5/07/02.........  FEMA-1414-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Menifee..........  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Montgomery.......  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Morgan...........  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Nicholas.........  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Ohio.............  5/07/02.........  FEMA-1414-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Perry............  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Pike.............  5/07/02.........  FEMA-1414-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Rockcastle.......  5/07/02.........  FEMA-1414-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Rowan............  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Union............  5/07/02.........  FEMA-1414-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Webster..........  5/07/02.........  FEMA-1414-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Kentucky.........  Whitley..........  4/04/02.........  FEMA-1407-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Acadia...........  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Allen............  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Ascension........  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Assumption.......  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Avoyelles........  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Beauregard.......  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Calcasieu........  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Cameron..........  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  East Baton Rouge.  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  East Feliciana...  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Evangeline.......  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Iberia...........  9/27/02.........  FEMA-1435-DR........  Tropical Storm Isidore
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Iberia...........  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Iberville........  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Jefferson........  9/27/02.........  FEMA-1435-DR........  Tropical Storm Isidore
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Jefferson........  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Jefferson Davis..  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Lafayette........  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Lafourche........  9/27/02.........  FEMA-1435-DR........  Tropical Storm Isidore
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Lafourche........  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Livingston.......  9/27/02.........  FEMA-1435-DR........  Tropical Storm Isidore
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Livingston.......  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Orleans..........  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Orleans,.........  9/27/02.........  FEMA-1435-DR........  Tropical Storm Isidore
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Plaquemines......  9/27/02.........  FEMA-1435-DR........  Tropical Storm Isidore
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Plaquemines......  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Pointe Coupee....  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Rapides..........  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  St. Bernard......  9/27/02.........  FEMA-1435-DR........  Tropical Storm Isidore
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  St. Bernard......  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  St. Charles......  9/27/02.........  FEMA-1435-DR........  Tropical Storm Isidore
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  St. Charles......  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  St. Helena.......  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  St. James........  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  St. John the       9/27/02.........  FEMA-1435-DR........  Tropical Storm Isidore
                                                        Baptist.
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  St. John the       10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
                                                        Baptist.
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  St. Landry.......  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  St. Martin.......  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  St. Mary.........  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  St. Tammany......  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  St.Tammany.......  9/27/02.........  FEMA-1435-DR........  Tropical Storm Isidore
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Tangipahoa.......  9/27/02.........  FEMA-1435-DR........  Tropical Storm Isidore
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Tangipahoa.......  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Terrebonne.......  9/27/02.........  FEMA-1435-DR........  Tropical Storm Isidore
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Terrebonne.......  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Vermillion.......  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  Washington.......  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Louisiana........  West Baton Rouge.  10/03/02........  FEMA-1437-DR........  Hurricane Lili
    2002..........................  Maryland.........  Calvert..........  5/01/02.........  FEMA-1409-DR........  Tornado
    2002..........................  Maryland.........  Charles..........  5/01/02.........  FEMA-1409-DR........  Tornado
    2002..........................  Maryland.........  Dorchester.......  5/01/02.........  FEMA-1409-DR........  Tornado
    2002..........................  Minnesota........  Becker...........  6/14/02.........  FEMA-1419-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Minnesota........  Beltrami.........  6/14/02.........  FEMA-1419-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Minnesota........  Clay.............  6/14/02.........  FEMA-1419-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Minnesota........  Clearwater.......  6/14/02.........  FEMA-1419-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Minnesota........  Itasca...........  6/14/02.........  FEMA-1419-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Minnesota........  Kittson..........  6/14/02.........  FEMA-1419-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Minnesota........  McLeod...........  6/14/02.........  FEMA-1419-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Minnesota........  Pennington.......  6/14/02.........  FEMA-1419-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Minnesota........  Polk.............  6/14/02.........  FEMA-1419-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Minnesota........  Roseau...........  6/14/02.........  FEMA-1419-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Minnesota........  Wright...........  6/14/02.........  FEMA-1419-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Mississippi......  Amite............  10/01/02........  FEMA-1436...........  Tropical Storm Isidore
    2002..........................  Mississippi......  Clay.............  11/14/02........  FEMA-1443-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Mississippi......  Hancock..........  10/01/02........  FEMA-1436...........  Tropical Storm Isidore
    2002..........................  Mississippi......  Harrison.........  10/01/02........  FEMA-1436...........  Tropical Storm Isidore
    2002..........................  Mississippi......  Jackson..........  10/01/02........  FEMA-1436...........  Tropical Storm Isidore
    2002..........................  Mississippi......  Lowndes..........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1443-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Mississippi......  Monroe...........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1443-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Mississippi......  Noxubee..........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1443-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Mississippi......  Oktibbeha........  11/14/02........  FEMA-1443-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Mississippi......  Pearl River......  10/01/02........  FEMA-1436...........  Tropical Storm Isidore
    2002..........................  Mississippi......  Pike.............  10/01/02........  FEMA-1436...........  Tropical Storm Isidore
    2002..........................  Mississippi......  Stone............  10/01/02........  FEMA-1436...........  Tropical Storm Isidore
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Adair............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Audrain..........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Barton...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Bates............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Benton...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Bollinger........  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Boone............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Buchanan.........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Butler...........  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Caldwell.........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Cape Girardeau...  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Carroll..........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Carter...........  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Cass.............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Cedar............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Chariton.........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Clair............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Clark............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Clay.............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Clinton..........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Cooper...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Crawford.........  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Daviess..........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Dent.............  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Douglas..........  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Dunklin..........  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Grundy...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Henry............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Howard...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Howell...........  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Iron.............  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Jackson..........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Jefferson........  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Johnson..........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Knox.............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Lafayette........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Lewis............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Linn.............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Livingston.......  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Macon............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Madison..........  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Marion...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Monroe...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Morgan...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Oregon...........  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Ozark............  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Perry............  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Pettis...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Platte...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Ralls............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Randolph.........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Ray..............  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Reynolds.........  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Ripley...........  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Saline...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Scotland.........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Shannon..........  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Shelby...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  St Francois......  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  St Geneieve......  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  St. Sullivan.....  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Stoddard.........  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Texas............  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Vernon...........  2/06/02.........  FEMA-1403-DR........  Severe Winter Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Missouri.........  Wayne............  5/06/02.........  FEMA-1412-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  New York.........  Clinton..........  5/16/02.........  FEMA-1415-DR........  Earthquake
    2002..........................  New York.........  Essex............  5/16/02.........  FEMA-1415-DR........  Earthquake
    2002..........................  Northern Mariana   Island of Rota...  12/11/02........  FEMA-1447-DR........  Super Typhoon Pongsona
                                     Islands.
    2002..........................  Ohio.............  Cuyahoga.........  11/18/02........  FEMA-1444-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Ohio.............  Hancock..........  11/18/02........  FEMA-1444-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Ohio.............  Ottawa...........  11/18/02........  FEMA-1444-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Ohio.............  Paulding.........  11/18/02........  FEMA-1444-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Ohio.............  Putnam...........  11/18/02........  FEMA-1444-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Ohio.............  Seneca...........  11/18/02........  FEMA-1444-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Ohio.............  Summit...........  11/18/02........  FEMA-1444-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Ohio.............  Van Wert.........  11/18/02........  FEMA-1444-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Alfalfa..........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Beaver...........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Beckham..........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Blaine...........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Caddo............  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Canadian.........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Cimarron.........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Cleveland........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Comanche.........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Creek............  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Custer...........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Dewey............  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Ellis............  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Garfield.........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Garvin...........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Grady............  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Grant............  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Greer............  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Harmon...........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Harper...........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Jackson..........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Kay..............  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Kingfisher.......  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Kiowa............  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Lincoln..........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Logan............  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Major............  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  McClain..........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Mills............  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Noble............  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Nowata...........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Oklahoma.........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Osage............  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Pawnee...........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Payne............  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Pottawatomie.....  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Roger............  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Rogers...........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Stephens.........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Texas............  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Tillman..........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Tulsa............  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Washington.......  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Washita..........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Woods............  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Oklahoma.........  Woodward.........  2/01/02.........  FEMA-1401-DR........  Ice Storm
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  and..............  4/05/02.........  FEMA-1408-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Anderson.........  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Bedford..........  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Bledsoe..........  4/05/02.........  FEMA-1408-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Bledsoe..........  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Blount...........  4/05/02.........  FEMA-1408-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Carroll..........  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Claiborne........  4/05/02.........  FEMA-1408-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Cocke............  4/05/02.........  FEMA-1408-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Coffee...........  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Crockett.........  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Cumberland.......  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Fentress.........  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Gibson...........  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Hancock..........  4/05/02.........  FEMA-1408-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Hawkins..........  4/05/02.........  FEMA-1408-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Henderson........  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Loudon...........  4/05/02.........  FEMA-1408-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Madison..........  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Marshall.........  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Montgomery.......  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Morgan...........  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Roane............  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Rutherford.......  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Scott............  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Sevier...........  4/05/02.........  FEMA-1408-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Sumner...........  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Tipton...........  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Tennessee........  Van Buren........  11/13/02........  FEMA-1441-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Bexar............  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Aransas..........  11/05/02........  FEMA-1439-DR........  severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Atascosa.........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Bandera..........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Bee..............  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Blanco...........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Brazoria.........  9/26/02.........  FEMA-1434-DR........  Tropical Storm Fay
    2002..........................  Texas............  Brazoria.........  11/05/02........  FEMA-1439-DR........  severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Brown............  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Burnet...........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Caldwell.........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Calhoun..........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Callahan.........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Cameron..........  11/05/02........  FEMA-1439-DR........  severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Coleman..........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Comal............  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  DeWitt...........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Dimmit...........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Duval............  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Eastland.........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Fort Bend........  11/05/02........  FEMA-1439-DR........  severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Frio.............  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Frio.............  9/26/02.........  FEMA-1434-DR........  Tropical Storm Fay
    2002..........................  Texas............  Galveston........  9/26/02.........  FEMA-1434-DR........  Tropical Storm Fay
    2002..........................  Texas............  Gillespie........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Goliad...........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Gonzales.........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Guadalupe........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Hardin...........  11/05/02........  FEMA-1439-DR........  severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Harris...........  11/05/02........  FEMA-1439-DR........  severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Hays.............  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Jasper...........  11/05/02........  FEMA-1439-DR........  severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Jefferson........  11/05/02........  FEMA-1439-DR........  severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Jim Wells........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Jim Wells........  9/26/02.........  FEMA-1434-DR........  Tropical Storm Fay
    2002..........................  Texas............  Jim Wells........  11/05/02........  FEMA-1439-DR........  severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Karnes...........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Kendall..........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Kerr.............  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Kleberg..........  11/05/02........  FEMA-1439-DR........  severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  La Salle.........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  La Salle.........  9/26/02.........  FEMA-1434-DR........  Tropical Storm Fay
    2002..........................  Texas............  Liberty..........  11/05/02........  FEMA-1439-DR........  severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Live Oak.........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Live Oak.........  9/26/02.........  FEMA-1434-DR........  Tropical Storm Fay
    2002..........................  Texas............  Matagorda........  9/26/02.........  FEMA-1434-DR........  Tropical Storm Fay
    2002..........................  Texas............  McMullen.........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Medina...........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Montgomery.......  11/05/02........  FEMA-1439-DR........  severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Nueces...........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Nueces...........  9/26/02.........  FEMA-1434-DR........  Tropical Storm Fay
    2002..........................  Texas............  Nueces...........  11/05/02........  FEMA-1439-DR........  severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Orange...........  11/05/02........  FEMA-1439-DR........  severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Real.............  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  San Jacinto......  11/05/02........  FEMA-1439-DR........  severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  San Patricio.....  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  San Patricio.....  9/26/02.........  FEMA-1434-DR........  Tropical Storm Fay
    2002..........................  Texas............  San Patricio.....  11/05/02........  FEMA-1439-DR........  severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Taylor...........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Travis...........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Uvalde...........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Victoria.........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Walker...........  11/05/02........  FEMA-1439-DR........  severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Webb.............  9/26/02.........  FEMA-1434-DR........  Tropical Storm Fay
    2002..........................  Texas............  Wharton..........  9/26/02.........  FEMA-1434-DR........  Tropical Storm Fay
    2002..........................  Texas............  Wilson...........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Texas............  Zavala...........  7/04/02.........  FEMA-1425-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Vermont..........  Caledonia........  7/12/02.........  FEMA-1428-DR........  Severe storms and flooding
    2002..........................  Vermont..........  Franklin.........  7/12/02.........  FEMA-1428-DR........  Severe storms and flooding
    2002..........................  Vermont..........  Lamoille.........  7/12/02.........  FEMA-1428-DR........  Severe storms and flooding
    2002..........................  Vermont..........  Orleans..........  7/12/02.........  FEMA-1428-DR........  Severe storms and flooding
    2002..........................  Virginia.........  Buchanan.........  5/05/02.........  FEMA-1411-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornado
    2002..........................  Virginia.........  city of Norton...  4/02/02.........  FEMA-1406-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Virginia.........  Dickenson........  4/02/02.........  FEMA-1406-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Virginia.........  Lee..............  4/02/02.........  FEMA-1406-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Virginia.........  Russell..........  4/02/02.........  FEMA-1406-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Virginia.........  Scott............  4/02/02.........  FEMA-1406-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Virginia.........  Smyth............  4/02/02.........  FEMA-1406-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Virginia.........  Tazewell.........  4/02/02.........  FEMA-1406-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Virginia.........  Tazewell.........  5/05/02.........  FEMA-1411-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornado
    2002..........................  Virginia.........  Washington.......  4/02/02.........  FEMA-1406-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  Virginia.........  Wise.............  4/02/02.........  FEMA-1406-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2002..........................  West Virginia....  McDowell.........  5/05/02.........  FEMA-1410-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2002..........................  West Virginia....  Mercer...........  5/05/02.........  FEMA-1410-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2002..........................  West Virginia....  Mingo............  5/05/02.........  FEMA-1410-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2002..........................  West Virginia....  Wyoming..........  5/05/02.........  FEMA-1410-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2002..........................  Wisconsin........  Barron...........  9/10/02.........  FEMA-1432-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
    2002..........................  Wisconsin........  Burnett..........  9/10/02.........  FEMA-1432-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
    2002..........................  Wisconsin........  Chippewa.........  9/10/02.........  FEMA-1432-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
    2002..........................  Wisconsin........  Clark............  9/10/02.........  FEMA-1432-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
    2002..........................  Wisconsin........  Dunn.............  9/10/02.........  FEMA-1432-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
    2002..........................  Wisconsin........  Langlade.........  9/10/02.........  FEMA-1432-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
    2002..........................  Wisconsin........  Lincoln..........  9/10/02.........  FEMA-1432-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
    2002..........................  Wisconsin........  Marathon.........  9/10/02.........  FEMA-1432-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
    2002..........................  Wisconsin........  Polk.............  9/10/02.........  FEMA-1432-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
    2002..........................  Wisconsin........  Portage..........  9/10/02.........  FEMA-1432-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
    2002..........................  Wisconsin........  Price............  9/10/02.........  FEMA-1432-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
    2002..........................  Wisconsin........  Rusk.............  9/10/02.........  FEMA-1432-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
    2002..........................  Wisconsin........  Sawyer...........  9/10/02.........  FEMA-1432-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
    2002..........................  Wisconsin........  Shawano..........  9/10/02.........  FEMA-1432-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
    2002..........................  Wisconsin........  St. Croix........  9/10/02.........  FEMA-1432-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
    2002..........................  Wisconsin........  Taylor...........  9/10/02.........  FEMA-1432-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
    2002..........................  Wisconsin........  Washburn.........  9/10/02.........  FEMA-1432-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
    2002..........................  Wisconsin........  Waupaca..........  9/10/02.........  FEMA-1432-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
    2002..........................  Wisconsin........  Wood.............  9/10/02.........  FEMA-1432-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Baldwin..........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Bibb.............  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Blount...........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Calhoun..........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Clarke...........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Colbert..........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Cullman..........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  DeKalb...........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Escambia.........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Etowah...........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Jackson..........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Jefferson........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Madison..........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Marshall.........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Mobile...........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Monroe...........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Morgan...........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Shelby...........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  St.Clair.........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Talladega........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Tuscaloosa.......  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Walker...........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alabama..........  Washington.......  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1466-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Alaska...........  Kenai Peninsula    4/26/03.........  FEMA-1461-DR........  Severe winter storm, including high winds
                                                        Borough.                                                   and freezing temperatures
    2003..........................  Alaska...........  Matanuska-Susitna  4/26/03.........  FEMA-1461-DR........  Severe winter storm, including high winds
                                                        Borough.                                                   and freezing temperatures
    2003..........................  Alaska...........  Municipality of    4/26/03.........  FEMA-1461-DR........  Severe winter storm, including high winds
                                                        Anchorage.                                                 and freezing temperatures
    2003..........................  American Samoa...  The Island of      6/06/03.........  FEMA-1473-DR........  Heavy Rainfall, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                        Tutuila.                                                   Mudslides
    2003..........................  Arkansas.........  Benton...........  6/06/03.........  FEMA-1472-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Arkansas.........  Chicot...........  6/06/03.........  FEMA-1472-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Arkansas.........  Cleburne.........  6/06/03.........  FEMA-1472-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Arkansas.........  Columbia.........  6/06/03.........  FEMA-1472-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Arkansas.........  Conway...........  6/06/03.........  FEMA-1472-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Arkansas.........  Craighead........  6/06/03.........  FEMA-1472-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Arkansas.........  Crittenden.......  6/06/03.........  FEMA-1472-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Arkansas.........  Cross............  6/06/03.........  FEMA-1472-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Arkansas.........  Faulkner.........  6/06/03.........  FEMA-1472-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Arkansas.........  Fulton...........  6/06/03.........  FEMA-1472-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Arkansas.........  Jackson..........  6/06/03.........  FEMA-1472-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Arkansas.........  Lonoke...........  6/06/03.........  FEMA-1472-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Arkansas.........  Nevada...........  6/06/03.........  FEMA-1472-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Arkansas.........  Perry............  6/06/03.........  FEMA-1472-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Arkansas.........  Phillips.........  6/06/03.........  FEMA-1472-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Arkansas.........  Poinsett.........  6/06/03.........  FEMA-1472-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Arkansas.........  St. Francis......  6/06/03.........  FEMA-1472-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Arkansas.........  White............  6/06/03.........  FEMA-1472-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Arkansas.........  Woodruff.........  6/06/03.........  FEMA-1472-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  California.......  Los Angeles......  10/27/03........  FEMA-1498-DR........  Wildfires
    2003..........................  California.......  Riverside........  10/27/03........  FEMA-1498-DR........  Wildfires
    2003..........................  California.......  San Bernardino...  10/27/03........  FEMA-1498-DR........  Wildfires
    2003..........................  California.......  San Diego........  10/27/03........  FEMA-1498-DR........  Wildfires
    2003..........................  California.......  Ventura..........  10/27/03........  FEMA-1498-DR........  Wildfires
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Aibonito.........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Arroyo...........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Cabo Rojo........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Can?vanas........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Fajardo..........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Gunica...........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Guayama..........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Juana Diaz.......  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Lajas............  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Loiza............  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Luquillo.........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Maunabo..........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Naguabo..........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Naranjito........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Patillas.........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Ro Grande........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Salinas..........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Santa Isabel.....  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Toa Baja.........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Yabucoa..........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Commonwealth of    Yauco............  11/21/03........  FEMA-1501-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                     Puerto Rico.                                                                  Landslides
    2003..........................  Delaware.........  New Castle.......  9/23/03.........  FEMA-1495-DR........  Tropical Storm Henri
    2003..........................  Delware..........  Kent.............  9/20/03.........  FEMA-1494-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Delware..........  New Castle.......  9/20/03.........  FEMA-1494-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Delware..........  Sussex...........  9/20/03.........  FEMA-1494-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  District of        District of        9/20/03.........  FEMA-1493-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
                                     Columbia.          Columbia.
    2003..........................  Federated States   Island of          12/19/03........  FEMA-1504-DR........  Typhoon Lupit
                                     of Micronesia.     Eauripik.
    2003..........................  Federated States   Island of Elato..  12/19/03........  FEMA-1504-DR........  Typhoon Lupit
                                     of Micronesia.
    2003..........................  Federated States   Island of Fais...  12/19/03........  FEMA-1504-DR........  Typhoon Lupit
                                     of Micronesia.
    2003..........................  Federated States   Island of          12/19/03........  FEMA-1504-DR........  Typhoon Lupit
                                     of Micronesia.     Faraulap.
    2003..........................  Federated States   Island of Ifalik.  12/19/03........  FEMA-1504-DR........  Typhoon Lupit
                                     of Micronesia.
    2003..........................  Federated States   Lamotrek.........  12/19/03........  FEMA-1504-DR........  Typhoon Lupit
                                     of Micronesia.
    2003..........................  Federated States   Namonuito Atoll..  12/19/03........  FEMA-1504-DR........  Typhoon Lupit
                                     of Micronesia.
    2003..........................  Federated States   Satawal..........  12/19/03........  FEMA-1504-DR........  Typhoon Lupit
                                     of Micronesia.
    2003..........................  Federated States   the Hall Islands.  12/19/03........  FEMA-1504-DR........  Typhoon Lupit
                                     of Micronesia.
    2003..........................  Federated States   Ulithi...........  12/19/03........  FEMA-1504-DR........  Typhoon Lupit
                                     of Micronesia.
    2003..........................  Federated States   Western Islands    12/19/03........  FEMA-1504-DR........  Typhoon Lupit
                                     of Micronesia.     within Chuuk
                                                        State.
    2003..........................  Federated States   Woleai within Yap  12/19/03........  FEMA-1504-DR........  Typhoon Lupit
                                     of Micronesia.     State.
    2003..........................  Florida..........  Miami-Dade County  4/25/03.........  FEMA-1460-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Illinois.........  Adams............  5/15/03.........  FEMA-1469-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Illinois.........  Alexander........  5/15/03.........  FEMA-1469-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Illinois.........  Brown............  5/15/03.........  FEMA-1469-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Illinois.........  Fulton...........  5/15/03.........  FEMA-1469-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Illinois.........  Hancock..........  5/15/03.........  FEMA-1469-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Illinois.........  Mason............  5/15/03.........  FEMA-1469-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Illinois.........  Massac...........  5/15/03.........  FEMA-1469-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Illinois.........  Pope.............  5/15/03.........  FEMA-1469-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Illinois.........  Pulaski..........  5/15/03.........  FEMA-1469-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Illinois.........  Schuyler.........  5/15/03.........  FEMA-1469-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Illinois.........  Tazewell.........  5/15/03.........  FEMA-1469-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Illinois.........  Union............  5/15/03.........  FEMA-1469-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Illinois.........  Woodford.........  5/15/03.........  FEMA-1469-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Adams............  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Allen............  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Benton...........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Blackford........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Blackford........  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Boone............  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Boone............  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Carroll..........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Cass.............  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Clay.............  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Clay.............  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Clinton..........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Delaware.........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Delaware.........  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Fountain.........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Fulton...........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Grant............  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Grant............  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Greene...........  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Hamilton.........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Hamilton.........  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Hancock..........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Hancock..........  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Hendricks........  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Henry............  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Henry............  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Howard...........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Huntington.......  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Jasper...........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Jay..............  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Jay..............  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Johnson..........  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Kosciusko........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Lake.............  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Madison..........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Madison..........  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Marion...........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Marion...........  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Miami............  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Monroe...........  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Montgomery.......  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Montgomery.......  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Morgan...........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Morgan...........  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Newton...........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Noble............  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Owen.............  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Parke............  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Porter...........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Pulaski..........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Putnam...........  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Randolph.........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Randolph.........  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Shelby...........  9/05/03.........  FEMA-1487-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Tippecanoe.......  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Tipton...........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Vanderburgh......  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Vigo.............  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Wabash...........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Warren...........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Wayne............  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Wells............  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  White............  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Indiana..........  Whitley..........  7/11/03.........  FEMA-1476-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Kansas...........  Allen............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1462-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Kansas...........  Cherokee.........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1462-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Kansas...........  Crawford.........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1462-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Kansas...........  Haskell..........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1462-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Kansas...........  Labette..........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1462-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Kansas...........  Leavenworth......  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1462-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Kansas...........  Meade............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1462-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Kansas...........  Miami............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1462-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Kansas...........  Neosho...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1462-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Kansas...........  Seward...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1462-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Kansas...........  Wyandotte........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1462-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Anderson.........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Boyd.............  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Boyd.............  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Boyle............  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Breathitt........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1454-DR........  Severe winter ice and snow storms, heavy
                                                                                                                   rain, flooding, tornadoes, and mud and
                                                                                                                   rock slides
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Breathitt........  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Breckenridge.....  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Bullitt..........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Caldwell.........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Carter...........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1454-DR........  Severe winter ice and snow storms, heavy
                                                                                                                   rain, flooding, tornadoes, and mud and
                                                                                                                   rock slides
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Carter...........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Carter...........  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Clarke...........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1454-DR........  Severe winter ice and snow storms, heavy
                                                                                                                   rain, flooding, tornadoes, and mud and
                                                                                                                   rock slides
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Clay.............  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Crittenden.......  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Elliott..........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Elliott..........  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Estill...........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Fayette..........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1454-DR........  Severe winter ice and snow storms, heavy
                                                                                                                   rain, flooding, tornadoes, and mud and
                                                                                                                   rock slides
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Fleming..........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Floyd............  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1454-DR........  Severe winter ice and snow storms, heavy
                                                                                                                   rain, flooding, tornadoes, and mud and
                                                                                                                   rock slides
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Floyd............  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Garrard..........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Graves...........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Grayson..........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Greenup..........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1454-DR........  Severe winter ice and snow storms, heavy
                                                                                                                   rain, flooding, tornadoes, and mud and
                                                                                                                   rock slides
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Greenup..........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Greenup..........  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Hardin...........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Harlan...........  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Hart.............  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Henderson........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Hopkins..........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Jefferson........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Jessamine........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Johnson..........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1454-DR........  Severe winter ice and snow storms, heavy
                                                                                                                   rain, flooding, tornadoes, and mud and
                                                                                                                   rock slides
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Johnson..........  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Knott............  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1454-DR........  Severe winter ice and snow storms, heavy
                                                                                                                   rain, flooding, tornadoes, and mud and
                                                                                                                   rock slides
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Knott............  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Knox.............  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Knox.............  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Larue............  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Lawrence.........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Lawrence.........  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Leslie...........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1454-DR........  Severe winter ice and snow storms, heavy
                                                                                                                   rain, flooding, tornadoes, and mud and
                                                                                                                   rock slides
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Leslie...........  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Letcher..........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1454-DR........  Severe winter ice and snow storms, heavy
                                                                                                                   rain, flooding, tornadoes, and mud and
                                                                                                                   rock slides
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Letcher..........  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Lewis............  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1454-DR........  Severe winter ice and snow storms, heavy
                                                                                                                   rain, flooding, tornadoes, and mud and
                                                                                                                   rock slides
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Lewis............  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Lewis............  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Madison..........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Magoffin.........  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Martin...........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1454-DR........  Severe winter ice and snow storms, heavy
                                                                                                                   rain, flooding, tornadoes, and mud and
                                                                                                                   rock slides
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Martin...........  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Mason............  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  McLean...........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Meade............  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Mercer...........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Nelson...........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Owsley...........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1454-DR........  Severe winter ice and snow storms, heavy
                                                                                                                   rain, flooding, tornadoes, and mud and
                                                                                                                   rock slides
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Owsley...........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Owsley...........  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Perry............  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1454-DR........  Severe winter ice and snow storms, heavy
                                                                                                                   rain, flooding, tornadoes, and mud and
                                                                                                                   rock slides
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Perry............  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Perry............  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Pike.............  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1454-DR........  Severe winter ice and snow storms, heavy
                                                                                                                   rain, flooding, tornadoes, and mud and
                                                                                                                   rock slides
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Pike.............  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Rowan............  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Rowan............  7/02/03.........  FEMA-1475-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mud and Rock
                                                                                                                   Slides, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Union............  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Washington.......  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Webster..........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Kentucky.........  Woodford.........  6/03/03.........  FEMA-1471-DR........  Severe storms, flooding, mud and rock
                                                                                                                   slides, and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Allegany.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Anne.............  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Anne's...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Arundel..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Baltimore........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Calvert..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Caroline.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Carroll..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Cecil............  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Charles..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  City of Baltimore  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Dorchester.......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Frederick........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Garrett..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  George's.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Harford..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Howard...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Kent.............  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Mary's...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Montgomery.......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Prince...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Queen............  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Somerset.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  St...............  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Talbot...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Washington.......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Wicomico.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Maryland.........  Worcester........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1492-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Amite............  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Attala...........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Calhoun..........  5/23/03.........  FEMA-1470-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and High Winds
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Chickasaw........  5/23/03.........  FEMA-1470-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and High Winds
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Claiborne........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Clarke...........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Clay.............  5/23/03.........  FEMA-1470-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and High Winds
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Copiah...........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Davis............  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Franklin.........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Hinds............  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Holmes...........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Issaquena........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Itawamba.........  5/23/03.........  FEMA-1470-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and High Winds
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Jasper...........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Jefferson........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Jefferson........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Kemper...........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Lauderdale.......  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Lawrence.........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Leake............  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Lee..............  5/23/03.........  FEMA-1470-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and High Winds
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Lincoln..........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Lowndes..........  5/23/03.........  FEMA-1470-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and High Winds
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Madison..........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Marion...........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Monroe...........  5/23/03.........  FEMA-1470-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and High Winds
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Neshoba..........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Newton...........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Pearl............  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Pike.............  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Pontotoc.........  5/23/03.........  FEMA-1470-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and High Winds
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Rankin...........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  River............  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Scott............  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Simpson..........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Smith............  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Walthall.........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Warren...........  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Wayne............  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Webster..........  5/23/03.........  FEMA-1470-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes and High Winds
    2003..........................  Mississippi......  Yazoo............  4/23/03.........  FEMA-1459-DR........  Severe Storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Barry............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Barton...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Bates............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Benton...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Bollinger........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Buchanan.........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Camden...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Cape.............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Cass.............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Cedar............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Christian........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Clair............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Clay.............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Clinton..........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Cooper...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Crawford.........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Dade.............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Dallas...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Dent.............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Douglas..........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Francois.........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Franklin.........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Gasconade........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Genevieve........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Girardeau........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Greene...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Henry............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Hickory..........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Iron.............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Jackson..........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Jasper...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Jefferson........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Johnson..........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Knox.............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Laclede..........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Lafayette........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Lawrence.........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Louis............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Marion...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  McDonald.........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Miller...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Monroe...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Morgan...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Newton...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Osage............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Perry............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Pettis...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Phelps...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Platte...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Polk.............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Pulaski..........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Ray..............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Saint............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Saint............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Sainte...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Saline...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Scott............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  St...............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Stoddard.........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Stone............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Taney............  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Vernon...........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Washington.......  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Missouri.........  Webster..........  5/06/03.........  FEMA-1463-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  New York.........  Allegany.........  8/29/03.........  FEMA-1486-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  New York.........  Cattaraugus......  8/29/03.........  FEMA-1486-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  New York.........  Cayuga...........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1467-DR........  Ice Storm
    2003..........................  New York.........  Chemung..........  8/29/03.........  FEMA-1486-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  New York.........  Columbia.........  8/29/03.........  FEMA-1486-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  New York.........  Delaware.........  8/29/03.........  FEMA-1486-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  New York.........  Fulton...........  8/29/03.........  FEMA-1486-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  New York.........  Greene...........  8/29/03.........  FEMA-1486-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  New York.........  Livingston.......  8/29/03.........  FEMA-1486-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  New York.........  Monroe...........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1467-DR........  Ice Storm
    2003..........................  New York.........  Montgomery.......  8/29/03.........  FEMA-1486-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  New York.........  Oneida...........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1467-DR........  Ice Storm
    2003..........................  New York.........  Onondaga.........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1467-DR........  Ice Storm
    2003..........................  New York.........  Ontario..........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1467-DR........  Ice Storm
    2003..........................  New York.........  Ontario..........  8/29/03.........  FEMA-1486-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  New York.........  Oswego...........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1467-DR........  Ice Storm
    2003..........................  New York.........  Rensselaer.......  8/29/03.........  FEMA-1486-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  New York.........  Schuyler.........  8/29/03.........  FEMA-1486-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  New York.........  Seneca...........  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1467-DR........  Ice Storm
    2003..........................  New York.........  Steuben..........  8/29/03.........  FEMA-1486-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  New York.........  Wayne............  5/12/03.........  FEMA-1467-DR........  Ice Storm
    2003..........................  New York.........  Yates............  8/29/03.........  FEMA-1486-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Beaufort.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Bertie...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Bladen...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Brunswick........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Camden...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Carteret.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Chowan...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Columbus.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Craven...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Cumberland.......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Currituck........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Dare.............  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Davidson.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Duplin...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Durham...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Edgecombe........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Franklin.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Gates............  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Granville........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Greene...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Halifax..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Hanover..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Harnett..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Hertford.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Hyde.............  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Johnston.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Jones............  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Lenoir...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Martin...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Nash.............  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  New..............  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Northampton......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Onslow...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Pamlico..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Pasquotank.......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Pender...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Perquimans.......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Person...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Pitt.............  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Robeson..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Sampson..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Tyrrell..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Vance............  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Wake.............  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Warren...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Washington.......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Wayne............  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  North Carolina...  Wilson...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1490-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Adams............  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1453-DR........  Severe Winter Storm
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Auglaize.........  7/15/03.........  FEMA-1478-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Carroll..........  8/01/03.........  FEMA-1484-DR........  Tornadoes, Flooding, Severe Storms, and
                                                                                                                   High Winds
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Columbiana.......  7/15/03.........  FEMA-1478-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Columbiana.......  8/01/03.........  FEMA-1484-DR........  Tornadoes, Flooding, Severe Storms, and
                                                                                                                   High Winds
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Crawford.........  7/15/03.........  FEMA-1478-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Cuyahoga.........  8/01/03.........  FEMA-1484-DR........  Tornadoes, Flooding, Severe Storms, and
                                                                                                                   High Winds
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Darke............  7/15/03.........  FEMA-1478-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Franklin.........  8/01/03.........  FEMA-1484-DR........  Tornadoes, Flooding, Severe Storms, and
                                                                                                                   High Winds
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Jackson..........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1453-DR........  Severe Winter Storm
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Jefferson........  8/01/03.........  FEMA-1484-DR........  Tornadoes, Flooding, Severe Storms, and
                                                                                                                   High Winds
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Lawrence.........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1453-DR........  Severe Winter Storm
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Logan............  7/15/03.........  FEMA-1478-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Mahoning.........  7/15/03.........  FEMA-1478-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Mahoning.........  8/01/03.........  FEMA-1484-DR........  Tornadoes, Flooding, Severe Storms, and
                                                                                                                   High Winds
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Medina...........  8/01/03.........  FEMA-1484-DR........  Tornadoes, Flooding, Severe Storms, and
                                                                                                                   High Winds
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Mercer...........  7/15/03.........  FEMA-1478-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Pike.............  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1453-DR........  Severe Winter Storm
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Pike.............  7/15/03.........  FEMA-1478-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Portage..........  8/01/03.........  FEMA-1484-DR........  Tornadoes, Flooding, Severe Storms, and
                                                                                                                   High Winds
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Richland.........  8/01/03.........  FEMA-1484-DR........  Tornadoes, Flooding, Severe Storms, and
                                                                                                                   High Winds
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Scioto...........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1453-DR........  Severe Winter Storm
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Shelby...........  7/15/03.........  FEMA-1478-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Stark............  8/01/03.........  FEMA-1484-DR........  Tornadoes, Flooding, Severe Storms, and
                                                                                                                   High Winds
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Summit...........  8/01/03.........  FEMA-1484-DR........  Tornadoes, Flooding, Severe Storms, and
                                                                                                                   High Winds
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Trumbull.........  8/01/03.........  FEMA-1484-DR........  Tornadoes, Flooding, Severe Storms, and
                                                                                                                   High Winds
    2003..........................  Ohio.............  Van Wert.........  7/15/03.........  FEMA-1478-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Canadian.........  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Carter...........  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Cherokee.........  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Cleveland........  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Creek............  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Delaware.........  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Garvin...........  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Grady............  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Kay..............  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Kingfisher.......  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Lincoln..........  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Logan............  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  McClain..........  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Mills............  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Muskogee.........  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Nowata...........  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Okfuskee.........  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Oklahoma.........  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Okmulgee.........  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Osage............  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Pontotoc.........  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Pottawatomie.....  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Roger............  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Seminole.........  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Texas............  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Oklahoma.........  Washington.......  5/10/03.........  FEMA-1465-DR........  Severe storms and tornadoes
    2003..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Blair............  8/23/03.........  FEMA-1485-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Chester..........  9/26/03.........  FEMA-1497-DR........  Tropical Storms Henri and Isabel, and
                                                                                                                   related severe storms and flooding
    2003..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Crawford.........  8/23/03.........  FEMA-1485-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Lackawanna.......  8/23/03.........  FEMA-1485-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Lawrence.........  8/23/03.........  FEMA-1485-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Pennsylvania.....  McKean...........  8/23/03.........  FEMA-1485-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Mercer...........  8/23/03.........  FEMA-1485-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Potter...........  8/23/03.........  FEMA-1485-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Tioga............  8/23/03.........  FEMA-1485-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Venango..........  8/23/03.........  FEMA-1485-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Warren...........  8/23/03.........  FEMA-1485-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Wayne............  8/23/03.........  FEMA-1485-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Anderson.........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Bedford..........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Benton...........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Bledsoe..........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Blount...........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Bradley..........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Cannon...........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Carroll..........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Cheatham.........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Chester..........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Cocke............  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Coffee...........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Crockett.........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Cumberland.......  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Davidson.........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Decatur..........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  DeKalb...........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Dickson..........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Dyer.............  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Fayette..........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Fayette..........  7/29/03.........  FEMA-1482-DR........  Severe storms, high winds, and heavy rain
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Gibson...........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Giles............  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Hamilton.........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Hardeman.........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Hardin...........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Haywood..........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Henderson........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Henry............  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Hickman..........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Houston..........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Humphreys........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Jefferson........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Knox.............  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Lake.............  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Lauderdale.......  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Lawrence.........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Lewis............  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Lincoln..........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Loudon...........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Macon............  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Madison..........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Marion...........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Marshall.........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Maury............  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  McMinn...........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Meigs............  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Monroe...........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Montgomery.......  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Obion............  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Perry............  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Polk.............  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Rhea.............  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Roane............  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Robertson........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Rutherford.......  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Sequatchie.......  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Sevier...........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Shelby...........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Shelby...........  7/29/03.........  FEMA-1482-DR........  Severe storms, high winds, and heavy rain
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Smith............  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Stewart..........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Tipton...........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Trousdale........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Warren...........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Wayne............  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Weakley..........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Williamson.......  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Tennessee........  Wilson...........  5/08/03.........  FEMA-1464-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2003..........................  Texas............  Aransas..........  7/17/03.........  FEMA-1479-DR........  Hurricane Claudette
    2003..........................  Texas............  Atascosa.........  7/17/03.........  FEMA-1479-DR........  Hurricane Claudette
    2003..........................  Texas............  Bee..............  7/17/03.........  FEMA-1479-DR........  Hurricane Claudette
    2003..........................  Texas............  Brazoria.........  7/17/03.........  FEMA-1479-DR........  Hurricane Claudette
    2003..........................  Texas............  Calhoun..........  7/17/03.........  FEMA-1479-DR........  Hurricane Claudette
    2003..........................  Texas............  DeWitt...........  7/17/03.........  FEMA-1479-DR........  Hurricane Claudette
    2003..........................  Texas............  Frio.............  7/17/03.........  FEMA-1479-DR........  Hurricane Claudette
    2003..........................  Texas............  Galveston........  7/17/03.........  FEMA-1479-DR........  Hurricane Claudette
    2003..........................  Texas............  Goliad...........  7/17/03.........  FEMA-1479-DR........  Hurricane Claudette
    2003..........................  Texas............  Jackson..........  7/17/03.........  FEMA-1479-DR........  Hurricane Claudette
    2003..........................  Texas............  Karnes...........  7/17/03.........  FEMA-1479-DR........  Hurricane Claudette
    2003..........................  Texas............  Live Oak.........  7/17/03.........  FEMA-1479-DR........  Hurricane Claudette
    2003..........................  Texas............  Matagorda........  7/17/03.........  FEMA-1479-DR........  Hurricane Claudette
    2003..........................  Texas............  McMullen.........  7/17/03.........  FEMA-1479-DR........  Hurricane Claudette
    2003..........................  Texas............  Refugio..........  7/17/03.........  FEMA-1479-DR........  Hurricane Claudette
    2003..........................  Texas............  San Patricio.....  7/17/03.........  FEMA-1479-DR........  Hurricane Claudette
    2003..........................  Texas............  Victoria.........  7/17/03.........  FEMA-1479-DR........  Hurricane Claudette
    2003..........................  Texas............  Zavala...........  7/17/03.........  FEMA-1479-DR........  Hurricane Claudette
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Accomack.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Albemarle........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Amelia...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Amherst..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Appomattox.......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Arlington........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Augusta..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Bedford..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Bland............  12/09/03........  FEMA-1502-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Brunswick........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Buchanan.........  3/27/03.........  FEMA-1458-DR........  Severe winter storm, record/near-record
                                                                                                                   snowfall, heavy rain, flooding, and
                                                                                                                   mudslides
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Buchanan.........  12/09/03........  FEMA-1502-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Buckingham.......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Campbell.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Caroline.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Charles City.....  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Charlotte........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Chesterfield.....  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of            9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
                                                        Alexandria.
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Bedford..  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Buena....  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of            9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
                                                        Charlottesville.
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of            9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
                                                        Chesapeake.
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Colonial   9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
                                                        Heights.
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Danville.  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Emporia..  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Fairfax..  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Falls      9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
                                                        Church.
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Franklin.  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of            9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
                                                        Fredericksburg.
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Galax....  12/09/03........  FEMA-1502-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Hampton..  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of            9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
                                                        Harrisonburg.
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Hopewell.  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Lynchburg  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Manassas.  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Manassas   9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
                                                        Park.
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Newport..  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of News.....  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Norfolk..  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Norton...  3/27/03.........  FEMA-1458-DR........  Severe winter storm, record/near-record
                                                                                                                   snowfall, heavy rain, flooding, and
                                                                                                                   mudslides
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of            9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
                                                        Petersburg.
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Poquoson.  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of            9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
                                                        Portsmouth.
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Richmond.  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Roanoke..  3/27/03.........  FEMA-1458-DR........  Severe winter storm, record/near-record
                                                                                                                   snowfall, heavy rain, flooding, and
                                                                                                                   mudslides
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Salem....  3/27/03.........  FEMA-1458-DR........  Severe winter storm, record/near-record
                                                                                                                   snowfall, heavy rain, flooding, and
                                                                                                                   mudslides
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Staunton.  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Suffolk..  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Virginia   9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
                                                        Beach.
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of Vista....  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of            9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
                                                        Waynesboro.
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of            9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
                                                        Williamsburg.
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  City of            9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
                                                        Winchester.
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Clarke...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Culpeper.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Cumberland.......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Dickenson........  3/27/03.........  FEMA-1458-DR........  Severe winter storm, record/near-record
                                                                                                                   snowfall, heavy rain, flooding, and
                                                                                                                   mudslides
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Dinwiddie........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Essex............  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Fairfax..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Fauquier.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Fluvanna.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Frederick........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Giles............  12/09/03........  FEMA-1502-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Gloucester.......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Goochland........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Greene...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Greensville......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Halifax..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Hanover..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Henrico..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Isle of Wight....  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  James City.......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  King and Queen...  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  King George......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  King William.....  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Lancaster........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Loudoun..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Louisa...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Lunenburg........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Madison..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Mathews..........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Mecklenburg......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Middlesex........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Montgomery.......  3/27/03.........  FEMA-1458-DR........  Severe winter storm, record/near-record
                                                                                                                   snowfall, heavy rain, flooding, and
                                                                                                                   mudslides
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Nelson...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  New Kent.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Northampton......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Northumberland...  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Nottoway.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Orange...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Page.............  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Pittsylvania.....  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Powhatan.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Prince Edward....  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Prince George....  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Prince William...  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Rappahannock.....  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Richmond.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Rockbridge.......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Rockingham.......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Russell..........  3/27/03.........  FEMA-1458-DR........  Severe winter storm, record/near-record
                                                                                                                   snowfall, heavy rain, flooding, and
                                                                                                                   mudslides
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Shenandoah.......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Smyth............  12/09/03........  FEMA-1502-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Southampton......  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Spotsylvania.....  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Stafford.........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Surry............  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Sussex...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Tazewell.........  3/27/03.........  FEMA-1458-DR........  Severe winter storm, record/near-record
                                                                                                                   snowfall, heavy rain, flooding, and
                                                                                                                   mudslides
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Tazewell.........  12/09/03........  FEMA-1502-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Warren...........  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Westmoreland.....  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  Wise.............  3/27/03.........  FEMA-1458-DR........  Severe winter storm, record/near-record
                                                                                                                   snowfall, heavy rain, flooding, and
                                                                                                                   mudslides
    2003..........................  Virginia.........  York.............  9/18/03.........  FEMA-1491-DR........  Hurricane Isabel
    2003..........................  Washington.......  Chelan...........  11/07/03........  FEMA-1499-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Washington.......  Clallam..........  11/07/03........  FEMA-1499-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Washington.......  Grays............  11/07/03........  FEMA-1499-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Washington.......  Harbor...........  11/07/03........  FEMA-1499-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Washington.......  Island...........  11/07/03........  FEMA-1499-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Washington.......  Jefferson........  11/07/03........  FEMA-1499-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Washington.......  Juan.............  11/07/03........  FEMA-1499-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Washington.......  King.............  11/07/03........  FEMA-1499-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Washington.......  Kitsap...........  11/07/03........  FEMA-1499-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Washington.......  Mason............  11/07/03........  FEMA-1499-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Washington.......  Okanogan.........  11/07/03........  FEMA-1499-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Washington.......  Pierce...........  11/07/03........  FEMA-1499-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Washington.......  San..............  11/07/03........  FEMA-1499-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Washington.......  Skagit...........  11/07/03........  FEMA-1499-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Washington.......  Snohomish........  11/07/03........  FEMA-1499-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Washington.......  Thurston.........  11/07/03........  FEMA-1499-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  Washington.......  Whatcom..........  11/07/03........  FEMA-1499-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Berkeley.........  6/21/03.........  FEMA-1474-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Boone............  6/21/03.........  FEMA-1474-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Boone............  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Braxton..........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Cabel............  6/21/03.........  FEMA-1474-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Cabell...........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1455-DR........  Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record
                                                                                                                   Snow, Heavy Rains, Flooding and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Cabell...........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Calhoun..........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1455-DR........  Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record
                                                                                                                   Snow, Heavy Rains, Flooding and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Calhoun..........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Clay.............  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Doddridge........  6/21/03.........  FEMA-1474-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Fayette..........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1455-DR........  Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record
                                                                                                                   Snow, Heavy Rains, Flooding and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Fayette..........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Gilmer...........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Greenbrier.......  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1455-DR........  Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record
                                                                                                                   Snow, Heavy Rains, Flooding and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Greenbrier.......  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Harrison.........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Jackson..........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1455-DR........  Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record
                                                                                                                   Snow, Heavy Rains, Flooding and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Kanawha..........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1455-DR........  Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record
                                                                                                                   Snow, Heavy Rains, Flooding and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Kanawha..........  6/21/03.........  FEMA-1474-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Kanawha..........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Lewis............  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Lincoln..........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1455-DR........  Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record
                                                                                                                   Snow, Heavy Rains, Flooding and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Lincoln..........  6/21/03.........  FEMA-1474-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Lincoln..........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Logan............  6/21/03.........  FEMA-1474-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Logan............  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Marion...........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Mason............  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1455-DR........  Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record
                                                                                                                   Snow, Heavy Rains, Flooding and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Mason............  6/21/03.........  FEMA-1474-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  McDowell.........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1455-DR........  Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record
                                                                                                                   Snow, Heavy Rains, Flooding and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  McDowell.........  6/21/03.........  FEMA-1474-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  McDowell.........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Mercer...........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1455-DR........  Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record
                                                                                                                   Snow, Heavy Rains, Flooding and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Mercer...........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Mingo............  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1455-DR........  Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record
                                                                                                                   Snow, Heavy Rains, Flooding and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Mingo............  6/21/03.........  FEMA-1474-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Monongalia.......  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Monroe...........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Nicholas.........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1455-DR........  Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record
                                                                                                                   Snow, Heavy Rains, Flooding and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Nicholas.........  6/21/03.........  FEMA-1474-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Nicholas.........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Preston..........  6/21/03.........  FEMA-1474-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Putman...........  6/21/03.........  FEMA-1474-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Putnam...........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Raleigh..........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1455-DR........  Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record
                                                                                                                   Snow, Heavy Rains, Flooding and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Raleigh..........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Roane............  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1455-DR........  Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record
                                                                                                                   Snow, Heavy Rains, Flooding and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Summers..........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Taylor...........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Upshur...........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1455-DR........  Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record
                                                                                                                   Snow, Heavy Rains, Flooding and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Wayne............  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1455-DR........  Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record
                                                                                                                   Snow, Heavy Rains, Flooding and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Wayne............  6/21/03.........  FEMA-1474-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Wayne............  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Webster..........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1455-DR........  Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record
                                                                                                                   Snow, Heavy Rains, Flooding and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Webster..........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Wetzel...........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Wyoming..........  3/14/03.........  FEMA-1455-DR........  Severe Winter Storm, Record/Near Record
                                                                                                                   Snow, Heavy Rains, Flooding and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Wyoming..........  6/21/03.........  FEMA-1474-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2003..........................  West Virginia....  Wyoming..........  11/21/03........  FEMA-1500-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Landslides
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Autauga..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Baldwin..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Barbour..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Bibb.............  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Blount...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Bullock..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Butler...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Calhoun..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Chambers.........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Chilton..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Choctaw..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Clarke...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Clay.............  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Coffee...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Colbert..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Coosa............  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Conecuh..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Covington........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Crenshaw.........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Cullman..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Dale.............  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Dallas...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  DeKalb...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Elmore...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Escambia.........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Etowah...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Fayette..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Franklin.........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Geneva...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Greene...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Hale.............  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Henry............  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Houston..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Jackson..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Jefferson........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Lamar............  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Lauderdale.......  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Lawrence.........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Lee..............  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Limestone........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Lowndes..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Macon............  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Madison..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Marengo..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Marshall.........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Marion...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Mobile...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Monroe...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Montgomery.......  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Morgan...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Perry............  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Pickens..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Pike.............  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Randolph.........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Russell..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Shelby...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  St. Clair........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Sumter...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Talladega........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Tallapoosa.......  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Tuscaloosa.......  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Walker...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Washington.......  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Wilcox...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Alabama..........  Winston..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1549-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  American Samoa...  Island of Tutuila  1/13/04.........  FEMA-1506-DR........  High Winds, High Surf and Heavy Rainfall
                                                                                                                   Associated With Tropical Cyclone Heta
    2004..........................  American Samoa...  The Manu'a         1/13/04.........  FEMA-1506-DR........  High Winds, High Surf and Heavy Rainfall
                                                        Islands.                                                   Associated With Tropical Cyclone Heta
    2004..........................  California.......  San Luis Obispo..  1/13/04.........  FEMA-1505-DR........  Earthquake
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Alachua..........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Baker............  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Bradford.........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Brevard..........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Charlotte........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Citrus...........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Clay.............  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Columbia.........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  DeSoto...........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Dixie............  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Duval............  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Flagler..........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Gilchrist........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Glades...........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Hamilton.........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Hardee...........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Hendry...........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Hernando.........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Highlands........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Hillsborough.....  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Indian River.....  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Jefferson........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Lafayette........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Lake.............  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Levy.............  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Madison..........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Manatee..........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Marion...........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Martin...........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Nassau...........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Okeechobee.......  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Orange...........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Osceola..........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Palm Beach.......  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Pasco............  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Pinellas.........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Polk.............  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Putnam...........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  St. Johns........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  St. Lucie........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Sarasota.........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Seminole.........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Sumter...........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Suwannee.........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Taylor...........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Union............  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Volusia..........  9/26/04.........  FEMA-1561-DR........  Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Bay..............  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Brevard..........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Calhoun..........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Clay.............  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Citrus...........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Duval............  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Escambia.........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Flagler..........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Franklin.........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Gadsden..........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Gulf.............  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Highlands........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Holmes...........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Indian River.....  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Jackson..........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Lake.............  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Lee..............  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Leon.............  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Liberty..........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Manatee..........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Marion...........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Martin...........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Okaloosa.........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Okeechobee.......  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Osceola..........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Orange...........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Palm Beach.......  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Pasco............  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Polk.............  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Santa Rosa.......  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Seminole.........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  St. Johns........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  St. Lucie........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Taylor...........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Volusia..........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Wakulla..........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Walton...........  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Washington.......  9/16/04.........  FEMA-1551-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Alachua..........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Baker............  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Bradford.........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Brevard..........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Broward..........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Charlotte........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Citrus...........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Clay.............  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Columbia.........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  DeSoto...........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Dixie............  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Duval............  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Flagler..........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Gilchrist........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Glades...........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Hardee...........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Hendry...........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Hernando.........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Highlands........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Hillsborough.....  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Indian River.....  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Lake.............  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Lee..............  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Levy.............  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Manatee..........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Marion...........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Martin...........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Miami-Dade.......  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Nassau...........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Okeechobee.......  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Orange...........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Osceola..........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Palm Beach.......  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Pasco............  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Pinellas.........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Polk.............  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Putnam...........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Sarasota.........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Seminole.........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  St. Johns........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  St. Lucie........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Sumter...........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Suwannee.........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Union............  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Volusia..........  9/04/04.........  FEMA-1545-DR........  Hurricane Frances
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Brevard..........  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Charlotte........  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Collier..........  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  DeSoto...........  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Dixie............  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Duval............  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Flagler..........  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Glades...........  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Hardee...........  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Hendry...........  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Highlands........  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Indian River.....  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Lake.............  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Lee..............  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Levy.............  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Manatee..........  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Monroe...........  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Okeechobee.......  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Orange...........  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Osceola..........  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Pasco............  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Polk.............  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  St. Johns........  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Sarasota.........  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Seminole.........  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Florida..........  Volusia..........  8/13/04.........  FEMA-1539-DR........  Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
                                                                                                                   Charley
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  Carroll..........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  Cherokee.........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  Clayton..........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  Cobb.............  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  Dade.............  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  Dawson...........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  DeKalb...........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  Early............  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  Forsyth..........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  Franklin.........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  Fulton...........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  Gilmer...........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  Heard............  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  Madison..........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  Miller...........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  Pickens..........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  Rabun............  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  Towns............  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  Union............  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  White............  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Georgia..........  Wilkes...........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1554-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Illinois.........  Kankakee.........  4/23/04.........  FEMA-1513-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2004..........................  Illinois.........  LaSalle..........  4/23/04.........  FEMA-1513-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2004..........................  Illinois.........  Putnam...........  4/23/04.........  FEMA-1513-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2004..........................  Illinois.........  Will.............  4/23/04.........  FEMA-1513-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Adams............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Allen............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Benton...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Boone............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Brown............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Carroll..........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Cass.............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Clark............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Clay.............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Clinton..........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Crawford.........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Dearborn.........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Decatur..........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  DeKalb...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Delaware.........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Dubois...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Floyd............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Fountain.........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Franklin.........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Fulton...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Gibson...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Grant............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Greene...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Hamilton.........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Hancock..........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Harrison.........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Hendricks........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Henry............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Howard...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Huntington.......  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Jackson..........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Jasper...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Jefferson........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Jennings.........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Johnson..........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Kosciusko........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Lake.............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Lawrence.........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Madison..........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Marion...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Martin...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Miami............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Monroe...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Montgomery.......  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Morgan...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Newton...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Noble............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Ohio.............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Orange...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Owen.............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Perry............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Pike.............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Putnam...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Ripley...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Scott............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Shelby...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Spencer..........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Switzerland......  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Tippecanoe.......  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Tipton...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Vanderburgh......  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Wabash...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Warren...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Warrick..........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Washington.......  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Wells............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  White............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Indiana..........  Whitley..........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1520-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Adair............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Adams............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Allamakee........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Appanoose........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Audubon..........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Benton...........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Black Hawk.......  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Boone............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Bremer...........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Buchanan.........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Buena Vista......  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Butler...........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Calhoun..........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Cass.............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Cedar............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Cerro Gordo......  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Chickasaw........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Clay.............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Clayton..........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Clinton..........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Dallas...........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Davis............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Delaware.........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Des Moines.......  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Dubuque..........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Fayette..........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Floyd............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Franklin.........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Greene...........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Grundy...........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Guthrie..........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Hamilton.........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Hancock..........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Henry............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Hardin...........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Howard...........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Humboldt.........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Iowa.............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Jackson..........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Jasper...........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Jones............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Johnson..........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Kossuth..........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Linn.............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Louisa...........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Lucas............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Madison..........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Marshall.........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Mitchell.........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Monroe...........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Montgomery.......  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Muscatine........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Palo Alto........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Pocahontas.......  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Polk.............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Pottawattamie....  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Poweshiek........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Sac..............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Scott............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Shelby...........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Story............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Tama.............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Wapello..........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Warren...........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Washington.......  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Wayne............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Webster..........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Winnebago........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Winneshiek.......  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Worth............  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Iowa.............  Wright...........  5/25/04.........  FEMA-1518-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Bell.............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Bourbon..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Boyd.............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Boyle............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Breathitt........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Breckinridge.....  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Bullitt..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Butler...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Caldwell.........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Carroll..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Carter...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Casey............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Christian........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Clark............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Clay.............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Crittenden.......  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Edmonson.........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Elliott..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Estill...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Fayette..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Floyd............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Franklin.........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Garrard..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Grayson..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Greenup..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Hardin...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Harlan...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Hart.............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Henderson........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Henry............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Hopkins..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Jackson..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Jefferson........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Jessamine........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Johnson..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Knott............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Knox.............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Laurel...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Lawrence.........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Lee..............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Leslie...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Letcher..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Lincoln..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Madison..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Magoffin.........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Martin...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  McLean...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Menifee..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Montgomery.......  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Morgan...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Muhlenberg.......  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Ohio.............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Oldham...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Owen.............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Owsley...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Perry............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Pike.............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Powell...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Pulaski..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Rockcastle.......  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Rowan............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Scott............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Shelby...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Spencer..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Trimble..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Union............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Webster..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Whitely..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Wolfe............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Kentucky.........  Woodford.........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1523-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2004..........................  Louisiana........  Jefferson........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1548-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Louisiana........  Lafourche........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1548-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Louisiana........  Orleans..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1548-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Louisiana........  Plaquemines......  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1548-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Louisiana........  St. Bernard......  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1548-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Louisiana........  St. Charles......  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1548-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Louisiana........  St. Tammany......  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1548-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Louisiana........  Terrebonne.......  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1548-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Louisiana........  Acadia...........  6/08/04.........  FEMA-1521-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Louisiana........  Iberville........  6/08/04.........  FEMA-1521-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Louisiana........  Jefferson Davis..  6/08/04.........  FEMA-1521-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Louisiana........  Lafayette........  6/08/04.........  FEMA-1521-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Louisiana........  Livingston.......  6/08/04.........  FEMA-1521-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Louisiana........  Pointe Coupee....  6/08/04.........  FEMA-1521-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Louisiana........  St. Landry.......  6/08/04.........  FEMA-1521-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Louisiana........  St. Martin.......  6/08/04.........  FEMA-1521-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Louisiana........  West Baton Rouge.  6/08/04.........  FEMA-1521-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Massachusetts....  Essex............  4/21/04.........  FEMA-1512-DR........  Severe Winter Storms
    2004..........................  Massachusetts....  Middlesex........  4/21/04.........  FEMA-1512-DR........  Severe Winter Storms
    2004..........................  Massachusetts....  Norfolk..........  4/21/04.........  FEMA-1512-DR........  Severe Winter Storms
    2004..........................  Massachusetts....  Suffolk..........  4/21/04.........  FEMA-1512-DR........  Severe Winter Storms
    2004..........................  Massachusetts....  Worcester........  4/21/04.........  FEMA-1512-DR........  Severe Winter Storms
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Barry............  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Berrien..........  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Cass.............  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Eaton............  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Genesee..........  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Gladwin..........  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Ingham...........  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Ionia............  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Jackson..........  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Kent.............  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Livingston.......  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Macomb...........  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Mecosta..........  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Muskegon.........  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Oakland..........  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Ottawa...........  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Saginaw..........  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Sanilac..........  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Shiawassee.......  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  St. Clair........  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  St. Joseph.......  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Washtenaw........  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Michigan.........  Wayne............  6/30/04.........  FEMA-1527-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Minnesota........  Dodge............  10/07/04........  FEMA-1569-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Minnesota........  Faribault........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1569-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Minnesota........  Freeborn.........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1569-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Minnesota........  Martin...........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1569-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Minnesota........  Mower............  10/07/04........  FEMA-1569-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Minnesota........  Olmsted..........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1569-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Minnesota........  Steele...........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1569-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Mississippi......  Clarke...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1550-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Mississippi......  George...........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1550-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Mississippi......  Hancock..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1550-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Mississippi......  Harrison.........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1550-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Mississippi......  Jackson..........  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1550-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Mississippi......  Lauderdale.......  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1550-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Mississippi......  Perry............  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1550-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Mississippi......  Stone............  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1550-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Mississippi......  Wayne............  9/15/04.........  FEMA-1550-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Adair............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Andrew...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Bates............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Benton...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Buchanan.........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Caldwell.........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Carroll..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Cass.............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Cedar............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Chariton.........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Clay.............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Clinton..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Daviess..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  DeKalb...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Gentry...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Grundy...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Harrison.........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Henry............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Hickory..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Jackson..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Johnson..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Knox.............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Linn.............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Livingston.......  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Macon............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Mercer...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Monroe...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Nodaway..........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Platte...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Polk.............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Randolph.........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Ray..............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Shelby...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  St.-Clair........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Sullivan.........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Vernon...........  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Missouri.........  Worth............  6/10/04.........  FEMA-1524-DR........  Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Adams............  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Buffalo..........  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Butler...........  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Cass.............  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Clay.............  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Dodge............  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Douglas..........  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Fillmore.........  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Franklin.........  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Gage.............  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Hall.............  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Hamilton.........  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Jefferson........  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Johnson..........  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Kearney..........  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Lancaster........  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Nuckolls.........  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Otoe.............  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Pawnee...........  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Saline...........  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Sarpy............  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Saunders.........  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Seward...........  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Thayer...........  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Washington.......  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  Webster..........  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Nebraska.........  York.............  5/23/04.........  FEMA-1517-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  New Jersey.......  Hunterdon........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1563-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  New Jersey.......  Mercer...........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1563-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  New Jersey.......  Sussex...........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1563-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  New Jersey.......  Warren...........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1563-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  New Jersey.......  Burlington.......  7/16/04.........  FEMA-1530-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  New Jersey.......  Camden...........  7/16/04.........  FEMA-1530-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  New York.........  Broome...........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1565-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  New York.........  Chenango.........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1565-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  New York.........  Delaware.........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1565-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  New York.........  Orange...........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1565-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  New York.........  Sullivan.........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1565-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  New York.........  Ulster...........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1565-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  New York.........  Allegany.........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1564-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  New York.........  Broome...........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1564-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  New York.........  Cattaraugus......  10/01/04........  FEMA-1564-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  New York.........  Madison..........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1564-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  New York.........  Monroe...........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1564-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  New York.........  Niagara..........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1564-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  New York.........  Oneida...........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1564-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  New York.........  Onondaga.........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1564-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  New York.........  Orange...........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1564-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  New York.........  Orleans..........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1564-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  New York.........  Steuben..........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1564-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  New York.........  Sullivan.........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1564-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  New York.........  Ulster...........  10/01/04........  FEMA-1564-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  New York.........  Wayne............  10/01/04........  FEMA-1564-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Alamance.........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Alleghany........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Ashe.............  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Avery............  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Buncombe.........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Burke............  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Caldwell.........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Caswell..........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Davidson.........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Forsyth..........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Graham...........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Guilford.........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Haywood..........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Henderson........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Jackson..........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Macon............  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Madison..........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  McDowell.........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Mitchell.........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Polk.............  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Randolph.........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Rockingham.......  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Rutherford.......  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Stokes...........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Swain............  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Transylvania.....  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Watauga..........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Wilkes...........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Yancey...........  9/18/04.........  FEMA-1553-DR........  Hurricane Ivan
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Alleghany........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Alexander........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Ashe.............  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Avery............  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Bladen...........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Buncombe.........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Burke............  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Cabarrus.........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Caldwell.........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Catawba..........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Cleveland........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Columbus.........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Cumberland.......  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Gaston...........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Haywood..........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Henderson........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Jackson..........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Hoke.............  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Iredell..........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Lincoln..........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Madison..........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  McDowell.........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Mecklenburg......  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Mitchell.........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Polk.............  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Robeson..........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Rutherford.......  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Scotland.........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Transylvania.....  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Union............  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Watauga..........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Wilkes...........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  North Carolina...  Yancey...........  9/10/04.........  FEMA-1546-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  Northern Mariana   Rota.............  8/26/04.........  FEMA-1541-DR........  Flooding, High Surf, Storm Surge, and High
                                     Islands.                                                                      Winds as a result of Super Typhoon Chaba
    2004..........................  Northern Mariana   Saipan...........  8/26/04.........  FEMA-1541-DR........  Flooding, High Surf, Storm Surge, and High
                                     Islands.                                                                      Winds as a result of Super Typhoon Chaba
    2004..........................  Northern Mariana   Tinian...........  8/26/04.........  FEMA-1541-DR........  Flooding, High Surf, Storm Surge, and High
                                     Islands.                                                                      Winds as a result of Super Typhoon Chaba
    2004..........................  Northern Mariana   Rota.............  7/29/04.........  FEMA-1532-DR........  Flooding, High Surf, High Winds, and Wind-
                                     Islands.                                                                      DRiven Rain associated with Typhoon
                                                                                                                   Tingting
    2004..........................  Northern Mariana   Saipan...........  7/29/04.........  FEMA-1532-DR........  Flooding, High Surf, High Winds, and Wind-
                                     Islands.                                                                      DRiven Rain associated with Typhoon
                                                                                                                   Tingting
    2004..........................  Northern Mariana   Tinian...........  7/29/04.........  FEMA-1532-DR........  Flooding, High Surf, High Winds, and Wind-
                                     Islands.                                                                      DRiven Rain associated with Typhoon
                                                                                                                   Tingting
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Athens...........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Belmont..........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Carroll..........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Columbiana.......  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Gallia...........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Guernsey.........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Harrison.........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Jefferson........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Lawrence.........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Mahoning.........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Meigs............  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Monroe...........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Morgan...........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Muskingum........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Noble............  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Perry............  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Stark............  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Trumbull.........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Tuscarawas.......  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Vinton...........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Washington.......  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1556-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Athens...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Carroll..........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Columbiana.......  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Crawford.........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Cuyahoga.........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Delaware.........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Geauga...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Guernsey.........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Harrison.........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Hocking..........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Holmes...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Licking..........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Logan............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Lorain...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Mahoning.........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Medina...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Noble............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Perry............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Portage..........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Richland.........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Stark............  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Summit...........  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Tuscarawas.......  6/03/04.........  FEMA-1519-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Belmont..........  1/26/04.........  FEMA-1507-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Franklin.........  1/26/04.........  FEMA-1507-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Jefferson........  1/26/04.........  FEMA-1507-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Licking..........  1/26/04.........  FEMA-1507-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Morgan...........  1/26/04.........  FEMA-1507-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Ross.............  1/26/04.........  FEMA-1507-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Tuscarawas.......  1/26/04.........  FEMA-1507-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2004..........................  Ohio.............  Washington.......  1/26/04.........  FEMA-1507-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Allegheny........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Armstrong........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Beaver...........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Bedford..........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Blair............  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Bradford.........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Bucks............  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Butler...........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Cameron..........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Carbon...........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Centre...........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Chester..........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Clarion..........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Clearfield.......  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Clinton..........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Columbia.........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Crawford.........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Cumberland.......  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Dauphin..........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Delaware.........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Elk..............  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Franklin.........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Fulton...........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Green............  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Huntingdon.......  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Indiana..........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Jefferson........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Juniata..........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Lackawanna.......  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Lawrence.........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Lebanon..........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Lehigh...........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Luzerne..........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Lycoming.........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Mifflin..........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Monroe...........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Montgomery.......  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Montour..........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Northampton......  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Northumberland...  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Perry............  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Philadelphia.....  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Pike.............  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Potter...........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Schuylkill.......  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Snyder...........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Somerset.........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Sullivan.........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Susquehanna......  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Tioga............  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Union............  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Washington.......  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Wayne............  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Westmoreland.....  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Wyoming..........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  York.............  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1557-DR........  Tropical Depression Ivan
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Beaver...........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1555-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding associated with
                                                                                                                   Tropical Depression Frances
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Bedford..........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1555-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding associated with
                                                                                                                   Tropical Depression Frances
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Blair............  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1555-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding associated with
                                                                                                                   Tropical Depression Frances
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Butler...........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1555-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding associated with
                                                                                                                   Tropical Depression Frances
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Crawford.........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1555-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding associated with
                                                                                                                   Tropical Depression Frances
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Erie.............  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1555-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding associated with
                                                                                                                   Tropical Depression Frances
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Huntingdon.......  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1555-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding associated with
                                                                                                                   Tropical Depression Frances
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Lawrence.........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1555-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding associated with
                                                                                                                   Tropical Depression Frances
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Warren...........  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1555-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding associated with
                                                                                                                   Tropical Depression Frances
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Washington.......  9/19/04.........  FEMA-1555-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding associated with
                                                                                                                   Tropical Depression Frances
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Delaware.........  8/06/04.........  FEMA-1538-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Montgomery.......  8/06/04.........  FEMA-1538-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Philadelphia.....  8/06/04.........  FEMA-1538-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Aguada...........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Aguadilla........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Aguas............  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Buenas...........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Aibonito.........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Aoasco...........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Arecibo..........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Arroyo...........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Barceloneta......  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Barranquitas.....  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Bayamon..........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Caguas...........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Camuy............  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Canovanas........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Carolina.........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Cataoo...........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Cayey............  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Ceiba............  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Ciales...........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Cidra............  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Coamo............  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Comeroo..........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Corozal..........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Dorado...........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Fajardo..........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Florida..........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Guayama..........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Gurabo...........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Hatillo..........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Humacao..........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Isabela..........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Juana Doaz.......  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Juncos...........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Lares............  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Las Piedras......  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Looza............  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Manato...........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Maunabo..........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Moca.............  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Morovis..........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Naguabo..........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Naranjito........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Orocovis.........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Patillas.........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Quebradillas.....  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Rincon...........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Roo Grande.......  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Salinas..........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  San Lorenzo......  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  San Sebastian....  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Santa Isabel.....  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Toa Alta.........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Toa Baja.........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Utuado...........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Vega Alta........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Vega Baja........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Villalba.........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Vieques..........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  Puerto Rico......  Yabucoa..........  9/17/04.........  FEMA-1552-DR........  Tropical Storm Jeanne and resulting
                                                                                                                   landslides and mudslides
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Berkeley.........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Calhoun..........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Charleston.......  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Cherokee.........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Chester..........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Chesterfield.....  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Clarendon........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Darlington.......  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Dillon...........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Fairfield........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Florence.........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Georgetown.......  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Greenville.......  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Horry............  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Kershaw..........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Lancaster........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Lee..............  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Lexington........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Marion...........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Marlboro.........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Newberry.........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Oconee...........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Pickens..........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Richland.........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Spartanburg......  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Sumter...........  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  Williamsburg.....  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  South Carolina...  York.............  10/07/04........  FEMA-1566-DR........  Tropical Storm Frances
    2004..........................  Virginia.........  Alleghany........  10/18/04........  FEMA-1570-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding from the
                                                                                                                   remnants of Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Virginia.........  Botetourt........  10/18/04........  FEMA-1570-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding from the
                                                                                                                   remnants of Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Virginia.........  Craig............  10/18/04........  FEMA-1570-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding from the
                                                                                                                   remnants of Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Virginia.........  Floyd............  10/18/04........  FEMA-1570-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding from the
                                                                                                                   remnants of Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Virginia.........  Giles............  10/18/04........  FEMA-1570-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding from the
                                                                                                                   remnants of Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Virginia.........  Montgomery.......  10/18/04........  FEMA-1570-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding from the
                                                                                                                   remnants of Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Virginia.........  Patrick..........  10/18/04........  FEMA-1570-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding from the
                                                                                                                   remnants of Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Virginia.........  Roanoke..........  10/18/04........  FEMA-1570-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding from the
                                                                                                                   remnants of Hurricane Jeanne
    2004..........................  Virginia.........  Chesterfield.....  9/03/04.........  FEMA-1544-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes
                                                                                                                   associated with Tropical Depression
                                                                                                                   Gaston
    2004..........................  Virginia.........  Dinwiddie........  9/03/04.........  FEMA-1544-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes
                                                                                                                   associated with Tropical Depression
                                                                                                                   Gaston
    2004..........................  Virginia.........  Hanover..........  9/03/04.........  FEMA-1544-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes
                                                                                                                   associated with Tropical Depression
                                                                                                                   Gaston
    2004..........................  Virginia.........  Henrico..........  9/03/04.........  FEMA-1544-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes
                                                                                                                   associated with Tropical Depression
                                                                                                                   Gaston
    2004..........................  Virginia.........  Prince George....  9/03/04.........  FEMA-1544-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes
                                                                                                                   associated with Tropical Depression
                                                                                                                   Gaston
    2004..........................  Virginia.........  Buchanan.........  6/15/04.........  FEMA-1525-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Virginia.........  Lee..............  6/15/04.........  FEMA-1525-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Virginia.........  Russell..........  6/15/04.........  FEMA-1525-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  Virginia.........  Tazewell.........  6/15/04.........  FEMA-1525-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Berkeley.........  9/20/04.........  FEMA-1558-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Brooke...........  9/20/04.........  FEMA-1558-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Cabell...........  9/20/04.........  FEMA-1558-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Hancock..........  9/20/04.........  FEMA-1558-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Jackson..........  9/20/04.........  FEMA-1558-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Kanawha..........  9/20/04.........  FEMA-1558-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Lincoln..........  9/20/04.........  FEMA-1558-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Logan............  9/20/04.........  FEMA-1558-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Marshall.........  9/20/04.........  FEMA-1558-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Mason............  9/20/04.........  FEMA-1558-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Mingo............  9/20/04.........  FEMA-1558-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Morgan...........  9/20/04.........  FEMA-1558-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Ohio.............  9/20/04.........  FEMA-1558-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Pleasants........  9/20/04.........  FEMA-1558-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Tyler............  9/20/04.........  FEMA-1558-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Wayne............  9/20/04.........  FEMA-1558-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Wetzel...........  9/20/04.........  FEMA-1558-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Wirt.............  9/20/04.........  FEMA-1558-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Wood.............  9/20/04.........  FEMA-1558-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Fayette..........  8/06/04.........  FEMA-1536-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Lincoln..........  8/06/04.........  FEMA-1536-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Logan............  8/06/04.........  FEMA-1536-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Mingo............  8/06/04.........  FEMA-1536-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Tornadoes
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Boone............  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Braxton..........  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Cabell...........  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Calhoun..........  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Clay.............  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Fayette..........  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Gilmer...........  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Jackson..........  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Kanawha..........  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Lewis............  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Lincoln..........  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Logan............  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Mason............  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  McDowell.........  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Mercer...........  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Mingo............  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Nicholas.........  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Putnam...........  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Raleigh..........  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Roane............  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Wayne............  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Webster..........  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Wirt.............  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  West Virginia....  Wyoming..........  6/07/04.........  FEMA-1522-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
    2004..........................  Wisconsin........  Clark............  6/19/04.........  FEMA-1526-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Wisconsin........  Columbia.........  6/19/04.........  FEMA-1526-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Wisconsin........  Crawford.........  6/19/04.........  FEMA-1526-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Wisconsin........  Dodge............  6/19/04.........  FEMA-1526-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Wisconsin........  Fond du Lac......  6/19/04.........  FEMA-1526-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Wisconsin........  Grant............  6/19/04.........  FEMA-1526-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Wisconsin........  Green Lake.......  6/19/04.........  FEMA-1526-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Wisconsin........  Jefferson........  6/19/04.........  FEMA-1526-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Wisconsin........  Kenosha..........  6/19/04.........  FEMA-1526-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Wisconsin........  Ozaukee..........  6/19/04.........  FEMA-1526-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Wisconsin........  Vernon...........  6/19/04.........  FEMA-1526-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2004..........................  Wisconsin........  Winnebago........  6/19/04.........  FEMA-1526-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Alabama..........  Baldwin..........  7/10/05.........  FEMA-1593-DR........  Hurricane Dennis
    2005..........................  Alabama..........  Baldwin..........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1605-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Alabama..........  Escambia.........  7/10/05.........  FEMA-1593-DR........  Hurricane Dennis
    2005..........................  Alabama..........  Greene...........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1605-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Alabama..........  Hale.............  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1605-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Alabama..........  Marengo..........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1605-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Alabama..........  Mobile...........  7/10/05.........  FEMA-1593-DR........  Hurricane Dennis
    2005..........................  Alabama..........  Mobile...........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1605-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Alabama..........  Pickens..........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1605-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Alabama..........  Tuscaloosa.......  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1605-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Alabama..........  Washington.......  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1605-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  California.......  Kern.............  2/04/05.........  FEMA-1577...........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Debris Flows, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2005..........................  California.......  Los Angeles......  2/04/05.........  FEMA-1577...........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Debris Flows, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2005..........................  California.......  Orange...........  2/04/05.........  FEMA-1577...........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Debris Flows, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2005..........................  California.......  Riverside........  2/04/05.........  FEMA-1577...........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Debris Flows, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2005..........................  California.......  San Bernardino...  2/04/05.........  FEMA-1577...........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Debris Flows, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2005..........................  California.......  San Diego,.......  2/04/05.........  FEMA-1577...........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Debris Flows, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2005..........................  California.......  Santa Barbara....  2/04/05.........  FEMA-1577...........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Debris Flows, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2005..........................  California.......  Ventura..........  2/04/05.........  FEMA-1577...........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Debris Flows, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Bay..............  7/10/05.........  FEMA-1595-DR........  Hurricane Dennis
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Brevard..........  10/24/05........  FEMA-1609-DR........  Hurricane Wilma
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Broward..........  10/24/05........  FEMA-1609-DR........  Hurricane Wilma
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Collier..........  10/24/05........  FEMA-1609-DR........  Hurricane Wilma
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Dixie............  7/10/05.........  FEMA-1595-DR........  Hurricane Dennis
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Escambia.........  7/10/05.........  FEMA-1595-DR........  Hurricane Dennis
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Franklin.........  7/10/05.........  FEMA-1595-DR........  Hurricane Dennis
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Glades...........  10/24/05........  FEMA-1609-DR........  Hurricane Wilma
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Gulf.............  7/10/05.........  FEMA-1595-DR........  Hurricane Dennis
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Hendry...........  10/24/05........  FEMA-1609-DR........  Hurricane Wilma
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Indian River.....  10/24/05........  FEMA-1609-DR........  Hurricane Wilma
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Lee..............  10/24/05........  FEMA-1609-DR........  Hurricane Wilma
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Martin...........  10/24/05........  FEMA-1609-DR........  Hurricane Wilma
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Miami-Dade.......  10/24/05........  FEMA-1609-DR........  Hurricane Wilma
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Monroe...........  10/24/05........  FEMA-1609-DR........  Hurricane Wilma
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Okaloosa.........  7/10/05.........  FEMA-1595-DR........  Hurricane Dennis
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Okeechobee.......  10/24/05........  FEMA-1609-DR........  Hurricane Wilma
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Palm Beach.......  10/24/05........  FEMA-1609-DR........  Hurricane Wilma
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Santa Rosa.......  7/10/05.........  FEMA-1595-DR........  Hurricane Dennis
    2005..........................  Florida..........  St. Lucie........  10/24/05........  FEMA-1609-DR........  Hurricane Wilma
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Taylor...........  7/10/05.........  FEMA-1595-DR........  Hurricane Dennis
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Wakulla..........  7/10/05.........  FEMA-1595-DR........  Hurricane Dennis
    2005..........................  Florida..........  Walton...........  7/10/05.........  FEMA-1595-DR........  Hurricane Dennis
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Adams............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Allen............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Bartholomew......  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Benton...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Blackford........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Boone............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Brown............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Carroll..........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Cass.............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Clark............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Clay.............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Clinton..........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Crawford.........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Daviess..........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Dearborn.........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Decatur..........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  DeKalb...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Delaware.........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Dubois...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Elkhart..........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Fayette..........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Floyd............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Fountain.........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Franklin.........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Fulton...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Gibson...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Grant............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Greene...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Hamilton.........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Hancock..........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Harrison.........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Hendricks........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Henry............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Howard...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Huntington.......  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Jackson..........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Jasper...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Jay..............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Jennings.........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Johnson..........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Knox.............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Kosciusko........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Lake.............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Laporte..........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Lawrence.........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Madison..........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Marion...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Marshall.........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Martin...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Miami............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Monroe...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Montgomery.......  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Morgan...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Newton...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Noble............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Orange...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Owen.............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Parke............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Pike.............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Porter...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Posey............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Pulaski..........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Putnam...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Randolph.........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Ripley...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Rush.............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Scott............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Shelby...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  St. Joseph.......  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Starke...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Sullivan.........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Tippecanoe.......  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Tipton...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Union............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Vanderburgh......  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Vanderburgh......  11/08/05........  FEMA-1612-DR........  Tornado and Severe Storms
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Vermillion.......  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Vigo.............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Wabash...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Warren...........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Warrick..........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Warrick..........  11/08/05........  FEMA-1612-DR........  Tornado and Severe Storms
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Washington.......  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Wayne............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Wells............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  White............  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Indiana..........  Whitley..........  1/21/05.........  FEMA-1573...........  Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Kentucky.........  Hopkins..........  12/01/05........  FEMA-1617-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2005..........................  Kentucky.........  Marshall.........  12/01/05........  FEMA-1617-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Acadia...........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Acadia...........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Allen............  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Ascension........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Ascension........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Assumption.......  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Beauregard.......  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Calcasieu........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Calcasieu........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Cameron..........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Cameron..........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  East Baton Rouge.  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  East Feliciana...  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Evangeline.......  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Iberia...........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Iberia...........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Iberville........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Jefferson........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Jefferson........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Jefferson Davies.  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Jefferson Davis..  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Lafayette........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Lafayette........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Lafourche........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Lafourche........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Livingston.......  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Livingston.......  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Orleans..........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Plaquemines......  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Plaquemines......  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Pointe Coupee....  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Sabine...........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  St. Bernard......  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  St. Charles......  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  St. Helena.......  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  St. James........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  St. John.........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  St. Landry.......  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  St. Martin.......  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  St. Martin.......  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  St. Mary.........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  St. Mary.........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  St. Tammany......  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Tangipahoa,        8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
                                                        Terrebonne,
                                                        Vermilion,
                                                        Washington, West
                                                        Baton Rouge, and
                                                        West Feliciana.
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Terrebonne.......  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Terrebonne.......  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Vermilion........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Vermilion........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Vernon...........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  Washington.......  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  West Baton Rouge.  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  West Baton Rouge.  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1607-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Louisiana........  West Feliciana...  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1603-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Massachusetts....  Berkshire........  11/10/05........  FEMA-1614-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2005..........................  Massachusetts....  Bristol..........  11/10/05........  FEMA-1614-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2005..........................  Massachusetts....  Franklin.........  11/10/05........  FEMA-1614-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2005..........................  Massachusetts....  Hampden..........  11/10/05........  FEMA-1614-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2005..........................  Massachusetts....  Hampshire........  11/10/05........  FEMA-1614-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2005..........................  Massachusetts....  Middlesex........  11/10/05........  FEMA-1614-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2005..........................  Massachusetts....  Norfolk..........  11/10/05........  FEMA-1614-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2005..........................  Massachusetts....  Plymouth.........  11/10/05........  FEMA-1614-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2005..........................  Massachusetts....  Worcester........  11/10/05........  FEMA-1614-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Adams............  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Amite............  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Attala...........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Choctaw..........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Claiborne........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Clarke...........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Copiah...........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Covington........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Forrest..........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Franklin.........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  George...........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Greene...........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Hancock..........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Harrison.........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Hinds............  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Holmes...........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Humphreys........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Jackson..........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Jasper...........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Jefferson........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Jefferson Davis..  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Jones............  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Kemper...........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Lamar............  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Lauderdale.......  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Lawrence.........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Leake............  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Lincoln..........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Lowndes..........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Madison..........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Marion...........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Neshoba..........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Newton...........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Noxubee..........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Oktibbeha........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Pearl River......  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Perry............  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Pike.............  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Rankin...........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Scott............  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Simpson..........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Smith............  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Stone............  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Walthall.........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Warren...........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Wayne............  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Wilkinson........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Winston..........  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  Mississippi......  Yazoo............  8/29/05.........  FEMA-1604-DR........  Hurricane Katrina
    2005..........................  New Hampshire....  Cheshire.........  10/26/05........  FEMA-1610-DR........  Severe Storms and Floodign
    2005..........................  New Hampshire....  Grafton..........  10/26/05........  FEMA-1610-DR........  Severe Storms and Floodign
    2005..........................  New Hampshire....  Hillsborough.....  10/26/05........  FEMA-1610-DR........  Severe Storms and Floodign
    2005..........................  New Hampshire....  Merrimack........  10/26/05........  FEMA-1610-DR........  Severe Storms and Floodign
    2005..........................  New Hampshire....  Sullivan.........  10/26/05........  FEMA-1610-DR........  Severe Storms and Floodign
    2005..........................  New Jersey.......  Bergen...........  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1588-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  New Jersey.......  Essex............  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1588-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  New Jersey.......  Gloucester.......  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1588-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  New Jersey.......  Hunterdon........  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1588-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  New Jersey.......  Mercer...........  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1588-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  New Jersey.......  Morris...........  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1588-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  New Jersey.......  Passaic..........  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1588-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  New Jersey.......  Sussex...........  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1588-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  New Jersey.......  Warren...........  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1588-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  New York.........  Broome...........  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1589-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  New York.........  Chenango.........  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1589-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  New York.........  Cortland.........  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1589-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  New York.........  Delaware.........  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1589-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  New York.........  Orange...........  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1589-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  New York.........  Rensselaer.......  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1589-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  New York.........  Schenectady......  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1589-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  New York.........  Schoharie........  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1589-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  New York.........  Sullivan.........  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1589-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  New York.........  Tioga............  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1589-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  New York.........  Ulster...........  4/19/05.........  FEMA-1589-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Ashland..........  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Athens...........  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Auglaize.........  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Belmont..........  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Clark............  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Coshocton........  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Crawford.........  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Delaware.........  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Franklin.........  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Henry............  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Huron............  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Jefferson........  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Logan............  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Miami............  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Morgan...........  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Muskingum........  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Pickaway.........  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Pike.............  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Ross.............  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Scioto...........  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Warren...........  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Washington.......  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Ohio.............  Wyandot..........  2/15/05.........  FEMA-1580...........  Severe Winter Storms, Heavy Rains, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2005..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Bradford.........  4/14/05.........  FEMA-1587-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Bucks............  4/14/05.........  FEMA-1587-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Columbia.........  4/14/05.........  FEMA-1587-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Luzerne..........  4/14/05.........  FEMA-1587-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Monroe...........  4/14/05.........  FEMA-1587-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Northampton......  4/14/05.........  FEMA-1587-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Pike.............  4/14/05.........  FEMA-1587-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Wayne............  4/14/05.........  FEMA-1587-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Wyoming..........  4/14/05.........  FEMA-1587-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2005..........................  Texas............  Angelina.........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  Brazoria.........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  Chambers.........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  Fort Bend........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  Galveston........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  Hardin...........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  Harris...........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  Jasper...........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  Jefferson........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  Liberty..........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  Montgomery.......  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  Nacogdoches......  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  Newton...........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  Orange...........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  Polk.............  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  Sabine...........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  San Augustine....  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  San Jacinto......  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  Shelby...........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  Trinity..........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  Tyler............  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Texas............  Walker...........  9/24/05.........  FEMA-1606-DR........  Hurricane Rita
    2005..........................  Wyoming..........  Campbell.........  8/12/05.........  FEMA-1599-DR........  Tornado
    2006..........................  Arkansas.........  Conway...........  4/13/06.........  FEMA-1636-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2006..........................  Arkansas.........  Cross............  4/13/06.........  FEMA-1636-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2006..........................  Arkansas.........  Fulton...........  4/13/06.........  FEMA-1636-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2006..........................  Arkansas.........  Greene...........  4/13/06.........  FEMA-1636-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2006..........................  Arkansas.........  Lawrence.........  4/13/06.........  FEMA-1636-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2006..........................  Arkansas.........  Randolph.........  4/13/06.........  FEMA-1636-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2006..........................  Arkansas.........  White............  4/13/06.........  FEMA-1636-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2006..........................  California.......  Contra Costa.....  2/03/06.........  FEMA-1628-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2006..........................  California.......  Del Norte........  2/03/06.........  FEMA-1628-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2006..........................  California.......  Lake.............  2/03/06.........  FEMA-1628-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2006..........................  California.......  Marin............  2/03/06.........  FEMA-1628-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2006..........................  California.......  Mendocino........  2/03/06.........  FEMA-1628-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2006..........................  California.......  Napa.............  2/03/06.........  FEMA-1628-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2006..........................  California.......  Sacramento.......  2/03/06.........  FEMA-1628-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2006..........................  California.......  Siskiyou.........  2/03/06.........  FEMA-1628-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2006..........................  California.......  Solano...........  2/03/06.........  FEMA-1628-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2006..........................  California.......  Sonoma...........  2/03/06.........  FEMA-1628-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Mudslides, and
                                                                                                                   Landslides
    2006..........................  Hawaii...........  Hawaii...........  10/17/06........  FEMA-1664-DR........  Earthquake
    2006..........................  Hawaii...........  Honolulu.........  5/02/06.........  FEMA-1640-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2006..........................  Hawaii...........  Kauai............  5/02/06.........  FEMA-1640-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2006..........................  Illinois.........  Sangamon.........  3/28/06.........  FEMA-1633-DR........  Tornadoes and Severe Storms
    2006..........................  Indiana..........  Lake.............  10/06/06........  FEMA-1662-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Indiana..........  Vanderburgh......  10/06/06........  FEMA-1662-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Indiana..........  Warrick..........  10/06/06........  FEMA-1662-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Louisiana........  Allen............  11/02/06........  FEMA-1668-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Louisiana........  Beauregard.......  11/02/06........  FEMA-1668-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Louisiana........  Calcasieu........  11/02/06........  FEMA-1668-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Louisiana........  Caldwell.........  11/02/06........  FEMA-1668-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Louisiana........  Franklin.........  11/02/06........  FEMA-1668-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Louisiana........  Grant............  11/02/06........  FEMA-1668-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Louisiana........  Jefferson Davis..  11/02/06........  FEMA-1668-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Louisiana........  LaSalle..........  11/02/06........  FEMA-1668-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Louisiana........  Madison..........  11/02/06........  FEMA-1668-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Louisiana........  Morehouse........  11/02/06........  FEMA-1668-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Louisiana........  Natchitoches.....  11/02/06........  FEMA-1668-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Louisiana........  Richland.........  11/02/06........  FEMA-1668-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Louisiana........  Sabine...........  11/02/06........  FEMA-1668-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Louisiana........  St. Helena.......  11/02/06........  FEMA-1668-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Louisiana........  St. Landry.......  11/02/06........  FEMA-1668-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Louisiana........  Vernon...........  11/02/06........  FEMA-1668-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Louisiana........  Winn.............  11/02/06........  FEMA-1668-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Maine............  York.............  5/25/06.........  FEMA-1644-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Massachusetts....  Essex............  5/25/06.........  FEMA-1642-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Massachusetts....  Middlesex........  5/25/06.........  FEMA-1642-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Massachusetts....  Suffolk..........  5/25/06.........  FEMA-1642-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Andrew...........  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1635-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Benton...........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Boone............  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Butler...........  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1635-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Carroll..........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Cass.............  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Cedar............  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Christian........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Cooper...........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Dunklin..........  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1635-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Greene...........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Henry............  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Hickory..........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Iron.............  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Johnson..........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Lawrence.........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Lincoln..........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Mississippi......  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Monroe...........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Morgan...........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  New Madrid.......  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Newton...........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Pemiscot.........  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1635-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Perry............  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Pettis...........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Pettis...........  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1635-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Phelps...........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Putnam...........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Randolph.........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Saline...........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Scott............  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  St. Clair........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  St. Francois.....  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1635-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Ste. Genevieve...  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Stoddard.........  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1635-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Taney............  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Vernon...........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Webster..........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Missouri.........  Wright...........  3/16/06.........  FEMA-1631-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
    2006..........................  New Hampshire....  Belknap..........  5/25/06.........  FEMA-1643-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New Hampshire....  Carroll..........  5/25/06.........  FEMA-1643-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New Hampshire....  Hillsborough.....  5/25/06.........  FEMA-1643-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New Hampshire....  Merrimack........  5/25/06.........  FEMA-1643-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New Hampshire....  Rockingham.......  5/25/06.........  FEMA-1643-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New Hampshire....  Strafford........  5/25/06.........  FEMA-1643-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New Jersey.......  Hunterdon........  7/07/06.........  FEMA-1653-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New Jersey.......  Mercer...........  7/07/06.........  FEMA-1653-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New Jersey.......  Warren...........  7/07/06.........  FEMA-1653-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New Mexico.......  Dona Ana.........  8/30/06.........  FEMA-1659-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New Mexico.......  Otero............  8/30/06.........  FEMA-1659-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New York.........  Broome...........  7/01/06.........  FEMA-1650-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New York.........  Chenango.........  7/01/06.........  FEMA-1650-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New York.........  Delaware.........  7/01/06.........  FEMA-1650-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New York.........  Erie.............  10/24/06........  FEMA-1665-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New York.........  Genesee..........  10/24/06........  FEMA-1665-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New York.........  Herkimer.........  7/01/06.........  FEMA-1650-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New York.........  Montgomery.......  7/01/06.........  FEMA-1650-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New York.........  Niagara..........  10/24/06........  FEMA-1665-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New York.........  Oneida...........  7/01/06.........  FEMA-1650-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New York.........  Orange...........  7/01/06.........  FEMA-1650-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New York.........  Orleans..........  10/24/06........  FEMA-1665-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New York.........  Otsego...........  7/01/06.........  FEMA-1650-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New York.........  Schoharie........  7/01/06.........  FEMA-1650-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New York.........  Sullivan.........  7/01/06.........  FEMA-1650-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New York.........  Tioga............  7/01/06.........  FEMA-1650-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  New York.........  Ulster...........  7/01/06.........  FEMA-1650-DR........  Severe Storms and Flooding
    2006..........................  Ohio.............  Ashtabula........  8/01/06.........  FEMA-1656-DR........  Severe Storms, Straight Line Winds, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2006..........................  Ohio.............  Cuyahoga.........  7/02/06.........  FEMA-1651-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight Line
                                                                                                                   Winds, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Ohio.............  Erie.............  7/02/06.........  FEMA-1651-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight Line
                                                                                                                   Winds, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Ohio.............  Geauga...........  8/01/06.........  FEMA-1656-DR........  Severe Storms, Straight Line Winds, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2006..........................  Ohio.............  Huron............  7/02/06.........  FEMA-1651-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight Line
                                                                                                                   Winds, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Ohio.............  Lake.............  8/01/06.........  FEMA-1656-DR........  Severe Storms, Straight Line Winds, and
                                                                                                                   Flooding
    2006..........................  Ohio.............  Lucas............  7/02/06.........  FEMA-1651-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight Line
                                                                                                                   Winds, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Ohio.............  Sandusky.........  7/02/06.........  FEMA-1651-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight Line
                                                                                                                   Winds, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Ohio.............  Stark............  7/02/06.........  FEMA-1651-DR........  Severe Storms, Tornadoes, Straight Line
                                                                                                                   Winds, and Flooding
    2006..........................  Oklahoma.........  Canadian.........  1/10/06.........  FEMA-1623-DR........  Severe Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Oklahoma.........  Cotton...........  1/10/06.........  FEMA-1623-DR........  Severe Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Oklahoma.........  Delaware.........  4/13/06.........  FEMA-1637-DR........  Severe Storms and Tornadoes
    2006..........................  Oklahoma.........  Garvin...........  1/10/06.........  FEMA-1623-DR........  Severe Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Oklahoma.........  Hughes...........  1/10/06.........  FEMA-1623-DR........  Severe Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Oklahoma.........  Lincoln..........  1/10/06.........  FEMA-1623-DR........  Severe Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Oklahoma.........  Logan............  1/10/06.........  FEMA-1623-DR........  Severe Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Oklahoma.........  Mayes............  1/10/06.........  FEMA-1623-DR........  Severe Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Oklahoma.........  Okfuskee.........  1/10/06.........  FEMA-1623-DR........  Severe Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Oklahoma.........  Oklahoma.........  1/10/06.........  FEMA-1623-DR........  Severe Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Oklahoma.........  Pottawatomie.....  1/10/06.........  FEMA-1623-DR........  Severe Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Oklahoma.........  Seminole.........  1/10/06.........  FEMA-1623-DR........  Severe Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Oklahoma.........  Stephens.........  1/10/06.........  FEMA-1623-DR........  Severe Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Berks............  6/30/06.........  FEMA-1649-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides
    2006..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Bradford.........  6/30/06.........  FEMA-1649-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides
    2006..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Carbon...........  6/30/06.........  FEMA-1649-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides
    2006..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Chester..........  6/30/06.........  FEMA-1649-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides
    2006..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Dauphin..........  6/30/06.........  FEMA-1649-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides
    2006..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Franklin.........  6/30/06.........  FEMA-1649-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides
    2006..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Lackawanna.......  6/30/06.........  FEMA-1649-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides
    2006..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Lancaster........  6/30/06.........  FEMA-1649-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides
    2006..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Lebanon..........  6/30/06.........  FEMA-1649-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides
    2006..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Luzerne..........  6/30/06.........  FEMA-1649-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides
    2006..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Monroe...........  6/30/06.........  FEMA-1649-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides
    2006..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Montgomery.......  6/30/06.........  FEMA-1649-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides
    2006..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Montour..........  6/30/06.........  FEMA-1649-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides
    2006..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Pike.............  6/30/06.........  FEMA-1649-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides
    2006..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Schuylkill.......  6/30/06.........  FEMA-1649-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides
    2006..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Susquehanna......  6/30/06.........  FEMA-1649-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides
    2006..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Wayne............  6/30/06.........  FEMA-1649-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides
    2006..........................  Pennsylvania.....  Wyoming..........  6/30/06.........  FEMA-1649-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides
    2006..........................  Tennessee........  Benton...........  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1634-DR........  Tornadoes and Severe Storms
    2006..........................  Tennessee........  Cannon...........  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1634-DR........  Tornadoes and Severe Storms
    2006..........................  Tennessee........  Carroll..........  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1634-DR........  Tornadoes and Severe Storms
    2006..........................  Tennessee........  Cheatham.........  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1634-DR........  Tornadoes and Severe Storms
    2006..........................  Tennessee........  Cumberland.......  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1634-DR........  Tornadoes and Severe Storms
    2006..........................  Tennessee........  Davidson.........  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1634-DR........  Tornadoes and Severe Storms
    2006..........................  Tennessee........  Dickson..........  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1634-DR........  Tornadoes and Severe Storms
    2006..........................  Tennessee........  Dyer.............  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1634-DR........  Tornadoes and Severe Storms
    2006..........................  Tennessee........  Fayette..........  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1634-DR........  Tornadoes and Severe Storms
    2006..........................  Tennessee........  Gibson...........  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1634-DR........  Tornadoes and Severe Storms
    2006..........................  Tennessee........  Haywood..........  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1634-DR........  Tornadoes and Severe Storms
    2006..........................  Tennessee........  Maury............  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1634-DR........  Tornadoes and Severe Storms
    2006..........................  Tennessee........  Sumner...........  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1634-DR........  Tornadoes and Severe Storms
    2006..........................  Tennessee........  Warren...........  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1634-DR........  Tornadoes and Severe Storms
    2006..........................  Tennessee........  Weakley..........  4/05/06.........  FEMA-1634-DR........  Tornadoes and Severe Storms
    2006..........................  Texas............  Callahan.........  1/11/06.........  FEMA-1624-DR........  Extreme Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Texas............  Cooke............  1/11/06.........  FEMA-1624-DR........  Extreme Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Texas............  Eastland.........  1/11/06.........  FEMA-1624-DR........  Extreme Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Texas............  Erath............  1/11/06.........  FEMA-1624-DR........  Extreme Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Texas............  Hood.............  1/11/06.........  FEMA-1624-DR........  Extreme Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Texas............  Kerr.............  1/11/06.........  FEMA-1624-DR........  Extreme Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Texas............  Montague.........  1/11/06.........  FEMA-1624-DR........  Extreme Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Texas............  Palo Pinto.......  1/11/06.........  FEMA-1624-DR........  Extreme Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Texas............  Potter...........  1/11/06.........  FEMA-1624-DR........  Extreme Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Texas............  Tarrant..........  1/11/06.........  FEMA-1624-DR........  Extreme Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Texas............  Wise.............  1/11/06.........  FEMA-1624-DR........  Extreme Wildfire Threat
    2006..........................  Texas............  El Paso..........  8/15/06.........  FEMA-1658-DR........  Flooding
    2006..........................  Washington.......  Clark............  12/12/06........  FEMA-1671-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2006..........................  Washington.......  Cowlitz..........  12/12/06........  FEMA-1671-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2006..........................  Washington.......  Grays Harbor.....  12/12/06........  FEMA-1671-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2006..........................  Washington.......  King.............  12/12/06........  FEMA-1671-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2006..........................  Washington.......  Lewis............  12/12/06........  FEMA-1671-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2006..........................  Washington.......  Pierce...........  12/12/06........  FEMA-1671-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2006..........................  Washington.......  Skagit...........  12/12/06........  FEMA-1671-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2006..........................  Washington.......  Skamania.........  12/12/06........  FEMA-1671-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2006..........................  Washington.......  Snohomish........  12/12/06........  FEMA-1671-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2006..........................  Washington.......  Thurston.........  12/12/06........  FEMA-1671-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    2006..........................  Washington.......  Wahkiakum........  12/12/06........  FEMA-1671-DR........  Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and
                                                                                                                   Mudslides
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                      EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND PROGRAMS BRANCH (EPPB) DISASTER DESIGNATION REQUESTS: SECRETARIAL
                                                                   [Fiscal Year 2002--Secretarial Designations for Production Losses]
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Beginning date    Ending date of    Approved by      Termination     Designation
                 State               Counties requested     of disaster        disaster        secretary           date           number           Description of disaster       Primary  Contiguous
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    NY.............................  Albany, Columbia,   4-15-2001.......  6-20-2001......  10-16-2001.....  6-17-2002......  S1564........  Albany: Hail, excessive rain;             6        12
                                      Dutchess,                                                                                               Columbia: Hail, high winds;
                                      Niagara, Orange,                                                                                        Dutchess: Hail; Niagara:
                                      Ulster.                                                                                                 Flooding, hail; Orange: Drought;
                                                                                                                                              Ulster: Hail; Ulster: Hail, high
                                                                                                                                              winds.
    CT.............................  ..................  6-03-2001.......  6-03-2001......  10-16-2001.....  6-17-2002......  S1564........  Hail..............................  .......         2
    MA.............................  ..................  5-28-2001.......  6-20-2001......  10-16-2001.....  6-17-2002......  S1564........  Hail, high winds..................  .......         1
    OR.............................  Jackson...........  9-01-2000.......  4-16-2002......  10-16-2001.....  12-18-2001.....  S1565........  Drought...........................        1  ..........
    OR.............................  Josephine.........  9-01-2000.......  4-16-2002......  10-16-2001.....  2-14-2002......  S1565........  Drought...........................        1  ..........
    OR.............................  Union.............  9-01-2000.......  4-16-2002......  10-16-2001.....  6-17-2002......  S1565........  Drought...........................        1         4
    TN.............................  Anderson,           1-01-2001.......  4-16-2002......  10-16-2001.....  6-17-2002......  S1566........  Drought, excessive heat, insect          13        28
                                      Campbell,                                                                                               infestation, hail, excessive
                                      Carroll, Carter,                                                                                        rain, freezing conditions.
                                      Crockett, Dyer,
                                      Giles, Greene,
                                      Hancock, Johnson,
                                      Maury, Obion,
                                      Weakley.
    AL.............................  ..................  4-01-2001.......  4-16-2002......  10-16-2001.....  6-17-2002......  S1566........  Drought, insect infestation.......  .......         2
    AR.............................  ..................  4-01-2001.......  4-16-2002......  10-16-2001.....  6-17-2002......  S1566........  Drought, insect infestation.......  .......         1
    KY.............................  ..................  3-15-2001.......  4-16-2002......  10-16-2001.....  6-17-2002......  S1566........  Drought, insect infestation,        .......         5
                                                                                                                                              excessive heat.
    MO.............................  ..................  4-01-2001.......  4-16-2002......  10-16-2001.....  6-17-2002......  S1566........  Drought, insect infestation.......  .......         1
    NC.............................  ..................  3-15-2001.......  6-15-2001......  10-16-2001.....  6-17-2002......  S1566........  Drought, excessive heat...........  .......         4
    VA.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  4-16-2002......  10-16-2001.....  6-17-2002......  S1566........  Drought, excessive heat, hail,      .......         5
                                                                                                                                              excessive rain.
    WA.............................  Chelan............  6-26-2001.......  6-27-2001......  10-16-2001.....  6-17-2002......  S1567........  Severe storms with damaging wind,         1         3
                                                                                                                                              rain, hail.
    WA.............................  Douglas,            6-26-2001.......  6-27-2001......  10-16-2001.....  4-23-2002......  S1567........  Severe storms with damaging wind,         3  ..........
                                      Klickitat, Walla                                                                                        rain, hail.
                                      Walla.
    OR.............................  ..................  6-26-2001.......  6-27-2001......  10-16-2001.....  6-17-2002......  S1567........  Severe storms with damaging wind,   .......         4
                                                                                                                                              rain, hail.
    CA.............................  Madera............  4-04-2001.......  4-20-2001......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1568........  Freezing temperatures, hailstorms.        1         5
    CA.............................  Mendocino.........  1-01-2001.......  7-30-2001......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1569........   (1) Freezing temperatures;.......        1         4
                                                                                                                                             (2) severe heat;..................
                                                                                                                                             (3) Unseasonable rainfall;........
                                                                                                                                             (4) Drought.......................
    CO.............................  Eagle,Garfield,     7-09-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1570........  Drought...........................        3         8
                                      Pitkin.
    UT.............................  ..................  7-09-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1570........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    KS.............................  Atchison, Greeley,  1-01-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1571........  Drought, excessive rains, flash          13        28
                                      Hamilton,                                                                                               flooding, tornadoes, hail,
                                      Jefferson,                                                                                              repeated excessive winds.
                                      Jewell, Kearny,
                                      Kingman, Lane,
                                      Leavenworth,
                                      Logan, Morton,
                                      Scott, Wichita.
    CO.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1571........  Drought, excessive rains, flash     .......         4
                                                                                                                                              flooding, tornadoes, hail,
                                                                                                                                              repeated excessive winds.
    MO.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1571........  Drought, excessive rains, flash     .......         2
                                                                                                                                              flooding, tornadoes, hail,
                                                                                                                                              repeated excessive winds.
    NE.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1571........  Drought, excessive rains, flash     .......         2
                                                                                                                                              flooding, tornadoes, hail,
                                                                                                                                              repeated excessive winds.
    NE.............................  Holt..............  7-03-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1572........  Storms, hail......................        1         8
    OK.............................  All counties        6-01-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1573........  Drought...........................       75         2
                                      except Choctaw,
                                      McCurtain.
    AR.............................  ..................  6-01-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1573........  Drought...........................  .......         6
    CO.............................  ..................  6-01-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1573........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    KS.............................  ..................  6-01-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1573........  Drought...........................  .......        14
    MO.............................  ..................  6-01-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1573........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    NM.............................  ..................  6-01-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1573........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    TX.............................  ..................  6-01-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1573........  Drought...........................  .......        18
    OR.............................  Baker.............  9-01-2000.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-17-2002......  S1574........  Drought...........................        1  ..........
    OR.............................  Gilliam...........  9-01-2000.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1574........  Drought...........................        1         2
    ID.............................  ..................  9-01-2000.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1574........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    TX.............................  Cottle............  7-23-2001.......  7-23-2001......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1575........  Fire, excessive temperatures......        1         7
    UT.............................  Beaver, Box Elder,  1-01-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1576........  (1) Drought, Grasshopper and             23         6
                                      Cache, Carbon,                                                                                          Mormon Cricket infestation;.
                                      Davis, Emery,                                                                                          (2) Freezing temperatures, high
                                      Iron, Juab, Kane,                                                                                       winds.
                                      Millard, Morgan,
                                      Piute, Rich, San
                                      Juan, Sanpete,
                                      Sevier, Summit,
                                      Tooele, Utah,
                                      Wasatch,
                                      Washington,
                                      Wayne, Weber.
    AZ.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1576........  (1) Drought, Grasshopper and        .......         4
                                                                                                                                              Mormon Cricket infestation;.
                                                                                                                                             (2) Freezing temperatures, high
                                                                                                                                              winds.
    CO.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1576........  (1) Drought, Grasshopper and        .......         5
                                                                                                                                              Mormon Cricket infestation;
                                                                                                                                              Freezing temperatures, high winds.
    ID.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1576........  (1) Drought, Grasshopper and        .......         1
                                                                                                                                              Mormon Cricket infestation;
                                                                                                                                              Freezing temperatures, high winds.
    NM.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1576........  (1) Drought, Grasshopper and        .......         1
                                                                                                                                              Mormon Cricket infestation;
                                                                                                                                              Freezing temperatures, high winds.
    NV.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1576........  (1) Drought, Grasshopper and        .......         3
                                                                                                                                              Mormon Cricket infestation;
                                                                                                                                              Freezing temperatures, high winds.
    WY.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  4-25-2002......  10-25-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1576........  (1) Drought, Grasshopper and        .......         3
                                                                                                                                              Mormon Cricket infestation;.
                                                                                                                                             (2) Freezing temperatures, high
                                                                                                                                              winds.
    OR.............................  Morrow............  9-01-2000.......  4-29-2002......  10-29-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1577........  Drought...........................        1  ..........
    WA.............................  ..................  9-01-2000.......  4-29-2002......  10-29-2001.....  6-29-2002......  S1577........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    NY.............................  Saratoga..........  4-01-2001.......  5-28-2001......  10-29-2001.....  6-29-2002......  S1578........  Low rainfall (Drought), hail,             1         8
                                                                                                                                              lightning.
    WY.............................  Lincoln,            1-01-2001.......  5-01-2002......  11-01-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1579........  Drought, wildfire conditions......        2         1
                                      Sweetwater.
    WY.............................  Big Horn,           1-01-2001.......  5-01-2002......  11-01-2001.....  1-29-2002......  S1579........  Drought, wildfire conditions......        4         2
                                      Campbell, Park,
                                      Sheridan.
    WY.............................  Fremont, Hot        1-01-2001.......  5-01-2002......  11-01-2001.....  7-01-2002......  S1579........  Drought, wildfire conditions......        6         4
                                      Springs, Johnson,
                                      Natrona,
                                      Sublette,
                                      Washakie, Wind
                                      River Indian
                                      Reservation.
    CO.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  5-01-2002......  11-01-2001.....  7-01-2002......  S1579........  Drought, wildfire conditions......  .......         1
    ID.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  5-01-2002......  11-01-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1579........  Drought, wildfire conditions......  .......         1
    ID.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  5-01-2002......  11-01-2001.....  7-01-2002......  S1579........  Drought, wildfire conditions......  .......         2
    MT.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  5-01-2002......  11-01-2001.....  1-29-2002......  S1579........  Drought, wildfire conditions......  .......         4
    UT.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  5-01-2002......  11-01-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1579........  Drought, wildfire conditions......  .......         3
    OH.............................  Brown, Clermont,    5-01-2001.......  5-02-2002......  11-02-2001.....  7-02-2002......  S1580........  Extreme weather conditions with          12        24
                                      Defiance, Fulton,                                                                                       excessive rain, flooding,
                                      Gallia, Hancock,                                                                                        armyworms.
                                      Jackson, Ottawa,
                                      Paulding, Putnam,
                                      Vinton, Wyandot.
    IN.............................  ..................  5-01-2001.......  5-02-2002......  11-02-2001.....  7-02-2002......  S1580........  Extreme weather conditions with     .......         2
                                                                                                                                              excessive rain, flooding,
                                                                                                                                              armyworms.
    KY.............................  ..................  5-01-2001.......  5-02-2002......  11-02-2001.....  7-02-2002......  S1580........  Extreme weather conditions with     .......         4
                                                                                                                                              excessive rain, flooding,
                                                                                                                                              armyworms.
    WV.............................  ..................  5-01-2001.......  5-02-2002......  11-02-2001.....  7-02-2002......  S1580........  Extreme weather conditions with     .......         2
                                                                                                                                              excessive rain, flooding,
                                                                                                                                              armyworms.
    LA.............................  Acadia, Avoyelles,  8-27-2001.......  5-02-2002......  11-02-2001.....  7-02-2001......  S1581........  Excessive rainfall, high humidity.       32        17
                                      Beauregard,
                                      Bossier, Caddo,
                                      Caldwell,
                                      Cameron,
                                      Catahoula,
                                      Concordia, De
                                      Soto, East
                                      Carroll,
                                      Evangeline,
                                      Franklin, Grant,
                                      Iberville,
                                      Jefferson Davis,
                                      La Salle,
                                      Madison,
                                      Morehouse,
                                      Natchitoches,
                                      Ouachita, Pointe
                                      Coupee, Rapides,
                                      Red River,
                                      Richland, St.
                                      Landry, St.
                                      Martin, Tensas,
                                      Vermilion,
                                      Vernon, West
                                      Baton Rouge, West
                                      Carroll.
    AR.............................  ..................  8-27-2001.......  5-02-2002......  11-02-2001.....  7-02-2001......  S1581........  Excessive rainfall, high humidity.  .......         5
    MS.............................  ..................  8-27-2001.......  5-02-2002......  11-02-2001.....  7-02-2001......  S1581........  Excessive rainfall, high humidity.  .......         6
    TX.............................  ..................  8-27-2001.......  5-02-2002......  11-02-2001.....  7-02-2001......  S1581........  Excessive rainfall, high humidity.  .......         8
    TX.............................  Bee, San Patricio.  5-01-2001.......  5-02-2002......  11-02-2001.....  7-02-2001......  S1582........  Drought...........................        2         7
    WA.............................  Chelan............  6-08-2001.......  6-08-2001......  11-02-2001.....  7-02-2001......  S1583........  Hailstorm.........................        1         6
    WA.............................  Lincoln...........  5-21-2001.......  5-24-2001......  11-02-2001.....  7-02-2001......  S1583........  Freeze............................        1         7
    WA.............................  Asotin, Benton,     1-01-2001.......  5-02-2002......  11-02-2001.....  7-02-2001......  S1583........  Drought...........................        6        14
                                      Douglas,
                                      Klickitat,
                                      Lincoln, Stevens.
    ID.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  5-02-2002......  11-02-2001.....  7-02-2001......  S1583........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    OR.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  5-02-2002......  11-02-2001.....  7-02-2001......  S1583........  Drought...........................  .......         7
    MI.............................  Jackson, Lake,      5-15-2001.......  5-17-2001......  11-09-2001.....  7-09-2002......  S1584........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           4        13
                                      Mason, Oceana.                                                                                          hail.
    MI.............................  Allegan, Berrien,   5-12-2001.......  5-31-2001......  11-09-2001.....  7-09-2002......  S1584........  Frost, freezing temperatures,             5         6
                                      Cass, Kalamazoo,                                                                                        cooler than normal temperatures.
                                      Van Buren.
    IN.............................  ..................  5-12-2001.......  5-31-2001......  11-09-2001.....  7-09-2002......  S1584........  Frost, freezing temperatures,       .......         3
                                                                                                                                              cooler than normal temperatures.
    TX.............................  Borden, Brown,      1-01-2001.......  5-26-2002......  11-26-2001.....  7-26-2002......  S1585........  Drought...........................       10        40
                                      Concho, Dimmit,
                                      Duval, Gaines,
                                      Mitchell,
                                      Runnels, Tom
                                      Green, Wilbarger.
    NM.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  5-26-2002......  11-26-2001.....  7-26-2002......  S1585........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    OK.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  5-26-2002......  11-26-2001.....  7-26-2002......  S1585........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    CA.............................  Lassen............  1-01-2001.......  5-29-2002......  11-29-2001.....  7-29-2002......  S1586........  Drought, excessive temperatures...        1         1
    MI.............................  Alcona, Alger,      6-12-2001.......  8-17-2001......  11-29-2001.....  7-29-2002......  S1587........  Drought...........................       72        10
                                      Alpena, Antrim,
                                      Arenac, Bay,
                                      Benzie, Berrien,
                                      Cass, Charlevoix,
                                      Cheboygan,
                                      Chippewa, Clare,
                                      Clinton, Delta,
                                      Dickinson, Emmet,
                                      Genesee, Gladwin,
                                      Grand Traverse,
                                      Gratiot,
                                      Hillsdale, Huron,
                                      Ingham, Ionia,
                                      Iosco, Iron,
                                      Isabella,
                                      Jackson,
                                      Kalamazoo,
                                      Kalkaska, Kent,
                                      Lake, Lapeer,
                                      Leelanau,
                                      Lenawee,
                                      Livingston, Luce,
                                      Mackinac, Macomb,
                                      Manistee,
                                      Marquette, Mason,
                                      Mecosta,
                                      Menominee,
                                      Midland,
                                      Missaukee,
                                      Monroe, Montcalm,
                                      Montmorency,
                                      Muskegon,
                                      Newaygo, Oakland,
                                      Oceana, Ogemaw,
                                      Osceola, Oscoda,
                                      Otsego, Ottawa,
                                      Presque Isle,
                                      Roscommon,
                                      Saginaw, Sanilac,
                                      Schoolcraft,
                                      Shiawassee, St.
                                      Clair, St.
                                      Joseph, Tuscola,
                                      Van Buren,
                                      Washtenaw, Wayne,
                                      Wexford.
    IN.............................  ..................  6-12-2001.......  8-17-2001......  11-29-2001.....  7-29-2002......  S1587........  Drought...........................  .......         5
    OH.............................  ..................  6-12-2001.......  8-17-2001......  11-29-2001.....  7-29-2002......  S1587........  Drought...........................  .......         4
    WI.............................  ..................  6-12-2001.......  8-17-2001......  11-29-2001.....  7-29-2002......  S1587........  Drought...........................  .......         4
    TX.............................  Glasscock, Howard,  1-01-2001.......  6-05-2002......  12-05-2001.....  8-05-2002......  S1588........  Drought, excessive temperatures           5        16
                                      Jim Hogg,                                                                                               (heat), high winds, low humidity.
                                      Kleberg, Zapata.
    TX.............................  Collingsworth.....  6-01-2001.......  6-05-2002......  12-05-2001.....  8-05-2002......  S1589........  Drought; Lightning, wildfires.....        1         5
    OK.............................  ..................  6-01-2001.......  6-05-2002......  12-05-2001.....  8-05-2002......  S1589........  Drought; Lightning, wildfires.....  .......         2
    TX.............................  Hardeman, Maverick  1-01-2001.......  6-05-2002......  12-05-2001.....  7-26-2002......  S1590........  ..................................        2        10
    TX.............................  Childress, Cottle,  1-01-2001.......  6-05-2002......  12-05-2001.....  8-05-2002......  S1590........  Drought, excessive heat...........        5        15
                                      Hidalgo, Kent,
                                      Starr.
    OK.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  6-05-2002......  12-05-2001.....  8-05-2002......  S1590........  Drought, excessive heat...........  .......         2
    PA.............................  Adams, Allegheny,   1-01-2001.......  6-05-2002......  12-05-2001.....  8-05-2002......  S1591........  Drought...........................       44        14
                                      Armstrong,
                                      Beaver, Bedford,
                                      Berks, Blair,
                                      Butler, Cambria,
                                      Centre, Clinton,
                                      Chester, Clarion,
                                      Clearfield,
                                      Columbia,
                                      Cumberland,
                                      Dauphin, Elk,
                                      Erie, Forest,
                                      Franklin, Fulton,
                                      Huntingdon,
                                      Indiana,
                                      Jefferson,
                                      Juniata,
                                      Lancaster,
                                      Lawrence,
                                      Lebanon,
                                      Lycoming, Mercer,
                                      Mifflin, Montour,
                                      Northumberland,
                                      Perry,
                                      Schuylkill,
                                      Snyder, Somerset,
                                      Union, Venango,
                                      Warren,
                                      Washington,
                                      Westmoreland,
                                      York.
    DE.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  6-05-2002......  12-05-2001.....  8-05-2002......  S1591........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    MD.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  6-05-2002......  12-05-2001.....  8-05-2002......  S1591........  Drought...........................  .......         8
    NY.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  6-05-2002......  12-05-2001.....  8-05-2002......  S1591........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    OH.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  6-05-2002......  12-05-2001.....  8-05-2002......  S1591........  Drought...........................  .......         4
    WV.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  6-05-2002......  12-05-2001.....  8-05-2002......  S1591........  Drought...........................  .......         4
    TX.............................  Austin, Burleson,   8-20-2001.......  9-19-2001......  12-13-2001.....  8-13-2002......  S1592........  Excessive rain, flooding, flash           9        21
                                      Chambers,                                                                                               flooding.
                                      Colorado, Fort
                                      Bend, Goliad,
                                      Jefferson,
                                      Matagorda,
                                      Wharton.
    LA.............................  ..................  8-20-2001.......  9-19-2001......  12-13-2001.....  8-13-2002......  S1592........  Excessive rain, flooding, flash     .......         1
                                                                                                                                              flooding.
    TX.............................  Cottle............  9-20-2001.......  9-20-2001......  12-13-2001.....  8-13-2002......  S1593........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         7
                                                                                                                                              hail, high winds.
    TX.............................  Floyd.............  6-01-2001.......  6-05-2001......  12-13-2001.....  8-13-2002......  S1594........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         7
                                                                                                                                              flooding, high winds, hail,
                                                                                                                                              lightning, tornado.
    TX.............................  Uvalde............  5-24-2001.......  5-24-2001......  12-13-2001.....  8-13-2002......  S1595........  High wind, hail...................        1         8
    TX.............................  Wilson............  5-20-2001.......  5-20-2001......  12-13-2001.....  8-13-2002......  S1596........  Extreme amount of hail, high winds        1         5
    ID.............................  Franklin, Oneida..  1-01-2001.......  6-18-2002......  12-18-2001.....  6-25-2002......  S1597........  Drought, heat.....................        2  ..........
    ID.............................  Camas, Power......  1-01-2001.......  6-18-2002......  12-18-2001.....  8-19-2002......  S1597........  Drought, heat.....................        2         6
    ME.............................  Androscoggin,       6-01-2001.......  9-10-2001......  12-20-2001.....  8-20-2002......  S1598........  Armyworm infestation..............       12         4
                                      Cumberland,
                                      Kennebec,
                                      Lincoln, Oxford,
                                      Penobscot,
                                      Piscataquis,
                                      Sagadahoc,
                                      Somerset, Waldo,
                                      Washington, York.
    NH.............................  ..................  6-01-2001.......  9-10-2001......  12-20-2001.....  8-20-2002......  S1598........  Armyworm infestation..............  .......         4
    PA.............................  Erie..............  7-04-2001.......  7-03-2002......  1-03-2002......  9-03-2002......  S1599........  Storms with high winds, excessive         1         2
                                                                                                                                              hail.
    NY.............................  ..................  7-04-2001.......  7-03-2002......  1-03-2002......  9-03-2002......  S1599........  Storms with high winds, excessive   .......         1
                                                                                                                                              hail.
    OH.............................  ..................  7-04-2001.......  7-03-2002......  1-03-2002......  9-03-2002......  S1599........  Storms with high winds, excessive   .......         1
                                                                                                                                              hail.
    NM.............................  Chaves, Eddy,       1-01-2001.......  7-09-2002......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1600........  Drought...........................        3         5
                                      Otero.
    TX.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  7-09-2002......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1600........  Drought...........................  .......         5
    AR.............................  Ashley, Chicot,     8-31-2001.......  9-07-2001......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1601........  Excessive rain....................        6        10
                                      Columbia, Desha,
                                      Drew, Lafayette.
    LA.............................  ..................  8-31-2001.......  9-07-2001......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1601........  Excessive rain....................  .......         8
    MS.............................  ..................  8-31-2001.......  9-07-2001......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1601........  Excessive rain....................  .......         4
    TN.............................  Cocke.............  6-26-2001.......  6-26-2001......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1602........  Hail, wind, flash flooding........        1         4
    TN.............................  Rutherford........  4-01-2001.......  7-09-2002......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1602........  Drought, insect infestation.......        1         5
    TN.............................  Morgan, Scott.....  3-15-2001.......  6-15-2001......  1-08-2002......  6-17-2002......  S1602........  Drought, excessive heat...........        2  ..........
    TN.............................  ..................  3-15-2001.......  6-15-2001......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1602........  Drought, excessive heat...........  .......         3
    KY.............................  ..................  3-15-2001.......  6-15-2001......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1602........  Drought, excessive heat...........  .......         1
    NC.............................  ..................  6-26-2001.......  6-26-2001......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1602........  Hail, wind, flash flooding........  .......         2
    MN.............................  Cass, Crow Wing...  11-15-2000......  6-28-2001......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1603........  Heavier than normal precip,               2         8
                                                                                                                                              followed by severe cold.
    NE.............................  Buffalo, Butler,    5-01-2001.......  7-09-2002......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1604........  Drought, severe heat..............       10        26
                                      Cass, Dundy,
                                      Nance, Platte,
                                      Polk, Saunders,
                                      Seward, Sherman.
    CO.............................  ..................  5-01-2001.......  7-09-2002......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1604........  Drought, severe heat..............  .......         1
    IA.............................  ..................  5-01-2001.......  7-09-2002......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1604........  Drought, severe heat..............  .......         2
    KS.............................  ..................  5-01-2001.......  7-09-2002......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1604........  Drought, severe heat..............  .......         2
    NY.............................  Broome, Columbia,   4-01-2001.......  7-09-2002......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1605........  Columbia: Drought; Dutchess: Hail,       11        22
                                      Dutchess, Greene,                                                                                       High Winds; Greene: Drought+
                                      Jefferson, Lewis,                                                                                       Hail, High Winds, Rain;
                                      Livingston,                                                                                             Jefferson: Drought; Lewis: Flash
                                      Onondaga,                                                                                               Flooding, Excessive rain &
                                      Sullivan, Ulster,                                                                                       Drought; Livingston: Drought;
                                      Wyoming.                                                                                                Onondaga: Hail; Sullivan: Army
                                                                                                                                              Cut Worms; Ulster: Hail High
                                                                                                                                              Winds; Wyoming: Drought.
    CT.............................  ..................  7-01-2001.......  7-01-2001......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1605........  Hail, hign winds..................  .......         2
    MA.............................  ..................  4-01-2001.......  7-09-2002......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1605........  Hail, high winds: 07/01/01;         .......         1
                                                                                                                                              Drought: 04/01/01--continuing.
    PA.............................  ..................  4-01-2001.......  7-09-2002......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1605........  Drought: 04/01/01-05/31/01;         .......         3
                                                                                                                                              Armyworm infestation: 07/01/01--
                                                                                                                                              continuing.
    NV.............................  Washoe............  5-01-2001.......  9-30-2001......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1606........  Drought, extreme fires............        1         6
    CA.............................  ..................  5-01-2001.......  9-30-2001......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1606........  Drought, extreme fires............  .......         5
    OR.............................  ..................  5-01-2001.......  9-30-2001......  1-08-2002......  9-09-2002......  S1606........  Drought, extreme fires............  .......         2
    NY.............................  Allegany,           4-01-2001.......  7-22-2002......  1-22-2002......  9-23-2002......  S1607........  Drought, army cut worms, hail.....       12        13
                                      Cattaraugus,
                                      Chautauqua,
                                      Clinton, Essex,
                                      Niagara, Orleans,
                                      Putnam, Schuyler,
                                      Seneca, Wayne,
                                      Westchester.
    NY.............................  Dutchess, Erie,     4-01-2001.......  7-22-2002......  1-22-2002......  9-23-2002......  S1607........  Drought, army cut worms, hail.....        4  ..........
                                      Genesee, Ulster.
    PA.............................  ..................  5-01-2001.......  7-22-2002......  1-22-2002......  9-23-2002......  S1607........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    VT.............................  ..................  7-09-2001.......  7-22-2002......  1-22-2002......  9-23-2002......  S1607........  Drought, Army Cut worms, hail.....  .......         3
    IN.............................  Lagrange, Perry...  6-15-2001.......  9-09-2001......  2-07-2002......  10-07-2002.....  S1608........  Drought...........................        2         5
    IN.............................  Benton, Clay,       10-24-2001......  10-25-2001.....  2-07-2002......  10-07-2002.....  S1608........  Severe storms, high winds,                4        16
                                      Elkhart, St.                                                                                            tornadoes, hail, excessive rain.
                                      Joseph.
    IL.............................  ..................  10-24-2001......  10-25-2001.....  2-07-2002......  10-07-2002.....  S1608........  Severe storms, high winds,          .......         2
                                                                                                                                              tornadoes, hail, excessive rain.
    KY.............................  ..................  6-15-2001.......  9-09-2001......  2-07-2002......  10-07-2002.....  S1608........  Drought...........................  .......         3
    MI.............................  ..................  10-24-2001......  10-25-2001.....  2-07-2002......  10-07-2002.....  S1608........  Severe storms, high winds,          .......         3
                                                                                                                                              tornadoes, hail, excessive rain.
    OH.............................  Ashland,            5-01-2002.......  8-07-2002......  2-07-2002......  10-07-2002.....  S1609........  Severe drought, high temperatures.       22        26
                                      Ashtabula, Brown,
                                      Carroll,
                                      Columbiana,
                                      Cuyahoga, Fulton,
                                      Geauga, Hancock,
                                      Holmes, Knox,
                                      Lake, Lucas,
                                      Mahoning, Medina,
                                      Sandusky, Seneca,
                                      Stark,
                                      Tuscarawas,
                                      Wayne, Wood,
                                      Wyandot.
    KY.............................  ..................  5-01-2002.......  8-07-2002......  2-07-2002......  10-07-2002.....  S1609........  Severe drought, high temperatures.  .......         2
    MI.............................  ..................  5-01-2002.......  8-07-2002......  2-07-2002......  10-07-2002.....  S1609........  Severe drought, high temperatures.  .......         3
    PA.............................  ..................  5-01-2002.......  8-07-2002......  2-07-2002......  10-07-2002.....  S1609........  Severe drought, high temperatures.  .......         5
    WV.............................  ..................  5-01-2002.......  8-07-2002......  2-07-2002......  10-07-2002.....  S1609........  Severe drought, high temperatures.  .......         1
    GA.............................  Banks, Butts,       1-01-2001.......  8-07-2002......  2-07-2002......  10-07-2002.....  S1610........  Drought...........................       19        50
                                      Candler, Clayton,
                                      Elbert, Emanuel,
                                      Fayette,
                                      Glascock, Henry,
                                      Jackson,
                                      Jefferson,
                                      Johnson, Laurens,
                                      Madison,
                                      Oglethorpe,
                                      Tattnall, Taylor,
                                      Washington,
                                      Wilkinson.
    SC.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  8-07-2002......  2-07-2002......  10-07-2002.....  S1610........  Drought...........................  .......         3
    KS.............................  Chautauqua, Elk,    1-01-2001.......  8-19-2002......  2-19-2002......  10-21-2002.....  S1611........  Drought, excessive rains, flash           5        14
                                      Montgomery,                                                                                             flooding, tornadoes, hail,
                                      Sumner, Reno.                                                                                           repeatedly excessive winds.
    OK.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  8-19-2002......  2-19-2002......  10-21-2002.....  S1611........  Drought, excessive rains, flash     .......         5
                                                                                                                                              flooding, tornadoes, hail,
                                                                                                                                              repeatedly excessive winds.
    ND.............................  Barnes, Benson,     3-01-2001.......  8-21-2002......  2-21-2002......  10-21-2002.....  S1612........  Flooding, ground saturation,             32        18
                                      Bottineau,                                                                                              subsidence, storms, wind
                                      Bowman, Burke,                                                                                          tornadoes, drought, high
                                      Cass, Cavalier,                                                                                         humidity, severe temperatures
                                      Divide, Eddy,                                                                                           during the growing season.
                                      Emmons, Foster,
                                      Grand Forks,
                                      Kidder, Logan,
                                      Mountrail,
                                      Nelson, Pembina,
                                      Pierce, Ramsey,
                                      Ransom, Renville,
                                      Richland,
                                      Rolette, Sargent,
                                      Slope, Stutsman,
                                      Towner, Traill,
                                      Walsh, Ward,
                                      Wells, Williams.
    MN.............................  ..................  3-01-2001.......  8-21-2002......  2-21-2002......  10-21-2002.....  S1612........  Flooding, ground saturation,        .......         7
                                                                                                                                              subsidence, storms, wind
                                                                                                                                              tornadoes, drought, high
                                                                                                                                              humidity, severe temperatures
                                                                                                                                              during the growing season.
    MT.............................  ..................  3-01-2001.......  8-21-2002......  2-21-2002......  10-21-2002.....  S1612........  Flooding, ground saturation,        .......         4
                                                                                                                                              subsidence, storms, wind
                                                                                                                                              tornadoes, drought, high
                                                                                                                                              humidity, severe temperatures
                                                                                                                                              during the growing season.
    SD.............................  ..................  3-01-2001.......  8-21-2002......  2-21-2002......  10-21-2002.....  S1612........  Flooding, ground saturation,        .......         6
                                                                                                                                              subsidence, storms, wind
                                                                                                                                              tornadoes, drought, high
                                                                                                                                              humidity, severe temperatures
                                                                                                                                              during the growing season.
    ID.............................  Butte, Custer,      1-01-2001.......  9-01-2002......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1613........  Drought, heat, low snow pack              3         5
                                      Lemhi.                                                                                                  conditions.
    MT.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  9-01-2002......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1613........  Drought, heat, low snow pack        .......         2
                                                                                                                                              conditions.
    CA.............................  Tehama............  4-08-2001.......  4-08-2001......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1614........  Freezing temperatures.............        1         3
    NY.............................  Chemung, Tioga....  4-01-2001.......  9-01-2002......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1615........  Drought...........................        2         4
    PA.............................  ..................  4-01-2001.......  9-01-2002......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1615........  Drought...........................  .......         3
    NY.............................  Seneca............  10-21-2001......  10-21-2001.....  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1615........  Hail, high winds..................        1         6
    SC.............................  Entire State......  4-01-2001.......  9-01-2002......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1616........  Drought...........................       46  ..........
    GA.............................  ..................  4-01-2001.......  9-01-2002......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1616........  Drought...........................  .......        13
    NC.............................  ..................  4-01-2001.......  9-01-2002......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1616........  Drought...........................  .......        16
    TN.............................  Claiborne, Union..  7-01-2001.......  9-30-2001......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1617........  Excessive rain....................        2         5
    KY.............................  ..................  7-01-2001.......  9-30-2001......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1617........  Excessive rain....................  .......         2
    TN.............................  Hamblen...........  8-05-2001.......  8-05-2001......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1617........  Flooding..........................        1         5
    TN.............................  Jefferson.........  4-01-2001.......  9-01-2002......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1617........  Drought...........................        1         5
    VA.............................  Goochland.........  10-01-2000......  9-01-2002......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1618........  Drought, excessive heat...........        1         7
    WY.............................  Albany............  1-01-2001.......  9-01-2002......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1619........  Drought, late frosts, untime rain,        1         2
                                                                                                                                              hail.
    CO.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  9-01-2002......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1619........  Drought, late frosts, untime rain,  .......         2
                                                                                                                                              hail.
    VT.............................  Addison,            4-01-2001.......  9-01-2002......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1620........  Drought...........................        8         6
                                      Bennington,
                                      Caledonia,
                                      Chittenden,
                                      Orange, Orleans,
                                      Rutland,
                                      Washington.
    MA.............................  ..................  4-01-2001.......  9-01-2002......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1620........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    NH.............................  ..................  4-01-2001.......  9-01-2002......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1620........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    NY.............................  ..................  4-01-2001.......  9-01-2002......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1620........  Drought...........................  .......         4
    WA.............................  Yakima............  1-01-2001.......  9-01-2002......  3-01-2002......  11-01-2002.....  S1621........  Drought...........................        1         3
    ME.............................  Androscoggin,       6-01-2002.......  9-11-2002......  3-11-2002......  11-11-2002.....  S1622........  Drought...........................       15         1
                                      Aroostook,
                                      Cumberland,
                                      Hancock,
                                      Kennebec, Knox,
                                      Lincoln, Oxford,
                                      Penobscot,
                                      Piscataquis,
                                      Sagadahoc,
                                      Somerset, Waldo,
                                      Washington, York.
    NH.............................  ..................  6-01-2002.......  9-11-2002......  3-11-2002......  11-11-2002.....  S1622........  Drought...........................  .......         4
    MA.............................  Franklin, Hampden,  5-01-2000.......  9-22-2002......  3-22-2002......  11-22-2002.....  S1623........  Excessive rainfall, limited               4         3
                                      Hampshire,                                                                                              sunshine, below-average
                                      Worcester.                                                                                              temperatures.
    CT.............................  ..................  5-01-2000.......  9-22-2002......  3-22-2002......  11-22-2002.....  S1623........  Excessive rainfall, limited         .......         4
                                                                                                                                              sunshine, below-average
                                                                                                                                              temperatures.
    NH.............................  ..................  5-01-2000.......  9-22-2002......  3-22-2002......  11-22-2002.....  S1623........  Excessive rainfall, limited         .......         2
                                                                                                                                              sunshine, below-average
                                                                                                                                              temperatures.
    RI.............................  ..................  5-01-2000.......  9-22-2002......  3-22-2002......  11-22-2002.....  S1623........  Excessive rainfall, limited         .......         1
                                                                                                                                              sunshine, below-average
                                                                                                                                              temperatures.
    VT.............................  ..................  5-01-2000.......  9-22-2002......  3-22-2002......  11-22-2002.....  S1623........  Excessive rainfall, limited         .......         2
                                                                                                                                              sunshine, below-average
                                                                                                                                              temperatures.
    MT.............................  Entire State......  1-01-2002.......  9-27-2002......  3-27-2002......  11-27-2002.....  S1624........  Drought...........................       56  ..........
    ID.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  9-27-2002......  3-27-2002......  11-27-2002.....  S1624........  Drought...........................  .......         8
    ND.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  9-27-2002......  3-27-2002......  11-27-2002.....  S1624........  Drought...........................  .......         6
    SD.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  9-27-2002......  3-27-2002......  11-27-2002.....  S1624........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    WY.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  9-27-2002......  3-27-2002......  11-27-2002.....  S1624........  Drought...........................  .......         6
    KS.............................  Cowley............  6-01-2001.......  10-04-2002.....  4-04-2002......  6-25-2002......  S1625........  Drought, excessive rains, flash           1  ..........
                                                                                                                                              flooding, tornadoes, hail,
                                                                                                                                              repeatedly excessive winds.
    KS.............................  Edwards, Ford.....  6-01-2001.......  10-04-2002.....  4-04-2002......  12-04-2002.....  S1625........  Drought, excessive rains, flash           2         4
                                                                                                                                              flooding, tornadoes, hail,
                                                                                                                                              repeatedly excessive winds.
    VA.............................  Prince Edward.....  8-01-2001.......  12-10-2001.....  4-04-2002......  12-04-2002.....  S1626........  Drought...........................        1         7
    MA.............................  Barnstable,         3-01-2001.......  10-04-2002.....  4-04-2002......  12-04-2002.....  S1627........  Erratic weather pattern: Record           3         4
                                      Bristol, Plymouth.                                                                                      high temp. early spring-low rain;
                                                                                                                                              high temp.--June w/above ave.
                                                                                                                                              rain; Below normal temp.--Jul,
                                                                                                                                              Aug. w/normal rain; Normal temp.--
                                                                                                                                              Sep. w/below norm. rain.
    RI.............................  ..................  3-01-2001.......  10-04-2002.....  4-04-2002......  12-04-2002.....  S1627........  Erratic weather pattern: Record     .......         3
                                                                                                                                              high temp. early spring-low rain;
                                                                                                                                              high temp.--June w/above ave.
                                                                                                                                              rain; Below normal temp.-Jul,
                                                                                                                                              Aug. w/normal rain; Normal temp.--
                                                                                                                                              Sep. w/below norm. rain.
    GA.............................  Dooly.............  1-01-2001.......  10-05-2002.....  4-05-2002......  12-05-2002.....  S1628........  Drought...........................        1         5
    SD.............................  Haakon, Meade,      6-01-2001.......  10-05-2002.....  4-05-2002......  12-05-2002.....  S1629........  Drought, extreme heat.............        3        10
                                      Pennington.
    CA.............................  Calaveras.........  8-19-2001.......  9-05-2001......  4-05-2002......  12-05-2002.....  S1630........  High winds, drought, two separate         1         5
                                                                                                                                              fires.
    ID.............................  Cassia............  10-01-2001......  12-31-2001.....  4-19-2002......  6-25-2002......  S1631........  Drought...........................        1  ..........
    ID.............................  ..................  10-01-2001......  12-31-2001.....  4-19-2002......  12-19-2002.....  S1631........  Drought...........................  .......         3
    MS.............................  Bolivar, Calhoun,   8-15-2001.......  9-30-2001......  4-19-2002......  12-19-2002.....  S1632........  Excessive moisture, high humidity.       19        31
                                      Carroll,
                                      Chickasaw, Hinds,
                                      Holmes, Itawamba,
                                      Jefferson Davis,
                                      Lee, Leflore,
                                      Marshall, Monroe,
                                      Noxubee, Panola,
                                      Pontotoc,
                                      Sunflower,
                                      Tallahatchie,
                                      Union, Washington.
    MS.............................  Claiborne, Warren.  8-15-2001.......  9-30-2001......  4-19-2002......  7-02-2002......  S1632........  Excessive moisture, high humidity.        2  ..........
    AL.............................  ..................  8-15-2001.......  9-30-2001......  4-19-2002......  12-19-2002.....  S1632........  Excessive moisture, high humidity.  .......         5
    AR.............................  ..................  8-15-2001.......  9-30-2001......  4-19-2002......  12-19-2002.....  S1632........  Excessive moisture, high humidity.  .......         2
    TN.............................  ..................  8-15-2001.......  9-30-2001......  4-19-2002......  12-19-2002.....  S1632........  Excessive moisture, high humidity.  .......         2
    IA.............................  Lucas.............  10-22-2001......  11-01-2001.....  4-23-2002......  12-23-2002.....  S1633........  High winds, heavy rains, flooding.        1         7
    IA.............................  Guthrie...........  6-01-2001.......  10-23-2002.....  4-23-2002......  12-23-2002.....  S1634........  Drought...........................        1         6
    CO.............................  Kit Carson,         9-01-2000.......  11-02-2002.....  5-02-2002......  1-02-2003......  S1635........  Drought...........................        2         5
                                      Phillips.
    KS.............................  ..................  9-01-2000.......  11-02-2002.....  5-02-2002......  1-02-2003......  S1635........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    NE.............................  ..................  9-01-2000.......  11-02-2002.....  5-02-2002......  1-02-2003......  S1635........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    TX.............................  Schleicher,         1-01-2001.......  11-02-2002.....  5-02-2002......  1-02-2003......  S1636........  Drought, excessive heat...........        3         5
                                      Sutton, Zavala.
    TX.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  11-02-2002.....  5-02-2002......  1-02-2003......  S1636........  Excessive heat....................  .......         6
    TX.............................  Garza, Lubbock,     1-01-2001.......  11-02-2002.....  5-02-2002......  1-02-2003......  S1637........  Drought...........................        5         9
                                      Menard, Nolan,
                                      Terry.
    TX.............................  Brooks, Callahan,   1-01-2001.......  11-02-2002.....  5-02-2002......  1-02-2003......  S1638........  Drought, high winds, high                 7        20
                                      Eastland, Jim                                                                                           temperatures.
                                      Wells, Presidio,
                                      Stephens, Webb.
    TX.............................  Loving, Pecos,      1-01-2001.......  11-02-2002.....  5-02-2002......  1-02-2003......  S1639........  Drought, high winds...............        3         8
                                      Reeves.
    NM.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  11-02-2002.....  5-02-2002......  1-02-2003......  S1639........  Drought, high winds...............  .......         2
    ID.............................  Elmore............  10-01-2000......  11-10-2002.....  5-10-2002......  1-10-2003......  S1640........  Drought, insect losses (Mormon            1         8
                                                                                                                                              Crickets).
    ID.............................  Twin Falls........  11-01-2000......  9-30-2001......  5-10-2002......  1-10-2003......  S1640........  Drought, excessive heat...........        1         2
    NV.............................  ..................  11-01-2000......  9-30-2001......  5-10-2002......  1-10-2003......  S1640........  Drought, excessive heat...........  .......         1
    AZ.............................  All counties,       1-01-2001.......  11-17-2002.....  5-17-2002......  1-17-2003......  S1641........  Drought...........................       14         1
                                      except Yuma.
    CA.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  11-17-2002.....  5-17-2002......  1-17-2003......  S1641........  Drought...........................  .......         3
    NV.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  11-17-2002.....  5-17-2002......  1-17-2003......  S1641........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    NM.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  11-17-2002.....  5-17-2002......  1-17-2003......  S1641........  Drought...........................  .......         5
    TX.............................  Comanche..........  5-01-2001.......  11-24-2002.....  5-24-2002......  1-24-2003......  S1642........  Drought, heat, insects............        1         5
    CO.............................  Adams, Alamosa,     5-15-2001.......  11-30-2002.....  5-30-2002......  1-30-2003......  S1643........  Drought...........................       44        16
                                      Archuleta, Baca,
                                      Bent, Boulder,
                                      Chaffee, Conejos,
                                      Costilla,
                                      Crowley, Custer,
                                      Dolores, Douglas,
                                      Eagle, El Paso,
                                      Elbert, Fremont,
                                      Garfield, Grand,
                                      Hinsdale,
                                      Huerfano,
                                      Jackson,
                                      Jefferson, Kiowa,
                                      La Plata, Lake,
                                      Larimer, Las
                                      Animas, Logan,
                                      Mesa, Mineral,
                                      Montezuma,
                                      Morgan, Otero,
                                      Pitkin, Prowers,
                                      Pueblo, Rio
                                      Grande, Routt,
                                      Saguache, San
                                      Miguel, Sedgwick,
                                      Summit,
                                      Washington.
    KS.............................  ..................  5-15-2001.......  11-30-2002.....  5-30-2002......  1-30-2003......  S1643........  Drought...........................  .......         4
    NE.............................  ..................  5-15-2001.......  11-30-2002.....  5-30-2002......  1-30-2003......  S1643........  Drought...........................  .......         5
    NM.............................  ..................  5-15-2001.......  11-30-2002.....  5-30-2002......  1-30-2003......  S1643........  Drought...........................  .......         4
    OK.............................  ..................  5-15-2001.......  11-30-2002.....  5-30-2002......  1-30-2003......  S1643........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    NE.............................  Banner, Chase,      10-01-2001......  11-30-2002.....  5-30-2002......  1-30-2003......  S1644........  Drought, unseasonably cold spring        16        17
                                      Cheyenne, Custer,                                                                                       temperatures, high winds, frost.
                                      Dawson, Deuel,
                                      Dundy, Frontier,
                                      Hayes, Hitchcock,
                                      Keith, Kimball,
                                      Perkins, Red
                                      Willow, Scotts
                                      Bluff, Sioux.
    CO.............................  ..................  10-01-2001......  11-30-2002.....  5-30-2002......  1-30-2003......  S1644........  Drought, unseasonably cold spring   .......         5
                                                                                                                                              temperatures, high winds, frost.
    KS.............................  ..................  10-01-2001......  11-30-2002.....  5-30-2002......  1-30-2003......  S1644........  Drought, unseasonably cold spring   .......         3
                                                                                                                                              temperatures, high winds, frost.
    SD.............................  ..................  10-01-2001......  11-30-2002.....  5-30-2002......  1-30-2003......  S1644........  Drought, unseasonably cold spring   .......         1
                                                                                                                                              temperatures, high winds, frost.
    WY.............................  ..................  10-01-2001......  11-30-2002.....  5-30-2002......  1-30-2003......  S1644........  Drought, unseasonably cold spring   .......         3
                                                                                                                                              temperatures, high winds, frost.
    WY.............................  Albany, Big Horn,   1-01-2002.......  12-01-2002.....  5-31-2002......  1-31-2003......  S1645........  Drought...........................       13         7
                                      Campbell, Carbon,
                                      Crook, Fremont,
                                      Hot Springs,
                                      Johnson, Laramie,
                                      Natrona, Park,
                                      Sheridan,
                                      Washakie.
    CO.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  12-01-2002.....  5-31-2002......  1-31-2003......  S1645........  Drought...........................  .......         5
    MT.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  12-01-2002.....  5-31-2002......  1-31-2003......  S1645........  Drought...........................  .......         6
    NE.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  12-01-2002.....  5-31-2002......  1-31-2003......  S1645........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    SD.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  12-01-2002.....  5-31-2002......  1-31-2003......  S1645........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    TX.............................  Haskell...........  1-01-2002.......  12-04-2002.....  6-04-2002......  2-04-2003......  S1646........  Drought, high winds, excessive            1         7
                                                                                                                                              heat (temperatures).
    GA.............................  Evans, Montgomery,  2-28-2002.......  2-28-2002......  6-17-2002......  2-18-2003......  S1647........  Freezing weather..................        4        11
                                      Tattnall, Toombs.
    NM.............................  Bernalillo,         1-01-2002.......  12-18-2002.....  6-17-2002......  2-18-2003......  S1648........  Drought...........................       29         4
                                      Catron, Cibola,
                                      Colfax, Curry, De
                                      Baca, Dona Ana,
                                      Grant, Guadalupe,
                                      Harding, Hidalgo,
                                      Lea, Lincoln,
                                      Luna, McKinley,
                                      Mora, Quay, Rio
                                      Arriba,
                                      Roosevelt, San
                                      Juan, San Miguel,
                                      Sandoval, Santa
                                      Fe, Sierra,
                                      Socorro, Taos,
                                      Torrance, Union,
                                      Valencia.
    WY.............................  Campbell..........  1-01-2001.......  12-18-2002.....  6-17-2002......  2-18-2003......  S1649........  Drought...........................        1         5
    MT.............................  ..................  1-01-2001.......  12-18-2002.....  6-17-2002......  2-18-2003......  S1649........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    NE.............................  Arthur, Box Butte,  10-01-2001......  12-20-2003.....  6-20-2002......  2-20-2003......  S1650........  Drought, unseasonably cold spring        10        22
                                      Franklin, Garden,                                                                                       temperatures, high winds, frost.
                                      Harlan, Kearney,
                                      Lincoln, Logan,
                                      McPherson,
                                      Morrill.
    KS.............................  ..................  10-01-2001......  12-20-2003.....  6-20-2002......  2-20-2003......  S1650........  Drought, unseasonably cold spring   .......         3
                                                                                                                                              temperatures, high winds, frost.
    UT.............................  Entire State......  1-01-2002.......  1-02-2003......  7-01-2002......  3-03-2003......  S1651........  Drought, Mormon crickets,                29  ..........
                                                                                                                                              grasshoppers, frost, hail, high
                                                                                                                                              winds.
    AZ.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  1-02-2003......  7-01-2002......  3-03-2003......  S1651........  Drought, Mormon crickets,           .......         4
                                                                                                                                              grasshoppers, frost, hail, high
                                                                                                                                              winds.
    CO.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  1-02-2003......  7-01-2002......  3-03-2003......  S1651........  Drought, Mormon crickets,           .......         8
                                                                                                                                              grasshoppers, frost, hail, high
                                                                                                                                              winds.
    ID.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  1-02-2003......  7-01-2002......  3-03-2003......  S1651........  Drought, Mormon crickets,           .......         4
                                                                                                                                              grasshoppers, frost, hail, high
                                                                                                                                              winds.
    NM.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  1-02-2003......  7-01-2002......  3-03-2003......  S1651........  Drought, Mormon crickets,           .......         1
                                                                                                                                              grasshoppers, frost, hail, high
                                                                                                                                              winds.
    NV.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  1-02-2003......  7-01-2002......  3-03-2003......  S1651........  Drought, Mormon crickets,           .......         3
                                                                                                                                              grasshoppers, frost, hail, high
                                                                                                                                              winds.
    WY.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  1-02-2003......  7-01-2002......  3-03-2003......  S1651........  Drought, Mormon crickets,           .......         3
                                                                                                                                              grasshoppers, frost, hail, high
                                                                                                                                              winds.
    AZ.............................  Tohono O'Odham      1-01-2001.......  1-12-2003......  7-12-2002......  3-12-2003......  S1652........  Drought...........................        3  ..........
                                      Nation (located
                                      in 3 southern AZ
                                      counties).
    VA.............................  Brunswick,          4-15-2001.......  1-13-2003......  7-12-2002......  3-12-2003......  S1653........  Drought...........................        5        15
                                      Buckingham,
                                      Cumberland,
                                      Fluvanna, Louisa.
    NC.............................  ..................  4-15-2001.......  1-13-2003......  7-12-2002......  3-12-2003......  S1653........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    CA.............................  San Diego.........  1-30-2002.......  3-04-2002......  7-12-2002......  3-12-2003......  S1654........  Fire, wind, drought, freezing             1         3
                                                                                                                                              conditions.
    TX.............................  Willacy...........  1-01-2002.......  1-12-2003......  7-12-2002......  3-12-2003......  S1655........  Drought, high winds, heat.........        1         3
    MI.............................  Allegan, Antrim,    4-21-2002.......  5-31-2002......  7-15-2002......  3-17-2003......  S1656........  (1) Frost, freezing temperatures,        26        24
                                      Benzie, Berrien,                                                                                        wind.
                                      Cass, Genesee,                                                                                         (2) Cold temperatures, hail, wet
                                      Grand Traverse,                                                                                         weather.
                                      Ingham, Ionia,                                                                                         (3) Frost, freezing temperatures..
                                      Jackson,
                                      Kalamazoo, Kent,
                                      Lapeer, Leelanau,
                                      Livingston,
                                      Macomb, Manistee,
                                      Mason, Muskegon,
                                      Newaygo, Oakland,
                                      Oceana, Ottawa,
                                      St. Clair,
                                      Shiawassee, Van
                                      Buren.
    IN.............................  ..................  4-21-2002.......  5-31-2002......  7-15-2002......  3-17-2003......  S1656........  (1) Frost, freezing temperatures,   .......         3
                                                                                                                                              wind.
                                                                                                                                             (2) Cold temperatures, hail, wet
                                                                                                                                              weather.
                                                                                                                                             (3) Frost, freezing temperatures..
    CA.............................  Glenn.............  3-08-2002.......  3-24-2002......  7-01-2002......  3-03-2003......  S1657........  Freeze followed by hail...........        1         5
    AZ.............................  Navajo Nation       1-01-2002.......  1-02-2003......  7-02-2002......  3-03-2003......  S1658........  Drought...........................        3  ..........
                                      (located in
                                      several NE AZ, NW
                                      NM, and SE UT
                                      counties.
    NM.............................  Navajo Nation       1-01-2002.......  1-02-2003......  7-02-2002......  3-03-2003......  S1658........  Drought...........................        6  ..........
                                      (located in
                                      several NE AZ, NW
                                      NM, and SE UT
                                      counties.
    UT.............................  Navajo Nation       1-01-2002.......  1-02-2003......  7-02-2002......  3-03-2003......  S1658........  Drought...........................        1  ..........
                                      (located in
                                      several NE AZ, NW
                                      NM, and SE UT
                                      counties.
    CA.............................  Colusa............  3-08-2002.......  3-08-2002......  7-01-2002......  3-03-2003......  S1659........  Freeze, frost.....................        1         5
    NC.............................  Alleghany, Ashe,    5-19-2002.......  5-23-2002......  7-23-2002......  3-24-2003......  S1660........  Abnormally low temperatures;              6         7
                                      Avery, Mitchell,                                                                                        freezes.
                                      Watauga, Yancey.
    TN.............................  ..................  5-19-2002.......  5-23-2002......  7-23-2002......  3-24-2003......  S1660........  Abnormally low temperatures;        .......         3
                                                                                                                                              freezes.
    VA.............................  ..................  5-19-2002.......  5-23-2002......  7-23-2002......  3-24-2003......  S1660........  Abnormally low temperatures;        .......         1
                                                                                                                                              freezes.
    NC.............................  Alamance,           1-01-2002.......  1-23-2003......  7-23-2002......  3-24-2003......  S1661........  Drought...........................       54        18
                                      Alexander,
                                      Alleghany, Anson,
                                      Ashe, Burke,
                                      Cabarrus,
                                      Caldwell,
                                      Caswell, Catawba,
                                      Chatham,
                                      Cleveland,
                                      Cumberland,
                                      Davidson, Davie,
                                      Durham, Forsyth,
                                      Franklin, Gaston,
                                      Granville,
                                      Guilford,
                                      Halifax, Harnett,
                                      Hoke, Iredell,
                                      Johnston, Lee,
                                      Lincoln,
                                      McDowell,
                                      Mecklenburg,
                                      Montgomery,
                                      Moore, Nash,
                                      Northampton,
                                      Orange, Person,
                                      Randolph,
                                      Richmond,
                                      Robeson,
                                      Rockingham,
                                      Rowan,
                                      Rutherford,
                                      Scotland, Stanly,
                                      Stokes, Surry,
                                      Union, Vance,
                                      Wake, Warren,
                                      Wayne, Wilkes,
                                      Wilson, Yadkin.
    SC.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  1-23-2003......  7-23-2002......  3-24-2003......  S1661........  Drought...........................  .......         8
    TN.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  1-23-2003......  7-23-2002......  3-24-2003......  S1661........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    VA.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  1-23-2003......  7-23-2002......  3-24-2003......  S1661........  Drought...........................  .......        11
    GA.............................  Mitchell..........  4-03-2002.......  4-03-2002......  8-02-2002......  4-02-2003......  S1662........  Hailstorm.........................        1         7
    PA.............................  Erie..............  5-20-2002.......  5-22-2002......  8-07-2002......  4-07-2003......  S1663........  Severe frost, freezing conditions.        1         2
    NY.............................  ..................  5-20-2002.......  5-22-2002......  8-07-2002......  4-07-2003......  S1663........  Severe frost, freezing conditions.  .......         1
    OH.............................  ..................  5-20-2002.......  5-22-2002......  8-07-2002......  4-07-2003......  S1663........  Severe frost, freezing conditions.  .......         1
    MN.............................  Beltrami, Kittson,  6-28-2002.......  2-07-2003......  8-07-2002......  4-07-2003......  S1664........  Excessive rainfall, flash                13        11
                                      Koochiching, Lake                                                                                       flooding, hail.
                                      of the Woods,
                                      Mahnomen,
                                      Marshall, Norman,
                                      Pennington, Polk,
                                      Red Lake, Roseau.
    ND.............................  ..................  6-28-2002.......  2-07-2003......  8-07-2002......  4-07-2003......  S1664........  Excessive rainfall, flash           .......         5
                                                                                                                                              flooding, hail.
    VA.............................  Bedford, Orange,    1-01-2001.......  2-08-2003......  8-08-2002......  4-08-2003......  S1665........  Drought, excessive heat...........        3        20
                                      Rockbridge.
    SD.............................  Aurora, Brule,      7-01-2001.......  2-14-2003......  8-14-2002......  4-14-2003......  S1666........  Extreme heat, wind, late frosts,         52        12
                                      Buffalo, Butte,                                                                                         drought, fire.
                                      Campbell, Dewey,
                                      Edmunds, Faulk,
                                      Hand, Hughes,
                                      Hyde, Lyman,
                                      Pennington,
                                      Perkins, Potter,
                                      Stanley, Sully,
                                      Ziebach, Beadle.
                                      Bennett, Brown,
                                      Charles Mix,
                                      Davison, Day,
                                      Deuel, Fall
                                      River, Gregory,
                                      Hamlin, Hanson,
                                      Hutchinson,
                                      Jerauld, Jones,
                                      Marshall,
                                      Mellette,
                                      Shannon, Spink,
                                      Todd, Tripp,
                                      Yankton, Bon
                                      Homme, Clark,
                                      Corson, Douglas,
                                      Lake, McPherson,
                                      Miner, Sanborn,
                                      Walworth,
                                      Harding,
                                      Kingsbury,
                                      McCook, Meade.
    MN.............................  ..................  7-01-2001.......  2-14-2003......  8-14-2002......  4-14-2003......  S1666........  Extreme heat, wind, late frosts,    .......         3
                                                                                                                                              drought, fire.
    MT.............................  ..................  7-01-2001.......  2-14-2003......  8-14-2002......  4-14-2003......  S1666........  Extreme heat, wind, late frosts,    .......         2
                                                                                                                                              drought, fire.
    NE.............................  ..................  7-01-2001.......  2-14-2003......  8-14-2002......  4-14-2003......  S1666........  Extreme heat, wind, late frosts,    .......         8
                                                                                                                                              drought, fire.
    ND.............................  ..................  7-01-2001.......  2-14-2003......  8-14-2002......  4-14-2003......  S1666........  Extreme heat, wind, late frosts,    .......         8
                                                                                                                                              drought, fire.
    WY.............................  ..................  7-01-2001.......  2-14-2003......  8-14-2002......  4-14-2003......  S1666........  Extreme heat, wind, late frosts,    .......         3
                                                                                                                                              drought, fire.
    KS.............................  Barber, Cheyenne,   1-01-2002.......  2-14-2003......  8-14-2002......  4-14-2003......  S1667........  Drought, frost, excessive winds...       40        18
                                      Comanche,
                                      Decatur, Edwards,
                                      Ellsworth,
                                      Finney, Ford,
                                      Gove, Graham,
                                      Grant, Gray,
                                      Greeley,
                                      Hamilton,
                                      Hodgeman, Jewell,
                                      Kearny, Lane,
                                      Lincoln, Logan,
                                      Meade, Morton,
                                      Norton, Osborne,
                                      Pawnee, Phillips,
                                      Rawlins, Rooks,
                                      Russell, Scott,
                                      Seward, Sheridan,
                                      Sherman, Smith,
                                      Stanton, Stevens,
                                      Thomas, Trego,
                                      Wallace, Wichita.
    NE.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  2-14-2003......  8-14-2002......  4-14-2003......  S1667........  Drought, frost, excessive winds...  .......         3
    OK.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  2-14-2003......  8-14-2002......  4-14-2003......  S1667........  Drought, frost, excessive winds...  .......         5
    NE.............................  Blaine, Buffalo,    10-01-2001......  2-14-2003......  8-14-2002......  4-14-2003......  S1668........  Unseasonably cold spring                 11        21
                                      Cherry, Dawes,                                                                                          temperatures, drought, high
                                      Furnas, Gosper,                                                                                         winds, frost, extreme heat, hail,
                                      Grant, Hooker,                                                                                          grasshopper infestation.
                                      Phelps, Sheridan,
                                      Thomas.
    KS.............................  ..................  10-01-2001......  2-14-2003......  8-14-2002......  4-14-2003......  S1668........  Unseasonably cold spring            .......         3
                                                                                                                                              temperatures, drought, high
                                                                                                                                              winds, frost, extreme heat, hail,
                                                                                                                                              grasshopper infestation.
    SD.............................  ..................  10-01-2001......  2-14-2003......  8-14-2002......  4-14-2003......  S1668........  Unseasonably cold spring            .......         5
                                                                                                                                              temperatures, drought, high
                                                                                                                                              winds, frost, extreme heat, hail,
                                                                                                                                              grasshopper infestation.
    CA.............................  Riverside.........  2-01-2002.......  2-28-2002......  8-16-2002......  4-16-2003......  S1669........  Freezing conditions, followed by          1         4
                                                                                                                                              Santa Ana winds.
    AZ.............................  La Paz............  2-01-2002.......  2-28-2002......  8-16-2002......  4-16-2003......  S1669........  Freezing conditions, followed by    .......         1
                                                                                                                                              Santa Ana winds.
    CA.............................  Solano............  3-06-2002.......  3-10-2002......  8-16-2002......  4-16-2003......  S1670........  Hail, extreme freezing conditions.        1         6
    CO.............................  Arapahoe,           5-15-2001.......  2-16-2003......  8-16-2002......  4-16-2003......  S1643,         Drought...........................       13  ..........
                                      Cheyenne, Delta,                                                                         Amendment 1.
                                      Gunnison,
                                      Lincoln, Moffat,
                                      Montrose, Ouray,
                                      Park, Rio Blanco,
                                      Teller, Weld,
                                      Yuma.
    KS.............................  Wallace...........  5-15-2001.......  2-16-2003......  8-16-2002......  4-16-2003......  S1643,         Drought...........................  .......         1
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.
    NE.............................  Dundy.............  5-15-2001.......  2-16-2003......  8-16-2002......  4-16-2003......  S1643,         Drought...........................  .......         1
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.
    NY.............................  Chautauqua,         4-06-2002.......  5-27-2002......  8-16-2002......  4-16-2003......  S1671........  Various disasters for each county        14        24
                                      Columbia,                                                                                               including: Excessive rain,
                                      Dutchess, Essex,                                                                                        freeze, frost, hail, high winds,
                                      Greene, Orange,                                                                                         snow, wet weather.
                                      Rensselaer,
                                      Saratoga,
                                      Schenectady,
                                      Schoharie,
                                      Steuben, Ulster,
                                      Wayne, Yates.
    CT.............................  Fairfield.........  4-06-2002.......  5-27-2002......  8-16-2002......  4-16-2003......  S1671........  Excessive rain, freeze, frost,      .......         2
                                                                                                                                              hail, high winds, snow, wet
                                                                                                                                              weather.
    MA.............................  Litchfield........  4-06-2002.......  5-27-2002......  8-16-2002......  4-16-2003......  S1671........  Excessive rain, freeze, frost,      .......         1
                                                                                                                                              hail, high winds, snow, wet
                                                                                                                                              weather.
    PA.............................  Erie, Potter,       4-06-2002.......  5-27-2002......  8-16-2002......  4-16-2003......  S1671........  Excessive rain, freeze, frost,      .......         5
                                      Pike, Tioga,                                                                                            hail, high winds, snow, wet
                                      Warren.                                                                                                 weather.
    VT.............................  Addison,            4-06-2002.......  5-27-2002......  8-16-2002......  4-16-2003......  S1671........  Excessive rain, freeze, frost,      .......         3
                                      Bennington,                                                                                             hail, high winds, snow, wet
                                      Chittenden.                                                                                             weather.
    TX.............................  Duval, Live Oak...  12-01-2001......  2-16-2003......  8-16-2002......  4-16-2003......  S1672........  Drought, high winds...............        2        10
    TX.............................  Jim Wells, Kleberg  12-11-2001......  2-16-2003......  8-16-2002......  4-16-2003......  S1673........  Drought, high winds, excessive            2         6
                                                                                                                                              heat (temperatures).
    VA.............................  Grayson, Smyth,     5-19-2002.......  5-23-2002......  8-16-2002......  4-16-2003......  S1674........  Freeze............................        3         8
                                      Washington.
    NC.............................  Alleghany, Ashe,    5-19-2002.......  5-23-2002......  8-16-2002......  4-16-2003......  S1674........  Freeze............................  .......         3
                                      Surry.
    TN.............................  Johnson, Sullivan.  5-19-2002.......  5-23-2002......  8-16-2002......  4-16-2003......  S1674........  Freeze............................  .......         2
    TX.............................  Gillespie, Karnes.  1-01-2002.......  2-21-2003......  8-20-2002......  4-21-2003......  S1675........  Drought...........................        2        13
    IA.............................  Clayton, Clinton,   6-03-2002.......  6-07-2002......  8-22-2002......  4-22-2003......  S1676........  Severe storms, heavy rains,               6         8
                                      Delaware,                                                                                               flooding, flash flooding.
                                      Jackson, Jones,
                                      Scott.
    IL.............................  ..................  6-03-2002.......  6-07-2002......  8-22-2002......  4-22-2003......  S1676........  Severe storms, heavy rains,         .......         4
                                                                                                                                              flooding, flash flooding.
    WI.............................  ..................  6-03-2002.......  6-07-2002......  8-22-2002......  4-22-2003......  S1676........  Severe storms, heavy rains,         .......         2
                                                                                                                                              flooding, flash flooding.
    ND.............................  Adams, Barnes,      4-01-2002.......  2-22-2003......  8-22-2002......  4-22-2003......  S1677........  Drought, fire, insects, above and        51         2
                                      Benson, Billings,                                                                                       below normal temperatures, frost,
                                      Bottineau,                                                                                              severe storms, hail, flooding,
                                      Bowman, Burke,                                                                                          wind, crop disease.
                                      Burleigh, Cass,
                                      Cavalier, Dickey,
                                      Divide, Dunn,
                                      Eddy, Emmons,
                                      Foster, Golden
                                      Valley, Grand
                                      Forks, Grant,
                                      Griggs,
                                      Hettinger,
                                      Kidder, La Moure,
                                      Logan, McHenry,
                                      McIntosh,
                                      McKenzie, McLean,
                                      Mercer, Morton,
                                      Nelson, Oliver,
                                      Pembina, Pierce,
                                      Ramsey, Ransom,
                                      Renville,
                                      Richland,
                                      Rolette, Sargent,
                                      Sheridan, Sioux,
                                      Slope, Stark,
                                      Steele, Stutsman,
                                      Towner, Traill,
                                      Walsh, Ward,
                                      Wells.
    MN.............................  ..................  4-01-2002.......  2-22-2003......  8-22-2002......  4-22-2003......  S1677........  Drought, fire, insects, above and   .......         7
                                                                                                                                              below normal temperatures, frost,
                                                                                                                                              severe storms, hail, flooding,
                                                                                                                                              wind, crop disease.
    MT.............................  ..................  4-01-2002.......  2-22-2003......  8-22-2002......  4-22-2003......  S1677........  Drought, fire, insects, above and   .......         5
                                                                                                                                              below normal temperatures, frost,
                                                                                                                                              severe storms, hail, flooding,
                                                                                                                                              wind, crop disease.
    SD.............................  ..................  4-01-2002.......  2-22-2003......  8-22-2002......  4-22-2003......  S1677........  Drought, fire, insects, above and   .......         8
                                                                                                                                              below normal temperatures, frost,
                                                                                                                                              severe storms, hail, flooding,
                                                                                                                                              wind, crop disease.
    NE.............................  Adams, Antelope,    10-01-2001......  2-22-2003......  8-22-2002......  4-22-2003......  S1678........  Unseasonably cold spring                 56         6
                                      Boone, Boyd,                                                                                            temperatures, high winds, frost,
                                      Brown, Burt,                                                                                            extreme heat, hail, grasshopper
                                      Butler, Cass,                                                                                           infestation, drought.
                                      Cedar, Clay,
                                      Colfax, Cuming,
                                      Dakota, Dixon,
                                      Dodge, Douglas,
                                      Fillmore, Gage,
                                      Garfield,
                                      Greeley, Hall,
                                      Hamilton, Holt,
                                      Howard,
                                      Jefferson,
                                      Johnson, Keya
                                      Paha, Knox,
                                      Lancaster, Loup,
                                      Madison, Merrick,
                                      Nance, Nemaha,
                                      Nuckolls, Otoe,
                                      Pawnee, Pierce,
                                      Platte, Polk,
                                      Richardson, Rock,
                                      Saline, Sarpy,
                                      Saunders, Seward,
                                      Sherman, Stanton,
                                      Thayer, Thurston,
                                      Valley,
                                      Washington,
                                      Wayne, Webster,
                                      Wheeler, York.
    IA.............................  ..................  10-01-2001......  2-22-2003......  8-22-2002......  4-22-2003......  S1678........  Unseasonably cold spring            .......         6
                                                                                                                                              temperatures, drought, high
                                                                                                                                              winds, frost, extreme heat, hail,
                                                                                                                                              grasshopper infestation.
    KS.............................  ..................  10-01-2001......  2-22-2003......  8-22-2002......  4-22-2003......  S1678........  Unseasonably cold spring            .......         8
                                                                                                                                              temperatures, drought, high
                                                                                                                                              winds, frost, extreme heat, hail,
                                                                                                                                              grasshopper infestation.
    MO.............................  ..................  10-01-2001......  2-22-2003......  8-22-2002......  4-22-2003......  S1678........  Unseasonably cold spring            .......         2
                                                                                                                                              temperatures, drought, high
                                                                                                                                              winds, frost, extreme heat, hail,
                                                                                                                                              grasshopper infestation.
    SD.............................  ..................  10-01-2001......  2-22-2003......  8-22-2002......  4-22-2003......  S1678........  Unseasonably cold spring            .......         8
                                                                                                                                              temperatures, drought, high
                                                                                                                                              winds, frost, extreme heat, hail,
                                                                                                                                              grasshopper infestation.
    OK.............................  Alfalfa, Beaver,    8-01-2001.......  2-23-2003......  8-22-2002......  4-22-2003......  S1679........  Drought...........................       30         9
                                      Beckham, Blaine,
                                      Caddo, Canadian,
                                      Cimarron,
                                      Comanche, Cotton,
                                      Custer, Dewey,
                                      Ellis, Garfield,
                                      Grady, Grant,
                                      Greer, Harmon,
                                      Harper, Jackson,
                                      Jefferson, Kiowa,
                                      Kingfisher,
                                      Major, Roger
                                      Mills, Stephens,
                                      Texas, Tillman,
                                      Washita, Woods,
                                      Woodward.
    KS.............................  ..................  8-01-2001.......  2-23-2003......  8-22-2002......  4-22-2003......  S1679........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    TX.............................  ..................  8-01-2001.......  2-23-2003......  8-22-2002......  4-22-2003......  S1679........  Drought...........................  .......        13
    KS.............................  Crawford, Ford,     5-07-2002.......  5-26-2002......  8-22-2002......  4-22-2003......  S1680........  Severe storms including, hail,            6        22
                                      Jewell, Kiowa,                                                                                          high winds, tornadoes, excessive
                                      Neosho, Pratt.                                                                                          rain, flash flooding, flooding,
                                                                                                                                              lightning.
    MO.............................  ..................  5-07-2002.......  5-26-2002......  8-22-2002......  4-22-2003......  S1680........  Severe storms including, hail,      .......         3
                                                                                                                                              high winds, tornadoes, excessive
                                                                                                                                              rain, flash flooding, flooding,
                                                                                                                                              lightning.
    NE.............................  ..................  5-07-2002.......  5-26-2002......  8-22-2002......  4-22-2003......  S1680........  Severe storms including, hail,      .......         2
                                                                                                                                              high winds, tornadoes, excessive
                                                                                                                                              rain, flash flooding, flooding,
                                                                                                                                              lightning.
    WY.............................  Lincoln, Uinta....  1-01-2002.......  3-11-2003......  9-11-2002......  5-12-2003......  S1681........  Drought...........................        2         2
    ID.............................  ..................  1-01-2002.......  3-11-2003......  9-11-2002......  5-12-2003......  S1681........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    MO.............................  Adair,              3-01-2002.......  3-20-2003......  9-20-2002......  5-20-2003......  S1682........  Hail, tornadoes, high winds,             14        41
                                      Bollinger,Cape                                                                                          flooding, unseasonably cool
                                      Girardeau,                                                                                              temperatures.
                                      Charlton, Howard,
                                      Knox, Laclede,
                                      Lafayette,
                                      Lincoln, Macon,
                                      Madison,
                                      Moniteau, Scott,
                                      Wayne.
    IL.............................  ..................  3-01-2002.......  3-20-2003......  9-20-2002......  5-20-2003......  S1682........  Excessive rain, flooding..........  .......         3
    OH.............................  Auglaize,           3-01-2002.......  5-31-2002......  9-20-2002......  5-20-2003......  S1683........  Frost, freeze, hail, tornado......        9        35
                                      Fairfield,
                                      Morgan,
                                      Muskingum, Perry,
                                      Portage, Ross,
                                      Summit, Wood.
    VA.............................  Carroll...........  5-19-2002.......  5-23-2002......  9-20-2002......  5-20-2003......  S1684........  Freeze, frost conditions..........        1         6
    NC.............................  ..................  5-19-2002.......  5-23-2002......  9-20-2002......  5-20-2003......  S1684........  Freeze, frost conditions..........  .......         1
    WA.............................  Chelan, Douglas,    4-23-2002.......  5-07-2002......  9-20-2002......  5-20-2003......  S1685........  Freezing temperatures.............        3         8
                                      Okanogan.
    KS.............................  Clark, Clay,        1-01-2002.......  3-18-2003......  9-18-2002......  5-19-2003......  S1686........  Drought...........................        8         9
                                      Geary, Mitchell,
                                      Pottawatomie,
                                      Riley, Rush,
                                      Saline.
    OR.............................  Wasco.............  9-01-2001.......  3-18-2003......  9-18-2002......  5-19-2003......  S1687........  Drought...........................        1         7
    WA.............................  ..................  9-01-2001.......  3-18-2003......  9-18-2002......  5-19-2003......  S1687........  Drought...........................        1         1
    NY.............................  Albany, Clinton,    4-15-2002.......  5-22-2002......  9-18-2002......  5-19-2003......  S1688........  Albany: Freeze, frost, excessive          3         9
                                      Erie.                                                                                                   rain; Clinton: freeze; Erie:
                                                                                                                                              Freeze, frost.
    VT.............................  Albany, Clinton,    4-15-2002.......  5-22-2002......  9-18-2002......  5-19-2003......  S1688........  Albany: Freeze, frost, excessive          3         2
                                      Erie.                                                                                                   rain; Clinton: freeze; Erie:
                                                                                                                                              Freeze, frost.
    TN.............................  Carter, Johnson,    4-01-2002.......  3-18-2003......  9-18-2002......  5-19-2003......  S1689........  Flooding, frost, freeze, cold             6        14
                                      Lauderdale,                                                                                             wind, low temperatures, drought,
                                      Morgan, Scott,                                                                                          high temperatures.
                                      Shelby.
    AR.............................  ..................  4-01-2002.......  3-18-2003......  9-18-2002......  5-19-2003......  S1689........  Flooding, frost, freeze, cold       .......         2
                                                                                                                                              wind, low temperatures, drought,
                                                                                                                                              high temperatures.
    KY.............................  ..................  4-01-2002.......  3-18-2003......  9-18-2002......  5-19-2003......  S1689........  Flooding, frost, freeze, cold       .......         2
                                                                                                                                              wind, low temperatures, drought,
                                                                                                                                              high temperatures.
    MS.............................  ..................  4-01-2002.......  3-18-2003......  9-18-2002......  5-19-2003......  S1689........  Flooding, frost, freeze, cold       .......         2
                                                                                                                                              wind, low temperatures, drought,
                                                                                                                                              high temperatures.
    TX.............................  Matagorda.........  2-01-2002.......  6-20-2002......  9-26-2002......  5-26-2003......  S1690........  Drought...........................        1         4
    TX.............................  Jim Hogg..........  1-01-2002.......  3-26-2003......  9-26-2002......  5-26-2003......  S1691........  Drought, high temperatures, high          1         5
                                                                                                                                              winds.
    TX.............................  Edwards...........  1-01-2002.......  3-26-2003......  9-26-2002......  5-26-2003......  S1692........  Drought, excessive temperatures...        1         7
                                                                                                                                                                                --------------------
          TOTAL ACTIVE.............  ..................  ................  ...............  ...............  ...............  .............  ..................................     1363      1995
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND PROGRAMS BRANCH (EPPB) DISASTER DESIGNATION REQUESTS: FINAL TOTAL--SECRETARIAL
                                                                   [Fiscal Year 2003--Secretarial Designations for Production Losses]
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Beginning Date   Ending Date of    Approved by      Termination     Designation
                  State                Counties requested    of disaster        disaster        Secretary          Date           Number           Description of disaster       Primary  Contiguous
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    VT..............................  Essex, Franklin,     4-01-2001......  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1620,          Drought..........................        6         6
                                       Grand Isle,                                                                             Amendment 1.
                                       Lamoille, Windham,
                                       Windsor.
    TN..............................  Dyer...............  5-10-2002......  5-25-2002......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1689,          Flooding.........................        1         3
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.
    MO..............................  ...................  5-10-2002......  5-25-2002......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1689,          .................................  .......         1
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.
    OH..............................  ENTIRE STATE.......  3-01-2002......  4-09-2003......  10-09-2002.....  6-09-2003.....  S1693.........  Drought..........................       88  ..........
    IN..............................  ...................  3-01-2002......  4-09-2003......  10-09-2002.....  6-09-2003.....  S1693.........  Drought..........................  .......        10
    KY..............................  ...................  3-01-2002......  4-09-2003......  10-09-2002.....  6-09-2003.....  S1693.........  Drought..........................  .......         9
    MI..............................  ...................  3-01-2002......  4-09-2003......  10-09-2002.....  6-09-2003.....  S1693.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    PA..............................  ...................  3-01-2002......  4-09-2003......  10-09-2002.....  6-09-2003.....  S1693.........  Drought..........................  .......         5
    WV..............................  ...................  3-01-2002......  4-09-2003......  10-09-2002.....  6-09-2003.....  S1693.........  Drought..........................  .......        12
    PA..............................  Adams, Allegheny,    1-01-2002......  4-11-2003......  10-11-2002.....  6-11-2003.....  S1694.........  Drought..........................       54        11
                                       Armstrong, Beaver,
                                       Bedford, Berks,
                                       Blair, Bradford,
                                       Bucks, Butler,
                                       Cambria, Cameron,
                                       Carbon, Centre,
                                       Chester,
                                       Clearfield,
                                       Clinton, Columbia,
                                       Cumberland,
                                       Dauphin, Elk,
                                       Forest, Franklin,
                                       Fulton,
                                       Huntingdon,
                                       Indiana, Juniata,
                                       Lackawanna,
                                       Lancaster,
                                       Lawrence, Lebanon,
                                       Lehigh, Luzerne,
                                       Lycoming, McKean,
                                       Mifflin, Monroe,
                                       Montgomery,
                                       Montour,
                                       Northampton,
                                       Northumberland,
                                       Perry, Pike,
                                       Potter,
                                       Schuylkill,
                                       Snyder, Somerset,
                                       Sullivan,
                                       Susquehanna,
                                       Union, Venango,
                                       Wayne, Wyoming,
                                       York.
    DE..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-11-2003......  10-11-2002.....  6-11-2003.....  S1694.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    MD..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-11-2003......  10-11-2002.....  6-11-2003.....  S1694.........  Drought..........................  .......         8
    NJ..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-11-2003......  10-11-2002.....  6-11-2003.....  S1694.........  Drought..........................  .......         5
    NY..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-11-2003......  10-11-2002.....  6-11-2003.....  S1694.........  Drought..........................  .......         9
    OH..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-11-2003......  10-11-2002.....  6-11-2003.....  S1694.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    WV..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-11-2003......  10-11-2002.....  6-11-2003.....  S1694.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    GA..............................  Entire State except  1-01-2002......  4-11-2003......  10-11-2002.....  6-11-2003.....  S1695.........  Drought..........................      147        10
                                       for Bibb, Camden,
                                       Crawford, Early,
                                       Evans, Glynn,
                                       Liberty, Long,
                                       McIntosh, Peach,
                                       Tattnall, Wayne
                                       counties.
    AL..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-11-2003......  10-11-2002.....  6-11-2003.....  S1695.........  Drought..........................  .......        11
    FL..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-11-2003......  10-11-2002.....  6-11-2003.....  S1695.........  Drought..........................  .......         9
    NC..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-11-2003......  10-11-2002.....  6-11-2003.....  S1695.........  Drought..........................  .......         4
    SC..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-11-2003......  10-11-2002.....  6-11-2003.....  S1695.........  Drought..........................  .......        10
    TN..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-11-2003......  10-11-2002.....  6-11-2003.....  S1695.........  Drought..........................  .......         4
    GA..............................  Bibb, Crawford,      1-01-2002......  4/31/03........  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1695,          Drought..........................        4  ..........
                                       Early, Peach.                                                                           Amendment 1.
    GA..............................  Evans..............  1-01-2002......  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1695,          Drought..........................        1  ..........
                                                                                                                               Amendment 2.
    OR..............................  Gilliam, Morrow....  9-01-2000......  4-16-2003......  10-16-2002.....  6-16-2003.....  S1696.........  Drought..........................        2         2
    WA..............................  ...................  9-01-2000......  4-16-2003......  10-16-2002.....  6-16-2003.....  S1696.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    AR..............................  Arkansas, Clay,      3-18-2002......  4-16-2003......  10-16-2002.....  6-16-2003.....  S1697.........  Excessive rain, flooding, hail...       17        18
                                       Craighead,
                                       Crittenden, Cross,
                                       Greene,
                                       Independence,
                                       Jefferson,
                                       Lawrence, Lee,
                                       Mississippi,
                                       Monroe, Poinsett,
                                       Randolph, St.
                                       Francis,
                                       Sebastian,
                                       Woodruff.
    MO..............................  ...................  3-18-2002......  4-16-2003......  10-16-2002.....  6-16-2003.....  S1697.........  Excessive rain, flooding, hail...  .......         4
    MS..............................  ...................  3-18-2002......  4-16-2003......  10-16-2002.....  6-16-2003.....  S1697.........  Excessive rain, flooding, hail...  .......         2
    OK..............................  ...................  3-18-2002......  4-16-2003......  10-16-2002.....  6-16-2003.....  S1697.........  Excessive rain, flooding, hail...  .......         2
    TN..............................  ...................  3-18-2002......  4-16-2003......  10-16-2002.....  6-16-2003.....  S1697.........  Excessive rain, flooding, hail...  .......         4
    NJ..............................  Atlantic, Bergen,    3-04-2002......  4-17-2003......  10-17-2002.....  6-17-2003.....  S1698.........  Drought, excessive temperatures..       19         2
                                       Burlington,
                                       Camden, Cape May,
                                       Cumberland, Essex,
                                       Gloucester,
                                       Hunterdon, Mercer,
                                       Middlesex,
                                       Monmouth, Morris,
                                       Ocean, Passaic,
                                       Salem, Somerset,
                                       Sussex, Warren.
    DE..............................  ...................  3-04-2002......  4-17-2003......  10-17-2002.....  6-17-2003.....  S1698.........  Drought, excessive temperatures..  .......         3
    NY..............................  ...................  3-04-2002......  4-17-2003......  10-17-2002.....  6-17-2003.....  S1698.........  Drought, excessive temperatures..  .......         6
    DE..............................  Entire State.......  1-01-2002......  4-17-2003......  10-17-2002.....  6-17-2003.....  S1699.........  Drought, high temperatures.......        3  ..........
    NJ..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-17-2003......  10-17-2002.....  6-17-2003.....  S1699.........  Drought, high temperatures.......  .......         4
    PA..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-17-2003......  10-17-2002.....  6-17-2003.....  S1699.........  Drought, high temperatures.......  .......         2
    IL..............................  Alexander, Bond,     1-01-2002......  4-17-2003......  10-17-2002.....  6-17-2003.....  S1700.........  Drought..........................       58        22
                                       Boone, Calhoun,
                                       Clark, Clay,
                                       Clinton, Coles,
                                       Cook, Crawford,
                                       Cumberland,
                                       DeKalb, Dupage,
                                       Edgar, Edwards,
                                       Effingham,
                                       Fayette, Franklin,
                                       Gallatin, Greene,
                                       Grundy, Hamilton,
                                       Hardin, Jackson,
                                       Jasper, Jefferson,
                                       Jersey, Johnson,
                                       Kane, Kendall,
                                       Lake, LaSalle,
                                       Lawrence, Lee,
                                       Madison, Marion,
                                       Massac, McHenry,
                                       Monroe,
                                       Montgomery, Ogle,
                                       Perry, Piatt,
                                       Pope, Pulaski,
                                       Randolph,
                                       Richland, Saline,
                                       Scott, Shelby, St.
                                       Clair, Union,
                                       Wabash, Washington
                                       , Wayne, White,
                                       Will, Williamson.
    IN..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-17-2003......  10-17-2002.....  6-17-2003.....  S1700.........  Drought..........................  .......         7
    KY..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-17-2003......  10-17-2002.....  6-17-2003.....  S1700.........  Drought..........................  .......         5
    MO..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-17-2003......  10-17-2002.....  6-17-2003.....  S1700.........  Drought..........................  .......        11
    WI..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-17-2003......  10-17-2002.....  6-17-2003.....  S1700.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    MD..............................  Anne Arundel,        1-01-2002......  4-17-2003......  10-17-2002.....  6-17-2003.....  S1701.........  Drought, excessive heat..........       21         2
                                       Baltimore,
                                       Calvert, Caroline,
                                       Carroll, Cecil,
                                       Charles,
                                       Dorchester,
                                       Frederick,
                                       Harford, Howard,
                                       Kent, Montgomery,
                                       Prince George's,
                                       Queen Anne's, St.
                                       Mary's, Somerset,
                                       Talbot,
                                       Washington,
                                       Wicomico,
                                       Worchester.
    DE..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-17-2003......  10-17-2002.....  6-17-2003.....  S1701.........  Drought, excessive heat..........  .......         3
    PA..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-17-2003......  10-17-2002.....  6-17-2003.....  S1701.........  Drought, excessive heat..........  .......         5
    VA..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-17-2003......  10-17-2002.....  6-17-2003.....  S1701.........  Drought, excessive heat..........  .......        10
    WV..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-17-2003......  10-17-2002.....  6-17-2003.....  S1701.........  Drought, excessive heat..........  .......         3
    IN..............................  Adams, Allen,        6-01-2002......  8-25-2002......  10-18-2002.....  6-18-2003.....  S1702.........  Drought..........................       74        13
                                       Bartholomew,
                                       Blackford, Brown,
                                       Clark, Clay,
                                       Crawford, Daviess,
                                       Dearborn, Decatur,
                                       DeKalb, Delaware,
                                       Dubois, Elkhart,
                                       Fayette, Floyd,
                                       Franklin, Fulton,
                                       Gibson, Grant,
                                       Greene, Hamilton,
                                       Hancock, Harrison,
                                       Henry, Huntington,
                                       Jackson, Jay,
                                       Jefferson,
                                       Jennings, Johnson,
                                       Knox, Kosciusko,
                                       Lagrange, Lake,
                                       LaPorte, Lawrence,
                                       Madison, Marion,
                                       Marshall, Martin,
                                       Monroe, Morgan,
                                       Noble, Ohio,
                                       Orange, Owen,
                                       Perry, Pike,
                                       Porter, Posey,
                                       Randolph, Ripley,
                                       Rush, Scott,
                                       Shelby, Spencer,
                                       St. Joseph,
                                       Starke, Steuben,
                                       Sullivan ,
                                       Switzerland,
                                       Tipton, Union,
                                       Vanderburg,
                                       Vermillion, Vigo,
                                       Wabash, Warrick,
                                       Washington, Wayne,
                                       Wells, Whitley.
    IL..............................  ...................  6-01-2002......  8-25-2002......  10-18-2002.....  6-18-2003.....  S1702.........  Drought..........................  .......        11
    KY..............................  ...................  6-01-2002......  8-25-2002......  10-18-2002.....  6-18-2003.....  S1702.........  Drought..........................  .......        12
    MI..............................  ...................  6-01-2002......  8-25-2002......  10-18-2002.....  6-18-2003.....  S1702.........  Drought..........................  .......         5
    AL..............................  All counties         1-01-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1703.........  Drought..........................       59         7
                                       except, Baldwin,
                                       Clarke, Escambia,
                                       Lamar, Marion,
                                       Mobile,
                                       Washington,
                                       Winston.
    FL..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1703.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    MS..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1703.........  Drought..........................  .......         8
    TN..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1703.........  Drought..........................  .......         6
    AL..............................  Baldwin, Clarke,     1-01-2002......  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1703,          Drought..........................        8  ..........
                                       Escambia, Lamar,                                                                        Amendment 1.
                                       Marion, Mobile,
                                       Washington,
                                       Winston.
    LA..............................  Ascension,           4-02-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1704.........  Drought..........................       43        18
                                       Avoyelles,
                                       Beauregard,
                                       Bienville,
                                       Bossier, Caddo,
                                       Caldwell,
                                       Catahoula,
                                       Claiborne,
                                       Concordia, DeSoto,
                                       East Baton Rouge,
                                       East Feliciana,
                                       Franklin, Grant,
                                       Iberville,
                                       Jackson,
                                       Lafourche,
                                       LaSalle, Lincoln,
                                       Livingston,
                                       Natchitoches,
                                       Ouachita, Pointe
                                       Coupee, Rapides,
                                       Red River,
                                       Richland, Sabine,
                                       St. Helena, St.
                                       James, St. Landry,
                                       St. Tammany,
                                       Tangipahoa,
                                       Tensas,
                                       Terrebonne, Union,
                                       Vernon,
                                       Washington,
                                       Webster, West
                                       Baton Rouge, West
                                       Carroll, West
                                       Feliciana, Winn.
    AR..............................  ...................  4-02-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1704.........  Drought..........................  .......         6
    MS..............................  ...................  4-02-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1704.........  Drought..........................  .......        11
    TX..............................  ...................  4-02-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1704.........  Drought..........................  .......         7
    IA..............................  Adams, Audubon,      9-01-2001......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1705.........  Drought, high winds, cold spring        18        19
                                       Cass, Clay,                                                                                             temperatures, grasshopper
                                       Decatur,                                                                                                infestation, extreme heat, hail.
                                       Dickinson,
                                       Fremont, Harrison,
                                       Lyon, Mills,
                                       Monona,
                                       Montgomery,
                                       O'Brien, Page,
                                       Palo Alto,
                                       Pottawattamie,
                                       Shelby, Taylor.
    MN..............................  ...................  9-01-2001......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1705.........  .................................  .......         3
    MO..............................  ...................  9-01-2001......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1705.........  .................................  .......         4
    SD..............................  ...................  9-01-2001......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1705.........  .................................  .......         2
    TX..............................  Andrews, Aransas,    1-01-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1706.........  Drought, excessive temperatures..      122        58
                                       Archer, Armstrong,
                                       Atascosa, Bailey,
                                       Bandera, Baylor,
                                       Bee, Bexar.
                                       Blanco, Bosque,
                                       Brewster, Briscoe,
                                       Burnet, Cameron,
                                       Carson, Castro,
                                       Clay, Cochran,
                                       Coke, Coleman,
                                       Comal, Coryell,
                                       Cottle, Crane,
                                       Crockett, Crosby,
                                       Culberson, Dallam,
                                       Dawson, Deaf
                                       Smith, DeWitt,
                                       Dickens, Dimmit,
                                       Donley, Ector, El
                                       Paso, Erath,
                                       Fisher, Floyd,
                                       Frio, Gaines,
                                       Goliad, Gonzales,
                                       Gray, Guadalupe,
                                       Hale, Hall,
                                       Hamilton,
                                       Hansford, Hartley,
                                       Hays, Hemphill,
                                       Hockley, Hood,
                                       Hudspeth,
                                       Hutchinson, Irion,
                                       Jack, Jeff Davis,
                                       Johnson, Jones,
                                       Kendall, Kenedy,
                                       Kent, Kerr,
                                       Kimble, King,
                                       Kinney, Knox, La
                                       Salle, Lamb,
                                       Lampasas,
                                       Lipscomb, Llano,
                                       Lynn, Mason,
                                       McCulloch,
                                       McMullen, Medina,
                                       Midland, Mills,
                                       Montague, Moore,
                                       Motley, Nueces,
                                       Ochiltree, Oldham,
                                       Palo Pinto,
                                       Parker, Parmer,
                                       Potter, Randall,
                                       Reagan, Real,
                                       Refugio, Roberts,
                                       San Patricio, San
                                       Saba, Scurry,
                                       Shackelford,
                                       Sherman,
                                       Somervell,
                                       Sterling,
                                       Stonewall,
                                       Swisher, Tarrant,
                                       Taylor, Terrell,
                                       Throckmorton,
                                       Travis, Upton,
                                       Uvalde, Val Verde,
                                       Ward, Wichita,
                                       Wilson, Winkler,
                                       Wise, Yoakum,
                                       Young.
    NM..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1706.........  Drought, excessive temperatures..  .......         8
    OK..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1706.........  Drought, excessive temperatures..  .......         9
    VA..............................  Appomattox,          1-01-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1707.........  Drought, excessive heat..........       39        41
                                       Augusta, Bedford,
                                       Bland, Botetourt,
                                       Buckingham,
                                       Campbell,
                                       Caroline, Craig,
                                       Cumberland, Floyd,
                                       Franklin,
                                       Goochland, Greene,
                                       Hanover, Henry,
                                       King And Queen,
                                       King George, King
                                       William,
                                       Lunenburg,
                                       Madison,
                                       Mecklenburg,
                                       Middlesex,
                                       Montgomery,
                                       Nelson, New Kent,
                                       Nottoway, Page,
                                       Pittsylvania,
                                       Powhatan, Prince
                                       William, Richmond,
                                       Rockingham,
                                       Spotsylvania,
                                       Stafford, Suffolk
                                       city, Surry,
                                       Westmoreland,
                                       Wythe.
    MD..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1707.........  .................................  .......         2
    NC..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1707.........  .................................  .......         8
    WV..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1707.........  .................................  .......         4
    KS..............................  Clark, Finney,       6-09-2002......  7-05-2002......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1708.........  Hail, high winds, tornadoes,             7        21
                                       Norton, Phillips,                                                                                       excessive rain, flash flooding,
                                       Reno, Rice, Rooks.                                                                                      flooding, lightning.
    NE..............................  ...................  6-09-2002......  7-05-2002......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1708.........  Hail, high winds, tornadoes,       .......         3
                                                                                                                                               excessive rain, flash flooding,
                                                                                                                                               flooding, lightning.
    OK..............................  ...................  6-09-2002......  7-05-2002......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1708.........  Hail, high winds, tornadoes,       .......         2
                                                                                                                                               excessive rain, flash flooding,
                                                                                                                                               flooding, lightning.
    NH..............................  Entire State.......  6-01-2001......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1709.........  Drought..........................       10  ..........
    MA..............................  ...................  6-01-2001......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1709.........  Drought..........................  .......         4
    ME..............................  ...................  6-01-2001......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1709.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    VT..............................  ...................  6-01-2001......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1709.........  Drought..........................  .......         5
    RI..............................  Entire State.......  10-01-2001.....  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1710.........  Drought..........................        5  ..........
    CT..............................  ...................  10-01-2001.....  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1710.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    MA..............................  ...................  10-01-2001.....  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1710.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    KY..............................  Entire State.......  1-01-2002......  4-24-2003......  10-24-2002.....  6-24-2003.....  S1711.........  Drought..........................  .......  ..........
    IL..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-24-2003......  10-24-2002.....  6-24-2003.....  S1711.........  Drought..........................  .......         6
    IN..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-24-2003......  10-24-2002.....  6-24-2003.....  S1711.........  Drought..........................  .......        13
    MO..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-24-2003......  10-24-2002.....  6-24-2003.....  S1711.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    TN..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-24-2003......  10-24-2002.....  6-24-2003.....  S1711.........  Drought..........................  .......        14
    VA..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-24-2003......  10-24-2002.....  6-24-2003.....  S1711.........  Drought..........................  .......         4
    WV..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-24-2003......  10-24-2002.....  6-24-2003.....  S1711.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    SD..............................  Custer, Jackson,     7-01-2001......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1712.........  Drought, extreme heat, winds,            3  ..........
                                       Lawrence.                                                                                               late frosts, fire.
    NV..............................  Entire State.......  1-01-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1713.........  Drought, Mormon crickets,               17  ..........
                                                                                                                                               grasshoppers.
    CA..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1713.........  Drought, Mormon crickets,          .......        10
                                                                                                                                               grasshoppers.
    ID..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1713.........  Drought, Mormon crickets,          .......         2
                                                                                                                                               grasshoppers.
    OR..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1713.........  Drought, Mormon crickets,          .......         3
                                                                                                                                               grasshoppers.
    NV..............................  Entire State.......  1-01-2001......  4-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1713,          Severe Insect infestations.......       17  ..........
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.
    ID..............................  Adams, Bannock,      1-01-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1714.........  Drought..........................       13        12
                                       Blaine, Boise,
                                       Bonneville,
                                       Caribou, Clark,
                                       Fremont, Gem,
                                       Lincoln, Owyhee,
                                       Valley, Washington.
    MT..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1714.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    NV..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1714.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    OR..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-21-2003......  10-21-2002.....  6-23-2003.....  S1714.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    ID..............................  Bingham, Jefferson,  1-01-2002......  6-04-2003......  12-04-2002.....  8-04-2003.....  S1714,          Drought..........................        3  ..........
                                       Madison.                                                                                Amendment 1.
    KS..............................  Allen, Anderson,     1-01-2002......  4-25-2003......  10-25-2002.....  6-25-2002.....  S1715.........  Drought..........................       54         3
                                       Atchison, Barton,
                                       Bourbon, Brown,
                                       Butler, Chase,
                                       Cherokee, Cloud,
                                       Coffey, Cowley,
                                       Crawford,
                                       Dickinson,
                                       Doniphan, Douglas,
                                       Ells, Ellis,
                                       Franklin,
                                       Greenwood, Harper,
                                       Harvey, Haskell,
                                       Jackson,
                                       Jefferson,
                                       Johnson, Kingman,
                                       Kiowa, Labette,
                                       Leavenworth, Line,
                                       Lyon, Marion,
                                       Marshall,
                                       McPherson, Miami,
                                       Morris, Nemaha,
                                       Neosho, Ness,
                                       Osage, Ottawa,
                                       Pratt, Reno,
                                       Republic, Rice,
                                       Sedgwick, Shawnee,
                                       Stafford,
                                       Wabaunsee,
                                       Washington,
                                       Wilson, Woodson,
                                       Wyandotte.
    MO..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-25-2003......  10-25-2002.....  6-25-2002.....  S1715.........  Drought..........................  .......        12
    OK..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-25-2003......  10-25-2002.....  6-25-2002.....  S1715.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    WY..............................  Converse, Goshen,    1-01-2002......  4-28-2003......  10-28-2002.....  6-30-2003.....  S1716.........  Drought..........................        7         5
                                       Niobrara, Platte,
                                       Sublette,
                                       Sweetwater, Weston.
    CO..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-28-2003......  10-28-2002.....  6-30-2003.....  S1716.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    NE..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-28-2003......  10-28-2002.....  6-30-2003.....  S1716.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    SD..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-28-2003......  10-28-2002.....  6-30-2003.....  S1716.........  Drought..........................  .......         4
    UT..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  4-28-2003......  10-28-2002.....  6-30-2003.....  S1716.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    WI..............................  Door...............  5-15-2002......  5-20-2002......  11-08-2002.....  7-08-2003.....  S1717.........  Frost, freezing temperatures.....        1         1
    MN..............................  Benton, Crow Wing,   4-01-2002......  7-10-2002......  11-15-2002.....  7-15-2003.....  S1718.........  Crow Wing, Jackson, Nobles, Rock:        6        12
                                       Jackson, Mille                                                                                          Drought Benton, Mille Lacs:
                                       Lacs, Nobles, Rock.                                                                                     Heavy rain, hail, flooding,
                                                                                                                                               severe thunderstorms.
    IA..............................  ...................  4-01-2002......  7-10-2002......  11-15-2002.....  7-15-2003.....  S1718.........  Crow Wing, Jackson, Nobles, Rock:  .......         4
                                                                                                                                               Drought Benton, Mille Lacs:
                                                                                                                                               Heavy rain, hail, flooding,
                                                                                                                                               severe thunderstorms.
    SD..............................  ...................  4-01-2002......  7-10-2002......  11-15-2002.....  7-15-2003.....  S1718.........  Crow Wing, Jackson, Nobles, Rock:  .......         2
                                                                                                                                               Drought Benton, Mille Lacs:
                                                                                                                                               Heavy rain, hail, flooding,
                                                                                                                                               severe thunderstorms.
    NY..............................  Albany, Allegany,    6-01-2002......  5-15-2003......  11-15-2002.....  7-15-2003.....  S1719.........  Drought..........................       41        15
                                       Broome,
                                       Cattaraugus,
                                       Cayuga,
                                       Chautauqua,
                                       Chenango, Clinton,
                                       Cortland,
                                       Delaware, Erie,
                                       Essex, Franklin,
                                       Fulton, Genesee,
                                       Herkimer,
                                       Jefferson, Lewis,
                                       Livingston,
                                       Madison, Monroe,
                                       Montgomery,
                                       Niagara, Oneida,
                                       Onondaga, Ontario,
                                       Orleans, Oswego,
                                       Otsego,
                                       Rensselaer,
                                       Rockland, St.
                                       Lawrence,
                                       Saratoga, Steuben,
                                       Suffolk, Sullivan,
                                       Warren,
                                       Washington, Wayne,
                                       Wyoming, Yates.
    CT..............................  ...................  6-01-2002......  5-15-2003......  11-15-2002.....  7-15-2003.....  S1719.........  Drought..........................  .......         4
    MA..............................  ...................  6-01-2002......  5-15-2003......  11-15-2002.....  7-15-2003.....  S1719.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    NJ..............................  ...................  6-01-2002......  5-15-2003......  11-15-2002.....  7-15-2003.....  S1719.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    PA..............................  ...................  6-01-2002......  5-15-2003......  11-15-2002.....  7-15-2003.....  S1719.........  Drought..........................  .......         8
    VT..............................  ...................  6-01-2002......  5-15-2003......  11-15-2002.....  7-15-2003.....  S1719.........  Drought..........................  .......         5
    CA..............................  Butte, Colusa,       1-01-2002......  5-18-2003......  11-18-2002.....  7-18-2003.....  S1720.........  Drought..........................       29        24
                                       Fresno, Glenn,
                                       Kern, Kings, Los
                                       Angeles, Merced,
                                       Monterey, Napa,
                                       Orange, Plumas,
                                       Riverside, San
                                       Benito, San
                                       Bernardino, San
                                       Joaquin, San Luis
                                       Obispo, Santa
                                       Barbara, Santa
                                       Clara, Shasta,
                                       Sierra, Solano,
                                       Sonoma,
                                       Stanislaus,
                                       Tehama, Tulare,
                                       Tuolumne, Ventura,
                                       Yolo.
    AZ..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  5-18-2003......  11-18-2002.....  7-18-2003.....  S1720.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    NC..............................  Avery, Bladen,       1-01-2002......  5-18-2003......  11-18-2002.....  7-18-2003.....  S1721.........  Drought..........................       31        27
                                       Brunswick,
                                       Buncombe,
                                       Cherokee, Clay,
                                       Columbus, Craven,
                                       Duplin, Edgecombe,
                                       Gates, Graham,
                                       Greene, Haywood,
                                       Henderson,
                                       Jackson, Jones,
                                       Lenoir, Macon,
                                       Madison, Martin,
                                       Mitchell, Pender,
                                       Pitt, Polk,
                                       Sampson, Swain,
                                       Transylvania,
                                       Washington,
                                       Watauga, Yancey.
    GA..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  5-18-2003......  11-18-2002.....  7-18-2003.....  S1721.........  Drought..........................  .......         4
    SC..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  5-18-2003......  11-18-2002.....  7-18-2003.....  S1721.........  Drought..........................  .......         6
    TN..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  5-18-2003......  11-18-2002.....  7-18-2003.....  S1721.........  Drought..........................  .......         9
    VA..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  5-18-2003......  11-18-2002.....  7-18-2003.....  S1721.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    NC..............................  Bertie, Chowan,      1-01-2002......  5-18-2003......  11-18-2002.....  7-18-2003.....  S1721,          Drought..........................        4         1
                                       Hertford,                                                                               Amendment 1.
                                       Perquimans.
    SD..............................  Codington, Turner..  7-01-2001......  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1722.........  Drought..........................        2         1
    WA..............................  Adams..............  5-01-2002......  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1723.........  Drought..........................        1         4
    NY..............................  Orleans............  4-14-2002......  6-16-2002......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1724.........  Excessive rain, freeze...........        1         3
    NY..............................  Chemung, Columbia,   5-15-2002......  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1724.........  Drought..........................       14        17
                                       Dutchess, Greene,
                                       Orange, Orleans,
                                       Putnam,
                                       Schenectady,
                                       Schoharie,
                                       Schuyler, Seneca,
                                       Tioga, Tompkins,
                                       Ulster,
                                       Westchester.
    CT..............................  ...................  5-15-2002......  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1724.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    MA..............................  ...................  5-15-2002......  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1724.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    NJ..............................  ...................  5-15-2002......  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1724.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    PA..............................  ...................  5-15-2002......  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1724.........  Drought..........................  .......         4
    MA..............................  Barnstable,          10-01-2001.....  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1725.........  Drought..........................       12         2
                                       Berkshire,
                                       Bristol, Dukes,
                                       Essex, Franklin,
                                       Hampden,
                                       Hampshire,
                                       Middlesex,
                                       Norfolk, Plymouth,
                                       Worcester.
    CT..............................  ...................  10-01-2001.....  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1725.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    NY..............................  ...................  10-01-2001.....  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1725.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    VT..............................  ...................  10-01-2001.....  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1725.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    OR..............................  Baker, Jefferson,    10-01-2000.....  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1726.........  Drought, colder than normal              3        11
                                       Umatilla.                                                                                               weather, frosts.
    WA..............................  ...................  10-01-2000.....  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1726.........  Drought, colder than normal        .......         5
                                                                                                                                               weather, frosts.
    TN..............................  Anderson, Bedford,   1-01-2002......  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1727.........  Drought, high temperatures, high        72        23
                                       Benton, Bledsoe,                                                                                        wind, hail.
                                       Blount, Bradley,
                                       Campbell, Cannon,
                                       Carroll, Carter,
                                       Chester,
                                       Claiborne, Clay,
                                       Coffee, Crockett,
                                       Cumberland, De
                                       Kalb, Dyer,
                                       Fentress,
                                       Franklin, Giles,
                                       Greene, Grundy,
                                       Hamilton, Hancock,
                                       Hardeman, Hardin,
                                       Hawkins, Haywood,
                                       Houston, Jackson,
                                       Jefferson,
                                       Johnson, Knox,
                                       Lake, Lauderdale,
                                       Lawrence, Lincoln,
                                       Loudon, McMinn,
                                       McNairy, Macon,
                                       Madison, Marshall,
                                       Maury, Meigs,
                                       Monroe, Moore,
                                       Obion, Overton,
                                       Pickett, Polk,
                                       Putnam, Rhea,
                                       Roane, Rutherford,
                                       Sevier, Shelby,
                                       Smith, Stewart,
                                       Sullivan, Sumner,
                                       Tipton, Trousdale,
                                       Unicoi, Union,
                                       Warren,
                                       Washington, Wayne,
                                       Weakley,
                                       Williamson, Wilson.
    AL..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1727.........  Drought, high temperatures, high   .......         4
                                                                                                                                               wind, hail.
    AR..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1727.........  Drought, high temperatures, high   .......         2
                                                                                                                                               wind, hail.
    GA..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1727.........  Drought, high temperatures, high   .......         6
                                                                                                                                               wind, hail.
    KY..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  5-21-2003......  11-21-2002.....  7-21-2003.....  S1727.........  Drought, high temperatures, high   .......        15
                                                                                                                                               wind, hail.
    TN..............................  Cocke..............  1-01-2002......  10-18-2002.....  12-13-2002.....  8-13-2002.....  S1727,          Drought, high temperatures, high         1  ..........
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.    wind, hail, spring flooding,
                                                                                                                                               late freezes.
    WA..............................  Franklin...........  9-01-2001......  5-27-2003......  11-27-2002.....  7-28-2003.....  S1728.........  (1) Drought, High winds,                 1         6
                                                                                                                                               excessive rainfall, hailstorms.
                                                                                                                                              (2) Freezing weather, high winds.
    SD..............................  Kingsbury..........  7-28-2002......  7-28-2002......  12-13-2002.....  8-13-2002.....  S1729.........  Hailstorm........................        1         7
    CT..............................  Entire State (8      10-01-2001.....  6-30-2003......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1730.........  Drought..........................        8  ..........
                                       counties).
    ID..............................  Bear Lake, Butte,    1-01-2002......  6-30-2003......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1731.........  Drought..........................        8         2
                                       Custer, Franklin,
                                       Lemhi, Oneida,
                                       Payette, Power.
    UT..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  6-30-2003......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1731.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    KS..............................  Meade, Rice........  8-12-2002......  8-13-2002......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1732.........  Hail, high winds, excessive rain,        2        10
                                                                                                                                               flash flooding, flooding.
    OK..............................  ...................  8-12-2002......  8-13-2002......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1732.........  Hail, high winds, excessive rain,  .......         1
                                                                                                                                               flash flooding, flooding.
    NY..............................  Allegany, Broome,    4-01-2002......  6-30-2002......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1733.........  Various disasters: Excessive            25        29
                                       Cattaraugus,                                                                                            Rain, Flash Flooding, Flooding,
                                       Cayuga, Clinton,                                                                                        Freeze, Frost , Hail, High
                                       Dutchess,                                                                                               Winds, Lightning, Tornado.
                                       Franklin,
                                       Jefferson,
                                       Madison, Niagara,
                                       Ontario, Orange,
                                       Otsego, Putnam,
                                       Rensselaer,
                                       Schuyler, Seneca,
                                       Steuben, Tioga,
                                       Tompkins, Ulster,
                                       Wayne,
                                       Westchester,
                                       Wyoming, Yates.
    CT..............................  ...................  4-24-2002......  5-31-2002......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1733.........  Various disasters: Excessive       .......         2
                                                                                                                                               Rain, Freeze, Frost , Hail, High
                                                                                                                                               Winds.
    MA..............................  ...................  6-05-2002......  6-05-2002......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1733.........  Various disasters: Excessive       .......         1
                                                                                                                                               Rain, High Winds, Lightning.
    NJ..............................  ...................  4-24-2002......  5-20-2002......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1733.........  Various disasters: Excessive       .......         3
                                                                                                                                               RainFreeze, Frost.
    PA..............................  ...................  4-01-2002......  6-30-2002......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1733.........  Various disasters: Excessive       .......         8
                                                                                                                                               Rain, Flash Flooding, Frost,
                                                                                                                                               Tornado.
    VT..............................  ...................  5-23-2002......  6-28-2002......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1733.........  Various disasters: Excessive       .......         3
                                                                                                                                               Rain, Flash Flooding, High
                                                                                                                                               Winds, Lightning.
    OK..............................  Choctaw, Creek,      5-01-2002......  6-30-2003......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1734.........  Drought..........................       16        14
                                       Haskell, Hughes,
                                       Latimer, LeFlore,
                                       McCurtain,
                                       McIntosh,
                                       Okfuskee,
                                       Okmulgee, Ottawa,
                                       Pittsburg,
                                       Pottawatomie,
                                       Pushmataha,
                                       Rogers, Tulsa.
    AR..............................  ...................  5-01-2002......  6-30-2003......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1734.........  Drought..........................  .......         5
    MO..............................  ...................  5-01-2002......  6-30-2003......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1734.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    TX..............................  ...................  5-01-2002......  6-30-2003......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1734.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    TX..............................  Runnels............  1-01-2002......  6-30-2003......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1735.........  Drought..........................        1  ..........
    WA..............................  Spokane............  4-23-2002......  6-08-2002......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1736.........  Freezing weather.................        1         4
    ID..............................  ...................  4-23-2002......  6-08-2002......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1736.........  Freezing weather.................  .......         3
    WA..............................  Whitman............  4-24-2002......  6-08-2002......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1737.........  Frost damage.....................        1         7
    ID..............................  ...................  4-24-2002......  6-08-2002......  12-30-2002.....  9-01-2003.....  S1737.........  Frost damage.....................  .......         3
    LA..............................  Beauregard,          9-16-2002......  7-15-2003......  1-15-2003......  9-15-2003.....  S1738.........  Excessive rainfall...............       20        19
                                       Calcasieu,
                                       Cameron,
                                       Catahoula,
                                       Concordia, DeSoto,
                                       East Carroll,
                                       Franklin, Grant,
                                       LaSalle, Madison,
                                       Morehouse,
                                       Natchitoches,
                                       Pointe Coupee, Red
                                       River, Richland,
                                       Tensas, Vernon,
                                       West Carroll, Winn.
    AR..............................  ...................  9-16-2002......  7-15-2003......  1-15-2003......  9-15-2003.....  S1738.........  Excessive rainfall...............  .......         3
    MS..............................  ...................  9-16-2002......  7-15-2003......  1-15-2003......  9-15-2003.....  S1738.........  Excessive rainfall...............  .......         6
    TX..............................  ...................  9-16-2002......  7-15-2003......  1-15-2003......  9-15-2003.....  S1738.........  Excessive rainfall...............  .......         5
    IA..............................  Clay, O'Brien,       9-30-2002......  7-15-2003......  1-15-2003......  9-15-2003.....  S1739.........  Severe storms, including, hail           3         9
                                       Sioux.                                                                                                  and high winds.
    SD..............................  Clay, O'Brien,       9-30-2002......  7-15-2003......  1-15-2003......  9-15-2003.....  S1739.........  Severe storms, including, hail     .......         2
                                       Sioux.                                                                                                  and high winds.
    MT..............................  BLACKFEET NATION--   6-07-2002......  6-12-2002......  1-15-2003......  9-15-2003.....  S1740.........  Heavy snow, wind, rain, blizzard         2  ..........
                                       (Glacier, Pondera                                                                                       conditions, flooding,
                                       Counties).                                                                                              unseasonably cold weather.
    SC..............................  Entire State.......  4-01-2002......  11-30-2002.....  1-15-2003......  9-15-2003.....  S1741.........  Drought..........................       46  ..........
    NC..............................  Entire State.......  4-01-2002......  11-30-2002.....  1-15-2003......  9-15-2003.....  S1741.........  Drought..........................  .......         9
    VA..............................  Albemarle, Amelia,   1-01-2002......  7-31-2003......  1-31-2003......  10-01-2003....  S1742.........  Drought, excessive heat..........       18        12
                                       Amherst, Campbell,
                                       Charlotte,
                                       Chesterfield,
                                       Culpeper,
                                       Dinwiddie, Essex,
                                       Fauquier, Halifax,
                                       Henrico, Isle of
                                       Wight, Louisa,
                                       Prince George,
                                       Pulaski, Scott,
                                       Warren.
    VA..............................  Accomack,            1-01-2002......  7-31-2003......  1-31-2003......  10-01-2003....  S1743.........  Drought, excessive heat..........       28         9
                                       Alleghany, Bath,
                                       Buchanan, Carroll,
                                       Charles City,
                                       Clarke, Dickenson,
                                       Giles, Gloucester,
                                       Grayson,
                                       Greensville, James
                                       City, Lancaster,
                                       Lee, Mathews,
                                       Northampton,
                                       Northumberland,
                                       Orange, Patrick,
                                       Rappahannock,
                                       Roanoke, Russell,
                                       Shenandoah, Smyth,
                                       Southampton,
                                       Tazewell, Wise.
    NC..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  7-31-2003......  1-31-2003......  10-01-2003....  S1743.........  Drought, excessive heat..........  .......         3
    WV..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  7-31-2003......  1-31-2003......  10-01-2003....  S1743.........  Drought, excessive heat..........  .......         4
    TN..............................  Cheatham, Decatur,   8-01-2002......  8-07-2003......  2-07-2003......  10-07-2003....  S1744.........  Armyworms, drought, excessive            9        42
                                       Gibson, Grainger,                                                                                       heat, excessive rain, moisture,
                                       Hamblen,                                                                                                flooding.
                                       Henderson,
                                       Montgomery, Van
                                       Buren, White.
    TN..............................  Bradley, Chester,    5-01-2002......  8-07-2003......  2-07-2003......  10-07-2003....  S1744.........  Armyworms, excessive rain,              13  ..........
                                       Haywood,                                                                                                moisture, flooding.
                                       Lauderdale,
                                       Madison, Marshall,
                                       Maury, McNairy,
                                       Obion, Polk,
                                       Shelby, Tipton,
                                       Weakley.
    AR..............................  ...................  8-01-2002......  8-07-2003......  2-07-2003......  10-07-2003....  S1744.........  Armyworms, excessive rain,         .......         2
                                                                                                                                               moisture, flooding.
    GA..............................  ...................  8-01-2002......  8-07-2003......  2-07-2003......  10-07-2003....  S1744.........  Armyworms, excessive rain,         .......         4
                                                                                                                                               moisture, flooding.
    KY..............................  ...................  8-01-2002......  8-07-2003......  2-07-2003......  10-07-2003....  S1744.........  Armyworms, excessive rain,         .......         4
                                                                                                                                               moisture, flooding.
    KY..............................  ...................  5-01-2002......  8-07-2003......  2-07-2003......  10-07-2003....  S1744.........  Armyworms, drought, excessive      .......         1
                                                                                                                                               heat, excessive rain, moisture,
                                                                                                                                               flooding.
    MS..............................  ...................  8-01-2002......  8-07-2003......  2-07-2003......  10-07-2003....  S1744.........  Armyworms, excessive rain,         .......         3
                                                                                                                                               moisture, flooding.
    NC..............................  ...................  8-01-2002......  8-07-2003......  2-07-2003......  10-07-2003....  S1744.........  Armyworms, excessive rain,         .......         1
                                                                                                                                               moisture, flooding.
    MO..............................  Andrew, Atchison,    6-01-2002......  8-07-2003......  2-07-2003......  10-07-2003....  S1745.........  Drought..........................       29        13
                                       Bates, Buchanan,
                                       Caldwell, Carroll,
                                       Cass, Cedar,
                                       Clinton, Daviess,
                                       DeKalb, Gentry,
                                       Grundy, Harrison,
                                       Henry, Holt,
                                       Jackson, Johnson,
                                       Linn, Livingston,
                                       Mercer, Nodaway,
                                       Platte, Putnam,
                                       Ray, Schuyler,
                                       Sullivan, Vernon,
                                       Worth.
    IA..............................  ...................  6-01-2002......  8-07-2003......  2-07-2003......  10-07-2003....  S1745.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    KS..............................  ...................  6-01-2002......  8-07-2003......  2-07-2003......  10-07-2003....  S1745.........  Drought..........................  .......         9
    NE..............................  ...................  6-01-2002......  8-07-2003......  2-07-2003......  10-07-2003....  S1745.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    PA..............................  Delaware, Fayette,   6-01-2002......  8-11-2003......  2-11-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1746.........  Drought..........................        5  ..........
                                       Greene, Tioga,
                                       Washington.
    NJ..............................  ...................  6-01-2002......  8-11-2003......  2-11-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1746.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    WV..............................  ...................  6-01-2002......  8-11-2003......  2-11-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1746.........  Drought..........................  .......         6
    WV..............................  Berkeley, Boone,     1-01-2002......  11-19-2002.....  2-13-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1747.........  Drought..........................       41        12
                                       Braxton, Brooke,
                                       Cabell, Calhoun,
                                       Clay, Doddridge,
                                       Gilmer, Grant,
                                       Greenbrier,
                                       Hampshire,
                                       Hancock, Harrison,
                                       Jackson, Kanawha,
                                       Lewis, Lincoln,
                                       Logan, Marshall,
                                       Mason, Mercer,
                                       Mineral, Mingo,
                                       Monroe, Morgan,
                                       Nicholas, Ohio,
                                       Pendleton,
                                       Pleasants,
                                       Pocahontas,
                                       Ritchie, Roane,
                                       Taylor, Tyler,
                                       Upshur, Wayne,
                                       Webster, Wetzel,
                                       Wirt, Wood.
    KY..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  11-19-2002.....  2-13-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1747.........  Drought..........................  .......         4
    OH..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  11-19-2002.....  2-13-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1747.........  Drought..........................  .......         8
    PA..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  11-19-2002.....  2-13-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1747.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    VA..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  11-19-2002.....  2-13-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1747.........  Drought..........................  .......         5
    MS..............................  Adams, Alcorn,       9-26-2003......  8-13-2003......  2-13-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1748.........  Tropical Storm Isidore; Hurricane       71        11
                                       Amite, Benton,                                                                                          Lili.
                                       Bolivar, Calhoun,
                                       Carroll,
                                       Chickasaw,
                                       Choctaw,
                                       Claiborne, Clay,
                                       Coahoma,
                                       Covington, De
                                       Soto, Forrest,
                                       Franklin, George,
                                       Greene, Grenada,
                                       Hancock, Harrison,
                                       Hinds, Holmes,
                                       Humphreys,
                                       Issaquena,
                                       Itawamba, Jackson,
                                       Jefferson,
                                       Jefferson Davis,
                                       Jones, Lafayette,
                                       Lawrence, Lee,
                                       Leflore, Lincoln,
                                       Lowndes, Madison,
                                       Marion, Marshall,
                                       Monroe, Newton,
                                       Noxubee,
                                       Oktibbeha, Panola,
                                       Pearl River,
                                       Perry, Pike,
                                       Pontotoc,
                                       Prentiss, Quitman,
                                       Rankin, Scott,
                                       Sharkey, Simpson,
                                       Stone, Sunflower,
                                       Tallahatchie,
                                       Tate, Tippah,
                                       Tishomingo,
                                       Tunica, Union,
                                       Walthall, Warren,
                                       Washington, Wayne,
                                       Webster,
                                       Wilkinson,
                                       Winston,
                                       Yalobusha, Yazoo.
    AL..............................  ...................  9-26-2003......  8-13-2003......  2-13-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1748.........  Tropical Storm Isidore; Hurricane  .......        10
                                                                                                                                               Lili.
    AR..............................  ...................  9-26-2003......  8-13-2003......  2-13-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1748.........  Tropical Storm Isidore; Hurricane  .......         6
                                                                                                                                               Lili.
    LA..............................  ...................  9-26-2003......  8-13-2003......  2-13-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1748.........  Tropical Storm Isidore; Hurricane  .......        10
                                                                                                                                               Lili.
    TN..............................  ...................  9-26-2003......  8-13-2003......  2-13-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1748.........  Tropical Storm Isidore; Hurricane  .......         5
                                                                                                                                               Lili.
    MS..............................  Attala, Clarke,      9-26-2003......  8-13-2003......  3-12-2003......  11-12-2003....  S1748,          Tropical Storm Isidore; Hurricane       11  ..........
                                       Copiah, Jasper,                                                                         Amendment 1.    Lili.
                                       Kemper, Lamar,
                                       Lauderdale, Leake,
                                       Montgomery,
                                       Neshoba.
    CA..............................  Inyo, Mono.........  12-01-2001.....  11-25-2002.....  2-13-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1749.........  Drought, fires...................        2  ..........
    MI..............................  (1) Alger, Baraga,   4-01-2002......  8-13-2003......  2-13-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1750.........  Excessive rainfall...............       14         3
                                       Chippewa, Delta,
                                       Dickinson,
                                       Gogebic, Houghton,
                                       Iron, Keweenaw,
                                       Luce, Mackinaw,
                                       Marquette,
                                       Ontonagon,
                                       Houghton,
                                       Schoolcraft;.
    MI..............................  (2) Barry, Berrien,  6-15-2002......  8-13-2003......  2-13-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1750.........  Drought..........................       19        10
                                       Branch, Calhoun,
                                       Cass, Eaton,
                                       Genesee,
                                       Hillsdale, Ingham,
                                       Jackson,
                                       Kalamazoo,
                                       Lenawee,
                                       Livingston,
                                       Monroe,
                                       Shiawassee, St.
                                       Joseph, Van Buren,
                                       Washtenaw, Wayne.
    WI..............................  ...................  6-15-2002......  8-13-2003......  2-13-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1750.........  Excessive rainfall...............  .......         5
    CA..............................  Humboldt...........  1-01-2002......  8-14-2003......  2-14-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1751.........  Drought..........................        1         4
    OR..............................  Coos, Crook, Curry,  9-01-2000......  8-14-2003......  2-14-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1752.........  Drought..........................        6         1
                                       Grant, Union,
                                       Wheeler.
    CA..............................  ...................  9-01-2000......  8-14-2003......  2-14-2003......  10-14-2003....  S1752.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    CA..............................  Lassen.............  1-01-2002......  8-24-2003......  2-24-2003......  10-24-2003....  S1753.........  Drought..........................        1  ..........
    OR..............................  Harney.............  10-01-2001.....  9-07-2003......  3-07-2003......  11-07-2003....  S1754.........  Drought..........................        1  ..........
    WA..............................  Benton.............  1-01-2002......  7-08-2002......  3-12-2003......  11-12-2003....  S1755.........  (1) Drought, freezing                    1         2
                                                                                                                                               temperatures, high winds.
                                                                                                                                              (2) High winds, excessive
                                                                                                                                               rainfall, hailstorms.
    OR..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  7-08-2002......  3-12-2003......  11-12-2003....  S1755.........  (1) Drought, freezing              .......         2
                                                                                                                                               temperatures, high winds.
                                                                                                                                              (2) High winds, excessive
                                                                                                                                               rainfall, hailstorms.
    TX..............................  Uvalde.............  2-26-2002......  3-04-2002......  3-12-2003......  11-12-2003....  S1756.........  Freeze, high winds...............        1         8
    TX..............................  Lubbock............  6-04-2002......  6-04-2002......  3-12-2003......  11-12-2003....  S1757.........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,..        1         8
                                                                                                                                              flooding, hail, high winds.......
    ME..............................  Entire State.......  1-01-2002......  9-12-2003......  3-12-2003......  11-12-2003....  S1758.........  Drought..........................       16  ..........
    GA..............................  Bacon, Banks,        9-01-2002......  1-14-2003......  3-12-2003......  11-12-2003....  S1759.........  Wet, unseasonably cool fall            118        40
                                       Barrow, Bartow,                                                                                         weather.
                                       Ben Hill, Bibb,
                                       Bleckley,
                                       Brantley, Bryan,
                                       Bulloch, Burke,
                                       Butts, Calhoun,
                                       Candler, Carroll,
                                       Catoosa,
                                       Chattooga, Clarke,
                                       Clay, Clayton,
                                       Colquitt, Cook,
                                       Coweta, Crawford,
                                       Crisp, Dade,
                                       Dawson, De Kalb,
                                       Decatur, Dodge,
                                       Dooly, Dougherty,
                                       Douglas, Early,
                                       Echols, Effingham,
                                       Elbert, Emanuel,
                                       Evans, Fayette,
                                       Floyd, Forsyth,
                                       Franklin, Fulton,
                                       Glascock, Gordon,
                                       Gwinnett,
                                       Habersham, Hall,
                                       Haralson, Hart,
                                       Henry, Houston,
                                       Jackson, Jeff
                                       Davis, Jefferson,
                                       Jenkins, Johnson,
                                       Lamar, Laurens,
                                       Liberty, Long,
                                       Lowndes, Lumpkin,
                                       Macon, Madison,
                                       Marion, McDuffie,
                                       Miller, Mitchell,
                                       Monroe,
                                       Montgomery,
                                       Morgan, Murray,
                                       Oconee,
                                       Oglethorpe,
                                       Paulding, Peach,
                                       Pierce, Pike,
                                       Polk, Pulaski,
                                       Quitman, Rabun,
                                       Randolph,
                                       Rockdale, Schley,
                                       Screven, Seminole,
                                       Spalding,
                                       Stephens, Stewart,
                                       Sumter, Tattnall,
                                       Taylor, Telfair,
                                       Terrell, Thomas,
                                       Tift, Towns,
                                       Treutlen, Troup,
                                       Turner, Twiggs,
                                       Upson, Walker,
                                       Walton, Ware,
                                       Warren,
                                       Washington, Wayne,
                                       Webster, Wheeler,
                                       White, Whitfield,
                                       Wilcox, Wilkinson,
                                       Worth.
    AL..............................  ...................  9-01-2002......  1-14-2003......  3-12-2003......  11-12-2003....  S1759.........  Wet, unseasonably cool fall        .......        10
                                                                                                                                               weather.
    FL..............................  ...................  9-01-2002......  1-14-2003......  3-12-2003......  11-12-2003....  S1759.........  Wet, unseasonably cool fall        .......         8
                                                                                                                                               weather.
    NC..............................  ...................  9-01-2002......  1-14-2003......  3-12-2003......  11-12-2003....  S1759.........  Wet, unseasonably cool fall        .......         3
                                                                                                                                               weather.
    SC..............................  ...................  9-01-2002......  1-14-2003......  3-12-2003......  11-12-2003....  S1759.........  Wet, unseasonably cool fall        .......         9
                                                                                                                                               weather.
    TN..............................  ...................  9-01-2002......  1-14-2003......  3-12-2003......  11-12-2003....  S1759.........  Wet, unseasonably cool fall        .......         4
                                                                                                                                               weather.
    TN..............................  Giles, Hardeman,     7-01-2002......  2-05-2003......  3-12-2003......  11-12-2003....  S1760.........  (1) Drought......................        6        18
                                       Lawrence, Marion,                                                                                      (2) Excessive rain...............
                                       Sequatchie, Wayne.
    AL..............................  ...................  7-01-2002......  2-05-2003......  3-12-2003......  11-12-2003....  S1760.........  Excessive rain...................  .......         2
    MS..............................  ...................  7-01-2002......  2-05-2003......  3-12-2003......  11-12-2003....  S1760.........  Excessive rain...................  .......         3
    AZ..............................  Yuma...............  1-01-2001......  9-12-2003......  3-12-2003......  11-12-2003....  S1761.........  Drought..........................        1         3
    CA..............................  ...................  1-01-2001......  9-12-2003......  3-12-2003......  11-12-2003....  S1761.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    OR..............................  Lake, Malheur......  9-01-2001......  9-21-2003......  3-21-2003......  11-21-2003....  S1762.........  Drought..........................        2         2
    SD..............................  Brookings, Clay....  5-01-2002......  12-31-2002.....  3-21-2003......  11-21-2003....  S1763.........  Drought..........................        2         6
    CA..............................  Del Norte, Marin...  1-01-2001......  9-21-2003......  3-21-2003......  11-21-2003....  S1764.........  Drought..........................        2  ..........
    VA..............................  Highland,            1-01-2002......  9-26-2003......  3-26-2003......  11-26-2003....  S1765.........  Drought, excessive heat..........        2  ..........
                                       Chesapeake city
                                       (i).
    AR..............................  (1) Baxter, Benton,  7-01-2002......  12-31-2002.....  4-03-2003......  12-03-2003....  S1766.........  (1) Drought......................       75  ..........
                                       Boone, Calhoun,                                                                                        (2) Excessive rain...............
                                       Carroll, Clark,
                                       Clay, Cleburne,
                                       Cleveland,
                                       Columbia, Conway,
                                       Crawford, Dallas,
                                       Faulkner,
                                       Franklin, Fulton,
                                       Garland, Grant,
                                       Hempstead, Hot
                                       Spring, Howard,
                                       Izard, Johnson,
                                       Lafayette, Little
                                       River, Logan,
                                       Madison, Marion,
                                       Miller,
                                       Montgomery,
                                       Nevada, Newton,
                                       Perry, Pike, Polk,
                                       Pope, Pulaski,
                                       Saline, Scott,
                                       Searcy, Sebastian,
                                       Sevier, Sharp,
                                       Stone, Union, Van
                                       Buren, Washington,
                                       Yell.
                                      (2) Arkansas,
                                       Ashley, Bradley,
                                       Chicot, Craighead,
                                       Crittenden, Cross,
                                       Desha, Drew,
                                       Greene,
                                       Independence,
                                       Jackson,
                                       Jefferson,
                                       Lawrence, Lee,
                                       Lincoln, Lonoke,
                                       Mississippi,
                                       Monroe, Ouachita,
                                       Phillips,
                                       Poinsett, Prairie,
                                       Randolph, St.
                                       Francis, White,
                                       Woodruff.
    LA..............................  ...................  12-31-2002.....  4-03-2003......  12-03-2003.....  12-03-2003....  S1766.........  Excessive rain...................  .......         4
    MO..............................  ...................  12-31-2002.....  4-03-2003......  12-03-2003.....  12-03-2003....  S1766.........  Drought..........................  .......         9
    MS..............................  ...................  12-31-2002.....  4-03-2003......  12-03-2003.....  12-03-2003....  S1766.........  Excessive rain...................  .......         4
    OK..............................  ...................  12-31-2002.....  4-03-2003......  12-03-2003.....  12-03-2003....  S1766.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    TX..............................  ...................  12-31-2002.....  4-03-2003......  12-03-2003.....  12-03-2003....  S1766.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    IL..............................  Cass, De Witt,       6-01-2002......  10-09-2003.....  4-09-2003......  12-09-2003....  S1767.........  Drought..........................        7        23
                                       Mason, Moultrie,
                                       Pike, Stephenson,
                                       Winnebago.
    MO..............................  ...................  6-01-2002......  10-09-2003.....  4-09-2003......  12-09-2003....  S1767.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    WI..............................  ...................  6-01-2002......  10-09-2003.....  4-09-2003......  12-09-2003....  S1767.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    TX..............................  Bastrop, Brazos,     1-01-2002......  10-24-2003.....  4-24-2003......  12-26-2003....  S1768.........  Drought, excessive rain, heat....       21        49
                                       Camp, Collin,
                                       Dallas, Denton,
                                       Ellis, Falls,
                                       Fayette,
                                       Freestone, Hill,
                                       Jackson, Kaufman,
                                       Lavaca, Lee,
                                       Limestone, Milam,
                                       Navarro, Rockwall,
                                       Washington,
                                       Williamson.
    CA..............................  Alpine, Amador,      1-01-2001......  12-31-2002.....  4-28-2003......  12-29-2003....  S1769.........  Drought..........................        4  ..........
                                       Sacramento, Yuba.
    CA..............................  Lake...............  3-15-2002......  12-31-2002.....  4-28-2003......  12-29-2003....  S1770.........  Drought..........................        1  ..........
    CA..............................  Tehama.............  12-13-2002.....  12-27-2002.....  4-30-2003......  12-30-2003....  S1771.........  Saturated ground, high wind......        1         6
    CA..............................  Sutter.............  12-13-2002.....  12-16-2002.....  4-30-2003......  12-30-2003....  S1772.........  Rain, wind.......................        1         6
    CA..............................  El Dorado, Placer..  1-01-2002......  12-31-2002.....  4-30-2003......  12-30-2003....  S1773.........  Drought..........................        2  ..........
    FL..............................  Bay, Calhoun,        10-14-2002.....  10-29-2002.....  4-30-2003......  12-30-2003....  S1774.........  Exceptionally heavy rainfall from       12         3
                                       Escambia, Gadsden,                                                                                      three frontal systems.
                                       Gulf, Holmes,
                                       Jackson, Liberty,
                                       Okaloosa, Santa
                                       Rosa, Walton,
                                       Washington.
    AL..............................  ...................  10-14-2002.....  10-29-2002.....  4-30-2003......  12-30-2003....  S1774.........  Exceptionally heavy rainfall from  .......         5
                                                                                                                                               three frontal systems.
    GA..............................  ...................  10-14-2002.....  10-29-2002.....  4-30-2003......  12-30-2003....  S1774.........  Exceptionally heavy rainfall from  .......         3
                                                                                                                                               three frontal systems.
    TN..............................  Fayette, Henry,      7-02-2002......  2-14-2003......  4-30-2003......  12-30-2003....  S1775.........  Drought, flooding, excessive rain        6        15
                                       Humphreys,
                                       Hickman, Lewis,
                                       Perry.
    KY..............................  ...................  7-02-2002......  2-14-2003......  4-30-2003......  12-30-2003....  S1775.........  Drought, flooding, excessive rain  .......         2
    MS..............................  ...................  7-02-2002......  2-14-2003......  4-30-2003......  12-30-2003....  S1775.........  Drought, flooding, excessive rain  .......         2
    WA..............................  Okanogan...........  5-01-2002......  10-30-2003.....  4-30-2003......  12-30-2003....  S1776.........  Drought..........................        1         7
    WA..............................  Grant, Yakima......  10-01-2001.....  10-30-2002.....  4-30-2003......  12-30-2003....  S1777.........  Adverse weather conditions,              2        12
                                                                                                                                               resulting in Western Yellow
                                                                                                                                               Blight.
    CA..............................  Alameda, Contra      1-01-2002......  12-31-2002.....  5-01-2003......  1-02-2004.....  S1778.........  Drought..........................        3  ..........
                                       Costa, Sutter.
    WV..............................  Barbour, Fayette,    1-01-2002......  11-19-2002.....  5-09-2003......  1-09-2004.....  S1779.........  Drought..........................       10  ..........
                                       Hardy, Jefferson,
                                       Marion,
                                       Monongalia,
                                       Putnam, Raleigh,
                                       Summers, Wyoming.
    NE..............................  Adams, Arthur,       7-01-2002......  11-14-2003.....  5-14-2003......  1-14-2004.....  S1780.........  Drought, extreme heat,                  53         9
                                       Banner, Blaine,                                                                                         grasshopper infestation, high
                                       Box Butte, Boyd,                                                                                        winds.
                                       Brown, Buffalo,
                                       Chase, Cherry,
                                       Cheyenne, Custer,
                                       Dawes, Dawson,
                                       Deuel, Dundy,
                                       Franklin,
                                       Frontier, Furnas,
                                       Garden, Garfield,
                                       Gosper, Grant,
                                       Greeley, Hall,
                                       Harlan, Hayes,
                                       Hitchcock, Holt,
                                       Hooker, Howard,
                                       Kearney, Keith,
                                       Keya Paha,
                                       Kimball, Lincoln,
                                       Logan, Loup,
                                       McPherson,
                                       Morrill, Nuckolls,
                                       Perkins, Phelps,
                                       Red Willow, Rock,
                                       Scotts Bluff,
                                       Sheridan, Sherman,
                                       Sioux, Thomas,
                                       Valley, Webster,
                                       Wheeler.
    CO..............................  ...................  7-01-2002......  11-14-2003.....  5-14-2003......  1-14-2004.....  S1780.........  Drought, extreme heat,             .......         5
                                                                                                                                               grasshopper infestation, high
                                                                                                                                               winds.
    KS..............................  ...................  7-01-2002......  11-14-2003.....  5-14-2003......  1-14-2004.....  S1780.........  Drought, extreme heat,             .......         8
                                                                                                                                               grasshopper infestation, high
                                                                                                                                               winds.
    SD..............................  ...................  7-01-2002......  11-14-2003.....  5-14-2003......  1-14-2004.....  S1780.........  Drought, extreme heat,             .......         7
                                                                                                                                               grasshopper infestation, high
                                                                                                                                               winds.
    WY..............................  ...................  7-01-2002......  11-14-2003.....  5-14-2003......  1-14-2004.....  S1780.........  Drought, extreme heat,             .......         3
                                                                                                                                               grasshopper infestation, high
                                                                                                                                               winds.
    TX..............................  Robertson, Van       1-01-2001......  2-12-2003......  5-22-2003......  1-22-2004.....  S1781.........  Flooding, excessive temperatures.        2         3
                                       Zandt.
    WA..............................  Asotin, Chelan,      1-01-2002......  11-22-2003.....  5-22-2003......  1-22-2004.....  S1782.........  Drought..........................       14        17
                                       Columbia, Douglas,
                                       Garfield, Grant,
                                       Klickitat, Lewis,
                                       Lincoln, Pend
                                       Oreille, Spokane,
                                       Stevens, Walla
                                       Walla, Whitman.
    ID..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  11-22-2003.....  5-22-2003......  1-22-2004.....  S1782.........  Drought..........................  .......         6
    OR..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  11-22-2003.....  5-22-2003......  1-22-2004.....  S1782.........  Drought..........................  .......         7
    WA..............................  (1) Benton,          1-01-2002......  11-22-2003.....  5-22-2003......  1-22-2004.....  S1783.........  (1) Severe cold temperatures;....        8        17
                                       Columbia,                                                                                              (2) Drought......................
                                       Franklin, Spokane,
                                       Walla Walla,
                                       Whatcom, Yakima;.
                                      (2) Ferry, Yakima..
    ID..............................  ...................  10-12-2002.....  11-06-2002.....  5-22-2003......  1-22-2004.....  S1783.........  Severe cold......................  .......         3
    OR..............................  ...................  10-12-2002.....  11-06-2002.....  5-22-2003......  1-22-2004.....  S1783.........  Severe cold......................  .......         3
    WI..............................  Door, Kewaunee.....  4-01-2002......  11-22-2003.....  5-22-2003......  1-22-2004.....  S1784.........  Exceptionally cold, wet                  2         2
                                                                                                                                               conditions in spring, followed
                                                                                                                                               by warmer and dryer conditions
                                                                                                                                               through the growing season.
    CA..............................  Trinity............  1-01-2002......  11-30-2002.....  6-03-2003......  2-03-2004.....  S1785.........  Drought..........................        1         2
    NC..............................  Beaufort, Camden,    4-01-2002......  12-03-2003.....  6-03-2003......  2-03-2004.....  S1786.........  (1) Excessive rainfall...........        9        15
                                       Cartaret,                                                                                              (2) Drought (New Hanover, Onslow
                                       Currituck, Hyde,                                                                                        Only).
                                       New Hanover,
                                       Onslow, Pamlico,
                                       Pasquotank.
    VA..............................  ...................  4-01-2002......  12-03-2003.....  6-03-2003......  2-03-2004.....  S1786.........  Excessive rainfall...............  .......         3
    WI..............................  Kenosha, Racine,     6-01-2002......  12-03-2003.....  6-03-2003......  2-03-2004.....  S1787.........  Drought..........................        4         5
                                       Rock, Walworth.
    IL..............................  ...................  6-01-2002......  12-03-2003.....  6-03-2003......  2-03-2004.....  S1787.........  Drought..........................  .......         4
    HI..............................  Hawaii.............  1-01-2001......  12-31-2002.....  6-03-2003......  2-03-2004.....  S1788.........  Drought..........................        1  ..........
    WA..............................  Clark, Cowlitz,      6-01-2002......  11-30-2002.....  6-23-2003......  2-23-2004.....  S1789.........  Cool, wet weather, followed by           4         4
                                       Skamania,                                                                                               hot, dry weather.
                                       Wahkiakum.
    OR..............................  ...................  6-01-2002......  11-30-2002.....  6-23-2003......  2-23-2004.....  S1789.........  Cool, wet weather, followed by     .......         4
                                                                                                                                               hot, dry weather.
    AR..............................  Stone..............  3-25-2003......  3-25-2003......  6-27-2003......  2-27-2004.....  S1790.........  Hail.............................        1         6
    UT..............................  Entire State.......  1-01-2003......  12-27-2003.....  6-27-2003......  2-27-2004.....  S1791.........  Drought: Very low snow pack             29  ..........
                                                                                                                                               combined with low soil moisture.
    AZ..............................  ...................  1-01-2003......  12-27-2003.....  6-27-2003......  2-27-2004.....  S1791.........  Drought: Very low snow pack        .......         4
                                                                                                                                               combined with low soil moisture.
    CO..............................  ...................  1-01-2003......  12-27-2003.....  6-27-2003......  2-27-2004.....  S1791.........  Drought: Very low snow pack        .......         8
                                                                                                                                               combined with low soil moisture.
    ID..............................  ...................  1-01-2003......  12-27-2003.....  6-27-2003......  2-27-2004.....  S1791.........  Drought: Very low snow pack        .......         4
                                                                                                                                               combined with low soil moisture.
    NM..............................  ...................  1-01-2003......  12-27-2003.....  6-27-2003......  2-27-2004.....  S1791.........  Drought: Very low snow pack        .......         1
                                                                                                                                               combined with low soil moisture.
    NV..............................  ...................  1-01-2003......  12-27-2003.....  6-27-2003......  2-27-2004.....  S1791.........  Drought: Very low snow pack        .......         3
                                                                                                                                               combined with low soil moisture.
    WY..............................  ...................  1-01-2003......  12-27-2003.....  6-27-2003......  2-27-2004.....  S1791.........  Drought: Very low snow pack        .......         3
                                                                                                                                               combined with low soil moisture.
    TX..............................  Waller.............  10-01-2002.....  11-30-2002.....  6-27-2003......  2-27-2004.....  S1792.........  Excessive rain...................        1         6
    TX..............................  San Saba...........  3-29-2003......  3-29-2003......  6-27-2003......  2-27-2004.....  S1793.........  Freeze...........................        1         7
    TX..............................  Calhoun,             1-01-2002......  12-27-2003.....  6-27-2003......  2-27-2004.....  S1794.........  Drought, low humidity............       11        35
                                       Collingsworth,
                                       Concho, Glasscock,
                                       Hardeman, Howard,
                                       Jackson, Mitchell,
                                       Tom Green,
                                       Victoria,
                                       Wilbarger.
    OK..............................  ...................  1-01-2002......  12-27-2003.....  6-27-2003......  2-27-2004.....  S1794.........  Drought, low humidity............  .......         4
    TX..............................  Martin.............  1-01-2002......  12-27-2003.....  6-27-2003......  2-27-2004.....  S1795.........  Drought, high winds..............        1         7
    CA..............................  San Diego..........  11-25-2002.....  1-08-2003......  7-01-2003......  3-01-2004.....  S1796.........  Damaging Santa Ana Winds.........        1         3
    CO..............................  Baca, Bent, Elbert,  9-01-2000......  1-15-2004......  7-15-2003......  3-15-2004.....  S1797.........  Drought..........................        6        10
                                       Kiowa, Lincoln,
                                       Prowers.
    KS..............................  ...................  9-01-2000......  1-15-2004......  7-15-2003......  3-15-2004.....  S1797.........  Drought..........................  .......         4
    NM..............................  ...................  9-01-2000......  1-15-2004......  7-15-2003......  3-15-2004.....  S1797.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    OK..............................  ...................  9-01-2000......  1-15-2004......  7-15-2003......  3-15-2004.....  S1797.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    TX..............................  Williamson.........  7-01-2002......  12-31-2002.....  7-15-2003......  3-15-2004.....  S1798.........  Excessive rain, flooding.........        1         6
    CA..............................  Glenn..............  12-13-2002.....  12-27-2002.....  8-01-2003......  4-01-2004.....  S1799.........  Rain, saturated soil, high winds.        1         3
    CA..............................  Contra Costa.......  3-16-2003......  5-15-2003......  8-06-2003......  4-06-2004.....  S1800.........  (1) Hailstorm....................        1
                                                                                                                                              (2) Rain.........................
    VA..............................  Amelia.............  5-09-2003......  5-09-2003......  8-29-2003......  4-29-2004.....  S1801.........  Tornado, excessive rain, large           1         6
                                                                                                                                               hail.
    OH..............................  Adams, Allen,        5-01-2003......  2-29-2004......  8-29-2003......  4-29-2004.....  S1802.........  Excessive rain, flooding, hail,         70        14
                                       Ashland,                                                                                                high wind, tornado damage.
                                       Ashtabula, Athens,
                                       Auglaize, Brown,
                                       Butler, Carroll,
                                       Clark, Clermont,
                                       Clinton,
                                       Columbiana,
                                       Coshocton,
                                       Crawford,
                                       Cuyahoga, Darke,
                                       Delaware, Erie,
                                       Fairfield,
                                       Fayette, Franklin,
                                       Gallia, Geauga,
                                       Greene, Hamilton,
                                       Hancock, Hardin,
                                       Highland, Hocking,
                                       Holmes, Huron,
                                       Jackson, Knox,
                                       Lake, Lawrence,
                                       Licking, Logan,
                                       Lorain, Mahoning,
                                       Marion, Medina,
                                       Meigs, Mercer,
                                       Miami, Montgomery,
                                       Morgan, Morrow,
                                       Muskingum,
                                       Paulding, Perry,
                                       Pickaway, Pike,
                                       Portage, Preble,
                                       Putnam, Richland,
                                       Ross, Sandusky,
                                       Scioto, Shelby,
                                       Summit, Trumbull,
                                       Tuscarawas, Union,
                                       Van Wert, Vinton,
                                       Warren,
                                       Washington,
                                       Wyandot.
    IN..............................  ...................  5-01-2003......  2-29-2004......  8-29-2003......  4-29-2004.....  S1802.........  Excessive rain, flooding, hail,    .......         8
                                                                                                                                               high wind, tornado damage.
    KY..............................  ...................  5-01-2003......  2-29-2004......  8-29-2003......  4-29-2004.....  S1802.........  Excessive rain, flooding, hail,    .......         9
                                                                                                                                               high wind, tornado damage.
    PA..............................  ...................  5-01-2003......  2-29-2004......  8-29-2003......  4-29-2004.....  S1802.........  Excessive rain, flooding, hail,    .......         5
                                                                                                                                               high wind, tornado damage.
    WV..............................  ...................  5-01-2003......  2-29-2004......  8-29-2003......  4-29-2004.....  S1802.........  Excessive rain, flooding, hail,    .......         8
                                                                                                                                               high wind, tornado damage.
    AZ..............................  Entire State.......  1-01-2003......  2-29-2004......  8-29-2003......  4-29-2004.....  S1803.........  Drought..........................       15  ..........
    CA..............................  ...................  1-01-2003......  2-29-2004......  8-29-2003......  4-29-2004.....  S1803.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    CO..............................  ...................  1-01-2003......  2-29-2004......  8-29-2003......  4-29-2004.....  S1803.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    NM..............................  ...................  1-01-2003......  2-29-2004......  8-29-2003......  4-29-2004.....  S1803.........  Drought..........................  .......         6
    NV..............................  ...................  1-01-2003......  2-29-2004......  8-29-2003......  4-29-2004.....  S1803.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    UT..............................  ...................  1-01-2003......  2-29-2004......  8-29-2003......  4-29-2004.....  S1803.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    CA..............................  Merced.............  4-21-2003......  4-21-2003......  9-11-2003......  5-11-2004.....  S1804.........  Hail.............................        1         7
    VA..............................  Campbell,            1-01-2003......  3-22-2004......  9-22-2003......  5-24-2004.....  S1805.........  Excessive rainfall...............        8        24
                                       Charlotte,
                                       Culpeper, Halifax,
                                       Page,
                                       Rappahannock,
                                       Russell,
                                       Shenandoah.
    NC..............................  Campbell,            1-01-2003......  3-22-2004......  9-22-2003......  5-24-2004.....  S1805.........  Excessive rainfall...............  .......         3
                                       Charlotte,
                                       Culpeper, Halifax,
                                       Page,
                                       Rappahannock,
                                       Russell,
                                       Shenandoah.
    WV..............................  Campbell,            1-01-2003......  3-22-2004......  9-22-2003......  5-24-2004.....  S1805.........  Excessive rainfall...............  .......         1
                                       Charlotte,
                                       Culpeper, Halifax,
                                       Page,
                                       Rappahannock,
                                       Russell,
                                       Shenandoah.
    WI..............................  Barron, Brown,       7-01-2002......  3-22-2004......  9-22-2003......  5-24-2004.....  S1806.........  Exceptionally cold temperatures,        34        16
                                       Buffalo, Burnett,                                                                                       lack of snow, very deep frost,
                                       Chippewa, Clark,                                                                                        drought.
                                       Dunn, Eau Claire,
                                       Forest, Florence,
                                       Jackson, Langlade,
                                       Lincoln, Marathon,
                                       Marinette,
                                       Marquette,
                                       Menominee, Oconto,
                                       Oneida, Outagamie,
                                       Pepin, Pierce,
                                       Polk, Portage,
                                       Price, Rusk, St.
                                       Croix, Sawyer,
                                       Shawano, Taylor,
                                       Vilas, Washburn,
                                       Waupaca, Wood.
    MI..............................  ...................  7-01-2002......  3-22-2004......  9-22-2003......  5-24-2004.....  S1806.........  Exceptionally cold temperatures,   .......         4
                                                                                                                                               lack of snow, very deep frost,
                                                                                                                                               drought.
    MN..............................  ...................  7-01-2002......  3-22-2004......  9-22-2003......  5-24-2004.....  S1806.........  Exceptionally cold temperatures,   .......         7
                                                                                                                                               lack of snow, very deep frost,
                                                                                                                                               drought.
    VA..............................  Appomattox,          2-01-2003......  3-29-2004......  9-29-2003......  6-01-2004.....  S1807.........  Excessive rainfall...............        7        21
                                       Augusta,
                                       Buckingham,
                                       Nottoway, Patrick,
                                       Pittsylvania,
                                       Prince Edward.
    NC..............................  ...................  2-01-2003......  3-29-2004......  9-29-2003......  6-01-2004.....  S1807.........  Excessive rainfall...............  .......         4
    WV..............................  ...................  2-01-2003......  3-29-2004......  9-29-2003......  6-01-2004.....  S1807.........  Excessive rainfall...............  .......         1
    VA..............................  Virginia Beach (I),  7-01-2002......  3-01-2003......  9-30-2003......  6-01-2004.....  S1808.........  Drought..........................        2         7
                                       Washington.
    NC..............................  Virginia Beach (I),  7-01-2002......  3-01-2003......  9-30-2003......  6-01-2004.....  S1808.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
                                       Washington.
    TN..............................  Virginia Beach (I),  7-01-2002......  3-01-2003......  9-30-2003......  6-01-2004.....  S1808.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
                                       Washington.
    OK..............................  Alfalfa, Atoka,      7-01-2003......  3-30-2004......  9-30-2003......  6-01-2004.....  S1809.........  Drought..........................       59        10
                                       Beaver, Beckham,
                                       Blaine, Bryan,
                                       Caddo, Canadian,
                                       Carter, Cimarron,
                                       Cleveland, Coal.,
                                       Comanche, Cotton,
                                       Creek, Custer,
                                       Dewey, Ellis,
                                       Garfield, Garvin,
                                       Grady, Grant,
                                       Greer, Harmon,
                                       Harper, Hughes,
                                       Jackson, Johnston,
                                       Kay, Kingfisher,
                                       Kiowa, L.
    CO..............................  ...................  7-01-2003......  3-30-2004......  9-30-2003......  6-01-2004.....  S1809.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    KS..............................  ...................  7-01-2003......  3-30-2004......  9-30-2003......  6-01-2004.....  S1809.........  Drought..........................  .......        11
    NM..............................  ...................  7-01-2003......  3-30-2004......  9-30-2003......  6-01-2004.....  S1809.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    TX..............................  ...................  7-01-2003......  3-30-2004......  9-30-2003......  6-01-2004.....  S1809.........  Drought..........................  .......        18
                                                                                                                                                                                --------------------
          TOTAL ACTIVE..............  ...................  ...............  ...............  ...............  ..............  ..............  .................................     2309      2029
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND PROGRAMS BRANCH (EPPB) DISASTER DESIGNATION REQUESTS: FINAL TOTALS SECRETARIAL
                                                                   [Fiscal Year 2004--Secretarial Designations for Production Losses]
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Beginning Date    Ending Date of    Approved by      Termination     Designation
                 State               Counties requested     of disaster        disaster        Secretary           Date           Number           Description of disaster       Primary  Contiguous
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    AR.............................  Arkansas, Ashley,   5-01-2003.......  5-01-2003......  10-10-2003.....  6-10-2004......  S1810........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,          36        27
                                      Clay, Cleburne,                                                                                         hail, tornadoes.
                                      Conway,
                                      Craighead,
                                      Crittenden,
                                      Cross, Faulkner,
                                      Greene,
                                      Hempstead,
                                      Independence,
                                      Jackson,
                                      Jefferson,
                                      Lafayette,
                                      Lawrence, Lee,
                                      Little River,
                                      Lonoke,
                                      Mississippi,
                                      Monroe, Nevada,
                                      Perry, Phillips,
                                      Poinsett, Polk,
                                      Pope, Prairie,
                                      Pulaski,
                                      Randolph, Sevier,
                                      Sharp, St.
                                      Francis, Stone,
                                      White, Woodruff.
    LA.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  5-31-2003......  10-10-2003.....  6-10-2004......  S1810........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,     .......         5
                                                                                                                                              hail, tornadoes.
    MS.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  5-31-2003......  10-10-2003.....  6-10-2004......  S1810........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,     .......         4
                                                                                                                                              hail, tornadoes.
    MO.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  5-31-2003......  10-10-2003.....  6-10-2004......  S1810........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,     .......         5
                                                                                                                                              hail, tornadoes.
    OK.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  5-31-2003......  10-10-2003.....  6-10-2004......  S1810........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,     .......         2
                                                                                                                                              hail, tornadoes.
    TN.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  5-31-2003......  10-10-2003.....  6-10-2004......  S1810........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,     .......         4
                                                                                                                                              hail, tornadoes.
    TX.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  5-31-2003......  10-10-2003.....  6-10-2004......  S1810........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,     .......         1
                                                                                                                                              hail, tornadoes.
    KS.............................  (1) Dickinson,      1-01-2003.......  4-20-2004......  10-20-2003.....  6-21-2004......  S1811........  (1) Tornado, hail, high winds,            3        14
                                      Jewell, Republic.                                                                                       lightning, excessive rain, flash
                                     (2) Morton........                                                                                       flooding, flooding.
                                                                                                                                             (2) Excessive heat, drought, high
                                                                                                                                              winds.
    CO.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  4-20-2004......  10-20-2003.....  6-21-2004......  S1811........  (1) Tornado, hail, high winds,      .......         1
                                                                                                                                              lightning, excessive rain, flash
                                                                                                                                              flooding, flooding.
                                                                                                                                             (2) Excessive heat, drought, high
                                                                                                                                              winds.
    NE.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  4-20-2004......  10-20-2003.....  6-21-2004......  S1811........  (1) Tornado, hail, high winds,      .......         4
                                                                                                                                              lightning, excessive rain, flash
                                                                                                                                              flooding, flooding.
                                                                                                                                             (2) Excessive heat, drought, high
                                                                                                                                              winds.
    OK.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  4-20-2004......  10-20-2003.....  6-21-2004......  S1811........  (1) Tornado, hail, high winds,      .......         2
                                                                                                                                              lightning, excessive rain, flash
                                                                                                                                              flooding, flooding.
                                                                                                                                             (2) Excessive heat, drought, high
                                                                                                                                              winds.
    CA.............................  Alameda, Contra     1-01-2003.......  5-31-2003......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1812........  Excessive rain, wheat stripe rust.       10        30
                                      Costa, Fresno,
                                      Glenn, Kern,
                                      Madera,
                                      Sacramento, San
                                      Joaquin, Tulare,
                                      Yuba.
    NV.............................  Entire State (17    1-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1813........  Drought, insect infestation.......       17  ..........
                                      counties).
    AZ.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1813........  Drought, insect infestation.......  .......         1
    CA.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1813........  Drought, insect infestation.......  .......        10
    ID.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1813........  Drought, insect infestation.......  .......         3
    OR.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1813........  Drought, insect infestation.......  .......         3
    UT.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1813........  Drought, insect infestation.......  .......         7
    IA.............................  Adair, Adams,       7-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1814........  ..................................       68        31
                                      Allamakee,
                                      Audubon, Benton,
                                      Black Hawk,
                                      Bremer, Buchanan,
                                      Buena Vista,
                                      Calhoun, Carroll,
                                      Cass, Cherokee,
                                      Chickasaw,
                                      Clarke, Clay,
                                      Clayton, Clinton,
                                      Crawford, Dallas,
                                      Davis, Decatur,
                                      Dickinson,
                                      Dubuque, Floyd,
                                      Franklin,
                                      Fremont, Grundy,
                                      Guthrie,
                                      Harrison, Henry,
                                      Howard, Humboldt,
                                      Ida, Jefferson,
                                      Johnson, Jones,
                                      Keokuk, Lee,
                                      Linn, Louisa,
                                      Lucas, Lyon,
                                      Madison, Marion,
                                      Mitchell, Monona,
                                      Monroe,
                                      Montgomery,
                                      O'Brien, Page,
                                      Pocahontas, Polk,
                                      Pottawattamie,
                                      Ringgold, Sac,
                                      Shelby, Story,
                                      Taylor, Union,
                                      Van Buren,
                                      Wapello, Warren,
                                      Washington,
                                      Wayne, Winnebago,
                                      Winneshiek, Worth.
    IL.............................  ..................  7-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1814........  Drought, related impacts..........  .......         7
    MN.............................  ..................  7-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1814........  Drought, related impacts..........  .......         8
    MO.............................  ..................  7-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1814........  Drought, related impacts..........  .......         9
    NE.............................  ..................  7-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1814........  Drought, related impacts..........  .......         7
    SD.............................  ..................  7-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1814........  Drought, related impacts..........  .......         2
    WI.............................  ..................  7-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1814........  Drought, related impacts..........  .......         3
    MN.............................  Aitkin, Anoka,      7-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1815........  Drought...........................       62        21
                                      Becker, Beltrami,
                                      Benton, Big
                                      Stone, Carlton,
                                      Cass, Chippewa,
                                      Chisago,
                                      Clearwater, Cook,
                                      Crow Wing,
                                      Dakota, Dodge,
                                      Douglas,
                                      Faribault,
                                      Fillmore,
                                      Freeborn,
                                      Goodhue,
                                      Hennepin,
                                      Houston, Hubbard,
                                      Isanti, Itasca,
                                      Kanabec,
                                      Kandiyohi,
                                      Kittson, Lac Qui
                                      Parle, Lake,
                                      Lincoln,
                                      Mahnomen, Meeker,
                                      Mille Lacs,
                                      Morrison, Mower,
                                      Nicollet,
                                      Olmsted, Otter
                                      Tail, Pine,
                                      Pipestone, Pope,
                                      Ramsey, Red Lake,
                                      Renville, Rice,
                                      St. Louis, Scott,
                                      Sherburne,
                                      Sibley, Stearns,
                                      Steele, Swift,
                                      Todd, Traverse,
                                      Wabasha, Wadena,
                                      Waseca,
                                      Washington,
                                      Winona, Wright,
                                      Yellow Medicine.
    IA.............................  ..................  7-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1815........  Drought...........................  .......         7
    ND.............................  ..................  7-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1815........  Drought...........................  .......         3
    SD.............................  ..................  7-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1815........  Drought...........................  .......         6
    WI.............................  ..................  7-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1815........  Drought...........................  .......        10
    WY.............................  Lincoln, Sublette,  1-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1816........  Drought...........................        3         4
                                      Sweetwater.
    CO.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1816........  Drought...........................  .......         4
    ID.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1816........  Drought...........................  .......         3
    UT.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  4-23-2004......  10-23-2003.....  6-23-2004......  S1816........  Drought...........................  .......         3
    CA.............................  El Dorado.........  4-01-2003.......  5-15-2003......  10-30-2003.....  6-30-2004......  S1817........  Excessive rain, hail, freezing            1         3
                                                                                                                                              temperatures.
    CA.............................  Nevada............  3-01-2003.......  5-15-2003......  10-30-2003.....  6-30-2004......  S1817........  Rain, hail, freezing temperatures.        1         3
    CA.............................  Sutter............  4-04-2003.......  5-09-2003......  10-30-2003.....  6-30-2004......  S1817........  Hail..............................        1         2
    CA.............................  Yolo..............  4-01-2003.......  5-15-2003......  10-30-2003.....  6-30-2004......  S1817........  Freezing temperatures.............        1         3
    NV.............................  ..................  3-01-2003.......  5-15-2003......  10-30-2003.....  6-30-2004......  S1817........  Rain, hail, freezing temperatures.  .......         1
    NV.............................  ..................  4-01-2003.......  5-15-2003......  10-30-2003.....  6-30-2004......  S1817........  Excessive rain, hail, freezing      .......         1
                                                                                                                                              temperatures.
    CA.............................  Butte.............  3-01-2003.......  5-14-2003......  10-30-2003.....  6-30-2004......  S1818........  Spring rains, wheat stripe rust...        1         6
    CA.............................  Merced............  4-01-2003.......  5-14-2003......  10-30-2003.....  6-30-2004......  S1818........  Spring rains, cool temperatures,          1         7
                                                                                                                                              wheat stripe rust.
    CA.............................  Solano............  4-01-2003.......  5-31-2003......  10-30-2003.....  6-30-2004......  S1818........  Spring rains, wheat stripe rust...        1         5
    CA.............................  Stanislaus........  4-01-2003.......  5-14-2003......  10-30-2003.....  6-30-2004......  S1818........  Rains, wheat stripe rust..........        1         3
    IN.............................  Union.............  6-11-2003.......  6-16-2003......  11-04-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1819........  Excessive rain, flooding..........        1         3
    OH.............................  ..................  6-11-2003.......  6-16-2003......  11-04-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1819........  Excessive rain, flooding..........  .......         2
    VA.............................  Bedford,            1-01-2003.......  5-04-2004......  11-04-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1820........  Excessive rainfall................        4        20
                                      Mecklenburg,
                                      Rockingham, Scott.
    NC.............................  Bedford,            1-01-2003.......  5-04-2004......  11-04-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1820........  Excessive rainfall................  .......         3
                                      Mecklenburg,
                                      Rockingham, Scott.
    TN.............................  Bedford,            1-01-2003.......  5-04-2004......  11-04-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1820........  Excessive rainfall................  .......         3
                                      Mecklenburg,
                                      Rockingham, Scott.
    WV.............................  Bedford,            1-01-2003.......  5-04-2004......  11-04-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1820........  Excessive rainfall................  .......         2
                                      Mecklenburg,
                                      Rockingham, Scott.
    TX.............................  Lamb..............  6-05-2003.......  6-20-2003......  11-04-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1821........  (1) Excessive rain, hail, high            1         7
                                                                                                                                              winds, sand, static electricity;.
                                                                                                                                             (2) Excessive rain, hail, high
                                                                                                                                              wind, tornado;.
    TX.............................  Calhoun, Coke,      1-01-2003.......  5-06-2004......  11-04-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1822........  Drought...........................        9        36
                                      Foard, Gillespie,
                                      Karnes,
                                      Matagorda,
                                      Runnels,
                                      Sterling, Wharton.
    TX.............................  Bailey............  6-03-2003.......  6-20-2003......  11-04-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1823........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         4
                                                                                                                                              hail, high winds, lightning.
    NM.............................  ..................  6-03-2003.......  6-20-2003......  11-04-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1823........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,     .......         2
                                                                                                                                              hail, high winds, lightning.
    TX.............................  Hale..............  5-20-2003.......  6-25-2003......  11-04-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1824........  Flooding, hail, high winds........        1         7
    TX.............................  Hall..............  6-22-2003.......  6-22-2003......  11-04-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1825........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds,         1         6
                                                                                                                                              lightning.
    NM.............................  Entire State        1-01-2003.......  5-21-2004......  11-21-2003.....  7-21-2004......  S1826........  Drought, excessive heat...........       32         1
                                      (except Los
                                      Alamos County).
    AZ.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  5-21-2004......  11-21-2003.....  7-21-2004......  S1826........  Drought, excessive heat...........  .......         3
    CO.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  5-21-2004......  11-21-2003.....  7-21-2004......  S1826........  Drought, excessive heat...........  .......         7
    OK.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  5-21-2004......  11-21-2003.....  7-21-2004......  S1826........  Drought, excessive heat...........  .......         1
    TX.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  5-21-2004......  11-21-2003.....  7-21-2004......  S1826........  Drought, excessive heat...........  .......        16
    UT.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  5-21-2004......  11-21-2003.....  7-21-2004......  S1826........  Drought, excessive heat...........  .......         1
    LA.............................  Acadia,             6-01-2003.......  7-31-2003......  11-04-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1827........  Excessive rain....................        9        13
                                      Beauregard,
                                      Calcasieu,
                                      Cameron,
                                      Evangeline,
                                      Lafayette,
                                      Rapides, St.
                                      Landry, St.
                                      Martin.
    TX.............................  ..................  6-01-2003.......  7-31-2003......  11-04-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1827........  Excessive rain....................  .......         2
    OR.............................  Baker, Gilliam....  10-01-2001......  5-06-2004......  11-04-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1828........  Drought...........................        2         8
    ID.............................  ..................  10-01-2001......  5-06-2004......  11-04-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1828........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    WA.............................  ..................  10-01-2001......  5-06-2004......  11-04-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1828........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    TX.............................  Hockley, Lubbock..  6-01-2003.......  6-30-2003......  11-05-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1829........  Excessive rain, hail, high wind...        2        10
    TX.............................  Bexar.............  3-01-2003.......  5-27-2003......  11-05-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1830........  Drought, high temperatures........        1         7
    TX.............................  Crosby............  6-04-2003.......  6-20-2003......  11-05-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1831........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         8
                                                                                                                                              hail, high winds, lightning.
    TX.............................  Briscoe...........  6-01-2003.......  5-06-2004......  11-06-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1832........  Drought, high winds, static               1         6
                                                                                                                                              electricity, heat.
    TX.............................  Parmer............  5-01-2003.......  6-30-2003......  11-06-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1833........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds,         1         4
                                                                                                                                              cool weather.
    NM.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  6-30-2003......  11-06-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1833........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds,   .......         1
                                                                                                                                              cool weather.
    TX.............................  Deaf Smith........  6-01-2003.......  6-30-2003......  11-06-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1834........  Hail, tornado.....................        1         5
    NM.............................  ..................  6-01-2003.......  6-30-2003......  11-06-2003.....  7-06-2004......  S1834........  Hail, tornado.....................  .......         2
    NY.............................  Seneca............  4-03-2003.......  4-04-2003......  11-10-2003.....  7-12-2004......  S1835........  Excessive rain, ice, high winds...        1         6
    NY.............................  Wayne.............  4-04-2003.......  4-04-2003......  11-10-2003.....  7-12-2004......  S1835........  Ice Storm.........................        1         1
    IN.............................  Bartholomew,        4-01-2003.......  7-15-2003......  11-13-2003.....  7-13-2004......  S1836........  Excessive rainfall, cool                 29        15
                                      Brown, Clark,                                                                                           temperatures.
                                      Daviess,
                                      Dearborn,
                                      Decatur, Dubois,
                                      Franklin, Gibson,
                                      Jackson,
                                      Jefferson,
                                      Jennings, Knox,
                                      Martin, Monroe,
                                      Morgan, Ohio,
                                      Orange, Owen,
                                      Perry, Pike,
                                      Posey, Ripley,
                                      Scott, Spencer,
                                      Switzerland,
                                      Vanderburgh,
                                      Warrick,
                                      Washington.
    IL.............................  ..................  4-01-2003.......  7-15-2003......  11-13-2003.....  7-13-2004......  S1836........  Excessive rainfall, cool            .......         5
                                                                                                                                              temperatures.
    KY.............................  ..................  4-01-2003.......  7-15-2003......  11-13-2003.....  7-13-2004......  S1836........  Excessive rainfall, cool            .......        12
                                                                                                                                              temperatures.
    OH.............................  ..................  4-01-2003.......  7-15-2003......  11-13-2003.....  7-13-2004......  S1836........  Excessive rainfall, cool            .......         2
                                                                                                                                              temperatures.
    MO.............................  Andrew, Atchison,   1-01-2003.......  5-13-2004......  11-13-2003.....  7-13-2004......  S1837........  Drought...........................       39        13
                                      Barton, Bates,
                                      Benton, Buchanan,
                                      Caldwell,
                                      Carroll, Cass,
                                      Cedar, Chariton,
                                      Clay, Clinton,
                                      Cooper, Daviess ,
                                      DeKalb, Gentry,
                                      Grundy, Harrison,
                                      Henry, Hickory,
                                      Holt, Jackson,
                                      Johnson,
                                      Lafayette, Linn,
                                      Livingston,
                                      Mercer, Morgan,
                                      Nodaway, Pettis,
                                      Platte, Putnam,
                                      Ray, Saline, St.
                                      Clair, Sullivan,
                                      Vernon, Worth.
    IA.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  5-13-2004......  11-13-2003.....  7-13-2004......  S1837........  Drought...........................  .......         7
    KS.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  5-13-2004......  11-13-2003.....  7-13-2004......  S1837........  Drought...........................  .......         9
    NE.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  5-13-2004......  11-13-2003.....  7-13-2004......  S1837........  Drought...........................  .......         3
    TX.............................  Cochran...........  6-03-2003.......  6-23-2003......  11-13-2003.....  7-13-2004......  S1838........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds,         1         5
                                                                                                                                              lightning, tornado.
    NM.............................  ..................  6-03-2003.......  6-23-2003......  11-13-2003.....  7-13-2004......  S1838........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds,   .......         2
                                                                                                                                              lightning, tornado.
    TX.............................  Motley............  6-22-2003.......  6-22-2003......  11-13-2003.....  7-13-2004......  S1839........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds,         1         7
                                                                                                                                              static electricity.
    AR.............................  Lawrence..........  9-01-2003.......  9-08-2003......  11-21-2003.....  7-21-2004......  S1840........  Excessive rain, flash flooding....        1         5
    CA.............................  Kings.............  4-01-2003.......  5-14-2003......  11-21-2003.....  7-21-2004......  S1841........  Excessive rain, wheat stripe rust.        1         5
    CA.............................  Tehama............  4-01-2003.......  5-09-2003......  11-21-2003.....  7-21-2004......  S1842........  (1) Storms........................        1         6
                                                                                                                                             (2) Storms with hail, extended wet
                                                                                                                                              periods, below average
                                                                                                                                              temperatures-causing wheat stripe
                                                                                                                                              rust.
    CO.............................  Alamosa,            1-31-2003.......  5-21-2004......  11-21-2003.....  7-21-2004......  S1843........  Drought, insect infestation.......       26        17
                                      Archuletta,
                                      Chaffee, Conejos,
                                      Costilla,
                                      Crowley, Custer,
                                      Dolores, Fremont,
                                      Garfield,
                                      Hinsdale,
                                      Huerfano, Lake,
                                      La Plata, Las
                                      Animas Mesa,
                                      Mineral, Moffat,
                                      Montezuma, Otero,
                                      Pueblo, Rio
                                      Blanco, Rio
                                      Grande, Routt,
                                      Saguache, San
                                      Miguel.
    AZ.............................  ..................  1-31-2003.......  5-21-2004......  11-21-2003.....  7-21-2004......  S1843........  Drought, insect infestation.......  .......         1
    NM.............................  ..................  1-31-2003.......  5-21-2004......  11-21-2003.....  7-21-2004......  S1843........  Drought, insect infestation.......  .......         5
    UT.............................  ..................  1-31-2003.......  5-21-2004......  11-21-2003.....  7-21-2004......  S1843........  Drought, insect infestation.......  .......         4
    WY.............................  ..................  1-31-2003.......  5-21-2004......  11-21-2003.....  7-21-2004......  S1843........  Drought, insect infestation.......  .......         2
    SD.............................  Beadle, Bennett,    1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1844........  Extreme heat, high winds, severe         33        22
                                      Bon Homme, Brule,                                                                                       storms, significantly below
                                      Buffalo, Butte,                                                                                         normal precipitation (drought)
                                      Campbell, Charles                                                                                       resulting in numerous prairie and
                                      Mix, Corson,                                                                                            forest fires.
                                      Deuel, Dewey,
                                      Grant, Gregory,
                                      Haakon, Hamlin,
                                      Hand, Harding,
                                      Hughes, Hyde,
                                      Jackson, Jones,
                                      Meade, Mellette,
                                      Perkins, Potter,
                                      Shannon, Spink,
                                      Stanley, Sully,
                                      Todd, Tripp,
                                      Walworth, Ziebach.
    MN.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1844........  Extreme heat, high winds, severe    .......         4
                                                                                                                                              storms, significantly below
                                                                                                                                              normal precipitation (drought)
                                                                                                                                              resulting in numerous prairie and
                                                                                                                                              forest fires.
    MT.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1844........  Extreme heat, high winds, severe    .......         2
                                                                                                                                              storms, significantly below
                                                                                                                                              normal precipitation (drought)
                                                                                                                                              resulting in numerous prairie and
                                                                                                                                              forest fires.
    ND.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1844........  Extreme heat, high winds, severe    .......         5
                                                                                                                                              storms, significantly below
                                                                                                                                              normal precipitation (drought)
                                                                                                                                              resulting in numerous prairie and
                                                                                                                                              forest fires.
    NE.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1844........  Extreme heat, high winds, severe    .......         6
                                                                                                                                              storms, significantly below
                                                                                                                                              normal precipitation (drought)
                                                                                                                                              resulting in numerous prairie and
                                                                                                                                              forest fires.
    WY.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1844........  Extreme heat, high winds, severe    .......         1
                                                                                                                                              storms, significantly below
                                                                                                                                              normal precipitation (drought)
                                                                                                                                              resulting in numerous prairie and
                                                                                                                                              forest fires.
    SD.............................  Brookings,          1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  12-11-2003.....  8-11-2004......  S1844,         Extreme heat, high winds, severe          8         2
                                      Codington,                                                                               Amendment 1.   storms, significantly below
                                      Custer, Fall                                                                                            normal precipitation (drought)
                                      River, Faulk,                                                                                           resulting in numerous prairie and
                                      Jerauld, Lyman,                                                                                         forest fires.
                                      Pennington.
    MN.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  12-11-2003.....  8-11-2004......  S1844,         Extreme heat, high winds, severe    .......         1
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.   storms, significantly below
                                                                                                                                              normal precipitation (drought)
                                                                                                                                              resulting in numerous prairie and
                                                                                                                                              forest fires.
    NE.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  12-11-2003.....  8-11-2004......  S1844,         Extreme heat, high winds, severe    .......         1
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.   storms, significantly below
                                                                                                                                              normal precipitation (drought)
                                                                                                                                              resulting in numerous prairie and
                                                                                                                                              forest fires.
    WY.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  12-11-2003.....  8-11-2004......  S1844,         Extreme heat, high winds, severe    .......         2
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.   storms, significantly below
                                                                                                                                              normal precipitation (drought)
                                                                                                                                              resulting in numerous prairie and
                                                                                                                                              forest fires.
    SD.............................  Aurora, Clark.....  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1844,         Extreme heat, high winds, severe          2         1
                                                                                                                               Amendment 2.   storms, significantly below
                                                                                                                                              normal precipitation (drought)
                                                                                                                                              resulting in numerous prairie and
                                                                                                                                              forest fires.
    NE.............................  (1) Antelope,       7-01-2002.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1845........  Drought, high temperatures,              11         3
                                      Cedar, Cuming,                                                                                          grasshopper infestation.
                                      Dixon, Madison,                                                                                        (2) Drought, high temperatures....
                                      Stanton, Wayne.                                                                                        (3)(a) Drought; (b) Continuing
                                     (2) Burt, Knox....                                                                                       rain.
                                     (3) Dakota........                                                                                      (4)(a) Drought, high temperatures,
                                     (4) Pierce........                                                                                       grasshopper infestation; (b) High
                                                                                                                                              winds.
    IA.............................  ..................  7-01-2002.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1845........  Drought, high temperatures,         .......         2
                                                                                                                                              grasshopper infestation.
                                                                                                                                             (2) Drought, high temperatures....
                                                                                                                                             (3)(a) Drought; (b) Continuing
                                                                                                                                              rain.
                                                                                                                                             (4)(a) Drought, high temperatures,
                                                                                                                                              grasshopper infestation; (b) High
                                                                                                                                              winds.
    OR.............................  ..................  7-01-2002.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1845........  Drought, high temperatures,         .......         5
                                                                                                                                              grasshopper infestation.
                                                                                                                                             (2) Drought, high temperatures....
                                                                                                                                             (3)(a) Drought; (b) Continuing
                                                                                                                                              rain.
                                                                                                                                             (4)(a) Drought, high temperatures,
                                                                                                                                              grasshopper infestation; (b) High
                                                                                                                                              winds.
    ID.............................  Bannock, Bear       1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1846........  (1) Drought.......................       30        13
                                      Lake, Benewah,                                                                                         (2) Frost/Freeze..................
                                      Bingham, Blaine,                                                                                       (3) Inadequate moisture during
                                      Bonneville,                                                                                             growing season.
                                      Butte, Camas,                                                                                          (4) Excessive heat................
                                      Caribou, Cassia,                                                                                       (5) Insect infestation............
                                      Clark,                                                                                                 (6) Hail..........................
                                      Clearwater,
                                      Custer, Elmore,
                                      Franklin,
                                      Fremont, Idaho,
                                      Jefferson,
                                      Kootenai, Lemhi,
                                      Lewis, Lincoln,
                                      Madison, Nez
                                      Perce, Oneida,
                                      Owyhee, Payette,
                                      Power, Teton,
                                      Twin Falls.
    MT.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1846........  (1) Drought.......................  .......         6
                                                                                                                                             (2) Frost/Freeze..................
                                                                                                                                             (3) Inadequate moisture during
                                                                                                                                              growing season.
                                                                                                                                             (4) Excessive heat................
                                                                                                                                             (5) Insect infestation............
                                                                                                                                             (6) Hail..........................
    NV.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1846........  (1) Drought.......................  .......         2
                                                                                                                                             (2) Frost/Freeze..................
                                                                                                                                             (3) Inadequate moisture during
                                                                                                                                              growing season.
                                                                                                                                             (4) Excessive heat................
                                                                                                                                             (5) Insect infestation............
                                                                                                                                             (6) Hail..........................
    OR.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1846........  (1) Drought.......................  .......         2
                                                                                                                                             (2) Frost/Freeze..................
                                                                                                                                             (3) Inadequate moisture during
                                                                                                                                              growing season.
                                                                                                                                             (4) Excessive heat................
                                                                                                                                             (5) Insect infestation............
                                                                                                                                             (6) Hail..........................
    UT.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1846........  (1) Drought.......................  .......         3
                                                                                                                                             (2) Frost/Freeze..................
                                                                                                                                             (3) Inadequate moisture during
                                                                                                                                              growing season.
                                                                                                                                             (4) Excessive heat................
                                                                                                                                             (5) Insect infestation............
                                                                                                                                             (6) Hail..........................
    WA.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1846........  (1) Drought.......................  .......         3
                                                                                                                                             (2) Frost/Freeze..................
                                                                                                                                             (3) Inadequate moisture during
                                                                                                                                              growing season.
                                                                                                                                             (4) Excessive heat................
                                                                                                                                             (5) Insect infestation............
                                                                                                                                             (6) Hail..........................
    WY.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1846........  (1) Drought.......................  .......         2
                                                                                                                                             (2) Frost/Freeze..................
                                                                                                                                             (3) Inadequate moisture during
                                                                                                                                              growing season.
                                                                                                                                             (4) Excessive heat................
                                                                                                                                             (5) Insect infestation............
                                                                                                                                             (6) Hail..........................
    MO.............................  Dunklin, New        5-04-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1847........  Excessive spring rainfall.........        4         6
                                      Madrid, Pemiscot,
                                      Stoddard.
    AR.............................  ..................  5-04-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1847........  Excessive spring rainfall.........  .......         4
    KY.............................  ..................  5-04-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1847........  Excessive spring rainfall.........  .......         1
    TN.............................  ..................  5-04-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1847........  Excessive spring rainfall.........  .......         2
    VA.............................  Amherst,            4-01-2003.......  8-31-2003......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1848........  Excessive rain....................        2        11
                                      Washington.
    TN.............................  ..................  4-01-2003.......  8-31-2003......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1848........  Excessive rain....................  .......         2
    MT.............................  Beaverhead, Big     1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1849........  Drought...........................       35        21
                                      Horn, Blaine,
                                      Broadwater,
                                      Carbon, Carter,
                                      Cascade, Daniels,
                                      Dawson, Fallon,
                                      Fergus, Flathead,
                                      Gallatin,
                                      Glacier, Golden
                                      Valley, Hill,
                                      Jefferson, Judith
                                      Basin, Lake,
                                      Lewis and Clark,
                                      Liberty, Madison,
                                      Meagher,
                                      Musselshell,
                                      Park, Phillips,
                                      Rosebud, Sanders,
                                      Sheridan,
                                      Stillwater,
                                      Sweetgrass,
                                      Teton, Toole,
                                      Wheatland,
                                      Yellowstone..
    ID.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1849........  Drought...........................  .......         5
    ND.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1849........  Drought...........................  .......         5
    SD.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1849........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    WY.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1849........  Drought...........................  .......         5
    ND.............................  Adams, Barnes,      4-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1850........  Flooding, ground saturation,             47         6
                                      Billings,                                                                                               storms, winds, tornadoes, high
                                      Bottineau,                                                                                              humidity, dry conditions, severe
                                      Bowman, Burke,                                                                                          temperatures.
                                      Burleigh, Cass,
                                      Cavalier, Dickey,
                                      Divide, Dunn,
                                      Emmons, Golden
                                      Valley, Grand
                                      Forks, Grant,
                                      Griggs,
                                      Hettinger,
                                      Kidder, La Moure,
                                      Logan, McHenry,
                                      McIntosh,
                                      McKenzie, McLean,
                                      Mercer, Morton,
                                      Mountrail,
                                      Oliver, Pierce,
                                      Ramsey, Ransom,
                                      Renville,
                                      Rolette, Sargent,
                                      Sheridan, Sioux,
                                      Slope, Stark,
                                      Steele, Stutsman,
                                      Towner, Traill,
                                      Walsh, Ward,
                                      Wells, Williams.
    MN.............................  ..................  4-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1850........  Flooding, ground saturation,        .......         5
                                                                                                                                              storms, winds, tornadoes, high
                                                                                                                                              humidity, dry conditions, severe
                                                                                                                                              temperatures.
    MT.............................  ..................  4-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1850........  Flooding, ground saturation,        .......         5
                                                                                                                                              storms, winds, tornadoes, high
                                                                                                                                              humidity, dry conditions, severe
                                                                                                                                              temperatures.
    SD.............................  ..................  4-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1850........  Flooding, ground saturation,        .......         8
                                                                                                                                              storms, winds, tornadoes, high
                                                                                                                                              humidity, dry conditions, severe
                                                                                                                                              temperatures.
    NE.............................  Boone, Butler,      7-01-2002.......  5-14-2004......  11-14-2003.....  7-14-2004......  S1851........  Drought, extreme heat, flooding,         28        12
                                      Cass, Clay,                                                                                             grasshopper infestation, hail,
                                      Colfax, Dodge,                                                                                          high winds, tornadoes.
                                      Douglas,
                                      Fillmore, Gage,
                                      Hamilton,
                                      Jefferson,
                                      Johnson,
                                      Lancaster,
                                      Merrick, Nance,
                                      Nemaha, Otoe,
                                      Pawnee, Platte,
                                      Polk, Richardson,
                                      Saline, Sarpy,
                                      Saunders, Seward,
                                      Thayer,
                                      Washington, York.
    IA.............................  ..................  7-01-2002.......  5-14-2004......  11-14-2003.....  7-14-2004......  S1851........  Drought, extreme heat, flooding,    .......         4
                                                                                                                                              grasshopper infestation, hail,
                                                                                                                                              high winds, tornadoes.
    MO.............................  ..................  7-01-2002.......  5-14-2004......  11-14-2003.....  7-14-2004......  S1851........  Drought, extreme heat, flooding,    .......         2
                                                                                                                                              grasshopper infestation, hail,
                                                                                                                                              high winds, tornadoes.
    KS.............................  ..................  7-01-2002.......  5-14-2004......  11-14-2003.....  7-14-2004......  S1851........  Drought, extreme heat, flooding,    .......         6
                                                                                                                                              grasshopper infestation, hail,
                                                                                                                                              high winds, tornadoes.
    SC.............................  Allendale,          3-20-2003.......  11-07-2003.....  12-09-2003.....  8-09-2004......  S1852........  Excessive rainfall................        8        16
                                      Bamberg,
                                      Cherokee,
                                      Edgefield,
                                      Greenville,
                                      Pickens, Saluda,
                                      Spartanburg.
    GA.............................  ..................  3-20-2003.......  11-07-2003.....  12-09-2003.....  8-09-2004......  S1852........  Excessive rainfall................  .......         4
    NC.............................  ..................  3-20-2003.......  11-07-2003.....  12-09-2003.....  8-09-2004......  S1852........  Excessive rainfall................  .......         5
    NJ.............................  Atlantic,           1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  continuing.....  8-02-2004......  S1853........  Excessive precipitation, disease,        16         3
                                      Burlington,                                                                                             insect infestation.
                                      Camden, Cape May,
                                      Cumberland,
                                      Gloucester,
                                      Hunterdon,
                                      Mercer,
                                      Middlesex,
                                      Monmouth, Morris,
                                      Ocean, Salem,
                                      Somerset, Sussex,
                                      Warren.
    DE.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1853........  Excessive precipitation...........  .......         3
    NY.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1853........  Excessive precipitation...........  .......         2
    PA.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  6-02-2004......  12-02-2003.....  8-02-2004......  S1853........  Excessive precipitation...........  .......         6
    TX.............................  Wheeler...........  1-01-2003.......  6-12-2004......  12-12-2003.....  8-12-2004......  S1854........  Drought...........................        1         7
    CA.............................  Colusa, Sacramento  7-10-2003.......  8-26-2003......  12-19-2003.....  8-19-2004......  S1855........   (1) Excessive rainfall...........        2        11
                                                                                                                                             (2) Extreme heat, followed by
                                                                                                                                              unseasonable rainfall.
    IL.............................  Boone, Bureau,      1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  12-19-2003.....  8-19-2004......  S1856........  Drought...........................       42        28
                                      Carroll, Clay,
                                      Edwards, Fayette,
                                      Franklin,
                                      Gallatin,
                                      Hamilton, Hardin,
                                      Henderson, Henry,
                                      Jackson,
                                      Jefferson, Jo
                                      Daviess, Johnson,
                                      Knox, Lake, Lee,
                                      Marion, Marshall,
                                      Massac, McHenry,
                                      Mercer, Ogle,
                                      Perry, Pope,
                                      Putnam, Randolph,
                                      Saline, St.
                                      Clair, Stark,
                                      Stephenson,
                                      Vermilion,
                                      Wabash,
                                      Washington,
                                      Wayne, White,
                                      Whiteside,
                                      Williamson,
                                      Winnebago,
                                      Woodford.
    KY.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  12-19-2003.....  8-19-2004......  S1856........  Drought...........................  .......         4
    MO.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  12-19-2003.....  8-19-2004......  S1856........  Drought...........................  .......         4
    WI.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  12-19-2003.....  8-19-2004......  S1856........  Drought...........................  .......         5
    MO.............................  Audrain, Boone,     6-01-2002.......  continuing.....  12-19-2003.....  8-19-2004......  S1857........  Drought...........................       34        21
                                      Callaway, Cape
                                      Girardeau, Cole,
                                      Crawford, Dade,
                                      Franklin,
                                      Gasconade,
                                      Greene, Howard,
                                      Jasper, Knox,
                                      Laclede,
                                      Lawrence,
                                      Lincoln, Macon,
                                      Maries, Marion,
                                      McDonald, Miller,
                                      Moniteau, Monroe,
                                      Montgomery,
                                      Osage, Perry,
                                      Phelps, Pike,
                                      Pulaski, Ralls,
                                      Randolph,
                                      Scotland, Shelby,
                                      Warren.
    AR.............................  ..................  6-01-2002.......  continuing.....  12-19-2003.....  8-19-2004......  S1857........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    IL.............................  ..................  6-01-2002.......  continuing.....  12-19-2003.....  8-19-2004......  S1857........  Drought...........................  .......         7
    IA.............................  ..................  6-01-2002.......  continuing.....  12-19-2003.....  8-19-2004......  S1857........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    KS.............................  ..................  6-01-2002.......  continuing.....  12-19-2003.....  8-19-2004......  S1857........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    OK.............................  ..................  6-01-2002.......  continuing.....  12-19-2003.....  8-19-2004......  S1857........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    TX.............................  Floyd.............  5-31-2003.......  6-11-2003......  12-19-2003.....  8-19-2004......  S1858........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds..        1         7
    AR.............................  Randolph..........  8-03-2003.......  8-03-2003......  1-09-2004......  9-09-2004......  S1859........  Hail..............................        1         4
    MO.............................  ..................  8-03-2003.......  8-03-2003......  1-09-2004......  9-09-2004......  S1859........  Hail..............................  .......         2
    ID.............................  Latah.............  7-01-2003.......  8-02-2003......  1-09-2004......  9-09-2004......  S1860........  Drought...........................        1         4
    WA.............................  ..................  7-01-2003.......  8-02-2003......  1-09-2004......  9-09-2004......  S1860........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    NY.............................  Allegany, Cayuga,   4-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-09-2004......  9-09-2004......  S1861........  Excessive Rain, flash Flooding,          22        30
                                      Columbia,                                                                                               cool temperatures.
                                      Dutchess, Greene,
                                      Herkimer,
                                      Jefferson, Lewis,
                                      Madison, Niagara,
                                      Onondaga, Orange,
                                      Oswego,
                                      Rensselaer,
                                      Saratoga,
                                      Schuyler, Seneca,
                                      St. Lawrence,
                                      Suffolk,
                                      Tompkins, Ulster,
                                      Wayne.
    CT.............................  ..................  4-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-09-2004......  9-09-2004......  S1861........  Excessive Rain, flash Flooding,     .......         5
                                                                                                                                              cool temperatures.
    MA.............................  ..................  4-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-09-2004......  9-09-2004......  S1861........  Excessive Rain, flash Flooding,     .......         1
                                                                                                                                              cool temperatures.
    PA.............................  ..................  4-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-09-2004......  9-09-2004......  S1861........  Excessive Rain, flash Flooding,     .......         3
                                                                                                                                              cool temperatures.
    VT.............................  ..................  4-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-09-2004......  9-09-2004......  S1861........  Excessive Rain, flash Flooding,     .......         1
                                                                                                                                              cool temperatures.
    OR.............................  Union, Wheeler....  10-01-2001......  continuing.....  1-09-2004......  9-09-2004......  S1862........  Drought...........................        2         3
    VA.............................   (1) Franklin,      1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-09-2004......  9-09-2004......  S1863........   (1) Excessive rain...............        3        13
                                      Northampton,                                                                                           (2) Hurricane Isabel..............
                                      Roanoke.
                                     (2) Patrick.......
    NC.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-09-2004......  9-09-2004......  S1863........   (1) Excessive rain...............  .......         2
                                                                                                                                             (2) Hurricane Isabel..............
    TN.............................  Carter, Hancock,    4-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1864........  Excessive rainfall................       11        17
                                      Hawkins,
                                      Jefferson,
                                      Johnson, Macon,
                                      Montgomery,
                                      Sullivan,
                                      Trousdale,
                                      Unicoi,
                                      Washington.
    KY.............................  ..................  4-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1864........  Excessive rainfall................  .......         4
    NC.............................  ..................  4-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1864........  Excessive rainfall................  .......         6
    VA.............................  ..................  4-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1864........  Excessive rainfall................  .......         2
    MI.............................  Antrim, Calhoun,    8-01-2003.......  9-22-2003......  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1865........  Storms that produced hail, high           9        24
                                      Ingham, Jackson,                                                                                        winds, heavy rains.
                                      Kent, Mason,
                                      Muskegon,
                                      Newaygo, Ottawa.
    MI.............................  Alcona, Alger,      7-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1866........  Drought...........................       75         8
                                      Allegan, Alpena,
                                      Antrim, Arenac,
                                      Baraga, Barry,
                                      Bay, Benzie,
                                      Berrien, Calhoun,
                                      Cass, Charlevoix,
                                      Cheboygan,
                                      Chippewa, Clare,
                                      Clinton, Delta,
                                      Dickinson, Eaton,
                                      Emmet, Genesee,
                                      Gladwin, Gogebic,
                                      Grand Traverse,
                                      Gratiot,
                                      Houghton, Huron,
                                      Ingham, Ionia,
                                      Iosco, Iron,
                                      Isabella,
                                      Jackson,
                                      Kalamazoo,
                                      Kalkaska, Kent,
                                      Keweenaw, Lapeer,
                                      Leelanau,
                                      Livingston, Luce,
                                      Mackinac, Macomb,
                                      Manistee,
                                      Marquette, Mason,
                                      Mecosta,
                                      Menominee,
                                      Midland,
                                      Missaukee,
                                      Montcalm,
                                      Montmorency,
                                      Muskegon,
                                      Newaygo, Oakland,
                                      Oceana, Ogemaw,
                                      Ontonagon,
                                      Osceola, Otsego,
                                      Ottawa, Presque
                                      Isle, Saginaw,
                                      Sanilac,
                                      Schoolcraft,
                                      Shiawassee, St.
                                      Clair, St.
                                      Joseph, Tuscola,
                                      Van Buren,
                                      Washtenaw, Wayne,
                                      Wexford.
    IN.............................  ..................  7-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1866........  Drought...........................  .......         4
    WI.............................  ..................  7-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1866........  Drought...........................  .......         5
    MI.............................  Allegan, Antrim,     (1) 02/28/03...   (1) 07/21/03..  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1867........  (1) Extreme temperature                  32        36
                                      Benzie, Berrien,   (2) 05/07/03....  (2) 07/21/03...                                                    fluctuations; freezing rain;
                                      Cass, Charlevoix,                                                                                       periods of abnormal warm weather
                                      Dickinson, Grand                                                                                        followed by temperatures as low
                                      Traverse,                                                                                               as 24 degrees with significant
                                      Hillsdale, Huron,                                                                                       crop damage..
                                      Ingham, Ionia,                                                                                         (2) Heavy rains, flooding, hail,
                                      Iron, Isabella,                                                                                         high winds.
                                      Kalamazoo, Kent,
                                      Leelanau,
                                      Livingston,
                                      Macomb, Manistee,
                                      Mason, Menominee,
                                      Monroe, Montcalm,
                                      Muskegon,
                                      Newaygo, Oceana,
                                      Otsego, Ottawa,
                                      St. Clair, Van
                                      Buren, Wexford.
    IN.............................  ..................  (1) 02/28/03....  (2) 07/21/03...  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1867........  (1) Extreme temperature             .......         4
                                                         (2) 05/07/03....  (2) 07/21/03...                                                    fluctuations; freezing rain;
                                                                                                                                              periods of abnormal warm weather
                                                                                                                                              followed by temperatures as low
                                                                                                                                              as 24 degrees with significant
                                                                                                                                              crop damage..
                                                                                                                                             (2) Heavy rains, flooding, hail,
                                                                                                                                              high winds.
    OH.............................  ..................  (1) 02/28/03....  (1) 07/21/03...  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1867........   (1) Extreme temperature            .......         3
                                                         (2)05/07/03.....  (2)07/21/03....                                                    fluctuations; freezing rain;
                                                                                                                                              periods of abnormal warm weather
                                                                                                                                              followed by temperatures as low
                                                                                                                                              as 24 degrees with significant
                                                                                                                                              crop damage..
                                                                                                                                             (2) Heavy rains, flooding, hail,
                                                                                                                                              high winds.
    WI.............................  ..................   (1) 02/28/03...   (1) 07/21/03..  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1867........  (1) Extreme temperature             .......         4
                                                         (2) 05/07/03....  (2) 07/21/03...                                                    fluctuations; freezing rain;
                                                                                                                                              periods of abnormal warm weather
                                                                                                                                              followed by temperatures as low
                                                                                                                                              as 24 degrees with significant
                                                                                                                                              crop damage..
                                                                                                                                             (2) Heavy rains, flooding, hail,
                                                                                                                                              high winds.
    KS.............................  Allen, Anderson,    1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1868........  Drought, excessive wind, insect          81        24
                                      Atchison, Barber,                                                                                       damage.
                                      Barton, Bourbon,
                                      Chautauqua,
                                      Cheyenne, Clay,
                                      Cloud, Coffey,
                                      Crawford,
                                      Decatur,
                                      Dickinson,
                                      Doniphan, Elk,
                                      Ellsworth,
                                      Finney, Ford,
                                      Geary, Graham,
                                      Grant, Gray,
                                      Hamilton, Harper,
                                      Haskell,
                                      Hodgeman,
                                      Jefferson,
                                      Jewell, Johnson,
                                      Kearny, Kingman,
                                      Kiowa, Lane,
                                      Leavenworth,
                                      Lincoln, Linn,
                                      Logan, McPherson,
                                      Marshall, Meade,
                                      Miami, Mitchell,
                                      Nemaha, Neosho,
                                      Ness, Norton,
                                      Osage, Osborne,
                                      Ottawa, Phillips,
                                      Pottawatomie,
                                      Rawlins, Reno,
                                      Republic, Rice,
                                      Riley, Rooks,
                                      Rush, Russell,
                                      Saline, Scott,
                                      Sheridan,
                                      Sherman, Smith,
                                      Stafford,
                                      Stanton, Thomas,
                                      Trego, Wabaunsee,
                                      Wallace,
                                      Washington,
                                      Wyandotte;
                                      Douglas, Edwards,
                                      Franklin, Gove,
                                      Lyon, Morris,
                                      Pawnee, Pratt.
    CO.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1868........  Drought, excessive wind, insect     .......         4
                                                                                                                                              damage.
    MO.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1868........  Drought, excessive wind, insect     .......        11
                                                                                                                                              damage.
    NE.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1868........  Drought, excessive wind, insect     .......        13
                                                                                                                                              damage.
    OK.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1868........  Drought, excessive wind, insect     .......         6
                                                                                                                                              damage.
    OR.............................  Sherman, Wallowa..  10-01-2001......  continuing.....  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1869........  Drought...........................        2         5
    ID.............................  Sherman, Wallowa..  10-01-2001......  continuing.....  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1869........  Drought...........................  .......         3
    WA.............................  Sherman, Wallowa..  10-01-2001......  continuing.....  1-23-2004......  9-23-2004......  S1869........  Drought...........................  .......         4
    TX.............................  Brooks............  10-10-2003......  10-13-2003.....  2-10-2004......  10-12-2004.....  S1870........  Flash flooding....................        1         7
    TX.............................  Lavaca............  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  2-10-2004......  10-12-2004.....  S1871........  Excessive rain....................        1         6
    TX.............................  Wilbarger.........  10-10-2003......  10-13-2003.....  2-10-2004......  10-12-2004.....  S1872........  Flash flooding....................        1         5
    OK.............................  Jackson, Tillman..  10-10-2003......  10-13-2003.....  2-10-2004......  10-12-2004.....  S1872........  Flash flooding....................  .......         2
    TX.............................  Knox..............  1-01-2003.......  12-08-2003.....  2-10-2004......  10-12-2004.....  S1873........  Drought, high wind, excessive heat        1         6
    TX.............................  Young.............  4-05-2003.......  4-05-2003......  2-10-2004......  10-12-2004.....  S1874........  Hail, tornado, excessive high             1         6
                                                                                                                                              winds.
    TX.............................  Stephens..........  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  2-10-2004......  10-12-2004.....  S1875........  Drought, high winds...............        1         5
    TX.............................  Baylor............  7-01-2003.......  continuing.....  2-10-2004......  10-12-2004.....  S1876........  Drought...........................        1         8
    TX.............................  Cottle, King......  7-01-2003.......  continuing.....  2-10-2004......  10-12-2004.....  S1877........  Drought, excessive temperatures           1        10
                                                                                                                                              (heat).
    TX.............................  Stonewall.........  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  2-10-2004......  10-12-2004.....  S1878........  Drought, excessive temperatures           1         7
                                                                                                                                              (heat).
    PA.............................  Erie..............  1-01-2003.......  12-31-2003.....  2-13-2004......  10-13-2004.....  S1879........  Excessive rainfall, early frost...        1         2
    NY.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  12-31-2003.....  2-13-2004......  10-13-2004.....  S1879........  Excessive rainfall, early frost...  .......         1
    OH.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  12-31-2003.....  2-13-2004......  10-13-2004.....  S1879........  Excessive rainfall, early frost...  .......         1
    OR.............................  Harney, Klamath,    10-01-2001......  continuing.....  2-13-2004......  10-13-2004.....  S1880........  Drought...........................        3         4
                                      Malheur.
    CA.............................  ..................  10-01-2001......  continuing.....  2-13-2004......  10-13-2004.....  S1880........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    ID.............................  ..................  10-01-2001......  continuing.....  2-13-2004......  10-13-2004.....  S1880........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    MI.............................  Berrien,            8-01-2003.......  9-30-2003......  2-13-2004......  10-13-2004.....  S1881........  Abnormally cool, cloudy weather           6        12
                                      Kalamazoo,                                                                                              resulting in an increase in
                                      Manistee, Mason,                                                                                        aphids, which caused mosaic virus
                                      Ocean, Van Buren.                                                                                       (in vegetable crops.
    IN.............................  Berrien,            8-01-2003.......  9-30-2003......  2-13-2004......  10-13-2004.....  S1881........  ..................................  .......         2
                                      Kalamazoo,
                                      Manistee, Mason,
                                      Ocean, Van Buren.
    MI.............................  Berrien, Cass,      3-01-2003.......  10-02-2003.....  2-13-2004......  10-13-2004.....  S1882........  Late spring (cool spring weather),        4         5
                                      Kalamazoo, Van                                                                                          combined with early freeze.
                                      Buren.
    IN.............................  Berrien, Cass,      3-01-2003.......  10-02-2003.....  2-13-2004......  10-13-2004.....  S1882........  Late spring (cool spring weather),  .......         3
                                      Kalamazoo, Van                                                                                          combined with early freeze.
                                      Buren.
    WI.............................  Adams, Ashland,     5-01-2003.......  10-31-2003.....  2-27-2004......  10-27-2004.....  S1883........  Drought...........................       59        11
                                      Barron, Bayfield,
                                      Buffalo, Burnett,
                                      Calumet,
                                      Chippewa, Clark,
                                      Columbia,
                                      Crawford, Dane,
                                      Dodge, Douglas,
                                      Dunn, Eau Claire,
                                      Florence, Fond du
                                      Lac, Forest,
                                      Grant, Green,
                                      Green Lake, Iowa,
                                      Iron, Jackson,
                                      Jefferson,
                                      Juneau, Kenosha,
                                      LaCrosse,
                                      Lafayette,
                                      Langlade,
                                      Lincoln,
                                      Marquette,
                                      Milwaukee,
                                      Monroe, Oneida,
                                      Ozaukee, Pepin,
                                      Pierce, Polk,
                                      Portage, Racine,
                                      Richland, Rock,
                                      Rusk, St. Croix,
                                      Sauk, Sawyer,
                                      Trempealeau,
                                      Vernon, Vilas,
                                      Walworth,
                                      Washburn,
                                      Washington,
                                      Waukesha,
                                      Waupaca,
                                      Waushara,
                                      Winnebago, Wood.
    IL.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  10-31-2003.....  2-27-2004......  10-27-2004.....  S1883........  Drought...........................  .......         6
    IA.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  10-31-2003.....  2-27-2004......  10-27-2004.....  S1883........  Drought...........................  .......         3
    MI.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  10-31-2003.....  2-27-2004......  10-27-2004.....  S1883........  Drought...........................  .......         3
    MN.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  10-31-2003.....  2-27-2004......  10-27-2004.....  S1883........  Drought...........................  .......        10
    MA.............................  Berkshire,          5-01-2003.......  10-31-2003.....  3-09-2004......  11-09-2004.....  S1884........  Wet weather patterns..............        7         4
                                      Bristol,
                                      Franklin,
                                      Hampshire,
                                      Hampden, Norfolk,
                                      Plymouth.
    CT.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  10-31-2003.....  3-09-2004......  11-09-2004.....  S1884........  Wet weather patterns..............  .......         2
    NH.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  10-31-2003.....  3-09-2004......  11-09-2004.....  S1884........  Wet weather patterns..............  .......         1
    RI.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  10-31-2003.....  3-09-2004......  11-09-2004.....  S1884........  Wet weather patterns..............  .......         3
    VT.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  10-31-2003.....  3-09-2004......  11-09-2004.....  S1884........  Wet weather patterns..............  .......         1
    CA.............................  Fresno, Kern,       1-02-2003.......  9-30-2003......  3-09-2004......  11-09-2004.....  S1885........  Cool weather followed by extended         4        15
                                      Merced, Tulare.                                                                                         period of hot weather.
    NY.............................  Albany,             4-01-2003.......  continuing.....  3-09-2004......  11-09-2004.....  S1886........  Various disasters for each county        11        12
                                      Cattaraugus,                                                                                            including: Below normal
                                      Chautauqua, Erie,                                                                                       temperatures, excessive rain,
                                      Livingston,                                                                                             flash flooding, hail, high winds.
                                      Oneida, Orleans,
                                      Saratoga, Seneca,
                                      Sullivan,
                                      Tompkins.
    PA.............................  ..................  4-01-2003.......  continuing.....  3-09-2004......  11-09-2004.....  S1886........  Various disasters for each county   .......         3
                                                                                                                                              including: Below normal
                                                                                                                                              temperatures, excessive rain,
                                                                                                                                              flash flooding, hail, high winds.
    NY.............................  Wayne.............  9-23-2003.......  9-23-2003......  3-09-2004......  11-09-2004.....  S1887........  Hail..............................        1         4
    WA.............................   (1) Clark,         5-01-2003.......  9-06-2003......  3-09-2004......  11-09-2004.....  S1888........   (1) Drought, excessive heat......        7         8
                                      Cowlitz,                                                                                               (2) Drought.......................
                                      Skamania,
                                      Wahkiakum.
                                     (2) Island, San
                                      Juan, Skagit.
    OR.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  9-06-2003......  3-09-2004......  11-09-2004.....  S1888........   (1) Drought, excessive heat......  .......
                                                                                                                                             (2) Drought.......................
    CA.............................  Sutter, Yuba......  8-22-2003.......  9-15-2003......  3-11-2004......  11-09-2004.....  S1889........  Unseasonable late summer rainfall.        2         8
    CO.............................  Cheyenne, Logan,    1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  3-16-2004......  11-16-2004.....  S1890........  Drought...........................        3         4
                                      Phillips.
    NE.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  3-16-2004......  11-16-2004.....  S1890........  Drought...........................  .......         3
    ME.............................  Aroostook,          6-01-2003.......  continuing.....  3-16-2004......  11-16-2004.....  S1891........  Excessive rainfall................        4         9
                                      Franklin, Oxford,
                                      Penobscot.
    NH.............................  ..................  6-01-2003.......  continuing.....  3-16-2004......  11-16-2004.....  S1891........  Excessive rainfall................  .......         2
    TX.............................  Hansford..........  6-05-2003.......  6-09-2003......  3-16-2004......  11-16-2004.....  S1892........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         5
                                                                                                                                              hail, high winds, lightning,
                                                                                                                                              tornado.
    OK.............................  ..................  6-05-2003.......  6-09-2003......  3-16-2004......  11-16-2004.....  S1892........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,     .......         1
                                                                                                                                              hail, high winds, lightning,
                                                                                                                                              tornado.
    WA.............................  Asotin, Chelan,     1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  3-16-2004......  11-16-2004.....  S1893........  Drought...........................       20        13
                                      Columbia,
                                      Douglas, Ferry,
                                      Garfield, Grays
                                      Harbor, King,
                                      Kitsap, Lewis,
                                      Lincoln, Mason,
                                      Pacific, Pend
                                      Oreille, Pierce,
                                      Spokane, Stevens,
                                      Thurston, Walla
                                      Walla, Whitman.
    ID.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  3-16-2004......  11-16-2004.....  S1893........  Drought...........................  .......         6
    OR.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  3-16-2004......  11-16-2004.....  S1893........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    CT.............................  Entire State......  5-01-2003.......  9-30-2003......  3-22-2004......  11-22-2004.....  S1894........  Wet weather pattern; high                 8  ..........
                                                                                                                                              rainfall, insect problems.
    MA.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  9-30-2003......  3-22-2004......  11-22-2004.....  S1894........  Wet weather pattern; high           .......         2
                                                                                                                                              rainfall, insect problems.
    NY.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  9-30-2003......  3-22-2004......  11-22-2004.....  S1894........  Wet weather pattern; high           .......         4
                                                                                                                                              rainfall, insect problems.
    RI.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  9-30-2003......  3-22-2004......  11-22-2004.....  S1894........  Wet weather pattern; high           .......         3
                                                                                                                                              rainfall, insect problems.
    HI.............................  Hawaii, Honolulu,   1-01-2003.......  12-31-2003.....  3-22-2004......  11-22-2004.....  S1895........  Drought...........................        4         1
                                      Kauai, Maui.
    OR.............................  Wasco, Washington.  10-01-2001......  continuing.....  3-22-2004......  11-22-2004.....  S1896........  Drought...........................        2         8
    TX.............................  Hockley...........  6-30-2003.......  continuing.....  3-22-2004......  11-22-2004.....  S1897........  Drought...........................        1         8
    TX.............................  Fisher............  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  3-22-2004......  11-22-2004.....  S1898........  Drought, excessive temperatures           1         7
                                                                                                                                              (heat).
    TX.............................  Lynn..............  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  4-05-2004......  12-06-2004.....  S1899........   (1) Hail, high winds.............        1         7
                                                                                                                                             (2) Drought.......................
    NY.............................  Erie, Livingston,   10-14-2003......  continuing.....  4-09-2004......  12-09-2004.....  S1900........  Excessive rain, high winds........        9        20
                                      Monroe, Onondaga,
                                      Ontario, Orleans,
                                      Oswego, Schuyler,
                                      Tompkins.
    KS.............................  Brown.............  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  4-21-2004......  12-21-2004.....  S1901........  Drought, frost, excessive wind,           1  ..........
                                                                                                                                              insect damage.
    OR.............................  Morrow............  9-02-2002.......  continuing.....  4-21-2004......  12-21-2004.....  S1902........  Drought...........................        1  ..........
    WA.............................  ..................  9-02-2002.......  continuing.....  4-21-2004......  12-21-2004.....  S1902........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    TX.............................  Robertson.........  10-05-2003......  10-09-2003.....  4-21-2004......  12-21-2004.....  S1903........  Excessive rain, flash flooding....        1         7
    TX.............................  Martin............  1-01-2003.......  12-31-2003.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1904........  Drought, high winds...............        1         7
    TX.............................  Motley............  7-01-2003.......  continuing.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1905........  Drought, high winds, static               1         7
                                                                                                                                              electricity.
    TX.............................  San Saba..........  10-15-2003......  continuing.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1906........  Drought...........................        1         7
    TX.............................  Mason.............  10-01-2003......  continuing.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1907........  Drought, high winds...............        1         6
    TX.............................  Palo Pinto........  10-01-2003......  continuing.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1908........  Drought...........................        1         7
    TX.............................  Bastrop...........  3-01-2003.......  continuing.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1909........  Drought...........................        1         6
    TX.............................  Dickens...........  8-01-2003.......  12-18-2003.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1910........  Drought, excessive temperatures           1         8
                                                                                                                                              (heat).
    TX.............................  Caldwell..........  3-15-2003.......  continuing.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1911........  Drought...........................        1         6
    TX.............................  Kent..............  8-01-2003.......  continuing.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1912........  Drought, excessive temperatures           1         7
                                                                                                                                              (heat).
    TX.............................  Montague..........  4-15-2003.......  continuing.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1913........  Drought...........................        1         4
    OK.............................  ..................  4-15-2003.......  continuing.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1913........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    TX.............................  Crane, Ector,       1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1914........  Drought, high winds, excessive            8        16
                                      Haskell, Loving,                                                                                        heat.
                                      Presidio, Reeves,
                                      Ward, Winkler.
    NM.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1914........  Drought, high winds, excessive      .......         2
                                                                                                                                              heat.
    CA.............................  San Luis Obispo,    4-01-2003.......  10-31-2003.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1915........  (1) Insufficient winter chill             2         6
                                      Santa Barbara.                                                                                          hours, rainfall, high heat.
                                                                                                                                             (2) Insufficient winter chill
                                                                                                                                              hours, cool/wet weather, extended
                                                                                                                                              hot spell.
    MT.............................  Blackfeet Tribe     1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1916........  Drought...........................       11  ..........
                                      (Pondera Co.),
                                      Confederated
                                      Salish Kootenai
                                      Tribe (Missoula
                                      Co.), Ft. Peck
                                      Assisiboine &
                                      Sioux Tribe;
                                      (Valley Co.),
                                      Chouteau,
                                      Garfield,
                                      Granite, Mineral,
                                      Prairie,
                                      Petroleum,
                                      Pondera, Treasure.
    ID.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1916........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    CA.............................  Placer............  8-01-2003.......  10-31-2003.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1917........  August rain, poor winter chill,           1         5
                                                                                                                                              high heat-Pistachios.
    NV.............................  ..................  8-01-2003.......  10-31-2003.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1917........  August rain, poor winter chill,     .......         3
                                                                                                                                              high heat-Pistachios.
    TX.............................  Crockett,           1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1918........  Drought...........................        9        32
                                      Glasscock,
                                      Hardeman, Howard,
                                      Irion, Jones,
                                      Reagan, Upton,
                                      Williamson.
    OK.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  4-23-2004......  12-23-2004.....  S1918........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    NY.............................  Fulton,             4-01-2003.......  continuing.....  4-27-2004......  12-27-2004.....  S1919........  Excessive rain, cool temperatures.        4         6
                                      Montgomery,
                                      Ontario, Otsego.
    TX.............................  Andrews...........  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  4-28-2004......  12-28-2004.....  S1920........  Drought, high winds...............        1         5
    NM.............................  ..................  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  4-28-2004......  12-28-2004.....  S1920........  Drought, high winds...............  .......         1
    TX.............................  Donley............  9-15-2003.......  12-31-2003.....  4-28-2004......  12-28-2004.....  S1921........  Drought...........................        1         7
    TX.............................  Shackelford,        1-01-2003.......  11-25-2003.....  4-28-2004......  12-28-2004.....  S1922........  Drought, high winds...............        2         9
                                      Throckmorton.
    TX.............................  Childress.........  8-01-2003.......  continuing.....  4-28-2004......  12-28-2004.....  S1923........  Drought, high winds...............        1         4
    OK.............................  ..................  8-01-2003.......  continuing.....  4-28-2004......  12-28-2004.....  S1923........  Drought, high winds...............  .......         1
    TX.............................  Clay..............  7-01-2003.......  continuing.....  4-28-2004......  12-28-2004.....  S1924........  Drought...........................        1         4
    OK.............................  ..................  7-01-2003.......  continuing.....  4-28-2004......  12-28-2004.....  S1924........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    TX.............................  Wise..............  7-15-2003.......  continuing.....  4-28-2004......  12-28-2004.....  S1925........  Drought...........................        1         6
    NY.............................  Dutchess..........  9-01-2003.......  continuing.....  5-03-2004......  12-28-2004.....  S1926........  Excessive rain, flooding..........        1         4
    CT.............................  ..................  9-01-2003.......  continuing.....  5-03-2004......  1-03-2005......  S1926........  Excessive rain, flooding..........  .......         2
    MA.............................  ..................  9-01-2003.......  continuing.....  5-03-2004......  1-03-2005......  S1926........  Excessive rain, flooding..........  .......         1
    CA.............................  Placer, San Luis    5-01-2003.......  11-15-2003.....  5-17-2004......  1-18-2005......  S1927........  (1) Unseasonable rainfall.........        2         9
                                      Obispo.                                                                                                (2) Wheat stripe rust, resulting
                                                                                                                                              from unseasonable rainfall.
    NV.............................  ..................  5-01-2003.......  11-15-2003.....  5-17-2004......  1-18-2005......  S1927........  (1) Unseasonable rainfall.........  .......         3
                                                                                                                                             (2) Wheat stripe rust, resulting
                                                                                                                                              from unseasonable rainfall.
    TX.............................  Brooks............  4-04-2004.......  4-04-2004......  6-08-2004......  2-08-2004......  S1928........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         7
                                                                                                                                              flooding, hail, high winds.
    HI.............................  Hawaii, Honolulu,   12-07-2003......  3-26-2004......  6-21-2004......  2-22-2004......  S1929........  High winds, rain, flooding........        3         1
                                      Maui.
    TX.............................  Robertson.........  4-10-2004.......  4-10-2004......  6-21-2004......  2-22-2004......  S1930........  Hail, high winds..................        1         7
    NE.............................  Arthur, Banner,     1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  6-21-2004......  2-22-2004......  S1931........  Drought...........................       19        11
                                      Chase, Cheyenne,
                                      Deuel, Dundy,
                                      Frontier, Garden,
                                      Hayes, Hitchcock,
                                      Keith, Kimball,
                                      Lincoln,
                                      McPherson,
                                      Morrill, Perkins,
                                      Red Willow,
                                      Scotts Bluff,
                                      Sioux.
    SD.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  6-21-2004......  2-22-2004......  S1931........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    WY.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  6-21-2004......  2-22-2004......  S1931........  Drought...........................  .......         3
    MA.............................  Essex, Franklin,    1-05-2004.......  2-20-2004......  7-09-2004......  3-09-2004......  S1932........  Winter damage due to abnormally           3         5
                                      Middlesex.                                                                                              cod weather patterns.
    NH.............................  ..................  1-05-2004.......  2-20-2004......  7-09-2004......  3-09-2004......  S1932........  Winter damage due to abnormally     .......         3
                                                                                                                                              cod weather patterns.
    VT.............................  ..................  1-05-2004.......  2-20-2004......  7-09-2004......  3-09-2004......  S1932........  Winter damage due to abnormally     .......         2
                                                                                                                                              cod weather patterns.
    TX.............................  Wilson............  5-13-2004.......  5-13-2004......  7-20-2004......  3-21-2004......  S1933........  Excessive rain, high winds........        1         5
    MO.............................  Linn..............  5-24-2004.......  5-24-2004......  7-29-2004......  3-29-2005......  S1934........  Severe thunderstorms w/ high              1         6
                                                                                                                                              winds, tornadoes, excessive rain,
                                                                                                                                              flooding, lightning, large hail.
    WA.............................  Franklin..........  1-04-2004.......  1-07-2004......  7-29-2004......  3-29-2005......  S1935........  Sub-zero freezing temperatures....        1         6
    WA.............................  Yakima............  10-29-2003......  1-08-2004......  7-29-2004......  3-29-2005......  S1936........  Adverse weather conditions; sub-          1         8
                                                                                                                                              zero freezing temperatures.
    NE.............................  Box Butte, Dawes..  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  7-29-2004......  3-29-2005......  S1937........  Drought...........................        2         3
    NE.............................  Sheridan..........  5-13-2004.......  5-14-2004......  7-29-2004......  3-29-2005......  S1937........  Freeze............................        1         6
    SD.............................  Fall River........  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  7-29-2004......  3-29-2005......  S1937........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    SD.............................  Bennett, Shannon..  5-13-2004.......  5-14-2004......  7-29-2004......  3-29-2005......  S1937........  Freeze............................  .......         2
    CA.............................  Butte, Glenn, Yuba  3-12-2004.......  3-15-2004......  8-02-2004......  4-04-2005......  S1938........  Unseasonably high temperatures,           1         9
                                                                                                                                              low humidity.
    CA.............................  Fresno............  3-01-2004.......  3-31-2004......  8-02-2004......  4-04-2005......  S1938........  Unseasonably hot weather during           1         8
                                                                                                                                              fruit bloom.
    CA.............................  Merced............  3-25-2004.......  3-25-2004......  8-02-2004......  4-04-2005......  S1938........  Windy conditions, abnormally high         1         6
                                                                                                                                              temperatures.
    CA.............................  Sutter............  3-09-2004.......  3-22-2004......  8-02-2004......  4-04-2005......  S1938........  Severe high temperatures, low             1         6
                                                                                                                                              humidity.
    SD.............................  Bennett, Brule,     1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-06-2004......  4-06-2005......  S1939........  Drought, infestation of army             30         9
                                      Buffalo, Butte,                                                                                         cutworms, weevils, and
                                      Campbell, Corson,                                                                                       grasshoppers.
                                      Custer, Dewey,
                                      Fall River,
                                      Gregory, Haakon,
                                      Hand, Harding,
                                      Hughes, Hyde,
                                      Jackson, Jones,
                                      Lawrence, Lyman,
                                      Meade, Mellette,
                                      Pennington,
                                      Perkins, Shannon,
                                      Stanley, Sully,
                                      Todd, Tripp,
                                      Walworth, Ziebach.
    MT.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-06-2004......  4-06-2005......  S1939........  Drought, infestation of army        .......         2
                                                                                                                                              cutworms, weevils, and
                                                                                                                                              grasshoppers.
    NE.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-06-2004......  4-06-2005......  S1939........  Drought, infestation of army        .......         6
                                                                                                                                              cutworms, weevils, and
                                                                                                                                              grasshoppers.
    ND.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-06-2004......  4-06-2005......  S1939........  Drought, infestation of army        .......         5
                                                                                                                                              cutworms, weevils, and
                                                                                                                                              grasshoppers.
    WY.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-06-2004......  4-06-2005......  S1939........  Drought, infestation of army        .......         3
                                                                                                                                              cutworms, weevils, and
                                                                                                                                              grasshoppers.
    SD.............................  Charles Mix.......  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  11-23-2004.....  7-25-2005......  S1939,         Late spring killing frost, extreme        1         3
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.   heat, high winds, hail, severe
                                                                                                                                              storms, drought, insect
                                                                                                                                              infestation.
    NE.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  11-23-2004.....  7-25-2005......  S1939,         Late spring killing frost, extreme  .......         1
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.   heat, high winds, hail, severe
                                                                                                                                              storms, drought, insect
                                                                                                                                              infestation.
    ND.............................  Adams, Billings,    1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-10-2004......  4-11-2005......  S1940........  Drought, late season frost, high         35        18
                                      Bottineau,                                                                                              winds, flooding, ground
                                      Bowman, Burke,                                                                                          saturation, storms, ice, snow,
                                      Burleigh,                                                                                               severe temperatures.
                                      Cavalier, Divide,
                                      Dunn, Eddy,
                                      Emmons, Foster,
                                      Golden Valley,
                                      Grand Forks,
                                      Grant, Hettinger,
                                      McHenry,
                                      McKenzie, Mercer,
                                      Morton,
                                      Mountrail,
                                      Nelson, Oliver,
                                      Pembina, Pierce,
                                      Ramsey, Ransom,
                                      Renville,
                                      Rolette, Sioux,
                                      Slope, Stark,
                                      Towner, Walsh,
                                      Ward.
    MN.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-10-2004......  4-11-2005......  S1940........  Drought, late season frost, high    .......         3
                                                                                                                                              winds, flooding, ground
                                                                                                                                              saturation, storms, ice, snow,
                                                                                                                                              severe temperatures.
    MT.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-10-2004......  4-11-2005......  S1940........  Drought, late season frost, high    .......         5
                                                                                                                                              winds, flooding, ground
                                                                                                                                              saturation, storms, ice, snow,
                                                                                                                                              severe temperatures.
    SD.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-10-2004......  4-11-2005......  S1940........  Drought, late season frost, high    .......         4
                                                                                                                                              winds, flooding, ground
                                                                                                                                              saturation, storms, ice, snow,
                                                                                                                                              severe temperatures.
    AR.............................  Crawford,           4-21-2004.......  4-27-2004......  8-11-2004......  4-11-2005......  S1941........  Excessive rain, flooding..........       13        29
                                      Faulkner, Greene,
                                      Independence,
                                      Jackson,
                                      Lawrence, Perry,
                                      Pope, Prairie,
                                      Pulaski, White,
                                      Woodruff, Yell.
    OK.............................  Crawford,           4-21-2004.......  4-27-2004......  8-11-2004......  4-11-2004......  S1941........  Excessive rain, flooding..........  .......         2
                                      Faulkner, Greene,
                                      Independence,
                                      Jackson,
                                      Lawrence, Perry,
                                      Pope, Prairie,
                                      Pulaski, White,
                                      Woodruff, Yell.
    CA.............................  Madera............  10-01-2003......  5-31-2004......  8-11-2004......  4-11-2005......  S1942........  (1) Drought.......................        1         5
                                                                                                                                             (2)Windy conditions, abnormally
                                                                                                                                              high temperatures.
    CA.............................  Colusa............  3-12-2004.......  3-19-2004......  8-11-2004......  4-11-2005......  S1943........  Unseasonably high temperatures....        1         5
    NY.............................  Ontario, Seneca,    12-15-2003......  2-17-2004......  8-11-2004......  4-11-2005......  S1944........  Excessive cold, significant frost.        5        11
                                      Steuben, Wayne,
                                      Yates.
    TX.............................  Lipscomb..........  4-11-2004.......  4-12-2004......  8-11-2004......  4-11-2005......  S1945........  Freeze............................        1         3
    CA.............................  Alameda...........  3-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-18-2004......  4-18-2005......  S1946........  Drought, high winds, excessive            1         4
                                                                                                                                              [record] temperatures.
    CO.............................  Baca, Chaffee,      1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-18-2004......  4-18-2005......  S1947........  Drought, hail, freeze.............       20        22
                                      Cheyenne, Custer,
                                      Eagle, Fremont,
                                      Garfield, Grand,
                                      Jackson, Kiowa,
                                      Kit Carson, Lake,
                                      Lincoln,
                                      Phillips, Pitkin,
                                      Prowers, Pueblo,
                                      Routt, Summit,
                                      Yuma.
    KS.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-18-2004......  4-18-2005......  S1947........  Drought, hail, freeze.............  .......         7
    NE.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-18-2004......  4-18-2005......  S1947........  Freeze, hail......................  .......         4
    NM.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-18-2004......  4-18-2005......  S1947........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    OK.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-18-2004......  4-18-2005......  S1947........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    UT.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-18-2004......  4-18-2005......  S1947........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    WY.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-18-2004......  4-18-2005......  S1947........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    KS.............................  Barber, Cloud,      4-23-2004.......  5-29-2004......  8-20-2004......  4-20-2005......  S1948........  Hail, high winds, tornadoes,             10        29
                                      Cowley, Decatur,                                                                                        excessive rain, flooding.
                                      Geary, Gove,
                                      Harper, Republic,
                                      Scott, Sumner.
    NE.............................  ..................  4-23-2004.......  5-29-2004......  8-20-2004......  4-20-2005......  S1948........  Hail, high winds, tornadoes,        .......         5
                                                                                                                                              excessive rain, flooding.
    OK.............................  ..................  4-23-2004.......  5-29-2004......  8-20-2004......  4-20-2005......  S1948........  Hail, high winds, tornadoes,        .......         5
                                                                                                                                              excessive rain, flooding.
    KS.............................  Cheyenne, Decatur,  4-07-2004.......  5-15-2004......  8-20-2004......  4-20-2005......  S1949........  Freezing conditions, drought......       34        13
                                      Ellis, Finney,
                                      Gove, Graham,
                                      Grant, Greeley,
                                      Hamilton,
                                      Haskell, Hodgman,
                                      Jewell, Kearny,
                                      Lane, Logan,
                                      Mitchell, Morton,
                                      Ness, Norton,
                                      Osborne,
                                      Phillips,
                                      Rawlins, Rooks,
                                      Russell, Scott,
                                      Seward, Sheridan,
                                      Sherman, Stanton,
                                      Stevens, Trego,
                                      Thomas, Wallace,
                                      Wichita.
    CO.............................  ..................  4-07-2004.......  5-15-2004......  8-20-2004......  4-20-2005......  S1949........  Freezing conditions, drought......  .......         6
    NE.............................  ..................  4-07-2004.......  5-15-2004......  8-20-2004......  4-20-2005......  S1949........  Freezing conditions, drought......  .......         8
    OK.............................  ..................  4-07-2004.......  5-15-2004......  8-20-2004......  4-20-2005......  S1949........  Freezing conditions, drought......  .......         3
    OH.............................  Allen, Athens,      5-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-27-2004......  4-27-2005......  S1950........  Excessive rain, high winds,              46        69
                                      Carroll,                                                                                                flooding, hail, tornado--
                                      Columbiana,                                                                                             Excessive moisture.
                                      Coshocton,
                                      Crawford,
                                      Cuyahoga,
                                      Fayette, Greene,
                                      Guernsey,
                                      Hancock, Henry,
                                      Hocking, Holmes,
                                      Jackson, Logan,
                                      Mahoning, Medina,
                                      Noble, Perry,
                                      Tuscarawas,
                                      Union, Wayne--
                                      Ashtabula,
                                      Defiance,
                                      Delaware, Erie,
                                      Fairfield,
                                      Geauga, Lake,
                                      Licking, Logan,
                                      Lorain, Lucas,
                                      Marion, Morgan,
                                      Muskingum,
                                      Ottawa, Paulding,
                                      Portage,
                                      Sandusky, Scioto,
                                      Seneca, Summit,
                                      Van Wert, Wood,
                                      Wyandot.
    IN.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-27-2004......  4-27-2005......  S1950........  Excessive rain, high winds,         .......         3
                                                                                                                                              flooding, hail, tornado--
                                                                                                                                              Excessive moisture.
    KY.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-27-2004......  4-27-2005......  S1950........  Excessive rain, high winds,         .......         2
                                                                                                                                              flooding, hail, tornado--
                                                                                                                                              Excessive moisture.
    MI.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-27-2004......  4-27-2005......  S1950........  Excessive rain, high winds,         .......         2
                                                                                                                                              flooding, hail, tornado--
                                                                                                                                              Excessive moisture.
    PA.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-27-2004......  4-27-2005......  S1950........  Excessive rain, high winds,         .......         5
                                                                                                                                              flooding, hail, tornado--
                                                                                                                                              Excessive moisture.
    WV.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  continuing.....  8-27-2004......  4-27-2005......  S1950........  Excessive rain, high winds,         .......         2
                                                                                                                                              flooding, hail, tornado--
                                                                                                                                              Excessive moisture.
    WY.............................  Big Horn,           1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  9-07-2004......  5-09-2005......  S1951........  Drought...........................       11        10
                                      Campbell,
                                      Converse, Crook,
                                      Goshen, Johnson,
                                      Lincoln,
                                      Niobrara, Platte,
                                      Sheridan, Weston.
    ID.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  9-07-2004......  5-09-2005......  S1951........  Drought...........................  .......         3
    MT.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  9-07-2004......  5-09-2005......  S1951........  Drought...........................  .......         4
    NE.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  9-07-2004......  5-09-2005......  S1951........  Drought...........................  .......         3
    SD.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  9-07-2004......  5-09-2005......  S1951........  Drought...........................  .......         5
    UT.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  9-07-2004......  5-09-2005......  S1951........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    ID.............................  Contra Costa,       3-01-2004.......  4-30-2004......  9/14/04........  5-16-2005......  S1952........  Drought...........................        2        14
                                      Merced.
    TX.............................  Brazos, Burleson,   5-13-2004.......  5-13-2004......  9-14-2004......  5-16-2005......  S1953........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           3         8
                                      Robertson.                                                                                              flooding, high winds, tornado.
    UT.............................  Box Elder, Cache,   1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  9-14-2004......  5-16-2005......  S1954........  Drought, wind, hail, heat,               20         9
                                      Carbon, Emery,                                                                                          grasshoppers, Mormon crickets.
                                      Garfield, Grand,
                                      Iron, Juab, Kane,
                                      Millard, Piute,
                                      Rich, Salt Lake,
                                      San Juan,
                                      Sanpete, Sevier,
                                      Summit, Tooele,
                                      Washington, Wayne.
    AZ.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  9-14-2004......  5-16-2005......  S1954........  Drought, wind, hail, heat,          .......         4
                                                                                                                                              grasshoppers, Mormon crickets.
    CO.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  9-14-2004......  5-16-2005......  S1954........  Drought, wind, hail, heat,          .......         6
                                                                                                                                              grasshoppers, Mormon crickets.
    ID.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  9-14-2004......  5-16-2005......  S1954........  Drought, wind, hail, heat,          .......         4
                                                                                                                                              grasshoppers, Mormon crickets.
    NV.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  9-14-2004......  5-16-2005......  S1954........  Drought, wind, hail, heat,          .......         3
                                                                                                                                              grasshoppers, Mormon crickets.
    NM.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  9-14-2004......  5-16-2005......  S1954........  Drought, wind, hail, heat,          .......         1
                                                                                                                                              grasshoppers, Mormon crickets.
    WY.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  9-14-2004......  5-16-2005......  S1954........  Drought, wind, hail, heat,          .......         3
                                                                                                                                              grasshoppers, Mormon crickets.
    TN.............................  Lauderdale........  5-01-2004.......  continuing.....  9-17-2004......  5-17-2005......  S1955........  Tornadoes, severe thunderstorms,          1         4
                                                                                                                                              strong winds, excessive rain,
                                                                                                                                              flooding, hail.
    AR.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  continuing.....  9-17-2004......  5-17-2005......  S1955........  Tornadoes, severe thunderstorms,    .......         1
                                                                                                                                              strong winds, excessive rain,
                                                                                                                                              flooding, hail.
    LA.............................  Acadia, Allen,      5-01-2004.......  6-30-2004......  9-17-2004......  5-17-2005......  S1956........  Excessive rainfall................       40        19
                                      Avoyelles,
                                      Beauregard,
                                      Bienville,
                                      Caldwell,
                                      Catahoula,
                                      Claiborne, East
                                      Carroll, East
                                      Feliciana,
                                      Evangeline,
                                      Franklin, Grant,
                                      Iberville,
                                      Jackson,
                                      Jefferson Davis,
                                      La Salle,
                                      Lafayette,
                                      Lincoln, Madison,
                                      Morehouse,
                                      Natchitoches,
                                      Ouachita,
                                      Plaquemines,
                                      Pointe Coupee,
                                      Rapides,
                                      Richland, Sabine,
                                      St. Bernard, St.
                                      Charles, St.
                                      James, St. John
                                      the Baptist, St.
                                      Landry, Tensas,
                                      Union, Vermilion,
                                      Vernon, Webster,
                                      West Baton Rouge,
                                      West Carroll.
    AR.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  6-30-2004......  9-17-2004......  5-17-2005......  S1956........  Excessive rainfall................  .......         5
    MS.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  6-30-2004......  9-17-2004......  5-17-2005......  S1956........  Excessive rainfall................  .......         7
    TX.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  6-30-2004......  9-17-2004......  5-17-2005......  S1956........  Excessive rainfall................  .......         3
    IA.............................  Jefferson, Lyon,    2-01-2004.......  continuing.....  9-17-2004......  5-17-2005......  S1957........  Winter snow load, excessive               4        18
                                      O'Brien, Taylor.                                                                                        rainfall, high winds, hail,
                                                                                                                                              tornadoes.
    MN.............................  ..................  2-01-2004.......  continuing.....  9-17-2004......  5-17-2005......  S1957........  Winter snow load, excessive         .......         2
                                                                                                                                              rainfall, high winds, hail,
                                                                                                                                              tornadoes.
    MO.............................  ..................  2-01-2004.......  continuing.....  9-17-2004......  5-17-2005......  S1957........  Winter snow load, excessive         .......         2
                                                                                                                                              rainfall, high winds, hail,
                                                                                                                                              tornadoes.
    SD.............................  ..................  2-01-2004.......  continuing.....  9-17-2004......  5-17-2005......  S1957........  Winter snow load, excessive         .......         2
                                                                                                                                              rainfall, high winds, hail,
                                                                                                                                              tornadoes.
    TX.............................  Briscoe...........  6-21-2004.......  6-22-2004......  9-17-2004......  5-17-2005......  S1958........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds,         1         6
                                                                                                                                              lightning, tornadoes.
    AR.............................  Ashley, Bradley,    5-01-2004.......  6-30-2004......  9-21-2004......  5-23-2005......  S1959........  Hail, high winds..................        4         7
                                      Calhoun, Drew.
    LA.............................  Ashley, Bradley,    5-01-2004.......  6-30-2004......  9-21-2004......  5-23-2005......  S1959........  Hail, high winds..................  .......         1
                                      Calhoun, Drew.
    MN.............................  Lake of the Woods,  5-11-2004.......  continuing.....  9-21-2004......  5-23-2005......  S1960........  Excessive rain, flooding..........        3         5
                                      Marshall, Roseau.
    ND.............................  ..................  5-11-2004.......  continuing.....  9-21-2004......  5-23-2005......  S1960........  Excessive rain, flooding..........  .......         2
    GA.............................  Appling, Atkinson,  9-04-2004.......  9-07-2004......  9-30-2004......  6-01-2005......  S1961........  Hurricane Frances.................       83        33
                                      Bacon, Baker, Ben
                                      Hill, Berrien,
                                      Bibb, Bleckley,
                                      Brantley, Brooks,
                                      Bulloch, Burke,
                                      Butts, Calhoun,
                                      Camden, Charlton,
                                      Chatham,
                                      Chattahoochee,
                                      Clinch, Coffee,
                                      Colquitt,
                                      Crawford,
                                      Decatur, Dodge,
                                      Dooly, Dougherty,
                                      Echols, Emanuel,
                                      Evans, Glascock,
                                      Grady, Greene,
                                      Hancock, Harris,
                                      Henry, Houston,
                                      Jeff Davis,
                                      Jefferson,
                                      Jenkins, Johnson,
                                      Lamar, Lanier,
                                      Laurens, Lee,
                                      Long, Lowndes,
                                      Macon, Marion,
                                      Miller, Mitchell,
                                      Monroe,
                                      Montgomery,
                                      Muscogee, Peach,
                                      Pierce, Pike,
                                      Pulaski, Schley,
                                      Seminole,
                                      Spalding,
                                      Stewart, Sumter,
                                      Talbot,
                                      Taliaferro,
                                      Tattnall, Taylor,
                                      Telfair, Terrell,
                                      Thomas, Tift,
                                      Toombs, Treutlen,
                                      Turner, Twiggs,
                                      Upson, Ware,
                                      Washington,
                                      Wayne, Webster,
                                      Wheeler, Wilcox,
                                      Wilkinson, Worth.
    AL.............................  ..................  9-04-2004.......  9-07-2004......  9-30-2004......  6-01-2005......  S1961........  Hurricane Frances.................  .......         5
    FL.............................  ..................  9-04-2004.......  9-07-2004......  9-30-2004......  6-01-2005......  S1961........  Hurricane Frances.................  .......         9
    SC.............................  ..................  9-04-2004.......  9-07-2004......  9-30-2004......  6-01-2005......  S1961........  Hurricane Frances.................  .......         4
    GA.............................  Candler, Cook,      9-04-2004.......  9-07-2004......  10-28-2004.....  ...............  S1961,         Hurricane Frances.................        4  ..........
                                      Crisp, Irwin.                                                                            Amendment 1.
    NC.............................  Camden, Currituck,  8-14-2004.......  8-14-2004......  9-30-2004......  6-01-2005......  S1962........  Hurricane Charley.................        6        13
                                      Hertford, New
                                      Hanover, Pender,
                                      Pasquotank.
    VA.............................  ..................  8-14-2004.......  8-14-2004......  9-30-2004......  6-01-2005......  S1962........  Hurricane Charley.................  .......         4
    TX.............................  Cameron...........  5-08-2004.......  5-08-2004......  9-30-2004......  6-01-2005......  S1963........  Excessive rain, flooding..........        1         2
    TX.............................  Bailey............  6-16-2004.......  6-16-2004......  9-30-2004......  6-01-2005......  S1964........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         4
                                                                                                                                              hail high winds, lightning.
    NM.............................  ..................  6-16-2004.......  6-16-2004......  9-30-2004......  6-01-2005......  S1964........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,     .......         2
                                                                                                                                              hail high winds, lightning.
                                                                                                                                                                                --------------------
          TOTAL ACTIVE.............  ..................  ................  ...............  ...............  ...............  .............  ..................................    1,565      2011
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                                                EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND PROGRAMS BRANCH (EPPB) DISASTER DESIGNATION REQUESTS: FINAL TOTALS SECRETARIAL
                                                                   [Fiscal Year 2005--Secretarial Designations for Production Losses]
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                                                          Beginning Date    Ending Date of    Approved by      Termination     Designation
                 State               Counties requested     of disaster        disaster        Secretary           Date           Number           Description of disaster       Primary  Contiguous
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ND.............................  Barnes, Benson,     1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S1940,         Drought, late season frost, high         14  ..........
                                      Cass, Griggs,                                                                            Amendment 1.   winds, excessive rainfall,
                                      Kidder, LaMoure,                                                                                        flooding, ground saturation,
                                      Logan, McLean,                                                                                          early fall frost (August).
                                      Sheridan, Steele,
                                      Stutsman, Traill,
                                      Wells, Williams.
    MN.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S1940,         ..................................  .......         2
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.
    TX.............................  Zavala............  4-04-2004.......  5-15-2004......  10-01-2004.....  6-01-2005......  S1966........  Excessive rain, hail..............        1         7
    NV.............................  Entire State......  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  10-12-2004.....  6-13-2005......  S1967........  Drought, related insect                  17  ..........
                                                                                                                                              infestations.
    AZ.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  10-12-2004.....  6-13-2005......  S1967........  Drought, related insect             .......         1
                                                                                                                                              infestations.
    CA.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  10-12-2004.....  6-13-2005......  S1967........  Drought, related insect             .......        10
                                                                                                                                              infestations.
    ID.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  10-12-2004.....  6-13-2005......  S1967........  Drought, related insect             .......         3
                                                                                                                                              infestations.
    OR.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  10-12-2004.....  6-13-2005......  S1967........  Drought, related insect             .......         3
                                                                                                                                              infestations.
    UT.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  10-12-2004.....  6-13-2005......  S1967........  Drought, related insect             .......         7
                                                                                                                                              infestations.
    MN.............................  Aitkin, Becker,     8-19-2004.......  8-21-2004......  10-12-2004.....  6-13-2005......  S1968........  Freezing temperatures.............       29        18
                                      Beltrami,
                                      Carlton, Cass,
                                      Chippewa,
                                      Chisago,
                                      Clearwater, Cook,
                                      Crow Wing,
                                      Douglas, Hubbard,
                                      Isanti, Itasca,
                                      Kanabec, Kittson,
                                      Koochiching,
                                      Mahnomen,
                                      Marshall, Norman,
                                      Pennington, Pine,
                                      Polk, Red Lake,
                                      Roseau, St.
                                      Louis, Swift,
                                      Todd, Wadena.
    ND.............................  ..................  8-19-2004.......  8-21-2004......  10-12-2004.....  6-13-2005......  S1968........  Freezing temperatures.............  .......         5
    WI.............................  ..................  8-19-2004.......  8-21-2004......  10-12-2004.....  6-13-2005......  S1968........  Freezing temperatures.............  .......         3
    TX.............................  Swisher...........  4-01-2003.......  continuing.....  10-12-2004.....  6-13-2005......  S1969........  Drought...........................        1         6
    CA.............................  El Dorado, Fresno,  7-01-2003.......  6-30-2004......  10-12-2004.....  6-13-2005......  S1970........  Drought...........................        3        14
                                      San Luis Obispo.
    NV.............................  ..................  7-01-2003.......  6-30-2004......  10-12-2004.....  6-13-2005......  S1970........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    KS.............................  Meade.............  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  10-28-2004.....  6-28-2005......  S1971........  (1) Drought.......................        1         1
                                                                                                                                             (2) Freezing conditions...........
    MT.............................  Beaverhead, Big     1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  10-28-2004.....  6-28-2005......  S1972........  Drought...........................       34        18
                                      Horn, Broadwater,
                                      Carbon, Carter,
                                      Custer, Dawson,
                                      Fallon, Glacier,
                                      Golden Valley,
                                      Jefferson, Judith
                                      Basin, Lake,
                                      Lewis & Clark ,
                                      Liberty, Madison,
                                      McCone, Meagher,
                                      Mineral,
                                      Musselshell,
                                      Park, Powder
                                      River, Powell,
                                      Prairie, Rosebud,
                                      Sanders, Silver
                                      Bow, Stillwater,
                                      Sweet Grass,
                                      Teton, Treasure,
                                      Wheatland,
                                      Wibaux,
                                      Yellowstone.
    ID.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  10-28-2004.....  6-28-2005......  S1972........  Drought...........................  .......         6
    ND.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  10-28-2004.....  6-28-2005......  S1972........  Drought...........................  .......         6
    SD.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  10-28-2004.....  6-28-2005......  S1972........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    WY.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  10-28-2004.....  6-28-2005......  S1972........  Drought...........................  .......         5
    MT.............................  Garfield..........  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  2-28-2005......  10-28-2005.....  S1972,         Drought...........................        1         1
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.
    NJ.............................  Bergen,             6-01-2004.......  continuing.....  10-28-2004.....  6-28-2005......  S1973........  Hail, excessive rain..............        4         7
                                      Burlington,
                                      Camden, Ocean.
    NY.............................  ..................  6-01-2004.......  continuing.....  10-28-2004.....  6-28-2005......  S1973........  Hail, excessive rain..............  .......         2
    PA.............................  ..................  6-01-2004.......  continuing.....  10-28-2004.....  6-28-2005......  S1973........  Hail, excessive rain..............  .......         2
    MT.............................  Carter, Fallon,     5-01-2004.......  6-30-2004......  11-08-2004.....  7-08-2005......  S1974........  Late Spring Frosts; Frost.........        4        10
                                      Liberty, Prairie.
    ND.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  6-30-2004......  11-08-2004.....  7-08-2005......  S1974........  Late Spring Frosts; Frost.........  .......         3
    SD.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  6-30-2004......  11-08-2004.....  7-08-2005......  S1974........  Late Spring Frosts; Frost.........  .......         2
    WY.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  6-30-2004......  11-08-2004.....  7-08-2005......  S1974........  Late Spring Frosts; Frost.........  .......         1
    MT.............................  Carter............  4-01-2004.......  continuing.....  11-08-2004.....  7-08-2005......  S1975........  High Winds........................        1         3
    SD.............................  ..................  4-01-2004.......  continuing.....  11-08-2004.....  7-08-2005......  S1975........  High Winds........................  .......         2
    WY.............................  ..................  4-01-2004.......  continuing.....  11-08-2004.....  7-08-2005......  S1975........  High Winds........................  .......         1
    TX.............................  Wilbarger.........  6-02-2004.......  6-08-2004......  11-08-2004.....  7-08-2005......  S1976........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds..        1         5
    OK.............................  ..................  6-02-2004.......  6-08-2004......  11-08-2004.....  7-08-2005......  S1976........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds..  .......         2
    TX.............................  Wise..............  6-06-2004.......  6-11-2004......  11-08-2004.....  7-08-2005......  S1977........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         6
                                                                                                                                              flooding, high winds, lightning.
    TN.............................  Bradley, Cannon,    9-01-2004.......  continuing.....  11-17-2004.....  7-18-2005......  S1978........  Storm, including remnants of             22        35
                                      Cocke, Giles,                                                                                           Hurricanes Frances and Ivan.
                                      Greene, Hamblen,
                                      Hamilton,
                                      Lawrence,
                                      Lincoln, Loudon,
                                      Macon, Marion,
                                      McMinn, Meigs,
                                      Polk, Rhea,
                                      Roane,
                                      Rutherford,
                                      Sequatchie,
                                      Unicoi,
                                      Washington, Wayne.
    AL.............................  ..................  9-01-2004.......  continuing.....  11-17-2004.....  7-18-2005......  S1978........  Storm, including remnants of        .......         4
                                                                                                                                              Hurricanes Frances and Ivan.
    GA.............................  ..................  9-01-2004.......  continuing.....  11-17-2004.....  7-18-2005......  S1978........  Storm, including remnants of        .......         6
                                                                                                                                              Hurricanes Frances and Ivan.
    KY.............................  ..................  9-01-2004.......  continuing.....  11-17-2004.....  7-18-2005......  S1978........  Storm, including remnants of        .......         2
                                                                                                                                              Hurricanes Frances and Ivan.
    NC.............................  ..................  9-01-2004.......  continuing.....  11-17-2004.....  7-18-2005......  S1978........  Storm, including remnants of        .......         5
                                                                                                                                              Hurricanes Frances and Ivan.
    WA.............................  Adams, Benton,      5-07-2004.......  6-30-2004......  11-17-2004.....  7-18-2005......  S1979........  Various disasters, including:             7        13
                                      Franklin, Grant,                                                                                        Excessive rain, hail, high winds,
                                      Spokane, Walla                                                                                          tornado, lightning, flash
                                      Walla, Yakima.                                                                                          flooding,.
    ID.............................  ..................  5-07-2004.......  6-30-2004......  11-17-2004.....  7-18-2005......  S1979........  Various disasters, including:       .......         3
                                                                                                                                              Excessive rain, hail, high winds,
                                                                                                                                              tornado, lightning, flash
                                                                                                                                              flooding,.
    OR.............................  ..................  5-07-2004.......  6-30-2004......  11-17-2004.....  7-18-2005......  S1979........  Various disasters, including:       .......         2
                                                                                                                                              Excessive rain, hail, high winds,
                                                                                                                                              tornado, lightning, flash
                                                                                                                                              flooding,.
    OK.............................  Grant, Kay........  4-21-2004.......  6-02-2004......  11-17-2004.....  7-18-2005......  S1980........  Hail, high wind...................        2         4
    KS.............................  ..................  4-21-2004.......  6-02-2004......  11-17-2004.....  7-18-2005......  S1980........  Hail, high wind...................  .......         3
    NE.............................  Boyd, Brown, Holt,  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  11-17-2004.....  7-18-2005......  S1981........  Drought...........................        5         7
                                      Keya Paha, Rock.
    SD.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  11-17-2004.....  7-18-2005......  S1981........  Drought...........................  .......         4
    NE.............................  Blaine, Cherry,     (1) 01/01/04....  (1) continuing.  11-17-2004.....  7-18-2005......  S1982........  (1) Drought.......................        1        15
                                      Hayes, Hitchock,   (2) 05/14/04....  (2) 05/22/04...                                                   (2) Frost.........................
                                      Thomas.
    KS.............................  ..................  (1) 01/01/04....  (1) continuing.  11-17-2004.....  7-18-2005......  S1982........  (1) Drought.......................  .......         1
                                                         (2) 05/14/04....  (2) 05/22/04...                                                   (2) Frost.........................
    SD.............................  ..................  (1) 01/01/04....  (1) continuing.  11-17-2004.....  7-18-2005......  S1982........  (1) Drought.......................  .......         4
                                                         (2) 05/14/04....  (2) 05/22/04...                                                   (2) Frost.........................
    CA.............................  Solano, Yolo......  3-01-2004.......  4-30-2004......  11-22-2004.....  7-22-2005......  S1983........  Record & severe, high                     1         7
                                                                                                                                              temperatures, high winds.
    CA.............................  Tulare............  3-01-2004.......  8-31-2004......  11-22-2004.....  7-22-2005......  S1984........  Excessive heat....................        1         4
    MT.............................  Fallon, Liberty,    7-01-2004.......  continuing.....  11-22-2004.....  7-22-2005......  S1985........  Insects...........................        3        13
                                      Sanders.
    ID.............................  ..................  7-01-2004.......  continuing.....  11-22-2004.....  7-22-2005......  S1985........  Insects...........................  .......         2
    ND.............................  ..................  7-01-2004.......  continuing.....  11-22-2004.....  7-22-2005......  S1985........  Insects...........................  .......         3
    SD.............................  ..................  7-01-2004.......  continuing.....  11-22-2004.....  7-22-2005......  S1985........  Insects...........................  .......         1
    TN.............................  Chester, McNairy,   5-01-2004.......  continuing.....  11-22-2004.....  7-22-2005......  S1986........  Excessive rain, flooding, high            4        10
                                      Van Buren, White.                                                                                       winds, lightning, wet conditions.
    MS.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  continuing.....  11-22-2004.....  7-22-2005......  S1986........  Excessive rain, flooding, high      .......         1
                                                                                                                                              winds, lightning, wet conditions.
    WA.............................  Spokane, Whitman..  8-02-2004.......  8-02-2004......  11-22-2004.....  7-22-2005......  S1987........  Adverse weather: Severe                   2         8
                                                                                                                                              thunderstorm with high winds,
                                                                                                                                              hail, lightning.
    ID.............................  ..................  8-02-2004.......  8-02-2004......  11-22-2004.....  7-22-2005......  S1987........  Adverse weather: Severe             .......         5
                                                                                                                                              thunderstorm with high winds,
                                                                                                                                              hail, lightning.
    WI.............................  Ashland, Bayfield,  3-01-2004.......  7-03-2004......  11-22-2004.....  7-22-2005......  S1988........  Excessive rain, flooding, below           6        12
                                      Door, Douglas,                                                                                          normal temperatures.
                                      Iron, Oconto.
    MI.............................  ..................  3-01-2004.......  7-03-2004......  11-22-2004.....  7-22-2005......  S1988........  Excessive rain, flooding, below     .......         1
                                                                                                                                              normal temperatures.
    MN.............................  ..................  3-01-2004.......  7-03-2004......  11-22-2004.....  7-22-2005......  S1988........  Excessive rain, flooding, below     .......         3
                                                                                                                                              normal temperatures.
    TX.............................  Hall..............  8-12-2004.......  8-12-2004......  11-23-2004.....  7-25-2005......  S1989........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds..        1         6
    TX.............................  Tarrant...........  6-01-2004.......  6-09-2004......  11-23-2004.....  7-25-2005......  S1990........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         6
                                                                                                                                              flooding, high winds, lightning.
    OR.............................  Umatilla..........  5-01-2004.......  6-15-2004......  12-03-2004.....  8-03-2005......  S1991........  Excessive rainfall, hail..........        1         4
    WA.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  6-15-2004......  12-03-2004.....  8-03-2005......  S1991........  Excessive rainfall, hail..........  .......         3
    SD.............................  Brookings,          1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  12-03-2004.....  8-03-2005......  S1992........  Drought, cool growing season,             3         7
                                      Codington, Hamlin.                                                                                      early frost.
    MN.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  12-03-2004.....  8-03-2005......  S1992........  Drought, cool growing season,       .......         2
                                                                                                                                              early frost.
    TX.............................  Uvalde............  6-18-2004.......  6-30-2004......  12-03-2004.....  8-03-2005......  S1993........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         8
                                                                                                                                              flooding, hail.
    TX.............................  Deaf Smith........  8-12-2004.......  9-22-2004......  12-03-2004.....  8-03-2005......  S1994........  (1) Hail..........................        1         5
                                                                                                                                             (2) Excessive rain, hail..........
    NM.............................  ..................  8-12-2004.......  9-22-2004......  12-03-2004.....  8-03-2005......  S1994........  (1) Hail..........................  .......         2
                                                                                                                                             (2) Excessive rain, hail..........
    TX.............................  Austin, Washington  6-15-2004.......  continuing.....  12-03-2004.....  8-03-2005......  S1995........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           2         9
                                                                                                                                              flooding, hail, high winds, wind
                                                                                                                                              shear.
    TX.............................  Culberson.........  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  12-03-2004.....  8-03-2005......  S1996........  Drought...........................        1         3
    NM.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  12-03-2004.....  8-03-2005......  S1996........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    TX.............................  Bailey............  10-05-2004......  10-05-2004.....  12-03-2004.....  8-03-2005......  S1997........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         4
                                                                                                                                              flooding, hail, high winds,
                                                                                                                                              lightning.
    NM.............................  ..................  10-05-2004......  10-05-2004.....  12-03-2004.....  8-03-2005......  S1997........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,     .......         2
                                                                                                                                              flooding, hail, high winds,
                                                                                                                                              lightning.
    WY.............................  Albany, Hot         1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  12-03-2004.....  8-03-2005......  S1998........  Drought...........................        4         1
                                      Springs, Natrona,
                                      Washakie.
    CO.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  12-03-2004.....  8-03-2005......  S1998........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    TX.............................  Jeff Davis........  1-01-2003.......  continuing.....  12-06-2004.....  8-08-2005......  S1999........  Drought, high winds, excessive            1         6
                                                                                                                                              temperatures.
    VA.............................  Northampton.......  7/15/04.........  continuing.....  12-15-2004.....  8-15-2005......  S2000........  Excessive Rain....................        1         1
    TX.............................  Swisher...........  6-21-2004.......  6-25-2004......  12-15-2004.....  8-15-2005......  S2001........  High winds, tornado...............        1         6
    MI.............................  Isabella, Mecosta,  8-19-2004.......  10-08-2004.....  12-28-2004.....  8-29-2005......  S2002........  Freeze............................        3        15
                                      Otsego.
    MI.............................  Bay, Benzie, Grand  7-01-2004.......  8-17-2004......  12-28-2004.....  8-29-2005......  S2003........  Drought...........................       15        13
                                      Traverse,
                                      Isabella,
                                      Kalkaska, Lake,
                                      Leelanau,
                                      Manistee, Mason,
                                      Mecosta, Midland,
                                      Missaukee,
                                      Oceana, Osceola,
                                      Wexford.
    MI.............................  Alcona, Alger,      4-25-2004.......  continuing.....  12-28-2004.....  8-29-2005......  S2004........  Excessive rainfall, hail, high           76         7
                                      Alpena, Antrim,                                                                                         winds, flooding.
                                      Baraga, Bay,
                                      Benzie, Berrien,
                                      Cass, Charlevoix,
                                      Cheboygan,
                                      Chippewa, Clare,
                                      Crawford, Delta,
                                      Dickinson, Emmet,
                                      Genesee, Gladwin,
                                      Gogebic, Grand
                                      Traverse,
                                      Gratiot,
                                      Hillsdale,
                                      Houghton, Huron,
                                      Ingham, Ionia,
                                      Iosco, Iron,
                                      Isabella,
                                      Jackson,
                                      Kalamazoo,
                                      Kalkaska, Kent,
                                      Keweenaw, Lake,
                                      Lapeer, Leelanau,
                                      Lenawee,
                                      Livingston, Luce,
                                      Mackinac, Macomb,
                                      Manistee,
                                      Marquette, Mason,
                                      Mecosta,
                                      Menominee,
                                      Midland,
                                      Missaukee,
                                      Monroe, Montcalm,
                                      Montmorency,
                                      Muskegon,
                                      Newaygo, Oakland,
                                      Oceana, Ogemaw,
                                      Ontonagon,
                                      Osceola, Oscoda,
                                      Otsego, Ottawa,
                                      Presque Isle,
                                      Roscommon,
                                      Saginaw, Sanilac,
                                      Schoolcraft,
                                      Shiawassee, St.
                                      Clair, St.
                                      Joseph, Tuscola,
                                      Van Buren,
                                      Washtenaw, Wayne,
                                      Wexford.
    IN.............................  ..................  4-25-2004.......  continuing.....  12-28-2004.....  8-29-2005......  S2004........  Excessive rainfall, hail, high      .......         5
                                                                                                                                              winds, flooding.
    OH.............................  ..................  4-25-2004.......  continuing.....  12-28-2004.....  8-29-2005......  S2004........  Excessive rainfall, hail, high      .......         3
                                                                                                                                              winds, flooding.
    WI.............................  ..................  4-25-2004.......  continuing.....  12-28-2004.....  8-29-2005......  S2004........  Excessive rainfall, hail, high      .......         5
                                                                                                                                              winds, flooding.
    NE.............................  Adams, Boone,       1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  12-28-2004.....  8-29-2005......  S2005........  Drought...........................       24        30
                                      Buffalo, Custer,
                                      Sherman, Dawson,
                                      Fillmore,
                                      Franklin, Furnas,
                                      Garfield, Gosper,
                                      Harlan, Kearney,
                                      Knox, Logan,
                                      Loup, Merrick,
                                      Nance, Nuckolls,
                                      Pawnee, Thayer,
                                      Valley, Webster,
                                      Wheeler.
    KS.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  12-28-2004.....  8-29-2005......  S2005........  Drought...........................  .......         9
    SD.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  12-28-2004.....  8-29-2005......  S2005........  Drought...........................  .......         3
    TX.............................  Presidio..........  9-22-2004.......  9-22-2004......  12-28-2004.....  8-29-2005......  S2006........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         3
                                                                                                                                              high winds.
    TX.............................  Cochran...........  8-19-2004.......  8-19-2004......  12-28-2004.....  8-29-2005......  S2007........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds..        1         5
    NM.............................  ..................  8-19-2004.......  8-19-2004......  12-28-2004.....  8-29-2005......  S2007........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds..  .......         2
    CA.............................  Tehama............  3-12-2004.......  3-31-2004......  12-28-2004.....  8-29-2005......  S2008........  Hot, dry, windy, weather..........        1         6
    CO.............................  Bent, Moffat......  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S2009........  Bent: High winds, heavy rain              2         7
                                                                                                                                              Moffat: Drought, freeze (part).
    UT.............................  ..................  ................  ...............  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S2009........  Drought, freeze...................  .......         2
    WY.............................  ..................  ................  ...............  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S2009........  Drought, freeze...................  .......         2
    TX.............................  Gonzales..........  11-15-2004......  continuing.....  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S2010........  Excessive rain, flooding..........        1         8
    MS.............................  Alcorn, Amite,      5-01-2004.......  9-20-2004......  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S2011........  Excessive rainfall, deg.ooding,          38        39
                                      Bolivar, Calhoun,                                                                                       flash flooding, high winds,
                                      Carroll,                                                                                                tornadoes, hail and lightning
                                      Chickasaw,                                                                                              that occurred from 05/01/04-07/31/
                                      Clarke, Clay,                                                                                           04 AND due to Hurricane Ivan 09/
                                      Coahoma,                                                                                                13/04-09/20/04.
                                      Covington,
                                      George, Grenada,
                                      Hinds, Holmes,
                                      Itawamba,
                                      Jackson,
                                      Jefferson Davis,
                                      Jones, Lamar,
                                      Lauderdale,
                                      Lawrence, Lee,
                                      Marion, Monroe,
                                      Montgomery,
                                      Oktibbeha, Perry,
                                      Pike, Pontotoc,
                                      Prentiss,
                                      Quitman, Simpson,
                                      Smith, Tunica,
                                      Union, Walthall,
                                      Webster,
                                      Wilkinson.
    AL.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  10-10-2004.....  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S2011........  Excessive rainfall, flooding--      .......         6
                                                                                                                                              Hurricane Ivan.
    AR.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  10-10-2004.....  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S2011........  Excessive rainfall, flooding--      .......         5
                                                                                                                                              Hurricane Ivan.
    LA.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  10-10-2004.....  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S2011........  Excessive rainfall, flooding--      .......         6
                                                                                                                                              Hurricane Ivan.
    TN.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  10-10-2004.....  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S2011........  Excessive rainfall, flooding--      .......         3
                                                                                                                                              Hurricane Ivan.
    TX.............................  Taylor............  10-03-2004......  11-18-2004.....  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S2012........  Excessive rain....................        1         6
    TX.............................  Martin............  8-01-2004.......  8-31-2004......  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S2013........  Record-breaking cool weather......        1         7
    TX.............................  Bosque............  4-01-2004.......  continuing.....  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S2014........  Excessive rain....................        1         7
    TX.............................  Terrell...........  7-01-2004.......  continuing.....  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S2015........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         4
                                                                                                                                              flooding.
    TX.............................  Caldwell..........  10-01-2004......  continuing.....  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S2016........  Excessive rain, flash flooding....        1         6
    TX.............................  Castro............  6-01-2004.......  8-31-2004......  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S2017........  Hailstorms........................        1         6
    OR.............................  Coos..............  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S2018........  Drought...........................        1         2
    OH.............................  Athens, Belmont,    9-08-2004.......  9-26-2004......  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S2019........  Excessive rain, severe flooding,         13        15
                                      Guernsey,                                                                                               due to Hurricane remnants.
                                      Harrison,
                                      Hocking, Jackson,
                                      Jefferson,
                                      Monroe, Noble,
                                      Perry, Scioto,
                                      Vinton,
                                      Washington.
    KY.............................  ..................  9-08-2004.......  9-26-2004......  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S2019........  Excessive rain, severe flooding,    .......         2
                                                                                                                                              due to Hurricane remnants.
    WV.............................  ..................  9-08-2004.......  9-26-2004......  1-10-2005......  9-12-2005......  S2019........  Excessive rain, severe flooding,    .......         8
                                                                                                                                              due to Hurricane remnants.
    CA.............................  Alpine, Amador,     1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  1-19-2005......  9-19-2005......  S2020........  Drought...........................       24        29
                                      Calaveras, Inyo,
                                      Kings, Lake,
                                      Lassen, Mariposa,
                                      Mendocino, Mono,
                                      Monterey, Napa,
                                      Nevada, Orange,
                                      Plumas, San
                                      Benito, Santa
                                      Barbara, Santa
                                      Clara, Sierra,
                                      Sonoma, Tulare,
                                      Tuolumne, Yolo,
                                      Yuba.
    NV.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  1-19-2005......  9-19-2005......  S2020........  Drought...........................  .......         7
    ID.............................  Adams, Benewah,     (1) 01/01/04....  (1) continuing.  1-19-2005......  9-19-2005......  S2021........  (1) Drought.......................       10        18
                                      Blaine, Camas,     (2) 07/15/04....  (2) 09/01/04...                                                   (2) Excessive Moisture,...........
                                      Clearwater,        (3) 08/01/04....  (3) 09/01/04...                                                   (3) High winds....................
                                      Kootenai, Lewis,
                                      Nez Perce, Twin
                                      Falls, Washington.
    MT.............................  ..................  (1) 01/01/04....  (1) continuing.  1-19-2005......  9-19-2005......  S2021........  (1) Drought.......................  .......         2
                                                         (2) 07/15/04....  (2) 09/01/04...                                                   (2) Excessive Moisture,...........
                                                         (3) 08/01/04....  (3) 09/01/04...                                                   (3) High winds....................
    NV.............................  ..................  (1) 01/01/04....  (1) continuing.  1-19-2005......  9-19-2005......  S2021........  (1) Drought.......................  .......         1
                                                         (2) 07/15/04....  (2) 09/01/04...                                                   (2) Excessive Moisture,...........
                                                         (3) 08/01/04....  (3) 09/01/04...                                                   (3) High winds....................
    OR.............................  ..................  (1) 01/01/04....  (1) continuing.  1-19-2005......  9-19-2005......  S2021........  (1) Drought.......................  .......         3
                                                         (2) 07/15/04....  (2) 09/01/04...                                                   (2) Excessive Moisture,...........
                                                         (3) 08/01/04....  (3) 09/01/04...                                                   (3) High winds....................
    WA.............................  ..................  (1) 01/01/04....  (1) continuing.  1-19-2005......  9-19-2005......  S2021........  (1) Drought.......................  .......         3
                                                         (2) 07/15/04....  (2) 09/01/04...                                                   (2) Excessive Moisture,...........
                                                         (3) 08/01/04....  (3) 09/01/04...                                                   (3) High winds....................
    ID.............................  Lincoln...........  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  2-09-2005......  10-11-2005.....  S2021,         Drought...........................        1  ..........
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.
    TX.............................  Coleman...........  10-01-2004......  continuing.....  1-19-2005......  9-19-2005......  S2022........  Excessive rain, high winds........        1         6
    TX.............................  Gaines............  9-25-2004.......  9-30-2004......  1-19-2005......  9-19-2005......  S2023........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         5
                                                                                                                                              high winds, lightning.
    NM.............................  ..................  9-25-2004.......  9-30-2004......  1-19-2005......  9-19-2005......  S2023........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         1
                                                                                                                                              high winds, lightning.
    TX.............................  Robertson.........  11-23-2004......  11-23-2004.....  1-19-2005......  9-19-2005......  S2024........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         7
                                                                                                                                              flooding, hail, high winds,
                                                                                                                                              tornado.
    TX.............................  Hays..............  10-01-2004......  continuing.....  1-19-2005......  9-19-2005......  S2025........  Excessive rain, flash flooding....        1         5
    TX.............................  Borden............  9-01-2004.......  10-15-2004.....  1-19-2005......  9-19-2005......  S2026........  Excessive rain....................        1         7
    TX.............................  Nolan.............  10-01-2004......  continuing.....  1-19-2005......  9-19-2005......  S2027........  Excessive rain, flash flooding....        1         7
    TX.............................  Erath.............  2-24-2004.......  continuing.....  1-19-2005......  9-19-2005......  S2028........  Excessive rain, flooding, flash           1         7
                                                                                                                                              flooding, high winds, hail.
    TX.............................  Howard............  10/22/04........  10/22/04.......  1-19-2005......  9-19-2005......  S2029........  (1) Hail..........................        1         7
                                                         09/25/04........  continuing.....                                                   (2) Excessive rain................
    TX.............................  Dawson............  5/04/04.........  continuing.....  1-19-2005......  9-19-2005......  S2030........  (1) Excessive rain................        1         6
                                                         06/19/04........  08/30/04.......                                                   (2) Hail..........................
    CO.............................  Huerfano, Las       1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  2-02-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2031........  Drought...........................        3        11
                                      Animas, Rio
                                      Blanco.
    NM.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  2-02-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2031........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    UT.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  2-02-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2031........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    TX.............................  Gray..............  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  2-02-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2032........  Excessive rain....................        1         7
    TX.............................  Hamilton..........  10-13-2004......  10-24-2004.....  2-02-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2033........  Excessive rain....................        1         6
    TX.............................  Hardin............  11-23-2004......  11-23-2004.....  2-02-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2034........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds,         1         6
                                                                                                                                              tornado.
    TX.............................  Bastrop...........  10-01-2004......  11-24-2004.....  2-02-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2035........  Excessive rain, flooding, tornado.        1         6
    TX.............................  Garza.............  10-09-2004......  10-09-2004.....  2-02-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2036........  Hail..............................        1         7
    TX.............................  Coryell...........  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  2-02-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2037........  Excessive rain, flooding, hail....        1         5
    TX.............................  Jackson...........  11-20-2004......  111/21/04......  2-02-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2038........  Excessive rain, flooding..........        1         6
    TX.............................  Gillespie.........  11-01-2004......  11-23-2004.....  2-02-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2039........  Excessive rain, flooding..........        1         6
    TX.............................  Guadalupe.........  11-22-2004......  11-23-2004.....  2-02-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2040........  Excessive rain....................        1         6
    TX.............................  Wharton...........  11-21-2004......  11-28-2004.....  2-02-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2041........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         6
                                                                                                                                              flooding.
    TX.............................  Newton............  11-23-2004......  11-24-2004.....  2-02-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2042........  Flash flooding, tornadoes.........        1         3
    LA.............................  ..................  11-23-2004......  11-24-2004.....  2-02-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2042........  Flash flooding, tornadoes.........  .......         4
    TX.............................  Terry.............  6-17-2004.......  10-05-2004.....  2-02-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2043........  Hail..............................        1         7
    TX.............................  Wilson............  11-18-2004......  11-23-2004.....  2-02-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2044........  Excessive rain....................        1         5
    TX.............................  Yoakum............  10-05-2004......  10-05-2004.....  2-02-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2045........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         4
                                                                                                                                              hail.
    NM.............................  ..................  10-05-2004......  10-05-2004.....  2-02-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2045........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,     .......         1
                                                                                                                                              hail.
    CA.............................  Placer............  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  2-09-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2046........  Drought...........................        3         1
                                     San Joaquin.......
                                     Ventura...........
    NV.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  2-09-2005......  10-11-2005.....  S2046........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    GA.............................  Baker, Banks,       9-15-2005.......  9-17-2005......  2-09-2005......  10-11-2005.....  S2047........  Tropical Storms Frances, Ivan,           32        42
                                      Bartow, Calhoun,                                                                                        Jeanne.
                                      Catoosa, Clay,
                                      Coffee, Dade,
                                      Decatur,
                                      Dougherty, Early,
                                      Fannin, Franklin,
                                      Gilmer, Grady,
                                      Lee, Madison,
                                      Miller, Mitchell,
                                      Murray, Oconee,
                                      Randolph, Schley,
                                      Seminole,
                                      Stewart, Sumter,
                                      Terrell, Thomas,
                                      Towns, Union,
                                      Webster,
                                      Whitfield.
    AL.............................  ..................  9-15-2005.......  9-17-2005......  2-09-2005......  10-11-2005.....  S2047........  Tropical Storms Frances, Ivan,      .......         6
                                                                                                                                              Jeanne.
    FL.............................  ..................  9-15-2005.......  9-17-2005......  2-09-2005......  10-11-2005.....  S2047........  Tropical Storms Frances, Ivan,      .......         4
                                                                                                                                              Jeanne.
    NC.............................  ..................  9-15-2005.......  9-17-2005......  2-09-2005......  10-11-2005.....  S2047........  Tropical Storms Frances, Ivan,      .......         2
                                                                                                                                              Jeanne.
    SC.............................  ..................  9-15-2005.......  9-17-2005......  2-09-2005......  10-11-2005.....  S2047........  Tropical Storms Frances, Ivan,      .......         1
                                                                                                                                              Jeanne.
    TN.............................  ..................  9-15-2005.......  9-17-2005......  2-09-2005......  10-11-2005.....  S2047........  Tropical Storms Frances, Ivan,      .......         4
                                                                                                                                              Jeanne.
    NY.............................  Allegany,           11-01-2003......  continuing.....  2-09-2005......  10-11-2005.....  S2048........  (1) Multiple disasters related to        25        29
                                      Cattaraugus,                                                                                            severe storms, including
                                      Chautauqua,                                                                                             excessive rain, hail, flooding,
                                      Clinton,                                                                                                flash flooding, high winds.
                                      Columbia, Erie,                                                                                        (2) Freeze........................
                                      Fulton, Genesee,
                                      Greene, Lewis,
                                      Monroe,
                                      Montgomery,
                                      Nassau, Niagara,
                                      Oneida, Ontario,
                                      Orange, Orleans,
                                      Saratoga,
                                      Schuyler, Seneca,
                                      Tompkins, Ulster,
                                      Washington,
                                      Wayne, Wyoming.
    MA.............................  ..................  11-01-2003......  continuing.....  2-09-2005......  10-11-2005.....  S2048........  (1) Multiple disasters related to   .......         1
                                                                                                                                              severe storms, including
                                                                                                                                              excessive rain, hail, flooding,
                                                                                                                                              flash flooding, high winds.
                                                                                                                                             (2) Freeze........................
    NJ.............................  ..................  11-01-2003......  continuing.....  2-09-2005......  10-11-2005.....  S2048........  (1) Multiple disasters related to   .......         2
                                                                                                                                              severe storms, including
                                                                                                                                              excessive rain, hail, flooding,
                                                                                                                                              flash flooding, high winds.
                                                                                                                                             (2) Freeze........................
    PA.............................  ..................  11-01-2003......  continuing.....  2-09-2005......  10-11-2005.....  S2048........  (1) Multiple disasters related to   .......         5
                                                                                                                                              severe storms, including
                                                                                                                                              excessive rain, hail, flooding,
                                                                                                                                              flash flooding, high winds.
                                                                                                                                             (2) Freeze........................
    VT.............................  ..................  11-01-2003......  continuing.....  2-09-2005......  10-11-2005.....  S2048........  (1) Multiple disasters related to   .......         5
                                                                                                                                              severe storms, including
                                                                                                                                              excessive rain, hail, flooding,
                                                                                                                                              flash flooding, high winds.
                                                                                                                                             (2) Freeze........................
    TX.............................  Archer............  3-04-2004.......  continuing.....  2-09-2005......  10-11-2005.....  S2049........  Excessive rain, flooding, high            1         7
                                                                                                                                              winds, lightning.
    TX.............................  Wichita...........  3-04-2004.......  continuing.....  2-09-2005......  10-11-2005.....  S2050........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         4
                                                                                                                                              flooding, high winds, lightning,
                                                                                                                                              insect damage.
    OK.............................  ..................  3-04-2004.......  continuing.....  2-09-2005......  10-11-2005.....  S2050........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,     .......         2
                                                                                                                                              flooding, high winds, lightning,
                                                                                                                                              insect damage.
    TX.............................  Scurry............  5-01-2004.......  10-31-2004.....  2-09-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2051........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds,         1         7
                                                                                                                                              tornado.
    TX.............................  Carson............  11-01-2004......  11-29-2004.....  2-09-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2052........  Excessive rain, excessive snow,           1         8
                                                                                                                                              flash flooding.
    TX.............................  Kendall...........  11-01-2004......  11-23-2004.....  2-09-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2053........  Excessive rain, flash flooding....        1         6
    TX.............................  Bexar.............  11-19-2004......  11-23-2004.....  2-09-2005......  10-03-2005.....  S2054........  Excessive rain, flooding..........        1         7
    TX.............................  Hudspeth..........  10-15-2004......  10-11-2004.....  2-09-2005......  9-23-2005......  S2055........  Excessive rain....................        1         4
    NM.............................  ..................  10-15-2004......  10-11-2004.....  2-09-2005......  9-24-2005......  S2055........  Excessive rain....................  .......         1
    TX.............................  Colorado..........  11-21-2004......  continuing.....  2-09-2005......  9-25-2005......  S2056........  Excessive rain, flooding..........        1         5
    TX.............................  Comal.............  10-01-2004......  continuing.....  2-09-2005......  9-26-2005......  S2057........  Excessive rain, flash flooding....        1         5
    TX.............................  Wilbarger.........  11-13-2004......  11-22-2004.....  2-09-2005......  9-27-2005......  S2058........  Excessive rain....................        1         5
    OK.............................  ..................  11-13-2004......  11-22-2004.....  2-09-2005......  9-28-2005......  S2058........  Excessive rain....................  .......         2
    WI.............................  Calumet, Clark,     3-01-2004.......  10-08-2004.....  2-09-2005......  9-29-2005......  S2059........  Excessive rain, flooding, fol. By        10        24
                                      Door, Kewaunee,                                                                                         dry spell, early frost.
                                      Manitowoc,
                                      Marinette,
                                      Milwaukee,
                                      Oconto, Waukesha,
                                      Waupaca.
    MI.............................  ..................  3-01-2004.......  10-08-2004.....  2-09-2005......  9-30-2005......  S2059........  Excessive rain, flooding, fol. By   .......         2
                                                                                                                                              dry spell, early frost.
    CA.............................  Humboldt..........  3-01-2004.......  continuing.....  2-24-2005......  10-24-2005.....  S2060........  Drought...........................        1         4
    NY.............................  Herkimer, Ontario,  5-01-2004.......  10-10-2004.....  2-24-2005......  10-24-2005.....  S2061........  Excessive rain, flash Flooding,           3        16
                                      Otsego.                                                                                                 flooding.
    CA.............................  Solano............  3-01-2004.......  9-23-2004......  2-24-2005......  10-24-2005.....  S2062........  Extremely low precipitation               1         5
                                                                                                                                              (Drought), warm spring
                                                                                                                                              temperatures, dry north winds.
    CA.............................  San Luis Obispo...  4-23-2004.......  8-25-2004......  2-24-2005......  10-24-2005.....  S2063........  Extreme prolonged heat; Subsequent        1         4
                                                                                                                                              fruit drop, through 08/25/04.
    CA.............................  Marin.............  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  2-24-2005......  10-24-2005.....  S2064........  Sporadic rain, high winds,                1         1
                                                                                                                                              excessive heat, unseasonable
                                                                                                                                              summer winds.
    NY.............................  Broome, Chemung,    4-01-2004.......  12-31-2004.....  2-28-2005......  10-28-2005.....  S2065........  Excessive rain, flooding, flash          22        20
                                      Chenango,                                                                                               flooding, high winds, hail.
                                      Columbia,
                                      Cortland,
                                      Delaware,
                                      Dutchess,
                                      Genesee, Greene,
                                      Livingston,
                                      Niagara,
                                      Onondaga, Orange,
                                      Orleans, Oswego,
                                      Putnam,
                                      Schenectady,
                                      Schoharie,
                                      Sullivan, Tioga,
                                      Ulster,
                                      Westchester.
    NY.............................  ..................  4-01-2004.......  12-31-2004.....  2-28-2005......  10-28-2005.....  S2065........  Excessive rain, flooding, flash     .......         2
                                                                                                                                              flooding, high winds, hail.
    NY.............................  ..................  4-01-2004.......  12-31-2004.....  2-28-2005......  10-28-2005.....  S2065........  ..................................  .......         1
    NY.............................  ..................  4-01-2004.......  12-31-2004.....  2-28-2005......  10-28-2005.....  S2065........  ..................................  .......         2
    NY.............................  ..................  4-01-2004.......  12-31-2004.....  2-28-2005......  10-28-2005.....  S2065........  ..................................  .......         5
    TN.............................  Lawrence, Wayne...  10-18-2004......  10-19-2004.....  2-28-2005......  10-28-2005.....  S2066........  Storm, with heavy rains,                  2         6
                                                                                                                                              lightning, winds, tornadoes,
                                                                                                                                              flooding.
    AL.............................  ..................  10-18-2004......  10-19-2004.....  2-28-2005......  10-28-2005.....  S2066........  ..................................  .......         1
    TX.............................  Blanco............  11-01-2004......  11-23-2004.....  3-07-2005......  11-07-2005.....  S2067........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         7
                                                                                                                                              tornado.
    TX.............................  Brown.............  11-15-2004......  continuing.....  3-07-2005......  11-07-2005.....  S2068........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         7
                                                                                                                                              flooding, hail, high winds,
                                                                                                                                              lightning.
    TX.............................  Sherman...........  11-30-2004......  continuing.....  3-07-2005......  11-07-2005.....  S2069........  Excessive rain....................        1         5
    OK.............................  ..................  11-30-2004......  continuing.....  3-07-2005......  11-07-2005.....  S2069........  Excessive rain....................  .......         2
    TX.............................  Harris............  11-20-2004......  11-24-2004.....  3-07-2005......  11-07-2005.....  S2070........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         7
                                                                                                                                              high winds, tornadoes.
    WY.............................  Park..............  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  3-07-2005......  11-07-2005.....  S2071........  Drought...........................        1         2
    MT.............................  ..................  1-01-2004.......  continuing.....  3-07-2005......  11-07-2005.....  S2071........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    NY.............................  Albany, Cayuga,     5-01-2004.......  continuing.....  3-08-2005......  11-08-2005.....  S2072........  Multiple disasters related to            15        25
                                      Dutchess,                                                                                               severe storms, including
                                      Genesee,                                                                                                excessive rain, hail, flooding,
                                      Livingston,                                                                                             flash flooding, high winds,
                                      Monroe, Oneida,                                                                                         lightning, low temperatures.
                                      Orange, Orleans,
                                      Rensselaer,
                                      Steuben,
                                      Sullivan, Ulster,
                                      Wayne, Yates.
    CT.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  continuing.....  3-08-2005......  11-08-2005.....  S2072........  Multiple disasters related to       .......         2
                                                                                                                                              severe storms, including
                                                                                                                                              excessive rain, hail, flooding,
                                                                                                                                              flash flooding, high winds,
                                                                                                                                              lightning, low temperatures.
    MA.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  continuing.....  3-08-2005......  11-08-2005.....  S2072........  Multiple disasters related to       .......         1
                                                                                                                                              severe storms, including
                                                                                                                                              excessive rain, hail, flooding,
                                                                                                                                              flash flooding, high winds,
                                                                                                                                              lightning, low temperatures.
    NJ.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  continuing.....  3-08-2005......  11-08-2005.....  S2072........  Multiple disasters related to       .......         2
                                                                                                                                              severe storms, including
                                                                                                                                              excessive rain, hail, flooding,
                                                                                                                                              flash flooding, high winds,
                                                                                                                                              lightning, low temperatures.
    PA.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  continuing.....  3-08-2005......  11-08-2005.....  S2072........  Multiple disasters related to       .......         4
                                                                                                                                              severe storms, including
                                                                                                                                              excessive rain, hail, flooding,
                                                                                                                                              flash flooding, high winds,
                                                                                                                                              lightning, low temperatures.
    VT.............................  ..................  5-01-2004.......  continuing.....  3-08-2005......  ...............  S2072........  Multiple disasters related to       .......         1
                                                                                                                                              severe storms, including
                                                                                                                                              excessive rain, hail, flooding,
                                                                                                                                              flash flooding, high winds,
                                                                                                                                              lightning, low temperatures.
    AR.............................  Arkansas, Ashley,   10-01-2004......  11-30-2004.....  3-11-05........  11-14-2005.....  S2073........  Excessive rain, flooding..........       40        25
                                      Chicot,
                                      Cleveland,
                                      Columbia, Conway,
                                      Crawford, Dallas,
                                      Desha, Drew,
                                      Franklin,
                                      Garland, Grant,
                                      Hempstead, Hot
                                      Spring, Jackson,
                                      Jefferson,
                                      Johnson,
                                      Lafayette, Lee,
                                      Lincoln, Little
                                      River, Logan,
                                      Lonoke, Marion,
                                      Miller, Monroe,
                                      Montgomery,
                                      Nevada, Phillips,
                                      Pope, Prairie,
                                      Pulaski, Saline,
                                      Scott, Sebastian,
                                      Union, White,
                                      Woodruff, Yell.
    LA.............................  ..................  10-01-2004......  11-30-2004.....  3-11-05........  11-14-2005.....  S2073........  Excessive rain, flooding..........  .......         8
    MO.............................  ..................  10-01-2004......  11-30-2004.....  3-11-05........  11-14-2005.....  S2073........  Excessive rain, flooding..........  .......         2
    MS.............................  ..................  10-01-2004......  11-30-2004.....  3-11-05........  11-14-2005.....  S2073........  Excessive rain, flooding..........  .......         5
    OK.............................  ..................  10-01-2004......  11-30-2004.....  3-11-05........  11-14-2005.....  S2073........  Excessive rain, flooding..........  .......         4
    TX.............................  ..................  10-01-2004......  11-30-2004.....  3-11-05........  11-14-2005.....  S2073........  Excessive rain, flooding..........  .......         2
    TX.............................  Schleicher........  10-01-2004......  11-30-2004.....  3-11-2005......  11-14-2005.....  S2074........  Excessive rain....................        1         7
    TX.............................  Hutchinson, Moore.  10-01-2004......  continuing.....  3-15-2005......  11-15-2005.....  S2075........  Excessive rain, excessive snow....        2         9
    ME.............................  Aroostook,          1-01-2004.......  12-31-2004.....  3-15-2005......  11-15-2005.....  S2076........  Excessive rain, wet conditions;           2         6
                                      Somerset.                                                                                               cold spring, summer.
    TN.............................  Marion, Sequatchie  12-05-2004......  continuing.....  3-17-2005......  11-17-2005.....  S2077........  Storms, excessive rain, flooding..        2         6
    AL.............................  ..................  12-05-2004......  continuing.....  3-17-2005......  11-17-2005.....  S2077........  Storms, excessive rain, flooding..  .......         1
    GA.............................  ..................  12-05-2004......  continuing.....  3-17-2005......  11-17-2005.....  S2077........  Storms, excessive rain, flooding..  .......         1
    TX.............................  Waller............  5-13-2004.......  continuing.....  3-18-2005......  11-18-2005.....  S2078........  Excessive rain, flooding..........        1         6
    TX.............................  Jack..............  6-01-2004.......  continuing.....  3-18-2005......  11-18-2005.....  S2079........  Excessive rain, hail..............        1         7
    NV.............................  Clark, Lincoln....  1-09-2005.......  1-15-2005......  3-18-2005......  11-18-2005.....  S2080........  Heavy rain, snow melt, resulting          2         2
                                                                                                                                              in severe flooding.
    AZ.............................  ..................  1-09-2005.......  1-15-2005......  3-18-2005......  11-18-2005.....  S2080........  Heavy rain, snow melt, resulting    .......         1
                                                                                                                                              in severe flooding.
    CA.............................  ..................  1-09-2005.......  1-15-2005......  3-18-2005......  11-18-2005.....  S2080........  Heavy rain, snow melt, resulting    .......         2
                                                                                                                                              in severe flooding.
    UT.............................  ..................  1-09-2005.......  1-15-2005......  3-18-2005......  11-18-2005.....  S2080........  Heavy rain, snow melt, resulting    .......         4
                                                                                                                                              in severe flooding.
    OR.............................  Klamath...........  10-01-2002......  continuing.....  3-22-2005......  11-22-2005.....  S2081........  Drought...........................        1         5
    CA.............................  ..................  10-01-2002......  continuing.....  3-22-2005......  11-22-2005.....  S2081........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    TX.............................  Williamson........  10-01-2004......  continuing.....  3-22-2005......  11-22-2005.....  S2082........  Excessive rain, flash flooding....        1         6
    MA.............................  Hampshire, Hampden  7-15-2004.......  10-31-2004.....  3-22-2005......  11-22-2005.....  S2083........  Abnormally wet weather conditions.        2         3
    CT.............................  ..................  7-15-2004.......  10-31-2004.....  3-22-2005......  11-22-2005.....  S2083........  Abnormally wet weather conditions.  .......         3
    TX.............................  Brewster..........  7-28-04.........  7-29-04........  3-22-2005......  11-22-2005.....  S2084........  Excessive rain, flash flooding....        1         4
                                                         06-01-04........  continuing.....
    TX.............................  Randall...........  9-01-2004.......  12-31-2004.....  3-25-2005......  11-25-2005.....  S2085........  Excessive rain, flash flooding....        1         7
    TX.............................  Roberts...........  11-01-2004......  continuing.....  3-25-2005......  11-25-2005.....  S2086........  Excessive rain, freeze, excessive         1         8
                                                                                                                                              temperatures.
    OH.............................  Ashland,            12-23-2004......  continuing.....  3-25-2005......  11-25-2005.....  S2087........  Extreme weather conditions:              16        36
                                      Ashtabula,                                                                                              Freezing rain, ice, excessive
                                      Clermont,                                                                                               rain, excessive snow, high winds,
                                      Delaware,                                                                                               flash flooding, flooding.
                                      Fairfield,
                                      Geauga, Hancock,
                                      Holmes, Lake,
                                      Licking, Logan,
                                      Marion, Morgan,
                                      Morrow,
                                      Muskingum,
                                      Wyandot.
    KY.............................  ..................  12-23-2004......  continuing.....  3-25-2005......  11-25-2005.....  S2087........  Extreme weather conditions:         .......         3
                                                                                                                                              Freezing rain, ice, excessive
                                                                                                                                              rain, excessive snow, high winds,
                                                                                                                                              flash flooding, flooding.
    PA.............................  ..................  12-23-2004......  continuing.....  3-25-2005......  11-25-2005.....  S2087........  Extreme weather conditions:         .......         2
                                                                                                                                              Freezing rain, ice, excessive
                                                                                                                                              rain, excessive snow, high winds,
                                                                                                                                              flash flooding, flooding.
    CT.............................  Fairfield,          7-01-2004.......  10-31-2004.....  3-25-2005......  11-25-2005.....  S2088........  Abnormally wet weather conditions.        4         4
                                      Hartford,
                                      Litchfield,
                                      Tolland.
    MA.............................  ..................  7-01-2004.......  10-31-2004.....  3-25-2005......  11-25-2005.....  S2088........  Abnormally wet weather conditions.  .......         3
    NY.............................  ..................  7-01-2004.......  10-31-2004.....  3-25-2005......  11-25-2005.....  S2088........  Abnormally wet weather conditions.  .......         3
    UT.............................  Iron, Washington..  1-09-2005.......  1-11-2005......  3-25-2005......  11-25-2005.....  S2089........  Severe flooding...................        2         3
    AZ.............................  ..................  1-09-2005.......  1-11-2005......  3-25-2005......  11-25-2005.....  S2089........  Severe flooding...................  .......         1
    NV.............................  ..................  1-09-2005.......  1-11-2005......  3-25-2005......  11-25-2005.....  S2089........  Severe flooding...................  .......         1
    OH.............................  Franklin,           12-23-2004......  1-23-2005......  4-14-2005......  12-14-2005.....  S2090........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           7        12
                                      Pickaway, Pike,                                                                                         flooding.
                                      Ross, Seneca,
                                      Shelby,
                                      Tuscarawas.
    TX.............................  Callahan..........  11-15-2004......  continuing.....  4-14-2005......  12-14-2005.....  S2091........  Excessive rain....................        1         6
    TX.............................  Hemphill..........  11-01-2004......  continuing.....  4-14-2005......  12-14-2005.....  S2092........  Excessive rain, excessive                 1         4
                                                                                                                                              temperatures, freeze.
    OK.............................  ..................  11-01-2004......  continuing.....  4-14-2005......  12-14-2005.....  S2092........  Excessive rain, excessive           .......         2
                                                                                                                                              temperatures, freeze.
    TX.............................  Hunt..............  11-01-2004......  continuing.....  4-14-2005......  12-14-2005.....  S2093........  Excessive rain....................        1         8
    TX.............................  Armstrong, Oldham.  11-25-2004......  continuing.....  4-14-2005......  12-14-2005.....  S2094........  Excessive rain....................        2        10
    NM.............................  ..................  11-25-2004......  continuing.....  4-14-2005......  12-14-2005.....  S2094........  Excessive rain....................  .......         1
    TX.............................  Potter............  11-25-2004......  continuing.....  4-14-2005......  12-14-2005.....  S2095........  Excessive rain....................        1         7
    TX.............................  Haskell...........  11-01-2004......  continuing.....  4-28-2005......  12-28-2005.....  S2096........  Excessive rain....................        1         7
    TX.............................  Crosby............  5-12-2005.......  5-13-2005......  6-21-2005......  2-21-2006......  S2097........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         8
                                                                                                                                              flooding, hail, high winds,
                                                                                                                                              lightning, tornadoes.
    CA.............................  Yuba..............  3-09-2005.......  3-15-2005......  7-18-2005......  3-20-2006......  S2098........  Unseasonably high temperatures,           1         6
                                                                                                                                              low humidity.
    MN.............................  Anoka, Benton,      11-01-2004......  4-30-2005......  7-18-2005......  3-20-2006......  S2099........  Winterkill; below freezing               19        29
                                      Carver, Chisago,                                                                                        temperatures; cool, wet weather.
                                      Clay, Grant,
                                      Hennepin, Isanti,
                                      Kanabec, Mille
                                      Lacs, McLeod,
                                      Morrison, Pine,
                                      Pope, Sherburne,
                                      Steele, Wabasha,
                                      Wilkin, Wright.
    ND.............................  ..................  11-01-2004......  4-30-2005......  7-18-2005......  3-20-2006......  S2099........  Winterkill; below freezing          .......         2
                                                                                                                                              temperatures; cool, wet weather.
    WI.............................  ..................  11-01-2004......  4-30-2005......  7-18-2005......  3-20-2006......  S2099........  Winterkill; below freezing          .......         5
                                                                                                                                              temperatures; cool, wet weather.
    TX.............................  Callahan..........  6-04-2005.......  6-04-2005......  7-18-2005......  3-20-2006......  S2100........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         6
                                                                                                                                              hail, high winds, lightning.
    TX.............................  Knox..............  5-23-2005.......  5-23-2005......  7-18-2005......  3-20-2006......  S2101........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         6
                                                                                                                                              hail, high winds, lightning.
    TX.............................  Floyd.............  6-09-2005.......  6-09-2005......  7-20-2005......  3-20-2006......  S2102........  Excessive rain, flooding, hail,           1         7
                                                                                                                                              high winds, lightning, tornadoes.
    CA.............................  Fresno, Kern,       4-28-2005.......  5-09-2005......  7-26-2005......  3-27-2006......  S2103........  Rain, hail storms.................        5        14
                                      Madera, Merced,
                                      Tulare.
    OK.............................  Alfalfa, Atoka,     1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  7-26-2005......  3-27-2006......  S2104........  Drought...........................       58        17
                                      Beckham, Blaine,
                                      Bryan, Caddo,
                                      Canadian, Carter,
                                      Choctaw,
                                      Cleveland, Coal,
                                      Comanche, Cotton,
                                      Craig, Creek,
                                      Custer, Delaware,
                                      Dewey, Ellis,
                                      Garfield, Garvin,
                                      Grady, Grant,
                                      Haskell, Hughes,
                                      Jefferson,
                                      Johnston,
                                      Kingfisher,
                                      Latimer, Le
                                      Flore, Lincoln,
                                      Logan, Love,
                                      McClain,
                                      McCurtain,
                                      McIntosh, Major,
                                      Marshall, Mayes,
                                      Murray, Muskogee,
                                      Okfuskee,
                                      Oklahoma, Pawnee,
                                      Payne, Pittsburg,
                                      Pontotoc,
                                      Pottawatomie,
                                      Pushmataha, Roger
                                      Mills, Rogers,
                                      Seminole,
                                      Stephens,
                                      Tillman, Tulsa,
                                      Washita, Woods,
                                      Woodward.
    AR.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  7-26-2005......  3-27-2006......  S2104........  Drought...........................  .......         6
    KS.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  7-26-2005......  3-27-2006......  S2104........  Drought...........................  .......         6
    MO.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  7-26-2005......  3-27-2006......  S2104........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    TX.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  7-26-2005......  3-27-2006......  S2104........  Drought...........................  .......        14
    TX.............................  Crosby............  6-09-2005.......  6-10-2005......  7-26-2005......  3-27-2006......  S2105........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         8
                                                                                                                                              flooding, hail, high winds,
                                                                                                                                              lightning, tornadoes.
    IL.............................  Adams, Boone,       1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  7-27-2005......  3-27-2006......  S2106........  Drought...........................       93         8
                                      Brown, Bureau,
                                      Calhoun, Carroll,
                                      Cass, Champaign,
                                      Clark, Clay,
                                      Clinton, Coles,
                                      Cook, Crawford,
                                      Cumberland, De
                                      Kalb, De Witt,
                                      Douglas, Du Page,
                                      Edgar, Edwards,
                                      Effingham,
                                      Fayette, Ford,
                                      Fulton, Gallatin,
                                      Greene, Grundy,
                                      Hamilton, Hardin,
                                      Henderson, Henry,
                                      Iroquois,
                                      Jackson, Jasper,
                                      Jefferson,
                                      Jersey, Jo
                                      Daviess, Johnson,
                                      Kane, Kankakee,
                                      Kendall, Knox, La
                                      Salle, Lake,
                                      Lawrence, Lee,
                                      Livingston,
                                      Logan, Macoupin,
                                      Madison, Marion,
                                      Marshall, Mason,
                                      Massac,
                                      McDonough,
                                      McHenry, McLean,
                                      Menard, Mercer,
                                      Monroe, Morgan,
                                      Moultrie, Ogle,
                                      Peoria, Perry,
                                      Piatt, Pike,
                                      Pope, Putnam,
                                      Randolph,
                                      Richland, Rock
                                      Island, Saline,
                                      Sangamon,
                                      Schuyler, Scott,
                                      Shelby, St.
                                      Clair, Stark,
                                      Stephenson,
                                      Tazewell,
                                      Vermilion,
                                      Wabash, Warren,
                                      Washington,
                                      Wayne, White,
                                      Whiteside, Will,
                                      Williamson,
                                      Winnebago,
                                      Woodford.
    IN.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  7-27-2005......  3-27-2006......  S2106........  Drought...........................  .......        10
    IA.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  7-27-2005......  3-27-2006......  S2106........  Drought...........................  .......         8
    KY.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  7-27-2005......  3-27-2006......  S2106........  Drought...........................  .......         4
    MO.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  7-27-2005......  3-27-2006......  S2106........  Drought...........................  .......        11
    WI.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  7-27-2005......  3-27-2006......  S2106........  Drought...........................  .......         6
    TX.............................  Duval.............  12-01-2004......  continuing.....  7-29-2005......  3-29-2006......  S2107........  Drought, high winds...............        1         7
    TX.............................  Baylor............  5-31-2005.......  5-31-2005......  7-29-2005......  3-29-2006......  S2108........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         8
                                                                                                                                              hail, high winds, lightning.
    TX.............................  Jones.............  5-31-2005.......  5-31-2005......  7-29-2005......  3-29-2006......  S2109........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,           1         7
                                                                                                                                              hail, high winds, lightning.
    TX.............................  Brooks, Jim Hogg..  3-01-2005.......  continuing.....  7-29-2005......  3-29-2006......  S2110........  Drought, high winds, excessive            2         8
                                                                                                                                              temperatures.
    CA.............................  Tehama............  3/01/05.........  05/01/05.......  8-12-2005......  4-12-2006......  S2111........  Hot, dry, windy weather...........        1         6
                                                         03/23/05........  3/15/05........                                                   Severe hailstorm..................
                                                                           03/23/05.......                                                   Rain, wind, unusually cool
                                                                           06/08/05.......                                                    temperatures.
    TX.............................  Gillespie.........  6-01-2005.......  6-01-2005......  8-12-2005......  4-12-2006......  S2112........  High winds........................        1         6
                                     Sutter............  3-05-2005.......  3-15-2005......  8-18-2005......  4-18-2006......  S2113........  Severe high temperatures, low             1         6
                                                                                                                                              humidity, strong winds.
    CA.............................  Mendocino.........  5-15-2005.......  5-19-2005......  8-22-2005......  4-24-2006......  S2114........  Rain, hail........................        1         6
    CA.............................  Stanislaus........  4-30-2005.......  5-01-2005......  8-22-2005......  4-24-2006......  S2115........  Rains.............................        1         7
    CA.............................  Butte.............  4-25-2005.......  5-20-2005......  8-22-2005......  4-24-2006......  S2116........  Hail, late rains..................        1         6
    CA.............................  Lake..............  5-18-2005.......  6-16-2005......  8-22-2005......  4-24-2006......  S2117........  Unseasonable heavy rainfall.......        1         6
    TX.............................  Burleson..........  5-01-2005.......  6-30-2005......  8-22-2005......  4-24-2006......  S2118........  Drought...........................        1         5
    MO.............................  Adair, Andrew,      1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  8-23-2005......  4-24-2006......  S2119........  Drought...........................      112         3
                                      Audrain, Barry,
                                      Barton, Bates,
                                      Benton,
                                      Bollinger, Boone,
                                      Buchanan, Butler,
                                      Caldwell,
                                      Callaway, Camden,
                                      Cape Girardeau,
                                      Carroll, Carter,
                                      Cass, Cedar,
                                      Chariton,
                                      Christian, Clark,
                                      Clay, Clinton,
                                      Cole, Cooper,
                                      Crawford, Dade,
                                      Dallas, Daviess,
                                      Dekalb, Dent,
                                      Douglas, Dunklin,
                                      Franklin,
                                      Gasconade,
                                      Gentry, Greene,
                                      Grundy, Harrison,
                                      Henry, Hickory,
                                      Howard, Howell,
                                      Iron, Jackson,
                                      Jasper,
                                      Jefferson,
                                      Johnson, Knox,
                                      Laclede,
                                      Lafayette,
                                      Lawrence, Lewis,
                                      Lincoln, Linn,
                                      Livingston,
                                      Macon, Madison,
                                      Maries, Marion,
                                      McDonald, Mercer,
                                      Miller,
                                      Mississippi,
                                      Moniteau, Monroe,
                                      Montgomery,
                                      Morgan, New
                                      Madrid, Newton,
                                      Nodaway, Oregon,
                                      Osage, Ozark,
                                      Pemiscot, Perry,
                                      Pettis, Phelps,
                                      Pike, Platte,
                                      Polk, Pulaski,
                                      Putnam, Ralls,
                                      Randolph, Ray,
                                      Reynolds, Ripley,
                                      Saline, Schuyler,
                                      Scotland, Scott,
                                      Shannon, Shelby,
                                      St Charles, St
                                      Clair, St
                                      Francois, St
                                      Louis, Ste
                                      Genevieve,
                                      Stoddard, Stone,
                                      Sullivan, Taney,
                                      Texas, Vernon,
                                      Warren,
                                      Washington,
                                      Wayne, Webster,
                                      Worth, Wright.
    AR.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  8-23-2005......  4-24-2006......  S2119........  Drought...........................  .......        12
    IL.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  8-23-2005......  4-24-2006......  S2119........  Drought...........................  .......        12
    IA.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  8-23-2005......  4-24-2006......  S2119........  Drought...........................  .......         9
    KS.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  8-23-2005......  4-24-2006......  S2119........  Drought...........................  .......        10
    KY.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  8-23-2005......  4-24-2006......  S2119........  Drought...........................  .......         4
    OK.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  8-23-2005......  4-24-2006......  S2119........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    TN.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  8-23-2005......  4-24-2006......  S2119........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    CA.............................  Sutter............  5-08-2005.......  5-19-2005......  8-25-2005......  4-25-2006......  S2120........  Unseasonable rain.................        1         6
    KS.............................  Butler, Ford,       6-03-2005.......  6-16-2005......  8-25-2005......  4-25-2006......  S2121........  Hail, high winds, lightning,              8        37
                                      Gove, Grant,                                                                                            tornadoes, excessive rain, flash
                                      Meade, Sedgwick,                                                                                        flooding, flooding.
                                      Trego, Wabaunsee.
    OK.............................  ..................  6-03-2005.......  6-16-2005......  8-25-2005......  4-25-2006......  S2121........  ..................................  .......         1
    MN.............................  Aitkin, Beltrami,   5-07-2005.......  continuing.....  8-25-2005......  4-25-2006......  S2122........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds..       17        28
                                      Benton,
                                      Clearwater,
                                      Dakota, Grant,
                                      Itasca, Kittson,
                                      Koochiching, Lake
                                      of the Woods,
                                      Marshall, Mille
                                      Lacs, Pennington,
                                      Roseau, Traverse,
                                      Washington,
                                      Wilkin.
    ND.............................  ..................  5-07-2005.......  continuing.....  8-25-2005......  4-25-2006......  S2122........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds..  .......         4
    SD.............................  ..................  5-07-2005.......  continuing.....  8-25-2005......  4-25-2006......  S2122........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds..  .......         1
    WI.............................  ..................  5-07-2005.......  continuing.....  8-25-2005......  4-25-2006......  S2122........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds..  .......         3
    OR.............................  Polk, Yamhill.....  3-24-2005.......  4-30-2005......  8-31-2005......  5-01-2006......  S2123........  Heavy winds, rains................        2         7
    TX.............................  Wilbarger.........  3-01-2005.......  7-05-2005......  8-31-2005......  5-01-2006......  S2124........  Drought, high winds, excessive            1         5
                                                                                                                                              temperatures.
    TX.............................  ..................  3-01-2005.......  7-05-2005......  8-31-2005......  5-01-2006......  S2124........  Drought, high winds, excessive      .......         2
                                                                                                                                              temperatures.
    VA.............................  Fauquier..........  4-01-2005.......  6-30-2005......  8-31-2005......  5-01-2006......  S2125........  Drought, high temperatures........        1         7
    MS.............................  Adams, Amite,       8-29-2005.......  continuing.....  9-09-2005......  5-09-2006......  S2126........  Hurricane Katrina.................       31         4
                                      Attala, Choctaw,
                                      Claiborne,
                                      Clarke, Copiah,
                                      Covington,
                                      Forrest,
                                      Franklin, George,
                                      Greene, Hancock,
                                      Harrison, Hinds,
                                      Jackson, Jasper,
                                      Jefferson,
                                      Jefferson Davis,
                                      Jones, Kemper,
                                      Lamar,
                                      Lauderdale,
                                      Lawrence, Leake,
                                      Lincoln, Lowndes,
                                      Madison, Marion,
                                      Neshoba, Newton,
                                      Noxubee,
                                      Oktibbeha, Pearl
                                      River, Perry,
                                      Pike, Rankin,
                                      Scott, Simpson,
                                      Smith, Stone,
                                      Walthall, Warren,
                                      Wayne, Wilkinson,
                                      Winston, Yazoo.
    AL.............................  ..................  8-29-2005.......  continuing.....  9-09-2005......  5-09-2006......  S2126........  Hurricane Katrina.................  .......         3
    AR.............................  ..................  8-29-2005.......  continuing.....  9-09-2005......  5-09-2006......  S2126........  Hurricane Katrina.................  .......         6
    LA.............................  ..................  8-29-2005.......  continuing.....  9-09-2005......  5-09-2006......  S2126........  Hurricane Katrina.................  .......         2
    TN.............................  ..................  8-29-2005.......  continuing.....  9-09-2005......  5-09-2006......  S2126........  Hurricane Katrina.................  .......         3
    IA.............................  Cedar, Clinton,     1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  9-13-2005......  5-15-2006......  S2127........  Drought...........................       16        10
                                      Davis, Des
                                      Moines, Henry,
                                      Iowa, Jackson,
                                      Jefferson,
                                      Johnson, Keokuk,
                                      Lee, Louisa,
                                      Muscatine, Scott,
                                      Van Buren,
                                      Washington.
    IL.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  9-13-2005......  5-15-2006......  S2127........  Drought...........................  .......         7
    MO.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  9-13-2005......  5-15-2006......  S2127........  Drought...........................  .......         3
    KS.............................  Ellsworth, Geary,   1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  9-13-2005......  5-15-2006......  S2128........  Freeze, drought, excessive heat,         10        34
                                      Gove, Greeley,                                                                                          high winds.
                                      Jewell, Osage,
                                      Riley, Russell,
                                      Trego, Wabaunsee.
    CO.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  9-13-2005......  5-15-2006......  S2128........  Freeze, drought, excessive heat,    .......         3
                                                                                                                                              high winds.
    NE.............................  ..................  1-01-2005.......  continuing.....  9-13-2005......  5-15-2006......  S2128........  Freeze, drought, excessive heat,    .......         2
                                                                                                                                              high winds.
    OH.............................  Ashland,            5-25-2005.......  continuing.....  9-20-2005......  5-22-2006......  S2129........  Extreme weather conditions........       72        16
                                      Ashtabula,
                                      Athens, Auglaize,
                                      Belmont, Brown,
                                      Butler, Carroll,
                                      Champaign,
                                      Clermont,
                                      Clinton,
                                      Columbiana,
                                      Coshocton,
                                      Crawford,
                                      Cuyahoga, Darke,
                                      Defiance, Erie,
                                      Fairfield,
                                      Fayette,
                                      Franklin, Fulton,
                                      Gallia, Geauga,
                                      Guernsey,
                                      Hamilton,
                                      Hancock, Hardin,
                                      Henry, Highland,
                                      Hocking, Huron,
                                      Jackson, Knox,
                                      Lake, Lawrence,
                                      Licking, Logan,
                                      Lorain, Lucas,
                                      Madison,
                                      Mahoning, Medina,
                                      Meigs, Mercer,
                                      Miami, Monroe,
                                      Montgomery,
                                      Morgan,
                                      Muskingum, Noble,
                                      Ottawa, Paulding,
                                      Perry, Pickaway,
                                      Pike, Preble,
                                      Putnam, Richland,
                                      Ross, Sandusky,
                                      Scioto, Seneca,
                                      Shelby, Trumbull,
                                      Tuscarawas,
                                      Union, Van Wert,
                                      Vinton, Warren,
                                      Washington,
                                      Wyandot.
    IN.............................  ..................  5-25-2005.......  continuing.....  9-20-2005......  5-22-2006......  S2129........  Extreme weather conditions........  .......         9
    KY.............................  ..................  5-25-2005.......  continuing.....  9-20-2005......  5-22-2006......  S2129........  Extreme weather conditions........  .......         9
    MI.............................  ..................  5-25-2005.......  continuing.....  9-20-2005......  5-22-2006......  S2129........  Extreme weather conditions........  .......         3
    PA.............................  ..................  5-25-2005.......  continuing.....  9-20-2005......  5-22-2006......  S2129........  Extreme weather conditions........  .......         5
    WV.............................  ..................  5-25-2005.......  continuing.....  9-20-2005......  5-22-2006......  S2129........  Extreme weather conditions........  .......        11
    TX.............................  Bowie, Hunt, Rains  4-01-2005.......  continuing.....  9-19-2005......  5-19-2006......  S2130........  Drought...........................        3        11
    AR.............................  ..................  4-01-2005.......  continuing.....  9-19-2005......  5-19-2006......  S2130........  Drought...........................  .......         2
    OK.............................  ..................  4-01-2005.......  continuing.....  9-19-2005......  5-19-2006......  S2130........  Drought...........................  .......         1
    TX.............................  Foard.............  3-01-2005.......  continuing.....  9-19-2005......  5-19-2006......  S2131........  Drought...........................        1         6
    TX.............................  Jim Wells.........  10-01-2004......  continuing.....  9-19-2005......  5-19-2006......  S2132........  Drought, high winds...............        1         6
    TX.............................  Kleberg...........  10-01-2004......  continuing.....  9-19-2005......  5-19-2006......  S2133........  Drought, excessive temperatures...        1         4
    TX.............................  Red River.........  4-01-2005.......  continuing.....  9-19-2005......  5-19-2006......  S2134........  Drought, excessive temperatures...        1         7
    OK.............................  ..................  4-01-2005.......  continuing.....  9-19-2005......  5-19-2006......  S2134........  Drought, excessive temperatures...  .......         2
                                                                                                                                                                                --------------------
          TOTAL ACTIVE.............  ..................  ................  ...............  ...............  ...............  .............  ..................................    1,126      2048
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                 DISASTER ASSISTANCE BRANCH/EMERGENCIES SECTION (DAB/ES) DISASTER DECLARATIONS: FINAL TOTALS SECRETARIAL
                                                                                           [Fiscal year 2006]
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            Beginning Date   Ending Date of    Approved by      Termination     Designation
                  State                Counties requested    of disaster        disaster        Secretary          Date           Number           Description of disaster       Primary  Contiguous
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    IL..............................  Alexander,           1-01-05........  continuing.....  10-04-05.......  6-05-06.......  S2106,          Drought..........................        5        12
                                       Franklin, Hancock,                                                                      Amendment 1.
                                       Pulaski, Union.
    IA..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  10-04-05.......  6-05-06.......  S2106,          Drought..........................  .......         1
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.
    KY..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  10-04-05.......  6-05-06.......  S2106,          Drought..........................  .......         2
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.
    MO..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  10-04-05.......  6-05-06.......  S2106,          Drought..........................  .......         6
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.
    MS..............................  Alcorn, Lee,         8-29-05........  continuing.....  10-31-05.......  7-03-06.......  S2126,          Hurricane Katrina................        4  ..........
                                       Tippah, Tishomingo.                                                                     Amendment 1.
    AL..............................  ...................  8-29-05........  continuing.....  10-31-05.......  7-03-06.......  S2126,          Hurricane Katrina................  .......         2
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.
    TN..............................  ...................  8-29-05........  continuing.....  10-31-05.......  7-03-06.......  S2126,          Hurricane Katrina................  .......         2
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.
    CA..............................  Glenn..............  5-01-05........  6-10-05........  10-04-05.......  6-05-06.......  S2135.........  Rain, wind, unusually cool               1         5
                                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    CA..............................  Yuba...............  5-09-05........  5-19-05........  10-04-05.......  6-05-06.......  S2136.........  Unseasonably heavy rains.........        1         6
    MT..............................  Fergus.............  1-01-05........  continuing.....  10-04-05.......  6-05-06.......  S2137.........  Drought..........................        1         8
    TX..............................  Fannin.............  4-01-05........  continuing.....  10-04-05.......  6-05-06.......  S2138.........  Drought..........................        1         5
    OK..............................  ...................  4-01-05........  continuing.....  10-04-05.......  6-05-06.......  S2138.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    TX..............................  Webb...............  3-01-05........  continuing.....  10-04-05.......  6-05-06.......  S2139.........  Drought, high winds, excessive           1         7
                                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    SD..............................  Bon Homme, Clay,     1-01-05........  continuing.....  10-07-05.......  6-07-06.......  S2140.........  Drought, high winds, spring              4         6
                                       Lincoln, Turner.                                                                                        frosts, excessive heat, flash
                                                                                                                                               flooding, hail, excessive
                                                                                                                                               rainfall.
    IA..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  10-07-05.......  6-07-06.......  S2140.........  Drought, high winds, spring        .......         2
                                                                                                                                               frosts, excessive heat, flash
                                                                                                                                               flooding, hail, excessive
                                                                                                                                               rainfall.
    NE..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  10-07-05.......  6-07-06.......  S2140.........  Drought, high winds, spring        .......         3
                                                                                                                                               frosts, excessive heat, flash
                                                                                                                                               flooding, hail, excessive
                                                                                                                                               rainfall.
    UT..............................  Washington.........  6-26-05........  8-01-05........  10-07-05.......  6-07-06.......  S2141.........  Fires caused by lightning........        1         2
    AZ..............................  ...................  6-26-05........  8-01-05........  10-07-05.......  6-07-06.......  S2141.........  Fires caused by lightning........  .......         1
    NV..............................  ...................  6-26-05........  8-01-05........  10-07-05.......  6-07-06.......  S2141.........  Fires caused by lightning........  .......         1
    AR..............................  Entire State.......  5-01-05........  continuing.....  10-13-05.......  6-13-06.......  S2142.........  Drought, extremely high                 75  ..........
                                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    AR..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  10-13-05.......  6-13-06.......  S2142.........  Drought, extremely high            .......         8
                                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    AR..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  10-13-05.......  6-13-06.......  S2142.........  Drought, extremely high            .......         6
                                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    AR..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  10-13-05.......  6-13-06.......  S2142.........  Drought, extremely high            .......        11
                                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    AR..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  10-13-05.......  6-13-06.......  S2142.........  Drought, extremely high            .......         5
                                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    AR..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  10-13-05.......  6-13-06.......  S2142.........  Drought, extremely high            .......         4
                                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    AR..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  10-13-05.......  6-13-06.......  S2142.........  Drought, extremely high            .......         2
                                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    OR..............................  Lane...............  3-01-05........  5-15-05........  10-18-05.......  6-19-06.......  S2143.........  Excessive rains..................        1         6
    TX..............................  Comanche...........  8-09-05........  8-10-05........  10-18-05.......  6-19-06.......  S2144.........  Flooding.........................        1         5
    TX..............................  Haskell............  8-09-05........  8-15-05........  10-18-05.......  6-19-06.......  S2145.........  Excessive rain, flash flooding...        1         7
    TX..............................  Haskell............  8-09-05........  continuing.....  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2145,          Excessive rain, flash flooding...        1         7
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.
    TX..............................  Jones, Knox........  8-14-05........  continuing.....  10-18-05.......  6-19-06.......  S2146.........  Excessive rain, flash flooding...        2        11
    TX..............................  Camp, Franklin,      4-01-05........  continuing.....  10-18-05.......  6-19-06.......  S2147.........  Drought..........................        6        10
                                       Hopkins, Lamar,
                                       Morris, Titus.
    OK..............................  ...................  4-01-05........  continuing.....  10-18-05.......  6-19-06.......  S2147.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    KY..............................  Adair, Allen,        2-01-05........  continuing.....  10-25-05.......  6-26-06.......  S2148.........  Drought..........................      109        10
                                       Anderson, Ballard,
                                       Barren, Bath,
                                       Bell, Boone,
                                       Bourbon, Boyd,
                                       Boyle, Bracken,
                                       Breckinridge,
                                       Bullitt, Butler,
                                       Caldwell,
                                       Calloway,
                                       Campbell,
                                       Carlisle, Carroll,
                                       Carter, Casey,
                                       Clark, Clinton,
                                       Crittenden,
                                       Cumberland,
                                       Daviess, Edmonson,
                                       Elliott, Estill,
                                       Fayette, Fleming,
                                       Floyd, Franklin,
                                       Gallatin, Garrard,
                                       Grant, Graves,
                                       Grayson, Green,
                                       Johnson, Kenton,
                                       Knott, Larue,
                                       Lawrence, Lee,
                                       Leslie, Letcher,
                                       Lewis, Lincoln,
                                       Livingston, Logan,
                                       Lyon, Madison,
                                       Magoffin, Marion,
                                       Marshall, Martin,
                                       Mason, McCracken,
                                       McCreary, Meade,
                                       Menifee, Mercer,
                                       Metcalfe, Monroe,
                                       Montgomery,
                                       Morgan,
                                       Muhlenberg,
                                       Nelson, Nicholas,
                                       Ohio, Oldham,
                                       Owen, Owsley,
                                       Pendleton, Perry,
                                       Pike, Powell,
                                       Pulaski,
                                       Robertson,
                                       Rockcastle, Rowan,
                                       Russell, Scott,
                                       Shelby, Simpson,
                                       Spencer, Taylor,
                                       Todd, Trimble,
                                       Union, Warren,
                                       Washington, Wayne,
                                       Webster, Whitley,
                                       Wolfe, Woodford.
    IL..............................  ...................  2-01-05........  continuing.....  10-25-05.......  6-26-06.......  S2148.........  Drought..........................  .......         6
    IN..............................  ...................  2-01-05........  continuing.....  10-25-05.......  6-26-06.......  S2148.........  Drought..........................  .......        12
    MO..............................  ...................  2-01-05........  continuing.....  10-25-05.......  6-26-06.......  S2148.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    OH..............................  ...................  2-01-05........  continuing.....  10-25-05.......  6-26-06.......  S2148.........  Drought..........................  .......         6
    TN..............................  ...................  2-01-05........  continuing.....  10-25-05.......  6-26-06.......  S2148.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    VA..............................  ...................  2-01-05........  continuing.....  10-25-05.......  6-26-06.......  S2148.........  Drought..........................  .......         4
    WV..............................  ...................  2-01-05........  continuing.....  10-25-05.......  6-26-06.......  S2148.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    TX..............................  Fisher.............  8-01-05........  8-16-05........  10-20-05.......  6-20-06.......  S2149.........  Flooding.........................        1         7
    LA..............................  Acadia, Allen,       4-26-05........  continuing.....  10-24-05.......  6-26-06.......  S2150.........  Drought, Hurricane Katrina,             40         6
                                       Avoyelles,                                                                                              Hurricane Rita.
                                       Beauregard,
                                       Bienville,
                                       Bossier, Caddo,
                                       Calcasieu,
                                       Caldwell, Cameron,
                                       Catahoula,
                                       Claiborne,
                                       Concordia, De
                                       Soto, East
                                       Carroll,
                                       Evangeline,
                                       Franklin, Grant,
                                       Jackson, Jefferson
                                       Davis, La Salle,
                                       Lafayette,
                                       Lincoln, Madison,
                                       Morehouse,
                                       Natchitoches,
                                       Ouachita, Rapides,
                                       Red River,
                                       Richland, Sabine,
                                       St. Landry, St.
                                       Martin, Tensas,
                                       Union, Vermilion,
                                       Vernon, Webster,
                                       West Carroll, Winn.
    AR..............................  ...................  4-26-05........  continuing.....  10-24-05.......  6-26-06.......  S2150.........  Drought, other disasters.........  .......         6
    MS..............................  ...................  4-26-05........  continuing.....  10-24-05.......  6-26-06.......  S2150.........  Drought, other disasters.........  .......         6
    TX..............................  ...................  4-26-05........  continuing.....  10-24-05.......  6-26-06.......  S2150.........  Drought, other disasters.........  .......         9
    NE..............................  Holt...............  5-24-05........  6-10-05........  10-24-05.......  6-26-06.......  S2151.........  Cool, wet weather................        1         8
    OR..............................  Linn...............  Early spring...  5-15-05........  10-24-05.......  6-26-06.......  S2152.........  Excessive ongoing rains..........        1         6
    OR..............................  Wasco..............  3-01-05........  5-31-05........  10-24-05.......  6-26-06.......  S2153.........  Severe frosts, rain events.......        1         7
    WA..............................  ...................  3-01-05........  5-31-05........  10-24-05.......  6-26-06.......  S2153.........  Severe frosts, rain events.......  .......         1
    TX..............................  Delta..............  4-01-05........  continuing.....  10-24-05.......  6-26-06.......  S2154.........  Drought..........................        1         6
    TX..............................  Coryell............  7-15-05........  7-17-05........  10-31-05.......  7-03-06.......  S2155.........  High winds.......................        1  ..........
    ND..............................  Adams, Benson,       1-01-05........  continuing.....  10-31-05.......  7-03-06.......  S2156.........  Freeze, damage, late spring snow        37        16
                                       Bottineau, Bowman,                                                                                      storms, overland flooding,
                                       Burke, Cavalier,                                                                                        torrential, rainfall, standing
                                       Dickey, Divide,                                                                                         water, hail, high winds,
                                       Emmons, Grand                                                                                           tornadoes.
                                       Forks, Grant,
                                       Griggs, Hettinger,
                                       Kidder, LaMoure,
                                       McHenry, McIntosh,
                                       McLean, Mercer,
                                       Mountrail, Nelson,
                                       Oliver, Pembina,
                                       Pierce, Ramsey,
                                       Ransom, Renville,
                                       Richland, Rolette,
                                       Sargent, Sheridan,
                                       Slope, Steele,
                                       Towner, Traill,
                                       Walsh, Ward.
    MN..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  10-31-05.......  7-03-06.......  S2156.........  Freeze, damage, late spring snow   .......  ..........
                                                                                                                                               storms, overland flooding,
                                                                                                                                               torrential, rainfall, standing
                                                                                                                                               water, hail, high winds,
                                                                                                                                               tornadoes.
    MT..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  10-31-05.......  7-03-06.......  S2156.........  Freeze, damage, late spring snow   .......  ..........
                                                                                                                                               storms, overland flooding,
                                                                                                                                               torrential, rainfall, standing
                                                                                                                                               water, hail, high winds,
                                                                                                                                               tornadoes.
    SD..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  10-31-05.......  7-03-06.......  S2156.........  Freeze, damage, late spring snow   .......  ..........
                                                                                                                                               storms, overland flooding,
                                                                                                                                               torrential, rainfall, standing
                                                                                                                                               water, hail, high winds,
                                                                                                                                               tornadoes.
    WI..............................  Clark, Marinette,    1-01-05........  5-31-05........  10-31-05.......  7-03-06.......  S2157.........  Winterkill, due to unusually warm        7        25
                                       Milwaukee,                                                                                              weather; followed by below
                                       Outagamie,                                                                                              freezing temperatures, and ice.
                                       Walworth,
                                       Waukesha, Waushara.
    IL..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  5-31-05........  10-31-05.......  7-03-06.......  S2157.........  Winterkill, due to unusually warm  .......         2
                                                                                                                                               weather; followed by below
                                                                                                                                               freezing temperatures, and ice.
    MI..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  5-31-05........  10-31-05.......  7-03-06.......  S2157.........  Winterkill, due to unusually warm  .......         2
                                                                                                                                               weather; followed by below
                                                                                                                                               freezing temperatures, and ice.
    OR..............................  Douglas............  1-01-05........  continuing.....  10-24-05.......  6-26-06.......  S2158.........  Severe weather conditions........        1         6
    NE..............................  Chase, Cheyenne,     1-01-05........  continuing.....  11-03-05.......  7-03-06.......  S2159.........  Freeze incidents; hail, disease,        13        13
                                       Deuel, Dundy,                                                                                           ongoing drought.
                                       Furnas, Garden,
                                       Hayes, Hitchcock,
                                       Morrill, Perkins,
                                       Red Willow, Scotts
                                       Bluff, Sheridan,
                                       Sioux.
    NE..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  11-03-05.......  7-03-06.......  S2159.........  Freeze incidents; hail, disease,   .......         4
                                                                                                                                               ongoing drought.
    NE..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  11-03-05.......  7-03-06.......  S2159.........  Freeze incidents; hail, disease,   .......         5
                                                                                                                                               ongoing drought.
    NE..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  11-03-05.......  7-03-06.......  S2159.........  Freeze incidents; hail, disease,   .......         1
                                                                                                                                               ongoing drought.
    NE..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  11-03-05.......  7-03-06.......  S2159.........  Freeze incidents; hail, disease,   .......         2
                                                                                                                                               ongoing drought.
    CO..............................  Delta, Kit Carson..  1-01-05........  continuing.....  11-07-05.......  7-07-06.......  S2160.........  (1) Freezing temperatures........        2         7
                                                                                                                                              (2) Drought......................
    KS..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  11-07-05.......  7-07-06.......  S2160.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    TX..............................  Wood...............  4-01-05........  continuing.....  11-07-05.......  7-07-06.......  S2161.........  Drought..........................        1         7
    WI..............................  Dane, Vernon.......  8-18-05........  8-18-05........  11-07-05.......  7-07-06.......  S2162.........  Tornadoes, severe storms.........        2        12
    IA..............................  ...................  8-18-05........  8-18-05........  11-07-05.......  7-07-06.......  S2162.........  Tornadoes, severe storms.........  .......         1
    MN..............................  ...................  8-18-05........  8-18-05........  11-07-05.......  7-07-06.......  S2162.........  Tornadoes, severe storms.........  .......         1
    TX..............................  Collin.............  4-01-05........  continuing.....  11-02-05.......  7-03-06.......  S2163.........  Drought..........................        1         6
    MI..............................  Calhoun, Huron,      6-05-05........  7-24-05........  11-14-05.......  7-14-06.......  S2164.........  Storms with excessive rain,              9        22
                                       Jackson,                                                                                                localized flooding, high winds,
                                       Kalamazoo,                                                                                              hail.
                                       Mecosta, Sanilac,
                                       St. Joseph,
                                       Tuscola, Van Buren.
    IN..............................  ...................  6-05-05........  7-24-05........  11-14-05.......  7-14-06.......  S2164.........  Storms with excessive rain,        .......         2
                                                                                                                                               localized flooding, high winds,
                                                                                                                                               hail.
    IA..............................  Clay, Dubuque,       1-01-05........  continuing.....  11-14-05.......  7-14-06.......  S2165.........  Drought..........................        4        17
                                       Harrison, Monona.
    IL..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  11-14-05.......  7-14-06.......  S2165.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    NE..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  11-14-05.......  7-14-06.......  S2165.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    WI..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  11-14-05.......  7-14-06.......  S2165.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    MI..............................  Alger, Allegan,      4-01-05........  continuing.....  11-14-05.......  7-14-06.......  S2166.........  Drought..........................       41        19
                                       Antrim, Baraga,
                                       Berrien, Calhoun,
                                       Cass, Charlevoix,
                                       Cheboygan,
                                       Chippewa, Delta,
                                       Dickinson, Emmet,
                                       Gogebic, Grand
                                       Traverse,
                                       Houghton, Ionia,
                                       Iron, Kalamazoo,
                                       Kalkaska, Kent,
                                       Keweenaw,
                                       Leelanau, Luce,
                                       Mackinac,
                                       Manistee,
                                       Marquette, Mason,
                                       Mecosta,
                                       Menominee,
                                       Missaukee,
                                       Muskegon, Newaygo,
                                       Oceana, Ontonagon,
                                       Osceola, Otsego,
                                       Ottawa, Presque
                                       Isle, Schoolcraft,
                                       Van Buren.
    IN..............................  ...................  4-01-05........  continuing.....  11-14-05.......  7-14-06.......  S2166.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    WI..............................  ...................  4-01-05........  continuing.....  11-14-05.......  7-14-06.......  S2166.........  Drought..........................  .......         5
    TX..............................  Cameron............  7-19-05........  7-20-05........  11-14-05.......  7-14-06.......  S2167.........  Flooding, high winds, hurricane,         1         2
                                                                                                                                               lightning.
    CA..............................  El Dorado..........  (1) 05-16-05...  (1) 06-16-05(2)  11-14-05.......  7-14-06.......  S2168.........  (1) Unseasonable rains...........        1         4
                                                           (2) 04-15-05...   05-15-05.                                                        (2) Hail, freezing conditions....
    NV..............................  ...................  (1) 05-16-05...  (1) 06-16-05...  11-14-05.......  7-14-06.......  S2168.........  (1) Unseasonable rains...........  .......         1
                                                           (2) 04-15-05...  (2) 05-15-05...                                                   (2) Hail, freezing conditions....
    TX..............................  Hidalgo............  1-01-05........  6-30-05........  11-14-05.......  7-14-06.......  S2169.........  Drought, excessive temperatures..        1         5
    TX..............................  Kenedy.............  10-01-04.......  continuing.....  11-14-05.......  7-14-06.......  S2170.........  Drought, excessive temperatures..        1         4
    CA..............................  San Joaquin........  3-01-05........  5-31-05........  11-14-05.......  7-14-06.......  S2171.........  Spring rains.....................        1         6
    CA..............................  Nevada.............  3-01-05........  6-15-05........  11-14-05.......  7-14-06.......  S2172.........  Rains............................        1         3
    NV..............................  ...................  3-01-05........  6-15-05........  11-14-05.......  7-14-06.......  S2172.........  Rains............................  .......         1
    TN..............................  Clay, Fentress,      5-01-05........  continuing.....  11-23-05.......  7-24-06.......  S2173.........  Extreme drought, higher than            19        28
                                       Giles, Greene,                                                                                          normal temperatures.
                                       Hancock, Hawkins,
                                       Jackson, Morgan,
                                       Overton, Pickett,
                                       Scott, Smith,
                                       Sumner, Unicoi,
                                       Van Buren,
                                       Washington, White,
                                       Williamson, Wilson.
    AL..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  11-23-05.......  7-24-06.......  S2173.........  Extreme drought, higher than       .......         2
                                                                                                                                               normal temperatures.
    KY..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  11-23-05.......  7-24-06.......  S2173.........  Extreme drought, higher than       .......         7
                                                                                                                                               normal temperatures.
    NC..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  11-23-05.......  7-24-06.......  S2173.........  Extreme drought, higher than       .......         3
                                                                                                                                               normal temperatures.
    VA..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  11-23-05.......  7-24-06.......  S2173.........  Extreme drought, higher than       .......         2
                                                                                                                                               normal temperatures.
    TX..............................  Bailey.............  8-27-05........  8-27-05........  11-23-05.......  7-24-06.......  S2174.........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,          1         4
                                                                                                                                               hail, high winds, lightning.
    NM..............................  ...................  8-27-05........  8-27-05........  11-23-05.......  7-24-06.......  S2174.........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,    .......         2
                                                                                                                                               hail, high winds, lightning.
    TX..............................  Coryell............  8-08-05........  8-10-05........  11-23-05.......  7-24-06.......  S2175.........  Excessive rain, flooding, high           1         5
                                                                                                                                               winds.
    TX..............................  Garza..............  8-27-05........  8-27-05........  11-23-05.......  7-24-06.......  S2176.........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds.        1         7
    TX..............................  Lee................  4-01-05........  continuing.....  11-23-05.......  7-24-06.......  S2177.........  Drought..........................        1         6
    TX..............................  Nacogdoches........  3-01-05........  continuing.....  11-23-05.......  7-24-06.......  S2178.........  Drought, excessive heat, high            1         5
                                                                                                                                               winds.
    TX..............................  Willacy............  1-01-05........  continuing.....  11-23-05.......  7-24-06.......  S2179.........  Drought, high winds..............        1         3
    MI..............................  Alger, Allegan,      4-01-05........  5-05-05........  11-21-05.......  7-21-06.......  S2180.........  Above average temperatures,             24        30
                                       Antrim, Berrien,                                                                                        followed by frost, freeze,
                                       Cass, Delta,                                                                                            excessive snow, hail.
                                       Dickinson,
                                       Hillsdale, Ingham,
                                       Iron, Jackson,
                                       Kalamazoo, Kent,
                                       Livingston,
                                       Marquette,
                                       Mecosta,
                                       Menominee,
                                       Muskegon, Newaygo,
                                       Ottawa, St.
                                       Joseph,
                                       Schoolcraft,
                                       Shiawassee, Van
                                       Buren.
    IN..............................  ...................  4-01-05........  5-05-05........  11-21-05.......  7-21-06.......  S2180.........  Above average temperatures,        .......         5
                                                                                                                                               followed by frost, freeze,
                                                                                                                                               excessive snow, hail.
    OH..............................  ...................  4-01-05........  5-05-05........  11-21-05.......  7-21-06.......  S2180.........  Above average temperatures,        .......         2
                                                                                                                                               followed by frost, freeze,
                                                                                                                                               excessive snow, hail.
    WI..............................  ...................  4-01-05........  5-05-05........  11-21-05.......  7-21-06.......  S2180.........  Above average temperatures,        .......         4
                                                                                                                                               followed by frost, freeze,
                                                                                                                                               excessive snow, hail.
    TX..............................  Hockley............  8-27-05........  8-28-05........  11-14-05.......  7-14-06.......  S2181.........  Hail.............................        1         8
    NY..............................  Chenango, Columbia,  4/01/05........  4/04/05........  11-23-05.......  7-24-06.......  S2182.........  (1) Excessive rain, flooding,            8        22
                                       Dutchess, Ontario,  05/05/05.......  05/17/05.......                                                    flash flooding.
                                       Rensselaer,                                                                                            (2) Extreme and unseasonably cold
                                       Ulster, Wayne,                                                                                          temperatures, frost, freezes.
                                       Westchester.
    CT..............................  ...................  4/01/05........  4/04/05........  11-23-05.......  7-24-06.......  S2182.........  (1) Excessive rain, flooding,      .......         2
                                                           05/05/05.......  05/17/05.......                                                    flash flooding.
                                                                                                                                              (2) Extreme and unseasonably cold
                                                                                                                                               temperatures, frost, freezes.
    MA..............................  ...................  4/01/05........  4/04/05........  11-23-05.......  7-24-06.......  S2182.........  (1) Excessive rain, flooding,      .......         1
                                                           05/05/05.......  05/17/05.......                                                    flash flooding.
                                                                                                                                              (2) Extreme and unseasonably cold
                                                                                                                                               temperatures, frost, freezes.
    NJ..............................  ...................  4/01/0505/05/05  4/04/0505/17/05  11-23-05.......  7-24-06.......  S2182.........  (1) Excessive rain, flooding,      .......         1
                                                                                                                                               flash flooding.
                                                                                                                                              (2) Extreme and unseasonably cold
                                                                                                                                               temperatures, frost, freezes.
    VT..............................  ...................  4/01/05........  4/04/05........  11-23-05.......  7-24-06.......  S2182.........  (1) Excessive rain, flooding,      .......         1
                                                           05/05/05.......  05/17/05.......                                                    flash flooding.
                                                                                                                                              (2) Extreme and unseasonably cold
                                                                                                                                               temperatures, frost, freezes.
    CA..............................  Sutter.............  2-14-05........  2-24-05........  12-13-05.......  8-14-06.......  S2183.........  Cold, wet weather................        1         6
    OR..............................  Benton, Yamhill....  3-01-05........  6-30-05........  12-13-05.......  8-14-06.......  S2184.........  Excessive ongoing rains, cool            2         8
                                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    OR..............................  Wasco..............  1-01-05........  continuing.....  12-13-05.......  8-14-06.......  S2185.........  Drought..........................        1         7
    WA..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  12-13-05.......  8-14-06.......  S2185.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    TX..............................  Coryell............  4-01-05........  8-04-05........  12-13-05.......  8-14-06.......  S2186.........  Drought..........................        1         5
    TX..............................  Lamb...............  9-12-05........  9-12-05........  12-13-05.......  8-14-06.......  S2187.........  Hail.............................        1         7
    CO..............................  Crowley, El Paso,    1-01-05........  continuing.....  12-19-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2188.........  Various disasters: Drought, wind,       10        20
                                       Lincoln, Otero,                                                                                         hail, heavy rains.
                                       Park, Phillips,
                                       Pueblo, Teller,
                                       Washington, Yuma.
    KS..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  12-19-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2188.........  Various disasters: Drought, wind,  .......         1
                                                                                                                                               hail, heavy rains.
    NE..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  12-19-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2188.........  Various disasters: Drought, wind,  .......         3
                                                                                                                                               hail, heavy rains.
    NY..............................  Chemung, Dutchess,   4-02-05........  continuing.....  12-19-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2189.........  Drought & various disasters......       12        33
                                       Essex, Jefferson,
                                       Oneida, Onondaga,
                                       Oswego, Saratoga,
                                       Schuyler, Seneca,
                                       Tioga, Ulster.
    CT..............................  ...................  4-02-05........  continuing.....  12-19-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2189.........  Drought & various disasters......  .......         2
    MA..............................  ...................  4-02-05........  continuing.....  12-19-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2189.........  Drought & various disasters......  .......         1
    PA..............................  ...................  4-02-05........  continuing.....  12-19-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2189.........  Drought & various disasters......  .......         3
    VT..............................  ...................  4-02-05........  continuing.....  12-19-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2189.........  Drought & various disasters......  .......         2
    TX..............................  Taylor.............  8-03-05........  8-29-05........  12-19-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2190.........  Excessive rain...................        1         6
    TX..............................  Bosque, Grayson,     4-01-05........  continuing.....  12-19-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2191.........  Drought..........................       10        36
                                       Henderson,
                                       Houston, Johnson,
                                       Leon, Navarro,
                                       Tarrant, Van
                                       Zandt, Waller.
    OK..............................  ...................  4-01-05........  continuing.....  12-19-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2191.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    NY..............................  Livingston, Madison  5-12-05........  6-17-05........  12-27-05.......  8-28-06.......  S2192.........  Various disasters : Excessive            2        12
                                                                                                                                               rain, flash flooding, frost.
    TX..............................  Calhoun............  4-15-05........  9-30-05........  12-27-05.......  8-28-06.......  S2193.........  Drought..........................        1         5
    TX..............................  Llano, Mason.......  8-25-05........  continuing.....  12-27-05.......  8-28-06.......  S2194.........  Drought..........................        2         7
    VA..............................  Amelia, Bland,       6-01-05........  8-31-05........  12-27-05.......  8-28-06.......  S2195.........  Drought, high temperatures.......       38        51
                                       Brunswick,
                                       Buckingham,
                                       Campbell,
                                       Charlotte,
                                       Chesterfield,
                                       Cumberland,
                                       Dinwiddie, Essex,
                                       Floyd, Fluvanna,
                                       Franklin,
                                       Frederick, Giles,
                                       Greensville,
                                       Halifax, Isleght,
                                       Kingdeen,
                                       Lee, Louisa,
                                       Lunenburg,
                                       Mecklenburg,
                                       Montgomery,
                                       Nelson, Nottoway,
                                       Page, Patrick,
                                       Pittsylvania,
                                       Powhatan, Prince
                                       Edward, Pulaski,
                                       Scott, Shenandoah,
                                       Smyth,
                                       Southampton,
                                       Tazewell, Wythe.
    KY..............................  ...................  6-01-05........  8-31-05........  12-27-05.......  8-28-06.......  S2195.........  Drought, high temperatures.......  .......         2
    NC..............................  ...................  6-01-05........  8-31-05........  12-27-05.......  8-28-06.......  S2195.........  Drought, high temperatures.......  .......        11
    TN..............................  ...................  6-01-05........  8-31-05........  12-27-05.......  8-28-06.......  S2195.........  Drought, high temperatures.......  .......         4
    WV..............................  ...................  6-01-05........  8-31-05........  12-27-05.......  8-28-06.......  S2195.........  Drought, high temperatures.......  .......         9
    KS..............................  Cheyenne, Edwards,   6-03-05........  6-13-05........  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2196.........  Severe storms....................        7        29
                                       Harper, Haskell,
                                       Linn, Rush,
                                       Stanton.
    CO..............................  ...................  6-03-05........  6-13-05........  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2196.........  Severe storms....................  .......         4
    MO..............................  ...................  6-03-05........  6-13-05........  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2196.........  Severe storms....................  .......         2
    NE..............................  ...................  6-03-05........  6-13-05........  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2196.........  Severe storms....................  .......         1
    OK..............................  ...................  6-03-05........  6-13-05........  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2196.........  Severe storms....................  .......         2
    NY..............................  (1) Columbia,        (1) 06-09-05...  (1) 07-27-05...  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2197.........  (1) Excessive rain, hail, flash         11        31
                                       Ontario.            (2) 05-01-05...  (2) continuing.                                                    flooding.
                                      (2) Fulton,                                                                                             (2) Drought, heat, high
                                       Hamilton,                                                                                               temperatures.
                                       Herkimer, Madison,
                                       Montgomery,
                                       Ontario, Orange,
                                       Rensselaer,
                                       Suffolk, Sullivan.
    CT..............................  ...................  (1) 06-09-05...  (1) 07-27-05...  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2197.........  (1) Excessive rain, hail, flash    .......         1
                                                                                                                                               flooding.
    MA..............................  ...................  (1) 06-09-05...  (1) 07-27-05...  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2197.........  (1) Excessive rain, hail, flash    .......         1
                                                           (2) 05-01-05...  (2) continuing.                                                    flooding.
                                                                                                                                              (2) Drought, heat, high
                                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    NJ..............................  ...................  (2) 05-01-05...  12-21-05.......  8-21-06........  S2197.........  (2) Drought,    .................................        2
                                                           (2) continuing.                                                     heat, high
                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    PA..............................  ...................  (2) 05-01-05...  (2) continuing.  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2197.........  (2) Drought, heat, high            .......         2
                                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    VT..............................  ...................  (2) 05-01-05...  (2) continuing.  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2197.........  (2) Drought, heat, high            .......         1
                                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    SD..............................  Aurora, Bon Homme,   1-01-05........  continuing.....  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2198.........  Drought, late spring frosts,            14        22
                                       Butte, Charles                                                                                          extreme heat, high winds, hail,
                                       Mix, Douglas,                                                                                           prairie fires.
                                       Harding, Hughes,
                                       Hutchinson, Hyde,
                                       Perkins, Potter,
                                       Stanley, Sully,
                                       Yankton.
    MT..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2198.........  Drought, late spring frosts,       .......         2
                                                                                                                                               extreme heat, high winds, hail,
                                                                                                                                               prairie fires.
    ND..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2198.........  Drought, late spring frosts,       .......         3
                                                                                                                                               extreme heat, high winds, hail,
                                                                                                                                               prairie fires.
    NE..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2198.........  Drought, late spring frosts,       .......         3
                                                                                                                                               extreme heat, high winds, hail,
                                                                                                                                               prairie fires.
    WY..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2198.........  Drought, late spring frosts,       .......         1
                                                                                                                                               extreme heat, high winds, hail,
                                                                                                                                               prairie fires.
    TX..............................  Cooke..............  3-01-05........  continuing.....  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2199.........  Drought, excessive temperatures..        1         4
    OK..............................  ...................  3-01-05........  continuing.....  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2199.........  Drought, excessive temperatures..  .......         1
    TX..............................  Falls..............  2-01-05........  10-21-05.......  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2200.........  Drought..........................        1         5
    TX..............................  McLennan...........  3-01-05........  continuing.....  12-21-05.......  8-21-06.......  S2201.........  Drought..........................        1         6
    MS..............................  All MS Counties,     1-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2202.........  Hurricane Rita Drought...........       80         2
                                       except Pontotoc &
                                       Union.
    AL..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2202.........  Hurricane Rita Drought...........  .......        10
    AR..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2202.........  Hurricane Rita Drought...........  .......         5
    LA..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2202.........  Hurricane Rita Drought...........  .......        10
    TN..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2202.........  Hurricane Rita Drought...........  .......         5
    NJ..............................  Atlantic, Bergen,    6-01-05........  10-06-05.......  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2203.........  Drought, high humidity, excessive       19         2
                                       Burlington,                                                                                             heat.
                                       Camden, Cape May,
                                       Cumberland, Essex,
                                       Gloucester,
                                       Hunterdon, Mercer,
                                       Middlesex,
                                       Monmouth, Morris,
                                       Ocean, Passaic,
                                       Salem, Somerset,
                                       Sussex, Warren.
    DE..............................  ...................  6-01-05........  10-06-05.......  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2203.........  Drought, high humidity, excessive  .......         1
                                                                                                                                               heat.
    NY..............................  ...................  6-01-05........  10-06-05.......  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2203.........  Drought, high humidity, excessive  .......         6
                                                                                                                                               heat.
    PA..............................  ...................  6-01-05........  10-06-05.......  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2203.........  Drought, high humidity, excessive  .......         7
                                                                                                                                               heat.
    NY..............................  (1) Allegany,        4-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2204.........  (1) Drought; drought related            12        26
                                       Cattaraugus,        10-07-05.......  continuing.....                                                    disasters.
                                       Cayuga, Orleans,                                                                                       (2) Excessive rain, flooding;
                                       Rensselaer,                                                                                             related disasters.
                                       Steuben, Yates.
                                      (2) Dutchess,
                                       Putnam,
                                       Rensselaer,
                                       Suffolk, Ulster,
                                       Westchester.
    CT..............................  ...................  4-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2204.........  (1) Drought; drought related       .......         2
                                                           10-07-05.......  continuing.....                                                    disasters.
                                                                                                                                              (2) Excessive rain, flooding;
                                                                                                                                               related disasters.
    MA..............................  ...................  4-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2204.........  (1) Drought; drought related       .......         1
                                                           10-07-05.......  continuing.....                                                    disasters.
                                                                                                                                              (2) Excessive rain, flooding;
                                                                                                                                               related disasters.
    PA..............................  ...................  4-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2204.........  (1) Drought; drought related       .......         4
                                                           10-07-05.......  continuing.....                                                    disasters.
                                                                                                                                              (2) Excessive rain, flooding;
                                                                                                                                               related disasters.
    VT..............................  ...................  4-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2204.........  (1) Drought; drought related       .......         1
                                                           10-07-05.......  continuing.....                                                    disasters.
                                                                                                                                              (2) Excessive rain, flooding;
                                                                                                                                               related disasters.
    TX..............................  Duval..............  10-27-05.......  10-27-05.......  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2205.........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds,        1         7
                                                                                                                                               lightning, tornado.
    TX..............................  Ellis..............  2-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2206.........  Drought..........................        1         7
    TX..............................  Frio...............  5-01-05........  10-24-05.......  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2207.........  Drought..........................        1         7
    TX..............................  Gregg, Smith,        4-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2208.........  Drought, excessive heat..........        3         9
                                       Upshur.
    TX..............................  Hill...............  2-01-05........  10-24-05.......  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2209.........  Drought..........................        1         6
    TX..............................  Jim Wells..........  10-27-05.......  10-27-05.......  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2210.........  Excessive rain, flooding, hail,          1         6
                                                                                                                                               high winds, lightning, tornado.
    TX..............................  Kimble.............  9-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2211.........  Drought..........................        1         7
    TX..............................  Lynn...............  8-28-05........  9-14-05........  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2212.........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds,        1         7
                                                                                                                                               lightning.
    TX..............................  Mills, San Saba....  9-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2213.........  Drought..........................        2         7
    TX..............................  Parker, Wharton....  6-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2214.........  Drought..........................        2        12
    WA..............................  Benton, Clark,       1-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2215.........  Drought..........................       13        13
                                       Columbia, Cowlitz,
                                       Douglas, Franklin,
                                       Kittitas,
                                       Klickitat,
                                       Lincoln, Skamania,
                                       Wahkiakum, Walla
                                       Walla, Yakima.
    OR..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2215.........  Drought..........................  .......        10
    WA..............................  (1) Garfield,        1-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2216.........  (1) Drought......................        3         9
                                       Whitman.            09-09-05.......  09-09-05.......                                                   (2) Hailstorm....................
                                      (2) Pacific........
    ID..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2216.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
                                                           09-09-05.......  09-09-05.......
    OR..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2216.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
                                                           09-09-05.......  09-09-05.......
    CO..............................  Logan..............  1-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2217.........  Drought, crop diseases...........        1         6
    NE..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2217.........  Drought, crop diseases...........  .......         2
    TX..............................  Wilson.............  3-20-05........  11-14-05.......  1-09-06........  9-11-06.......  S2218.........  Drought..........................        1         5
    TX..............................  Denton, Kaufman,     3-01-05........  continuing.....  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2219.........  Drought..........................        6        24
                                       Robertson,
                                       Rockwall, Shelby,
                                       Wise.
    LA..............................  ...................  3-01-05........  continuing.....  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2219.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    TX..............................  Gillespie..........  5-01-05........  continuing.....  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2220.........  Drought..........................        1         6
    IN..............................  Bartholomew, Clark,  6-01-05........  8-31-05........  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2221.........  Drought..........................       24        25
                                       Crawford,
                                       Dearborn, Elkhart,
                                       Floyd, Harrison,
                                       Jackson, Jasper,
                                       Jefferson,
                                       Kosciusko, Lake,
                                       LaPorte, Newton,
                                       Ohio, Orange,
                                       Porter, Posey,
                                       Scott, St. Joseph,
                                       Starke,
                                       Switzerland,
                                       Warrick,
                                       Washington.
    IL..............................  ...................  6-01-05........  8-31-05........  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2221.........  Drought..........................  .......         6
    KY..............................  ...................  6-01-05........  8-31-05........  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2221.........  Drought..........................  .......        11
    MI..............................  ...................  6-01-05........  8-31-05........  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2221.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    OH..............................  ...................  6-01-05........  8-31-05........  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2221.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    SD..............................  Lawrence...........  1-01-05........  continuing.....  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2222.........  Drought, late spring frosts,             1         3
                                                                                                                                               extreme heat, high winds, hail,
                                                                                                                                               prairie fires.
    WY..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2222.........  Drought, late spring frosts,       .......         2
                                                                                                                                               extreme heat, high winds, hail,
                                                                                                                                               prairie fires.
    TX..............................  Bee, De Witt, Hood,  6-01-05........  continuing.....  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2223.........  Drought..........................        4        14
                                       Somervell.
    TX..............................  Brazos, Dimmit,      4-01-05........  continuing.....  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2224.........  Drought..........................        8        31
                                       Freestone,
                                       Guadalupe, La
                                       Salle, Madison,
                                       Stephens, Zavala.
    TX..............................  Edwards, Hamilton..  9-01-05........  continuing.....  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2225.........  Drought..........................        2        13
    TX..............................  Hall...............  10-10-05.......  10-10-05.......  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2226.........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds.        1         6
    TX..............................  Hardeman...........  1-01-05........  continuing.....  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2227.........  Drought..........................        1         4
    OK..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2227.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    TX..............................  Medina.............  4-01-05........  continuing.....  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2228.........  Drought, excessive heat..........        1         6
    TX..............................  Montague...........  8-01-05........  continuing.....  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2229.........  Drought..........................        1         4
    OK..............................  ...................  8-01-05........  continuing.....  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2229.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    TX..............................  Runnels............  5-01-05........  continuing.....  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2230.........  Drought, excessive temperatures..        1         6
    TX..............................  Williamson.........  4-15-05........  continuing.....  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2231.........  Drought..........................        1         6
    TX..............................  Zapata.............  1-01-05........  continuing.....  1-17-06........  9-18-06.......  S2232.........  Drought..........................        1         3
    MT..............................  Hill Co. & Rocky     8-10-05........  8-10-05........  1-27-06........  9-27-06.......  S2233.........  (1) Severe hail, windstorm.......        1         3
                                       Boy Indian          01-01-05.......  continuing.....                                                   (2) Drought......................
                                       Reservation.
    TX..............................  Austin, Cass,        8-01-05........  continuing.....  1-23-06........  9-25-06.......  S2234.........  Drought..........................        4        19
                                       Eastland, Palo
                                       Pinto.
    AR..............................  ...................  8-01-05........  continuing.....  1-23-06........  9-25-06.......  S2234.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    LA..............................  ...................  8-01-05........  continuing.....  1-23-06........  9-25-06.......  S2234.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    TX..............................  Caldwell, Comal,     8-01-05........  continuing.....  1-23-06........  9-25-06.......  S2235.........  Drought..........................        3         8
                                       Hays.
    TX..............................  Goliad, McMullen...  7-01-05........  continuing.....  1-23-06........  9-25-06.......  S2236.........  Drought..........................        2        11
    KS..............................  Cheyenne...........  1-01-05........  continuing.....  2-01-06........  10-02-06......  S2237.........  Drought, excessive heat, high            1         2
                                                                                                                                               winds.
    CO..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  2-01-06........  10-02-06......  S2237.........  Drought, excessive heat, high      .......         2
                                                                                                                                               winds.
    NE..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  2-01-06........  10-02-06......  S2237.........  Drought, excessive heat, high      .......         1
                                                                                                                                               winds.
    KS..............................  Sherman, Wallace...  6-19-05........  continuing.....  2-01-06........  10-02-06......  S2238.........  Severe storms....................        2         6
    CO..............................  ...................  6-19-05........  continuing.....  2-01-06........  10-02-06......  S2238.........  Severe storms....................  .......         2
    NY..............................  Cayuga, Ontario,     12-20-04.......  12-20-04.......  2-01-06........  10-02-06......  S2239.........  Freeze, excessive cold                   4        11
                                       Tompkins, Wayne.                                                                                        temperatures.
    TX..............................  Anderson, Dallas...  3-01-05........  continuing.....  2-01-06........  10-02-06......  S2240.........  Drought..........................        2        12
    TX..............................  Blanco.............  5-01-05........  continuing.....  2-01-06........  10-02-06......  S2241.........  Drought..........................        1         7
    TX..............................  Gonzales...........  7-01-05........  continuing.....  2-01-06........  10-02-06......  S2242.........  Drought..........................        1         8
    TX..............................  Haskell............  9-30-05........  9-30-05........  2-01-06........  10-02-06......  S2243.........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds.        1         7
    TX..............................  Karnes.............  7-25-05........  continuing.....  2-01-06........  10-02-06......  S2244.........  Drought, abnormally high                 1         7
                                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    TX..............................  Kinney.............  3-15-05........  continuing.....  2-01-06........  10-02-06......  S2245.........  Drought, excessive heat..........        1         5
    TX..............................  Limestone..........  4-01-05........  continuing.....  2-01-06........  10-02-06......  S2246.........  Drought..........................        1         7
    TX..............................  Live Oak...........  7-01-05........  continuing.....  2-01-06........  10-02-06......  S2247.........  Drought..........................        1         7
    TX..............................  Starr..............  1-01-05........  continuing.....  2-01-06........  10-02-06......  S2248.........  Drought, excessive heat..........        1         4
    AR..............................  Conway.............  11-27-05.......  11-27-05.......  2-07-06........  10-09-06......  S2249.........  Excessive rainfall, high winds,          1         5
                                                                                                                                               tornadoes, lightning.
    AR..............................  Arkansas, Ashley,    9-24-05........  9-24-05........  2-07-06........  10-09-06......  S2250.........  Excessive rainfall, high winds,         18        22
                                       Chicot, Conway,                                                                                         tornadoes, lightning, due to
                                       Crittenden, Desha,                                                                                      Tropical Storm Rita.
                                       Drew, Jefferson,
                                       Lee, Lincoln,
                                       Little River,
                                       Lonoke, Monroe,
                                       Phillips, Pope,
                                       Prairie, St.
                                       Francis, Woodruff.
    LA..............................  ...................  9-24-05........  9-24-05........  2-07-06........  10-09-06......  S2250.........  Excessive rainfall, high winds,    .......         4
                                                                                                                                               tornadoes, lightning, due to
                                                                                                                                               Tropical Storm Rita.
    MS..............................  ...................  9-24-05........  9-24-05........  2-07-06........  10-09-06......  S2250.........  Excessive rainfall, high winds,    .......         6
                                                                                                                                               tornadoes, lightning, due to
                                                                                                                                               Tropical Storm Rita.
    OK..............................  ...................  9-24-05........  9-24-05........  2-07-06........  10-09-06......  S2250.........  Excessive rainfall, high winds,    .......         1
                                                                                                                                               tornadoes, lightning, due to
                                                                                                                                               Tropical Storm Rita.
    TN..............................  ...................  9-24-05........  9-24-05........  2-07-06........  10-09-06......  S2250.........  Excessive rainfall, high winds,    .......         2
                                                                                                                                               tornadoes, lightning, due to
                                                                                                                                               Tropical Storm Rita.
    TX..............................  ...................  9-24-05........  9-24-05........  2-07-06........  10-09-06......  S2250.........  Excessive rainfall, high winds,    .......         1
                                                                                                                                               tornadoes, lightning, due to
                                                                                                                                               Tropical Storm Rita.
    MA..............................  Bristol, Plymouth..  6-01-05........  9-30-05........  2-09-06........  10-09-06......  S2251.........  Drought..........................        2         3
    RI..............................  ...................  6-01-05........  9-30-05........  2-09-06........  10-09-06......  S2251.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    OR..............................  Hood River.........  6-01-05........  6-30-05........  2-09-06........  10-09-06......  S2252.........  Severe Weather events............        1         3
    WA..............................  ...................  6-01-05........  6-30-05........  2-09-06........  10-09-06......  S2252.........  Severe Weather events............  .......         2
    TX..............................  Bandera............  8-01-05........  continuing.....  2-09-06........  10-09-06......  S2253.........  Drought..........................        1         6
    TX..............................  Colorado...........  6-01-05........  continuing.....  2-09-06........  10-09-06......  S2254.........  Drought, excessive heat, high            1         5
                                                                                                                                               winds.
    TX..............................  Jack, Washington...  4-01-05........  continuing.....  2-09-06........  10-09-06......  S2255.........  Drought..........................        2        14
    TX..............................  Kendall............  5-01-05........  continuing.....  2-09-06........  10-09-06......  S2256.........  Drought..........................        1         6
    OR..............................  Sherman............  1-01-05........  continuing.....  2-09-06........  10-09-06......  S2257.........  Drought..........................        1         2
    WA..............................  ...................  1-01-05........  continuing.....  2-09-06........  10-09-06......  S2257.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    TX..............................  Wise...............  12-26-05.......  12-27-05.......  2-09-06........  10-09-06......  S2258.........  Fire, high winds.................        1         6
    TX..............................  Callahan...........  12-26-05.......  continuing.....  2-09-06........  10-09-06......  S2259.........  Fire, high winds.................        1         6
    CT..............................  Entire State.......  6-01-05........  10-15-05.......  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2260.........  Drought..........................        8  ..........
    MA..............................  ...................  6-01-05........  10-15-05.......  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2260.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    NY..............................  ...................  6-01-05........  10-15-05.......  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2260.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    RI..............................  ...................  6-01-05........  10-15-05.......  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2260.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    NY..............................  Broome, Delaware...  5-01-05........  9-30-05........  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2261.........  Drought, heat....................        2         8
    PA..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  9-30-05........  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2261.........  Drought, heat....................  .......         2
    NY..............................  Clinton............  10-06-05.......  10-06-05.......  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2262.........  High winds.......................        1         2
    VT..............................  ...................  10-06-05.......  10-06-05.......  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2262.........  High winds.......................  .......         2
    NY..............................  Clinton, Essex.....  10-25-05.......  10-25-05.......  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2263.........  Excessive rain, excessive snow...        2         4
    VT..............................  ...................  10-25-05.......  10-25-05.......  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2263.........  Excessive rain, excessive snow...  .......         3
    NY..............................  Franklin...........  10-07-05.......  10-24-05.......  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2264.........  Excessive rain Freeze............        1         4
                                                           10-20-05.......  10-22-05.......
    NY..............................  Monroe.............  9-01-05........  10-31-05.......  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2265.........  Excessive rain...................        1         5
    NY..............................  Ontario............  9-15-05........  continuing.....  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2266.........  Excessive rain...................        1         6
    TN..............................  Bradley,             5-01-05........  continuing.....  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2267.........  Drought, high temperatures.......        8        23
                                       Cumberland,
                                       DeKalb, Johnson,
                                       Macon, Polk,
                                       Trousdale, Warren.
    GA..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2267.........  Drought, high temperatures.......  .......         4
    KY..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2267.........  Drought, high temperatures.......  .......         2
    NC..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2267.........  Drought, high temperatures.......  .......         4
    VA..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2267.........  Drought, high temperatures.......  .......         2
    TN..............................  Bradley, Polk......  8-29-05........  9-30-05........  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2268.........  Hurricane related wind and storms        2         4
    GA..............................  ...................  8-29-05........  9-30-05........  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2268.........  Hurricane related wind and storms  .......         4
    NC..............................  ...................  8-29-05........  9-30-05........  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2268.........  Hurricane related wind and storms  .......         1
    TX..............................  Cherokee...........  3-01-05........  continuing.....  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2269.........  Drought, frost...................        1         7
    TX..............................  Cooke..............  12-27-05.......  12-27-05.......  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2270.........  Fire.............................        1         4
    OK..............................  ...................  12-27-05.......  12-27-05.......  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2270.........  Fire.............................  .......         1
    TX..............................  Fayette............  4-15-05........  continuing.....  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2271.........  Drought..........................        1         8
    TX..............................  Lavaca.............  9-13-05........  continuing.....  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2272.........  Drought, excessive temperatures,         1         6
                                                                                                                                               high winds.
    TX..............................  Palo Pinto.........  1-01-06........  1-01-06........  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2273.........  High winds, wildfire.............        1         7
    TX..............................  Rusk...............  3-01-05........  continuing.....  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2274.........  Drought..........................        1         7
    WI..............................  Adams, Brown,        3-01-05........  continuing.....  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2275.........  Drought..........................       18        28
                                       Burnett, Calumet,
                                       Dodge, Door, Fond
                                       du Lac, Kenosha,
                                       Kewaunee,
                                       Manitowoc,
                                       Marinette,
                                       Marquette, Oconto,
                                       Racine, Sheboygan,
                                       Walworth,
                                       Washburn, Waupaca.
    IL..............................  ...................  3-01-05........  continuing.....  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2275.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    MI..............................  ...................  3-01-05........  continuing.....  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2275.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    MN..............................  ...................  3-01-05........  continuing.....  2-13-06........  10-13-06......  S2275.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    PA..............................  Armstrong, Bedford,  5-01-05........  continuing.....  2-21-06........  10-23-06......  S2276.........  Drought..........................       23        27
                                       Bradford, Centre,
                                       Clearfield,
                                       Clinton, Elk,
                                       Fayette, Fulton,
                                       Greene, Jefferson,
                                       Lackawanna,
                                       Lehigh, Luzerne,
                                       McKean, Pike,
                                       Potter,
                                       Susquehanna,
                                       Sullivan, Tioga,
                                       Washington, Wayne,
                                       Wyoming.
    MD..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  2-21-06........  10-23-06......  S2276.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    NJ..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  2-21-06........  10-23-06......  S2276.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    NY..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  2-21-06........  10-23-06......  S2276.........  Drought..........................  .......        10
    OH..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  2-21-06........  10-23-06......  S2276.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    WV..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  2-21-06........  10-23-06......  S2276.........  Drought..........................  .......         7
    TX..............................  Sterling...........  1-01-06........  1-01-06........  2-21-06........  10-23-06......  S2277.........  Fire.............................        1         6
    TX..............................  Tom Green..........  1-01-06........  continuing.....  2-23-06........  10-23-06......  S2278.........  Grass fires......................        1         8
    VA..............................  Bedford, Hanover,    6-01-05........  continuing.....  2-23-06........  10-23-06......  S2195,          Drought, high temperatures.......        4        24
                                       Russell, Wise.                                                                          Amendment 2.
    KY..............................  ...................  6-01-05........  continuing.....  2-23-06........  10-23-06......  S2195,          Drought, high temperatures.......  .......         3
                                                                                                                               Amendment 2.
    VA..............................  Culpeper,            6-01-05........  continuing.....  2-28-06........  10-30-06......  S2195,          Drought, high temperatures.......        6        30
                                       Goochland,                                                                              Amendment 1.
                                       Grayson, King
                                       William, Surry,
                                       Washington.
    NC..............................  ...................  6-01-05........  continuing.....  2-28-06........  10-30-06......  S2195,          Drought, high temperatures.......  .......         3
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.
    TN..............................  ...................  6-01-05........  continuing.....  2-28-06........  10-30-06......  S2195,          Drought, high temperatures.......  .......         2
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.
    OK..............................  Entire State.......  7-01-05........  continuing.....  2-28-06........  10-30-06......  S2279.........  Drought, high temperatures, high        77  ..........
                                                                                                                                               winds, fire.
    AR..............................  ...................  7-01-05........  continuing.....  2-28-06........  10-30-06......  S2279.........  Drought, high temperatures, high   .......         8
                                                                                                                                               winds, fire.
    CO..............................  ...................  7-01-05........  continuing.....  2-28-06........  10-30-06......  S2279.........  Drought, high temperatures, high   .......         1
                                                                                                                                               winds, fire.
    KS..............................  ...................  7-01-05........  continuing.....  2-28-06........  10-30-06......  S2279.........  Drought, high temperatures, high   .......        14
                                                                                                                                               winds, fire.
    MO..............................  ...................  7-01-05........  continuing.....  2-28-06........  10-30-06......  S2279.........  Drought, high temperatures, high   .......         2
                                                                                                                                               winds, fire.
    NM..............................  ...................  7-01-05........  continuing.....  2-28-06........  10-30-06......  S2279.........  Drought, high temperatures, high   .......         1
                                                                                                                                               winds, fire.
    TX..............................  ...................  7-01-05........  continuing.....  2-28-06........  10-30-06......  S2279.........  Drought, high temperatures, high   .......        20
                                                                                                                                               winds, fire.
    GA..............................  Appling, Bacon,      8-01-05........  continuing.....  3-07-06........  11-07-06......  S2280.........  Drought..........................      112        39
                                       Banks, Barrow,
                                       Bartow, Ben Hill,
                                       Bibb, Bleckley,
                                       Bryan, Bulloch,
                                       Butts, Carroll,
                                       Catoosa,
                                       Chattooga,
                                       Cherokee, Clarke,
                                       Clayton, Clinch,
                                       Cobb, Columbia,
                                       Coweta, Crawford,
                                       Crisp, Dade,
                                       Dawson, Decatur,
                                       De Kalb, Dodge,
                                       Dooly, Douglas,
                                       Elbert, Emanuel,
                                       Evans, Fannin,
                                       Fayette, Floyd,
                                       Forsyth, Franklin,
                                       Fulton, Gilmer,
                                       Glascock, Gordon,
                                       Grady, Gwinnett,
                                       Habersham, Hall,
                                       Haralson, Harris,
                                       Hart, Heard,
                                       Henry, Houston,
                                       Irwin, Jackson,
                                       Jeff Davis,
                                       Jefferson,
                                       Johnson, Lamar,
                                       Lanier, Laurens,
                                       Lincoln, Long,
                                       Lumpkin, McDuffie,
                                       Macon, Madison,
                                       Marion,
                                       Meriwether,
                                       Miller, Mitchell,
                                       Monroe,
                                       Montgomery,
                                       Murray, Muscogee,
                                       Oconee,
                                       Oglethorpe,
                                       Paulding, Peach,
                                       Pickens, Pike,
                                       Polk, Pulaski,
                                       Rabun, Richmond,
                                       Rockdale, Screven,
                                       Seminole,
                                       Spalding,
                                       Stephens, Sumter,
                                       Talbot, Tattnall,
                                       Taylor, Telfair,
                                       Thomas, Towns,
                                       Treutlen, Troup,
                                       Turner, Twiggs,
                                       Union, Upson,
                                       Walker, Walton,
                                       Warren,
                                       Washington, Wayne,
                                       Wheeler, White,
                                       Whitfield, Wilkes,
                                       Wilkinson.
    AL..............................  ...................  8-01-05........  continuing.....  3-07-06........  11-07-06......  S2280.........  Drought..........................  .......         9
    FL..............................  ...................  8-01-05........  continuing.....  3-07-06........  11-07-06......  S2280.........  Drought..........................  .......         6
    NC..............................  ...................  8-01-05........  continuing.....  3-07-06........  11-07-06......  S2280.........  Drought..........................  .......         4
    SC..............................  ...................  8-01-05........  continuing.....  3-07-06........  11-07-06......  S2280.........  Drought..........................  .......         8
    TN..............................  ...................  8-01-05........  continuing.....  3-07-06........  11-07-06......  S2280.........  Drought..........................  .......         4
    TX..............................  Angelina, Aransas,   4-01-05........  continuing.....  3-07-06........  11-07-06......  S2281.........  Drought, above normal                  117        87
                                       Archer, Armstrong,                                                                                      temperatures, wildfires.
                                       Atascosa, Bailey,
                                       Bastrop, Baylor,
                                       Bell, Bexar,
                                       Borden, Briscoe,
                                       Brown, Burnet,
                                       Callahan, Cameron,
                                       Carson, Castro,
                                       Childress, Clay,
                                       Cochran, Coke,
                                       Coleman,
                                       Collingsworth,
                                       Comanche, Concho,
                                       Coryell, Cottle,
                                       Crockett, Crosby,
                                       Dawson, Deaf
                                       Smith, Dickens,
                                       Donley, Erath,
                                       Fisher, Floyd,
                                       Fort Bend, Gaines,
                                       Garza, Glasscock,
                                       Gray, Grimes,
                                       Hale, Hall,
                                       Hansford, Harris,
                                       Harrison, Haskell,
                                       Hemphill, Hockley,
                                       Howard,
                                       Hutchinson, Irion,
                                       Jackson, Jasper,
                                       Jones, Kent, Kerr,
                                       King, Knox, Lamb,
                                       Lampasas,
                                       Lipscomb, Lubbock,
                                       Lynn, Marion,
                                       Maverick,
                                       McCulloch, Menard,
                                       Milam, Mitchell,
                                       Montgomery, Moore,
                                       Motley, Newton,
                                       Nolan, Nueces,
                                       Ochiltree, Oldham,
                                       Panola, Parmer,
                                       Polk, Potter,
                                       Randall, Reagan,
                                       Real, Refugio,
                                       Roberts, Sabine,
                                       San Augustine, San
                                       Jacinto, San
                                       Patricio,
                                       Schleicher,
                                       Scurry,
                                       Shackelford,
                                       Sherman, Sterling,
                                       Stonewall, Sutton,
                                       Swisher, Taylor,
                                       Terry,
                                       Throckmorton, Tom
                                       Green, Travis,
                                       Trinity, Tyler,
                                       Upton, Uvalde, Val
                                       Verde, Victoria,
                                       Walker, Wheeler,
                                       Wichita, Yoakum,
                                       Young.
    LA..............................  ...................  4-01-05........  continuing.....  3-07-06........  11-07-06......  S2281.........  Drought, above normal              .......         6
                                                                                                                                               temperatures, wildfires.
    NM..............................  ...................  4-01-05........  continuing.....  3-07-06........  11-07-06......  S2281.........  Drought, above normal              .......         4
                                                                                                                                               temperatures, wildfires.
    OK..............................  ...................  4-01-05........  continuing.....  3-07-06........  11-07-06......  S2281.........  Drought, above normal              .......        10
                                                                                                                                               temperatures, wildfires.
    NY..............................  Cortland, Tompkins.  10-20-05.......  11-20-05.......  3-10-06........  11-10-06......  S2282.........  Excessive rain...................        2         9
    TN..............................  Anderson, Campbell,  5-01-05........  continuing.....  3-10-06........  11-10-06......  S2283.........  Drought, higher than normal              6        19
                                       Cannon, Carter,                                                                                         temperatures.
                                       Knox, Sullivan.
    KY..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  3-10-06........  11-10-06......  S2283.........  Drought, higher than normal        .......         2
                                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    NC..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  3-10-06........  11-10-06......  S2283.........  Drought, higher than normal        .......         2
                                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    VA..............................  ...................  5-01-05........  continuing.....  3-10-06........  11-10-06......  S2283.........  Drought, higher than normal        .......         3
                                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    TX..............................  Jack...............  1-12-06........  1-12-06........  3-10-06........  11-10-06......  S2284.........  Wildfire, high winds.............        1         7
    TX..............................  Erath..............  1-01-06........  1-01-06........  3-29-06........  11-29-06......  S2285.........  Wildfire.........................        1         7
    WV..............................  Barbour, Berkeley,   3-01-05........  11-30-05.......  3-29-06........  11-29-06......  S2286.........  Drought..........................       29        12
                                       Boone, Brooke,
                                       Cabell, Grant,
                                       Hampshire,
                                       Hancock, Hardy,
                                       Jefferson,
                                       Lincoln, Logan,
                                       Marion, Marshall,
                                       Mason, Mineral,
                                       Mingo, Monongalia,
                                       Morgan, Ohio,
                                       Pendleton,
                                       Preston, Putnam,
                                       Randolph, Taylor,
                                       Tucker, Tyler,
                                       Wayne, Wetzel.
    KY..............................  ...................  3-01-05........  11-30-05.......  3-29-06........  11-29-06......  S2286.........  Drought..........................  .......         4
    MD..............................  ...................  3-01-05........  11-30-05.......  3-29-06........  11-29-06......  S2286.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    OH..............................  ...................  3-01-05........  11-30-05.......  3-29-06........  11-29-06......  S2286.........  Drought..........................  .......         8
    PA..............................  ...................  3-01-05........  11-30-05.......  3-29-06........  11-29-06......  S2286.........  Drought..........................  .......         4
    VA..............................  ...................  3-01-05........  11-30-05.......  3-29-06........  11-29-06......  S2286.........  Drought..........................  .......         8
    CO..............................  Huerfano, Kiowa,     3-01-05........  continuing.....  4-05-06........  12-05-06......  S2287.........  Drought, related disasters.......        4        14
                                       Las Animas,
                                       Sedgwick.
    KS..............................  ...................  3-01-05........  continuing.....  4-05-06........  12-05-06......  S2287.........  Drought, related disasters.......  .......         1
    NE..............................  ...................  3-01-05........  continuing.....  4-05-06........  12-05-06......  S2287.........  Drought, related disasters.......  .......         4
    NM..............................  ...................  3-01-05........  continuing.....  4-05-06........  12-05-06......  S2287.........  Drought, related disasters.......  .......         2
    TX..............................  Frio...............  1-01-06........  continuing.....  4-18-06........  12-18-06......  S2288.........  Drought, high temperatures.......        1         7
    TX..............................  Wheeler............  3-12-06........  3-15-06........  4-18-06........  12-18-06......  S2289.........  Fire, high winds.................        1         5
    OK..............................  ...................  3-12-06........  3-15-06........  4-18-06........  12-18-06......  S2289.........  Fire, high winds.................  .......         2
    TX..............................  Collingsworth......  3-12-06........  continuing.....  4-20-06........  12-20-06......  S2290.........  Fire, high winds.................        1         5
    OK..............................  ...................  3-12-06........  continuing.....  4-20-06........  12-20-06......  S2290.........  Fire, high winds.................  .......         2
    TX..............................  Gray...............  3-12-06........  3-12-06........  4-20-06........  12-20-06......  S2291.........  Fire, extreme wind...............        1         7
    TX..............................  Roberts............  3-12-06........  3-12-06........  4-20-06........  12-20-06......  S2292.........  Fire.............................        1         8
    TX..............................  Taylor.............  1-01-06........  continuing.....  4-20-06........  12-20-06......  S2293.........  Drought..........................        1         6
    HI..............................  Honolulu, Kauai....  2-20-06........  3-26-06........  4-24-06........  12-27-06......  S2294.........  Rain, flooding...................        2  ..........
    TX..............................  Cottle.............  3-12-06........  continuing.....  5-03-06........  1-03-07.......  S2295.........  Fire, high winds.................        1         7
    AZ..............................  All counties except  1-01-06........  continuing.....  5-09-06........  1-09-07.......  S2296.........  Drought..........................       14         1
                                       Laz.
    CA..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  5-09-06........  1-09-07.......  S2296.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    CO..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  5-09-06........  1-09-07.......  S2296.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    NM..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  5-09-06........  1-09-07.......  S2296.........  Drought..........................  .......         6
    NV..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  5-09-06........  1-09-07.......  S2296.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    UT..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  5-09-06........  1-09-07.......  S2296.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    TX..............................  Armstrong..........  1-01-06........  continuing.....  5-15-06........  1-16-07.......  S2297.........  Drought, high winds..............        1         7
    TX..............................  Donley.............  1-01-06........  continuing.....  5-15-06........  1-15-07.......  S2298.........  Fire, high temperatures..........        1         7
    TX..............................  Hutchinson.........  3-12-06........  3-12-06........  5-15-06........  1-15-07.......  S2299.........  Fire.............................        1         7
    TX..............................  Runnels............  1-01-06........  continuing.....  5-15-06........  1-15-07.......  S2300.........  Drought..........................        1         6
    NM..............................  All counties except  1-01-06........  continuing.....  5-18-06........  1-18-07.......  S2301.........  Drought, high winds..............       31         2
                                       Chaves, Los Alamos.
    AZ..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  5-18-06........  1-18-07.......  S2301.........  Drought, high winds..............  .......         3
    CO..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  5-18-06........  1-18-07.......  S2301.........  Drought, high winds..............  .......         7
    OK..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  5-18-06........  1-18-07.......  S2301.........  Drought, high winds..............  .......         1
    TX..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  5-18-06........  1-18-07.......  S2301.........  Drought, high winds..............  .......        16
    UT..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  5-18-06........  1-18-07.......  S2301.........  Drought, high winds..............  .......         1
    TX..............................  Hemphill...........  3-12-06........  3-12-06........  5-18-06........  1-18-07.......  S2302.........  Fire.............................        1         4
    OK..............................  ...................  3-12-06........  3-12-06........  5-18-06........  1-18-07.......  S2302.........  Fire.............................  .......         2
    TX..............................  Coryell............  3-24-06........  3-24-06........  5-22-06........  1-22-07.......  S2303.........  Freeze...........................        1         5
    TX..............................  Gillespie..........  1-01-06........  continuing.....  5-22-06........  1-22-07.......  S2304.........  Drought..........................        1         6
    TX..............................  Lipscomb...........  4-11-06........  4-11-06........  5-22-06........  1-22-07.......  S2305.........  Wildfires........................        1         3
    OK..............................  ...................  4-11-06........  4-11-06........  5-22-06........  1-22-07.......  S2305.........  Wildfires........................  .......         2
    TX..............................  Oldham, Potter.....  1-01-06........  continuing.....  5-30-06........  1-30-07.......  S2306.........  Drought, high winds..............        2         7
    NM..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  5-30-06........  1-30-07.......  S2306.........  Drought, high winds..............  .......         1
    TX..............................  Armstrong..........  3-05-06........  3-11-06........  5-31-06........  1-31-07.......  S2307.........  Wildfires........................        1         7
    TX..............................  Calhoun, Hamilton..  1-01-06........  continuing.....  5-31-06........  1-31-07.......  S2308.........  Drought..........................        2        11
    TX..............................  Cooke..............  4-28-06........  4-28-06........  5-31-06........  1-31-07.......  S2309.........  Flash flooding, hail, high winds.        1         4
    OK..............................  ...................  4-28-06........  4-28-06........  5-31-06........  1-31-07.......  S2309.........  Flash flooding, hail, high winds.  .......         1
    TX..............................  Gillespie..........  3-24-06........  3-25-06........  5-31-06........  1-31-07.......  S2310.........  Freeze...........................        1         6
    TX..............................  Brewster...........  1-01-06........  continuing.....  6-05-06........  2-05-07.......  S2311.........  Drought, high winds..............        1         4
    TX..............................  Oldham.............  3-12-06........  3-12-06........  6-05-06........  2-05-07.......  S2312.........  Wildfires........................        1         5
    NM..............................  ...................  3-12-06........  3-12-06........  6-05-06........  2-05-07.......  S2312.........  Wildfires........................  .......         1
    AR..............................  Ashley, Bradley....  4-07-06........  4-07-06........  6-12-06........  2-12-07.......  S2313.........  Hail, high winds.................        2         5
    LA..............................  ...................  4-07-06........  4-07-06........  6-12-06........  2-12-07.......  S2313.........  Hail, high winds.................  .......         2
    KS..............................  Cherokee, Morton...  8-01-05........  continuing.....  6-12-06........  2-12-07.......  S2314.........  Drought, high winds, wildfires,          2         4
                                                                                                                                               above-normal temperatures.
    CO..............................  ...................  8-01-05........  continuing.....  6-12-06........  2-12-07.......  S2314.........  Drought, high winds, wildfires,    .......         2
                                                                                                                                               above-normal temperatures.
    MO..............................  ...................  8-01-05........  continuing.....  6-12-06........  2-12-07.......  S2314.........  Drought, high winds, wildfires,    .......         1
                                                                                                                                               above-normal temperatures.
    OK..............................  ...................  8-01-05........  continuing.....  6-12-06........  2-12-07.......  S2314.........  Drought, high winds, wildfires,    .......         4
                                                                                                                                               above-normal temperatures.
    CA..............................  Alameda, Amador,     12-17-06.......  4-26-06........  6-15-06........  2-15-07.......  S2315.........  Storms: Excessive rainfall, hail,       29        21
                                       Butte, Calaveras,                                                                                       high winds, Frost, freeze,
                                       Contra Costa, El                                                                                        fluctuating temperatures.
                                       Dorado, Fresno,
                                       Glenn, Humboldt,
                                       Kings, Lake,
                                       Madera, Mendocino,
                                       Merced, Nevada,
                                       Plumas,
                                       Sacramento, San
                                       Joaquin, San
                                       Mateo, Shasta,
                                       Sierra, Solano,
                                       Sonoma,
                                       Stanislaus,
                                       Sutter, Tehama,
                                       Tulare, Yolo, Yuba.
    NV..............................  ...................  12-17-06.......  4-26-06........  6-15-06........  2-15-07.......  S2315.........  Storms: Excessive rainfall, hail,  .......         2
                                                                                                                                               high winds, Frost, freeze,
                                                                                                                                               fluctuating temperatures.
    TX..............................  Bosque, Johnson,     1-01-06........  continuing.....  6-15-06........  2-15-07.......  S2316.........  Drought..........................        3        12
                                       McLennan.
    TX..............................  Terrell............  1-01-06........  continuing.....  6-15-06........  2-15-07.......  S2317.........  Drought, high winds..............        1         4
    TX..............................  Collin.............  5-09-06........  5-09-06........  6-19-06........  2-19-07.......  S2318.........  Tornado..........................        1         6
    TX..............................  Kleberg............  1-01-06........  continuing.....  6-19-06........  2-19-07.......  S2319.........  Drought, excessive temperatures,         1         4
                                                                                                                                               high winds.
    TX..............................  McLennan...........  5-06-06........  5-06-06........  6-19-06........  2-19-07.......  S2320.........  Excessive rain, hail, high winds,        1         6
                                                                                                                                               tornado.
    VT..............................  Entire State.......  5-01-06........  continuing.....  6-23-06........  2-23-07.......  S2321.........  Severe weather; excessive               14  ..........
                                                                                                                                               rainfall.
    MA..............................  ...................  5-01-06........  continuing.....  6-23-06........  2-23-07.......  S2321.........  Severe weather; excessive          .......         2
                                                                                                                                               rainfall.
    NH..............................  ...................  5-01-06........  continuing.....  6-23-06........  2-23-07.......  S2321.........  Severe weather; excessive          .......         4
                                                                                                                                               rainfall.
    NY..............................  ...................  5-01-06........  continuing.....  6-23-06........  2-23-07.......  S2321.........  Severe weather; excessive          .......         4
                                                                                                                                               rainfall.
    CA..............................  Placer.............  3-01-06........  4-30-06........  6-26-06........  2-26-07.......  S2322.........  Excessive rainfall, hail.........        1         5
    NV..............................  ...................  3-01-06........  4-30-06........  6-26-06........  2-26-07.......  S2322.........  Excessive rainfall, hail.........  .......         3
    CA..............................  Placer.............  3-01-06........  4-30-06........  6-26-06........  2-26-07.......  S2322.........  Excess rainfall [sic], hail......        1  ..........
    TX..............................  McLennan...........  3-24-06........  3-25-06........  6-29-06........  3-01-07.......  S2323.........  Freeze...........................        1         6
    TX..............................  Mitchell...........  5-02-06........  5-02-06........  6-29-06........  3-01-07.......  S2324.........  Flash flooding, hail, tornado....        1         7
    AL..............................  Baldwin, Coffee,     1-01-06........  continuing.....  6-30-06........  3-02-07.......  S2325.........  Drought, high temperatures.......       48        18
                                       Barbour, Bibb,
                                       Bullock, Butler,
                                       Chambers,
                                       Cherokee, Choctaw,
                                       Clarke, Clay,
                                       Etowah, Colbert,
                                       Conecuh, Coosa,
                                       Covington,
                                       Crenshaw, Cullman,
                                       Dale, Elmore,
                                       Escambia, Lee,
                                       Franklin, Geneva,
                                       Greene, Hale,
                                       Henry, Houston,
                                       Jackson,
                                       Lauderdale,
                                       Lawrence,
                                       Randolph, Macon,
                                       Madison, Marengo,
                                       Mobile, Monroe,
                                       Montgomery,
                                       Morgan, Perry,
                                       Pike, Russell, St.
                                       Clair, Sumter,
                                       Tallapoosa,
                                       Tuscaloosa,
                                       Washington, Wilcox.
    MS..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  6-30-06........  3-02-07.......  S2325.........  Drought, high temperatures.......  .......         6
    TN..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  6-30-06........  3-02-07.......  S2325.........  Drought, high temperatures.......  .......        15
    AL..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  6-30-06........  3-02-07.......  S2325.........  Drought, high temperatures.......  .......        10
    AL..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  6-30-06........  3-02-07.......  S2325.........  Drought, high temperatures.......  .......         7
    CA..............................  Lassen.............  1-01-06........  4-30-06........  7-05-06........  3-05-07.......  S2326.........  Excessive rainfall, flooding,            1         4
                                                                                                                                               cooler than normal temperatures.
    NV..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  4-30-06........  7-05-06........  3-05-07.......  S2326.........  Excessive rainfall, flooding,      .......         1
                                                                                                                                               cooler than normal temperatures.
    CO..............................  Adams, Alamosa,      1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-10-06........  3-12-07.......  S2327.........  Drought..........................       28        24
                                       Broomfield, Baca,
                                       Chaffee, Cheyenne,
                                       Conejos, Costilla,
                                       Custer, Denver,
                                       Dolores, Douglas,
                                       Elbert, Fremont,
                                       Hinsdale,
                                       Huerfano, Kit
                                       Carson, Lake, Las
                                       Animas, Mineral,
                                       Montezuma, Morgan,
                                       Prowers, Pueblo,
                                       Rio Grande,
                                       Saguache, San
                                       Miguel, Weld.
    AZ..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-10-06........  3-12-07.......  S2327.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    KS..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-10-06........  3-12-07.......  S2327.........  Drought..........................  .......         7
    NE..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-10-06........  3-12-07.......  S2327.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    NM..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-10-06........  3-12-07.......  S2327.........  Drought..........................  .......         5
    OK..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-10-06........  3-12-07.......  S2327.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    UT..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-10-06........  3-12-07.......  S2327.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    WY..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-10-06........  3-12-07.......  S2327.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    NY..............................  Cattaraugus,         4-25-06........  4-27-06........  7-10-06........  3-12-07.......  S2328.........  Frost............................        3         4
                                       Chautauqua, Erie.
    PA..............................  ...................  4-25-06........  4-27-06........  7-10-06........  3-12-07.......  S2328.........  Frost............................  .......         3
    CO..............................  Arapahoe,            1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-11-06........  3-12-07.......  S2329.........  Drought..........................       17        37
                                       Archuleta, Bent,
                                       Boulder, Crowley,
                                       Delta, El Paso,
                                       Gunnison,
                                       Jefferson, Kiowa,
                                       La Plata,
                                       Montrose, Ouray,
                                       Park, Phillips,
                                       Teller, Washington.
    KS..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-11-06........  3-12-07.......  S2329.........  Drought..........................  .......        11
    NE..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-11-06........  3-12-07.......  S2329.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    NM..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-11-06........  3-12-07.......  S2329.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    UT..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-11-06........  3-12-07.......  S2329.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    CO..............................  Dolores, Montezuma,  5-09-06........  5-30-06........  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2330.........  Freeze...........................        3         4
                                       San Miguel.
    AZ..............................  ...................  5-09-06........  5-30-06........  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2330.........  Freeze...........................  .......         1
    NM..............................  ...................  5-09-06........  5-30-06........  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2330.........  Freeze...........................  .......         1
    UT..............................  ...................  5-09-06........  5-30-06........  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2330.........  Freeze...........................  .......         1
    NE..............................  Boyd, Brown,         1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2331.........  High winds, excessive heat,a late       13        18
                                       Buffalo, Garfield,                                                                                      freeze, drought.
                                       Howard, Kearney,
                                       Keya Paha, Loup,
                                       Rock, Sherman,
                                       Valley, Webster,
                                       Wheeler.
    KS..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2331.........  High winds, excessive heat,a late  .......         2
                                                                                                                                               freeze, drought.
    SD..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2331.........  High winds, excessive heat,a late  .......         4
                                                                                                                                               freeze, drought.
    NE..............................  Arthur, Banner,      1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2332.........  High winds, excessive heat [high        36        15
                                       Blaine, Box Butte,                                                                                      temperatures], drought.
                                       Chase, Cherry,
                                       Cheyenne, Custer,
                                       Dawes, Dawson,
                                       Deuel, Dundy,
                                       Franklin,
                                       Frontier, Furnas,
                                       Garden, Gosper,
                                       Grant, Harlan,
                                       Hayes, Hitchcock,
                                       Holt, Hooker,
                                       Keith, Kimball,
                                       Lincoln, Logan,
                                       McPherson,
                                       Morrill, Perkins,
                                       Phelps, Red
                                       Willow, Scotts
                                       Bluff, Sheridan,
                                       Sioux, Thomas.
    CO..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2332.........  High winds, excessive heat [high   .......         5
                                                                                                                                               temperatures], drought.
    KS..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2332.........  High winds, excessive heat [high   .......         6
                                                                                                                                               temperatures], drought.
    SD..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2332.........  High winds, excessive heat [high   .......         5
                                                                                                                                               temperatures], drought.
    WY..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2332.........  High winds, excessive heat [high   .......         3
                                                                                                                                               temperatures], drought.
    OR..............................  Malheur............  3-29-06........  5-10-06........  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2333.........  Flooding, cooler temperatures,           1         3
                                                                                                                                               abnormally high precipitation.
    ID..............................  ...................  3-29-06........  5-10-06........  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2333.........  Flooding, cooler temperatures,     .......         4
                                                                                                                                               abnormally high precipitation.
    NV..............................  ...................  3-29-06........  5-10-06........  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2333.........  Flooding, cooler temperatures,     .......         1
                                                                                                                                               abnormally high precipitation.
    AR..............................  Jefferson..........  5-10-06........  5-10-06........  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2334.........  Excessive rainfall, high winds,          1         6
                                                                                                                                               tornadoes, lightning.
    AR..............................  Little River.......  5-04-06........  5-04-06........  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2335.........  Excessive thunderstorms,                 1         4
                                                                                                                                               rainfall, high winds, hail,
                                                                                                                                               lightning.
    OK..............................  ...................  5-04-06........  5-04-06........  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2335.........  Excessive thunderstorms,           .......         1
                                                                                                                                               rainfall, high winds, hail,
                                                                                                                                               lightning.
    TX..............................  ...................  5-04-06........  5-04-06........  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2335.........  Excessive thunderstorms,           .......         1
                                                                                                                                               rainfall, high winds, hail,
                                                                                                                                               lightning.
    TX..............................  Lee................  4-20-06........  4-20-06........  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2336.........  High winds.......................        1         6
    TX..............................  Kenedy.............  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-13-06........  3-13-07.......  S2337.........  Drought, excessive temperatures,         1         4
                                                                                                                                               high winds.
    TX..............................  Colorado, Pecos....  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-20-06........  3-20-07.......  S2338.........  Drought..........................        2        12
    TX..............................  Dimmit.............  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-20-06........  3-20-07.......  S2339.........  Drought..........................        1         5
    TX..............................  Duval..............  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-20-06........  3-20-07.......  S2340.........  Drought, high winds, high                1         7
                                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    TX..............................  Mason..............  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-20-06........  3-20-07.......  S2341.........  Drought, excessive heat..........        1         6
    TX..............................  Nolan..............  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-20-06........  3-20-07.......  S2342.........  Drought, fire, high winds........        1         7
    OK..............................  Entire State.......  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-27-06........  3-27-07.......  S2343.........  Drought, extreme heat, high             77  ..........
                                                                                                                                               winds, stressful moisture
                                                                                                                                               conditions.
    AR..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-27-06........  3-27-07.......  S2343.........  Drought, extreme heat, high        .......         8
                                                                                                                                               winds, stressful moisture
                                                                                                                                               conditions.
    CO..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-27-06........  3-27-07.......  S2343.........  Drought, extreme heat, high        .......         1
                                                                                                                                               winds, stressful moisture
                                                                                                                                               conditions.
    KS..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-27-06........  3-27-07.......  S2343.........  Drought, extreme heat, high        .......        14
                                                                                                                                               winds, stressful moisture
                                                                                                                                               conditions.
    MO..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-27-06........  3-27-07.......  S2343.........  Drought, extreme heat, high        .......         2
                                                                                                                                               winds, stressful moisture
                                                                                                                                               conditions.
    NM..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-27-06........  3-27-07.......  S2343.........  Drought, extreme heat, high        .......         1
                                                                                                                                               winds, stressful moisture
                                                                                                                                               conditions.
    TX..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-27-06........  3-27-07.......  S2343.........  Drought, extreme heat, high        .......        20
                                                                                                                                               winds, stressful moisture
                                                                                                                                               conditions.
    SD..............................  Brule, Buffalo,      1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-27-06........  3-27-07.......  S2344.........  Spring killing frost, extreme           23        18
                                       Campbell, Corson,                                                                                       heat, high winds, hail, insect
                                       Custer, Dewey,                                                                                          damage, drought.
                                       Edmunds, Fall
                                       River, Faulk,
                                       Hughes, Hyde,
                                       Jackson, Jerauld,
                                       Jones, Lyman,
                                       Meade, Pennington,
                                       Perkins, Potter,
                                       Stanley, Sully,
                                       Walworth, Ziebach.
    ND..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-27-06........  3-27-07.......  S2344.........  Spring killing frost, extreme      .......         4
                                                                                                                                               heat, high winds, hail, insect
                                                                                                                                               damage, drought.
    NE..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-27-06........  3-27-07.......  S2344.........  Spring killing frost, extreme      .......         2
                                                                                                                                               heat, high winds, hail, insect
                                                                                                                                               damage, drought.
    WY..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-27-06........  3-27-07.......  S2344.........  Spring killing frost, extreme      .......         2
                                                                                                                                               heat, high winds, hail, insect
                                                                                                                                               damage, drought.
    SD..............................  Brule, Buffalo,      1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2344,          ADDS: prairie fires caused by dry       23        18
                                       Campbell, Corson,                                                                       Amendment 1.    lightning to disasters for 23
                                       Custer, Dewey,                                                                                          counties.
                                       Edmunds, Fall
                                       River, Faulk,
                                       Hughes, Hyde,
                                       Jackson, Jerauld,
                                       Jones, Lyman,
                                       Meade, Pennington,
                                       Perkins, Potter,
                                       Stanley, Sully,
                                       Walworth, Ziebach.
    ND..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2344,          ADDS: prairie fires caused by dry  .......         4
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.    lightning to disasters for 23
                                                                                                                                               counties.
    NE..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2344,          ADDS: prairie fires caused by dry  .......         2
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.    lightning to disasters for 23
                                                                                                                                               counties.
    WY..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2344,          ADDS: prairie fires caused by dry  .......         2
                                                                                                                               Amendment 1.    lightning to disasters for 23
                                                                                                                                               counties.
    SD..............................  Turner.............  6-16-06........  6-16-06........  7-27-06........  3-27-07.......  S2345.........  High winds, heavy rain, hail.....        1         6
    TN..............................  Rutherford.........  5-11-06........  5-25-06........  7-27-06........  3-27-07.......  S2346.........  Hail, excessive rain.............        1         7
    TX..............................  Live Oak, McMullen.  1-01-06........  continuing.....  7-27-06........  3-27-07.......  S2347.........  Drought..........................        2         9
    TX..............................  Calhoun............  6-20-06........  6-20-06........  7-31-06........  4-02-07.......  S2348.........  Excessive rain, flash flooding,          1         5
                                                                                                                                               flooding.
    TX..............................  Hartley, La Salle,   1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-02-06........  4-02-07.......  S2349.........  Drought..........................        3        14
                                       Presidio.
    NM..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-02-06........  4-02-07.......  S2349.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    TX..............................  Robertson..........  4-18-06........  4-20-06........  8-07-06........  4-09-07.......  S2350.........  Hail, high winds.................        1         7
    CO..............................  Eagle, Fremont,      1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-08-06........  4-09-07.......  S2351.........  Drought, heat, high winds........        8        21
                                       Garfield, Larimer,
                                       Logan, Otero,
                                       Pitkin, Rio
                                       Blanco, Yuma.
    KS..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-08-06........  4-09-07.......  S2351.........  Drought, heat, high winds........  .......         1
    NE..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-08-06........  4-09-07.......  S2351.........  Drought, heat, high winds........  .......         4
    UT..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-08-06........  4-09-07.......  S2351.........  Drought, heat, high winds........  .......         2
    WY..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-08-06........  4-09-07.......  S2351.........  Drought, heat, high winds........  .......         2
    CO..............................  Fremont............  7-05-06........  7-05-06........  8-08-06........  4-09-07.......  S2352.........  Flooding.........................        1         7
    CO..............................  Yuma...............  4-28-06........  6-10-06........  8-08-06........  4-09-07.......  S2353.........  Hail.............................        1         4
    KS..............................  ...................  4-28-06........  6-10-06........  8-08-06........  4-09-07.......  S2353.........  Hail.............................  .......         1
    NE..............................  ...................  4-28-06........  6-10-06........  8-08-06........  4-09-07.......  S2353.........  Hail.............................  .......         2
    TX..............................  Llano..............  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-08-06........  4-09-07.......  S2354.........  Drought, excessive heat..........        1         5
    TX..............................  Lubbock............  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-08-06........  4-09-07.......  S2355.........  Drought, high winds, extreme             1         8
                                                                                                                                               temperatures.
    TX..............................  Victoria...........  1-01-06........  6-01-06........  8-08-06........  4-09-07.......  S2356.........  Drought..........................        1         6
    SD..............................  Aurora, Beadle,      1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-08-06........  4-09-07.......  S2357.........  Late spring killing frost,              18        35
                                       Bennett, Butte,                                                                                         extreme heat, high winds, hail,
                                       Clark, Codington,                                                                                       insect damage, insufficient
                                       Douglas, Haakon,                                                                                        subsoil moisture, prairie fires
                                       Hand, Harding,                                                                                          caused by dry lightning, ongoing
                                       Hutchinson,                                                                                             drought.
                                       Mellette,
                                       McPherson,
                                       Sanborn, Shannon,
                                       Spink, Todd, Tripp.
    MT..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-08-06........  4-09-07.......  S2357.........  Late spring killing frost,         .......         2
                                                                                                                                               extreme heat, high winds, hail,
                                                                                                                                               insect damage, insufficient
                                                                                                                                               subsoil moisture, prairie fires
                                                                                                                                               caused by dry lightning, ongoing
                                                                                                                                               drought.
    NE..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-08-06........  4-09-07.......  S2357.........  Late spring killing frost,         .......         4
                                                                                                                                               extreme heat, high winds, hail,
                                                                                                                                               insect damage, insufficient
                                                                                                                                               subsoil moisture, prairie fires
                                                                                                                                               caused by dry lightning, ongoing
                                                                                                                                               drought.
    ND..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-08-06........  4-09-07.......  S2357.........  Late spring killing frost,         .......         4
                                                                                                                                               extreme heat, high winds, hail,
                                                                                                                                               insect damage, insufficient
                                                                                                                                               subsoil moisture, prairie fires
                                                                                                                                               caused by dry lightning, ongoing
                                                                                                                                               drought.
    WY..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-08-06........  4-09-07.......  S2357.........  Late spring killing frost,         .......         1
                                                                                                                                               extreme heat, high winds, hail,
                                                                                                                                               insect damage, insufficient
                                                                                                                                               subsoil moisture, prairie fires
                                                                                                                                               caused by dry lightning, ongoing
                                                                                                                                               drought.
    CT..............................  Entire State.......  4-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2358.........  Cool spring, excessively wet             8  ..........
                                                                                                                                               weather pattern.
    MA..............................  ...................  4-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2358.........  Cool spring, excessively wet       .......         3
                                                                                                                                               weather pattern.
    NY..............................  ...................  4-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2358.........  Cool spring, excessively wet       .......         3
                                                                                                                                               weather pattern.
    RI..............................  ...................  4-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2358.........  Cool spring, excessively wet       .......         3
                                                                                                                                               weather pattern.
    NJ..............................  Atlantic, Bergen,    6-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2359.........  Excessive precipitation, high           17         4
                                       Burlington,                                                                                             winds, hail, high humidity.
                                       Camden, Cape May,
                                       Cumberland,
                                       Gloucester,
                                       Hunterdon, Mercer,
                                       Middlesex,
                                       Monmouth, Morris,
                                       Ocean, Salem,
                                       Somerset, Sussex,
                                       Warren.
    DE..............................  ...................  6-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2359.........  Excessive precipitation, high      .......         1
                                                                                                                                               winds, hail, high humidity.
    NY..............................  ...................  6-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2359.........  Excessive precipitation, high      .......         3
                                                                                                                                               winds, hail, high humidity.
    PA..............................  ...................  6-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2359.........  Excessive precipitation, high      .......         6
                                                                                                                                               winds, hail, high humidity.
    RI..............................  Entire State.......  4-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2360.........  unusually cool spring,                   5  ..........
                                                                                                                                               excessively wet weather pattern
                                                                                                                                               (excessive rainfall).
    CT..............................  ...................  4-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2360.........  unusually cool spring,             .......         2
                                                                                                                                               excessively wet weather pattern
                                                                                                                                               (excessive rainfall).
    MA..............................  ...................  4-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2360.........  unusually cool spring,             .......         3
                                                                                                                                               excessively wet weather pattern
                                                                                                                                               (excessive rainfall).
    TX..............................  Dallam, Hardeman,    1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2361.........  Drought..........................        7        28
                                       Jim Wells, Kinney,
                                       San Patricio,
                                       Wilson, Zavala.
    NM..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2361.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    OK..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2361.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    TX..............................  Foard, Stephens,     1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2362.........  Drought, high winds..............        3        12
                                       Wilbarger.
    OK..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-15-06........  4-16-07.......  S2362.........  Drought, high winds..............  .......         2
    CA..............................  Tulare.............  5-01-06........  5-15-06........  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2363.........  Unseasonable heat spell..........        1         4
    GA..............................  All counties except  3-01-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2364.........  Drought, excessive heat..........      155         4
                                       Fannin, Gilmer,
                                       Towns, Union.
    AL..............................  ...................  3-01-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2364.........  Drought, excessive heat..........  .......        11
    FL..............................  ...................  3-01-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2364.........  Drought, excessive heat..........  .......         9
    NC..............................  ...................  3-01-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2364.........  Drought, excessive heat..........  .......         3
    SC..............................  ...................  3-01-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2364.........  Drought, excessive heat..........  .......        10
    TN..............................  ...................  3-01-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2364.........  Drought, excessive heat..........  .......         4
    NH..............................  Entire State.......  5-01-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2365.........  Flooding, excessive rain.........       10  ..........
    ME..............................  Entire State.......  5-01-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2365.........  Flooding, excessive rain.........  .......         2
    MA..............................  Entire State.......  5-01-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2365.........  Flooding, excessive rain.........  .......         4
    VT..............................  Entire State.......  5-01-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2365.........  Flooding, excessive rain.........  .......         5
    NY..............................  Albany, Schoharie..  5-01-06........  6-30-06........  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2366.........  Excessive rain, cold temperatures        2         8
    NY..............................  Columbia, Greene...  4-01-06........  5-31-06........  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2367.........  Freeze, frost, hail, excessive           2         6
                                                                                                                                               rain.
    CT..............................  ...................  4-01-06........  5-31-06........  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2367.........  Freeze, frost, hail, excessive     .......         1
                                                                                                                                               rain.
    MA..............................  ...................  4-01-06........  5-31-06........  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2367.........  Freeze, frost, hail, excessive     .......         1
                                                                                                                                               rain.
    NY..............................  Cortland,            4-01-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2368.........  Tree tent caterpillar infestation        3        14
                                       Jefferson,                                                                                              due to unusually mild winter
                                       Washington.                                                                                             weather.
    VT..............................  ...................  4-01-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2368.........  Tree tent caterpillar infestation  .......         3
                                                                                                                                               due to unusually mild winter
                                                                                                                                               weather.
    NY..............................  Dutchess, Ulster...  6-24-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2369.........  Excessive rain, flooding, flash          2         6
                                                                                                                                               flooding, high winds.
    CT..............................  ...................  6-24-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2369.........  Excessive rain, flooding, flash    .......         2
                                                                                                                                               flooding, high winds.
    MA..............................  ...................  6-24-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2369.........  Excessive rain, flooding, flash    .......         1
                                                                                                                                               flooding, high winds.
    NY..............................  Wayne..............  5-11-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2370.........  Hail, high winds, excessive rain.        1         4
    TX..............................  Fannin, Hopkins,     1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2371.........  Drought..........................        5        24
                                       Hunt, Jeff Davis,
                                       Lavaca.
    OK..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2371.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    TX..............................  Knox...............  7-11-06........  7-11-06........  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2372.........  Hail.............................        1         6
    TX..............................  Red River..........  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2373.........  Drought, excessive heat..........        1         7
    OK..............................  Red River..........  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2373.........  Drought, excessive heat..........  .......         2
    TX..............................  Willacy............  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-21-06........  4-23-07.......  S2374.........  Drought, high temperatures, high         1         3
                                                                                                                                               winds.
    WI..............................  Adams, Ashland,      4-01-06........  continuing.....  8-25-06........  4-25-07.......  S2375.........  Drought..........................       19        20
                                       Barron, Bayfield,
                                       Burnett, Douglas,
                                       Dunn, Iron,
                                       Langlade, Lincoln,
                                       Marquette, Polk,
                                       Price, Rusk, St.
                                       Croix, Sawyer,
                                       Taylor, Washburn,
                                       Waushara.
    MI..............................  ...................  4-01-06........  continuing.....  8-25-06........  4-25-07.......  S2375.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    MN..............................  ...................  4-01-06........  continuing.....  8-25-06........  4-25-07.......  S2375.........  Drought..........................  .......         5
    VA..............................  Pittsylvania,        3-01-06........  continuing.....  8-28-06........  4-30-07.......  S2376.........  Drought, high temperatures.......        2        11
                                       Rappahannock.
    NC..............................  ...................  3-01-06........  continuing.....  8-28-06........  4-30-07.......  S2376.........  Drought, high temperatures.......  .......         2
    TX..............................  Glasscock..........  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-28-06........  4-30-07.......  S2377.........  Drought, heat, high winds, low           1         6
                                                                                                                                               humidity.
    MN..............................  Aitkin, Anoka,       5-10-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2378.........  Drought..........................       36        15
                                       Beltrami, Benton,
                                       Carlton, Cass,
                                       Chisago,
                                       Clearwater, Cook,
                                       Crow Wing,
                                       Hennepin, Hubbard,
                                       Isanti, Itasca,
                                       Kanabec, Kittson,
                                       Koochiching, Lake,
                                       Lake of the Woods,
                                       Mahnomen,
                                       Marshall, Mille
                                       Lacs, Morrison,
                                       Norman,
                                       Pennington, Pine,
                                       Polk, Pope, Red
                                       Lake, Roseau, St.
                                       Louis, Sherburne,
                                       Stearns, Todd,
                                       Wadena, Wright.
    ND..............................  ...................  5-10-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2378.........  Drought..........................  .......         5
    WI..............................  ...................  5-10-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2378.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    TX..............................  Karnes.............  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2379.........  Drought..........................        1         7
    WA..............................  Adams, Benton,       5-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2380.........  Adverse weather conditions:             12        15
                                       Chelan, Douglas,                                                                                        Excessive rain, excessive heat,
                                       Grant, Lincoln,                                                                                         hail, high winds, severe
                                       Okanogan, Spokane,                                                                                      thunderstorms, lightning, flash
                                       Franklin, Walla                                                                                         flooding, freezing weather.
                                       Walla, Whitman,
                                       Yakima.
    ID..............................  ...................  5-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2380.........  Adverse weather conditions:        .......         5
                                                                                                                                               Excessive rain, excessive heat,
                                                                                                                                               hail, high winds, severe
                                                                                                                                               thunderstorms, lightning, flash
                                                                                                                                               flooding, freezing weather.
    OR..............................  ...................  5-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2380.........  Adverse weather conditions:        .......         2
                                                                                                                                               Excessive rain, excessive heat,
                                                                                                                                               hail, high winds, severe
                                                                                                                                               thunderstorms, lightning, flash
                                                                                                                                               flooding, freezing weather.
    AL..............................  Autauga, Blount,     1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2381.........  Drought, high temperatures.......       19        24
                                       Calhoun, Chilton,
                                       Cleburne, Dallas,
                                       De Kalb, Fayette,
                                       Jefferson, Lamar,
                                       Limestone,
                                       Lowndes, Marion,
                                       Marshall, Pickens,
                                       Shelby, Talladega,
                                       Walker, Winston.
    GA..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2381.........  Drought, high temperatures.......  .......         6
    MS..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2381.........  Drought, high temperatures.......  .......         4
    TN..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2381.........  Drought, high temperatures.......  .......         2
    CO..............................  Jackson, Lincoln,    1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2382.........  Drought..........................        4        18
                                       Mesa, Moffat.
    MS..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2382.........  Drought..........................  .......         4
    TN..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2382.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    IA..............................  Cerro Gordo,         1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2383.........  Drought, severe weather..........       20        44
                                       Cherokee, Clay,
                                       Crawford, Des
                                       Moines, Dickinson,
                                       Harrison,
                                       Humboldt, Ida,
                                       Lee, Lucas,
                                       Madison, Monona,
                                       Monroe,
                                       Montgomery,
                                       Plymouth, Sac,
                                       Sioux, Woodbury,
                                       Worth.
    IL..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2383.........  Drought, severe weather..........  .......         3
    MN..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2383.........  Drought, severe weather..........  .......         3
    MO..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2383.........  Drought, severe weather..........  .......         1
    NE..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2383.........  Drought, severe weather..........  .......         4
    SD..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2383.........  Drought, severe weather..........  .......         2
    MA..............................  Barnstable,          5-01-06........  6-30-06........  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2384.........  Cool temperatures, excessive            11         2
                                       Berkshire,                                                                                              rain, floods.
                                       Bristol, Essex,
                                       Franklin, Hampden,
                                       Hampshire,
                                       Middlesex,
                                       Norfolk, Plymouth,
                                       Worcester.
    CT..............................  ...................  5-01-06........  6-30-06........  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2384.........  Cool temperatures, excessive       .......         4
                                                                                                                                               rain, floods.
    NH..............................  ...................  5-01-06........  6-30-06........  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2384.........  Cool temperatures, excessive       .......         3
                                                                                                                                               rain, floods.
    NY..............................  ...................  5-01-06........  6-30-06........  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2384.........  Cool temperatures, excessive       .......         3
                                                                                                                                               rain, floods.
    RI..............................  ...................  5-01-06........  6-30-06........  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2384.........  Cool temperatures, excessive       .......         3
                                                                                                                                               rain, floods.
    VT..............................  ...................  5-01-06........  6-30-06........  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2384.........  Cool temperatures, excessive       .......         2
                                                                                                                                               rain, floods.
    TN..............................  Fentress, Franklin,  5-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2385.........  Drought, extreme heat............        6        18
                                       McMinn, Meigs,
                                       Morgan, Scott.
    TN..............................  ...................  5-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2385.........  Drought, extreme heat............  .......         2
    TN..............................  ...................  5-01-06........  continuing.....  8-31-06........  5-01-07.......  S2385.........  Drought, extreme heat............  .......         2
    CA..............................  Butte, Calaveras,    7-15-06........  7-31-06........  9-07-06........  5-07-07.......  S2386.........  Record setting HEAT WAVE.........       16        31
                                       Fresno, Glenn,
                                       Imperial, Kern,
                                       Kings, Madera,
                                       Merced, San
                                       Bernardino,
                                       Solano, Sonoma,
                                       Stanislaus,
                                       Sutter, Tehama,
                                       Tulare.
    AZ..............................  ...................  # N/A..........  # N/A..........  # N/A..........  # N/A.........  S2386.........  Record setting HEAT WAVE.........  .......         3
    NV..............................  ...................  # N/A..........  # N/A..........  # N/A..........  # N/A.........  S2386.........  # N/A............................  .......         1
    NY..............................  Cayuga, Chenango,    4-01-06........  continuing.....  9-12-06........  5-14-07.......  S2387.........  Excessive rain, flooding, flash         21        20
                                       Clinton, Columbia,                                                                                      flooding.
                                       Cortland, Essex,
                                       Franklin, Fulton,
                                       Greene, Herkimer,
                                       Jefferson, Lewis,
                                       Montgomery,
                                       Orange, Otsego,
                                       Rensselaer, St.
                                       Lawrence,
                                       Saratoga, Suffolk,
                                       Sullivan,
                                       Washington.
    CT..............................  ...................  # N/A..........  # N/A..........  # N/A..........  # N/A.........  S2387.........  # N/A............................  .......         1
    MA..............................  ...................  # N/A..........  # N/A..........  # N/A..........  # N/A.........  S2387.........  # N/A............................  .......         1
    NJ..............................  ...................  # N/A..........  # N/A..........  # N/A..........  # N/A.........  S2387.........  # N/A............................  .......         2
    PA..............................  ...................  # N/A..........  # N/A..........  # N/A..........  # N/A.........  S2387.........  # N/A............................  .......         2
    VT..............................  ...................  4-01-06........  continuing.....  9-12-06........  5-14-07.......  S2387.........  Excessive rain, flooding, flash    .......         5
                                                                                                                                               flooding.
    ND..............................  Entire State.......  1-01-06........  continuing.....  9-12-06........  5-14-07.......  S2388.........  Drought, drought-related                53  ..........
                                                                                                                                               disasters.
    MN..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  9-12-06........  5-14-07.......  S2388.........  Drought, drought-related           .......         7
                                                                                                                                               disasters.
    MT..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  9-12-06........  5-14-07.......  S2388.........  Drought, drought-related           .......         5
                                                                                                                                               disasters.
    SD..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  9-12-06........  5-14-07.......  S2388.........  Drought, drought-related           .......         8
                                                                                                                                               disasters.
    TX..............................  Camp, Franklin,      4-01-06........  continuing.....  9-12-06........  5-14-07.......  S2389.........  Drought..........................        7        15
                                       Grayson, Morris,
                                       Rains, Titus, Wood.
    OK..............................  ...................  4-01-06........  continuing.....  9-12-06........  5-14-07.......  S2389.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    MS..............................  Entire State.......  3-01-06........  continuing.....  9-12-06........  5-14-07.......  S2390.........  Drought..........................       82  ..........
    AL..............................  ...................  3-01-06........  continuing.....  9-12-06........  5-14-07.......  S2390.........  Drought..........................  .......        10
    AR..............................  ...................  3-01-06........  continuing.....  9-12-06........  5-14-07.......  S2390.........  Drought..........................  .......         5
    LA..............................  ...................  3-01-06........  continuing.....  9-12-06........  5-14-07.......  S2390.........  Drought..........................  .......        10
    TN..............................  ...................  3-01-06........  continuing.....  9-12-06........  5-14-07.......  S2390.........  Drought..........................  .......         5
    MT..............................  Stillwater.........  1-01-06........  continuing.....  9-12-06........  5-14-07.......  S2391.........  Drought..........................        1         5
    SD..............................  Brown, Brookings,    1-01-06........  continuing.....  9-12-06........  5-14-07.......  S2392.........  Drought..........................       10        22
                                       Charles Mix,
                                       Davison, Grant,
                                       Gregory, Hamlin,
                                       Hanson, Kingsbury,
                                       Miner.
    MN..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  9-12-06........  5-14-07.......  S2392.........  Drought..........................  .......         4
    NE..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  9-12-06........  5-14-07.......  S2392.........  Drought..........................  .......         3
    ND..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  9-12-06........  5-14-07.......  S2392.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    VA..............................  Campbell...........  6-01-06........  continuing.....  9-12-06........  5-14-07.......  S2393.........  Drought, high temperatures.......        1         7
    TX..............................  Collin.............  4-01-06........  continuing.....  9-25-06........  5-25-07.......  S2394.........  Drought, excessive temperatures..        1         6
    NE..............................  Adams, Antelope,     1-01-06........  continuing.....  9-27-06........  5-28-07.......  S2395.........  Drought, high winds, extreme            34        20
                                       Boone, Burt,                                                                                            heat, hail, tornadoes.
                                       Butler, Cedar,
                                       Clay, Colfax,
                                       Dakota, Dixon,
                                       Dodge, Fillmore,
                                       Greeley, Hall,
                                       Hamilton,
                                       Jefferson,
                                       Johnson, Knox,
                                       Lancaster,
                                       Madison, Merrick,
                                       Nemaha, Nuckolls,
                                       Pawnee, Pierce,
                                       Richardson,
                                       Saline, Saunders,
                                       Seward, Stanton,
                                       Thayer, Thurston,
                                       Wayne, York.
    IA..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  9-27-06........  5-28-07.......  S2395.........  Drought, high winds, extreme       .......         3
                                                                                                                                               heat, hail, tornadoes.
    KS..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  9-27-06........  5-28-07.......  S2395.........  Drought, high winds, extreme       .......         7
                                                                                                                                               heat, hail, tornadoes.
    MO..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  9-27-06........  5-28-07.......  S2395.........  Drought, high winds, extreme       .......         2
                                                                                                                                               heat, hail, tornadoes.
    SD..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  9-27-06........  5-28-07.......  S2395.........  Drought, high winds, extreme       .......         5
                                                                                                                                               heat, hail, tornadoes.
    NE..............................  Sheridan...........  6-20-06........  6-20-06........  9-27-06........  5-28-07.......  S2396.........  Storm with high winds, hail,             1         6
                                                                                                                                               excessive rain, lightning,
                                                                                                                                               tornado.
    SD..............................  ...................  6-20-06........  6-20-06........  9-27-06........  5-28-07.......  S2396.........  Storm with high winds, hail,       .......         2
                                                                                                                                               excessive rain, lightning,
                                                                                                                                               tornado.
    TX..............................  Bee, Blanco, Clay,   1-01-06........  continuing.....  9-27-06........  5-28-07.......  S2397.........  Drought..........................       11        46
                                       Delta, DeWitt,
                                       Hood, Jack,
                                       Navarro, Palo
                                       Pinto, Somervell,
                                       Tom Green.
    OK..............................  ...................  1-01-06........  continuing.....  9-27-06........  5-28-07.......  S2397.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    TX..............................  Bowie..............  4-01-06........  continuing.....  9-27-06........  5-28-07.......  S2398.........  Drought..........................        1         3
    AR..............................  ...................  4-01-06........  continuing.....  9-27-06........  5-28-07.......  S2398.........  Drought..........................  .......         2
    OK..............................  ...................  4-01-06........  continuing.....  9-27-06........  5-28-07.......  S2398.........  Drought..........................  .......         1
    TX..............................  Brooks, Jim Hogg...  1-01-06........  continuing.....  9-27-06........  5-28-07.......  S2399.........  Drought, excessive temperatures,         2         8
                                                                                                                                               high winds.
    TX..............................  Gregg, Upshur......  4-01-06........  continuing.....  9-27-06........  5-28-07.......  S2400.........  Drought, excessive heat..........        2         7
    TX..............................  Haskell, Jones,      1-01-06........  continuing.....  9-27-06........  5-28-07.......  S2401.........  Drought, high winds, excessive           3        10
                                       Knox.                                                                                                   heat.
    TX..............................  Lynn...............  1-01-06........  continuing.....  9-27-06........  5-28-07.......  S2402.........  Drought, high winds..............        1         7
                                                                                                                                                                                --------------------
          TOTAL ACTIVE..............  ...................  ...............  ...............  ...............  ..............  ..............  .................................    2,301     3,861
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                       agricultural credit insurance fund
        Question. For each of the years 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, please
    document in detail for the record exactly how the funds provided
    through the Agricultural Credit Insurance Fund account were actually
    obligated and used by the Agency.
        Answer. The information on obligation of ACIF funds by loan
    category for fiscal year 2003 through fiscal year 2006 will be provided
    for the record.
        [The information follows:]

                              AGRICULTURAL CREDIT INSURANCE FUND OBLIGATIONS BY FISCAL YEAR
                                                [In thousands of dollars]
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Fiscal year     Fiscal year     Fiscal year     Fiscal year
                                                           2003            2004            2005            2006
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Direct Loans:
        Ownership...................................         168,575         142,404         271,929         274,604
        Operating...................................         689,849         609,565         556,008         640,742
        Emergency...................................          95,698          29,789          23,570          51,525
        Indian Land Acquisition.....................             110           1,586  ..............             360
        Boll Weevil.................................          99,000          97,695          83,070          22,000
    Guaranteed Loans:
        Ownership...................................       1,231,167       1,099,052       1,027,016         949,122
        Operating Unsubsidized......................       1,012,926         951,314         884,523         937,655
        Operating Subsidized........................         418,379         271,217         283,423         271,589
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Question. Also please provide a detailed accounting of any S&E
    funds, such as the IT budget or others, that were obligated and used in
    support of Farm Loans. In each year, what was the percentage of the
    total FSA S&E appropriation actually obligated and used to support Farm
    Loans in the Field, in the State Offices, at the IT or Finance Office
    level, and at the National Office level?
        Answer. As generally required by the Federal Credit Reform Act
    (FCRA) and by OMB Circular A-11, administrative expenses in support of
    the ACIF loan programs are appropriated to the ACIF program account.
    These funds are then transferred to Farm Service Agency (FSA) Salaries
    and Expenses (S&E) account. Per the A-11, ``administrative expenses
    means all costs that are directly related to credit program operations,
    including payments to contractors. The FCRA generally requires that
    administrative expenses for both pre-1992 and post-1991 direct loans
    and loan guarantees be included in program accounts.''
        Therefore, there is relative transparency in the amount of funding
    in the FSA S&E account that is used in support of ACIF, since these
    funds are originally budgeted in and appropriated to ACIF. The table
    below provides the amounts of ACIF administrative funds that are
    transferred to the FSA S&E account, and the relative percentage of ACIF
    administrative expenses to total S&E funding.
        [The information follows:]

                   AGRICULTURAL CREDIT INSURANCE FUND OBLIGATIONS AS A PERCENT OF FSA S&E OBLIGATIONS
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Fiscal year     Fiscal year     Fiscal year     Fiscal year
                                                           2003            2004            2005            2006
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    ACIF Administrative Expenses....................        $277,361        $281,350        $291,414        $301,545
    Total Salaries and Expenses.....................      $1,249,900      $1,267,428      $1,318,733      $1,309,028
    ACIF Admin as percent of Total S&E..............           22.19           22.20           22.10           23.04
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                           FARM LOAN PROGRAM STAFFING

        Question. FSA has a formal training and testing procedure in place
    for Farm Loan Officers and Farm Loan Officer Trainees. It is module
    type training--complete a module and take a test. This training takes
    about a year to complete and covers loan making and loan servicing.
    Then before an FLO is granted loan approval authority they must submit
    5 loan dockets they have prepared and the loans pass a review. In
    addition to the formal training, senior management officials state that
    it requires at least another year or two of on the job training for a
    FLO to attain the experience needed to fully and independently perform
    the loan officer duties. For a FLO to attain the knowledge skills and
    ability to become a Farm Loan Manager, Farm Loan Specialist or advance
    to a Farm Loan Chief position will require additional years of
    experience.
        According to a Strategic Human Capital Management study, many Farm
    Loan employees will be retiring very soon. The Farm Loan employees are
    in the GS-1165 series. On average, 1,165 employees are retiring within
    3 months of their retirement eligibility date. 50 percent of
    supervisory 1,165 employees are eligible to retire between now and
    2008. Twenty-eight percent of all FSA 1,165 employees are eligible to
    retire between now and 2008.
        What is FSA's plan to replace these experienced Farm Loan
    employees, and how much will Congress need to invest to make sure there
    is no crisis in the ability of FSA to deliver the Farm Loan programs?
        Answer. FSA Farm Loan Officers functions are critical to the
    effective delivery and service of Agency Farm Loan Programs (FLP).
    Because the GS-1165 series within FLP requires specialized training, it
    is essential that resources to support the Farm Loan Officer Training
    program be allocated prior to announced retirements.
        FSA plans to fund additional loan officer trainee positions from
    within existing resources. In fiscal year 2006, FSA funded 30 loan
    officer trainee positions and plans on an additional 15 positions
    available for fiscal year 2007. The fiscal year 2008 budget assumes 45
    trainee positions. Analysis of available Human Resources data indicates
    that from fiscal year 2006 through fiscal year 2009, 26 percent of
    currently employed loan officers will be eligible to retire.
                                     ______

                  Questions Submitted by Senator Sam Brownback

                    NATIONAL VETERINARY MEDICAL SERVICES ACT

        Question. In the 2006 Agriculture Appropriations hearings, you
    stated that the implementation of the full National Veterinary Medical
    Service Act would take 18 months. One year later, we are informed that
    you have not yet submitted for public comments a proposed rule and we
    are concerned that the National Veterinary Medical Service Act may not
    be implemented within the timeframe you initially provided.
        What steps do you have planned that will assure implementation of
    the NVMSA by October 2007 (18 months from the testimony in which you
    estimated 18 months would be necessary to complete the rules)?
        Answer. Although there are additional administrative steps that
    must be completed prior to the distribution of funds, a framework for
    the program has been proposed by CSREES. This proposal has recently
    been reviewed by the appropriate legal and regulatory entities. On
    March 12, 2007, the Final Rule was approved. The Final Rule was
    published in the Federal Register on March 19, 2007, and permits CSREES
    to implement a NVMSA program. The Department recognizes the importance
    of this Act to both the veterinary community as well as the supporters
    of the Act. You can be assured that we have communicated with agency
    personnel responsible for moving this program forward to ensure that it
    is implemented appropriately and as quickly as possible.
        Question. Section 2 of NVMSA, Public Law 108-161, reads ``The
    National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of
    1977 (7 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 1415
    the following new section:'' Given that 3101 of the 7 U.S.C. is
    entitled ``Purposes of agricultural research, extension, and
    education'' and that the money appropriated for NVMSA has been
    allocated to CSREES's Research and Education Activities, why has the
    USDA not formally designated CSREES as the administering agency for
    NVMSA?
        Answer. A Final Rule will be published in the Federal Register on
    March 19, 2007 delegating NVMSA to CSREES.
        Question. A study of Food Supply Veterinary Medicine released in
    June 2006 quantified existing and projected shortages of veterinary
    practitioners in various practice areas. How has this study helped the
    NVMSA implementation process?
        Answer. CSREES has utilized the 2006 Kansas State University study
    on Food Supply Veterinary Medicine to identify an area of critical need
    in veterinary medicine. Results of this study indicate that among the
    highest forecasted future shortages in veterinary practice between 2004
    and 2016 will be the Federal-animal health career and Federal-food
    safety and security sectors. The finding of the study correlates with
    the large number of difficult-to-fill vacancies for veterinarians in
    FSIS.
        Question. I do not consider the short-term pilot FSIS program,
    currently being developed by CSREES, to be an acceptable substitute for
    progress on the intended NVMSA program, especially the parts of NVMSA
    that would address rural practice and emergency response shortages.
    Furthermore, I do not approve of CSREES's intention to reprogram the
    NVMSA funds into a different loan repayment program within FSIS. Is
    your work on the FSIS pilot program diverting resources that could
    otherwise be used to implement the rural and emergency response
    portions of NVMSA?
        Answer. CSREES has entered into a reimbursable agreement to
    implement the loan repayment provisions of the Act. The FSIS-oriented
    implementation strategy represents an approach that enables the
    initiation of the use of NVMSA funds as loan repayments to eligible
    veterinarians in the shortest possible time frame. Funding is not
    sufficient to implement the emergency portion of the Act.
        Question. Your colleague, former HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson, was
    quoted to have said, ``I, for the life of me, cannot understand why
    terrorists have not attacked our food supply because it is so easy to
    do.'' Given that the risks of bioterrorism are high, that the Federal
    Government has been criticized for its preparedness for and response to
    recent disasters, and that you have in the form of NVMSA a program
    within the USDA that would create a ``Veterinary National Guard''
    available for immediate mobilization in the event of a zoonotic or
    major food animal disease outbreak and improve disease surveillance in
    the form of escalated geographic veterinary coverage, why are you not
    expediting the implementation of NVMSA?
        Answer. Implementation of the loan repayment sections of NVMSA are
    being expedited through the use of a reimbursable agreement with FSIS,
    which was developed in order to take advantage of current student loan
    regulations. Funding is not sufficient to implement the emergency
    portion of the Act. Moreover, eligibility for service to the Federal
    Government in emergency situations is dependent on first establishing
    eligibility for the loan repayment program. The current strategy,
    therefore, helps to establish a population of veterinarians eligible to
    serve as emergency responders.

                    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

                          Food and Drug Administration

    STATEMENT OF HON. ANDREW VON ESCHENBACH, COMMISSIONER,
                FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
    ACCOMPANIED BY:
            JOHN DYER, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR OPERATIONS, FOOD AND DRUG
                ADMINISTRATION
            RICHARD TURMAN, DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR BUDGET,
                DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
        Senator Kohl. Our next panel will include the FDA
    Commissioner, Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach; Mr. John Dyer, who is
    the FDA Chief Operating Officer; and also Mr. Richard Turman of
    the Department of Health and Human Services Budget Office.
        Dr. von Eschenbach, whenever you are ready, we'll take your
    testimony.

                     STATEMENT OF DR. ANDREW VON ESCHENBACH

        Dr. von Eschenbach. Good morning, Mr. Chairman. I am very
    honored to present to you and the members of the subcommittee
    the President's fiscal year 2008 budget request for the Food
    and Drug Administration. I am joined this morning by Mr. John
    Dyer, the FDA's Deputy Commissioner for Operations, and Mr.
    Richard Turman, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget at
    the Department of Health and Human Services.
        Mr. Chairman, at the outset may I emphasize our
    extraordinary gratitude for your support and the support of the
    committee that was provided by Congress in fiscal year 2007.
    Soon after the President proposed our budget on February 5,
    Congress enacted a revised continuing resolution for fiscal
    year 2007, and we are in the midst of developing the operating
    plan for fiscal year 2007 that we will be forwarding to you
    within the very near future, in the 30-day time commitment.
        But, taken together, the fiscal year 2007 and the fiscal
    year 2008 budgets are components of an ongoing investment
    strategy needed to create a modern Food and Drug Administration
    capable of addressing the challenges and the opportunities of
    the 21st century. We recognize how precious these assets are to
    the administration and the Congress, and we will be good
    stewards of the funds you provide.
        For fiscal year 2008, the President's budget represents a
    5.3 percent increase above the fiscal year 2007 President's
    budget, and the requested $2.08 billion consists of $1.64
    billion in budget authority, $428 million in current law user
    fees, and $42.7 million for three new user fees. The additional
    dollars that are requested in fiscal year 2008 are principally
    directed to support the work force of the FDA and to enhance
    our programs of food safety, enhanced drug and medical product
    safety, and to accelerate the approval of generic drugs.
        At its core, FDA is a scientific data analysis, information
    management, and decision-making organization, and as such we
    are critically dependent upon the expertise of a strong,
    diverse work force that is using modern information
    technologies and state-of-the-art scientific equipment. Eighty
    percent of the FDA budget funds payroll and related personnel
    costs, and these costs have been increasing yearly. For fiscal
    year 2008 we request $64.7 million to cover nondiscretionary
    increased costs for pay raises, rent, utilities, and security,
    and our relocating to our White Oak, Maryland campus.
        Food safety is an important cornerstone of the FDA mission.
    During recent years there have been changes in our food supply
    that create new challenges to the FDA to enhance food safety.
        Consumption of fresh produce, particularly ready-to-eat
    products that include raw and fresh foods, has increased
    dramatically. Products are harvested from the vine, stem, and
    from the soil, and then are delivered rapidly to our tables,
    with an increasing proportion coming from outside our domestic
    borders.
        We propose a $10.7 million increase for a food safety
    initiative that's focused on fresh produce. FDA is taking a
    multitiered risk management approach to the product life cycle
    of food that will build enhanced quality into the food chain
    from farm to fork. This will include development and
    dissemination of new and refined Good Agricultural Practices
    for prevention, the deployment of scientific tools for the
    detection of intentional and unintentional contamination, and
    accelerated processes to detect, trace, and more rapidly
    contain outbreaks.
        A few examples of how we would use FDA resources include
    conducting research to develop new methods to detect foodborne
    pathogens; conducting advanced training for our partners in
    State and local agencies that we will work with to prevent
    outbreaks; and employing new microbiological techniques to
    identify ways to improve the safety of produce. We will also
    enhance our traceback teams and mechanisms, and deploy IT
    decision systems to detect high risk food imports.
        In addition to food, we will focus on drug and device
    safety. Last month FDA released its commitment to drug safety
    which outlined 41 initiatives that will cover the life cycle of
    a drug from its development to its delivery. The $11.2 million
    increase for modernizing drug safety supports FDA's response to
    the report by the Institute of Medicine on drug safety.
        With these resources, FDA will strengthen the science and
    tools we use to ensure drug safety. We will improve
    communication and information flow among all stakeholders
    involved in the safe use of drugs. And we will restructure our
    operations and management systems to ensure optimum review,
    analysis, consultation, and communication to achieve a stronger
    drug safety system.
        With regard to medical devices, we will build on the
    programs already in place by directing an additional $7.2
    million to enhance active surveillance of devices in the post-
    market area that employs modern information technology for data
    mining and analysis.
        In addition to safer and more effective medical products,
    the public also needs more cost-effective choices, and to that
    end the President's budget for fiscal year 2008 requests $5.6
    million in budget authority and $15.7 million in user fees that
    are dedicated to enhancing the approval of generic drugs. We
    expect to be able to, with the $5.6 million increase in BA, to
    approve an additional 50 applications during fiscal year 2008.
        The proposed user fee program ensures that FDA can
    measurably improve generic drug review performance over the
    next 4 to 8 years, and this investment will return many
    billions in savings to consumers and government-sponsored
    health plans.

                               PREPARED STATEMENT

        We recognize that all these dollars we are requesting are
    in fact precious assets of the American taxpayer, and yet the
    programs they will make possible are essential to protecting
    and promoting the health of all Americans. There are critical
    challenges to be addressed, but there are enormous
    opportunities, such as accelerating the development and
    delivery of lifesaving interventions. Meeting these challenges
    and seizing these opportunities are only made possible by your
    support, for which we are very incredibly grateful.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Kohl. Thank you very much, Dr. von Eschenbach.
        [The statement follows:]

              Prepared Statement of Andrew C. von Eschenbach, M.D.

        Introduction
        Chairman Kohl and members of the Subcommittee, this year as a
    confirmed Commissioner I am honored to present for your consideration
    and approval the President's fiscal year 2008 budget request for FDA. I
    am joined by Mr. John Dyer, my recently appointed Deputy Commissioner
    and Chief Operating Officer and Mr. Richard Turman, Deputy Assistant
    Secretary for Budget at the Department of Health and Human Services. I
    also have members of FDA's senior leadership with me, who at your
    discretion can respond to any specific questions you may have.
        We live in an era of rapid science, technology, and individualized
    medicine that is changing the products FDA regulates and the
    environment for FDA regulation. Congress and the Administration
    recognize the challenges we face and have responded with the resources
    in fiscal year 2007 that will allow FDA to begin addressing these
    challenges.
        As you consider our fiscal year 2008 request, please do so mindful
    of the extraordinary gratitude of the FDA for your support in fiscal
    year 2007. The budgets for these two fiscal years represent important
    steps in an ongoing effort to create a modern FDA capable of responding
    to the challenges and opportunities to protect and promote public
    health in the 21st century. We will be good stewards of the funds you
    provide and we will search for efficient and effective solutions to the
    problems we are working to solve.
        The resources requested in the President's budget for fiscal year
    2008 will allow FDA to respond to emerging challenges, advance the gold
    standard for regulating food and drugs, and strengthen America's
    confidence in the work of our important agency.
        Our achievements during the past year reflect our service to the
    American public and our dedication to their health and safety. These
    achievements also justify the trust you placed in us with your support
    in fiscal year 2007. Using funds that you appropriated, FDA:
      --approved a new test to diagnose avian influenza virus in humans
      --issued guidelines to expedite seasonal and pandemic flu vaccine
            development
      --approved new vaccines for shingles and to prevent HPV infections
      --approved new treatments for cancer, HIV, diabetes, Parkinson's,
            schizophrenia, and macular degeneration
      --issued more than 510 generic drug approvals or tentative approvals
      --approved the first totally implanted artificial heart
      --embraced many of the Institute of Medicine findings on The Future
            of Drug Safety
      --launched a program to achieve the optimum safety system for drugs
            and other medical products
      --developed proposals to renew prescription drug and medical device
            user fee programs
      --conducted drug reviews and issued approvals under the President's
            Emergency Plan for Aids Relief
      --conducted enforcement actions to protect consumers against
            unapproved drugs and devices, to safeguard the blood supply,
            and to protect consumers from dietary supplements containing
            ephedrine alkaloids
      --worked with Federal, State, and local partners to respond to
            Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, and other foodborne threats
      --issued a final rule on health claims for barley products and issued
            guidance on whole grain content in food
      --protected consumers with food allergies by publishing guidance
            documents for industry on food allergen labeling and soy
            derived products
      --conducted a CARVER + vulnerability assessment in eight food
            products to distinguish between real and perceived food
            vulnerabilities.
    FDA's 2008 President's Budget Request
        For fiscal year 2008, the President's budget request builds on
    success of fiscal year 2007 to maintain the trajectory, by proposing a
    5.3 percent increase above the fiscal year 2007 President's budget.
    This will provide FDA with $2.085 billion, which consists of $1.641
    billion in discretionary budget authority and $428 million in current
    law user fees. Our budget also includes $42.7 million for three
    proposed user fees related to reviewing generic drugs, reinspecting
    facilities, and issuing export certificates for food and animal feed.
    Strengthening Food Safety
        FDA is committed to ensuring that America's food supply continues
    to be among the safest in the world, but we face challenges. For
    example, consumption of produce, particularly ready-to-eat products,
    has increased dramatically during the past decade. Americans often
    consume these products in their raw state, harvested from the vine,
    stem, or soil without processing to reduce or eliminate pathogens that
    may be present. Consequently, the manner in which these products are
    grown, harvested, packed, processed, and distributed is crucial to
    ensuring that microbial contamination is minimized, thereby reducing
    the risk of illness to consumers. Even if a small amount of what is
    harvested is contaminated, it can result in severe illness. FDA is
    taking a ``farm-to-fork'' systematic risk management approach to food
    safety to reduce the risk of food illness at all points in the food
    chain.
        FDA's ability to prevent and respond to outbreaks of foodborne
    illness needs to be strengthened. For fiscal year 2008, we propose a
    $10.7 million increase for a food safety initiative focused on fresh
    produce. FDA will develop methods to prevent food outbreaks from
    occurring by rapidly detecting contamination that leads to illness,
    more quickly tracking contamination to its source, and more effectively
    conducting root cause analysis of contamination. We will also provide
    training to our State and local partners and develop a geographic
    information mapping system for faster emergency response. Finally, we
    will develop a decision-making system to detect high-risk imports
    before they enter U.S. commerce, so they can be evaluated by FDA.
    Access to Safe and Effective Medical Products
        On January 30, 2007, FDA released a report, The Future of Drug
    Safety--Promoting and Protecting the Health of the Public, that
    presents our comprehensive commitment to the safety of drugs and other
    medical products throughout their lifecycle. The report addresses
    issues referred to FDA by the 2006 Institute of Medicine report. The
    report details initiatives FDA will take to achieve the best possible
    safety systems for medical products, and ensures that FDA processes and
    scientific methods keep pace with, and harness the benefits of, the
    rapid evolution of science, technology, and health care.
        At FDA, we use a systems approach to ensure drug quality and
    maintain the right balance between the benefits and risks of the drugs
    we approve. An $11.2 million increase for modernizing drug safety
    allows FDA to advance a lifecycle approach to regulating drugs and
    managing drug risks. Using the fiscal year 2008 increase and base
    resources in the drug program, FDA will revolutionize our ability to
    identify safety issues and rapidly and effectively communicate safety
    concerns to health professionals, patients, and the public. These
    efforts will improve drug safety both before FDA grants approval and
    after drugs reach the market. We will also strengthen our
    organizational culture to further foster an environment dedicated to
    the safety of drugs and biologics.
        As the complexity and utility of medical devices increases by
    virtue of advances in electronics and engineering, FDA maintains the
    same commitment to the safety of medical devices. Our budget contains a
    $7.2 million increase to strengthen medical device safety and improve
    FDA's ability to identify, analyze, and act on postmarket safety
    information and use this information to improve the quality of new
    devices coming to market.
        Generic drugs are an important part of our health care system. The
    Congressional Budget Office estimates that generic drug use results in
    savings of $10 billion per year. During the next few years, $60 to $70
    billion in brand name drugs will lose their patent protection, and FDA
    must be poised to respond to the growing number of generic drug
    applications. To help ensure that consumers enjoy a wide selection of
    lower-cost generic drugs, FDA requests an additional $5.6 million in
    budget authority and $15.7 million in new user fees to accelerate the
    review and approval of generic drugs. With the $5.6 million budget
    authority increase, FDA expects to approve an additional 50
    applications during fiscal year 2008. The new user fee program ensures
    that FDA can measurably improve generic drug review performance over
    the next 4 to 8 years. With this new program in place, by 2014 FDA
    expects to approve 90 percent of generic drug applications within 180
    days. These investments will return many billions of dollars in savings
    to consumers and government-sponsored health plans.
        Our budget includes long-standing user fee programs. These programs
    provide supplemental resources that not only allow FDA to provide
    services in response to manufacturers' product applications but also
    ensure that Americans have access to safe and effective medical
    products. Two of these programs, the Prescription Drug User Fee Act
    (PDUFA) and the Medical Device User Fee Modernization Act (MDUFMA)
    expire on September 30, 2007. We have engaged with stakeholders to
    develop proposals to extend these programs for an additional 5 years.
    In the case of PDUFA, FDA published a draft proposal for PDUFA IV in
    the Federal Register and conducted a public meeting with stakeholders
    on February 16, 2007. In the case of MDUFMA, FDA is nearing the end of
    discussions on the reauthorization of MDUFMA. FDA will notify Congress
    of our results when we complete this process.
    Ensure a Strong FDA
        To successfully perform its broad mission, FDA must hire and retain
    a world-class workforce that can respond to complex and escalating
    public health challenges. Our workforce is FDA's most important asset,
    and securing the resources to support our workforce is a top priority
    in our fiscal year 2008 budget. We have nearly 10,000 employees,
    consisting of medical officers, consumer safety officers, food and drug
    safety experts, medical product reviewers, and other scientists and
    professionals with specialized education, training, and experience to
    address complex public health challenges. Eighty percent of the FDA
    budget funds payroll or costs related to personnel, such as rent,
    utilities, and security. These are operational costs, and the amount we
    pay rises each year. For fiscal year 2008, we propose a $64.7 million
    initiative to ensure that increased costs for the pay raise,
    infrastructure costs, and the cost of relocating to our new White Oak,
    Maryland campus do not erode core FDA programs.
    Closing
        FDA's request of $2.085 billion is essential to the success of our
    mission--established by Congress--to protect and promote the health and
    safety of the American public. These resources are an essential step in
    building a 21st century FDA that responds to the new opportunities and
    new challenges of science and technology. Our budget allows FDA to
    strengthen the tools we use to ensure the safety of foods, evaluate new
    products, and better predict--earlier and more accurately--the safety
    and efficacy of drugs, biologics and medical devices. With these
    resources, we will work to ensure that Americans enjoy the benefits of
    personalized medicine, a safe and wholesome food supply, and the
    promise of a better, healthier future. Our goal is to enable all
    Americans to go to bed each night confident that the food they ate is
    safe, the medical devices they used are reliable, and the drugs that
    they gave to their children and grandchildren are safe and effective.
        Thank you.

        Senator Kohl. I'd like to start by asking you to comment on
    the generic situation, generic drug situation at FDA, and the
    recent funding resolution. We provided an increase of $5
    million for generic drug review. The increase provided in this
    resolution should allow for 10 additional approvals or
    tentative approvals per month, which would be a 25 percent
    increase above the current average of 40 approvals per month.
    If we can do that, it would be very beneficial in bringing more
    generic drugs to market.
        You stated in the requested increase in fiscal year 2008
    that it would allow FDA to approve just 50 additional
    applications per year. Now, that would average about $112,000
    per application, which seems very high, and it doesn't come
    close, the 50 doesn't come close to what we estimated would be
    an additional 10 per month, which would be more than double the
    50 that you are talking about. How do you explain this
    discrepancy?
        Dr. von Eschenbach. Well, Mr. Chairman, first of all let me
    point out that in addition to hiring the additional reviewers,
    which is an important part of the allocation to then be able to
    increase capacity, we also intend to increase capacity by the
    efficiencies that we're building into the review process.
        One particular example is to be able to do cluster
    analysis, where we can take groups of generic drugs that are of
    a similar nature and be able to deal with them in a cluster
    type of analysis, so that we can increase the number of outputs
    per the number of people and reviewers that we have. So it's
    not just a matter of the 50 that is allocated to the increased
    reviewers; it's also what we can do by virtue of how we
    increase the systems we're using for generic drug review.
        Senator Kohl. So the number that we thought we heard from
    your department, 50 additional applications to be approved for
    this year with the increased budget allocation that we gave
    you, that number of 50 is really not what we should be focusing
    on?
        Dr. von Eschenbach. Well, again I apologize for not
    explaining to you clearly. What I indicated was, we would go in
    an incremental way to increasing the total output. And so what
    we're expecting is, as we bring reviewers on, as we train them
    up, there will be a gap and then we will pick up on the outputs
    as we go forward over time by virtue of, one, the fact that
    we're bringing the reviewers on, training them up, getting
    outputs from them and, two, adjusting our systems. So I think
    what we're indicating is what is initial and then there will be
    a ramp-up beyond that.
        Senator Kohl. Okay. I just point out that the increase in
    generic drug applications submitted to FDA has increased from
    307 applications in 2002 to almost 800 in 2006, and as you
    know, we are all very intent on bringing more and more generics
    to market in an effort to reduce the cost of drugs to our
    population, particularly our senior population. Generic is key
    to that, as you know. My understanding is that you are most
    sympathetic to that attempt, want to do everything you can to
    facilitate it and to increase the number of approvals that we
    annually can give through the FDA to the generic market. Is
    that a fair statement?
        Dr. von Eschenbach. Yes, sir, that is a fair statement and
    I think, as we have spoken before, we're doing this not only in
    terms of increasing numbers but trying to do this strategically
    as well. So we're looking at opportunities to make sure that we
    have a broad portfolio of options across that portfolio, and so
    we're expediting, if you will, the process to get first
    generics out.
        We're educating the industry to get better applications in
    the first place. So as the application numbers increase, if
    they're better applications, that will enhance the review
    process and the likelihood of success. So we're taking a
    multipronged approach to being able to accomplish the goal that
    you have felt so strongly about and have proposed to us.
        Senator Kohl. That's good. As you know, we're planning a
    hearing in Madison, Wisconsin, on I believe it's March 12, and
    I'm looking forward to that hearing on food safety. And I don't
    want to get into too much detail about that because we'll deal
    with it at that time, but there is a report that you may want
    to comment on, that between 2003 and 2006 FDA food safety
    inspections have dropped by 47 percent. This was reported
    yesterday by the Associated Press.
        Now, clearly with all the concern about food safety in our
    country, dropping the number of inspections by nearly half,
    according to that report, is I am sure something that concerns
    you greatly, to the extent that it is accurate. And what we are
    allocating in your budget for strengthening food safety is an
    increase of less than 3 percent for food safety, to include
    food inspections.
        Now we have all these ongoing recalls. Just this morning I
    was informed, as this hearing unfolded, there is a recall on
    cantaloupes. I don't know any details on it, but it's out
    there. Perhaps you've heard about it, maybe you haven't heard
    about it, but it came over the press this morning.
        But people are going to be very concerned when they read in
    the paper that the number of food safety inspections has
    declined by 47 percent over a 3-year period. Do you wish to say
    something to them and to us at this time?

                            FOOD SAFETY INSPECTIONS

        Dr. von Eschenbach. Well, Mr. Chairman, let me first of all
    address the issue with regard to the magnitude of the decline.
    The data that I have available indicates that the number of
    inspections in 2004 was 21,876, and in 2006 it was 17,730. Now,
    that's a reduction of about 23 percent.
        The issue there is the realization that we have been
    implementing a risk management approach to inspections, and so
    rather than a blanket inspection, we are targeting particular
    facilities that propose a particular high risk or probable high
    risk. That makes the inspection much more intense, and so the
    inspection itself is increasing in its magnitude and scale and
    scope.
        Now, the numbers have gone down but the intensity and the
    targeting of the inspections have actually increased, and we're
    doing that because we recognize that there are differences
    among these various facilities, depending upon what they're
    producing, as to how likely they might result in a food
    outbreak. For example, facilities that are producing bread have
    very low probabilities of problems, whereas those that are
    processing seafood have a much higher risk. So we want to
    target the inspections to those areas, rather than just simply
    look across at the numbers.
        As far as expanding our capability and our capacity to do
    this, that's an important part of what has been an ongoing
    effort to look at our field operations and to make strategic
    decisions as to what type of field investigators we need going
    forward and how we can most effectively utilize our resources.
        So as we have recognized that we have less need for
    laboratory investigators, and more need for field
    investigators, who have the tools of modern science available
    to them to be deployed and dispersed at the site of inspection,
    we're shifting our work force over the next few years to that
    goal, and that will in itself bring another 75 to 100
    investigators into that work force to enhance our inspection
    capability. But it is a systems approach to the problem, rather
    than just simply a matter of counting facilities that we
    inspect.
        Senator Kohl. According to this same report that I'm
    holding, which I got from Senator Harkin, who could not remain
    but wanted to have these issues raised with you this morning,
    safety tests for U.S.-produced food have dropped nearly 75
    percent, from 9,748 in 2003 to 2,455 last year, according to
    your agency's own stats, which are being used on this report
    that I got from Senator Harkin this morning. It's from cnn.com/
    Associated Press.
        Now, I think those numbers, at least on their face, would
    be of great concern to you, certainly of great concern to the
    American public. Do you have any comment on that?
        Dr. von Eschenbach. Well, as I indicated, what we are
    attempting to do is really maximize our ability to have impact
    with regard to these inspections. In some degree that is a
    matter of increasing the kind of--the number of investigators
    and their unique skill sets, and that is a process that we have
    engaged in and are committed to.
        In addition to that, I think the real opportunity is to
    realize that there are 60,700 food firms that are out there
    that we must inspect, and where we have the opportunity to
    really make major inroads is to place the inspection process on
    a sound foundation of risk management. And so by targeting
    those facilities that we think are at the highest risk and
    maximizing our efforts there, it really gives us an opportunity
    to protect the public health, I think in a more effective way.
    So it's not just a matter of numbers, it's a matter of how we
    are doing the inspections and how we're deploying our work
    force, and I think both of those are important.

                                  PANDEMIC FLU

        Senator Kohl. All right. I'd like to turn to Mr. Turman now
    and ask you this question. In Dr. von Eschenbach's opening
    statement he talked about some of the FDA accomplishments over
    the past year. The first two of those had to do with pandemic
    flu.
        Could you talk about efforts at the department level on
    pandemic flu? We had discussed this earlier with Secretary
    Johanns. How are the various agencies at HHS, where you occupy
    a very high ranking position, working together and with the
    USDA in order to make sure that we have a streamlined and
    coordinated plan for dealing with any potential outbreaks of
    avian flu, Mr. Turman?
        Mr. Turman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I can affirm that
    indeed Secretary Leavitt is working very closely with his
    Cabinet colleagues such as Secretary Johanns, as part of the
    President's plan which the Congress funded last year at $5.6
    billion through supplemental funding for avian flu and being
    prepared for it. And within the Department of Health and Human
    Services, we work very closely together with the FDA, with the
    CDC, with the NIH, with our other partners in the Office of the
    Secretary, we work very closely together to make sure that we
    can be protected as best we can for that which we see and
    foresee coming.
        And the areas where the funding has gone, they have been
    primarily to work both on purchasing those antivirals which we
    can get and stockpile, and also developing vaccines which would
    be of use against some of the strains that could be coming in
    terms of avian influenza. And in that regard FDA has a very key
    role and has been playing an important role on helping us try
    and speed the development of those vaccines.
        That is a key position that FDA has relative to their
    expertise, and their counsel and their efforts have been well
    integrated with the department's plans, and they have been
    making a key contribution in that regard. And so they used the
    funding provided from the Congress in the initial supplemental,
    and indeed our 2008 budget request has additional funds over
    current investments to not only help deepen those efforts but
    also work on engaging in some tools which would help detect
    foodborne transmission potentially of any of these virus items.
        So it's an area where Dr. von Eschenbach may want to
    amplify in terms of FDA's piece, but they are an integral
    partner of the department's plans.

                                 WOMEN'S HEALTH

        Senator Kohl. All right. Dr. von Eschenbach, fiscal year
    2007 House and Senate bills included $4 million for the Office
    of Women's Health. In fiscal year 2008 the President's budget
    request includes a decrease of $350,000 for that office.
    According to FDA, this funding will be transferred to the
    National Center for Toxicological Research, for research
    pertaining to women's health that is ongoing. However, this is
    the first time that women's health funding has been decreased
    in the budget.
        I was disappointed to see the decrease in that budget of
    $350,000 for women's health, and in today's Washington Post
    there was a report that FDA is intending to cut the fiscal year
    2007 level down to $2.8 million from the $4 million requested
    by the President and provided by Congress. Now, I know that
    your spending plan has not yet been finalized, but this
    information must have come from somewhere. Can you assure us
    that the budget for fiscal year 2007 is going to be $4 million
    and not something less?
        Dr. von Eschenbach. Well, Mr. Chairman, at the outset let
    me assure you and other members of the committee that I
    personally, and the FDA is absolutely committed to enhancing
    the issues of women's health within the agency. We are, as you
    pointed out, in the process of developing our plan for 2007,
    and will be bringing that to you within the next few weeks.
        With regard to the issue of the 2008 budget, I think it's
    important to put this entire issue into context. When I say
    that we are committed to women's health, this is a
    comprehensive effort.
        One of the most important aspects of it is the critically
    important research that's going on in the National Center for
    Toxicologic Research, that is helping us identify genetic and
    molecular differences that are related to gender and how we can
    begin to really address many of the challenges that have been
    presented by the Women's Health Initiative. Actually, Women's
    Health has been using dollars to fund that research in NCTR all
    along, and what this is essentially is a transfer of that
    $350,000, to get them integrated into the NCTR's research base
    so that we can really amplify that portfolio.
        So it's not in any stretch of the imagination a diminishing
    of our commitment to women's health. It's actually enhancing
    our ability to create a research base that will address
    critically important scientific issues in women's health, as
    well as provide that foundation for other similar questions,
    including the kind of challenges we're seeing in personalized
    medicine that not only recognize gender differences but even
    potentially differences that come about beyond gender,
    including racial differences.
        Senator Kohl. That toxicological research is for 2008, but
    in today's paper it was reported that the FDA is intending to
    cut the fiscal year 2007 budget for Women's Health down from $4
    million to $2.8 million. Now, I would like you to say that
    that's an inaccurate report, it's not operable, that for fiscal
    year 2007, which is not fiscal year 2008 and targeting this
    $350,000, but for fiscal year 2007 the number of $4 million
    remains intact and is not going to be reduced.
        Dr. von Eschenbach. Well, Mr. Chairman, the answer to your
    question is, we haven't made that decision yet as to what the
    2007 final plan would be. I'm looking at the entire portfolio,
    so that we're responsive across the entire budget, and have not
    at this point made any final decision about any particular
    component of that budget.
        Senator Kohl. Are you, just let me ask the question, are
    you familiar with any consideration for a reduction in fiscal
    year 2007 of the Office of Women's Health to something below
    the $4 million?
        Dr. von Eschenbach. Well, we have been looking across the
    entire Office of the Commissioner, of which the Office of
    Women's Health is a component, and we're looking to bring that
    entire office into fiscal balance, if you will, with regard to
    our overall budget. Now, with regard to the specific details of
    what's happening with each of those compartments within the
    Office of the Commissioner, I can't speak to, but I'll be happy
    to get back to you on that for the record. But the fact of the
    matter is, we haven't made a final decision, so I can't commit
    to any particular number at this point, until that is done.
        Senator Kohl. All right. We'll continue to work on that
    number and get some report, as you have indicated, as soon as
    you can. I thank you.
        [The information follows:]
                                 Women's Health
        We are currently working on our fiscal year 2007 operating plan, as
    required under section 113 of Public Law 110-5, the Revised Continuing
    Resolution for fiscal year 2007. We expect to fund the Office of
    Woman's Health at not less than last year's level. FDA is committed to
    activities sounding women's health. The concerns of women are a
    priority at FDA, and the Office of Women's Health serves as a champion
    for women's health issues.

        Senator Kohl. At this time I would like to turn to Senator
    Reed.

                              SUNSCREEN MONOGRAPH

        Senator Reed. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
        Thank you, doctor. Just a point, not a question. But since
    1997 the agency has been struggling to get a UVA/UVB labeling
    protocol, monograph, together. I'm going to follow up with a
    written question and ask you, bottom line, when it might
    happen.

                                    TOBACCO

        Turning to another topic of interest, I just left the HELP
    hearing on the regulation of tobacco, and it raises serious
    questions. You have extensive experience as a former director
    of the National Cancer Institute. I believe personally that
    authority for FDA is long overdue, to have some role in the
    regulation of tobacco, and I'm hopeful we can get the
    legislation through. What are your views with respect to FDA's
    role in potentially the regulation of tobacco products?
        Dr. von Eschenbach. Well, Senator, as you point out, from
    my perspective and my career at the National Cancer Institute,
    like you and everyone, I recognize the serious public health
    threat that occurs as a result of smoking and tobacco.
        From the perspective of the Food and Drug Administration,
    as Commissioner, one of the things I think is extremely
    important is to realize the complexity of this issue and the
    complexity of the kind of issues that it presents, on one hand
    looking at it from the perspective of what has emerged with
    regard to the science and our understanding of addiction as
    it's related to nicotine, all the other way to the other end of
    the continuum, where we're looking at a cigarette which is a
    complex product. It has tobacco that has additives of one type
    or another, wrapped in paper and set on fire, and someone
    breathes in smoke.
        And from that perspective, with all that complexity, I
    think it's extremely important that we engage in a careful
    assessment of how we might address that complexity as a way of
    then beginning to address what role FDA should or should not
    have in that process.
        Senator Reed. But the complexity itself is not such that
    you would be incapable as an agency of dealing with the issue.
    The question would be what you could do effectively. I think
    that would be the first question.
        Dr. von Eschenbach. Well, as I look at it and the question,
    framing it within the mission of the FDA to protect and promote
    the public health, I think it's an issue of being able to
    determine how we could regulate whether a product was in fact
    safe under any circumstances or in any possible way, and what
    potential benefit or value it might have to health in any
    possible circumstance or any possible way.
        So that is what I believe is at the core and the base of a
    regulatory decision, the complexity of a regulatory process as
    it relates to tobacco. And I think those are discussions and
    issues that need to occur and are going on.
        Senator Reed. At a threshold level you certainly could
    identify the ingredients and publicize those, of a cigarette.
        Dr. von Eschenbach. I think that's one of the questions
    that we have to address.
        Senator Reed. That you could or could not do that?
        Dr. von Eschenbach. Correct.
        Senator Reed. How difficult is it to identify the
    ingredients of a cigarette?
        Dr. von Eschenbach. If you're talking about the ingredients
    in the inhaled smoke, that, which is what in fact would have
    the public health impact, not what's in the product prior to it
    being smoked, that is the kind of scientific challenge and
    question that I think underscores the complexity of the
    problem.
        Senator Reed. Do you think that the companies themselves
    have that information or do that research?
        Dr. von Eschenbach. I honestly don't know the answer to
    that question, Senator.

                                   USER FEES

        Senator Reed. Turning to another issue, and that is the
    issue of user fees, so many of your programs have user fees
    attached to them, which raises a question of what percentage of
    your total budget is covered by annual appropriations, what
    percentage is paid for through user fees.
        Dr. von Eschenbach. As far as the absolute percentage, I'm
    going to turn to my right to ask Mr. Dyer to quickly calculate
    that for you. But while he's doing that, let me state
    specifically that I view the user fees as exactly that. They
    are a fee for service, so that they do not impact upon the
    overarching mission of the agency, but allow us to provide a
    service that is of value or benefit to the industry in terms of
    their ability to move applications more efficiently and more
    rapidly through the system, by having the resources with which
    to do that.
        And so I know that issues have been raised about whether
    the fact that we have user fees is in some way creating
    problems with regard to the mission and focus of the agency,
    and let me assure you, Senator, that is not the case and will
    not be the case.
        Having said that, I think that they provide for us the
    opportunity to enhance resources, infrastructure, personnel to
    address issues like our ability to accelerate drug approvals,
    our ability to bring new products, whether they be devices or
    drugs or biologics, to patients as rapidly as possible, while
    we still at the same time assure the safety and the efficacy of
    those products.
        Senator Reed. Mr. Dyer.
        Mr. Dyer. Sir, the budget proposes $444 million in fiscal
    year 2008 for user fees in total, out of a total program level
    of about $2.1 billion, which makes about 20 percent.
        Senator Reed. Twenty percent? And how has that number
    changed, that percentage changed, over the last 5 years? Has it
    increased, decreased, remained stable?
        Mr. Dyer. I don't have the exact numbers. We'll provide
    them for the record. But it has been increasing.
        [The information follows:]
                                   User Fees
        From fiscal year 2002 to fiscal year 2006, the percent of FDA user
    fees compared to the total FDA budget increased from 12 to 20 percent.
    During this time, FDA established two new user fees for Medical Devices
    and Animal Drugs. FDA began to collect fees under these two user fee
    programs in fiscal year 2003 and fiscal year 2004, respectively. These
    new user fees account for nearly one fifth of the total fee increase
    from fiscal year 2002 to fiscal year 2006.

        Senator Reed. Has been increasing. And as you project
    forward, do you project an increase in the fees, this 20
    percent getting bigger and bigger?
        Mr. Dyer. The amount of fees will go up, but again it
    depends on what percentage of the overall budget, depending on
    how much budget authority this committee gives us.
        Senator Reed. And, doctor, you have assured us that these
    fees in no way distort your approach to your duties, i.e.,
    because you're being paid but with fees you have to do certain
    things, where other appropriated functions are not tended to.
    That's your statement.
        Dr. von Eschenbach. What I was speaking to, Senator, was
    where the concerns that have been raised about user fees in the
    press and et cetera allow me the opportunity to assure you that
    as far as the regulatory process is concerned, the integrity of
    that process is not in any way impacted or adulterated by the
    fact that user fees make up a portion of our resource base.
    They are strictly, as I have indicated, a fee for service.
        With regard to our ability to manage our portfolio of
    resources, I think it's an issue that we are addressing, to
    make certain that we are able to deploy resources as
    efficiently and as effectively across that entire continuum.
    And so I am committed to putting all components of the agency
    on that sound foundation, whether they have user fees or not.
        Senator Reed. Are there new user fees in this budget,
    proposed budget?
        Dr. von Eschenbach. Yes, sir. There are three particular
    user fees that are proposed in the fiscal year 2008 budget. One
    of them has to do with generic drugs, and the other ones are
    user fees that have previously been presented, having to do
    with reinspection fees and export certificate fees.
        Senator Reed. And will we receive a formal proposal to
    enact these fees?
        Dr. von Eschenbach. Yes, sir. That, as far as the proposal
    for authorization of these fees, the two that I mentioned, the
    reinspection fees and the export certificates, they have
    previously been introduced and we will reintroduce them again.
    The generic drug user fee is a new fee, and we are in the
    process of developing that proposal for authorization.
        Senator Reed. It seems, the impression, at least, that
    because of constraints on your appropriated budget there is a
    strong tendency to ask for user fees. Is that what seems to be
    happening here?
        Dr. von Eschenbach. I think they present an option with
    regard to continuing to increase our ability to provide
    services. And in addition to the appropriations, we have looked
    for a variety of ways to be able to do that, including our
    ability to collaborate and cooperate in relationships, for
    example, with the NIH.
        So the approach I'm taking, Senator, is to build a resource
    base and a business plan that supports our overall mission,
    recognizing that there is a critically important part of that
    that is the appropriation; there are user fees that can
    contribute to that; and then there may be other opportunities
    as well. And the point of all of that is to enhance our ability
    to serve the American people by bringing safe and effective
    products and food to them as rapidly and as efficiently as
    possible, while still assuring the safety and the efficacy of
    those products.

                    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

        Senator Reed. A final question, doctor. It's my
    understanding that other agencies like the National Science
    Foundation don't have to go through all of the hoops and the
    hurdles that you do through HHS and OMB, that they have much
    more direct engagement with Congress on their budget. Would a
    more direct engagement help you?
        Dr. von Eschenbach. Well, I have found that the process
    that I have at this point, since I've been in this position,
    has really worked quite well, Senator. I think as we looked at
    the 2007 budget and the 2008 budget, the collaboration and
    cooperation within the department, within the administration,
    and with Congress is working quite well at this point.
        Senator Reed. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Kohl. Thank you, Senator Reed. And we would like to
    thank you. Dr. von Eschenbach, as well as Mr. Dyer and Mr.
    Turman, for helping us to conduct an informative hearing, and
    we look forward to continuing to work with you.

                         ADDITIONAL COMMITTEE QUESTIONS

        We want to thank all of our witnesses, yourself and the
    Secretary of Agriculture, for being here. Members should
    provide us with questions for the record by Tuesday, March 6.
    And we look forward to continuing our dialogue and our
    collaboration together on behalf of the American people. Thank
    you so much.
        Dr. von Eschenbach. Thank you.
        [The following questions were not asked at the hearing, but
    were submitted to the Department for response subsequent to the
    hearing:]

                    Questions Submitted by Senator Herb Kohl

                                OVERALL FUNDING

        Question. Please provide a crosswalk table, in the same format as
    was provided on page 68 of FDA's fiscal year 2008 Budget Summary, that
    shows how FDA will allocate requested increases from the fiscal year
    2007 spending plan level to the fiscal year 2008 President's budget
    request. If possible, please do not include any ``redeployments''.
        Answer. FDA is in the process of finalizing the fiscal year 2007
    spending plan and developing the bridge between the spending plan and
    the fiscal year 2008 President's budget.
        Question. Please provide updated performance data based on this
    information.
        Answer. The performance data submitted in the President's budget
    may change. The fiscal year 2008 President's Budget uses the fiscal
    year 2007 President's Budget as a baseline, which is different from the
    fiscal year 2007 enacted appropriation. We appreciate that the fiscal
    year 2007 enacted appropriations fully funded our pay and
    infrastructure needs, allowing FDA to keep more staff on board to
    maintain our current performance levels throughout the Agency.
        Question. If the Committee provided FDA with all increases
    requested in the President's budget, totaling $95,439,000, would the
    performance data submitted by FDA still be accurate, even though these
    increases would be based on a number that is higher than the original
    level FDA budgeted from?
        Answer. The performance data submitted in the President's budget
    may change. The fiscal year 2008 President's Budget uses the fiscal
    year 2007 President's Budget as a baseline, which is different from the
    fiscal year 2007 enacted appropriation. We appreciate that the fiscal
    year 2007 enacted appropriations fully funded our pay and
    infrastructure needs, allowing FDA to keep more staff on board to
    maintain our current performance levels throughout the Agency.

                                  FOOD SAFETY

        Question. Please provide information on how additional funding
    provided for food safety activities at FDA above the President's
    request would be allocated. Please provide this information in $5
    million increments up to $50 million.
        Answer. FDA is committed to ensuring that America's food supply
    continues to be among the safest in the world, but we face challenges.
    For example, consumption of produce, particularly ``ready-to-eat''
    products, has increased dramatically during the past decade. Americans
    usually co nsume these products in their raw state, harvested from the
    vine, stem, or soil without processing to reduce or eliminate pathogens
    that may be present. Consequently, the manner in which these products
    are grown, harvested, packed, processed, and distributed is crucial to
    ensuring that microbial contamination is minimized, thereby reducing
    the risk of illness to consumers. Even if a small percentage of what is
    harvested is contaminated, it can result in severe illness. FDA is
    taking a ``farm-to-fork'' systematic risk management approach to food
    safety to reduce the risk of food illness at all points in the food
    chain.
        For fiscal year 2008, we propose a $10.644 million increase for a
    food safety initiative focused on fresh produce. FDA will develop
    methods to prevent food outbreaks from occurring by rapidly detecting
    contamination that leads to illness, more quickly tracking
    contamination to its source, and more effectively conducting root cause
    analysis of the contamination. We will also provide training to our
    State and local partners and develop a geographic information mapping
    system for faster emergency response. Finally, we will develop a
    decision-making system to detect high-risk imports before they enter
    U.S. commerce, so they can be evaluated by FDA.
        Due to the increased consumption of fresh produce and the current
    outbreaks of contamination, FDA would allocate additional funding for
    specific areas where we could expand the food safety program in order
    to promote and improve the public health. FDA has identified the
    following five critical areas as targets for future growth:
      --preventing contamination and produce safety research
      --preventing outbreaks and mitigating outbreak impact
      --monitoring antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance in bacteria
            from farm-raised aquatic animals and their environments
      --developing efficient techniques for identifying foodborne pathogens
            that cause outbreaks
      --providing additional field support for the Foods and Animal Drugs
            and Feed Programs.
        Question. Please provide information on how the rapid response
    teams in the Strengthening Food Safety initiative would be set up and
    what activities they would undertake. Please provide an estimate of how
    much it will cost to create and support each rapid response team.
        Answer. The $3.5 million requested in the fiscal year 2008
    Congressional Justification, Strengthening Food Safety Initiative, will
    support FDA costs for 12 staff members, and provide equipment and
    training for each team member. The Office of Regulatory Affairs, or
    ORA, will be able to develop teams trained in traceback technologies
    and incident command. ORA will strategically position these teams in
    areas with large produce-growing regions. In addition, ORA will provide
    training, equipment, and other assistance to States so that they can be
    full partners with FDA in responding to and preventing produce-related
    outbreaks. After the first year, ORA will have 12 fully equipped and
    trained FTEs with traceback equipment, such as handheld GPS devices
    that can be used with geographic information systems to facilitate
    investigations of outbreaks.
        These teams will be modeled on the California Food Emergency
    Response Team, or CalFERT, which investigated the recent E. coli
    outbreak in spinach. CalFERT is a joint FDA and California Department
    of Health Services' Food and Drug Branch, or FDB, Rapid Response Team
    trained and ready to respond within hours of the verification of a food
    borne outbreak. That team, consisting of ORA Investigators and
    Microbiologists and State of California FDB personnel, demonstrated the
    importance of FDA collaboration with State regulatory partners. Team
    members can immediately start the outbreak investigation because they
    have clearly defined roles and responsibilities, a previously
    identified chain of command and a known procedure to keep other
    involved parties informed, such as the Incident Command Center of FDA's
    Office of Crisis Management. These teams will benefit the entire food
    program, not just produce safety.
        Question. Does CFSAN have an overall ``produce safety'' plan? If
    so, please provide this to the Committee, including all cost estimates
    to implement this plan, even if they were not include in the
    President's budget request.
        Answer. In October 2004, FDA issued a Produce Safety Action
    Plan(the PSAP) designed to target microbial and other food safety
    hazards, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, in or on produce
    consumed in the United States, whether produced in the United States or
    abroad. The PSAP extends to all parts of the food chain from farm
    through retail or consumer preparation and consumption and has four
    general objectives: 1--to prevent contamination of fresh produce with
    pathogens; 2--to minimize the public health impact when contamination
    of fresh produce occurs; 3--to improve communication with producers,
    preparers, State and local government entities, and consumers about
    fresh produce; and 4--to facilitate and support research relevant to
    fresh produce. For each objective, the PSAP identifies steps that could
    contribute to the achievement of the objective.
        The fiscal year 2008 President's Budget Request contributed to
    these objectives.

                                 GENERIC DRUGS

        Question. As you know, in the JR, we also provided an increase of
    $5 million for generic drug review at FDA. It is my understanding that
    the increase provided in the JR will allow for ten additional approvals
    or tentative approvals per month, which is a 25 percent increase above
    the current average of 40 approvals per month. What is the current
    backlog of generic drugs? Do you expect it to increase this year, even
    with the additional funds provided, because of an increase in
    applications submitted?
        Answer. The current backlog is around 1,300 abbreviated new drug
    applications (ANDAs) as of the end of February 2007. However, not all
    ANDAs are available to be approved currently due to patent protection
    and exclusivities. There are currently about 600 abbreviated new drug
    applications that do not have patent or exclusivity protection. Because
    we are still not at a point where we can process (approve or
    tentatively approve) the number of applications that we receive, the
    backlog will continue to increase. The rate of increase, however, will
    not be as steep with the provision of additional funds. Our goal is to
    use the FTEs obtained with the $5 million to address certain review
    areas to increase the number of approvals and tentative approvals.
    Through additional efficiency initiatives, we will still endeavor to
    approach the projected percent increase in approvals.
        Question. What will the $5.5 million increase requested in the
    budget buy? How many additional approvals will you get with this money?
        Answer. It is expected that an additional $5.5 million will provide
    13 FTEs. Although it is difficult to predict the number of additional
    approvals due to the increasing scientific and legal complexity of the
    applications being received, the escalating workload involved with
    responding to Citizen Petitions received, and the growing number of
    requests for information received by the office, the Office of Generic
    Drugs or OGD, will strive to increase the yearly number of approvals
    and tentative approvals by 50. It is important to note that each
    Abbreviated New Drug Application, or ANDA, represents a product
    intended to be marketed in this country and contains a full scientific
    data package that must be carefully evaluated. The increasing
    complexity of many of the applications received is increasing the
    review time needed to fully and comprehensively review these
    applications.
        Question. Please provide information on how many additional
    approvals could be provided with increases of up to $20 million, in $5
    million increments.
        Answer. We estimate that we would be able to increase the number of
    approvals in fiscal year 2009 (from 60 to 135) more than fiscal year
    2008 (from 50 to 125), taking into account that 10-15 percent of the
    increase used for IT investment and time to hire all the reviewers and
    train them to conduct reviews could affect the projected number of
    approvals:
        [The information follows:]

                             NUMBER OF APPROVALS \1\
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                Fiscal year     Fiscal year
                    Increment                      2008            2009
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    $5 million..............................              50              60
    $10 million.............................              80              90
    $15 million.............................             110             120
    $20 million.............................             125             135
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ Note we assume that the full $20 million is received in fiscal year
      2008 and fiscal year 2009.

        Question. Please provide a breakdown of the pending generic drug
    applications by the four paragraphs of the Hatch Waxman Act.
        Answer. The current breakdown is as follows:
        Paragraph I: patent information has not been filed--418
        Paragraph II: patent has already expired;--186
        Paragraph III: date on which the patent will expire (generic drug
    will not seek final approval until that date passes);--344
        Paragraph IV: patent is challenged as invalid or not infringed.--
    347
        Question. How many pending applications would be ``first''
    generics? Of those, how many could immediately be marketed if approved?
        Answer. It is difficult to determine what you intend to include in
    the term ``first'' generic. There may be a number of pending
    applications for the same product that does not currently have generic
    competition. They could not all be counted as the ``first'' generic and
    we will not know which will be the ``first'' generic until we issue an
    approval. For this reason, applications are not classified as ``first''
    generics upon receipt in the office, making the tracking of ``first''
    generics in the list of pending applications difficult.
        Regarding the pending applications in OGD, 344 applications have
    been submitted with paragraph 3 patent certifications (will wait until
    a patent in force expires) and 347 applications have been submitted
    with paragraph 4 certifications (are challenging a listed patent as
    invalid or not infringed). Since products to which these applications
    refer still have patents in force which may have prevented previous
    generic approvals, many of these 691 applications have the potential to
    be ``first'' generic applications. The majority, of course, will be
    approved subsequent to the first generic approval, and, until the time
    of approval, we will not be able to determine which product will be THE
    first generic for a particular reference listed drug.
        Of the remaining applications, 445 were submitted with paragraph 1
    certifications (no listed patents) and 187 were submitted with
    paragraph 2 certifications (patents have expired). Because many of the
    products referenced in these applications already have generic
    competition, only a few of these are likely to be ``first'' generics
    when approved. To address the products in this category for which no
    generic has been previously approved, the Office of Generic Drugs, or
    OGD, instituted a revision in its first-in, first-reviewed policy last
    October (10/06). Instead of reviewing these products in the order of
    receipt, OGD will now expedite any application for a ``first'' generic
    product for which there are no listed patents on the reference product
    at the time of the generic application's submission. We believe that
    this will allow critically needed ``first'' generics of products
    without patent protection to reach the market place faster.
        Question. Please provide specific productivity outputs should the
    proposed generic drug user fee program be authorized.
        Answer. Following the first full implementation year, during which
    time additional staff will be hired and trained, the Generic Drug User
    Fee will result in a 50 percent increase in approvals/tentative
    approvals compared to the current average of 40 approvals/tentative
    approvals per month. During the next 5 years, the goal is to meet the
    statutory requirement for generic drug review by acting on 90 percent
    of original Abbreviated New Drug Application, or ANDA, and amendments
    to unapproved applications within 180 days.

                               IMPORT INSPECTION

        Question. How many import lines did FDA review from 2002-2007, by
    year? How many import lines does FDA anticipate reviewing in 2008?
        Answer. I will be happy to provide that information for the record
        [The information follows:]

                                         IMPORT LINES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2002-2006
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Fiscal year
                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           2002            2003            2004            2005            2006
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TOTALS..........................       7,838,956       9,336,735      11,616,348      13,819,402      14,977,795
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 ESTIMATED IMPORT LINES BY FISCAL YEAR 2007-2008

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Fiscal year
                                             -------------------------------
                                               Estimate 2007   Estimate 2008
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    TOTALS..................................      16,323,947      17,893,795
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Question. What percentage of imports were physically inspected by
    FDA in 2006? What percentage does FDA anticipate inspecting in fiscal
    year 2007 and 2008?
        Answer. Approximately .89 percent of all imports were physically
    inspected by FDA in fiscal year 2006. FDA estimates it will physically
    inspect .73 percent in fiscal year 2007 and .66 percent in fiscal year
    2008.
        It is important to note that FDA electronically screens imports
    through the Operational and Administrative System for Import Support,
    or OASIS. OASIS is an automated system for processing and making
    admissibility determinations for FDA regulated products that are
    offered for import. FDA also performs laboratory analysis on products
    offered for import into the United States; conducts foreign inspections
    to evaluate manufacturing conditions of products before they are
    offered for import; and, performs periodic filer evaluations to ensure
    that the import data being provided to FDA is accurate.
        The Prior Notice Center, or PNC, is another important part of FDA's
    import strategy. The mission of FDA's PNC is to identify imported food
    and feed products that may be intentionally contaminated with
    biological, chemical or radiological agents, or which may pose
    significant health risks to the American public, and intercept them
    before they enter the United States. FDA will continue to focus
    resources on Intensive Prior Notice Import Security Reviews of products
    that pose the highest potential bioterrorism risks. By using a risk
    based approach, the PNC can intercept potentially hazardous products
    before they enter the United States.
        The benefit of these reviews comes from the quality and targeting
    of review activities; not from the volume of imports inspected. Thus
    the quality of import screening is a better measure of FDA's import
    strategy rather than simply focusing on the items physically examined.
        I will be happy to provide information on the percentage of imports
    physically inspected in table form for the record.
        [The information follows:]

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                          Percent
                                                                       Import Lines    Physical Exam    Physically
                                                                                         Subtotal        Examined
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fiscal year 2006................................................      14,977,795         132,594            0.89
    Fiscal year 2007 estimates......................................      16,323,947         118,400            0.73
    Fiscal year 2008 estimates......................................      17,893,795         118,370            0.66
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Question. Please provide information regarding total field staff
    working on import inspections? How has this number changed in the last
    5 years?
        Answer. FDA estimates that 611 FTE will perform import
    investigative work in fiscal year 2008 and 643 FTE in fiscal year 2007.
    This number compares to 674 FTE in fiscal year 2006; 666 FTE in fiscal
    year 2005; 653 FTE in fiscal year 2004; and, 807 FTE in fiscal year
    2003. These resources include FTE who perform import laboratory
    analyses.
        I am happy to provide the information in table form for the record.
        [The information follows:]

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Import
                                                               Investigative
                                                               FTE (includes
                           Fiscal year                          import lab
                                                                 analyses
                                                                resources)
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    2008 estimate...........................................             611
    2007 actual.............................................             643
    2006 actual.............................................             674
    2005 actual.............................................             666
    2004 actual.............................................             653
    2003 actual.............................................             807
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Question. What percentage of fresh produce was physically inspected
    in fiscal year 2006? What percentage does FDA anticipate inspecting in
    fiscal year 2007 and 2008?
        Answer. Approximately .82 percent of fresh produce was physically
    inspected by FDA in fiscal year 2006. FDA estimates it will physically
    inspect .69 percent in fiscal year 2007 and .67 percent in fiscal year
    2008. An FDA physical inspection of an import line is defined as either
    having had a field exam conducted or a sample of the import line
    collected and analyzed in the laboratory. A field examination is simply
    an on-the-spot examination or field test performed on a product to
    support a specific decision. A physical inspection does not include
    import lines that were detained at entry without a physical exam, or
    DWPE, based upon an Import Alert.
        I will be happy to provide that information in table form for the
    record. The information follows. The following tables reflect the
    estimated percentage of fresh produce imports that were physically
    inspected in fiscal year 2006, and the estimated percentage of fresh
    produce that will be physically inspected in fiscal year 2007 and
    fiscal year 2008.
        [The information follows:]

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                          Percent
                                                                       Fresh Produce   Physical Exam    Physically
                                                                       Import Lines      Subtotal        Examined
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fiscal year 2006................................................       1,553,401          12,668            0.82
    Fiscal year 2007 estimates......................................       1,591,345          10,980            0.69
    Fiscal year 2008 estimates......................................       1,630,216          10,922            0.67
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Question. Is the FDA's Prior Notice Center fully staffed and
    operational? Please provide a breakdown of staff makeup, including
    permanent staff, temporary staff, detailees, etc.
        Answer. The Prior Notice Center is opened and operating on a 24/7
    basis. The current composition of the permanent PNC staff includes one
    Director, one Deputy Director; eight Watch Commanders; and, 22
    Reviewers. In addition, the PNC presently has one Watch Commander and
    three Reviewers on detail to the PNC.
        FDA is currently advertising a vacancy announcement for 2
    additional reviewers. Ideally, the PNC would like to hire 1 additional
    Watch Commander, 3 additional reviewers, one support staff person, and
    1 statistician. This would bring the total staff at the PNC to 1
    Director, 1 Deputy Director, 9 Watch Commanders, 27 reviewers, 1
    support staff person and 1 statistician.

                                    AERS II

        Question. Please provide a copy of the November 2006 report of the
    Breckinridge Institute on AERS II.
        Answer. I would be happy to provide that for the record. Please
    note that although the reports has a confidential heading FDA has
    cleared the document for public disclosure
        [The information follows:]

        Question. Please provide a breakdown of all expenditures on AERS II
    since inception.
        Answer. Approximately $1,405,000 has been spent on the Adverse
    Events Reporting System II, or AERS II, project since its inception and
    the breakdown of expenditures is: development of high level
    requirements, $140,000; system requirements specification, $315,542;
    contract support, $54,558; development contract support, $578, 000; and
    program management support, $219,996; Organizational Design and
    Planning work, $10,000; and Independent Verification and Validation
    work, $97,340.
        Question. Please discuss any and all actions FDA is taking in
    response to this report.
        Answer. The Breckenridge report made three recommendations. The
    first two recommendations allude to problems with organizational
    culture which are being addressed on a higher, more inclusive level
    than the cultural problems related to this particular report. FDA and
    CDER recognize the need to improve our culture, and we are addressing
    the issues raised on that topic by the Institute of Medicine, or IOM,
    Drug Safety Report. I refer you to the FDA response to the IOM Drug
    Safety report at http://www.fda.gov/oc/reports/iom013007.html for more
    details.
        The third recommendation suggests FDA begin the process of
    acquiring a replacement for Adverse Events Reporting System I, or AERS
    I, immediately. Despite allegations in the Breckenridge report that we
    differ with, AERS II development has continued to move ahead, and a
    timeline has been developed with initial operations projected for
    fiscal year 2008. Materials such as the requirements mapping associated
    with the Breckenridge report are being used in developing AERS II, in
    addition to other requirements documents that are already available.

                                   USER FEES

        Question. Please provide us with a brief update on the
    reauthorization of both the Prescription Drug and Medical Device User
    Fee Acts. What is status of MDUFMA negotiations?
        Answer. On March 23, 2007, the Secretary transmitted to key House
    and Senate authorizing committees the HHS/FDA recommendations for
    changes to the statute and to the performance commitment letter for the
    Prescription Drug User Fee Act IV, or PDUFA IV. These recommendations
    reflected the results of FDA's discussions with the pharmaceutical and
    biotechnology industry, which concluded in November 2006, and further
    revisions to the commitment letter based on public input received in
    response to the January 16, 2007 Federal Register R notice publishing
    FDA's proposed recommendations, and received at the PDUFA IV public
    meeting FDA held on February 16, 2007. FDA's recommended changes to the
    statute and commitment letter are currently being reviewed by the
    Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, or HELP, Committee staff
    and House Energy and Commerce Committee staff.
        FDA and the medical device industry have been discussing
    legislative recommendations for the Medical Devices User Fee and
    Modernization Act, or MDUFMA, reauthorization since the fall of 2005.
    Almost all issues of interest to FDA and to industry have been
    resolved. We are working to resolve the outstanding issues very
    quickly.
        Question. How will you work to ensure that any ``triggers''
    included in these pieces of legislation are continually, and fully,
    funded in your budget request?
        Answer. We will work to ensure that the Agency's annual budget
    enables FDA to meet the performance goals it has committed to under
    PDUFA IV and MDUFMA II.

                               PROPOSED USER FEES

        Question. The budget includes new proposed mandatory user fees for
    reinspection costs and for export certification, which if enacted,
    would bring in an additional $27 million to FDA. Please explain the
    need for these user fees.
        Answer. FDA is re-proposing from fiscal year 2007 two user fees
    that would fund activities currently supported by budget authority
    dollars. The proposed user fees for Reinspections and Food and Animal
    Feed Export Certification are mandatory user fees. These fees will
    replace budget authority in FDA's budget. In fiscal year 2008, if
    Congress enacts these user fees, any fees collected for these two
    proposed user fees will result in an equal transfer of budget authority
    back to the U.S. treasury. In fiscal year 2009 FDA will not need any
    budget authority resources for these activities if Congress enacts the
    user fees.
        When a company fails an FDA inspection, we are asking Congress to
    impose the cost of conducting follow-up inspections on the company.
    When we find a violation, FDA typically conducts a follow-up inspection
    to ensure that the problem is corrected. Currently, if companies fail
    to comply with FDA standards, then FDA must shift resources from other
    public health activities to reinspect the company and confirm they have
    corrected the problem. What we recommend is that the company pays the
    cost of follow-up inspections when FDA finds health or safety
    violations. It is important for companies to ensure the safety of
    products before the products reach consumers and this user fee provides
    an additional incentive for companies to meet FDA safety standards.
        In the case of food export certificates, we are asking Congress to
    impose the cost of preparing export certificates, required by foreign
    governments, on the companies that export products. Currently, FDA
    charges exporters for certificates in all other FDA product areas
    except foods for this service. As with the reinspection user fee
    proposal, we recommend that the company benefiting from this service
    pay for this service.
        Question. If these user fees were enacted, would there be a
    subsequent decrease in discretionary budget authority needs?
        Answer. Yes, there would be a subsequent decrease in discretionary
    budget authority needs if the user fees are enacted. However, the
    current proposals are structured in such a way that budget authority of
    $27 million is initially requested by FDA at the beginning of fiscal
    year 2008 to continue these activities in case the user fee proposals
    are not enacted in a timely fashion. If the user fee proposals are
    enacted and become fully operational in fiscal year 2008, the
    collection of these user fees will result in decreases of equal amounts
    in discretionary budget authority that will be returned to the
    Treasury. If enacted, no budget authority resources will be needed for
    these activities in fiscal year 2009, as they will be fully funded by
    user fees.
        Question. How would the additional revenue be used at FDA? Is this
    reflected in the budget?
        Answer. Revenue will not be used to fund new activities at FDA. The
    purpose of the user fee proposals is to charge industry FDA's current
    costs for reinspections and issuance of food export certificates. In
    FDA's budget request, $27 million is initially requested at the
    beginning of fiscal year 2008 to continue these activities in case the
    user fee proposals are not enacted in a timely fashion. If the user fee
    proposals are enacted and become fully operational in fiscal year 2008,
    the collection of these user fees will result in decreases of equal
    amounts in discretionary budget authority that will be returned to the
    Treasury. If enacted, no budget authority resources will be needed for
    these activities in fiscal year 2009, as they will be fully funded by
    user fees.

                                   PAY COSTS

        Question. Will the funding requested for pay costs meet the actual
    need for pay and benefit increases at FDA in fiscal year 2008? Part of
    the reason there was such a hole that had to be filled in the Joint
    Resolution was because for several years, FDA has had to cut into
    program funding to fully fund their pay and rent costs. We would like
    to prevent finding ourselves in a similar situation 5 years from now.
        Answer. The funding requested for the pay costs in fiscal year 2008
    cover the mandatory government-wide annualized pay raise of 2.8
    percent.

                                      RENT

        Question. The President's budget includes an increase of nearly $30
    million for Rent and Rent-related costs. It is a breathtaking amount,
    and it is interesting to note that the increase requested for rent
    alone is more than the requested increases for drug safety, food safety
    and medical device safety combined. Further, if the rent costs aren't
    accurate in the budget, as has happened in the past, increased rental
    needs have to come out of FDA program activities. How does the FDA rent
    costs compare to other Federal agencies of the same size? What actions
    have you taken to try to decrease these costs?
        Answer. The President's budget includes a substantial increase for
    Rent-related costs due to the new White Oak facility and higher costs
    for essential services, such as utilities, security and service
    contracts to operate and maintain FDA's facilities. FDA is not privy to
    other Federal agencies' rent costs. GSA sets rental rates for all of
    its Federal tenant agencies as a pass-through of the underlying GSA
    lease contract rent for their leased facilities, and by appraisal based
    on comparable properties for GSA-owned facilities. Rent is charged per
    square foot occupied. Aside from the White Oak consolidation of
    headquarters locations, FDA has made considerable efforts in the past
    several years to consolidate, reduce space, or close existing offices.
    For example, the Office of Criminal Investigations recently co-located
    its Metropolitan Washington Field Office in Laurel, MD, and its Special
    Prosecution Task Force in Beltsville, MD, saving over $50,000 in annual
    rent costs. Additionally, the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) closed
    seven resident posts in fiscal year 2006, saving the Agency $150,000
    annually in GSA rent. We have notified GSA that we will be closing five
    additional offices in the coming months. Finally, ORA has developed a
    comprehensive proposal to centralize laboratory management. ORA plans
    to consolidate staff, equipment, and other resources from ORA's 13
    laboratories into six existing laboratories located across the country.
    Seven lab facilities will be closed and returned to GSA. If approved as
    currently planned, these closures will save the Agency almost $5
    million in annual GSA rent.
        Question. When can we expect to see decreases in these rent costs,
    as White Oak continues to be occupied?
        Answer. Consolidation of the FDA in the field and at headquarters
    will result in operational efficiencies and improved quality of the
    work environment. For the headquarters consolidation, the total number
    of locations will be significantly reduced. However, the headquarters
    consolidation does not result in a reduction of space for the Agency's
    current occupancy. This is partially due to staffing increases provided
    by FDA's prior appropriations and industry funding of additional staff
    through user fees. Further, because the White Oak space is often
    replacing outdated facilities with leases that are from 15 to 20 years
    old, rents in the consolidated facilities exceed the rents that were
    paid for the outdated facilities. The White Oak consolidation does
    effect a savings when compared to replacing the FDA headquarters
    inventory through new leases acquired on an incremental basis as older
    building leases expire. Additionally, when consolidating to Government-
    owned space controlled by the GSA, there is typically a savings because
    GSA bills only the fair market value of space, with no administrative
    or overhead fees that would be added for a private-sector lease.

                                   WHITE OAK

        Question. The budget includes an increase of $13.2 million for
    continued White Oak Consolidation. This will prepare the facility for
    1,300 employees to move in during fiscal year 2009. Could you please
    speak to this increase and provide an update on White Oak. When do you
    expect everyone to be there?
        Answer. The budget increase of $13.2 million will make it possible
    for FDA to prepare Office Building 66 for the occupancy of
    approximately 1,300 staff from the Center for Devices and Radiological
    Health and support personnel from the Office of the Commissioner. The
    funding will enable FDA to provide furniture and furnishings for staff
    offices, support areas, and conference rooms; security system cabling
    and equipment; and IT and telecom equipment, cabling and services.
    There are five completed and occupied buildings at White Oak: Life
    Sciences I Laboratory; Office Buildings 21 and 22; Central Shared Use
    Building and the Engineering and Physics Laboratory which was just
    occupied in March 2007. Under construction are Office Building 51
    scheduled to be complete in early 2008 and Office Building 66 scheduled
    to be complete spring 2009. Historic Building I and Office Buildings 31
    and 32 are currently in design and construction completion is expected
    in November 2008 and November 2009, respectively. FDA plans to have
    everyone at White Oak in fiscal year 2013, depending upon funding
    included in the General Services Administration's and FDA's future
    appropriations.

                               RESEARCH REDUCTION

        Question. The budget includes a requested decrease in funding of
    nearly $4 million for outreach, coordination and research. Even more
    than that, I was surprised to read that part of that reduction was to
    come from the FDA Animal Drugs and Feeds program--including, and I
    quote from your budget, ``research on prohibited materials in animal
    feed, research on microbiology of animal feed and feed commodities, and
    research on drug residues. In addition, the program will reduce Field
    activities supporting enforcement, investigations and compliance.''
    Canada very recently found a new BSE case. Please explain these
    proposed reductions. Have we really done all of the research necessary
    on animal feeds, and is it prudent to decrease enforcement and
    compliance activities?
        Answer. The Center for Veterinary Medicine, or CVM, completed
    development of a real-time Polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, based
    method. Once field validation of the real-time method is completed, the
    field has a necessary tool to support enforcement of the feed ban.
    Companies are not marketing new rapid test kits for detecting
    prohibited proteins in animal feeds; therefore, CVM does not have
    additional test kits to evaluate.
        The Office of Regulatory Affairs, ORA, intends to absorb the
    reduction of $593K in the Animal Drugs and Feeds Program by reducing
    both personnel and operating funds for coordination activities in
    either the ORA Office of Enforcement; ORA Headquarters; or Compliance
    Officers and Public Affairs Specialists located in the Region and
    District Offices. Operating fund reductions will be taken in travel,
    training and meetings with State or industry officials to perform
    outreach activities in support of the Field Animal Drugs and Feed
    Program. Management and coordination functions will continue by using
    electronic media/technology and realigning and consolidating
    coordination responsibilities to improve efficiencies.
        The research reduction allows CVM and ORA to fund the full cost of
    fiscal year 2008 priority initiatives.

                            OFFICE OF WOMEN'S HEALTH

        Question. Please provide a list of all research activities funded
    by the Office of Women's Health in 2006 and 2007, including all
    recipients of the funds.
        Answer. I would be happy to provide that for the record.
        [The information follows:]

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        Fiscal Year     Fiscal Year
                       Recipient                            Research Funding               2006            2007
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    IAG/NIH-ORWH..................................  Specialized Centers of Research         $100,000        $100,000
                                                     on Sex and Gender Factors
                                                     Affecting Women's Health
                                                     (SCOR)..
    CDER..........................................  Prevlence study of all drugs              35,000  ..............
                                                     used in pregnancy'?.
    IAG/WHO&CFSAN.................................  Develop and evaluate an                  152,000  ..............
                                                     effective COMBI program on
                                                     sanitation and personal hygiene
                                                     practices.
    CDER..........................................  The MATT Consortium (Molecular            25,000  ..............
                                                     Assays & Targeted Therapies)
                                                     within the OBQI (Oncology
                                                     Biomarker Qualification
                                                     Initiative) specifically for a
                                                     project on lung cancer.
    GNSI..........................................  Development of the Clinical              100,065  ..............
                                                     Review Template.
    CDER..........................................  Gender Differences & Impact of            16,000           6,500
                                                     Pharmocogenomics in Rheumatoid
                                                     Arthritis.
    CDER..........................................  Women in Clinical Trials and              13,000  ..............
                                                     Gender Analysis of Data in New
                                                     Molecular Entities (NME)
                                                     approved 2000-2002.
    CDER..........................................  Impact of gender and                      16,000           7,500
                                                     pharmocogenomics on clinical
                                                     efficacy, safety and
                                                     pharmocokinetics of drugs used
                                                     for treatement of alsheimer's
                                                     disease.
    CDRH..........................................  Evaluation of equality and                32,900  ..............
                                                     availability of information on
                                                     females included in mechanical
                                                     circulatory support device
                                                     trials.
    CDER..........................................  Women in HIV Trials: A                     9,500           9,000
                                                     Comprehensive Review and Meta-
                                                     Analysis.
    CFSAN.........................................  Modulating effects on estrogens           33,000  ..............
                                                     on food allergens induced lung
                                                     inflammation in a highly
                                                     sensitive rat model for
                                                     postmenopausal asthma.
    NCTR..........................................  Molecular mechanisms underlying           93,800          87,000
                                                     gender-associated differences
                                                     in the adverse reactions to the
                                                     anti-retroviral agent,
                                                     zidovudine (AZT): role of
                                                     mitochondria) toxicity.
    NCTR..........................................  Sex Differences in                       110,100          88,000
                                                     chemotherapeutic toxicity:
                                                     profiling of transporter genes
                                                     in humans.
    CDRH..........................................  Assessment of the accuracy of             30,000  ..............
                                                     the Tropinin Assay in the
                                                     Diagnosis of Myocardial
                                                     Infarction by Gender and How
                                                     Gender Influences Treatment.
    NCTR..........................................  Protective effect of vaginal              42,500
                                                     Lactobacillus species against
                                                     Staphylococcus aureus-mediated
                                                     toxic shock syndrome.
    CBER..........................................  HIV-SELECTEST: A novel assay for         135,000          38,000
                                                     diagnosis of HIV infections in
                                                     the presence of antibodies
                                                     induced by candidate HIVE
                                                     vaccines: Evaluation of gender
                                                     bias in sensitivity and
                                                     specificity.
    UN of Arizona.................................  University of Arizona: Dr.                71,600  ..............
                                                     Marlene Freeman: PK/PD
                                                     Sertraline in Pregnancy.
    OC/OPPL.......................................  K.Morgan--Evaluation of How Best          55,000  ..............
                                                     to Communicate to Heatlh Care
                                                     Providers about the Risks.
    UN of Boston..................................  ................................  ..............          50,000
    UN of Wisconsin...............................  University of Wisconsin: Dr.              32,900  ..............
                                                     Gloria Sarto--PK/PD of selected
                                                     atibiotics during pregnancy.
    CDER..........................................  Quantitative Tumor Size--                 52,000  ..............
                                                     Survival Relationship in
                                                     Oncology Clinical Trials.
    CDER..........................................  Statistical analyses of gender-           11,300  ..............
                                                     specific data from New Drug
                                                     Application (NDA) submissions.
    CBER..........................................  Gender Dimorphism in HIV                  16,200  ..............
                                                     Infection in Primary
                                                     Macrophages and T-Lymphocytes:
                                                     Kinetics of.
    AHRQ..........................................  JAG with AHRQ: Research on the            25,000  ..............
                                                     Effects of Drug Exposures in
                                                     Pregnancy.
    CDER..........................................  Cardiac safety, and specifically          50,000  ..............
                                                     to build on on-going activities
                                                     re: the ECG Warehouse and the.
    CDER..........................................  Development of an HL 7 standard           50,000  ..............
                                                     for the exchange of protocols,
                                                     protocol summaries, and study.
    UN of Wisconsin...............................  PK/PD of selected atibiotics              16,300  ..............
                                                     dining pregnancy.
    CDER/OTCOM....................................  Pregnancy Seminar: Pathways to    ..............           3,400
                                                     Drug Development--A focus on
                                                     Women's Health..
                                                                                     -------------------------------
          Total...................................  ................................       1,384,165         339,400
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Question. Please explain the process by which OWH determines how to
    fund research activities.
        Answer. The FDA Office of Women's Health, or OWH, determines
    research funding priorities by coordinating with other FDA and HHS
    activities around women's health issues to leverage existing funds and
    target projects to meet Agency and Departmental priorities. OWH created
    a Women's Health Advisory Council with numerous Agency representatives
    to help identify areas of highest priority with respect to women's
    health and a better understanding of sex/gender differences. By
    participating with the HHS OWH, FDA OWH is able to identify cross
    cutting activities. The Office sends an announcement out to all Centers
    in the FDA announcing the availability of intramural funding for
    research projects aimed at protecting and improving women's health. The
    announcement specifies the research focus for the fiscal year (e.g. sex
    related differences in safety or efficacy of FDA regulated products)
    and the application due dates. Research Proposals, called Concept
    Papers, are drawn up within individual Centers and go though an initial
    screening by the respective Center's Women's Health Coordinator to
    evaluate the proposal's eligibility for context and institutional
    involvement. The Concept Papers are sent to OWH and to the Center
    Coordinators who independently rank the proposals based on the need and
    priority for women's health issues in the respective Centers. After a
    thorough assessment of the proposals, selected investigators are asked
    to further expand their proposals and submit to OWH for evaluation and
    funding. OWH identifies panels of experts to perform an independent
    review of the expanded proposals rating specific criteria such as
    Research Question, Study Design, Feasibility, Relevance, Performance
    History, Investigator Qualifications, and Budget. Final decisions on
    funding are based on scientific reviews (Center Scientists, external
    experts and OWH Scientists) and available funds.
        Question. For fiscal year 2008, why are you proposing reducing the
    research funds of OWH?
        Answer. To be clear, research funds for women's health activities
    are not reduced in our fiscal year 2008 budget request. Our budget
    proposes to transfer $350,000 from the Office of Women's Health, which
    is located within the Office of the Commissioner, to the National
    Center for Toxicologic Research, or NCTR. This transfer has been
    proposed to augment ongoing women's health research within NCTR. In
    particular, NCTR research has focused on our ability to understand
    unique risks that women face when exposed to drugs, particularly on the
    risks to women's cardiac health. This transfer should not, by any
    means, be interpreted as a reduction of FDA's commitment to women's
    health. This transfer represents an amplification of an existing
    research portfolio to examine pharmacological effects on women's
    susceptibility to heart damage. It is not a diminishing of the Women's
    Health Initiative.
        Question. The office was created in part because the Centers were
    not placing a priority on women's health. What research will NCTR fund
    on women's health?
        Answer. NCTR research will continue to focus on our ability to
    understand unique risks that women face when exposed to drugs,
    particularly the risk to women's cardiac health. This transfer of
    research resources to NCTR will augment an already-robust portfolio of
    toxicology research focused on examining a wide variety of health-
    related topics.
        Question. Why is it necessary to pull the funds from OWH if it is
    simply being transferred to NCTR, as opposed to letting OWH make the
    decision?
        Answer. As stated earlier, this transfer has been proposed because
    the National Center for Toxicological Research, or NCTR, is where we
    have been using those funds to do research in women's health. The
    Office of Women's Health, or OWH, serves as a champion for women's
    health both within and outside the agency. To achieve its goal, the OWH
    undertakes the following five activities:
      --ensures that FDA regulatory and oversight functions remain gender
            sensitive and responsive
      --works to correct any identified gender disparities in drug, device
            and biologics testing, and/or regulation policy
      --monitors progress of priority women's health initiatives within FDA
      --promotes an integrative and interactive approach regarding women's
            health issues across all the organizational components of the
            FDA
      --forms partnerships with government and non-government entities,
            including consumer groups, health advocates, professional
            organizations, and industry, to promote FDA's women's health
            objectives.
        I can assure this subcommittee that the proposed transfer of funds
    to NCTR, specifically for women's health research, will not in any way
    diminish the ability of the OWH to achieve its goal. Specifically, the
    OWH will have full input as an equal partner with regards to women's
    health research activities at NCTR.

                         DIRECT TO CONSUMER ADVERTISING

        Question. What is the current funding level of DDMAC? Please
    provide a breakdown of staff.
        Answer. The current funding level for the Division of Drug
    Marketing, Advertising, and Communications, or DDMAC, is $4,991,000.
    DDMAC consists of 44 FTE. There are nine people within the immediate
    office of the director, which includes the director, deputy director,
    associate director, program specialist, 3 policy and enforcement team
    members, one labeling specialist, and one information-technology
    specialist. In addition there are four professional review groups
    totaling 20 reviewers and two technical information assistants; two
    direct-to-consumer review groups with seven reviewers and two
    researchers, and 2 vacancies; and one training and support group
    consisting of one person on board and a vacancy. The staff breakdown
    represents all full-time and part-time onboard staff and the current
    vacancies. The funding level does not include full payroll expenditures
    for all positions listed above.
        Question. What percentage of DTC television advertisements are
    currently being reviewed?
        Answer. In 2006, the Division of Drug Marketing, Advertising, and
    Communications, or DDMAC, reviewed and provided advisory comments on 27
    percent of television ads before they were publicly aired.
        Question. If the FDA's proposed user fee for DTC advertisements is
    not enacted, what additional funding amount would be required for FDA
    to double the productivity of the office? What would a doubling of
    DDMAC allow FDA to accomplish?
        Answer. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act IV, or PDUFA IV,
    currently includes provisions for $6.25 million a year for the advisory
    review of DTC television ads. If we do not receive the $6.25 million a
    year as proposed in user fees, we would not be able to increase our
    productivity in the advisory review of direct-to-consumer, or DTC,
    television ads. With a doubling of the Division of Drug Marketing,
    Advertising, and Communications, or DDMAC, we estimate that we could
    cut our review time for these television ads nearly in half and review
    about two-thirds more of these materials than was possible in 2006.
        Question. A recent GAO report stated that DDMAC should stop using
    informal criteria when prioritizing material for review, and should
    develop and publish criteria for prioritization and review. Please
    provide a cost and time estimate for FDA to develop and formalize this
    process?
        Answer. FDA, like other regulatory agencies, exercises enforcement
    discretion in order to focus its resources on enforcement actions that
    would most impact public health. Although the Division of Drug
    Marketing, Advertising, and Communications, or DDMAC, does not document
    the criteria it uses to prioritize each direct-to-consumer, or DTC,
    piece received for review, DDMAC has identified criteria that are
    systematically applied to identify workload priorities for review of
    both draft and final DTC materials that have the greatest impact on
    public health. The DDMAC management team, and in particular the DTC
    group leaders, works with all the DTC reviewers to ensure consistent
    application. DDMAC exercises judgment in continually reevaluating its
    workload in light of these priorities, contingent on emerging
    scientific and regulatory events. The suggestion that each piece be
    reviewed under specified criteria, and that all reviews be documented,
    would require vastly increased staff to essentially review every piece
    in detail. What now happens is that experienced reviewers scan pieces
    for problems, recognizing our priorities, and choose the ones to
    pursue. We are currently evaluating this process to determine what, if
    any, changes are needed.

                              PROBIOTICS IN YOGURT

        Question. Why does FDA require an IND when studying probiotics in
    food that is readily available on grocery shelves? Is this appropriate?
        Answer. The determining factor as to whether an investigational new
    drug application, or IND, is required for a probiotic product is the
    intended use to be studied. Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
    Act, or FD&C Act, if a probiotic product is intended to be used as a
    drug, it is regulated as a drug, and an IND would be required. The FD&C
    Act defines a drug as, among other things, an article intended for use
    in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of
    disease, as well as an article (other than food) intended to affect the
    structure or any function of the body. The Public Health Service Act
    definition of a biological product includes products containing
    microorganisms applicable to the prevention, treatment, or cure of
    disease or condition of human beings, and to which the FD&C Act
    applies.
        On the other hand, where a food, including a dietary supplement, is
    studied to determine its effect on the structure or function of the
    body, without reference to any effects on disease, an IND would not be
    required.
        Any clinical investigator or probiotic manufacturer interested in
    evaluating a probiotic product for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation,
    treatment, or prevention of a disease is encouraged to request a pre-
    IND meeting with FDA prior to submitting an IND.
        Question. Since this research would not require the use of a drug
    manufacturing ability, because the product is already on the shelves,
    how can a researcher secure an IND?
        Answer. The Investigational New Drug, or IND, regulations are
    provided in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 312. The
    FDA internet site provides many informational resources concerning how
    to submit an IND and how to conduct a clinical trial under IND. Also,
    the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research's Office of
    Communication, Training, and Manufacturer's Assistance may be contacted
    directly at 301-827-1800 for assistance in the process.
        Question. Is there a way to allow for this research to move forward
    without requiring an IND that still provides the safety and assurance
    expected by the FDA from the public when conducting research?
        Answer. If a probiotic product is to be studied for use in the
    diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, it
    needs to be evaluated under an Investigational New Drug, or IND.

                                CARBON MONOXIDE

        Question. In FDA's March 2007 fresh fruit and vegetable guidance,
    FDA states that the use of low oxygen Modified Atmosphere Packaging
    (MAP) systems for perishable foods can promote the growth of spoilage
    organisms and pathogens that may be present. In light of this
    publication, and since MAP systems are also being used in fresh meat
    products, does FDA anticipate withdrawing its acceptance of the GRAS
    notifications that have been submitted to the agency regarding the use
    of carbon monoxide in fresh meat?
        Answer. FDA is currently evaluating a pending citizen petition
    which requests that the agency withdraw its response letters to the
    ``generally recognized as safe'' notifications regarding the use of
    carbon monoxide in fresh meat. While our review of that petition is
    ongoing, we cannot comment on whether we anticipate withdrawing the
    response letters.
        Question. Please provide a status on FDA's response to a citizen
    petition filed on November 15, 2005 (Docket No. 2005P-0459) regarding
    carbon monoxide in fresh meat? Please provide a date by which this
    citizen petition will receive a response?
        Answer. On November 15, 2005, FDA opened a docket on a citizen's
    petition submitted by Kalsec, Inc. In their petition, Kalsec requests
    that FDA rescind the acceptance of a number of ``generally recognized
    as safe'' notices related to the notifiers' determinations that carbon
    monoxide (CO) is ``generally recognized as safe'' under specific
    conditions of use as a component in Modified Atmosphere Packaging
    systems (MAPs) used in fresh meat. FDA has received and continues to
    receive numerous submissions commenting on the Kalsec petition. We are
    evaluating the petition and place a high priority on preparing a timely
    response. However, due to other priorities and the ongoing review of
    the submissions commenting on the petition, FDA does not have a
    specific date when it will complete its review of the citizen's
    petition submitted by Kalsec, Inc.

                           OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER

        Question. Do contractors and consultants report to the Commissioner
    or Chief of Staff? If so, what are their roles? Could these functions
    be done by existing permanent staff? If so, why are these individuals
    hired as consultants rather than as Federal employees?
        Answer. There is one contractor who reports to the Commissioner.
    The contactor's role is to provide professional services in executive
    leadership development for all of the senior FDA leadership within the
    Office of the Commissioner and the Centers. Specific tasks include
    strengthening executive leadership, enhancing cross-agency integration,
    improving communication, mentoring and developing staff. These
    functions could not be performed by existing staff as the existing
    staff does not possess the breadth of knowledge and level of expertise
    as the contractor in the areas of executive development, coaching and
    organizational culture.
        There is one contractor who reports to the Chief of Staff. This
    contractor has an extensive background in media and strategic
    communications and a thorough understanding of how outside
    organizations perceive critical FDA policies and initiatives. This
    outside perspective cannot be provided by existing permanent staff.
        Question. Does the Office of the Commissioner have sufficient funds
    to pay for all of these staff with payroll dollars? Is there a
    ``payroll deficit'' for the Office of the Commissioner?
        Answer. Yes, the Office of the Commissioner, or OC, has sufficient
    funding for approved staffing. In fiscal year 2007, OC does not have a
    ``payroll deficit''.

                         OFFICE OF COSMETICS AND COLORS

        Question. What is the proposed fiscal year 2008 budget for the FDA
    Office of Cosmetics and Colors (OCAC) within the Center for Food Safety
    and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) and the proposed number of FTE positions?
    How does this compare with fiscal year 2006 and fiscal year 2007?
        Answer. The Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN)
    estimates that its appropriated fiscal year 2008 budget for the Office
    of Cosmetics and Colors (OCAC) will support 13 full time equivalent
    (FTE) positions and provide $2.0 million for the cosmetics activities
    conducted by OCAC. Additionally, the non-appropriated Color
    Certification Program within OCAC will support 32 FTE positions with a
    budget of $7.568 million in fiscal year 2008.
        By comparison, in fiscal year 2006, the Agency's Cosmetics program
    was staffed at 30 FTEs with a budget of $3.2 million which included
    staff in OCAC (not including the color certification program). In
    fiscal year 2007, all compliance and research components that were in
    individual program offices within CFSAN, including those in OCAC, were
    realigned to the Office of Compliance or the Office of Regulatory
    Science to concentrate these similar activities. Other FTEs within the
    Cosmetics Program left the Agency for various reasons, including
    retirement and buyouts. As a result, the estimated fiscal year 2007
    budget for cosmetic activities conducted by OCAC is 13 FTEs/$1.825
    million.
        Question. Is CFSAN planning to change the size or organizational
    structure of OCAC, and if so, what is the new organizational plan and
    how would OCAC be structured within CFSAN?
        Answer. In February 2007, as part of CFSAN's proposed
    reorganization, CFSAN changed the size and organizational structure of
    OCAC. In fiscal year 2006, the entire cosmetics program was located in
    the Division of Cosmetics and Compliance. In fiscal year 2007,
    compliance and research components that were in individual program
    offices within CFSAN, including those in OCAC, were realigned to the
    Office of Compliance and to the Office of Regulatory Science to
    concentrate staff in offices with a particular focus. As a result,
    there was a significant reduction in personnel within OCAC.
        Question. The size of the personal care products industry is $60
    billion, with over 11 billion products sold annually, and with over
    2,500 facilities in the United States. In the last 25 years there has
    been a vast expansion of personal care products. However, the number of
    FTEs in the OCAC has decreased dramatically during this same timeframe.
    Does FDA believe that there will be a sufficient number of FTEs in the
    Office of Cosmetics and Colors enough to regulate this industry and
    insure the safety of these consumer products?
        Answer. Thus far, FDA has been able to keep pace with developments,
    averting any serious or widespread public health problems. While it is
    difficult to predict, precisely, what the future will bring, there are
    several areas that loom large for cosmetic safety. Key examples include
    the safe use of nanotechnology in cosmetics; a need for more scientific
    information to ensure the safe use of tattoos, which has greatly
    expanded over a wider segment of the population than formerly; and the
    increasingly global nature of the industry with a corresponding need
    for FDA engagement in the development of international safety
    standards.

                                PSEUDOEPHEDRINE

        Question. The Senate and House Appropriations Committee Report on
    the fiscal year 2007 FDA Appropriations Bill included language
    regarding ``Expedited Filing''. In the context of this Appropriations
    provision, and in light of the initiatives undertaken by FDA following
    enactment of the Combat Meth Act, would you please outline the steps
    that the Agency has taken to enhance access to new prescription
    combinations of safe and effective marketed drugs that could provide
    alternative therapies to replace pseudoephedrine-containing products
    and thereby address the major public health and safety concerns arising
    from meth production?
        Answer. The Office of Non-Prescription Products, or ONP, is
    interacting with manufacturers to help them interpret the Combat Meth
    Act provisions regarding reformulation of both New Drug Applications,
    or NDA, and over-the-counter, or OTC, monograph products. Products that
    require NDA or a supplement to an NDA, or sNDA, may qualify for a
    priority review. We are willing to meet with applicants to determine if
    such applications qualify to be considered under priority review. We
    interact with such applicants to ensure that only essential testing is
    required to demonstrate that the reformulations will be safe and
    effective. For instance, clinical trials are not required in any
    instance in which a demonstration of bioequivalence in humans can be
    appropriately applied. This may help shorten the time necessary to
    provide data for the NDA or sNDA. We also respond to submissions and
    meeting requests quickly so that access is not delayed based upon the
    ability of a company to get feedback or to interact with the Agency. If
    applications do not qualify for priority review, they are reviewed
    under the specific timelines and procedures associated with the
    Prescription Drug User Fee Act, or PDUFA, and other pertinent
    regulations.
        OTC products that are marketed under the OTC Drug Review may be
    reformulated following the stipulations for active ingredients,
    manufacturing, and labeling that are set out in the regulations
    associated with the OTC monographs. These reformulations do not require
    approval by the FDA prior to marketing. For example, an immediate
    release tablet containing pseudoephedrine as a decongestant in
    combination with an antihistamine could be reformulated under the
    monograph to contain an alternative decongestant phenylephrine, in
    combination with the same antihistamine. This reformulation does not
    require preapproval, supporting a rapid transition from products
    containing pseudoephrine to products using other antihistamines. In
    addition, a new salt of phenylephrine was recently added to the
    monograph to allow manufacturers more flexibility in formulating
    products.

                            COLOR CERTIFICATION FEES

        Question. What is the anticipated balance that will remain in the
    Color Certification Fund at the end of fiscal year 2007?
        Answer. The anticipated balance that will remain in the Color
    Certification Fund at the end of fiscal year 2007 is $1,410,134.
        Question. What are the anticipated revenues to this fund in fiscal
    year 2008?
        Answer. The anticipated revenues to this fund in fiscal year 2008
    are $7,000,000.
        Question. Please provide a list of all anticipated expenses for
    this program in fiscal year 2008?
        Answer. The following is a list of anticipated expenses for the
    Color Certification Program in fiscal year 2008:
        Operating Expenses:$3,309,740 (Funds the day to day operations of
    the Color Certification program including equipment purchases,
    supplies, travel, contracts and rent and rent related costs)
        Payroll Expenses: $4,258,384 (Funds the salaries and benefits of
    Color Certification employees)
                                     ______

                   Questions Submitted by Senator Tom Harkin

                 ADVERSE EVENT REPORTING ON DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

        Question. The Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer
    Protection Act require manufacturers and distributors of dietary
    supplements and OTC drugs to report all serious adverse events to the
    FDA. The legislation requires the FDA to issue guidance by September
    18, 2007 on the minimum data elements that should be included in a
    serious adverse event report.
        Has the FDA begun that process?
        Answer. Yes, FDA has begun work on the guidance required by the new
    law. Before issuing final guidance, the agency intends to publish draft
    guidance describing in detail the minimum data elements that should be
    included in a serious adverse event report for both dietary supplements
    and OTC drugs, using the current FDA 3500A MedWatch form for mandatory
    reporting.
        Question. Will the FDA be issuing a proposed guidance to solicit
    comment from stakeholders?
        Answer. Yes. In accordance with the agency's good guidance practice
    regulations, FDA will announce the availability of the draft guidance
    in the Federal Register and invite comment on the guidance from
    interested parties.
        The Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Protection
    Act supersedes the Center for Food Safety and Nutrition's (CFSAN's)
    Adverse Event Reporting System, or ``CAERS'', which allows voluntary
    reporting of dietary supplement adverse events.
        Question. Since the legislation requires manufacturers and
    distributors to report serious adverse events, does FDA expect to use
    more resources to process Adverse Event Reports?
        Answer. Yes, the FDA expects to use more resources to process
    significant adverse event reports (AERs) which are submitted in
    response to this law.
        With respect to resources for Public Law 109-462, no funding for
    implementation was provided in the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and
    no funding was requested in the President's fiscal year 2008 budget.
        Currently the agency has been performing tasks that will contribute
    to the full implementation of the new law. For example, FDA performed a
    gap analysis between the FDA3500A MedWatch form and the capabilities of
    the current CFSAN Adverse Events Reporting System (CAERS). This
    analysis shows that CAERS needs software modifications to receive
    fields on the 3500A MedWatch form.
        In addition, the agency is planning the additional work activities
    needed to fully implement the law. These work activities will include
    developing several business processes, making significant Information
    Technology (IT) improvements to CAERS, and modifying contracts
    providing records management and IT support. To accommodate the
    increased numbers of significant AERs expected to result from mandatory
    reporting, CFSAN plans to modify CAERS to accept AERs electronically
    via the MedWatch Plus initiative, which will include modifications to
    accommodate dietary supplements.
        CFSAN already has processes in place to consolidate duplicate AERs
    and new medical information on existing AERs so that all information
    about a given adverse event appears in a single report, as required by
    the new law.
        The Administration has proposed only $4 million above last year's
    enacted level for CFSAN. This funding is directed to increases in food
    safety programs generally, not the CAERS system or a revised version of
    it.
        Question. What additional resources will FDA require for fiscal
    year 2008 to prepare for the full implementation of the Act?
        Answer. No funding for implementation was provided in the fiscal
    year 2007 appropriation and no funding was requested in the President's
    fiscal year 2008 budget.

              GOOD MANUFACTURING PRACTICES OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

        Question. It has been over 12 years after the enactment of Dietary
    Supplement Health and Education Act and the FDA has yet to finalize the
    Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations authorized by the 1994
    law. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Report
    that accompanied The Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug
    Consumer Protection Act encouraged the FDA to act quickly to finalize a
    GMP regulation for supplements. The Committee also noted that FDA has
    taken action against products that arguably could not have been sold in
    the first place if strong GMPs had been promulgated.
        What date will GMP regulations be issued?
        Answer. FDA is committed to publishing this final rule. I can
    assure you that there has been significant work done on the final rule
    since the comment period for the proposed rule ended in August 2003.
    The Administration is currently reviewing the final rule.
        We have worked extremely hard to draft the final rule in such a way
    that would assure quality products for the consumer while balancing
    societal costs and benefits. I can assure you that full attention is
    being given to the completion of the rule as soon as possible.

                            FOOD SAFETY INSPECTIONS

        Question. Between 2003 and 2006, FDA food safety inspections have
    dropped by 47 percent as reported last month by the Associated Press.
        Will an increase of just $10 million increase the number of food
    safety inspections for products regulated by FDA?
        Answer. The number of domestic food inspections used to calculate
    the 47 percent decrease in inspections since 2003 (from 7,218 in 2003
    to 3,833 in 2006) represents only a subset of total domestic food
    inspections. This subset does not include such high risk areas as
    Seafood HACCP inspections; Juice HACCP inspections; Cheese inspections;
    Low Acid Canned Foods; and, Acidified Food inspections. When ALL
    domestic food inspections are included, the reduction in inspections
    between 2003 and 2006 is 19 percent.
        In addition, the decreases quoted are for FDA inspections only and
    do not recognize FDA leveraging with States to conduct contract/grant
    and partnership inspections. For instance, in fiscal year 2006 the
    States performed 8,566 food inspections for FDA which is an increase
    from 8,390 conducted by the States in fiscal year 2003.
        The $5.5 million that the Office of Regulatory, or ORA, requested
    as part of the Strengthening Food Safety Initiative in the fiscal year
    2008 President's Budget request will not result in an increased number
    of food safety inspections. Funding will be used to enhance ORA's
    ability to more rapidly trace back foodborne disease outbreaks and to
    work proactively to encourage growers and processors to implement good
    agricultural practices and other interventions designed to prevent
    contamination of food. ORA will develop, train, and equip teams to work
    with State partners in large produce-growing regions. Funding will also
    be used to accelerate development of an import decision-making IT
    system capable of detecting high-risk food shipments before they enter
    U.S. commerce. While FDA already has systems that are used to identify
    and target certain high-risk import shipments the new system will
    increase current capabilities by providing for automated review and
    trending of the results of field examinations and analyses of samples,
    identifying candidates for detention without physical examination; it
    will score each entry line on the basis of risk factors and
    surveillance requirements, for an automated, real-time decision on
    action to be taken; and, it will incorporate exogenous data with
    available FDA operational data to create a broader picture for each
    shipment.
        The $4.0 million and 16 FTEs that the Center for Food Safety and
    Applied Nutrition, or CFSAN, requested in the fiscal year 2008
    President's Budget request will be used to improve its Food Safety
    program particularly focused on produce safety. CFSAN plans to utilize
    the fiscal year 2008 funds for resources to support four core critical
    functional areas of the FDA Food Safety Program: (1) methods
    development to detect and attribute foodborne illness outbreaks related
    to fresh produce, (2) expand traceback capabilities by hiring
    environmental epidemiologists to work with FDA and State and local
    agencies and facilitate on-farm investigations, (3) development of
    cost-effective regulations and/or guidance, and (4) obtain additional
    expertise in the production and processing of fresh produce.
        The National Center for Toxicological Research, or NCTR, will
    direct $165,000 to provide additional staff and $335,000 for supplies
    and services to improve methods for rapid screening and complete
    identification of foodborne pathogens. NCTR will also develop a genomic
    database to identify and assess the biological threat of foodborne
    pathogens. The total cost is $500,000.
        Also included is $644,000 for FDA's Office of Crisis Management, or
    OCM, to enhance FDA's ability to help industry mitigate the risks of
    foodborne outbreaks.
        Question. What will be the number of inspections as compared to
    fiscal year 2006 and fiscal year 2007?
        Answer. The Office of Regulatory Affairs, or ORA, currently
    estimates it will perform 19,212 food inspections, including
    inspections performed by the States for FDA under State contracts and
    partnerships in fiscal year 2008. This represents a slight increase
    over the fiscal year 2007 estimate of 19,137 food inspections. In
    fiscal year 2006, FDA and the States performed 17,730 food inspections.
        Question. Is $10 million enough money to ensure public safety?
        Answer. Ensuring the safety of the food supply is a top priority
    for FDA and the Administration and we will continue to strive to reduce
    the incidence of foodborne illness, and the associated impact of public
    health to the lowest level possible.
        The $5.5 million that the Office of Regulatory Affairs, or ORA,
    requested as part of the Strengthening Food Safety Initiative in the
    fiscal year 2008 President's Budget request will be used to enhance
    ORA's ability to more rapidly trace back foodborne disease outbreaks
    and to perform on farm investigations. Once the outbreak and food
    involved has been identified, the ability to deploy rapid response
    teams trained in outbreak response and traceback procedures will
    prevent additional exposure of consumers to contaminated produce and
    reduce the number of illnesses by more quickly identifying implicated
    shipments and removing them from the market. In addition, the
    development of these teams enhances FDA's ability to perform on farm
    and at processor investigations and thereby help prevent future
    outbreaks. Funding will also be used to accelerate development of an
    import decision-making IT system capable of detecting high-risk
    shipments before they enter U.S. commerce which will improve ORA's
    ability to intercept contaminated products at the border and before
    they enter U.S. commerce. While FDA already has systems that are used
    to identify and target certain high-risk import shipments. the new
    system will increase current capabilities by providing for automated
    review and trending of the results of field examinations and analyses
    of samples, identifying candidates for detention without physical
    examination; it will score each entry line on the basis of risk factors
    and surveillance requirements, for an automated, real-time decision on
    action to be taken; and, it will incorporate exogenous data with
    available FDA operational data to create a broader picture for each
    shipment.
        The $4.0 million and 16 FTEs that the Center for Food Safety and
    Applied Nutrition or CFSAN, requested in the fiscal year 2008
    President's Budget request will be used to improve its Food Safety
    program particularly focused on produce safety. In a continued
    commitment to improve the safety of the U.S. food supply, FDA is taking
    action to prevent or reduce foodborne outbreaks and the number of
    illnesses and deaths due to consumption of contaminated food,
    bolstering public confidence in the safety of fresh produce, the
    consumption of which the U.S. Government has been encouraging as part
    of a healthful diet, and encouraging the States and industry to respond
    to new information on potential food contamination.
        The National Center for Toxicological Research, or NCTR, will
    direct $165,000 to provide additional staff and $335,000 for supplies
    and services to improve methods for rapid screening and complete
    identification of foodborne pathogens. NCTR will also develop a genomic
    database to identify and assess the biological threat of foodborne
    pathogens. The total cost is $500,000.
        Also included is $644,000 for FDA's Office of Crisis Management, or
    OCM, to enhance FDA's ability to help industry mitigate the risks of
    foodborne outbreaks.
        Since September of last year, there have been multiple large-scale
    outbreaks of foodborne illness in the United States. Press reports
    suggest the reason for the recent outbreak of foodborne illness is
    FDA's lack of resources in the area of food safety. The President's
    fiscal year 2008 budget calls for an increase of $10.6 million for food
    safety at FDA.
        Question. What changes will FDA make with this money to ensure
    future outbreaks of foodborne illness are prevented?
        Answer. The fiscal year 2008 budget requests funds for food safety
    improvements in the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, or
    CFSAN ($4 million), the Office of Regulatory Affairs, or ORA ($5.5
    million), the National Center for Toxicological Research, or NCTR
    ($500,000) and the Office of Crisis Management, or OCM ($644,000).
        CFSAN expects to utilize the fiscal year 2008 increase for
    resources to support four core functional areas of the FDA Foods
    Program:
      --Methods Development ($1 million).--Funds will develop better
            methods to detect and attribute foodborne illness outbreaks
            related to produce and allow for quicker intervention to reduce
            the illnesses and deaths from contaminated food and quicker
            resumption of marketing of uncontaminated food.
      --Surveillance ($1 million).--Funds will increase sampling and
            traceback capabilities, including conducting produce sampling
            surveys of imported and domestic produce to examine pathogens
            along the distribution chain to establish a baseline.
      --Regulations and Guidance ($1 million).--Funds will help develop
            cost-effective regulations and/or guidance to prevent and
            reduce outbreaks, thus reducing the instance of illness and
            death.
      --Produce Experts ($1 million).--Funds will obtain additional
            expertise in the production and processing of fresh produce,
            with emphasis on microbiological safety issues.
        Also included is $644,000 for FDA's Office of Crisis Management, or
    OCM, to enhance FDA's ability to help industry mitigate the risks of
    increased foodborne outbreaks.
        The National Center for Toxicological Research, or NCTR, will
    direct $165,000 to provide additional staff and $335,000 for supplies
    and services to improve methods for rapid screening and complete
    identification of foodborne pathogens. NCTR will also develop a genomic
    database to identify and assess the biological threat of foodborne
    pathogens.
        The Office of Regulatory Affairs, or ORA, plans to allocate $3.5
    million to develop the capacity for more rapid traceback of produce-
    related outbreaks and the capacity to determine the root cause of an
    outbreak. ORA will develop teams trained in traceback technologies,
    incident command, and root cause analysis. These teams will be
    strategically positioned in areas with large produce-growing regions.
    In addition, ORA will provide training, equipment, and other assistance
    to States so that they can be full partners with FDA in responding to
    and preventing produce-related outbreaks. After the first year, ORA
    will have 12 fully equipped and trained FTEs with traceback equipment.
        ORA also plans to allocate $2 million towards developing an import
    decision-making system capable of detecting high risk shipments of FDA-
    regulated products before they are admitted or released into U.S.
    commerce. While FDA already has systems that are used to identify and
    target certain high-risk import shipments the new system will increase
    current capabilities by providing for automated review and trending of
    the results of field examinations and analyses of samples, identifying
    candidates for detention without physical examination; it will score
    each entry line on the basis of risk factors and surveillance
    requirements, for an automated, real-time decision on action to be
    taken; and, it will incorporate exogenous data with available FDA
    operational data to create a broader picture for each shipment.
        From what I can see, the FDA needs a far greater investment in food
    safety in order to effect real improvements in actual practice.
        Question. If given more than $10 million for food safety, which
    programs would benefit most from additional money to increase the
    safety of our food supply, especially in fresh produce?
        Answer. FDA is committed to ensuring that America's food supply
    continues to be among the safest in the world, but we face challenges.
    For example, consumption of produce, particularly ``ready-to-eat''
    products, has increased dramatically during the past decade. Americans
    usually consume these products in their raw state, harvested from the
    vine, stem, or soil without processing to reduce or eliminate pathogens
    that may be present. Consequently, the manner in which these products
    are grown, harvested, packed, processed, and distributed is crucial to
    ensuring that microbial contamination is minimized, thereby reducing
    the risk of illness to consumers. Even if a small percentage of what is
    harvested is contaminated, it can result in severe illness. FDA is
    taking a ``farm-to-fork'' systematic risk management approach to food
    safety to reduce the risk of food illness at all points in the food
    chain.
        For fiscal year 2008, we propose a $10.644 million increase for a
    food safety initiative focused on fresh produce. FDA will develop
    methods to prevent food outbreaks from occurring by rapidly detecting
    contamination that leads to illness, more quickly tracking
    contamination to its source, and more effectively conducting root cause
    analysis of the contamination. We will also provide training to our
    State and local partners and develop a geographic information mapping
    system for faster emergency response. Finally, we will develop a
    decision-making system to detect high-risk imports before they enter
    U.S. commerce, so they can be evaluated by FDA.
        Due to the increased consumption of fresh produce and the current
    outbreaks of contamination, FDA would allocate additional funding for
    specific areas where we could expand the food safety program in order
    to promote and improve the public health. FDA has identified the
    following five critical areas as targets for future growth:
      --preventing contamination and produce safety research
      --preventing outbreaks and mitigating outbreak impact
      --monitoring antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance in bacteria
            from farm-raised aquatic animals and their environments
      --developing efficient techniques for identifying foodborne pathogens
            that cause outbreaks
      --providing additional field support for the Foods and Animal Drugs
            and Feed Programs.

                                      SALT

        Question. In 1979, the Federation of American Societies for
    Experimental Biology submitted a final report to FDA, Evaluation of the
    Health Aspects of Sodium Chloride and Potassium Chloride as Food
    Ingredients. This report reviewed the adverse biological effects of
    dietary sodium and concluded that these effects might be harmful to the
    health of a significant proportion of the public. It further concluded
    that ``it is the prevalent judgment of the scientific community that
    the consumption of sodium chloride in the aggregate should be lowered
    in the United States.''
        Since that time, additional studies have demonstrated with much
    greater certainty that diets high in sodium promote high blood
    pressure. In 2003, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's high
    blood pressure committee called for a 50-percent reduction in sodium in
    processed and restaurant foods over the next 10 years, or 5 percentage
    points a year for 10 years. In a January 2004 commentary in the
    American Journal of Public Health, the director of the National Heart,
    Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and two colleagues estimated that
    halving sodium levels in packaged and restaurant foods would save
    150,000 lives a year in the United States.
        In the early 1980s, likely based in part on the 1979 FASEB report,
    FDA agreed that a reduction in the consumption of salt would be
    beneficial, and it initiated a modest campaign of public education and
    expanded labeling provisions to encourage consumers and food
    manufacturers to use less salt. Around that time, FDA also rejected
    calls to revisit the GRAS status of salt. However, in 1984, a Federal
    district court ordered FDA to reconsider the GRAS status of salt if
    voluntary measures did not succeed in reducing salt intake.
        Per the instructions of the Federal district court in 1984, has FDA
    taken steps to reconsider the GRAS status of salt?
        Answer. In response to a 1979 review on salt by the Select
    Committee on GRAS Substances (SCOGS) of the Federation of American
    Societies for Experimental Biology, and concern about the health
    effects of salt in the U.S. diet, FDA reviewed the regulatory status of
    salt and issued Federal Register (FR) publications discussing salt's
    status in a 1982 notice (47 FR 26580; June 18, 1982) and a 1984 final
    rule (49 FR 15510; April 18, 1984). In these documents, FDA outlines
    its voluntary review of salt and the decision not to alter salt's
    status as a GRAS ingredient.
        The question references the ``instructions of the Federal district
    court in 1984.'' These instructions were contained in a court ruling
    \1\ that granted summary judgment to FDA in response to a suit filed by
    Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) seeking the court's
    review of FDA's denial of the CSPI citizen petition to reclassify salt
    as a food additive. The cited ``instructions'' were non-binding
    instructions for FDA to make a decision on the GRAS status of salt
    after it had completed its review of the effectiveness of several FDA
    initiatives for salt. FDA had concurrently completed a voluntary review
    of salt and subsequently opted not to alter its regulatory status. The
    conclusions of FDA's review that are the basis of our decision are
    documented in the 1982 and 1984 FR documents.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \1\ Center for Science in the Public Interest v. Novitch, Food,
    Drug, and Cosm. L. Rep. (CCH) 38,275 (D.D.C. June 11, 1984)
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Question. If so, what is the result of those deliberations? If not,
    why has FDA not done so?
        Answer. The results of those deliberations in the early 1980s
    regarding the GRAS status of salt ultimately led to a decision not to
    alter GRAS status (47 FR 26580, June 18, 1982; 49 FR 15510, April 18,
    1984). FDA opted instead to pursue a consumer information-based
    approach where declarations of the salt (listed on the food label as
    the sodium ion) content of foods would encourage individuals to control
    their own salt intake as well as encourage food manufacturers to limit
    the salt content of their products. FDA explained in the 1982 FR notice
    its rationale for choosing this approach. FDA cited several legal and
    regulatory issues that confounded the regulation of salt as a food
    additive. These legal and regulatory issues include the complexity of
    determining limitations of salt in foods and the complexity of the diet
    in general (i.e., changing the salt content of a particular food or
    foods may not impact a person's total intake of salt). Furthermore,
    ``prior sanctions''--sanctions or approvals of a use of a food
    ingredient that were granted by either FDA or the U.S. Department of
    Agriculture before the Food Additives Amendment to the FFDCA was
    enacted in 1958--exist for uses of salt; revocation of prior sanctions
    presents further complications.
        Question. What resources does FDA currently devote, both budget
    resources and FTSs, to sodium and sodium reduction?
        Answer. Unfortunately, the Agency's financial system does not track
    programmatic resources to this level of detail.
        Question. What would the FDA do, if it had increased resources, to
    lower sodium levels in processed and restaurant foods?
        Answer. Food label education remains a key priority for FDA. In
    2006, FDA released a web-based program, ``Make Your Calories Count,''
    to assist consumers understand and use the food label to help manage
    their calorie and nutrient intake. Sodium is one of the nutrients
    featured on the program.
        Additionally, in 2005 FDA amended its regulations concerning the
    maximum sodium levels permitted for foods that bear the implied
    nutrient content claim ``healthy.'' In this rule the agency retained
    sodium levels of 480 mg or less for all food categories, including
    individual foods, and 600 mg or less for meals and main dishes. Most of
    the comments from industry suggested that it was difficult to make
    certain products, particularly soups, which would be both palatable and
    marketable at lower levels. Many consumer groups, including Center for
    Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), supported this decision. The
    agency had concluded that going to more restrictive sodium levels could
    result in the substantial elimination of meal and main dish products
    bearing the claim ``healthy'' from the marketplace and that the
    proposed sodium levels would help consumers achieve a total diet that
    would be consistent with dietary recommendations.
        Moreover, the fiscal year 2006 CFSAN Program Priorities include
    publishing an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to solicit
    comments on updating daily values in nutrition labeling. All nutrients,
    including sodium, will be taken into consideration as part of the
    development of the ANPRM. We will be encouraging comments on this ANPRM
    from a broad range of stakeholders.
        The FDA is currently preparing for a public hearing to discuss
    issues related to FDA's regulation of salt. As part of this hearing,
    FDA will invite comment on the effectiveness of current measures and
    discuss potential initiatives aimed at reducing salt intake in the
    United States. Additional resources might be used to further any of the
    FDA efforts related to reducing sodium levels identified above.

                                   TRANS FAT

        Question. The FDA considers partially hydrogenated oil, with its
    trans fat, to be ``generally recognized as safe,'' even though the
    agency's own evaluations indicate that the ingredient is causing
    thousands of premature deaths and significant economic costs each year.
        Is there any reason that the FDA should not seek to eliminate trans
    fat, other than naturally occurring trans fat, from the food supply?
        Answer. FDA is currently evaluating this issue in its review of a
    citizen petition from the Center for Science in the Public Interest
    (CSPI), requesting that FDA revoke the ``generally recognized as safe''
    status of trans fat. In response to this petition, we have received
    comments from industry that show that revoking the ``generally
    recognized as safe'' status of trans fat is a complex issue.
        We note that when FDA affirmed partially hydrogenated oils as
    ``generally recognized as safe,'' the data on trans fats were very
    limited. Since then, additional research has shown that some trans fats
    are unhealthful. Research in this area is ongoing to determine the
    identity, levels, safety and other variables of trans fats in food.
        We are considering all options to address concerns regarding trans
    fat in foods, including those raised in the citizen petition currently
    under review. For example, one approach we have already taken is to
    give consumers the information they need to make healthier food choices
    and provide industry with an incentive to produce healthier foods. Due
    in part to FDA's trans fat labeling regulation that went into effect in
    January 2006, and FDA's education and outreach efforts, there has been
    an increase in consumer demand for trans fat-free products. Therefore,
    these activities are having a positive effect on reducing trans fat
    intake.
        Question. What steps is the FDA taking to reduce or eliminate trans
    fat in the food supply?
        Answer. The level of trans fatty acids in the diet affects risk of
    coronary heart disease. To assist consumers in choosing foods with
    lower amounts of trans fat, the FDA issued a final rule in 2003 (68 FR
    41434, July 11, 2003) that requires the amount of trans fat to be
    declared on the Nutrition Facts panel directly below the saturated fat
    line. This rule became effective January 1, 2006, for all food under
    the jurisdiction of FDA.
        Americans face a plethora of food choices in grocery stores and at
    restaurants. Our responsibility is to empower consumers to make
    informed decisions about their food selections and to encourage them to
    make changes in their diets for better health. The Nutrition Facts
    panel, along with other education campaigns, provides invaluable
    information to the consumer. At the same time, FDA's public health
    mission is to foster the development of healthier food products for
    American consumers. The requirement to declare trans fat on product
    labeling is changing consumer demand and prompting reformulation, which
    was anticipated by FDA. FDA is monitoring industry progress in
    developing and using alternative ingredients and processing techniques
    for reducing trans fat.
        At the same time that the final rule published, FDA issued an
    advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) (68 FR 41507; July 11,
    2003) to request comment on establishing trans fat nutrient content
    claims, disqualifying/disclosure levels, and a possible footnote about
    cholesterol raising lipids to help consumers make heart healthy food
    choices.
        FDA is currently reviewing a citizen petition from the Center for
    Science in the Public Interest requesting FDA to revoke the ``generally
    recognized as safe'' status of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils
    (see Docket No. 2004P-0236).
        Question. Does the FDA plan to reconsider the GRAS status of
    partially hydrogenated vegetable oil given that it contains trans fat?
        Answer. FDA is currently evaluating this issue in the review of a
    citizen petition from the Center for Science in the Public Interest,
    requesting that FDA revoke the GRAS status of trans fats.
        Question. If so, what is the result of those deliberations? If not,
    why has FDA not done so?
        Answer. There is no change in the conclusion made in the trans fat
    labeling regulation that trans fat represents a health concern. The
    trans fat information provided on food labels will enable consumers to
    make healthier food choices. As part of our ongoing review of the
    citizen petition from the Center for Science in the Public Interest,
    requesting that FDA revoke the GRAS status of trans fats, we are
    considering all available options to address concerns regarding
    consumption of trans fat. FDA plans to monitor the effect of the trans
    fat labeling regulation on consumer behavior and industry practices to
    help determine what, if any, additional action should be taken.
                                     ______

                 Questions Submitted by Senator Byron L. Dorgan

                         DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER ADVERTISING

        Question. The United States is one of only two nations that allow
    DTC advertising. The other is New Zealand. The amount of money spent on
    DTC ads has increased by 20 percent per year since 1997. In 2005, drug
    companies spent $4.2 billion on DTC ads.
        I think we have to take a hard look at whether these ads have value
    to consumers. I have seen some ads that don't even mention what the
    product does. I remember an ad for Levitra--an erectile dysfunction
    drug--that showed a man trying to throw a football through a tire
    swing. He had no luck until the word Levitra flashed on the screen. In
    the next scene, the man is being embraced by a woman.
        Do you believe this type of ad is beneficial to consumers? Should
    pharmaceutical companies be required to clearly state what the product
    is for in addition to listing the risks and benefits associated with
    the product?
        Answer. FDA believes consumer-directed advertisements can play an
    important role in advancing the public health. There are a number of
    serious medical conditions that are undertreated in the United States.
    Conditions such as diabetes, depression, hyperlipidemia, and
    hypertension, left untreated, can have devastating effects in patients.
    We believe the public health is benefited when consumer-directed
    promotion provides information that encourages patients to speak with
    their doctors and get their serious medical conditions treated. The
    benefit depends critically on the participation of the physician, who
    must devise a treatment plan, consider alternative treatments, and
    monitor the patient's response to treatment. But we believe the role of
    DTC advertising in initiating contacts is important for these serious
    conditions. The advertisement you described, which is a so-called
    ``reminder ad,'' however, contains little useful information.
        There are 2 types of product promotion for prescription drugs. The
    first type is full product promotion, which must clearly state the
    indication (approved use) of the advertised drug and must provide
    balancing risk information about the drug. In addition, any claims that
    are presented in the advertisement must be substantiated. These ads can
    remind patients to see physicians about serious illness. The second
    type is reminder promotion. Reminder advertisements are advertisements
    that call attention to the name of the drug product but do not include
    indications or dosage recommendations for use of the product, or any
    other representations or suggestions about the product. Reminder
    advertisements contain the proprietary name of the drug and the
    established name of each active ingredient. They may also contain
    additional limited information, such as the name of the company, price,
    or dosage form. These advertisements are exempt from the FDA
    regulations that require that the indication and risks of the product
    be presented. However, if a supposed reminder advertisement includes
    more information than is allowed, it is considered to be a full product
    advertisement and must include the indication and risk information or
    it is in violation of FDA regulations.
        Although reminder advertisements are legal, PhRMA has encouraged
    companies not to run reminder television advertisements to consumers
    but rather to run only full product ads. Principle #10 of PhRMA Guiding
    Principles--Direct to Consumer Advertisements About Prescription
    Medicines states ``DTC television advertising that identifies a product
    by name should clearly state the health conditions for which the
    medicine is approved and the major risks associated with the medicine
    being advertised.'' Note that these are voluntary guidelines and only
    apply to television advertisements. Below is the link to PhRMA Guiding
    Principles. http://www.phrma.org/files/DTCGuidingprinciples.pdf. The
    Agency encourages companies to follow these guidelines so that
    consumer-directed television ads provide the public with both
    indication and risk information for advertised drugs.
        Question. In fiscal year 2006, the FDA spent slightly more than $1
    million to monitor DTC ad content. A total of 8 full time staff are
    responsible for reviewing all DTC ads. Do you believe that the FDA has
    adequate resources to review DTC ad content?
        Answer. The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research devotes 13 full
    time equivalents (representing some full-time staff and portions of
    time spent by other staff). With these resources, we cannot review
    every one of the nearly 11,000 DTC promotional pieces disseminated by
    companies annually. We are proposing to recommend a program (separate
    from, but related to PDUFA IV) assessing user fees for advisory reviews
    of DTC television advertisements. These new fees would provide
    sufficient resources for FDA to hire additional staff to review
    television advisory submissions in a predictable, timely manner. FDA
    anticipates collecting $6.25 million in annual fees during the first
    year of the program to support 27 additional staff.
        Question. According to a recent GAO report, from 2004 to 2005, by
    the time the FDA acted to stop misleading ad campaigns, more than half
    of the ad campaigns had already ended. Should the FDA be required to
    approve DTC ads before they are broadcast?
        Answer. FDA does not have the legal authority to require that
    broadcast ads be approved before they are publicly used. In the event
    that FDA was given the authority to pre-approve certain ads, as noted
    in Question 3 above, it would require an increase in staff resources to
    perform this review and approval in a timely manner.

                                DRUG IMPORTATION

        Question. Do you believe that prescription drugs sold in brick and
    mortar pharmacies in Canada are safe?
        Answer. Prescription drugs sold in brick and mortar pharmacies in
    Canada are regulated by Health Canada, the Canadian Federal department
    responsible for their approval. For this reason, the Administration can
    only comment on those products that fall under FDA regulatory
    authority. FDA can only assure the safety and efficacy of products that
    have been approved for marketing in the United States.
        Question. Under current law, drug companies are free to manufacture
    prescription drugs in other countries and import them for sale in the
    United States. About one-quarter of the drugs sold in the United States
    today are made in other countries and imported to the United States for
    sale by pharmaceutical manufacturers. If importation can be deemed safe
    for manufacturers, why can't it be made safe for consumers?
        Answer. Drug companies can manufacture prescription drugs in other
    countries and import them for sale in the United States only if they
    fulfill FDA's regulatory requirements. Foreign drug establishments must
    be registered with FDA and comply with all regulations that apply to
    domestic drug establishments. This includes submission of all
    qualifying information with each drug product and being subject to
    inspections to insure the integrity of the product and the manufacture,
    process, handling, and storage of the product. It is only under these
    conditions that FDA can confirm the integrity of the product and allow
    importation of these products.
        Unapproved products pose a public safety concern since they are
    produced outside of this closed regulatory system. Unapproved products
    may include counterfeit drug products that may be making their way into
    the United States distribution system through consumers purchasing drug
    products from unregulated sources, such as the internet. Patients are
    at risk when they purchase these products from rogue websites, as it is
    uncertain whether the product they receive is genuine or counterfeit,
    contains inert or harmful ingredients, or contains sub-potent or super-
    potent amounts of the active ingredient. FDA does not have the
    resources to expand inspection capabilities to all possible sites from
    which a consumer may obtain unapproved drug products.
        The HHS Drug Importation Task Force Report issued in December 2004
    outlined the measures that would be needed to implement an importation
    program that provides adequate safeguards and resources to ensure that
    the imported drugs are safe and effective. A program that does not take
    these measures into consideration, regulated or not, would perpetuate
    the ``buyer beware'' situation that is currently occurring and
    consumers would continue to put themselves at risk for harm by
    importing unapproved drugs into the United States for personal use.
        The Task Force found that under such a system, importing drug
    products would yield minimal cost savings. Based on observations during
    a recent survey of packages intercepted at an international mail
    facility, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations suggests that cost
    savings for imported drugs is already questionable. Of over 400 drug
    products assessed, approximately 50 percent were available as United
    States approved generic drug products. Further examination revealed
    that more than 40 percent of the generic drug products were available
    through national retail pharmacy chain programs that offer generic
    prescriptions for $4 each--which is likely less than the cost of
    shipping.
        Question. Wouldn't a regulated system be safer than what is
    occurring today?
        Answer. The current system is regulated; the Food Drug and Cosmetic
    Act, or FD&C Act, gives the Secretary of HHS the authority to regulate
    drug products in the United States through FDA. Currently FDA does not
    have the resources or a regulatory mechanism to assess the safety and
    effectiveness of drug products imported into the United States outside
    of the existing closed distribution system. To effectively assess the
    safety and efficacy of these imported drug products, a new mechanism
    for the review and approval of these products would need to be created.
    This could entail creating a program similar to the generic drug
    program, which determines therapeutic equivalence of generic drug
    products. This is achieved by a thorough scientific review of
    chemistry, manufacturing and controls, clinical bioequivalence studies
    comparing the innovator product to the generic product, and labeling.
    Clinical, analytical, and manufacturing sites are subject to inspection
    by the agency. Creation of this program is impractical since it would
    require additional resources well beyond those currently available and
    allow for the approval of foreign generic products without regard to
    intellectual property protections of the innovator drug product.
        Consumers are likely to continue to purchase drug products from
    foreign or rogue websites. It is important to recognize that many who
    attempt to purchase medications from foreign sources are not doing so
    as a cost-savings measure, but are seeking to circumvent the need for a
    legitimate doctor's prescription. As a public health agency, FDA
    understands the importance of protecting the public health not only
    through regulation and enforcement, but also through education and
    collaboration. FDA's website is replete with consumer information about
    drug importation, buying drugs online, counterfeit drugs, enforcement
    activities, potential public health threats, as well as resources to
    report problems with FDA regulated products or websites that could be
    selling counterfeit or harmful products.

                         PENDING APPROVAL OF CEFQUINOME

        Question. The Washington Post recently reported that the FDA is on
    the verge of approving cefquinome for use in animals, despite a warning
    from the FDA's Veterinary Medical Advisory Committee that approving
    cefquinome for use in animals may erode the effectiveness of a related
    drug that is used to treat human infections. I understand that that FDA
    will likely approve cefquinome because of a guidance document (Guidance
    #152) that was issued in 2003. The guidance makes it hard for the FDA
    to reject any drug unless it is clear that the use of the drug in
    animals will reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics that are used to
    treat food-borne illnesses in humans. Why is the threat assessment in
    Guidance #152 limited to food-borne illnesses?
        Answer. First, we would like to clarify that Guidance 152 is
    ``guidance'' and, therefore, provides nonbinding recommendations on an
    approach for evaluating antimicrobial drugs as part of the new animal
    drug approval process. In developing this guidance, FDA obtained broad
    stakeholder input through public meetings and through publication of a
    draft document. The guidance document was first published as a draft
    for public comment in September 2002, consistent with the Agency's Good
    Guidance Practices Regulations.
        After considering public comment on the draft document, FDA issued
    a final guidance in October 2003. The guidance outlines an approach for
    conducting a qualitative risk assessment to evaluate the likelihood
    that an antimicrobial drug used to treat an animal may cause an
    antimicrobial resistance problem in humans consuming food from that
    animal. The guidance focuses on food-borne pathogens because FDA
    believes that human consumption of animal-derived foods represents the
    most significant pathway for human exposure to antimicrobial resistant
    bacteria that have emerged or been selected as a consequence of
    antimicrobial drug use in animals. Nonetheless, as stated in the
    guidance, although FDA's primary focus will be food-borne pathogens,
    other bacteria may be considered when deemed necessary. The risk
    assessment approach recommended in the guidance includes three key
    elements that are collectively considered in determining an
    antimicrobial drug's potential risk to humans if used to treat food-
    producing animals. The first is the ``release assessment,'' which
    estimates the probability that resistant bacteria will be present in
    animals as a result of the proposed use of the new antimicrobial drug.
    The second is the ``exposure assessment,'' which gauges the likelihood
    that humans would ingest the resistant bacteria from the relevant food
    product. The third is the ``consequence assessment,'' which assesses
    the probability that human exposure to the resistant bacteria would
    result in adverse human health consequences.
        The input for the ``consequence assessment'' component is based on
    a system, developed as part of the guidance, for ranking the importance
    of antimicrobial drugs in human medicine. The ranking system, included
    as Appendix A of the guidance, results in a drug being ranked as
    Important, Highly Important, or Critically Important to human medicine.
    This ranking system was developed in collaboration with physicians at
    FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), CDER's Anti-
    Infective Drugs Advisory Committee, and the Centers for Disease Control
    and Prevention (CDC). The criteria for ranking human importance
    considers factors including whether the antimicrobial (1) is used to
    treat food-borne infection; (2) is a sole therapy or one of limited
    therapies to treat serious human disease, or is an essential component
    among many antimicrobials in the treatment of human disease; (3) is
    used to treat enteric pathogens in non-food-borne disease; and (4) is a
    drug for which cross-resistance or co-resistance to other drugs is a
    concern. Therefore, the human importance ranking process and, hence the
    consequence assessment component, considers a number of relevant
    factors in addition to whether the drug is important for treating food-
    borne disease.
        Based on a consideration of the release, exposure, and consequence
    components of the assessment, the guidance outlines an approach by
    which the animal drug in question is placed into one of three risk
    categories. The guidance outlines examples of risk management steps
    that FDA may apply to an antimicrobial drug based on the risk category
    such as the level of concern to human health. These range from denying
    the approval if the drug is not shown to be safe to approving the
    application with certain restrictions on its use.
        We reiterate that the final decision regarding the safety of an
    antimicrobial drug is not driven solely by Guidance 152. Pursuant to
    the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, FDA's decision regarding
    whether to approve a new animal drug application is driven by factors
    that include (1) whether such application included adequate tests to
    determine whether or not the drug is safe, (2) whether the results of
    such tests show the drug is unsafe or do not show the drug to be safe,
    or (3) whether, based on information either in the application or
    otherwise available to FDA, there is sufficient information to
    determine that the drug is safe.
        In regard to the drug cefquinome, FDA has not made a final decision
    regarding its approval. FDA is currently reviewing the comments from
    its Veterinary Medical Advisory Committee, carefully reviewing the
    drug's assessment under Guidance 152, and considering any and all other
    information relevant to the safety of the drug.
        Question. I understand that the World Health Organization
    recommends that animal drugs should only be approved if the use of the
    drug would not result in resistance to any antibiotic that is important
    to fighting human disease. Why is the scope of the FDA standard much
    narrower?
        Answer. FDA recognizes that food-borne human exposure to
    antimicrobial resistant bacteria is complex and often involves
    contributions from other sources of exposure, for example, direct
    contact between animals and humans, introduction of resistant bacteria,
    and resistance determinants into the environment. However, FDA believes
    that evaluating antimicrobial new animal drug safety relative to the
    most significant exposure pathway, such as the food-borne pathway, is
    the best way to qualitatively assess the risk of antimicrobial drug use
    in food-producing animals. Nonetheless, as stated in Guidance 152, non-
    food-borne bacteria may be considered when deemed necessary; for
    example, uncertainties regarding the contribution of other exposure
    pathways may be considered during the development of appropriate risk
    management strategies.
        In developing criteria for ranking antimicrobial drugs with regard
    to their importance in human medicine, FDA considered broad issues
    associated with the efficacy of drugs in human medicine and factors
    influencing the development of antimicrobial resistance. Specific
    factors include the usefulness of the drug in food-borne infections,
    the types of infections treated, the availability of alternative
    therapies, the uniqueness of the mechanism of action, and the ease with
    which resistance develops and is transferred between organisms.
        The World Health Organization (WHO) has also developed a system for
    ranking antimicrobial drugs with regard to their importance to human
    medicine. However, the WHO approach differs somewhat than the approach
    adopted by FDA. WHO determines the critical nature of an antimicrobial
    drug based on its use as the sole therapy or one of few alternatives to
    treat serious human disease, and on its use to treat diseases caused by
    organisms that may be transmitted via non-human sources or diseases
    caused by organisms that may acquire resistance genes from non-human
    sources. WHO is looking broadly at diseases worldwide that may not be
    present in the United States.
        As mentioned previously, FDA believes that human consumption of
    animal-derived foods represents the most significant pathway for human
    exposure to antimicrobial resistant bacteria that have emerged or been
    selected as a consequence of antimicrobial drug use in animals.
        Question. Should the burden be on the drug companies to prove that
    using a drug to treat animals poses no risks to human health?
        Answer. Drug companies are required to submit as part of a new
    animal drug application (NADA) full reports of adequate tests by all
    methods reasonably applicable to show whether or not the new animal
    drug is safe and effective. For animal drugs intended for use in food-
    producing species, this requirement includes safety with regard to
    human health.
        FDA does not normally do the actual testing, but rather evaluates
    the results of testing that is submitted as a component of an NADA. In
    the case of NADAs for antimicrobial drugs intended for food-producing
    animals, FDA's Guidance 152 provides recommendations to industry on an
    approach for evaluating safety concerns related to antimicrobial
    resistance. FDA considers an antimicrobial new animal drug to be
    ``safe'' with regard to human health if it concludes that there is
    reasonable certainty of no harm to human health from the proposed use
    of the drug in food-producing animals.
                                     ______

                Questions Submitted by Senator Richard J. Durbin

                              DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

        Question. Late last year, Congress enacted a law that requires
    manufacturers of dietary supplements to report serious adverse events
    that result from the use of their products. The supplement ephedra
    caused seizures and strokes and the loss of over 150 lives before it
    was finally taken off the market. The new law will provide an important
    early warning system and is a first step in addressing safety concerns
    with supplements. Have you developed a timeline for developing
    regulations? What resources will the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
    need to implement the law?
        Answer. The Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer
    Protection Act requires by December 22, 2007, that the labels of
    dietary supplements include a domestic address or phone number which
    persons can use to submit adverse event reports (AERs) to the
    manufacturer, packer, or distributor of the product, and declares
    dietary supplements misbranded if they are labeled on or after this
    date without this information. In addition, the firm whose name and
    address appears on the supplement label must submit to FDA any serious
    adverse event reports associated with the use of the supplement within
    15 business days of receiving the report. Any new medical information
    received within a year of the initial report must also be submitted to
    the Secretary within 15 days of receipt. The reporting and labeling
    requirements for industry are self-implementing.
        The new law directs FDA to issue guidance by September 18, 2007, on
    the minimum data elements that should be included in a serious adverse
    event report for a dietary supplement, and to develop systems to
    consolidate duplicate reports of, and new medical information related
    to, a serious adverse event into a single AER. Before issuing final
    guidance on the minimum data elements that should be included in a
    serious adverse event report for a dietary supplement, CFSAN intends to
    publish draft guidance and solicit comments from the public, in
    accordance with FDA's good guidance practice regulations. CFSAN already
    has processes in place to consolidate duplicate AERs and new medical
    information on existing AERs so that all information about a given
    adverse event appears in a single report, as required by the new law.
        With respect to resources for Public Law 109-462, no funding for
    implementation was provided in the fiscal year 2007 appropriation and
    no funding was requested in the President's fiscal year 2008 budget.
        Currently, the agency has been performing tasks that will
    contribute to the full implementation of the new law. For example, FDA
    performed a gap analysis between the FDA 3500A MedWatch form and the
    capabilities of the current CFSAN Adverse Events Reporting System
    (CAERS). This analysis shows that CAERS needs software modifications to
    receive fields on the 3500A MedWatch form.
        In addition, the agency is planning the additional work activities
    needed to fully implement the law. These work activities will include
    developing several business processes, making significant Information
    Technology (IT) improvements to the existing CAERS, and modifying
    contracts providing records management and IT support. To accommodate
    the significant adverse event reports expected to result from mandatory
    reporting, CFSAN plans to modify CAERS to accept AERs electronically
    via the MedWatch Plus initiative, which will include modifications to
    accommodate dietary supplements.

                              ADVISORY COMMITTEES

        Question. The credibility of FDA's decisions is seriously
    undermined when its advisory committee members have financial ties to
    the industries whose products they are reviewing. I think the FDA has
    too readily granted waivers to existing conflict of interest laws. In
    July, FDA announced a plan to strengthen the advisory committee
    process. And in January, as part of its response to drug safety
    recommendations from the Institute of Medicine, FDA said it would issue
    three guidances on advisory committees in 2007. Can you tell me what
    issues FDA is looking at and when we can expect to see those guidances?
        Answer. FDA has been engaged in a high level review of our advisory
    committee processes. We are committed to making the FDA advisory
    committee process even stronger and better understood so that the
    public has confidence in the integrity of advisory committee
    recommendations. Our goals are to increase the consistency,
    predictability, and transparency of the process. As part of our efforts
    to improve advisory committee processes, we announced that we would
    develop three new guidance documents in furtherance of these goals. One
    of these guidances has already gone on display at the Federal Register,
    and we plan to issue the other two in the near future. The first
    guidance will help ensure that briefing materials prepared for advisory
    committee members are made available to the public and will assist
    sponsors and others in preparing and submitting such briefing materials
    to FDA. The second draft guidance will provide guidelines for reviewing
    conflicts of interest and determining who may participate in FDA
    advisory committee meetings. This draft guidance will also simplify the
    process for determining who may participate in advisory committee
    meetings and will recommend a consistent and predictable decision-
    making process for all FDA advisory committees. FDA's third draft
    guidance document on disclosure of conflicts of interest and waivers
    for advisory committee members will bring increased transparency to
    FDA's waiver process by making additional information about waivers and
    members' conflicts of interest available on FDA's website.

                                  FOOD SAFETY

        Question. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently
    designated food safety as one of the high risk Federal Government
    programs. In addition to the GAO's report, the spinach and Taco Bell E.
    coli outbreaks last year and the recent outbreak of salmonella in
    peanut butter underscore the need for increased food inspections.
        Although FDA's overall funding has been steadily increasing since
    2001, the budget for FDA's core functions, including the Center for
    Food Safety and Applied Nutrition has been slowly eroding since 2002.
    FDA regulates 80 percent of the food supply. According to FDA, staffing
    is the main barometer of FDA resources. The total staff is not
    increasing even though the workload continues to increase. What is FDA
    doing to ensure that the incidence of food-borne illnesses decreases?
    Does FDA have any plans to increase the number of food inspectors on
    its staff?
        Answer. FDA uses a risk-based approach to allocate available
    resources. When outbreaks occur FDA moves resources to address the
    immediate need to protect public health. Since 1998, FDA has increased
    efforts toward minimizing food safety hazards associated with fresh
    produce. For example, we have been and are working with industry as it
    develops commodity-specific safety guidelines for a number of fresh
    produce products, including lettuce and leafy greens, melons, and
    tomatoes; food safety guidelines for green onions and herbs are being
    drafted. We also recently issued the draft final guidance for fresh-cut
    produce. We are holding public meetings to allow us to gather comments,
    data, and other useful scientific information about current
    agricultural and manufacturing practices, risk factors for
    contamination of fresh produce, and possible steps we can take to
    enhance the safety of fresh produce. In addition, FDA launched a multi-
    year Leafy Greens Safety Initiative with assessment, research and
    communication components. This Initiative is a collaboration between
    FDA, the California Department of Health Services and the California
    Department of Food and Agriculture, intended to reduce public health
    risks by proactively focusing on the product, agents, and areas of
    greatest concern in advance of an outbreak. We are looking at using
    this Initiative as a model for other commodities, such as tomatoes.
        For fiscal year 2008 we have requested a total of $10.6 million for
    additional food safety activities. We consider this amount as an
    initial deposit on the many activities that are necessary to continue
    our campaign for improved food safety. Funds will be used to begin to
    address the lifecycle of produce production; to develop better methods
    to detect and attribute foodborne illness outbreaks, to increase
    sampling and traceback capabilities; to develop and update guidance to
    prevent and reduce outbreaks; to obtain additional expertise in the
    production and processing of fresh produce; and to enhance our response
    to foodborne outbreaks.
        The $5.5 million that the Office of Regulatory (ORA) requested as
    part of the Strengthening Food Safety Initiative in the fiscal year
    2008 President's Budget request will not result in an increased number
    of food safety inspections. Funding will be used to enhance ORA's
    ability to more rapidly trace back foodborne disease outbreaks and to
    work proactively to encourage growers and processors to implement good
    agricultural practices and other interventions designed to prevent
    contamination of food. ORA will develop, train, and equip teams to work
    with State partners in large produce-growing regions. Funding will also
    be used to accelerate development of an import decision-making IT
    system capable of detecting high-risk food shipments before they enter
    U.S. commerce. While FDA already has systems that are used to identify
    and target certain high-risk import shipments, the new system will
    increase current capabilities by providing for automated review and
    trending of the results of field examinations and analyses of samples,
    identifying candidates for detention without physical examination; it
    will score each entry line on the basis of risk factors and
    surveillance requirements, for an automated, real-time decision on
    action to be taken; and, it will incorporate exogenous data with
    available FDA operational data to create a broader picture for each
    shipment.
                                     ______

                    Questions Submitted by Senator Jack Reed

                              SUNSCREEN MONOGRAPHS

        Question. The FDA Reform Act of 1997 directed your agency to
    complete a sunscreen monograph, which will guide UVA and UVB labeling
    information for over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen products. The fiscal
    year 2006 Agriculture Appropriations conference report again included
    language directing the FDA to complete the sunscreen monograph, within
    6 months of passage of the agriculture appropriations bill. That bill
    was signed into law on November 10, 2005. The FDA began drafting this
    monograph for sunscreen products in 1978 and has yet to complete it.
    Meanwhile, another summer season is approaching and millions of
    consumers will again use sunscreen products that provide half the
    protection. As you know, around 60,000 people worldwide die each year
    from skin cancer caused by too much sun exposure.
        Why is the FDA unable to complete this monograph despite repeated
    requests from Congress, the public health community, and health care
    providers?
        Answer. Revisions to the stayed final sunscreen monograph that
    address the issue of measuring protection against UVA rays, including
    UVA and UVB labeling requirements, involve the resolution of complex
    scientific and legal issues, both of which have contributed to this
    lengthy process.
        Question. What is the status of the monograph and how much longer
    can we expect to wait before a final monograph will be available?
        Answer. On May 12, 1993, FDA published a tentative final monograph
    (TFM) that included UVB testing and labeling requirements. On May 21,
    1999, FDA published a final monograph (FM) for OTC sunscreen drug
    products. The FM included UVB testing and labeling requirements, but
    deferred UVA testing and labeling requirements to a future publication.
    On December 31, 2001, FDA stayed the December 31, 2002, effective date
    of the FM to develop a comprehensive monograph that addresses
    formulation, labeling and testing requirements for both UVB and UVA
    radiation protection. The proposed rule that addresses formulation,
    labeling and testing requirements for both UVB and UVA radiation
    protection has been written and is in final FDA clearance.
        Question. Once the final monograph is completed, how much longer
    will it take for skin screen manufacturers and makers of skin care
    products that include sunscreen to adopt necessary changes to their
    products?
        Answer. FDA cannot provide an exact time estimate, but the agency
    is aware there are many factors involved for manufacturers to implement
    necessary changes to their products, such as the seasonal nature of the
    sunscreen industry, time required for product testing and relabeling
    and economic impact considerations for the industry and consumers. All
    of these factors affect the speed with which changes can be made to
    products and how quickly the products reach the market.
        Question. As the former Director of the National Cancer Institute,
    could you talk about the potential health impact of excess exposure to
    UVA rays?
        Answer. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a part of sunlight that is an
    invisible form of radiation. UV rays can penetrate and change the
    structure of skin cells. UVA is the most abundant source of solar
    radiation at the earth's surface and penetrates beyond the top layer of
    human skin. Scientists believe that UVA radiation can cause damage to
    connective tissue and increase a person's risk for developing skin
    cancer. UV exposure appears to be the most important environmental
    factor in the development of skin cancer. A person's risk of skin
    cancer is related to lifetime exposure to UV radiation. Most skin
    cancer appears after age 50, but the sun damages the skin from an early
    age.
        Skin cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in the United
    States. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most
    common forms of skin cancer, but are easier to cure than melanoma. The
    number of new cases of skin cancer appears to be increasing each year.
        It is important to decrease UV exposure by limiting time in the
    sun, wearing protective clothing, and using a sunscreen.
                                     ______

                Questions Submitted by Senator Robert F. Bennett

                               COUNTERFEIT DRUGS

        Question. Dr. von Eschenbach, earlier this month, FDA notified
    consumers that a number of Americans who had placed orders over the
    internet for common prescription drugs instead received a product that
    contained a very powerful anti-psychotic drug. As a result of taking
    these fake products, consumers had to seek emergency medical treatment
    for symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, muscle spasms and muscle
    stiffness. FDA warned consumers not to purchase prescription drugs off
    the internet unless they were certain that the internet sites were
    legitimate pharmacy sites.
        In your opinion, how prevalent are counterfeit drugs in the United
    States?
        Answer. We believe that in the United States, counterfeit drugs are
    quite rare. By all accounts, the overwhelming majority of prescription
    drugs sold in the United States are genuine, FDA-approved drug
    products. While we have no direct quantitative evidence about the
    prevalence of counterfeit drugs, we believe that counterfeit drugs
    represent significantly less than 1 percent of the total U.S. drug
    supply.
        Question. Please explain the steps FDA is taking to find and
    prosecute counterfeit drug manufacturers.
        Answer. The FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, OCI, actively
    elicits and receives information from many entities to identify
    counterfeit drug sources, including industry, the public and other
    domestic law enforcement agencies. OCI also coordinates counterfeit
    drug investigations with several foreign counterparts, especially those
    in China, Israel, the Netherlands, and Canada, to enhance criminal
    investigations. These efforts continue to produce positive outcomes for
    both OCI and its foreign counterparts. OCI will continue to
    aggressively pursue counterfeit drug investigations with law
    enforcement partners in foreign countries as well as with Federal,
    State, and local law enforcement here in the United States.
        As an example, in September 2006, an individual from China was
    arrested by officers of the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department
    based on a Federal arrest warrant issued by the U.S. District Court for
    the District of Colorado. The defendant was arrested in Hong Kong after
    meeting with an undercover OCI agent who posed as a buyer of over
    400,000 counterfeit Cialis and Viagra tablets. This investigation
    also involved the sale of several thousand counterfeit Tamiflu
    capsules that were manufactured in China and shipped to the United
    States. Information developed by OCI and Immigration and Customs
    Enforcement, or ICE, was shared with Chinese authorities had already
    led to the August 2006 arrests of four individuals in China. In
    addition to the arrest in Hong Kong, three other defendants in the
    United States have pled guilty to counterfeit drug charges.
    Furthermore, information developed during this joint OCI, ICE
    counterfeit drug investigation was the basis for another counterfeit
    Percocet investigation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania which resulted in
    a sentence of 32 months incarceration for the defendant.
        Question. Since many counterfeit products come from other
    countries, does FDA receive adequate assistance from foreign
    governments to find and prosecute drug counterfeiters?
        Answer. The adequacy of assistance the Office of Criminal
    Investigations, or OCI, receives from foreign governments depends on
    the respective governments involved. OCI has had success with foreign
    governments regarding counterfeit drug investigations, but increased
    cooperation, collaboration, and strengthening of relationships with
    foreign governments would lead to enhanced identification and
    prosecution of counterfeit drug operations. Our success is limited
    because OCI does not have a foreign presence in countries such as China
    and therefore, OCI must leverage its resources with other agencies such
    as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE and the Drug
    Enforcement Administration or DEA, which do have a presence in other
    countries.
        In another example of assistance OCI receives from foreign
    governments, an individual from the State of Washington was indicted
    and arrested in September 2005 for his involvement in the importation
    from China and subsequent distribution of counterfeit drugs, including
    Viagra, Cialis and Lipitor. The defendant pled guilty to
    distributing counterfeit drugs and was sentenced in October 2006 to 10
    months of incarceration. In this joint OCI and ICE investigation,
    cooperation was sought and received from the Chinese government. As a
    result of this cooperation, the Chinese authorities arrested eleven
    individuals in China and recovered significant amounts of counterfeit
    drugs and counterfeit drug packaging.

                                 FDA PAY COSTS

        Question. During user fee negotiations this year, FDA and industry
    agreed that annual inflation for pay and benefit costs is approximately
    5.8 percent. This calculation was based on a moving 5-year average.
    However, the budget request includes only a 3.0 percent increase for
    pay costs.
        Why does the budget request not include the total amount for pay?
        Answer. In the fiscal year 2008 President's Budget FDA requested an
    increase of $21.77 million for the 3 percent mandated cost-of-living
    increase for employees, which is in concurrence with the
    Administration's policy. Funding the annual pay increase enables FDA to
    perform its public health mission.
        Question. What is the rationale for shortchanging basic
    inflationary costs in the budget?
        Answer. In the fiscal year 2008 President's Budget FDA requested an
    increase of $21.77 million for the 3 percent mandated cost-of-living
    increase for employees, which is in concurrence with the
    Administration's policy. Funding the annual pay increase enables FDA to
    perform its public health mission.
        Question. How do pay shortfalls affect the ability of FDA to
    utilize initiative increases, such as food safety or drug safety, to
    the fullest extent?
        Answer. In the fiscal year 2008 President's Budget FDA requested an
    increase of $21.77 million for the 3 percent mandated cost-of-living
    increase for employees, which is in concurrence with the
    Administration's policy.
        Funding the annual pay increase enables FDA to perform its public
    health mission. Without these funds, FDA must reduce the number of
    inspectors, medical and consumer safety officers, food safety
    technologists, medical product reviewers, postmarket safety experts,
    and other public health experts to meet higher payroll obligations.
    These workforce reductions would limit FDA's ability to safeguard the
    American public.
        Question. How does under-budgeting for pay affect FDA staffing and
    future budget requests?
        Answer. In the fiscal year 2008 President's Budget FDA requested an
    increase of $21.77 million for the 3 percent mandated cost-of-living
    increase for employees, which is in concurrence with the
    Administration's policy.
        Funding the annual pay increase enables FDA to perform its public
    health mission. Without these funds, FDA must reduce the number of
    inspectors, medical and consumer safety officers, food safety
    technologists, medical product reviewers, postmarket safety experts,
    and other public health experts to meet higher payroll obligations.
    These workforce reductions would limit FDA's ability to safeguard the
    American public.

                    GENERIC DRUG REVIEW FISCAL 2007 FUNDING

        Question. The fiscal 2007 joint resolution provided an increase of
    $5 million for the Office of Generic Drugs.
        How does FDA plan to use this funding and how will generic drug
    review performance be enhanced as a result of the additional funding?
        Answer. The $5 million increase to the office of generic drugs in
    fiscal year 2007 will allow FDA to help make up for lost performance,
    due to the loss of 10 FTE under the continuing resolution. The Center
    for Drug Evaluation and Research, or CDER, currently is recruiting to
    backfill these lost positions. In fiscal year 2008 this $5 million
    increase is expected to yield an additional 10 approvals a month, once
    all of the reviewers have been hired and trained to conduct reviews.
    FDA expects that it will take at least 1 year to recruit and train
    staff for the Office of Generic Drugs.
        Question. What is the current backlog for generic drug
    applications?
        Answer. There is currently a backlog of about 1,300 original
    generic applications as of the end of February 2007.

                      FDA ALLIANCE REQUEST FOR FDA FUNDING

        Question. Dr. von Eschenbach, a couple groups, the FDA Alliance and
    the Coalition for a Stronger FDA, have been lobbying for more money for
    FDA. They estimate that Congress needs to add $250 million in non-user
    fee funding this year to effectively fund FDA's needs. This estimate is
    obviously well above the budget request for FDA.
        Are you aware of their analysis of FDA funding needs?
        Answer. We have read accounts of their analysis that has been
    reported in the press.
        Question. What do you think about their suggestion that FDA needs
    an increase of $250 million this year?
        Answer. This is an amount that greatly exceeds the President's
    budget request.

                         PROPOSED GENERIC DRUG USER FEE

        Question. The budget request includes a proposal to implement a
    generic drug user fee in fiscal 2008. According to FDA's calculations,
    the fee will generate $15.7 million in the first year.
        Has industry been receptive to this fee proposal?
        Answer. We are currently exploring with industry the possibility of
    user fees for generic drugs.

                        PROPOSED RE-INSPECTION USER FEE

        Question. For the second year, FDA is proposing a re-inspection
    user fee, which will require manufacturers to pay for the full cost of
    follow-up inspections when FDA must revisit facilities because of
    initial bad inspection reports. FDA plans to collect $23.2 million in
    fiscal 2008 as a result of this fee.
        Please explain for what services these fees are intended to be
    collected.
        Answer. When FDA finds that a firm fails to comply with applicable
    FDA law, then FDA may take various regulatory actions to ensure the
    firm's compliance. Often, the firm's voluntary corrective action can
    address these compliance failures and thus preclude the need for FDA
    initiating any regulatory action. In other cases, agency regulatory
    action will mean that the firm can no longer market some or all of its
    products. For example, in some cases FDA will not grant export
    certificates, approve product applications, or award government
    contracts because of the firm's compliance status. If a firm undertakes
    corrective action to achieve compliance, FDA will verify the
    appropriateness and completeness of the corrective action. For the firm
    to satisfy FDA's concerns and, if regulatory action was taken, to
    resume its full ability to market products, FDA must reinspect the firm
    to confirm compliance.
        When a firm believes it has corrected its noncompliance and
    addressed FDA's concerns, the timely reinspection by FDA to evaluate
    such compliance benefits the firm by allowing a quicker resolution of
    these compliance questions and, where applicable, allowing the firm to
    resume its full ability to market products.
        These user fees will permit FDA to act in a timely manner to ensure
    that noncompliant firms have taken appropriate corrective action and to
    facilitate the return of compliant firms to full marketing. Some of the
    activities that FDA performs in conducting reinspections include the
    scheduling and preparatory reinspection work by the FDA investigator,
    the reinspection itself, collecting and analyzing samples, preparing
    reports on the inspection, review and analysis by compliance officers,
    consulting with experts, and travel and administrative time.
        Question. How does FDA determine the costs that each facility must
    pay for re-inspection?
        Answer. The Office of Regulatory Affairs determined the costs that
    each facility must pay for re-inspections based on the number of
    violative inspections in fiscal year 2006; the average length of time
    performing those inspections; and, the average cost of each Office of
    Regulatory Affairs FTE.
        Question. Would FDA charge small or start-up companies differently
    than larger, more established companies?
        Answer. The Secretary of Health and Human Services will establish
    reinspection fees to be collected based on the Secretary's estimate of
    the cost to conduct reinspections for a particular year. The
    legislation submitted to the Congress in fiscal year 2007 for this
    proposal allows the Secretary to provide for waivers, reductions, or
    other adjustment of fees based on financial hardship or other
    circumstances as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
        Question. Has industry been receptive to this fee proposal?
        Answer. We are currently exploring with industry the possibility of
    user fees for resinspections.

                            USER FEE REAUTHORIZATION

        Question. FDA is currently in the process of renegotiating the user
    fee agreements for prescription drugs and medical devices. These two
    user fee programs are crucial to maintaining FDA review times and bring
    in almost $400 million in revenue annually.
        Please provide us with an update on the progress FDA and industry
    are making toward reauthorizing these programs.
        Answer. On March 23, 2007, the Secretary transmitted to key House
    and Senate authorizing committees the HHS/FDA recommendations for
    changes to the statute and to the performance commitment letter for the
    Prescription Drug User Fee Act IV, or PDUFA IV. These recommendations
    reflected the results of FDA's discussions with the pharmaceutical and
    biotechnology industry, which concluded in November 2006, and further
    revisions to the commitment letter based on public input received in
    response to the January 16, 2007 Federal Register notice publishing
    FDA's proposed recommendations, and received at the PDUFA IV public
    meeting FDA held on February 16, 2007. FDA's recommended changes to the
    statute and commitment letter are currently being reviewed by the
    Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, or HELP, Committee staff
    and House Energy and Commerce Committee staff.
        FDA and the medical device industry have been discussing
    legislative recommendations for the Medical Devices User Fee and
    Modernization Act, or MDUFMA, reauthorization since the fall of 2005.
    Almost all issues of interest to FDA and to industry have been
    resolved. We are working to resolve the outstanding issues very
    quickly.

                              PANDEMIC INFLUENZA

        Question. In the fiscal 2006 supplemental, we provided $20 million
    for pandemic influenza preparedness. This funding was continued in the
    fiscal 2007 joint resolution.
        What has FDA accomplished with this funding?
        Answer. FDA reports the following 12 activities have been
    accomplished with the funding:
      --engaged in efforts to build and enhance our infrastructure to
            support new vaccine development and licensure for pandemic
            influenza, hired 75 employees with expertise in essential
            clinical, product safety, and manufacturing areas; initiated
            contracts to ensure facilities have needed surge capacity and
            being prepared to handle viruses at the Biosafety Level 3,
            which include laboratories critical for vaccine testing
      --approved another influenza vaccine under the new accelerated
            approval pathway, giving consumers five FDA-licensed influenza
            vaccines
      --approved 35 influenza vaccine BLA supplements, which contribute to
            capacity building for seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines
      --involved in activities to determine the potency of vaccines against
            a pandemic strain, develop tests and assays to ensure safety of
            cell cultures used to manufacture vaccines, and explore
            requirements to prepare libraries of pandemic influenza viral
            strains, so the strains are available for manufacturing
            vaccines
      --published two draft guidance documents outlining approaches that
            influenza vaccine developers can follow to ensure the safety
            and effectiveness of new vaccines
      --developed a Lot Release Information Technology System to support
            testing and release of vaccines to ensure safety and
            effectiveness
      --hosted a meeting with foreign regulatory authorities to discuss
            harmonizing regulatory pathways for pandemic influenza vaccines
      --participated in meetings on issues such as existing and ``next
            generation'' vaccine production technologies, current Good
            Manufacturing Practices and research needs, and participated in
            a public-private working group to develop guidelines to assure
            the public of the safety of the food supply during an outbreak
            in animals
      --provided technical assistance to support HHS decision making on the
            mix of antiviral medications to include in the Strategic
            National Stockpile
      --served as technical advisor to HHS and others on FDA regulation of
            masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) and
            workplace guidance on the use of PPE during an influenza
            pandemic
      --conducted investigations and covert surveillance operations to
            detect counterfeit, impure, contaminated, sub-potent, or super-
            potent products that claim to prevent or treat seasonal or
            pandemic influenza
      --issued 41 warning letters to internet sellers of unproven bird flu
            cures and preventatives.
        Question. How many pandemic influenza products have been approved?
        Answer. With the funding associated with the $20 million
    supplemental funding CBER has approved one influenza vaccine biologics
    license application, or BLA, Flulaval, which was a priority review, and
    35 influenza vaccine BLA supplements, which contribute to capacity
    building for seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines. In this same
    time frame, CBER held 28 meetings with influenza vaccine manufacturers
    and received and reviewed 21 investigational new drug applications, or
    INDs, for influenza vaccines.
        In October 2006, CBER received the first U.S. BLA for a vaccine
    against H5N1 influenza virus. FDA also designated this application as a
    priority review, which means that FDA will take an action on the
    application within 6 months of receiving it. In February 2007, CBER
    presented this application to the Vaccines and Related Biological
    Products Advisory Committee to obtain the Committee's input regarding
    the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. The action due date for
    this H5N1 vaccine is April 17, 2007. If approved, this will be the
    first vaccine approved for H5N1, a potential pandemic influenza strain.
        FDA has also approved other pandemic influenza products with base
    funding used in both CDER and CDRH. There are four antiviral drugs
    currently approved by CDER at FDA to treat acute, uncomplicated
    influenza. Two related drugs, amantadine (approved 1966; Trade Name
    Symmetrel, also available as generic Amantadine Hydrochloride) and
    rimantadine (approved 1993; Trade Name Flumadine, also available as
    generic Rimantadine Hydrochloride), are approved for treatment and
    prevention of influenza A; however, many recent influenza viruses are
    resistant to these drugs, seriously limiting their usefulness. Two
    newer drugs, zanamivir (approved 1999; Trade Name Relenza; no approved
    generics) and oseltamivir phosphate (approved 1999; Trade Name Tamiflu;
    no approved generics), are approved for treatment of acute
    uncomplicated illness due to influenza A and B. Both zanamivir and
    oseltamivir are approved for preventive use.
        CDRH approved a diagnostic device for the detection of novel
    influenza (H5N1) which is directly related the Pandemic Influenza. This
    product is called the Influenza A/H5 (Asian lineage) Virus Real-time
    RT-PCR Primer and Probe Set. The test provides preliminary results on
    suspected H5 influenza samples within four hours once a sample arrives
    at the lab and testing begins. Previous testing technology would
    require at least 2 to 3 days to render results. If the presence of the
    H5 strain is identified, then further testing is conducted to identify
    the specific H5 subtype (e.g., H5N1).
        There are a number of devices regulated by FDA that would be in
    increased demand in a pandemic. Examples include devices such as
    ventilators, bacterial filters for breathing circuits, resuscitators,
    infusion pumps, IV administration sets, vaccination needles, surgical
    masks, surgical respirators, gloves and gowns. None of these is
    specifically cleared for use in a pandemic, but carry more general
    labeling claims. CDRH assessed types, number and the increase in
    submissions for cleared products in increased demand during a pandemic.
    CDRH observed an increase in the number of clearances from an average
    of 0.5 respirators per year prior to October 1 2005 to an average of
    5.6 respirators per year between October 1, 2005 and February 27,
    2007--for a total of 8 respirators cleared in the latter time period.

                           RESEARCH REDUCTIONS TO BSE

        Question. Dr. von Eschenbach, the budget request includes a
    proposal to reduce research by $3.8 million. According to the budget
    request, one area where FDA plans to reduce research is on prohibited
    materials in animal feed.
         Why is FDA reducing funding for this research, especially when it
    is so critical to FDA's role in reducing the risk that cattle will
    contract mad cow disease?
        Answer. The Center for Veterinary Medicine, or CVM, completed
    development of a real-time Polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, based
    method. Once field validation of the real-time method is completed, the
    field has a necessary tool to support enforcement of the feed ban.
    Companies are not marketing new rapid test kits for detecting
    prohibited proteins in animal feeds; therefore, CVM does not have
    additional test kits to evaluate.
        The Office of Regulatory Affairs, or ORA, intends to absorb the
    reduction of $593,000 in the Animal Drugs and Feeds Program by reducing
    both personnel and operating funds for coordination activities in
    either the ORA Office of Enforcement; ORA Headquarters; or Compliance
    Officers and Public Affairs Specialists located in the Region and
    District Offices. Operating fund reductions will be taken in travel,
    training and meetings with State or industry officials to perform
    outreach activities in support of the Field Animal Drugs and Feed
    Program. Management and coordination functions will continue by using
    electronic media/technology and realigning and consolidating
    coordination responsibilities to improve efficiencies.
        The research reduction allows CVM and ORA to fund the full cost of
    fiscal year 2008 priority initiatives.
             medical device user fee and modernization act (mdufma)
        Question. I have paid close attention to the Medical Device User
    Fee and Modernization Act (MDUFMA) review program, and this
    subcommittee has provided substantial appropriated dollars for the
    review of medical devices.
        How is FDA doing in regards to meeting the performance goals
    associated with the user fee program with the user fee and appropriated
    funding it has received to date?
        Answer. FDA has made excellent progress towards meeting the Medical
    Device User Fee and Modernization Act's, or MDUFMA, complex and
    demanding performance goals, and particularly so for the decision goals
    that both FDA and industry regard as the key indicators of performance.
    We review our performance at the end of each quarter, and I am
    providing a table for the record that summarizes total FDA progress on
    each goal through December 31, 2006. As soon as we have prepared
    similar information for the quarter that ends March 31, 2007, I will
    send you an updated table.
        Let me cite just three examples of our progress in meeting MDUFMA's
    performance goals from fiscal year 2003 through the end of 2006. For
    premarket approval applications and panel-track PMA supplements, we
    made 169 ``FDA decisions'' during that period, and we made 94.7 percent
    of those decisions within our target of 320 days. For 180-day PMA
    supplements, we made 532 ``FDA decisions'' and we made 95.7 percent of
    those decisions within 180 days. And for 510(k) premarket
    notifications, we made 13,670 decisions, and we made 86.1 percent of
    these decisions within 90 days.
        I believe the performance we have achieved to date clearly
    demonstrates FDA's strong commitment to pursuing and meeting MDUFMA's
    performance goals. The proposals FDA and industry have developed to
    reauthorize medical device user fees for fiscal years 2008 through 2012
    build on the progress we have made, and include a refined set of
    performance goals that provide a clear pathway to further improvements
    in our review of medical devices.
        [The information follows:]

                                             QUARTERLY REPORT ON PROGRESS TOWARDS ACHIEVING MDUFMA PERFORMANCE GOALS
                                                                         Summary Tables
                                                        [Actions through December 31, 2006--Data for FDA]
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  Performance Goals and Actual Performance to Date
                                                      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Fiscal Year 2003  Fiscal Year 2004  Fiscal Year 2005  Fiscal Year 2006  Fiscal Year 2007    Overall,
                 Activity                Review Time  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fiscal Year
                                            Goal                                                                                                   2003 to
                                                         Goal    Actual    Goal    Actual    Goal    Actual    Goal    Actual    Goal    Actual      Date
                                                       Percent  Percent  Percent  Percent  Percent  Percent  Percent  Percent  Percent  Percent    (Actual)
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    VIAs, Panel-Track: Supplements,
     Premarket Reports:
        FDA decision (approval,              320 days  .......     91.7  .......     91.7  .......     97.9       80      100       90  .......         94.7
         approvable,
         approvablepending GMP
         inspection, not approvable,
         denial).....................
        First action--major                  150 days  .......     84.6  .......     82.1       75     91.9       80     92.9       90      100         87.5
         deficiency letter...........
        First action-all other first         180 days  .......     95.8  .......       95       75       90       80     90.5       90  .......         92.9
         actions
         (approval,approvable,
         approvable pending GMP
         inspection,not approvable,
         or denial)..................
        Second or later action--major        120 days  .......      100  .......      100       75     70.6       80      100       90  .......         81.5
         deficiency letter...........
        Action on an amendment               180 days  .......      92.  .......     88.9       75     90.2       80       90       90  .......         90.3
         containing a
         completeresponse to a major
         deficiency or not approvable
         letter......................
        Action on an amendment                30 days       90     33.3       90  .......       90       70       90  .......       90  .......         44.4
         containing a complete
         response to an approvable
         letter......................
    Expedited PMAs:
        FDA decision (approval,              300 days  .......      100  .......     92.3       70       50       80  .......       90  .......           85
         approvable, approvable
         pending GMP inspection, not
         approvable, denial).........
        First action major deficiency        120 days  .......      100  .......       80       70       80       80  .......       90  .......         82.4
         letter......................
        First action--all other first        170 days  .......      100  .......     25.0       70      100       80      100       90  .......         57.1
         actions (approval,
         approvable, approvable
         pending GMP inspection, not
         approvable, or denial)......
        Second or later action--major        100 days  .......  .......  .......  .......       70      100       80  .......       90  .......           50
         deficiency letter...........
        Action on an amendment               170 days  .......      100  .......     62.5       70      100       80  .......       90  .......           80
         containing a
         completeresponse to a major
         deficiency or not approvable
         letter......................
        Action on an amendment                30 days       90      100       90       50       90  .......       90  .......       90  .......         66.7
         containing a complete
         response to an approvable
         letter......................
    180-day PMA Supplements:
        FDA decision (approval,              180 days  .......     94.1  .......     96.2       80       95       80     98.3       90      100         95.7
         approvable, approvable
         pending GMP inspection, not
         approvable, denial).........
        First action--not approvable         120 days  .......     18.8  .......     83.7       80       90       85     81.1       90  .......         71.1
         letter......................
        First action--all other first        180 days  .......     95.3  .......     96.8       80     98.4       85     98.9       90      100         96.9
         actions (approval,
         approvable, approvable
         pending GMP inspection, not
         approvable, or denial)......
        Action on an amendment               160 days  .......       96  .......     97.6       80     86.1       85     92.3       90  .......         93.1
         containing a complete
         response to a not approvable
         letter......................
    510(k)s:
        FDA decision (SE/NSE)........         90 days  .......     76.1  .......     83.9       75     91.3       75     95.3       80      100         86.1
        First action--additional              75 days  .......     58.6  .......     78.6       70     93.8       80     92.8       90     98.1         81.9
         information letter..........
        Second or later action.......         60 days  .......     50.9  .......     81.9       70     91.5       80       96       90      100         80.7
    Biologics Licensing Applications
     BLAs:
        Review and act on standard          10 months  .......  .......  .......      100  .......      100       75      100       90      100          100
         original BLAs (issue
         complete action letter).....
        Review and act on priority           6 months  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......       75  .......       90  .......  ...........
         original BLA submissions
         (issue complete action
         letter).....................
    BLA Supplements:
        Review and act on standard          10 months  .......      100  .......  .......  .......  .......       75  .......       90  .......          100
         BLA efficacy supplements
         (issue complete-action
         letter).....................
        Review and act on priority           6 months  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......  .......       75  .......       90  .......  ...........
         BLA efficacy supplements
         (issue complete action
         letter).....................
        Review and act on BLA                4 months  .......     98.6  .......      100  .......       96       75      100       90      100         98.9
         manufacturing supplements
         that require prior approval
         (issue complete action
         letter).....................
    BLA Resubmissions,Supplement
     Resubmissions:
        Review and act on a Class 1          2 months  .......  .......  .......  .......       75      100       80  .......       90  .......          100
         resubmission to an original
         BLA or BLA efficacy
         supplement (issue complete
         action letter)..............
        Review and act on a Class 2          6 months  .......      100  .......       80       75      100       80      100       90  .......           95
         resubmission to an original
         BLA or BLA efficacy
         supplement (issue complete
         action letter)..............
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Question. Would you be willing to adopt a method to determine
    incremental direct and indirect costs associated premarket application
    (PMA) and 510(k) device approvals?
        Answer. FDA is committed to providing a full accounting of our use
    of those resources entrusted to us. To that end, we have established
    cost accounting systems that meet or exceed generally-accepted
    government accounting practices. As required by the Chief Financial
    Officers Act of 1990, as amended, our records are subject to periodic
    independent audits by the Office of Inspector General, or OIG. The OIG
    issued unqualified audit opinions on FDA's financial statements for
    fiscal years 1998 through 2004. This is the most favorable category of
    audit opinion. Auditors did not render an opinion on FDA's financial
    statements for fiscal year 2005, primarily due to the mid-year
    conversion to the new HHS Unified Financial Management System. In
    fiscal year 2006, HHS incorporated the FDA financial audit as part of
    the HHS financial statement audit. We are pleased to report that HHS
    received an unqualified opinion on its financial statements. Our
    implementation of the Medical Device User Fee and Modernization Act of
    2002, or MDUFMA, has been addressed by three reports by the U.S.
    Government Accountability Office, which made no adverse findings and
    provided no recommendations for change. We have also provided a MDUFMA
    financial report to Congress each year since the program was enacted.
        FDA and industry discussed whether additional information was
    required for adequate oversight of our MDUFMA initiatives. Our joint
    recommendations for reauthorization 6 months to discuss issues relating
    to performance and medical device user fees includes an agreement to
    meet informally every expenditures, including an FDA update on how
    funding is being used for the device review process, including
    investments in information technology and training.
        I believe these systems, safeguards, audits, oversight, reports,
    and commitments provide the necessary transparency concerning our costs
    and our use of resources.
        Question. What criteria does the agency use to determine the
    allocation and priority for the distribution of staff and funding
    increases across FDA components, including offices, divisions, or
    branches resulting from the medical device user fees and related
    appropriated funding?
        Answer. I would describe our general approach as combining a risk-
    based assessment of our needs, and a focus on accomplishing our public
    health missions through the most efficient and effective means
    possible. FDA allocates medical device user fees and other medical
    device appropriations to best achieve FDA's public health objectives,
    performance goals and other expectations established under the Medical
    Device User Fee and Modernization Act of 2002 and its amendments. The
    user fees and additional appropriations provided to FDA under MDUFMA
    have been allocated to reflect the workload balance between the Center
    for Devices and Radiological Health, or CDRH, and the Center for
    Biologics Evaluation and Research, or CBER. Soon after Congress enacted
    MDUFMA, FDA estimated the percent of the device review workload that
    was performed in CDRH and the percent that was performed in CBER. FDA
    allocated its MDUFMA resources to CDRH and CBER using those
    percentages.
        Field resources are allocated among districts by the Office of
    Regulatory Affairs according to each district's projected workload,
    such as Quality Systems Regulation and preapproval inspections of
    medical device establishments.
        Each Center and ORA is responsible for apportioning its overall
    resource allocation to its offices, divisions, and branches. The
    general approach is to prioritize additional needs and to allocate
    additional resources accordingly.
        Question. Are third party review and third party inspection
    programs useful? Is there anything that can be done to improve these
    programs?
        Answer. I believe that both the third-party inspection program and
    third-party reviews of 510(k) premarket notifications have the
    potential to be useful adjuncts to the corresponding FDA processes,
    helping us conserve and focus FDA's resources.
        In implementing the third-party inspection program, FDA met all of
    the Medical Device User Fee and Modernization Act's, or MDUFMA,
    statutory requirements and deadlines. We accredited 17 well-qualified
    organizations to conduct third-party inspections. We trained third-
    party inspectors so they would fully understand FDA's inspectional
    requirements. We prepared guidance to facilitate the understanding of
    the statutory requirements and the processes FDA would use to
    administer the program. We wrote to device establishments to make them
    aware of the program. Despite these efforts, establishments have been
    reluctant to participate because of perceived procedural burdens. So
    far, only two establishments have requested and received a third-party
    inspection.
        FDA is currently working on changes to this program as part of the
    MDUFMA reauthorization negotiations. I look forward to communicating
    these recommendations to you and working with you to see that these
    changes are made.
        Although the third party 510(k) review program has grown
    significantly since it was established, the program has not yet saved
    FDA the resources that we had hoped we could reallocate to other 510(k)
    reviews. This is because all third party submissions undergo FDA
    quality review and because the training and continuing education of
    third parties remains resource intensive.
        Nonetheless, more than 1,300 510(k)s have undergone third-party
    review since the inception of the program, and the number of
    submissions has been rising steadily. During fiscal year 2006, the
    third-party program was responsible for 287 submissions, compared with
    just 107 5 years earlier, and accounted for about 7 percent of all
    510(k)s. For some types of devices, third-party submissions account for
    a much larger share of our overall workload. For example, during the
    past 3 years, over 80 percent of radiology devices have been reviewed
    through the third-party program.
        We have worked hard to ensure that third-party reviews meet our
    expectations for quality and completeness. When we observed some
    unevenness in the quality of third-party submissions, we provided
    additional guidance to FDA staff and third-party reviewers. We also
    believe that quarterly teleconferences with third-party reviewers and
    continuous quality feedback from FDA review divisions will contribute
    to further quality improvement over time. We believe the program may
    further improve as third parties gain further review experience and
    proficiency that can be applied to subsequent reviews, and as FDA
    develops guidance documents for more devices.

                     BIOLOGIC LICENSE APPLICATION APPROVALS

        Question. According to a recent news article, the Center for
    Biologics Evaluation & Research's average time to approval of biologic
    license applications (BLAs) was 18.9 months in 2006, almost doubling
    the previous year's average of 9.3 months. This is a troubling
    statistic.
        What has caused the increase in review times and what steps is FDA
    taking to make improvements?
        Answer. The approval number quoted in the Pink Sheet article does
    not reflect a doubling of Agency review time from 2005 to 2006. Time to
    approval is the time from initial submission to final approval,
    including all the time that elapses while a company revises its
    application to correct deficiencies in its initial application. In
    fiscal year 2005, the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, or
    CBER, had eight biologics license application, or BLA, approvals, with
    all eight approved during the first review cycle. The review cycle is
    the time between application receipt and issuance of an action letter.
    Sometimes an application contains deficiencies that prevent CBER from
    approving the license application in the first review cycle. In this
    event, CBER issues what is known as a complete response letter. A
    complete response letter describes the deficiencies in the application,
    stops the review clock, and gives the company an opportunity to correct
    the deficiencies and resubmit its application. Sometimes companies can
    correct the deficiencies quickly by explaining or clarifying existing
    data or methods; other times companies must submit more data or even
    conduct completely new clinical trials before the application can be
    approved. In 2005, because CBER was able to approve all BLAs in the
    first review cycle, total approval times were considerably shorter than
    if a complete response letter had been issued.
        In fiscal year 2006, CBER had five approvals: three during the
    first review cycle; one in the second review cycle; and one in the
    third review cycle. The approval that went through three review cycles
    took almost 53 months. Thirty-two of those months did not involve FDA
    review time. They were time between review cycles that the applicant
    used to address CBER's complete response letters. With only five total
    approvals in fiscal year 2006, that one application--along with the
    other application that required more than one review cycle--skewed the
    average approval time significantly. The difference between the median
    approval time, which was 13 months, and the average approval time,
    which was 19.4 months--the Pink Sheet's figure differs because it
    includes Center for Drug Evaluation and Research-approved licenses,
    reflects the effect of the two applications that could not be approved
    in the first review cycle.
        In contrast, the CBER approvals in fiscal year 2005 were completed
    in extremely short times with no second review cycles required. The
    average CBER approval time was 9.1 months, and the median CBER approval
    time was 9.9 months. CBER reviewers completed those reviews
    expeditiously through intense review effort but also were aided
    considerably by the quality of the submissions. While CBER reviewers
    made similar intense review efforts in 2006, and continue those efforts
    today, we also continue to explore ways to improve the quality of
    submissions and shorten review times further.
                                     ______

                  Questions Submitted by Senator Arlen Specter

                              FOLLOW-ON BIOLOGICS

        Question. There is concern among biologic drug companies that the
    FDA does not have the resources to handle the regulatory procedures
    necessary to ensure safe and effective follow-on or generic biologics.
    In your opinion does the FDA have the regulatory ability to ensure the
    safety and efficacy of follow-on biologics?
        Answer. FDA has the scientific expertise to determine the safety
    and effectiveness of follow-on biologics. This is demonstrated by FDA's
    approval of certain follow-on protein products under section 505(b)(2)
    of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the agency's
    substantial expertise and experience in approving biologics license
    applications under section 351 of the Public Health Service Act, or PHS
    Act. FDA will address the scientific challenges related to follow-on
    protein products in a manner consistent with its approach in other
    scientific arenas: on a case-by-case basis as issues arise, in
    accordance with FDA's statutory authority and its mission to both
    advance and protect the public health. If a new regulatory pathway is
    enacted by statute for the approval of follow-on biologics under
    section 351 of the PHS Act, it will be necessary to consider the
    adequacy of agency resources needed to efficiently and effectively
    implement such a program.

                               ORA CONSOLIDATION

        Question. It is my understanding that FDA plans on consolidating
    the FDA's Office of Regulatory Affairs laboratories. I appreciate your
    response to a joint letter to you sent on January 29, 2007. Could you
    elaborate in more detail on the proposal to include which labs are
    planned on being closed and the number of employees that would be
    affected. Further, what does the agency plan on offering those
    employees that work at labs that are proposed to be closed? Finally,
    will the consolidation plan negatively impact our Nation's safety of
    food, medical equipment, and cosmetics?
        Answer. FDA's Office of Regulatory Affairs, or ORA, plans to
    enhance its laboratory capabilities by strengthening six of ORA's
    regulatory labs, moving to these six labs the personnel, equipment and
    other resources from seven other existing labs. The seven labs are
    older facilities in need of costly renovations, cannot expand to
    accommodate merging with another lab, have expiring leases, and meet a
    range of other criteria which have led FDA to consolidation in these
    areas. This transformation will allow ORA scientists to work more
    closely together and improve collaboration and synergy. This will allow
    us to invest in state-of-the-art equipment and processes in the
    remaining laboratories and to increase investment in other critical
    areas. Because the ORA restructuring is still early in its planning
    phase, the number of employees impacted has not yet been determined.
        Strengthening these six labs will help FDA better meet its mission
    to protect and promote the public health. Currently, FDA must pay the
    costs associated with approximately 40 percent more laboratory space
    than is needed to conduct the laboratory work to support all of FDA's
    field programs and activities. These six labs will accommodate and
    exceed the capacity of testing conducted in the existing 13 labs.
    Although overnight delivery services diminish the need for laboratories
    to be in close proximity to sample collection sites, the consolidated
    laboratories will be dispersed geographically. In addition, the six
    labs will continue to provide supporting layers of expertise with
    appropriate redundancies to protect against unforeseen operational
    problems, and surge capacity to deal with emergencies.
        This proposed restructuring of ORA would begin in fiscal year 2008.
    Costs for the restructuring in fiscal year 2008 are covered within the
    fiscal year 2008 budget level. All analysts from closing labs will be
    offered jobs in the labs to which their work is transferred. We realize
    that some employees will not relocate and in order to retain as many of
    these valued employees as possible, we will seek to place them in other
    jobs in their current location. ORA needs to invest intellectual and
    financial capital in new approaches to emerging challenges such as the
    increasing complexity of the products and processes we regulate. ORA
    transformation provides an opportunity to staff teams of national
    experts in a variety of disciplines. Towards this end, the
    transformation plan provides for Centers for Excellence in those
    geographic regions of the country where labs will be closed.
        The seven closing laboratories include Denver District Laboratory
    (Denver, Colorado); Detroit District Laboratory (Detroit, Michigan);
    Kansas City District Laboratory (Lenexa, Kansas); Philadelphia District
    Laboratory (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania); San Francisco District
    Laboratory (San Francisco, California); San Juan District Laboratory
    (San Juan, Puerto Rico); and, the Winchester Engineering and Analytical
    Center (Winchester, Massachusetts).
        In the seven areas where there have been laboratories, FDA is
    planning to utilize the significant expertise that already exists and
    focus on the 21st Century challenges unique to each region. The ORA
    transformation provides the opportunity to address the specific
    challenges that ORA is facing in each of these regions, and to respond
    to the rapidly changing profile of the products it regulates. These
    regions, and the capability of the FDA employees who are stationed
    there, will continue to play a critical role in ensuring the safety of
    our Nation's food and drugs.

                             CONCLUSION OF HEARING

        Senator Kohl. This hearing is recessed.
        [Whereupon, at 12:18 p.m., Tuesday, February 27, the
    hearing was concluded, and the subcommittee was recessed, to
    reconvene subject to the call of the Chair.]

       AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND
              RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

                                  ----------

                                           U.S. Senate,
               Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations,
                                                        Washington, DC.

                           NONDEPARTMENTAL WITNESSES

        [The following testimonies were received by the
    Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug
    Administration, and Related Agencies for inclusion in the
    record. The submitted materials relate to the fiscal year 2008
    budget request for programs within the subcommittee's
    jurisdiction.]

                   Prepared Statement of the Ad Hoc Coalition

        Mr. Chairman, Members of the Subcommittee, this statement is
    respectfully submitted on behalf of the ad hoc coalition \1\ composed
    of the organizations listed below. The coalition supports sustained
    funding for our Nation's food aid programs, including Titles I and II
    of Public Law 480, and therefore strongly opposes the administration's
    twice-rejected proposal to convert Public Law 480 food aid funding into
    cash donations for commodities purchases in overseas markets.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \1\ The ad hoc coalition is composed of the American Maritime
    Congress, American Maritime Officers, American Maritime Officers'
    Service, American Soybean Association, International Food Additives
    Council, International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, Liberty
    Maritime Corporation, Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association,
    Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development, National
    Association of Wheat Growers, National Corn Growers Association,
    National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Oilseed Processors
    Association, North American Millers' Association, Seafarer's
    International Union, Sealift, Inc., TECO Ocean Shipping, Inc., Tosi
    Maritime Consultants, LLC, Transportation Institute, U.S. Dry Bean
    Council, USA Rice Federation, and U.S. Wheat Associates, Inc.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF FOOD AID POLICY

        The coalition recognizes that American food assistance policy is
    well-established and founded on certain guiding principles, including
    the following:
      --Meeting America's humanitarian obligation to sustain food
            assistance programs, with U.S. participation in such programs
            constituting more than 50 percent of all food aid worldwide.
      --Employing food assistance programs as stepping stones for economic
            growth and development.
      --Employing food assistance programs to promote respect worldwide for
            American values and our economic system, thereby enhancing
            goodwill toward America among disadvantaged populations that
            may be breeding grounds for terrorism.

              THE SHARP DECLINE IN OVERALL FOOD AID PROGRAM LEVELS

        The programs needed to implement these principles have enjoyed
    broad, bipartisan support for many decades. The strength of our
    commitment has made the United States the world's leading food aid
    supplier. In the process, American agriculture is bolstered as food aid
    recipients strengthen and stabilize their economies.
        In recent years, however, food aid shipments have declined sharply.
    The United States shipped 5.9 million tons of commodities in fiscal
    year 2002, 4.2 million tons in fiscal year 2005, and 3.7 million tons
    in fiscal year 2006. For fiscal year 2008, the administration's
    proposal would support only 2.975 million tons of commodities.
        We respectfully request that this steady erosion of food aid be
    reversed, and that funding be restored to sustainable levels to assure
    the continued effectiveness and stability of these important and
    historically successful programs.

                THE ADMINISTRATION'S BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008

        The administration proposes to continue last year's total
    elimination of funding for Title I.
        Over the last several years, as funding for Title I has
    disappeared, the vast majority of food aid donations have been provided
    through the Food for Peace Title II program, which the administration
    proposes to further reduce by $413 million from fiscal year 2006
    levels, supporting the shipment of only 2.5 million tons of commodities
    in fiscal year 2008. Moreover, under the President's budget, Title II
    food aid would be reduced by up to $305 million and converted to
    overseas purchases of food aid at the discretion of the Administrator
    for the U.S. Agency for International Development (``USAID'').
        Our coalition strongly opposes the administration's proposal to
    convert essential American food assistance to a program under which
    USAID would use appropriated funds to procure food supplies overseas.
    It has provided no sound basis for doing so, and there are many reasons
    why this proposal should be rejected again, just as it was rejected by
    the Congress in 2005 and 2006.
        Under authority provided by Section 416(b) of the Agricultural Act
    of 1949, the administration states that no surplus commodities will be
    made available for donation in 2008. This represents another year of
    diminished reliance on the 416(b) program, which is funded through the
    Commodity Credit Corporation (``CCC'').
        In its fiscal year 2008 Budget Summary, the Department of
    Agriculture (``USDA'') estimates that CCC-funded Food for Progress
    (``FFP'') shipments will be 385,000 metric tons of grain equivalent.
    Unfortunately, this falls short of the 400,000 ton level established
    for CCC-funded FFP shipments in the 2002 Farm Bill.
        Finally, the administration has requested $100 million for the
    McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition
    Program (``IFEP''), representing approximately 90,000 tons of
    commodities. This increase of only 3 percent from fiscal year 2006 is
    far overshadowed by the decreases in other programs.
        The administration's recommendations, taken together, would lead to
    further reductions in food aid. Of even more significance, the
    administration's recommendation to reduce Title II funding in favor of
    USAID cash assistance undermines the foundation upon which U.S. food
    aid policy has been built in the post-World War II era. For the reasons
    set forth below, the coalition urges this subcommittee to sustain Title
    II funding, reinvigorate the Title I program, and reject, for a third
    time, the administration's unwise and unnecessary proposal to siphon
    off a quarter of Title II appropriations into a discretionary account
    for USAID.

             RESTORATION OF OVERALL FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM LEVELS

        The coalition recommends that food aid be restored over time to
    sustainable levels in the range of 5.0 million to 6.0 million metric
    tons of grain equivalent in each fiscal year. In fiscal year 2008, this
    would require restoration of Title I funding, incremental increase in
    the Title II funding to $1.6 billion, and greater use of existing
    authorities of the CCC.
        USDA's Budget Summary justifies the elimination of Title I as
    necessary because recipient countries have been more interested in
    direct grants than concessional sales. Of course, the demand for
    donated food will always exceed the supply and the coalition recognizes
    that recipient countries would prefer grants over concessional sales--
    even sales at extremely favorable terms.
        In order to ensure that the most desperate countries have
    sufficient donated food aid, the coalition recommends that USDA offer
    the Title I concessional sales program to countries that can afford the
    terms. Among the countries receiving Title II-funded grants in recent
    years, there are surely some who reasonably could afford to make the
    transition from grant assistance to concessional sales, using the
    direct loan authority of Title I. And to the extent that the Title I
    funding truly cannot be used for concessional sales, it may be
    converted to donations on full grant terms through FFP.

               ELIMINATION OF TITLE II FUNDING FOR LOCAL PURCHASE

        The coalition is strongly opposed to the administration's attempts
    to eliminate up to 25 percent ($305 million) of Public Law 480 Title II
    funding in favor of an experimental program whereby the USAID
    Administrator will be granted unchecked discretion to divert U.S. tax
    dollars to foreign producers. Congress has wisely rejected this
    proposal in each of the last two budget cycles, and there is no
    authority for this program.
        The administration intimated that its cash-based proposal was
    prompted by concerns regarding the timeliness of shipments from the
    United States in times of crisis. However, USAID already has adequate
    options for overcoming time constraints in appropriate circumstances,
    including:
      --using the existing authority in the International Disaster and
            Famine Assistance Program (``IDFA'');
      --borrowing commodities from a nearby available source and later
            replacing them with Title II commodities once shipped into the
            region;
      --transferring commodities between approved Title II programs before
            they are distributed;
      --expanding the existing prepositioning program by developing forward
            deployed food stocks closer to areas of need; and
      --diverting commodities already in transit to areas in extreme need,
            as was done when a shipload of aid was diverted to the tsunami-
            damaged areas of Asia in 2005.
        Surely some combination of these solutions could be developed to
    address any timeliness concerns, obviating the justification for
    raiding our Nation's longest-running and most successful food aid
    program.
        Little study has been conducted regarding the dangers of purchasing
    aid locally, near areas of food insecurity. USAID has admitted that
    local purchases threaten to destabilize local food markets.
    Additionally, discretionary expenditures of large sums for aid in third
    world countries raise the specter of corruption and abuse, including
    theft, kick-backs, and market manipulation by local traders. Local
    markets lack adequate seasonal storage capacity in many instances,
    putting relief efforts at the mercy of the very market fluctuations
    they are designed to alleviate, and cannot be counted upon to provide
    the high-quality, fortified blend products that are most essential to
    saving lives in severe food crises.
        Moreover, the administration's proposal to eliminate up to a
    quarter of in-kind aid under Title II would undermine our position in
    the World Trade Organization (``WTO'') where the United States has
    spent the last several years defending our current food assistance
    programs as a necessity if the world is committed to reducing hunger.
        Lastly, the proposal to buy commodities overseas, instead of from
    American farmers and processors, threatens to undermine the broad-based
    political and support framework that has made Title II a success over
    the last half century. Indeed, Europe's conversion to cash-based aid
    resulted in a dramatic drop in aid levels.

                        CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

        Mr. Chairman, the coalition is committed to maintaining U.S. food
    assistance programs at responsible levels in order to meet humanitarian
    needs and enhance the potential for economic growth in recipient
    countries. Our recommendation is to increase, over time, annual food
    assistance at combined program levels of between 4.0 million and 6.0
    million metric tons of grain equivalent. This can be accomplished, as
    in the past, with a blend of programs supported by direct
    appropriations and CCC program authorities.
        The coalition respectfully recommends the following:
      --Title I program levels should be restored, and responsibly
            increased again in succeeding years, so that the unique
            advantages of the program are not lost.
      --The Title II program should be restored to its fiscal year 2006
            level of $1.632 billion, and funding should not be diverted to
            programs relying primarily on the purchase of foreign
            commodities for food assistance. These actions will also help
            ensure that the United States fulfills its moral obligation to
            provide not less than one-half of the world's donated food aid.
      --In committee report language, the House Appropriations Committee
            should reiterate its directive to the FAS in the fiscal year
            2003 cycle to make greater use of existing CCC authorities to
            expand food aid to regions in critical need, and explicitly
            reject the administration's proposal to convert American food
            aid to so-called ``local purchase'' initiatives.
        The in-kind food programs of Public Law 480 have been a bulwark of
    American food aid policy since the days of the Marshall Plan, and they
    deserve the strong support of your subcommittee, the Congress, and the
    entire Nation.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
                                     ______

       Prepared Statement of the Advanced Medical Technology Association

        AdvaMed is pleased to provide this testimony on behalf of our
    member companies and the patients and health care systems we serve
    around the world. AdvaMed is the largest medical technology trade
    association in the world, representing more than 1,300 medical device,
    diagnostic products and health information systems manufacturers of all
    sizes. AdvaMed's members manufacture nearly 90 percent of the $86
    billion of health care technology products purchased annually in the
    United States, and more than 50 percent of the $220 billion purchased
    annually around the world. AdvaMed members range from the largest to
    the smallest medical technology innovators and companies and directly
    employ about 350,000 workers in the United States. More than 75 percent
    of our members have $30 million or less in domestic sales annually.
        AdvaMed supports the President's fiscal year 2008 budget request of
    $240,122,000 for the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Center for
    Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). This inflationary increase
    amount maintains the annual inflationary increases for the agency that
    have helped meet the requirements of the Medical Device User Fee and
    Modernization Act (MDUFMA--Public Law 107-250) and the Medical Device
    User Fee and Stabilization Act (MDUFSA--Public Law 109-43) to date, and
    is crucial to ensure patients have timely access to lifesaving and
    life-enhancing products.
    Medical Device User Fees
        We are pleased that the President's budget proposal includes a 5
    percent increase in FDA funding over 2007, which will help maintain a
    reasonable balance between user fees and appropriated funds in the
    device center and expand other resources to address key public health
    needs.
        The increasing number and complexity of medical device submissions
    have overwhelmed CDRH over the last decade. When MDUFMA was crafted,
    review times for breakthrough products often exceeded over 400 days,
    despite a statutory ceiling of 180 days. To address these chronic
    delays, Congress passed MDUFMA in October of 2002 to supplement FDA's
    resources and expertise and reduce review times for medical
    technologies. MDUFMA creates a predictable and adequate funding base
    for CDRH through a combination of industry-paid user fees and an
    increase in Congressional funding for the agency. Congress passed
    MDUFSA in 2002 to ensure the continuance of this critical program, and
    we are hopeful that MDUFMA will be reauthorized this summer to continue
    the program for another 5 years.
        Medical technology companies will have added over $150 million to
    CDRH resources during the first 5 years of the historic MDUFMA
    agreement. Although the additional appropriations did not materialize
    in the first 2 budget years of the MDUFMA agreement, Congress provided
    nearly $26 million in fiscal year 2005 and inflationary required
    amounts for fiscal year 2006 and fiscal year 2007. The fiscal year 2008
    requested amount shows the strong support by the Administration to
    maintain the MUDFMA program.
        CDRH must be funded adequately to ensure the goals of MDUFMA are
    met, maintain the United States' position in the rapidly advancing
    field of medical technology, and ensure patients' timely access to
    needed medical breakthroughs. AdvaMed requests that the fiscal year
    2008 Agriculture Appropriations bill fully fund CDRH at $240,122,000 to
    accomplish these important goals.
    Additional Fees and Issues
        AdvaMed notes with interest that the President's budget calls for
    collecting over $23 million for re-inspection fees. We are interested
    to learn more about the nature of these fees and to which services
    currently provided by the FDA they will apply. As noted above, we are
    in the process of reauthorizing the MDUFMA program this year. This
    reauthorization will include significant increases in the current user
    fees the industry pays already for the review process. Given the
    significant number of small companies within our industry, we have
    strong concerns about additional fees being applied, especially before
    any substantial dialogue between the industry and the Agency over the
    level and intended use of the fees. Any additional fees must be
    additive to the baseline and must be associated with clearly identified
    performance goals above and beyond current levels.
        Additionally, AdvaMed is concerned that, as in years past, attempts
    will be made in the fiscal year 2008 appropriations process to alter
    FDA policy and procedures related to the regulation of new and existing
    devices, including the advisory panel process. AdvaMed generally
    opposes such attempts to alter fundamental FDA regulatory policy for
    medical devices on appropriations bills. We stand ready to offer our
    expertise on such matters should the need arise in the coming months.
    Background on the Medical Device User Fee Program
        America is on the cusp of an unprecedented revolution in medical
    technology driven by major private and public investments in scientific
    research and computer technology. Congress has also made a multi-
    billion dollar commitment to double medical research at NIH and unravel
    the human genome. Medical technology companies also doubled research
    and development spending in the decade of the 90's.
        The vibrant medical technology sector has driven employment gains
    and a strong balance of trade much to the benefit of the American
    patient and economy over the last several years. At the same time, the
    growing number and complexity of new medical devices throughout the
    last decade, coupled with a drop in the absolute number of reviewers at
    CDRH has resulted in severe budget strain and increasing delays in
    approval of new medical technologies for patients.
        Prior to passage of MDUFMA, CDRH faced increasing challenges as a
    result of dwindling resources and accelerating innovation. Staff levels
    had dropped by eight percent between 1995 and 2001. By 2001, the
    average total review time for premarket approval applications had risen
    to 411 days, more than twice the statutory review time. An FDA science
    panel warned at the time that increasingly rapid advances in technology
    ``threaten to overwhelm'' CDRH's limited resources.
        On October 26, 2002, President Bush signed MDUFMA, which was
    unanimously passed by Congress, into law to give CDRH additional
    resources and expertise to help provide timely patient access to new
    medical technologies. It established an industry-funded user fee
    program to provide up to $35 million each year to help the agency meet
    rigorous new performance goals.
        Key regulatory reforms in MDUFMA are designed to:
      --Eliminate bureaucratic delays in review of combination products by
            establishing a new office to oversee these technologies
      --Authorize FDA to accredit third-party inspectors to audit medical
            technology companies with a good track record of compliance;
      --Encourage timely, thorough premarket reviews by codifying the PMA
            ``modular review'' program and extending the third-party review
            program for 510(k)s;
      --Permit paperless device labeling and electronic facility
            registration.
      --Strengthen FDA regulation of reprocessed disposable devices.
        From bioengineered organs and implantable artificial hearts to
    gene-based diagnostic tests and molecular imaging systems, America's
    medical technology companies are developing thousands of promising new
    tests and treatments. AdvaMed believes full implementation of MDUFMA
    will help ensure these advances reach the millions of patients who need
    them.
        The user fee provisions in the law set fees for premarket approval
    applications, supplements and 510(k) submissions. Under the original
    law, these fees, combined with funds from increased appropriations,
    will provide FDA's device program with more than $225 million in
    additional resources over the 5 years of the program. A letter
    agreement accompanying the bill sets review performance goals for the
    agency.
        To assure that these user fees would have an additive effect on the
    CDRH budget, MDUFMA required that CDRH receive a $15 million
    appropriations increase in each of the first 3 years of the program
    (fiscal year 2003, fiscal year 2004 and fiscal year 2005) for a total
    of $45 million by the end of fiscal year 2005, or the user-fee program
    would have terminated in fiscal year 2006. These funds were designed to
    allow CDRH to upgrade information technology and other infrastructure
    necessary to carry-out a user-fee program and to meet the performance
    goals.
        MDUFMA passed both houses of Congress on the last day of the
    regular session in October 2002. Owing to the extremely late timing of
    MDUFMA passage and a very tight budget climate, MDUFMA funding targets
    were not met in either of the first 2 years of the MDUFMA agreement.
    MDUFSA was passed last year to allow the program to continue despite
    the funding shortages in the early years of the program. MDUFSA also
    addressed the significant rate of increases in fees paid by industry.
    As Congress has struggled to provide its funding, industry paid user
    fees (per submission) that far exceed what was expected by MDUFMA.
    Increases of 35 percent, 15.7 percent and a projected 20 percent for
    fiscal year 2006 for individual PMA submissions were troubling to
    industry, and we appreciate the steps Congress took to limit the rates
    of increase until the program can be reauthorized by September 30,
    2007.
        To maintain the MDUFMA program and protect investments made by the
    Agency, American consumers and a leading source of job growth in our
    economy, we ask Congress to again meet the President's fiscal year 2008
    budget request for CDRH.
    Conclusion
        AdvaMed appreciates the Subcommittee's efforts last year and urges
    them to continue on this path to fully fund MDUFMA and ready FDA for
    the coming era of biomedical innovation and patients that await timely
    access to the coming dramatic breakthroughs in medicine. AdvaMed
    requests that the fiscal year 2007 Agriculture Appropriations, Rural
    Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies bill
    fully fund CDRH at $240,122,000 to accomplish these important goals. We
    have concerns about the inclusion of new fees for the FDA to carry out
    core mission activities and urge the committee to refrain from altering
    FDA policy and procedures related to the regulation of new and existing
    devices in the fiscal year 2008 appropriations process.
        AdvaMed thanks the committee for this opportunity to present our
    views and we look forward to working with you to help prepare FDA for
    the coming revolution in medical technology.
                                     ______

         Prepared Statement of the American Forest & Paper Association

        The American Forest & Paper Association \1\ (AF&PA) supports the
    sustainable management of our Nation's forests and encourages increased
    funding to advance forestry research, combat invasive species, and
    enhance food packaging innovations. The following recommendations
    concern fiscal year 2008 appropriations for the U.S. Department of
    Agriculture.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \1\ AF&PA is the national trade association of the forest, paper
    and wood products industry. AF&PA represents more than 200 companies
    and related associations that engage in or represent the manufacture of
    pulp, paper, paperboard and wood products. The U.S. forest products
    industry accounts for approximately 6 percent of the total U.S.
    manufacturing output, employs more than a million people, and ranks
    among the top 10 manufacturing employers in 42 States with an estimated
    payroll exceeding $50 billion.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)
        There is a critical need to focus resources on research and
    outreach that addresses forest productivity, wood utilization,
    inventory, and conversion of wood to produce bioenergy/bioproducts.
    This practical research and outreach will advance our capacity to
    produce and measure healthier, faster-growing forests. CSREES and its
    partnering universities play a key role on-the-ground in meeting this
    need.
      --McIntire-Stennis (Cooperative Forestry Research) Program.--AF&PA
            recommends an increase over the President's fiscal year 2008
            request of $20.5 million. This program is the foundation of
            forest resources research and scientist education efforts at
            universities. It supports cutting-edge research on forest
            productivity, wood utilization, and development of new
            technologies. AF&PA opposes the President's proposal to divert
            63 percent of existing funds to competitive funding, as it
            would undermine valuable forestry research being conducted by
            our Nation's universities. Instead, we encourage a phased
            approach to building in a competitive grants component to the
            program.
      --National Research Initiative (NRI) Competitive Grants Program.--
            AF&PA supports the President's request of $256 million, but
            with increased focus on forestry research. These grants are a
            significant source of funding for basic and applied research on
            forest resources, including their management and utilization.
            In recent years, however, less than 6 percent of available
            funding has been allocated for forestry-related research. Given
            the considerable potential of the program to contribute to the
            Nation's sustainable forestry research needs, that percentage
            should be increased, with specific focus on grants that support
            Agenda 2020 research, such as the Pine Genome Initiative.
      --Renewable Resources Extension Act (RREA) Program.--AF&PA recommends
            an increase over the President's request of $4 million. RREA
            provides the foundation for extension and outreach efforts
            delivered to private landowners through universities. Cutting-
            edge forestry research is of limited benefit unless it can be
            effectively delivered to the Nation's forest landowners.
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
        Emerging Plant Pests Program.--AF&PA encourages increased funding
    to ensure adequate research, eradication, and control efforts targeting
    the Sirex woodwasp, emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, and
    sudden oak death pathogen. All four introduced organisms have already
    done significant damage and threaten further damage to trees in our
    forests and communities. For example, the Sirex woodwasp is now found
    across much of New York State and parts of Pennsylvania, and threatens
    valuable pine timber resources, especially those of the Southeast.
    Without sufficient funding to prevent movement of these insects and
    diseases through infested wood, nursery stock, and other materials, the
    economic cost could escalate to hundreds of billions of dollars.
    Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
        Food Contact Notification (FCN) Program.--AF&PA urges restoration
    of funding at $6 million for this program, which is proposed for
    elimination in the President's fiscal year 2008 budget request. This
    highly successful program provides efficient review and timely approval
    of new food packaging materials and additives. New food-contact
    materials have enhanced the safety and security of the U.S. food supply
    while increasing the availability of environmentally friendly products.
    The elimination of the FCN program would be an enormous detriment to
    manufacturers seeking clearances for new food-contact materials to be
    introduced in the U.S. marketplace. The FCN program is essential for
    continued paper and paperboard food packaging innovation, and for
    ensuring the most effective protection of packaged foods during
    transportation, storage and ultimate use by the consumer.
    Conclusion
        AF&PA appreciates the opportunity to provide the Subcommittee with
    testimony regarding the fiscal year 2008 budget for the U.S. Department
    of Agriculture. If implemented, increased funding for the programs
    listed above will help promote the sustainable management of our
    Nation's public and private lands and the products that are produced
    from these lands.
                                     ______

      Prepared Statement of the American Honey Producers Association, Inc.

        Chairman Kohl and Members of the Subcommittee: My name is Mark
    Brady from Waxahachie, Texas, and I currently serve as President of the
    American Honey Producers Association (``AHPA''). I am pleased today to
    submit the following statement on behalf of the AHPA, a national
    organization of commercial beekeepers actively engaged in honey
    production throughout the country. The purpose of this statement is
    bring to your attention both new and continuing serious threats to the
    domestic bee industry and to request your continued assistance in
    supporting Agricultural Research Service (``ARS'') research to address
    the many challenges that face the domestic beekeeping industry.
        First, we wish to thank again the Subcommittee for the strong
    support you have provided in past fiscal years for agricultural
    research activities on behalf of the beekeeping industry. As you know,
    in the fiscal year 2003 cycle, the Subcommittee rejected a proposal
    that would have resulted in the elimination of three ARS laboratories
    that are indispensable to the survival of our industry. In the years
    since then, the Subcommittee has worked to restore proposed cuts in
    honey bee research. Such support has enabled the ARS to address the
    critical research needs of the industry.
        For fiscal year 2008, the Administration's budget again proposes to
    eliminate certain funding for ARS that it did not request but that the
    Congress provided in the appropriations process. To continue the
    research that is critical to honey bees, however, the AHPA requests
    that Congress maintain the funding for the ARS Honey Bee Research
    Laboratories at Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Weslaco, Texas; Tucson,
    Arizona; Beltsville, Maryland; and the ARS Wild Bee Research Laboratory
    at Logan, Utah. We also support increased funding for honey bee genome
    research at the ARS laboratory in Baton Rouge, as proposed before by
    the Administration.
        In addition to the maintenance of these ongoing efforts, we
    strongly urge the Subcommittee to provide at least $1 million in new
    funding through the ARS laboratories at Beltsville and Tucson, and
    possibly in conjunction with researchers at the University of
    California in Davis, to address a new threat to domestic honey bees:
    Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). CCD is currently ravaging bee colonies
    across the United States. The causes of CCD are unknown and appear to
    be complicated mix of factors, including the stresses caused by
    continuing infestations of mites and pests and by the high demands of
    pollination today. I provide a more detailed description of CCD in this
    statement.
    The President's Budget Proposal
        Our understanding is that while OMB has not yet agreed to the ARS
    funding levels under the fiscal year 2007 Continuing Resolution, the
    most likely outcome will be a continuation of honey bee research at the
    fiscal year 2006 levels. As the Subcommittee reviews the proposed
    fiscal year 2008 budget and the fiscal year 2007 baseline, we urge you
    also to consider that in its fiscal year 2007 bill, the House
    originally provided (H. Rep. 109-463) additional fiscal year 2007
    research funding as follows: ``Bee Research, Weslaco, TX, $244,077''
    and ``Honey Bee Research (Varroa Mites), Baton Rouge, LA, $390,101.''
    The fiscal year 2007 Senate bill (S. Rep. 109-266) provided continued
    funding for ``Bee Research (Chalk Brood)), Logan, Utah,'' and
    separately recommended an increase of $100,000 for Logan, Utah for non-
    Apis research.
        The AHPA is concerned that the President's fiscal year 2008 budget
    proposal to eliminate ongoing spending set by Congress would reduce
    funding for critical research at two key ARS Honey Bee Research
    Laboratories at Baton Rouge and at Weslaco. Such cuts to these ARS
    Honey Bee Research Laboratories would have a severe effect on the honey
    industry as well as on all pollination-dependent agriculture and many
    native plants. This budget recommendation seems particularly
    inappropriate considering the substantial benefits that flow from these
    research efforts, which help assure the vitality of the American honey
    bee industry and is integral to many aspects of U.S. agriculture.
        The four ARS Honey Bee Research Laboratories provide the first line
    of defense against exotic parasite mites, Africanized bees, and brood
    diseases. Equally, the laboratories are prepared to respond to new
    pests, pathogens and other conditions as they arise, such as CCD, that
    pose very serious and growing threats to the viability and productivity
    of honey bees and the plants they pollinate. If continued funding is
    not provided, scientists at the Baton Rouge and Weslaco laboratories
    will be overburdened and forced to discontinue essential research,
    thereby jeopardizing the U.S. honey bee industry and the production of
    agricultural crops that require pollination by honey bees.
    The Importance of Honey Bees to U.S. Agriculture
        Honey bees are a critical element in the production of more than 90
    food, fiber, and seed crops, valued at more than $20 billion a year in
    the United States, according to the Department of Agriculture. The role
    of pollination is even more important given today's dietary importance
    of fruit, vegetables and nuts, most of which are dependent on
    pollination. Honey bees are necessary for the production of such
    diverse crops as almonds, apples, oranges, melons, broccoli,
    tangerines, cranberries, strawberries, vegetables, alfalfa, soybeans,
    sunflower, and cotton, among others. In fact, honey bees pollinate
    about one-third of the human diet.
        The importance of this pollination to contemporary agriculture
    cannot be understated--the value of such pollination is 143 times
    greater than the total value of honey and wax produced by honey bees.
    More than 140 billion honey bees representing 2 million colonies are
    transported by U.S. beekeepers across the country every year to
    pollinate crops.
        The importance of honey bees--and the U.S. honey industry which
    supplies the honey bees for pollination--is illustrated by the
    pollination of California's almond crop, which is that State's largest
    agricultural export. California grows 100 percent of the Nation's
    almond crop and supplies 80 percent of the world's almonds. Honey bees
    are transported from all over the Nation to pollinate California
    almonds, which is the largest single crop requiring honey bees for
    pollination. More than one million honey bee hives are needed to
    pollinate the 600,000 acres of almond groves that line California's
    Central Valley. That means nearly half of the managed honey-producing
    colonies in the United States are involved in pollinating almonds in
    California during February and early March. As with other agricultural
    products, having enough bees to pollinate the almond crop can mean the
    difference between a good crop and disaster. Moreover, almond producers
    estimate that California may need as many as 2 million hives for
    pollination by 2012 to pollinate the expected 800,000 acres of almonds
    that will be in production then. As OnEarth magazine noted recently,
    the fate of California's almond crop rests ``on the slender back of the
    embattled honey bee.''
        Many other U.S. agriculture producers rely on extensive honey bee
    pollination. A Maine blueberry grower recently put it quite
    succinctly--``without bees in May, there are no blueberries in
    August.'' Additionally, avocados--a $363 million crop in California--
    receive more than 90 percent of their pollination from the honey bee.
    Studies on the effect of pollination of cotton by honey bees show an
    increase of 17 to 19 percent in the yield of seed cotton, as compared
    to a cotton crop that is not pollinated by honey bees. The cattle and
    farm-raised catfish industries also benefit from honey bee pollination,
    as pollination is important for growing alfalfa, which is fodder for
    cattle and farm-raised fish.
        Unfortunately, due to bee losses caused by pests and mites and
    other recent problems plaguing the U.S. honey industry, U.S. farmers
    were forced to import honey bees from other countries (New Zealand and
    Australia) last year for pollination. This marked the first time since
    1922 that honey bees were imported into the United States for
    pollination services, underscoring the fragile State of the U.S. honey
    industry and highlighting the critical need for research.
        Yet, the health of the beekeeping industry is dependent upon the
    production of honey and beeswax. Honey bees are responsible for the
    production of an average of 200 million pounds of honey annually in the
    United States, the sales of which help sustain this nation's
    beekeepers.

                           THREATS TO THE HONEY BEES

        Since 1984, the survival of the honey bee has been threatened by
    continuing infestations of mites and pests for which appropriate
    controls must continually be developed by scientists at the four ARS
    laboratories. Within the past year, however, CCD has emerged as an
    additional and grave new threat with unknown causes but destructive
    force.

                         COLONY COLLAPSE DISORDER (CCD)

        As chronicled in several recent news accounts, including the
    attached articles from the New York Times, CNN, ABC News and AP,
    reports of the sudden death of bees in colonies has been reported in 22
    States. Often, most of the adult bees in a colony mysteriously
    disappear, and soon the colony is completely empty. The news outlets
    quote various Federal and State researchers who have not been able to
    determine the cause of the collapse of the colonies. There are also
    increasing reports that otherwise healthy bee colonies are not
    reproducing at anywhere near historic levels.
        This severe and baffling destruction of domestic honey bee
    populations will require additional resources for the ARS laboratories
    as soon as possible to determine the causes of CCD and to develop
    effective treatment strategies. CCD remains a mystery to both
    beekeepers and scientists. There are a wide range of factors that--
    either alone or in combination--may be possible causes of this serious
    condition. Areas to explore include the stress from the movement of
    bees to different parts of the country for extensive commercial
    pollination, the additional stress of pollinating crops, such as
    almonds, that provide little honey to the bees, and the impact of
    certain crop pesticides and genetic plants with altered pollination
    characteristics. Additionally, continuing infestations of the highly
    destructive Varroa mite, combined with other pests and mites, are also
    thought to compromise the immune systems of bees and may leave them
    more vulnerable to CCD. At the same time, researchers will need to
    focus on the many reported instances in which otherwise healthy, pest-
    free, stationary bee colonies are also suffering collapse or problems
    with reproduction.
        In many ways, CCD is the latest is a series of threats faced by the
    modern U.S. honey bee industry as it continues to evolve to both
    produce honey and meet the ever-increasing demands of crop producers
    for vital pollination. Unfortunately, CCD will not be the last
    challenge faced by the industry. But at this time, it is clearly the
    most critical threat to our industry. As every week goes by, additional
    members of AHPA report that CCD is affecting their bees.
        The AHPA respectfully requests that additional funding of at least
    $1 million be provided in a dedicated manner to respond to CCD. Such
    funding could be allocated to the ARS laboratories at Beltsville,
    Maryland, and Tucson, Arizona. We would also recommend that funding be
    considered for the University of California at Davis, because it has
    particular expertise in honey bee research and is in close proximity to
    the almond groves of the California Central Valley. Such a joint effort
    could better analyze the relationship between CCD, pollination and
    other stress factors. The joint effort would also take advantage of the
    fact that, in February of each year, almost the entire honey bee
    industry has its bees in California for pollination purposes.

                                ONGOING RESEARCH

        The research being done at the ARS laboratories is critical in a
    number of areas. For example, the pinhead-sized Varroa mite is
    systematically destroying bee colonies and has been considered by many
    in recent years to be the most serious threat to honey bees. Tracheal
    mites are another contributing factor to the loss of honey bees.
    Tracheal mites infest the breathing tubes of adult honey bees and also
    feed on the bees' blood. The mites essentially clog the bees' breathing
    tubes, blocking the flow of oxygen and eventually killing the infested
    bees. The industry is also plagued by a honey bee bacterial disease
    that has become resistant to antibiotics designed to control it, and a
    honey bee fungal disease that has no known medication to control it.
    These pests and diseases, especially Varroa mites and the bacterium
    causing American foulbrood, are now resistant to chemical controls in
    many regions of the country. Further, we have seen that these pests are
    building resistance to newly-developed chemicals more quickly than in
    the past, thereby limiting the longevity of chemical controls.
        Unfortunately, there is no simple solution to these problems, and
    the honey bee industry is too small to support the cost of the needed
    research, particularly given the depressed state of honey prices.
    Further, there are no funds, facilities, or personnel elsewhere
    available in the private sector for this purpose. Accordingly, the
    beekeeping industry is dependent on research from public sources for
    the scientific answers to these threats. Since the honey bee industry
    is completely comprised of small family-owned businesses, it relies
    heavily on the ARS for needed research and development. The key to the
    survival of the honey industry lies with the honey bee research
    programs conducted by ARS.
        The sequencing of the honey bee genome at Baylor University has
    opened the door to creating highly effective solutions to these
    problems via marker-assisted breeding. Marker-assisted breeding would
    permit the rapid screening of potential breeders for specific DNA
    sequences that underlie specific desirable honey bee traits. The
    sequenced honey bee genome is the necessary key that will allow
    scientists to discover the important DNA sequences. Because of the
    sequenced honey bee genome, it is now possible to apply molecular
    biological studies to the development of marker-assisted breeding of
    honey bees. Marker-facilitated selection offers the first real
    opportunity to transform the beekeeping industry from one that has been
    dependent upon a growing number of expensive pesticides and antibiotics
    into an industry that is free of chemical inputs and that is
    economically viable in today's competitive global marketplace.
        Furthermore, research on honey bees, one of five animals chosen by
    the National Institutes of Health for genome sequencing, may provide
    important insight into other areas of science. The honey bee is the
    first agricultural species to be sequenced, and such work may provide
    breakthrough advances in many areas of science. In fact, honey bees are
    being studied by the U.S. Department of Defense as sentinel species
    that could detect and locate agents of harm, such as chemical or
    biological threats. According to one researcher, it appears that honey
    bees' olfactory capabilities are at least on par with those of a dog,
    if not more sensitive. Thus, the scientific advances achieved by ARS
    will provide an array of benefits across many disciplines.
    The Work of the ARS Honey Bee Research Laboratories
        The ARS Honey Bee Research Laboratories work together to provide
    research solutions to problems facing businesses dependent on the
    health and vitality of honey bees. The findings of these laboratories
    are used by honey producers to protect their producing colonies and by
    farmers and agribusinesses to ensure the efficient pollination of
    crops. Each of the four ARS Honey Bee Research Laboratories (which are
    different in function from the ARS Wild Bee Research Laboratory at
    Logan, Utah) focuses on different problems facing the U.S. honey
    industry and undertakes research that is vital to sustaining honey
    production and assuring essential pollination services in this country.
    Furthermore, each of the four ARS Honey Bee Research Laboratories has
    unique strengths and each is situated and equipped to support
    independent research programs which would be difficult, and in many
    cases impossible, to conduct elsewhere.
                Research at the ARS Weslaco Laboratory
        Because the AHPA recommends that the appropriation for the Weslaco
    laboratory be approved at not less than current levels, we respectfully
    request that Congress again restore an additional $244,100 in funding
    for the ARS Honey Bee Laboratory at Weslaco, Texas. This funding would
    be eliminated under the administration's budget. Retaining the current
    level of funding for the Weslaco laboratory will enable this facility
    to continue its work in finding a chemical solution to parasitic mites
    that are causing a crisis for the U.S. beekeeping and pollination
    industries. Varroa mites are causing the loss of hundreds of thousands
    of domestic honey bee colonies annually as well as devastating wild bee
    colonies. As noted in a February 2005 USA Today article, the Varroa
    mite has destroyed as much as 60 percent of the hives in some areas.
        For example, in Florida, the number of commercial bee colonies has
    fallen from approximately 360,000 hives in 1990 to just 160,000 in
    2005--in large part as a result of the Varroa mite. These tiny
    parasites--also known as the ``vampire mite''--attach themselves to the
    backs of adult bees and literally suck out their insides. When these
    mites were first discovered in the United States in the 1980s,
    beekeepers were able to fight them with strips of the chemical
    fluvalinate. However, the Varroa mites have evolved into a parasite
    seemingly immune to current pesticides. The ARS laboratory at Weslaco
    has been developing alternative chemicals to control the Varroa mite.
    Presently, there are no other chemicals available for controlling the
    Varroa mite, and the laboratory is working frantically to develop other
    means of control. The laboratory also is working with a potent fungus,
    which may kill the mites without impeding colony development or
    population size.
        Furthermore, the laboratory at Weslaco is researching methods that
    may control the small hive beetle. Since its discovery in Florida in
    1998, this pest has caused severe bee colony losses in California,
    Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio,
    and Minnesota. Estimates put these losses in just one season at over
    30,000 colonies. The beetles are now spreading all across the United
    States. The ARS honey bee research scientists at the Weslaco laboratory
    have been working diligently to find chemicals, techniques, pheromones,
    or other methods of controlling the beetle. Time is of the essence and
    a control must be found immediately, because all the bee colonies in
    the Western Hemisphere are at risk.
        This facility also focuses its research efforts on developing
    technologies to manage honey bees in the presence of Africanized honey
    bees, parasitic mites, and other pests. In order to ensure that further
    pests are not introduced into the United States, scientists at the
    Weslaco facility provide technical assistance to agriculture
    departments in foreign countries on the control of parasitic mites. The
    laboratory has worked with officials in Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico,
    and South Africa to protect the U.S. honey bee population from further
    devastation by infestation of foreign parasites, diseases, and other
    pests. This inter-governmental cooperation is necessary to ensure the
    continued viability of the U.S. honey bee industry.
                Research at the ARS Baton Rouge Laboratory
        We were pleased with past Administration budgets that requested
    increased funding in the amount of $500,000 for honey bee genome
    research at the Baton Rouge Laboratory and applaud the Subcommittee's
    efforts in fiscal year 2006 to provide $375,000 of the $500,000
    requested. In light of the importance of genome research, we encourage
    the Committee to provide additional funds to move this area of research
    forward. An increase in funding will allow the vital genome research to
    achieve the breakthrough successes that are closer than ever to
    realization.
        It is also important that Congress fully restore the $390,101 in
    ``add-on'' funding for the Baton Rouge facility that it has provided in
    previous years. This Baton Rouge facility is the only laboratory in the
    United States and, we believe, in the world, developing long-term,
    genetic-based solutions to the Varroa mite. Existing stocks of U.S.
    honey bees are being tested to find stocks that exhibit resistance to
    the parasitic mites. Research scientists with the laboratory have also
    been to the far corners of the world looking for mite-resistant bees.
    For example, in eastern Russia, they found bees that have co-existed
    for decades with the mites and survived. Using these bees, the
    laboratory develops stocks of honey bees resistant to the parasites.
    Before these new stocks are distributed to American beekeepers, the
    laboratory ensures that the resistance holds up under a wide range of
    environmental and beekeeping conditions, testing attributes such as
    vigor, pollination, and honey production. We believe recent scientific
    breakthroughs with this genomic research will allow scientists in the
    near future to breed honey bees that are resistant to the Varroa mite
    and other parasites.
        The Baton Rouge facility also operates the only honey bee
    quarantine and mating station approved by the Animal and Plant
    Inspection Service. These stations are necessary to ensure that new
    lines of bees brought into the United States for research and
    development are free of diseases unknown in the United States. In
    addition, Baton Rouge research scientists are focused on the
    applications of new technologies of genomics. This work has the
    potential to enhance the proven value of honey bee breeding for
    producing solutions to the multiple biological problems that diminish
    the profitability of beekeeping.
                Research at the ARS Tucson Laboratory
        The American Honey Producers Association appreciates past
    Administration support for maintaining funding at the ARS Honey Bee
    Research Laboratory in Tucson at current levels. At the same time,
    consideration should be given to possibly increased funding at this
    facility to address the emerging CCD issue, and also to supporting two
    new research positions at the laboratory. The addition of an insect
    behaviorist position and a pollination biologist position at the Tucson
    Honey Bee Research Laboratory will strengthen the research programs
    conducted at the laboratory, including research related to preventing
    the spread of Africanized honey bees, which are jeopardizing the queen
    breeding and packaged bee industry.
        This research center is the only ARS honey bee laboratory serving
    the needs of beekeepers and farmers in the western United States. It
    also serves as the primary facility developing methods to prevent the
    spread of Africanized honey bees in our country. The facility works to
    improve crop pollination and honey bee colony productivity through
    quantitative ecological studies of honey bee behavior, physiology, pest
    and diseases, and feral honey bee bionomics. Currently, the Tucson
    laboratory is working to finalize the development of a pheromone that
    kills the Varroa mite.
        Because more than one million colonies are transported from across
    the country for pollination into crops grown in the western United
    States (primarily California), the Tucson research center addresses
    problems that arise from transporting and introducing colonies for
    pollination of crops such as almonds, plums, apricots, apples,
    cherries, citrus, alfalfa, vegetable seed, melons, and berries. The
    importance of this work is illustrated by the pollination of
    California's almond crop discussed earlier in this statement. More than
    one million honey bee hives are needed to pollinate the half a million
    acres of almond groves that line California's Central Valley. That
    means nearly half of the managed colonies in the United States are
    involved in pollinating almonds in California during February and early
    March.
        The work of the ARS Tucson Honey Bee Research Laboratory is
    indispensable in ensuring the successful pollination of crops in
    California and other areas of the western United States. This research
    center has been instrumental in disseminating information on technical
    issues associated with the transport of bee colonies across State
    lines. Additionally, in order to ensure that transported colony
    populations remain stable during transport and also during periods
    before the crop to be pollinated comes into bloom, scientists at the
    laboratory have developed an artificial diet that stimulates brood
    production in colonies. A large bee population is necessary to ensure
    that efficient pollination occurs, creating superior quality crops.
                Research at the ARS Beltsville Laboratory
        AHPA strongly supports an increase in funding for the Beltsville
    Laboratory to help address CCD and other threats to our domestic
    beekeeping industry. This facility, the oldest of the Federal bee
    research centers, conducts research on the biology and control of honey
    bee parasites, diseases, and pests to ensure an adequate supply of bees
    for pollination and honey production. Using biological, molecular,
    chemical, and non-chemical approaches, scientists in Beltsville are
    developing new, cost-effective strategies for controlling parasitic
    mites, bacterial diseases, and emergent pests that threaten honey bees
    and the production of honey.
        The laboratory also develops preservation techniques for honey bee
    germplasm in order to maintain genetic diversity and superior honey bee
    stock. Scientists at the facility also provide authoritative
    identification of Africanized honey bees and diagnosis of bee diseases
    and pests for Federal and State regulatory agencies and beekeepers on a
    worldwide basis. In operating this bee disease diagnosis service, the
    Beltsville facility receives over 2,000 samples annually from across
    the United States.
    Conclusion
        In conclusion, we wish to thank you again for your strong support
    of honey bee research in the past and for your Subcommittee's
    understanding of the critical importance of these ARS laboratories.
        By way of summary, the American Honey Producers Association
    strongly encourages at least $1 million in additional new funding for
    the ARS laboratories at Beltsville, Maryland, and Tucson, Arizona, as
    well as possibly for the University of California at Davis, to address
    the new CCD threat that is suddenly devastating bee colonies across the
    country. AHPA also appreciates your continued support by (1) restoring
    the $390,101 in funding for the ARS Honey Bee Research Laboratory in
    Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that had previously been added by the Congress
    but is proposed for elimination in the Administration's budget
    proposal; (2) continuing the increased funding of $375,000 for genome
    research at the ARS Honey Bee Research Laboratory in Baton Rouge, as
    proposed by the administration and approved by the Congress in fiscal
    year 2006; (3) increasing the level of funding for the ARS Honey Bee
    Research Laboratory in Beltsville, Maryland, by at least $500,000 in
    new funding for CCD research; (4) restoring $244,100 for the Weslaco,
    Texas, facility as previously provided by the Congress but not
    contained in the President's budget submission; (5) maintaining at
    least the current level of funding for the ARS Honey Bee Research
    Laboratory in Tucson, Arizona, but also considering additional funding
    of $500,000 for CDC research; and (6) maintaining the current level of
    funding for the ARS Wild Bee Research Laboratory at Logan, Utah.
        Only through research can we have a viable U.S. beekeeping industry
    and continue to provide stable and affordable supplies of bee-
    pollinated crops, which make up fully one-third of the U.S. diet.
        Furthermore, we urge you to reject any effort to cut the operating
    budgets of these vitally important research laboratories by
    consolidating their functions. Any proposed cuts and their resulting
    budget and staff reductions would significantly diminish the quality of
    research conducted by these laboratories, harming bee keepers as well
    as farmers who harvest pollination-dependent agriculture. Congress
    cannot allow these cuts to occur and must continue to provide
    sufficient funding for the ARS Honey Bee Research Laboratories to
    perform their vital role.
        I would be pleased to respond to provide answers to any questions
    that you or your colleagues may have.
                                     ______

         Prepared Statement of the American Sheep Industry Association

        The American Sheep Industry Association (ASI) is a federation of
    State member associations representing over 68,000 sheep producers in
    the United States. The sheep industry views numerous agencies and
    programs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture as important to lamb and
    wool production. Sheep industry priorities include expanding the United
    States sheep inventory which has grown two of the past 3 years. We
    believe strengthening the infrastructure of the industry primarily
    through the programs of USDA, APHIS, Veterinary Services and Wildlife
    Services is critical. The industry and the benefits to rural
    communities will be strengthened by fully funding critical predator
    control activities, national animal health efforts, and expanding
    research capabilities.
        We appreciate this opportunity to comment on the USDA fiscal year
    2008 budget.
               animal and plant health inspection service (aphis)
    Scrapie
        The American Sheep Industry Association supports the appropriations
    approved in fiscal year 2006 of $18.4 million and urges the
    Subcommittee increase funding to this level in fiscal year 2008.
        Through concerted effort, USDA/APHIS, along with industry and State
    regulatory efforts, is in the position to eradicate scrapie from the
    United States with a multi-year attack on this animal health issue. As
    the collective and aggressive efforts of Federal and State eradication
    efforts have expanded into slaughter-surveillance and other methods and
    systems, the costs are, as expected, escalating.
        Scrapie is one of the families of transmissible spongiform
    encephalopathies (TSEs), all of which are the subject of great
    importance and interest around the globe. USDA/APHIS, along with the
    support and assistance of the livestock and allied industries, began an
    aggressive program to eradicate scrapie in sheep and goats four years
    ago. The plan USDA/APHIS is implementing is designed to eradicate
    scrapie by 2010. Through a subsequent monitoring and surveillance
    program, the United States could be declared scrapie-free by 2017.
    Becoming scrapie-free will have significant positive economic impact to
    the livestock, meat and feed industries and, of course, rid our flocks
    and herds of this fatal animal disease.
        Essential to the eradication effort being accomplished in a timely
    manner is adequate appropriated funds. The program cannot function
    properly without sufficient emphasis on diagnostic support and
    surveillance activities that are dedicated to scrapie eradication as an
    animal health priority. We believe adequate funding will help provide
    for an achievable scrapie eradication program and the eventual scrapie-
    free status for the United States. As with the other successful animal
    disease eradication programs conducted by USDA/APHIS in the past,
    strong programs at the State level are key. We therefore urge the
    Subcommittee to send a clear message to USDA/APHIS to (A) make scrapie
    eradication a top disease eradication priority within USDA and the
    APHIS field staff with a focus on ID compliance and enforcement; and
    (B) increase the slaughter-surveillance numbers so that the disease can
    be found and dealt with where it resides.
    Wildlife Services
        With well over one-quarter million sheep and lambs lost to
    predators each year, the Wildlife Services (WS) program of USDA-APHIS
    is vital to the economic survival of the sheep industry. The value of
    sheep and lambs lost to predators and predator control expenses are
    second only to feed costs for sheep production. Costs associated with
    depredation currently exceed our industry's veterinary, labor and
    transportation costs.
        Wildlife Service's cooperative nature has made it the most cost
    effective and efficient program within the Federal Government in the
    areas of wildlife management and public health and safety. Wildlife
    Services has more than 2,000 cooperative agreements with agriculture,
    forestry groups, private industry, State game and fish departments,
    departments of health, schools, county and local governments to
    mitigate the damage and danger that the public's wildlife can inflict
    on private property and public health and safety.
        ASI strongly supports the fiscal year 2006 appropriations for
    Wildlife Services operations and methods development programs,
    particularly as related to livestock protection. We ask the
    Subcommittee to fund the livestock industry request for the western
    region of Wildlife Services operations of livestock protection at $19
    million.
        The line item of the fiscal year 2006 appropriations for the
    livestock protection program in the western region of WS was funded at
    $10.7 million, an increase of $700,000 which is very important to our
    industry and the agency operations. Fuel costs alone for aerial
    operations and ground vehicles have increased dramatically which
    burdens the operations budgets.
        The additional $8.3 million increase requested will increase the
    effectiveness of the livestock protection program. Federal funding
    available for livestock predation management by the Western Region
    program has remained relatively constant for approximately 16 years. WS
    program cooperators have been forced to fund more and more of the costs
    of the program. WS Western Region base funding has increased only 5.6
    percent in the past 10 years while cooperative funding has increased
    110 percent. This increase has primarily come from individual livestock
    producers, associations, counties, and States.
        Additionally, new Federal mandates and program investments such as
    narrow-banding of radios, computer record keeping and compliance with
    the Endangered Species Act are requiring a larger portion of the
    already stretched budget and negatively impacting the amount of
    livestock predation management work that WS can conduct.
        We encourage and support continued recognition in the
    appropriations process for fiscal year 2007 of the importance of aerial
    hunting as one of Wildlife Service's most efficient and cost-effective
    core programs. It is used not only to protect livestock, wildlife and
    endangered species, but is a crucial component of the Wildlife Services
    rabies control program.
        Similar to the increasing needs in the aerial hunting program, we
    encourage continued emphasis in the programs to assist with management
    of wolf depredation in the States of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming,
    Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New Mexico and Arizona. Additionally,
    program expenses are expected in the States surrounding the Montana,
    Idaho and Wyoming wolf populations. It is strongly supported that
    appropriations be provided for $586,000 for additional wolf costs
    anticipated in Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and North
    Dakota.
    Economics of Predation Management
        The WS Western Region predation management program is one of the
    few government sponsored programs that is cost-shared, and this
    provides a significant benefit to both the producers and the
    government. Predation management, as conducted by the WS program, is
    cost effective and returns more money to the U.S. treasury than it
    costs. An analysis of 1998 data shows that for every dollar spent for
    predation management, $3 worth of livestock was saved. In that same
    year the total investment in just the predation management program was
    $20 million ($9 million Federal and $11 million cooperative funds);
    therefore, the full impact of this investment was a $250 million net
    increase in economic activity. Using today's values for livestock,
    every Federal dollar spent on predation management results in $10.84 in
    livestock saved, conservatively, $97.5 million in livestock saved
    ($52.5 million in calves, $34 million in sheep and lambs, $11 million
    in goats). When cooperative funding is included with federal funds, the
    benefit cost ratio is $4.87:1.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                      Total value of
                            Type of Livestock                          No protected    No saved from     livestock
                                                                                         predators         saved
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Calves..........................................................       2,500,000          70,000     $52,500,000
    Adult Sheep.....................................................       2,000,000          82,000       8,200,000
    Lambs...........................................................       1,850,000         214,600      25,752,000
    Goats...........................................................         292,000         110,960      11,096,000
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

        The value of livestock saved is much greater in rural economies
    than any other type of economic development. Livestock dollars, that
    would have been lost without adequate predation management, generate an
    additional three fold increase in non-agricultural economic activity in
    rural America. The total economic activity (both agriculture and non-
    agricultural sectors) generated by predation management is $390.2
    million.
    Emerging Issues
        Additional issues are emerging in the West that will challenge the
    Federal WS program.
      --Wolves.--Recently a Federal judge struck down the threatened
            species status for wolves in the Western Distinct Population
            area eliminating the ability of private land ranchers to deal
            with wolves, thus requiring additional government intervention.
      --Wildlife.--The declines in predation management that have already
            occurred, and that will continue to occur without additional
            Federal funding, have resulted in negative impacts on many
            native wildlife populations. Several western States currently
            need to fund predation management to prevent the listing of
            sage grouse as an endangered species or to recover mule deer
            herds.
        Without additional Federal funding to support existing western
    livestock protection programs, predation management expertise will be
    lost and livestock grazing in some areas will be jeopardized. Rural
    economies need this support and the return for the investment exceeds
    the requested assistance.
        ASI urges the Subcommittee to provide USDA, APHIS, WS, Western
    Region an additional $8.3 million of Federal funds for livestock
    protection. At a nominal 16 percent tax rate on the economic activity
    generated by the investment would result in over $62 million to the
    Treasury.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total Livestock Protected...............................       6,642,000
    Total Value of Livestock Saved (Using $10.84:1 Ratio)...     $97,548,000
    Value incl. Multiplier..................................    $390,192,000
    16 percent Nominal Tax rate.............................     $62,430,720
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Chart 1.--Ten Year Comparison--WR Federal Base and Cooperative Funds
                        (Including Livestock Protection)

                     FARM AND FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

    Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
        The sheep industry participates in FAS programs such as the Market
    Access Program (MAP), Quality Samples Program (QSP) and the Foreign
    Market Development Program (FMD). ASI strongly supports appropriations
    at the full authorized level for these critical Foreign Agricultural
    Service programs. ASI is the cooperator for American wool and sheep
    pelts and has achieved solid success in increasing exports of domestic
    product. Exports of American wool have increased dramatically with
    approximately 60 percent of U.S. production now competing overseas.
    Risk Management Agency (RMA)
        Through ASI, the U.S. sheep industry is working with RMA on the
    development of ``Livestock Risk Protection'' for lamb (LRP-Lamb), a
    model-based, price-risk insurance product to help sheep producers
    manage the primary factor in their operation's financial exposure. The
    sheep industry is very anxious to participate in a 27 State pilot
    project with LRP-Lamb as approved in September of 2006. The goal is a
    market-based, user-friendly risk management tool that effectively and
    efficiently protects against unexpected price downswings that provides
    producers and their lenders with a critically needed financial
    management option.
        ASI urges the Subcommittee to support the agency's research and
    developmental costs to design creative new programs for the livestock
    sector as well as in the ``Administrative and Operating Expenses''
    category to enable RMA to deliver these products, including appropriate
    maintenance expenses.

                 NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS)

        ASI urges increased appropriations for the range programs of the
    Soil Conservation Service to benefit the private range and pasture
    lands of the United States with conservation assistance. We support the
    budget item and recommend an increased level for the Grazing Lands
    Conservation Initiative, which ASI has worked with, along with other
    livestock and range management organizations to address this important
    effort for rangelands in the United States.

                       RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND ECONOMICS

        Our industry is striving to be profitable and sustainable as a user
    of and contributor to our natural resource base. Research, both basic
    and applied, and modern educational programming is essential if we are
    to succeed. We have been disappointed in the decline in resources USDA
    has been targeting toward sheep research and outreach programs. In
    order for the sheep industry to continue to be more globally
    competitive, we must invest in the discovery and adoption of new
    technologies for producing, processing and marketing lamb and wool. We
    urge the Subcommittee to send a strong message to USDA supporting sheep
    research and educational funding increases.
    Agricultural Research Service
        We continue to vigorously support the administration's funding of
    research concerning emerging and exotic diseases. Emerging and exotic
    diseases continue to have significant impact on our industry due to
    animal health and trade issues. The animal disease portion should be
    substantial and is urgently needed to protect the U.S. livestock
    industry. We note the President's request for fiscal year 2007 includes
    $9.5 million for BSE and CWD research. We agree that BSE has been an
    extremely important disease issue; however it is well established that
    BSE is being controlled globally and research has shown that since BSE
    is not transmitted by casual contact, actual disease concerns regarding
    BSE in the United States should be minimal. With this in mind, we
    respectfully remind the Subcommittee that scrapie along with CWD are
    Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies that are endemic in the
    United States and unlike BSE are transmitted by casual contact. We
    recommend that any additional funds for BSE and CWD research also
    address scrapie with emphasis toward scrapie eradication needs
    (detection and control methods). We also respectively remind the
    Subcommittee that scientists in the Animal Disease Research Unit
    (ADRU), ARS, Pullman Washington, have made significant progress in the
    early diagnosis of TSEs, in understanding genetic resistance to TSEs
    and in understanding mechanisms of TSE transmission, which are
    important in eradication of all TSEs. The programs of these scientists
    at ADRU should be enhanced and expanded to include, for instance, the
    development of further improvements in rapid and accurate TSE detection
    methods and to provide an understanding of the role of other small
    ruminants as environmental sources of the TSE agent in the transmission
    of TSEs within the United States and world and to further understand
    the basis of genetic resistance and susceptibility to these devastating
    diseases.
        We note and strongly support the ARS 2008 priority initiative (3.8
    million) entitled ``Functional Genomics to Improve Nutrient Utilization
    in Beef Cattle''. Due to the extreme importance of this approach to
    enhancing the economics of sheep production and the recent progress in
    acquiring the sheep genome, we respectively request that this
    initiative be expanded to include sheep genomics. Since 2001, Congress
    has had the foresight to appropriate $756,553 each year to this unit
    for ``Microbial Genomics.'' Microbial genomics is the cornerstone
    project for their genomic research infrastructure and has resulted in
    very important genomics based research advancements for infectious
    diseases of livestock such as Ovine Progressive Pneumonia virus (OPPV),
    caseous lymphadenitis and foot rot. OPPV, caseous lymphadenitis and
    foot rot cause infections and environmental contaminations that
    continue to have significant economic impact for U.S. sheep producers.
    Also, pneumonia of big horn sheep continues to be a major concern for
    the domestic sheep industry. Regulatory impact on the use of public
    lands by domestic sheep producers due to the perceived possibility of
    disease transmission events between big horn and domestic sheep
    continues to be significant. Most recently genomics based research has
    yielded advancements in the understanding of the pneumonia complex
    affecting big horn sheep. This research is consistent with the ARS 2008
    priority initiative (4.9 million) entitled ``Livestock Immunology and
    Microbial Genomics to Improve Animal Health''. Very promising on-going
    genomic research efforts are directed at early determination of which
    sheep are susceptible to disease and responsible for economic losses.
    High throughput genomics has ushered in a new era of integrated
    research regarding the ability to link control of chronic, economically
    important diseases such as OPPV and important production traits. There
    are a number of infectious diseases across domestic and wild animals
    that will benefit from this research focus. It is becoming clear that
    not all infected animals transmit diseases with equal efficiency; in
    fact it appears that the ``super shedders'' are a small proportion of
    an infected population. In addition to aiding in the control of chronic
    infectious diseases such as OPPV, caseous lymphadenitis and foot rot,
    control of Big Horn Sheep pneumonia and internal parasitism may well be
    aided by this genomics approach. Early detection of susceptibility and
    resistance will lead to practical intervention strategies. We
    respectively request the Subcommittee to recommend the restoration and
    enhancement of microbial genomics to ADRU for the fiscal year 2008
    budget. With this in mind, we respectively request the subcommittee to
    recommend restoration of the $764,195 and enhancement of the microbial
    genomics budget of ADRU by $900,000 to a total of $1,664,195 to use in
    collaboration with the University of Idaho, Washington State University
    and the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois and other collaborators
    to expand research concerning causation and transmission of the
    pneumonia complex of big horn sheep and link predictive genomics based
    tests with the genetics of production.
        We also urge the Subcommittee to recommend the restoration of
    $484,292 for Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) at the ARS/ADRU in Pullman
    for the fiscal year 2007 budget. MCF is a viral disease of ruminants
    that is of great concern to our livestock industries. The exotic
    variant of MCF is considered a high priority select agent. This funding
    is provided for collaborative research with the U.S. Sheep Experiment
    Station, Dubois ID and the University of Idaho, for vaccine development
    directed at preventing transmission and economic losses caused by MCF.
        Research into Johne's disease has received additional funding
    through ARS over the past several years with a focus on cattle. Johne's
    disease is also endemic in the U.S. sheep population and is not well
    understood as a sheep disease. The same food safety concerns exist in
    both sheep and cattle; other countries are also very concerned about
    Johne's in sheep. We urge the Subcommittee to send a strong message to
    ARS that Johne's disease in sheep should receive more attention with an
    emphasis on diagnostics.
        We appreciate and support USDA's strategic goals and note that
    strategic goal (3) ``Enhance Domestic Rural and Farm Economies States
    in part as follows: ``Work to expand production and market
    opportunities for bioenergy and biobased products''. In response to
    this strategic goal of the USDA we request that the Subcommittee
    recommend $350,000 as a targeted increase for ARS/ERRC research at
    Wyndmoor, PA to be directed toward research on wool at the molecular
    level focusing on anti-microbial properties, flame retardation and
    enhancement of fiber properties through enzyme treatments targeting
    high priority military needs and other niche market applications for
    consumers.
    Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)
        The Minor Use Animal Drug Program is funded through a ``Special
    Research Grant'' that has had great benefit to the U.S. sheep industry.
    The research under this category is administered as a national program
    ``NRSP-7'' cooperatively with FDA/CVM to provide research information
    for the approval process on therapeutic drugs that are needed. Without
    this program, American sheep producers would not have effective
    products to keep their sheep healthy. We appreciate the fiscal year-
    2006 funding level of $582,000 for this program, and we urge the
    Subcommittee to recommend that it be funded at least at this level in
    fiscal year 2008 to help meet the needs of our rapidly changing
    industry and increasing costs for research necessary to meet the
    requirements for approving additional therapeutics for sheep.
        On-going funding for the Food Animal Residue Avoidance Databank
    (FARAD) program is critically important for the livestock industry in
    general and especially for ``minor species'' industries such as sheep
    where extra-label use of therapeutic products is more the norm rather
    than the exception. We urge the Subcommittee to recommend that it be
    funded at least at the fiscal year 2006 level of $806,000 in 2008 to
    help meet the needs of the animal industries. FARAD provides
    veterinarians the ability to accurately prescribe products with
    appropriate withdrawal times protecting both animal and human health.
        On-going research to improve value quantification and marketing of
    wool is critically important to the sheep and wool industry. ASI urges
    the Subcommittee's support to restore and continue the CSREES special
    grants program for wool research at least to the fiscal year 2006 level
    of $298,000 for fiscal year 2008.
        Research for the Montana Sheep Institute is important to the sheep
    and wool industry. Sheep grazing is being used as an important tool for
    natural resource management to improve the competitiveness of lamb and
    wool in the marketplace and reduce the impacts of invasive plant
    species. ASI encourages the Subcommittee's support to continue funding
    at the fiscal year 2006 level of $591,000 for 2008.
        The Livestock Marketing Information Center (LMIC) is a unique and
    very effective cooperative effort. This is not a State specific effort;
    it operates as a national virtual ``Center of Excellence'' for
    Extension education, research, and public policy. Members of the LMIC
    represent 26 Land Grant Universities, 6 USDA agencies, and a variety of
    associate institutions. In conjunction with the USDA's Economic
    Research Service (ERS), this cooperative effort started in the mid-
    1950's. This effort is an integral part of U.S. livestock marketing and
    outlook programs for cattle, hogs, sheep, dairy and poultry. Demands on
    the LMIC staff continue to increase from other USDA agencies, Land
    Grant Universities, State governments, commodity associations and
    directly from producers. We strongly support funding be continued at
    least at the previously funded level of $194,000 for the Livestock
    Marketing Information Center (LMIC) in fiscal year 2008. The
    coordinating office for this national Land Grant University directed
    effort is located in Lakewood, Colorado. As in the past, line-item
    funding will be directed through the USDA CSREES.
        The Joe Skeen Institute for Rangeland Restoration is an on-going
    collaborative research program with Texas A&M University, New Mexico
    State University and Montana State University. Federal support is
    sought to help correct critical degradation of public lands, especially
    desertification of rangelands through research and education.
        The rangelands of the United States have been degraded for decades
    impacting water runoff and production of amenities enjoyed by the
    general public. Innovative methods for control of invasive plants
    though goats and sheep are providing biological solutions while
    improving the environment. We urge the Subcommittee to support the
    Institute at $2 million for fiscal year 2008.
    Grants to Train Farm Workers in Technologies and Specialized Skills
            Necessary for Higher Value Crops
        The shortage of skilled sheep shearers has increasingly become a
    problem for U.S. sheep producers and strong interest has been expressed
    in utilizing this grant program through USDA as authorized in section
    6025 of the 2002 Farm Security and Rural Investment Act. Grant funds
    are authorized; however appropriations would be necessary for the
    program to allow the U.S. sheep industry the opportunity to apply for
    funds to train U.S. workers as sheep shearers.
                                     ______

          Prepared Statement of the American Society for Microbiology

        The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) is pleased to submit
    the following testimony on the fiscal year 2008 appropriation for the
    U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) research and education programs.
    The ASM is the largest single life science organization with more than
    42,000 members. The ASM mission is to enhance the science of
    microbiology, to gain a better understanding of life processes, and to
    promote the application of this knowledge for improved health and for
    economic and environmental well-being.
        The ASM is concerned with the fiscal year 2008 proposed budget of
    approximately $2 billion for agricultural research and development, a
    $245 million decrease from fiscal year 2007, and a $428 million cut
    from fiscal year 2006. The steady decline in Federal funding for
    agricultural research will have detrimental effects on both public
    health and the Nation's economy. Agricultural research is critical to
    USDA's role in oversight of domestic and imported food production to
    ensure a safe food supply and to the Nation's stake in domestic and
    global markets. In 2006, U.S. agricultural exports reached a record $71
    billion, an $8 billion increase over 2005. There are strong
    correlations between food safety, food markets, and the U.S. economy.
    The estimated costs of five foodborne bacterial diseases alone total
    nearly $7 billion per year, with more than $71 million just for E. coli
    O157 in contaminated ground beef. Recent outbreaks of disease linked to
    spinach and peanut butter and subsequent product recalls illustrate the
    effects of contaminated food on private sector markets.
        The ASM asks Congress to increase support for the USDA Agricultural
    Research Service (ARS), the lead scientific agency that conducts
    intramural research, and the USDA National Research Initiative (NRI),
    the competitive, peer-reviewed grants program that supports extramural
    research. USDA research efforts in food safety, climate change, crop
    production, alternative fuels, the environment and other strategic
    areas are producing tangible returns on past federal investments. U.S.
    agricultural output has more than doubled in the last 50 years,
    attributed by economists almost entirely to increased productivity by
    U.S. producers who benefit from the Nation's investment in research and
    technology. Genetic improvements, for example, have accounted for half
    the yield gains in major cereal crops since the 1930s. The net gain
    from crop genetics research is estimated to be about $385 million per
    year in the United States and more than $600 million globally. The
    world's population likely will reach 9 billion by about 2050 but
    agricultural experts foresee shortfalls in cropland expansion for food
    production, thus the increased food supply will need to come from
    enhanced yields based on basic and applied research.
        The President's fiscal year 2008 budget request would reduce
    funding for the ARS by 11 percent from fiscal year 2007 and fiscal year
    2006. The ASM urges Congress to provide at least $1.15 billion for the
    ARS in fiscal year 2008, the same level as fiscal year 2007 and fiscal
    year 2006. The President proposes funding the NRI at $257 million in
    fiscal year 2008, an increase of $67 million over fiscal year 2007;
    however, $61 million of the increase will be allocated to the
    integrated programs transferred into the NRI and biofuel research,
    providing the NRI with an actual increase of only $6 million for its
    base programs.
    Food Safety
        Strong support for the NRI and ARS is needed to provide the
    fundamental research essential to creating efficient and accurate
    technologies for the protection of human health and agricultural
    quality. This research is critical considering there are approximately
    76 million foodborne illness cases in the United States per year. The
    United States has recently suffered from several bacterial foodborne
    illness outbreaks, including a widespread E. coli outbreak in spinach
    last summer that sickened more than 200 people and killed three.
    Several other outbreaks of salmonella and E. coli also occurred last
    year. The most recent problem resulted in a large recall of all Peter
    Pan and certain Great Value peanut butter contaminated with salmonella.
        Recently, USDA supported scientists identified a safe and effective
    new sanitizer (acidified sodium chlorite, or SANOVA) that achieved a 5-
    log reduction of E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and
    Salmonella on produce even in the presence of large organic loads. The
    researchers optimized sanitation treatment procedures to ensure good
    quality of shredded carrot and fresh-cut lettuce while maintaining the
    effective killing power of the sanitizer.
        Because livestock and poultry are often the original source of
    pathogens (even in the case of produce-borne outbreaks), additional
    research is needed to strengthen production safeguards that can protect
    animal and human health. Other ARS research groups have been developing
    interventions using bacteriocins (natural antimicrobial agents) and
    bacteriophage (bacteria-killing agents) that upon commercialization
    will contribute to a reduction in campylobacter on chicken, leading to
    greater food safety.
        Additionally, there is concern that some food borne bacterial
    pathogens may become resistant to certain antimicrobial agents. It is
    necessary to have continued support for antimicrobial resistance
    monitoring programs, such as the National Antimicrobial Resistance
    Monitoring System (NARMS) the Collaboration on Animal Health Food
    Safety Epidemiology (CAHFSE) program to generate data that will guide
    appropriate interventions in the food production chain to minimize and
    contain antimicrobial resistant bacterial pathogens in the food supply.
        Through the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the USDA is
    ensuring the Nation's food quality, providing safety interventions, and
    contributing to pathogen reduction. The ASM supports the President's
    fiscal year 2008 requested increases above fiscal year 2007 of 4.8
    percent and 35.4 percent for FSIS and APHIS respectively.
        In 2002, the import share of total U.S. food consumption was 13
    percent and continues to grow today. As agricultural imports increase,
    it is important to develop better systems to screen produce and other
    food imports at the borders. Federal support of research is needed to
    develop better methods for rapid detection, sampling, and intervention
    to protect the public from food borne pathogens.
    Bioeconomy Based Systems
        Agricultural research is a critical component of discovering
    biobased products such as polymers, lubricants, solvents, composites,
    and energy. The USDA research programs expand science-based knowledge
    and technologies to support the efficient, economical and
    environmentally friendly conversion of biomass, more specifically
    agricultural and municipal residuals into value-added industrial
    products and biofuels. Microbial research is essential to understanding
    and thus creating efficient conversion and production methods of
    biomass.
        As research in the area of biofuels and bioenergy expands, it also
    affects other aspects of food production such as the fact that corn
    prices for livestock will increase as more is diverted to biofuel
    production potentially affecting the food supply, exports, and
    agricultural practices overall. The ASM urges the USDA to expand
    further the research programs on alternative bioenergy production to
    explore new resources and methods that would not compete with the food
    system, such as cellulose-based fermentation.
        The ASM notes that more research is needed to understand the impact
    that removing biomass for energy and other products has on the
    sustainability of soils and water. Since soil sustainability is
    intrinsically linked to the microbial health of the soil, and the
    health of soil can directly affect its ability to filter and clean
    water, a greater understanding of soil microbiology is essential to
    ensuring sustainability.
        Greater support for the NRI and ARS is essential to address the
    challenges of the emerging biobased industry with programs that support
    research, development and demonstration.
    Climate Change
        One of the most pressing issues faced by plant and animal producers
    is adapting to the impact of global change and climate on crop or
    animal production. Changing climate may alter bacterial and fungal
    pathogen pressures on plant and animal production and nutrient cycling
    and availability. Agriculture can contribute to a reduction in
    greenhouse gases that are microbial driven. The agricultural community
    needs scientific information for planning and decision making, to
    ensure economic viability. Scientific information on global change and
    climate and its impacts on soils, water, air, microbial biology, as
    well as plant and animal biology, and the general environment will
    produce robust simulation models to provide guidance on the relative
    benefits associated with agronomic decisions.
        Current NRI-funded weather and climate projects focus on
    determining the effects of global change and climate on land-based
    systems and the global carbon cycle and on identifying agricultural and
    forestry activities that can help reduce greenhouse gas concentrations.
    Research can help identify, describe, and quantify processes involved
    in the cycling of organic and inorganic carbon in soil. Strong support
    of NRI is needed to develop new tools for accurately measuring
    greenhouse gases, methods for measuring and estimating carbon in
    ecosystems at different scales, and effective ways to sustain
    productivity in a changing environment. Information from this research
    can be used to achieve national goals on carbon dioxide and methane
    emissions reductions.
    Genomics
        The Microbial Genome Sequencing Program has been supported jointly
    by the NRI and the National Science Foundation (NSF) since fiscal year
    2001. The program supports high-throughput sequencing of the genomes of
    a broad range of microorganisms and the development and implementation
    of strategies, tools, and technologies to make currently available
    genome sequences more valuable to the user community. Over 100
    microbial genomes have been sequenced to date because of this program.
    The broad availability of these sequences has led to important insights
    into how the structure and content of microbial genomes affect the
    ability of microorganisms to function and adapt to the environments in
    which they live. The USDA/CSREES and NSF Microbial Genome Sequencing
    Program will lead to improved breeding strategies, increased disease
    resistance, and enhanced yield and nutritive value of agriculturally
    important plants and animals. The ASM urges Congress to provide strong
    support for the USDA genomics initiative.
    Soil Processes
        Microbial research is essential in protecting the Nation's natural
    resources, soil and water, and the subsequent impact on the supply and
    quality of food. The NRI is currently supporting research that will
    potentially lead to an effective treatment to entrap, remove, or
    inactivate cryptosporidia oocysts, which persist in soil and water.
    Cryptosporidia are a potentially fatal protozoan that infects humans,
    livestock, and wildlife. When an effective control mechanism is
    developed, it may prove to be effective in dealing with all pathogens,
    including Salmonella, enteric bacteria, and viruses. The ASM urges
    Congress to increase support for the NRI to continue and expand on
    opportunities in soil processes research that is critical for the
    health and well-being of the Nation.
    Workforce Development and Training
        Studies project that over the period 2005-2010, employment
    opportunities for U.S. college graduates with expertise in the food,
    agricultural, and natural resources systems are expected to average
    over 52,000 openings per year, with some 49,300 qualified graduates
    available each year for these positions; with approximately 32,300 new
    graduates available from the U.S. colleges of agriculture and life
    sciences, forestry, and veterinary medicine and 17,000 qualified
    graduates from allied higher education programs such as biological
    sciences, engineering, business, health sciences, communication, and
    applied technologies will be available. It is essential to foster
    programs that assess what the future workforce demands will be in
    agricultural research and contribute to workforce development and
    training to meet these demands.
        The ASM urges Congress to increase support for the NRI. As grant
    applications have increased, and funding has remained flat essentially
    for the last 4 years, young scientists are discouraged by the low
    funding rate of just 16 percent. Increasing funding for the NRI will
    increase the funding rate, providing greater opportunity for young
    scientists.
    Conclusion
        The ASM urges Congress to increase research funding for the USDA.
    The 2002 Farm Bill stated the sense of Congress to double funding for
    agriculture research over the next 5 years. The ASM is concerned that
    we are losing ground in the important field of agricultural research,
    just as the challenges the Nation faces in competitiveness, food
    safety, energy, and climate change, places more emphasis on the need
    for greater research to answer these demands.
        The ASM appreciates the opportunity to provide written testimony
    and would be pleased to assist the Subcommittee as it considers the
    fiscal year 2008 appropriation for the USDA.
                                     ______

          Prepared Statement of the American Society for Microbiology

        The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) appreciates the
    opportunity to comment on the fiscal year 2008 budget submission for
    the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The ASM is the largest single
    life science Society with over 42,000 members, who work in academic,
    clinical, government and industry laboratories and are involved in
    research and diagnostic testing. The Society has a special interest in
    the activities of the FDA which are critical to safeguarding the health
    and welfare of the public. The ASM supports an increase in funding for
    FDA activities, which are expanding because of scientific innovations,
    rapid globalization and new and reemerging diseases. The ASM urges that
    the FDA budget be increased and specifically recommends a significant
    increase for FDA Food Safety activities. An increase in the FDA budget
    will better equip the agency to address new public health issues and
    additional funding for food safety programs will help to protect the
    safety and quality of food consumed in the United States.
        The FDA has enormous responsibilities that affect the public every
    day. About 20 percent of consumer spending in the United States buys
    FDA regulated products, an annual expenditure of nearly $1.5 trillion.
    The FDA plays a critical role in overseeing and evaluating new products
    with significant potential to greatly improve public health and reduce
    costs to society. Annual spending on health care in the United States
    reached nearly $2 trillion in 2005. Last year, FDA approved an array of
    new cost containing medical advances, including vaccines to fight
    cervical cancer, shingles, and gastroenteritis. FDA scientific and
    support staff must be prepared to respond to disease outbreaks, like
    those recently linked to contaminated salad greens and peanut butter.
    It is essential that FDA receive the federal funding which it needs to
    meet its changing and expanding regulatory responsibilities.
        The proposed fiscal year 2008 budget for FDA includes $1.64 billion
    in budget authority and nearly $444 million to be collected as industry
    user fees, an overall 6.8 percent increase above the fiscal year 2007
    request. The fiscal year 2008 budget authority includes a net increase
    of $95.3 million to subsidize high priority initiatives identified as
    crucial by the FDA and external reviewers. The ASM agrees that this is
    a justifiable and wise investment in these priority initiatives, which
    include strengthening food safety, modernizing FDA drug safety
    programs, and assuring FDA expertise and infrastructure upgrades.
    Strengthening Food Safety
        Foodborne disease continues to be a problem in the United States.
    In 2006, FDA investigators helped pinpoint the sources of pathogens in
    familiar products sold at grocery stores and restaurants, by testing
    contaminated spinach and lettuce, oysters, and peanut butter. More than
    250 foodborne illnesses are recognized by the FDA's Center for Food
    Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). Federal officials estimate that
    each year about 76 million become sick, more than 300,000 are
    hospitalized, and 5,000 die from foodborne illnesses. The high priority
    initiative to enhance food safety includes much needed improvements
    like hiring experts in fresh produce microbiology, enhancing geographic
    information systems (GIS/GPS) to better map disease outbreaks, and
    expanding genomic databases used in screening imported foods.
        The FDA's food program regulates $417 billion worth of U.S.
    produced foods, $49 billion in imported foods, and $59 billion in
    cosmetics, from point of entry or production to point of sale. Global
    marketing, the threat of bioterrorist agents added to foods, changing
    American diets, and the rapidly growing diet supplement industry
    converge to further complicate FDA efforts toward a safe food supply.
    CFSAN personnel oversee consumer products as diverse as tattoo inks and
    infant formula. In fiscal year 2006, they inspected lettuce farming and
    processing operations in California, completed construction of a high
    level containment laboratory to develop methods for identifying
    biothreat agents, established a repository of pathogenic Escherichia
    coli O157:H7, and augmented advanced research tools for pinpointing
    sources of contamination by specific bacterial strains.
        The fiscal year 2008 budget request includes $10.6 million to
    strengthen the FDA's food safety activities, as part of the overall
    $467 million allocated to the agency's Foods Program (a 4 percent
    increase over fiscal year 2007). The proposed increase in FDA's food
    safety activities is not sufficient to provide the resources needed to
    ensure adequate protection and programs based on the best science. The
    FDA is responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of 75 percent of
    the food consumed in the United States. Despite the fact that
    additional funding was provided to FDA in the 2007 Joint Resolution, no
    increase was provided for food safety. The food safety program must,
    therefore, absorb infrastructure and payroll costs at the expense of
    funding critical program needs. When the fiscal year 2008 CFSAN food
    safety request is compared to funding for food safety in the 2007 Joint
    Resolution, the net increase in fiscal year 2008 is only $1 million.
    The proposed increase for food safety activities at CFSAN would be at
    the expense of current CFSAN programs.
        FDA food safety activities are not able to keep pace with the
    demands to protect food in this country. The two primary centers within
    FDA that address food safety are CFSAN and the Office of Regulatory
    Affairs (ORA). In fiscal year 2004, CFSAN was authorized 901 FTEs, with
    a major focus on addressing food safety issues. Since then, several
    additional responsibilities have been delegated to the Center for
    regulatory oversight, including nutritional claims, food allergens,
    nanotechnology, and food security, and major reductions in appropriated
    personnel positions have occurred. In fiscal year 2008, only 756 FTEs
    have been proposed for CFSAN. In addition, in fiscal year 2004 2,086
    FTEs were appropriated for ORA, the inspection program of FDA. About 30
    percent of the ORA is allotted to food inspection, which equates to 626
    inspectors. In fiscal year 2008, 1,946 FTEs have been proposed for ORA,
    which equates to 584 for food inspectors. Currently, the United States
    Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service
    (FSIS) has approximately 7,600 inspectors for approximately 6,500 meat
    and poultry processing facilities. FDA has about 600 food inspectors
    for over 50,000 food processing facilities which the agency oversees.
    The FDA would need at least 58,500 inspectors to be on par with the
    USDA-FSIS meat and poultry inspection program. Both FDA's CFSAN and the
    foods program within ORA are woefully under funded to adequately
    accomplish the tasks required to verify the safety of the U.S. food
    supply. Addressing gaps in inspection and compliance, enhancing
    scientific risk assessment, management and analysis, and science based
    food standards are examples of areas in need of new resources to
    provide adequate public health protection to the nation's food supply.
    The ASM recommends the FDA Food Safety programs be appropriated an
    additional $75 million to strengthen CFSAN and ORA Food Safety
    activities.
        The FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) regulates animal
    drugs and feeds used to care for a momentous number of animals: 9
    billion chickens, 266 million turkeys, 97 million cattle, 61 million
    pigs, 11 million sheep and goats, 130 million dogs and cats, and 5
    million horses. The current recall of 60 million containers of pet food
    by a major Canadian manufacturer, following reports of kidney failure
    in dogs and cats, is the most recent example of CVM's rapid response to
    consumer complaints. The FDA quickly alerted the public and the media
    of the potential threat to pet health, while CVM personnel are onsite
    at the company's U.S. plants to search for any connection between the
    reported cases and product processing. The fiscal year 2008 budget
    requests $106 million to support FDA's supervision of animal drugs and
    feeds, roughly a 7 percent increase. CVM programs slated to receive a
    funding increase include an interagency effort against the rising
    incidence of drug resistant microorganisms. In September 2006, the FDA
    released its third annual retail meat report, based on laboratory
    testing for resistance among meat associated microorganisms, part of
    the interagency National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System.
    The FDA also issued an order last year that prohibits the extra label
    use in poultry of two classes of human anti influenza drugs, to avoid
    emergence of resistant strains of type A influenza that include the
    avian H5N1 virus. Other fiscal year 2008 funding targets are vigilance
    against Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle and evaluation
    of genetically modified animals as human food sources. Emerging
    infectious diseases and cutting edge science force regulators to adapt,
    to acquire new scientific methods and evaluate previously unknown food
    safety issues. Last December, the FDA issued three draft documents on
    the safety of animal cloning, concluding that meat and milk from clones
    and their offspring are safe as food, but asking producers to refrain
    from selling such products until final documents are released following
    public comment. The three documents illustrate the breadth and
    complexity of FDA oversight of specific food sources: a draft risk
    assessment, a proposed risk management plan, and a draft guidance for
    industry.
    Modernizing Drug Safety
        In 2006, two reports released by the Institute of Medicine (IOM)
    warned health officials about high numbers of prescription drug
    dispensing errors and about problems with drug safety oversight. The
    first report estimated that at least 1.5 million preventable adverse
    drug events (ADEs) occur each year in the United States. The report
    also concluded that preventable ADEs in hospitals alone could be
    costing the U.S. economy about $3.5 billion annually in treatment
    expenses, adding that the extra cost of drug error related illness and
    death in the ambulatory setting had already reached an estimated $177.4
    billion by 2000. In response to these crises in prescription errors,
    the proposed fiscal year 2008 budget specifically requests nearly $9
    million to modernize FDA's drug safety programs. The FDA expects the
    fiscal year 2008 initiative to revolutionize the agency's ability to
    identify drug safety issues, by collecting surveillance numbers from
    more databases, acquiring the latest scientific tools to evaluate drugs
    and patient reactions, hiring specialist investigators to detect and
    resolve problems, and improving communication on safety to all
    stakeholders.
        The proposed fiscal year 2008 budget sets aside nearly $571 million
    for the FDA's ongoing oversight of human drugs, a 10 percent increase
    over fiscal year 2007. Without adequate funding, the quality of drug
    oversight will deteriorate at the same time as regulatory demands are
    expanding steadily. Each year, the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and
    Research (CDER) evaluates growing numbers of new and on-market drug
    products, routinely investigating adverse medical events and clarifying
    consumer information included in packaging. In 2006, the FDA approved
    several significant new drugs after extensive research and review,
    including the first inhaled insulin for self treatment by adult
    patients, the first drug patch for depression, the first drug treatment
    for a rare glycogen storage disease (Pompe disease, designated an FDA
    orphan drug), and the first drug for dementia of Parkinson's disease.
    Throughout the year, the agency announced a number of drug labeling
    changes based on adverse event reports. The FDA also contributed to
    ongoing counterbioterrorism initiatives, approving a nerve agent
    treatment for use by civilian emergency personnel and generic versions
    of a drug already FDA approved for inhalational anthrax.
    Improving Generic Drug Review
        The budget requests $5.6 million to improve the evaluation of new
    generic drugs and $15.7 million in new generic drug user fees to be
    collected from drug manufacturers to underwrite the rapidly expanding
    generic drug industry. In 2005, prescription drug sales accounted for
    roughly 10 percent of the $2 trillion in total health care spending
    (about $200.7 billion), making medications the third largest spending
    category. During the past six years, generic drug applications to the
    FDA's Office of Generic Drugs (OGD) increased by 158 percent (793 in
    fiscal year 2006), and the OGD estimates that 857 applications will be
    filed in fiscal year 2008. The fiscal year 2008 request to fund the
    FDA's generic drug initiative recognizes this expanding demand on FDA
    oversight. The agency already has implemented steps to improve program
    efficiency, to shorten turn around time for applications. It estimates
    that funding for the fiscal year 2008 initiative will permit approval
    of as many as 550 generic drugs annually, reducing U.S. prescription
    drug costs and making more treatments available to more patients. In
    fiscal year 2006, the FDA approved or tentatively approved a record 510
    new generic drug applications. Among those approved were 13 HIV/AIDS
    drugs and medications for hyperlipidemia, depression, osteoarthritis,
    and high cholesterol.
    Modernizing Biologics Safety
        The initiative to modernize drug safety, which is allocated $11.2
    million in the fiscal year 2008 budget, includes more than $2.2 million
    to enhance safety assessments of biologics, blood and blood products,
    human tissue, cell and gene therapies, vaccines, and allergenic
    products. Statistics from 2006 reveal the extent of products regulated
    by the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER): more
    than 14 million units of blood and blood products transfused, over 235
    million vaccinations administered, and more than one million human
    tissues transplanted. Funding would expand postmarket surveillance,
    strengthen adverse event assessment, and improve communication with the
    medical community and other partners. The overall fiscal year 2008
    budget for the Biologics Program would be $216 million, a 10.8 percent
    increase over fiscal year 2007 that properly recognizes safe biologic
    products save lives and economic resources. CBER scientists must be
    able to evaluate cutting edge product development, including their
    involvement in the nearly 250 new gene therapy studies presently
    overseen by the Center. CBER oversight has been highly effective; for
    example, the risk of HIV and hepatitis C transmission through blood
    transfusion has been reduced from 1 in 100 units in the 1980s to less
    than 1 in a million units today. Cost effective vaccines in particular
    are credited with saving thousands of lives and millions of dollars in
    health care costs. In 2006, CBER approved new vaccines against three
    pathogenic viruses that cause significant death and disability: human
    papillomavirus (cervical cancer, sexually transmitted disease), herpes
    zoster virus (shingles), and rotavirus (gastroenteritis in infants and
    children).
    Improving Medical Device Safety
        A high priority initiative proposed in the fiscal year 2008 budget
    would help the FDA better evaluate the safety of a wide range of
    medical devices marketed in the United States. Of the $285 million
    allocated to the Medical Devices Program, about $7.2 million will fund
    specific advances in safety analysis and consumer information provided
    by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). As elsewhere
    in the FDA, demands on CDRH staff are being intensified by global
    market forces, rapidly advancing technologies, and shifting population
    demographics. In fiscal year 2006, CDRH received over 150,000 adverse
    event reports requiring review and in some cases follow up actions to
    protect the public health. Last year, FDA personnel continued
    collaboration with the Federal Trade Commission and eBay to make
    certain that unapproved medical devices were not being sold on the
    website. The CDRH also approved innovative devices with significant
    health enhancing potential, including the first easy to use portable
    lead poisoning test system, a device that will reduce brain damage in
    some hospitalized infants by keeping the head cool, a rapid diagnostic
    test for avian influenza viruses based on polymerase chain reaction
    (PCR) technology, and a sensor that wirelessly transmits blood glucose
    readings in real time for use by diabetics at home. The CDRH recently
    provided the scientific support for a large clinical trial of digital
    mammography, showing that the new technology was significantly more
    accurate than standard film mammography among patients with dense
    breasts, under age 50, or pre and perimenopausal. In fiscal year 2008,
    CDRH expects to certify new mammography facilities after evaluation of
    their technological expertise, plus examine and recertify one third of
    the more than 8,900 existing mammography facilities in the United
    States.
    ASM Supports the Proposed FDA Budget for Fiscal Year 2008
        The ASM supports an increase of $75 million in the proposed budget
    for food safety and asks the Congress to appropriate the funding
    necessary to strengthen FDA regulation of foods, drugs, medical devices
    and other products that affect the public health. The ASM reminds the
    Congress that without its highly skilled staff of scientists and
    professionals, the FDA will not succeed in fully protecting U.S. public
    health with activities that are based on the best science available. If
    the agency does not receive adequate funding, it will be forced to
    reduce the number of safety officers, onsite inspectors, product
    reviewers, and laboratory researchers so necessary to effective and
    efficient oversight of FDA regulated products.
                                     ______

               Prepared Statement of the Animal Health Institute

        Dear Mr. Chairman: I write today to request that you include
    funding for priorities important to the animal health industry in the
    fiscal year 2008 Agriculture Appropriations Bill.
        The Animal Health Institute strongly endorses the Administrations
    fiscal year 2008 budget request of $19.867 million for the U.S.
    Department of Agriculture's Center for Veterinary Biologics, an
    increase of about $4.4 million over its fiscal year 2007 funding level.
    For the past three fiscal years, CVB's funding has not included cost of
    living increases, so no progress has been made in filling vacant
    positions for reviewers, inspectors, and laboratory personnel. The CVB
    Inspection and Compliance division is currently at about 65 percent of
    its authorized personnel level, and the Policy, Evaluation, and
    Licensing division (including the laboratory) is below 50 percent.
    CVB's leadership anticipates that another year of level funding would
    force staff cutbacks in order to absorb the new activities relating to
    beginning operations in the new laboratories and added security
    responsibilities.
        Every year, U.S. animal health companies produce 83 billion doses
    of animal vaccines. These vaccines are critical to protecting the
    health of America's flocks, herds, and pets from domestic and foreign
    animal diseases. Animal health companies, for instance, are developing
    new and innovative biologic to greatly reduce the presence of food-
    borne pathogens in animals just prior to slaughter, resulting in less
    pressure on pathogen reduction programs during processing. These new
    products represent a step forward in on-farm contributions to food
    safety. The lack of funding at CVB is dire, and threatens the
    innovation and availability of these products.
        Additionally, Congress has authorized the Animal Drug User Fee Act,
    implementing a system of performance standards and user fees to improve
    the new animal drug review process at FDA's Center for Veterinary
    Medicine. Now in the fourth year of ADUFA implementation, CVM continues
    to make steady progress toward its performance goals. Animal producers
    will benefit from a supply of new and innovative products being brought
    to market more efficiently. The Committee has generously funded the
    fees in the previous four appropriations cycles. The President's budget
    proposal includes $13.696 million that needs to be appropriated for
    fiscal year 2008, the last year of ADUFA authorization. The fiscal year
    2008 user fee request includes the first quarter of fees for fiscal
    year 2009, funds which would be needed to ramp down the program if it
    were not reauthorized. The industry and Administration have not yet
    begun to negotiate a re-authorization agreement, but we are confident
    that ADUFA will be reauthorized. We ask for the user fees to be
    included in this year's appropriations bill. Similar to appropriations
    for the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, this appropriation is entirely
    budget neutral as the money will be provided by animal health
    companies.
        The Animal Health Institute also endorses the President's budget
    request of $94.809 million for FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine
    (CVM). This amount includes the additional budget authority that is
    needed to make sure that user fee triggers are met. The additional
    funding will ensure that CVM is able to continue essential post market
    safety programs that would otherwise be adversely affected in order to
    meet ADUFA trigger fee requirements.
        Finally, the Animal Health Institute strongly urges the Committee
    to fund the Administration's request of $1.8 million for the
    Collaboration for Animal Health and Food Safety Epidemiology (CAHFSE),
    a joint effort of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the
    Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the Agricultural Research
    Service. CAHFSE will enable USDA to identify and track emerging
    diseases and identify and implement mitigation strategies in a timely
    manner thereby averting economic, animal health, and public health
    consequences. Further, it will provide comprehensive, science based
    answers regarding animal health and public health and will serve as a
    model for future surveillance efforts on a national level. Finally, it
    is the only pre-harvest food safety request included in the President's
    budget request.
        Thank you for your consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact
    me if you have any questions or need additional information.
                                     ______

               Prepared Statement of the Animal Welfare Institute

        Dear Mr. Chairman: We are writing in support of an fiscal year 2008
    appropriation of $1.8 million for the Animal Welfare Information Center
    (AWIC) at the National Agricultural Library. The AWIC was established
    in 1986 in response to a mandate in the Improved Standards for
    Laboratory Animals amendment to the Animal Welfare Act. The Center
    serves as a clearinghouse, training center, and education resource for
    those involved in the use of animals for research, testing and
    teaching, and the need and demand for its services continue to outstrip
    its ability to respond. The AWIC's subject areas include husbandry,
    handling, and care of animals; personnel training; animal behavior;
    alternatives; improved methodologies; environmental enrichment of non-
    human primates, and pain control via anesthesia and analgesia. Further
    information on the Center is on the web at: http://www.nal.usda.gov/
    awic.
        The AWIC staff also compiles and distributes information resources
    from the scientific literature on zoonotic diseases such as avian
    influenza, transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, tuberculosis,
    etc.
        An appropriation of $1.8 million would be used as follows:
      --$1,273,000--Staff salary and benefits, including 2 critical new
            positions to support and enhance the use and usability of
            AWIC's most essential tool, its database. A Technical
            Information Specialist is needed to meet growing demand for
            complex AWIC database searches; to train the research community
            to meet the AWA's information requirements; and to produce
            large topical information resources. A new Information
            Technology Specialist would build, manage, and improve use of
            the AWIC database.
      --$61,400--Present exhibitions at conferences, including 3 regional
            AALAS conference in underserved areas of the country
      --$36,000--Present workshops in cooperation with Animal Care to
            assist licensees/registrants frequently cited for AWA
            violations
      --$28,000--Prepare and conduct informational workshops at research
            institutions across the country
      --$4,100--Prepare and conduct local workshops
      --$38,000--Acquisition of and electronic access to data
      --$29,200--Printing and reproduction (paper and electronic)
      --$26,000--Office supplies (software, hardware, etc.)
      --$20,400--Internet services
      --$13,900--NAL staff training
      --$270,000 overhead to ARS and NAL
        AWIC's services are vitally important to the nation's biomedical
    research enterprise because they facilitate compliance with specific
    requirements of the Federal animal welfare regulations and policies
    governing animal-related research. In addition, the AWIC provides
    extensive research services for us, thereby greatly benefiting our work
    on animal research issues. We appreciate and look forward to a
    continued working relationship with the Animal Welfare Information
    Center and hope you will support our modest request for appropriations.
                                     ______

     Prepared Statement of the California Industry and Government Central
                        California Ozone Study Coalition

        Mr. Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee, on behalf of the
    California Industry and Government Central California Ozone Study
    (CCOS) Coalition, we are pleased to submit this statement for the
    record in support of our fiscal year 2008 funding request of $400,000
    from the Department of Agriculture for CCOS. These funds are necessary
    for the State of California to address the very significant challenges
    it faces to comply with new national ambient air quality standards for
    ozone and fine particulate matter. The study design incorporates
    technical recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences (NAS)
    on how to most effectively comply with Federal Clean Air Act
    requirements.
        First, we want to thank you for your past assistance in obtaining
    Federal funding for the Central California Ozone Study (CCOS) and
    California Regional PM10/PM2.5 Air Quality Study
    (CRPAQS). Your support of these studies has been instrumental in
    improving the scientific understanding of the nature and cause of ozone
    and particulate matter air pollution in Central California and the
    Nation. Information gained from these two studies is forming the basis
    for the 8-hour ozone, PM2.5, and regional haze State
    Implementation Plans (SIPs) that are due in 2007 (ozone) and 2008
    (particulate matter/haze). As with California's previous and current
    SIPs, all future SIPs will continue to be updated and refined due to
    the scientific complexity of our air pollution problem. Our request
    this year would fund the completion of CCOS to address important
    questions that won't be answered with results from previously funded
    research projects.
        To date, our understanding of air pollution and the technical basis
    for SIPs has largely been founded on pollutant-specific studies, like
    CCOS. These studies are conducted over a single season or single year
    and have relied on modeling and analysis of selected days with high
    concentrations. SIPs are now more complex than they were in the past.
    The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) now recommends a weight-of-
    evidence approach that will involve utilizing more broad-based,
    integrated methods, such as data analysis in combination with seasonal
    and annual photochemical modeling, to assess compliance with Federal
    Clean Air Act requirements. This will involve the analysis of a larger
    number of days and possibly an entire season. In addition, because
    ozone and particulate matter are formed from some of the same emissions
    precursors, there is a need to address both pollutants in combination,
    which CCOS will do.
        Consistent with the NAS recommendations, the CCOS study includes
    corroborative analyses with the extensive data provided by past
    studies, advances the state-of-science in air quality modeling, and
    addresses the integration of ozone and particulate pollution studies.
    In addition, the study will incorporate further refinements to emission
    inventories, address the development of observation-based analyses with
    sound theoretical bases, and includes the following four general
    components:
      --Performing SIP modeling analyses--2005-2011
      --Conducting weight-of-evidence data analyses--2006-2008
      --Making emission inventory improvements--2006-2010
      --Performing seasonal and annual modeling--2008-2011
        CCOS is directed by Policy and Technical Committees consisting of
    representatives from Federal, State, and local governments, as well as
    private industry. These committees, which managed the San Joaquin
    Valley Ozone Study and are currently managing the California Regional
    Particulate Air Quality Study, are landmark examples of collaborative
    environmental management. The proven methods and established teamwork
    provide a solid foundation for CCOS.
        For fiscal year 2008, our Coalition is seeking funding of $400,000
    from the Department of Agriculture/CSREES in support of CCOS. Domestic
    agriculture is facing increasing international competition. Costs of
    production and processing are becoming increasingly more critical. With
    the recent SJV PM10 SIP and the upcoming ozone and
    PM2.5 SIPs, the agricultural industry within the study area
    is facing many new requirements to manage and reduce their air quality
    impacts. The identification of scientifically validated, cost-effective
    options for reducing the environmental impacts of on-field and
    livestock related air emissions will contribute significantly to the
    long-term health and economic stability of local agriculture. Funding
    will support livestock and crop-related research that will help
    maintain a vital agricultural industry within the state. Research will
    be focused to measure baseline emissions, and to study the most
    economical and effective approaches for reducing the impacts of
    agriculture on air quality. These studies also have nationwide
    benefits.
        The funding request is for: (1) Study of agricultural volatile
    organic compound (VOC) emissions from pesticide application that will
    help answer questions relevant to farmers and regulators throughout the
    Nation, (2) Evaluation of baseline livestock emissions (VOCs,
    PM10, ammonia) and effective methods to reduce these
    emissions, (3) Development of livestock facility emissions models as
    recommended by the National Academy of Sciences and (4) Improvement of
    emissions estimates for agricultural related diesel engines, both on-
    road and off-road. This includes emission factors, activity data, fleet
    characteristics, seasonality of emissions, and benefits of incentive
    programs to accelerate the introduction of cleaner engines.
        Thank you very much for your consideration of our request.
                                     ______

     Prepared Statement of the Coalition on Funding Agricultural Research
                                    Missions

        The Coalition on Funding Agricultural Research Missions (CoFARM)
    appreciates the opportunity to submit testimony on the fiscal year 2008
    appropriation for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
    CoFARM is a coalition of 24 professional scientific organizations with
    over 200,000 members dedicated to advancing and sustaining a balanced
    investment in our nation's research portfolio.
        The USDA sponsors research and education programs which contribute
    to solving agricultural problems of high national priority and ensuring
    food availability, nutrition, quality and safety, as well as a
    competitive agricultural economy. Agriculture faces new challenges,
    including threats from emerging infectious diseases in plants and
    animals, climate change, and public concern about food safety and
    security. It is critical to increase the visibility and investment in
    agriculture research to respond to these challenges, and we appreciate
    the efforts of Congress to fund the National Research Initiative (NRI)
    at $190 million in fiscal year 2007. We urge the Subcommittee to
    support the Administration's fiscal year 2008 request of $257 million
    for this program.
    USDA National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program
        The National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program (NRI)
    was established in 1991 in response to recommendations outlined in the
    report, Investing in Research: A Proposal to Strengthen the
    Agricultural, Food and Environmental System, by the National Research
    Council's (NRC) Board of Agriculture. This report called for increased
    funding by USDA of high priority research through a competitive peer-
    review process directed at:
      --Increasing the competitiveness of U.S. agriculture.
      --Improving human health and well-being through an abundant, safe,
            and high-quality food supply.
      --Sustaining the quality and productivity of the natural resources
            and the environment upon which agriculture depends.
        Stakeholders of the research community continue their interest in
    and support of the NRI, which is reflected in two subsequent NRC
    reports, Investing in the National Research Initiative: An Update of
    the Competitive Grants Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
    published in 1994, and National Research Initiative: A Vital
    Competitive Grants Program in Food, Fiber, and Natural Resources
    Research, published in 2000.
        Today, the NRI, housed within USDA's Cooperative State Research,
    Education, and Extension Service (CSREES), supports research on key
    problems of national and regional importance in biological,
    environmental, nutritional, physical, and social sciences relevant to
    agriculture, food, health and the environment on a peer-reviewed,
    competitive basis. Additionally, NRI enables USDA to develop new
    partnerships with other Federal agencies that advance agricultural
    science like its current collaborations between NRI and DOE and NSF.
        CoFARM urges Congress to support the Administration's requested
    increase for NRI in fiscal year 2008. NRI's proposed increase comes
    from the shifting of CSREES Integrated Activities, such as food safety,
    pest management, and water quality, making up $42 million of the
    proposed increase, providing a net increase of $25 million for NRI. The
    Administration also requests $19 million of the NRI budget be used for
    bioenergy research. CoFARM supports the Administration's effort to
    increase competitively awarded funding mechanisms.
        By increasing the funding for this program, the United States is
    investing in our nation's future. Failure to make this investment will
    imperil the future of agriculture in the United States by reducing
    competitiveness and decreasing productivity. With limited dollars our
    scientists already produce an annual rate of return of at least 40
    percent.\1\ This high rate of return suggests that an increase in funds
    to agricultural research would be beneficial to the U.S. economy.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \1\ ``Agricultural Research and Productivity: Questions and
    Answers,'' USDA Economic Research Service, December 2005. http://
    www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/AgResearch/Questions/APRDQA6.HTM
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Because of Federal investment, we have made since 1991, we have
    gained valuable new knowledge in areas such as:
    Food Safety and Nutrition
        USDA funded competitive research has supported studies to
    understand incentives for firms to adopt food safety controls and
    industry response to losses when products are recalled for food safety
    violations.
        USDA supported scientists identified a safe and effective new
    sanitizer (SANOVA) that achieved a 5-log reduction of E. coli,
    Listeria, and Salmonella on produce even in the presence of large
    organic loads. The researchers optimized sanitation treatment
    procedures to ensure good quality of shredded carrot and fresh-cut
    lettuce while maintaining the effective killing power of the sanitizer.
    This research is critical considering there are approximately 76
    million foodborne illness cases in the U.S. per year and the findings
    from this research is especially useful to the fresh produce industry
    as they provide practical information in selecting a suitable sanitizer
    to maintain microbial safety and quality of fruits and vegetables.
        Iowa State University researchers have studied fatty acid
    composition in beef and dairy cattle through a NRI funded grant. They
    have discovered a single nucleotide polymorphism that is correlated to
    content of C14-O (myristic acid, the most atherogenic of saturated
    fatty acids) of beef. Thus, the marker in the throesterase domain in
    fatty acid synthase gene can be used to select for healthier beef.
        University of Illinois scientists are involved with the assessment
    of general risk posed from transgenic animals, which is important to
    their future contributions to society. Identification of potentially
    harmful properties of transgenic livestock is the initial step in a
    risk assessment. Direct and indirect impacts of potential harmful
    properties of transgenic livestock are being evaluated at three levels:
    (1) characterization of how the transgene, the transgene product, and
    the transgenic livestock behave in their immediate environment, that
    is, in their barn or pen, (2) determination of possible impacts of
    large scale release of transgenic livestock, that is, if they were to
    be integrated into the larger population of food animal livestock, and
    (3) determination of the more complex environmental and safety
    consequences of their release into the livestock population. This study
    will determine whether a mammary specific transgene, bovine a-
    lactalbumin (Ba-LA) is expressed in tissues other than the mammary
    gland and whether the transgene (Tg) itself, the transgenic RNA or the
    transgenic protein cross over into non-transgenic (C) animals under
    various physiological and physical conditions.
    Renewable Energy and Fuels
        In a time of volatile gasoline prices, USDA dollars have helped
    provide economic and policy analyses for specific renewable energy
    technologies and will estimate national impacts of certain renewable
    energy policy alternatives.
        An April 2005 joint study of the U.S. Departments of Energy and
    Agriculture found that with continued advances in research there will
    be enough renewable biomass grown in the United States. to meet more
    than one-third of the current demand for transportation fuels in the
    nation, without diverting from food crop production.\2\ With advances
    in plant and microbial research, land in every state in the nation
    could be used to grow plants that produce clean-burning cellulosic
    ethanol resulting in decreased dependence on foreign oil, reduction of
    the trade deficit, reduced emissions of stored greenhouse gases,
    revitalized rural economies and strengthened national security.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \2\ ``Biomass as Feedstock for a Bioenergy and Bioproducts
    Industry: The Technical Feasibility of a Billion-Ton Annual Supply,
    April 2005'' http://www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass/pdfs/
    final_billionton_vision_report2.pdf
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Plant and Animal Health and Well-Being
        Pennsylvania researchers are developing rapid diagnostic tests to
    curb avian influenza, a disease that could cripple the state's $700
    million poultry industry.
        Entomologists and Nematologists developed a vaccine for the
    protection of cattle from the horn fly, a major insect pest in many
    parts of the world costing the North American cattle industry alone
    more than $1 billion annually.
        Iowa State University researchers studied fatty liver syndrome in
    dairy cattle. They found that daily injections of glucagon can be used
    to prevent and treat fatty liver in transition dairy cows. A patent has
    been issued for this technology.
    Waste Remediation
        Researchers in Florida have tested a common fern's ability to soak
    up arsenic, a cancer-causing heavy metal, from contaminated soils. The
    market for plant-based remediation of wastes is estimated to be $370
    million in 2005.
        With the support of Congress, increased funding for research will
    continue to boost the American agricultural enterprise and improve our
    economy by increasing food safety, boosting production, protecting the
    environment, finding new uses for renewable resources, and enhancing
    food itself so that food and agricultural systems contribute to a
    stronger and more healthful society. Research programs in nutrition and
    food science help to ensure high-quality, safe, and affordable food for
    consumers, and contribute to the success of a food and agricultural
    system that creates jobs and income in the United States.
        CoFARM appreciates the opportunity to provide written testimony and
    would be pleased to assist the Subcommittee as the Department of
    Agriculture bill is considered throughout the appropriations process.
                                     ______

     Prepared Statement of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum

        The Congress concluded that the Colorado River Basin Salinity
    Control Program (Program) should be implemented in the most cost-
    effective way. Realizing that agricultural on-farm strategies were some
    of the most cost-effective strategies, the Congress authorized a
    program for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through
    amendment of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act in 1984.
    With the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform
    Act of 1996 (FAIRA), the Congress directed that the Program should
    continue to be implemented as one of the components of the
    Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Since the enactment of
    the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act (FSRIA) in 2002, there have
    been, for the first time in a number of years, opportunities to
    adequately fund the Program within the EQIP.
        The Program, as set forth in the Colorado River Basin Salinity
    Control Act, is to benefit Lower Basin water users hundreds of miles
    downstream from salt sources in the Upper Basin as the salinity of
    Colorado River water increases as the water flows downstream. There are
    very significant economic damages caused by high salt levels in this
    water source. Agriculturalists in the Upper Basin where the salt must
    be controlled, however, don't first look to downstream water quality
    standards but look for local benefits. These local benefits are in the
    form of enhanced beneficial use and improved crop yields. They submit
    cost-effective proposals to the State Conservationists in Utah, Wyoming
    and Colorado and offer to cost share in the acquisition of new
    irrigation equipment. The Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act
    provides that the seven Colorado River Basin States will also cost
    share with the Federal funds for this effort. This has brought together
    a remarkable partnership.
        After longstanding urgings from the States and directives from the
    Congress, the USDA has concluded that this program is different than
    small watershed enhancement efforts common to the EQIP. In this case,
    the watershed to be considered stretches more than 1,200 miles from the
    river's headwater in the Rocky Mountains to the river's terminus in the
    Gulf of California in Mexico and receives water from numerous
    tributaries. The USDA has determined that this effort should receive a
    special funding designation and has appointed a coordinator for this
    multi-state effort.
        In recent fiscal years, the Natural Resources Conservation Service
    (NRCS) has directed that over $19 million be used for the Program. The
    Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum (Forum) appreciates the
    efforts of the NRCS leadership and the support of this subcommittee.
    The plan for water quality control of the Colorado River was prepared
    by the Forum, adopted by the States, and approved by the United States
    Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Colorado River Basin
    Salinity Control Advisory Council has taken the position that the
    funding for the salinity control program should not be below $20
    million per year. Over the last three fiscal years, for the first time,
    funding almost reached the needed level. State and local cost-sharing
    is triggered by the Federal appropriation. In fiscal year 2007, it is
    anticipated that the States will cost share with about $8.3 million and
    local agriculture producers will add another $7.5 million. Hence, it is
    anticipated that in fiscal year 2007 the State and local contributions
    will be 45 percent of the total program cost.
        Over the past few years, the NRCS has designated that about 2.5
    percent of the EQIP funds be allocated to the Colorado River salinity
    control program. The Forum believes this is the appropriate future
    level of funding as long as the total EQIP funding nationwide is around
    $1 billion. Funding above this level assists in offsetting pre-fiscal
    year 2003 funding below this level. The Basin States have cost sharing
    dollars available to participate in funding on-farm salinity control
    efforts. The agricultural producers in the Upper Basin are waiting for
    their applications to be considered so that they might improve their
    irrigation equipment and also cost share in the Program.
    Overview
        The Program was authorized by the Congress in 1974. The Title I
    portion of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act responded to
    commitments that the United States made, through a Minute of the
    International Boundary and Water Commission, to Mexico specific to the
    quality of water being delivered to Mexico below Imperial Dam. Title II
    of the Act established a program to respond to salinity control needs
    of Colorado River water users in the United States and to comply with
    the mandates of the then newly-enacted Clean Water Act. This testimony
    is in support of funding for the Title II program.
        After a decade of investigative and implementation efforts, the
    Basin States concluded that the Salinity Control Act needed to be
    amended. The Congress agreed and revised the Act in 1984. That
    revision, while keeping the Department of the Interior as lead
    coordinator for Colorado River Basin salinity control efforts, also
    gave new salinity control responsibilities to the USDA. The Congress
    has charged the Administration with implementing the most cost-
    effective program practicable (measured in dollars per ton of salt
    controlled). It has been determined that the agricultural efforts are
    some of the most cost-effective opportunities.
        Since Congressional mandates of three decades ago, much has been
    learned about the impact of salts in the Colorado River system. The
    Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) has conducted studies on the
    economic impact of these salts. Reclamation recognizes that the damages
    to United States' water users alone are hundreds of millions of dollars
    per year.
        The Forum is composed of gubernatorial appointees from Arizona,
    California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. The Forum
    has become the seven-state coordinating body for interfacing with
    Federal agencies and the Congress in support of the implementation of
    the Salinity Control Program. In close cooperation with the EPA and
    pursuant to requirements of the Clean Water Act, every 3 years the
    Forum prepares a formal report evaluating the salinity of the Colorado
    River, its anticipated future salinity, and the program elements
    necessary to keep the salinity concentrations (measured in Total
    Dissolved Solids--TDS) at or below the levels measured in the river
    system in 1972 at Imperial Dam, and below Parker and Hoover Dams.
        In setting water quality standards for the Colorado River system,
    the salinity concentrations at these three locations in 1972 have been
    identified as the numeric criteria. The plan necessary for controlling
    salinity and reducing downstream damages has been captioned the ``Plan
    of Implementation.'' The 2005 Review of water quality standards
    includes an updated Plan of Implementation. In order to eliminate the
    shortfall in salinity control resulting from inadequate Federal funding
    for a number of years from the USDA, the Forum has determined that
    implementation of the Program needs to be accelerated. The level of
    appropriation requested in this testimony is in keeping with the agreed
    upon plan. If adequate funds are not appropriated, significant damages
    from the higher salt concentrations in the water will be more
    widespread in the United States and Mexico.
        Concentrations of salts in the river cause $330 million in
    quantified damages and significantly more in unquantified damages in
    the United States and result in poorer quality water being delivered by
    the United States to Mexico. Damages occur from:
      --a reduction in the yield of salt sensitive crops and increased
            water use for leaching in the agricultural sector,
      --a reduction in the useful life of galvanized water pipe systems,
            water heaters, faucets, garbage disposals, clothes washers, and
            dishwashers, and increased use of bottled water and water
            softeners in the household sector,
      --an increase in the use of water for cooling, and the cost of water
            softening, and a decrease in equipment service life in the
            commercial sector,
      --an increase in the use of water and the cost of water treatment,
            and an increase in sewer fees in the industrial sector,
      --a decrease in the life of treatment facilities and pipelines in the
            utility sector,
      --difficulty in meeting wastewater discharge requirements to comply
            with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit
            terms and conditions, and an increase in desalination and brine
            disposal costs due to accumulation of salts in groundwater
            basins, and
      --increased use of imported water for leaching and cost of
            desalination and brine disposal for recycled water.
        For every 30 mg/L increase in salinity concentrations, there is $75
    million in additional damages in the United States. The Forum,
    therefore, believes implementation of the USDA program needs to be
    funded at 2.5 percent of the total EQIP funding.
        Although the Program thus far has been able to implement salinity
    control measures that comply with the approved plan, recent drought
    years have caused salinity levels to rise in the river. Predictions are
    that this will be the trend for the next several years. This places an
    added urgency for acceleration of the implementation of the Program.
    State Cost-Sharing and Technical Assistance
        The authorized cost sharing by the Basin States, as provided by
    FAIRA, was at first difficult to implement as attorneys for the USDA
    concluded that the Basin States were authorized to cost share in the
    effort, but the Congress had not given the USDA authority to receive
    the Basin States' funds. After almost a year of exploring every
    possible solution as to how the cost sharing was to occur, the States,
    in agreement with Reclamation, State officials in Utah, Colorado and
    Wyoming and with NRCS State Conservationists in Utah, Colorado and
    Wyoming, agreed upon a program parallel to the salinity control
    activities provided by the EQIP wherein the States' cost sharing funds
    are being contributed and used. We are now several years into that
    program and, at this moment in time, this solution to how cost sharing
    can be implemented appears to be satisfactory.
        With respect to the Basin States' cost sharing funds, the Basin
    States felt that it was most essential that a portion of the Program be
    associated with technical assistance and education activities in the
    field. Without this necessary support, there is no advanced planning,
    proposals are not well prepared, assertions in the proposals cannot be
    verified, implementation of contracts cannot be observed, and valuable
    partnering and education efforts cannot occur. Recognizing these
    values, the ``parallel'' State cost sharing program expends 40 percent
    of the funds available on these needed support activities made possible
    by contracts with the NRCS. Initially, it was acknowledged that the
    Federal portion of the Program funded through EQIP was starved with
    respect to needed technical assistance and education support. The Forum
    is encouraged with a recent Administration acknowledgment that
    technical assistance must be better funded.
                                     ______

          Prepared Statement of the Colorado River Board of California

        This testimony is in support of funding for the U.S. Department of
    Agriculture (USDA) with respect to its on-farm Colorado River Basin
    Salinity Control Program for fiscal year 2008. This program has been
    carried out through the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act
    (Public Law 93-320), since it was enacted by Congress in 1974. With the
    enactment of the Federal Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act
    (FAIRA) in 1996 (Public Law 104-127), specific funding for salinity
    control projects in the Colorado River Basin were eliminated from the
    federal budget and aggregated into the Department of Agriculture's
    Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) as one of its program
    components. With that action, Congress concluded that the salinity
    control program could be more effectively implemented as one of the
    components of the EQIP.
        The Program, as set forth in the Act, benefits both the Upper Basin
    water users through more efficient water management and the Lower Basin
    water users, hundreds of miles downstream from salt sources in the
    Upper Basin, through reduced salinity concentration of Colorado River
    water. California's Colorado River water users are presently suffering
    economic damages in the hundreds of million of dollars per year due to
    the River's salinity.
        The Colorado River Board of California (Colorado River Board) is
    the state agency charged with protecting California's interests and
    rights in the water and power resources of the Colorado River system.
    In this capacity, California along with the other six Colorado River
    Basin states through the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum
    (Forum), the interstate organization responsible for coordinating the
    Basin States' salinity control efforts, established numeric criteria in
    June 1975 for salinity concentrations in the River. These criteria were
    established to lessen the future damages in the Lower Basin states of
    Arizona, California, and Nevada, as well as assist the United States in
    delivering water of adequate quality to Mexico in accordance with
    Minute 242 of the International Boundary and Water Commission.
        The goal of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program is to
    offset the effects of water resources development in the Colorado River
    Basin after 1972 as each state develops its Colorado River Compact
    apportionments. In close cooperation with the U.S. Environmental
    Protection Agency (EPA) and pursuant to requirements of the Clean Water
    Act (Public Law 92-500), every 3 years the Forum prepares a formal
    report analyzing the salinity of the Colorado River, anticipated future
    salinity, and the program elements necessary to keep the salinity
    concentrations (measured in Total Dissolved Solids--TDS) at or below
    the levels measured in the Colorado River system in 1972 at Imperial
    Dam, and below Parker and Hoover Dams. The latest report was prepared
    in 2005 titled: 2005 Review, Water Quality Standards for Salinity,
    Colorado River System (2005 Review). The plan necessary for controlling
    salinity and reducing downstream damages has been captioned the ``Plan
    of Implementation.'' The 2005 Review includes an updated Plan of
    Implementation.
        Concentrations of salts in the River annually cause about $330
    million in quantified damage in the United States (there are
    significant unquantified damages as well). For example, damages occur
    from:
      --A reduction in the yield of salt sensitive crops and increased
            water use for leaching in the agricultural sector;
      --A reduction in the useful life of galvanized water pipe systems,
            water heaters, faucets, garbage disposals, clothes washers, and
            dishwashers, and increased use of bottled water and water
            softeners in the household sector;
      --An increase in the use of water for cooling, and the cost of water
            softening, and a decrease in equipment service life in the
            commercial sector;
      --An increase in the use of water and the cost of water treatment,
            and an increase in sewer fees in the industrial sector;
      --A decrease in the life of treatment facilities and pipelines in the
            utility sector;
      --Difficulty in meeting wastewater discharge requirements to comply
            with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit
            terms and conditions, and an increase in desalination and brine
            disposal costs due to accumulation of salts in groundwater
            basins, and fewer opportunities for recycling due to
            groundwater quality deterioration; and
      --Increased use of imported water for leaching and the cost of
            desalination and brine disposal for recycled water.
        For every 30 milligram per liter increase in salinity
    concentrations, there are $75 million in additional damages in the
    United States. Although the Program, thus far, has been able to
    implement salinity control measures that comply with the approved plan,
    recent drought years have caused salinity levels to rise in the River.
    Predictions are that this will be the trend for the next several years.
    This places an added urgency for acceleration of the implementation of
    the Program.
        Enactment of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002
    provided an opportunity to adequately fund the Salinity Program within
    EQIP. The Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Advisory Council has
    taken the position that the USDA portion of the effort be funded at 2.5
    percent of the EQIP funding but at least $20.0 million annually. Over
    the past few years, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
    has designated 2.5 percent of EQIP funds be allocated to the Colorado
    River Salinity Control program. The Forum suggests that this is an
    appropriate level of funding as long as it does not drop below $20.0
    million. Funding above this level assists in offsetting pre-fiscal year
    2003 funding below this level. The Colorado River Board supports the
    recommendation of the Forum and urges this Subcommittee to support
    funding for the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program for 2008
    at this level.
        These Federal dollars will be augmented by the State cost sharing
    of 30 percent with an additional 25 percent provided by the
    agricultural producers with whom USDA contracts for implementation of
    salinity control measures. Over the past years, the Colorado River
    Basin Salinity Control program has proven to be a very cost effective
    approach to help mitigate the impacts of increased salinity in the
    Colorado River. Continued Federal funding of this important Basin-wide
    program is essential.
        In addition, the Colorado River Board recognizes that the federal
    government has made significant commitments to the Republic of Mexico
    and to the seven Colorado River Basin States with regard to the
    delivery of quality water to Mexico. In order for those commitments to
    continue to be honored, it is essential that in fiscal year 2008, and
    in future fiscal years, that Congress continues to provide funds to
    USDA to allow it to provide needed technical support to agricultural
    producers for addressing salinity control in the Basin.
        The Colorado River is, and will continue to be, a major and vital
    water resource to the 18 million residents of southern California as
    well as throughout the Colorado River Basin. As stated earlier,
    preservation and improvement of the Colorado River water quality
    through an effective salinity control program will avoid the additional
    economic damages to users of Colorado River water in California,
    Arizona, and Nevada.
                                     ______

                 Prepared Statement of Florida State University

    Summary of Request
        Florida State University is requesting $4,500,000 from the U.S.
    Department of Agriculture; Cooperative State Research, Education and
    Extension Service/Research and Education Activities/Federal Admin.
    Account for the Risk Reduction for Agricultural Crops project for
    fiscal year 2008.
        Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank you and the Members of the
    Subcommittee for this opportunity to present testimony before this
    Committee. I would like to take a moment to briefly acquaint you with
    Florida State University.
        Located in Tallahassee, Florida's capitol, FSU is a comprehensive
    Research I university with a rapidly growing research base. The
    University serves as a center for advanced graduate and professional
    studies, exemplary research, and top-quality undergraduate programs.
    Faculty members at FSU maintain a strong commitment to quality in
    teaching, to performance of research and creative activities, and have
    a strong commitment to public service. Among the current or former
    faculty are numerous recipients of national and international honors
    including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and several members
    of the National Academy of Sciences. Our scientists and engineers do
    excellent research, have strong interdisciplinary interests, and often
    work closely with industrial partners in the commercialization of the
    results of their research. Florida State University had over $190
    million this past year in research awards.
        Florida State University attracts students from every State in the
    nation and more than 100 foreign countries. The University is committed
    to high admission standards that ensure quality in its student body,
    which currently includes National Merit and National Achievement
    Scholars, as well as students with superior creative talent.
        At Florida State University, we are very proud of our successes as
    well as our emerging reputation as one of the Nation's top public
    research universities.
        Mr. Chairman, let me summarize our primary interest today. The
    Southeast Climate Consortium (SECC), which consists of Florida State
    University, the University of Florida, the University of Miami, the
    University of Georgia, Auburn University, and University of Alabama at
    Huntsville, has been at the forefront of research and extension for the
    applications of climate predictions to risk reduction for agriculture.
    With support from NOAA and USDA, the SECC has developed new methods to
    predict the consequences of climate variability for agricultural crops,
    forests, and water resources in the southeast United States. In recent
    real-life tests, these methods have been applied to the problems that
    farmers raising specialty crops face arising from variable rainfall,
    temperature, and wild fires.
        In the SECC, Florida State University will provide the climate
    forecasts and risk reduction methodology. The University of Florida and
    University of Georgia will translate this climate information into
    risks associated environmental impacts on agriculture and, with Auburn
    University, will work with Extension Services to provide information to
    the agricultural community. The University of Miami will provide
    economic modeling of agricultural systems. Together UM, UF, and the
    University of Alabama-Huntsville are developing new tools to help
    minimize climate risks to water quality and quantity, especially for
    agriculture. FSU, on behalf of the SECC, seeks $5.0 million in fiscal
    year 2008 for this activity. Utilization of these tools and their
    application to agricultural problems has the strong support of
    extension managers.
        Mr. Chairman, FSU is seeking $4,500,000 in fiscal year 2008 to
    continue our important work. The new tasks for fiscal year 2008 include
    the development flood forecasting methods to help farmers and producers
    plan for reducing risks of economic losses and environmental damage;
    developing partnerships and methods for incorporating climate forecasts
    and other climate information into agricultural and water policy
    decisions, and beginning development of a prototype decision support
    system for the application of climate forecasts to water resource
    management, especially for agricultural water use. We are also working
    with the committees on agriculture on the upcoming farm bill, seeking
    to secure authorization for this program.
        Mr. Chairman, we believe this research is vitally important to our
    country and would appreciate your support.
                                     ______

                    Prepared Statement of Food & Water Watch

        My name is Wenonah Hauter. I am the Executive Director of Food &
    Water Watch, a non-profit consumer organization. We welcome this
    opportunity to present our views on the fiscal year 2008 Agriculture,
    Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies
    Appropriations Bill.
    USDA--Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
                Risk-Based Inspection
        We have the following concerns about this proposal:
        We believe that the agency lacks the statutory authority to execute
    a risk-based inspection scheme, especially one that contemplates food
    processing plants receiving less than daily inspection. According to
    both the Federal Meat Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 603) and the Poultry
    Products Inspection Act (21 U.S.C. 455), the United States Department
    of Agriculture is required to provide continuous inspection in all
    establishments that produce meat and poultry products that enter the
    food supply.
        FSIS' own glossary defines continuous inspection as:
      --USDA's meat and poultry inspection system is often called
            ``continuous'' because no animal destined for human food may be
            slaughtered or dressed unless an inspector is present to
            examine it before slaughter (antemortem inspection), and its
            carcass and parts after slaughter (postmortem inspection). In
            processing plants, as opposed to slaughter plants, inspectors
            need not be present at all times, but they do visit at least
            once daily. Processing inspection is also considered
            continuous.\1\
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \1\ See http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Help/glossary-C/index.asp.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Under Secretary for Food Safety Richard Raymond has been quoted in
    the press advocating ``virtual inspections,'' whereby food
    establishments would merely transmit daily production records to FSIS
    inspectors either via facsimile or electronically without a physical
    inspection visit.\2\ This is not what the meat and poultry inspection
    statutes establish, and we believe that the agency is treading on
    dangerous legal ground as it proceeds with this proposal.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \2\ Morton, Joseph. ``USDA Looks at `Virtual' Inspections,'' Omaha
    World Herald, October 23, 2006.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Furthermore, we believe that this new system could spark legal
    challenges by food establishments that believe they are being singled
    out for more intense inspections. Without a statutory basis for
    instituting changes to the inspection process, the agency might be
    hard-pressed to implement this new program in light of such legal
    challenges.
        Risk-based inspection needs a reliable database upon which to make
    judgments about which meat and poultry plants meet or exceed
    performance standards. At the present time, there are problems with the
    data collected by FSIS. The USDA Office of Inspector General (OIG), in
    a November 2004 audit report, said the following about the agency's
    Performance Based Inspection System (PBIS) database:
        Due to the lack of controls noted during our audit, FSIS cannot be
    assured that PBIS data is complete, accurate, and reliable. As a
    result, FSIS management may not have the information it needs to
    effectively manage its inspection activities. Without effective
    controls over data integrity, the PBIS system may be an unreliable
    repository that gives FSIS management a false sense that inspection
    activities are adequately carried out and sanitation of plant
    operations is accurately reported.\3\
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \3\ See http://www.usda.gov/oig/webdocs/24501-01-FM.pdf.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        In September 2006, the OIG released an audit of the agency's
    Pathogen Reduction Enforcement Program (PREP). PREP is used to collect
    information from the FSIS salmonella testing program. The OIG found the
    following:
      --We found a significant number of establishments that were excluded
            from the Salmonella sampling database because of ineffective
            controls to identify eligible establishments and also because
            district office personnel did not fully understand the process
            for including the establishments in the database. At the
            district we visited, 28 percent of the establishments that
            should have been subject to Salmonella testing were excluded
            from the sampling database. This problem was particularly
            apparent at establishments inspected under Federal-State
            Cooperative Programs (Talmadge-Aiken establishments) in the one
            State we visited. The State supervisors responsible for program
            oversight at these establishments were not provided with the
            eligibility reports that could have allowed them to identify
            establishments that needed to be included in the sampling
            database.\4\
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \4\ See http://www.usda.gov/oig/webdocs/24601-07-CH.pdf, p. i.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        The agency is also lacking one critical piece of information that
    we consider vital before it can move forward with any proposal to
    change its inspection system--attribution data that links specific
    foods under the agency's jurisdiction to food borne illness outbreaks.
    Congress has repeatedly asked the agency about this issue, and the
    agency has repeatedly responded that it is working on it.\5\
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \5\  Hearings before the House Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural
    Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
    Appropriations for fiscal year 2007, Food Safety and Inspection
    Service, Part 1, March 8, 2006, pp. 215-216.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        We have long suspected that the real reason the agency is pressing
    to implement risk-based inspection is that it would serve to mask
    shortages in inspection staffing that has plagued the agency for years.
    We have heard of chronic shortages in the number of processing
    inspectors. For example, just last year, we heard of one inspector in
    the Albany District of FSIS being assigned to 19 food plants that
    stretched from New York City to Connecticut; in the Philadelphia
    District, one inspector was assigned 26 plants to cover. These sorts of
    assignments fly in the face of testimony provided by the agency during
    last year's appropriations hearings in which it asserted that FSIS
    inspectors spend an average of 2 hours and 40 minutes per processing
    plant each day.\6\ Just this week, Under Secretary Raymond testified
    before the House Agriculture Appropriations subcommittee that at least
    250 establishments have not been receiving daily--or even weekly--
    inspection for the last 30 years.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \6\  Ibid, p. 296.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        The Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) inspection
    system still has serious problems. The authority of inspectors to
    prevent adulterated products from entering the food supply has been
    severely hampered. Company HACCP plans do not require pre-approval from
    FSIS before they are implemented. Under HACCP, inspectors have been
    relegated to verifying whether company-written HACCP plans are being
    followed. Even when FSIS issues directives to companies to reassess
    their HACCP plans to take into account new food safety policies (e.g.,
    the 2002 directive requiring companies to deal with E. coli 0157:H7 as
    an adulterant likely to occur in beef processing), companies often take
    a long time to implement the new policy.
        In its fiscal year 2008 budget submission, the agency states that
    it would like to begin implementing risk-based inspection in slaughter
    facilities. We assume that its proposal means expansion of the HACCP-
    Based Inspection Models Project (HIMP) in poultry slaughter. HIMP still
    has fewer than two-dozen plants participating in the program. The
    Government Accountability Office issued the last comprehensive analysis
    of this project in December 2001 and pointed out a number of serious
    problems.\7\ Inspectors assigned to these plants report that they are
    not able to perform food safety functions because they are assigned to
    stationary positions on the slaughter lines (e.g., they are not able to
    look inside the cavity of poultry carcasses where there may be
    contamination). Furthermore, defects that are considered to be ``other
    consumer protection,'' such as blemishes, scabs, tumors, feathers, and
    bruises, and would not pass muster in poultry slaughter plants using
    conventional inspection techniques are being permitted to enter
    commerce under the HIMP system. In a recent national public opinion
    survey conducted for Food & Water Watch by Lake Research Partners,
    nearly two-thirds of American consumers favor having Federal government
    inspectors evaluate meat and poultry products for wholesomeness as well
    as food safety issues.\8\ We do not believe that they Agency is
    prepared to extend this inspection model to the entire poultry industry
    at this time. There should be a thorough examination of HIMP project
    before it is expanded.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \7\  See http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d0259.pdf.
        \8\  See http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/about/press/meat-
    inspection-poll.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Because there has not been a full evaluation of HIMP recently, we
    filed a Freedom of Information Act request on December 14, 2005
    requesting certain documents so that we could conduct our own study.
    FSIS initially responded that they wanted us to pay more than $10,000
    for the information. The agency has since relented on the fee, but we
    still have not received all of the information we requested. We believe
    that Congress should request full disclosure of this information so
    that it can make an informed judgment on the agency's readiness to
    expand this program.
        In January 2006, the USDA Inspector General released an audit
    report entitled, ``Food Safety and Inspection Service Assessment of the
    Equivalence of the Canadian Inspection System'' (Report No. 24601-05-
    Hy). The report indicates that Canada was continually exporting meat
    and poultry products to the United States that had been subject to less
    than daily inspection--in violation of U.S. standards. While those
    responsible for enforcing our equivalency agreements at FSIS
    recommended taking disciplinary action against Canada for their
    repeated violations, in 2004 the Secretary overruled them. We find this
    most troubling. FSIS has repeatedly testified before Congress that
    countries that wish to export their meat and poultry products to the
    United States must maintain inspection standards that are identical to
    those for domestic producers. Yet, in this instance, USDA has chosen to
    look the other way.
        While Canada has agreed to institute daily inspection in those
    establishments that export to the United States, Canada is in the
    process of conducting a study to justify less-than-daily inspections
    for processed food exports to the United States that would serve as the
    basis for a request for an equivalency determination by FSIS. We
    believe that granting Canada equivalency for less-than-daily inspection
    would establish a dangerous precedent and mark a radical departure from
    current U.S. policy.
        We have also learned that Australia is in the process of
    considering a ``trial'' of its controversial Meat Safety Enhancement
    Program (MSEP) for a beef processor that would like to export its
    products to the United States. MSEP is a privatized inspection system
    for beef for which there is no comparable system here in the United
    States. MSEP trials were last conducted in 1999, but were stopped since
    the inspection system raised consumer concerns both here in the United
    States and in Europe. We can only surmise that someone at USDA has
    signaled to Australia that we would accept beef products produced under
    a privatized inspection system.
        We view both the Canadian pilot project and the Australian MSEP
    trial as vehicles by the current USDA policymakers to institute
    backdoor changes to our inspection system through our international
    trading partners. Last year, Congress was compelled to warn USDA on
    changing the programs authorized under the 2002 Farm Security and Rural
    Development Act through the Doha round of WTO negotiations. We suspect
    that USDA may be attempting to do the same with food safety policy.
        For all of these reasons, we do not believe that the Agency is
    prepared to make radical changes to the current inspection system, no
    matter what terms they use to describe it. The concept of
    ``continuous'' government inspection has been the core of our meat
    inspection system for 100 years, and the Agency should not be permitted
    to abandon this principle.
    Expansion of processed poultry imports from the People's Republic of
            China (PRC)
        In January 2007, we learned that FSIS was in the process of
    developing a proposed rule that would expand the import of processed
    poultry products from PRC to include poultry that was raised in the
    PRC.
        We have several concerns about any imports of poultry products from
    the PRC:
      --The April 24, 2006 regulation that permitted the import of poultry
            products from the PRC that were processed from slaughtered
            poultry of United States or Canadian origin was approved under
            suspicious circumstances and Congress should conduct an
            investigation into this matter. The fact that the Office of
            Management and Budget approved this regulation in record time--
            within 24 hours of its receipt of the rule from USDA--and the
            day before the arrival of PRC President Hu Jintao in Washington
            on April 20, 2006 clearly indicated that its approval was
            orchestrated.
      --There is no track record to show that the April 24, 2006 regulation
            has been working. In a recent Global Agriculture Information
            Network (GAIN) report issued by USDA's Foreign Agriculture
            Service, the PRP has complained that the rule has been a non-
            starter because it is economically burdensome.\9\ We consider
            that to be a weak argument to justify the expansion of the
            current trade situation for several reasons. First, we have
            concerns about the sanitation practices in the slaughter and
            processing facilities in the PRC. The audit reports filed by
            FSIS inspectors describe unsanitary conditions in some of the
            facilities in the PRC that might be eligible to export product
            to the United States.\10\ Second, the PRC still has an avian
            flu problem.\11\ Third, by USDA's own admission, much of the
            smuggled poultry that is intercepted coming to the United
            States originates from the PRC.\12\ Why should we reward
            illegal activity by expanding trade?
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \9\ See http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200703/146280447.pdf, p.
    6.
        \10\ See http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/FAR/China/China2005.pdf and
    http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/FAR/China/China2004.pdf
        \11\ See http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/
    avianflu/news/feb2807avian.html
        \12\ See http://www.usda.gov and search for Release 0065.07.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    USDA-Agricultural Marketing Service
        Large seafood companies and trade associations have complained
    about the costs of implementing country of origin labeling for fish,
    while fishermen, environmental and consumer groups contend that the
    costs of compliance are fair and worthwhile. AMS recognized that most
    fishermen already keep sufficient records to document country of origin
    and wild-caught versus farm-raised claims, making a $241 per year
    estimation ``within reason.''
        All sellers, not only supermarkets, should be included in the
    program. Exempting processed seafood from the program does not
    accurately reflect the law, given that processed foods count for up to
    50 percent of the finished product. The USDA should ensure that all
    seafood sold at all retailers is labeled with the proper country and
    means of origin.
    Food and Drug Administration
        We recommend increased funding for the Food and Drug
    Administration's seafood inspection program. Eighty percent of the
    seafood consumed by Americans now originates in foreign countries, yet
    according to a January 30, 2004 Government Accountability Office report
    entitled ``FDA's Imported Seafood Safety Programs Shows Some Progress,
    but Further Improvements Are Needed,'' only 1.2 percent of imported
    seafood shipments are tested at ports of entry. Recent import
    inspection data from the FDA indicates that inspection rates are
    woefully low to ensure that consumers are protected from unsafe drugs
    and chemicals used in fish farming in other countries, as well as
    decomposed and filthy seafood--the number one inspection violation
    since 2003. We recommend that the FDA improve testing of seafood
    products, implement new regulatory programs, tighten its standards,
    provide incentives for producers to reduce drug and chemical use, and
    give consumers enough information to make informed decisions.
                                     ______

       Prepared Statement of Friends of Agricultural Research--Beltsville

        Mr. Chairman, and Members of the Subcommittee, thank you for this
    opportunity to present our statement regarding funding for the
    Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS), and
    especially for the Agency's flagship research facility, the Henry A.
    Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), in Maryland.
    Our organization--Friends of Agricultural Research--Beltsville--
    promotes the Center's current and long-term agricultural research,
    outreach, and educational missions.
        Our testimony will emphasize two main themes: First, we begin by
    adding our strongest endorsement for high-value ``new'' research items
    proposed in the President's fiscal year 2008 budget. We provide
    additional support for each new research item in Part I.
        Second, we recommend and urge continuing full support for on-going
    research that the Congress has previously mandated to be carried out at
    BARC. Support for these items is essential to sustaining irreplaceable
    research momentum now and fundamental to the success of American
    agriculture in the future. We will elaborate on the basis for our
    recommendations in Part II.
       part i. new research items proposed in the fiscal year 2008 budget
        Obesity Prevention Research, $1,150,000.--Obesity is a growing
    health menace in the United States. Today, an estimated 64 percent of
    all Americans are overweight or obese. Obesity has been linked to heart
    disease, stroke and cancer, and thus to spiraling health problems and
    rapidly rising health care costs. These funds would provide critical
    support for BARC and its collaborators to pursue vital clinical and
    translational research on the efficacy of the Dietary Guidelines and to
    develop improved strategies for preventing unhealthy weight gain in the
    diverse American population. We urge support for this research.
        Food Safety, $708,000.--Maintaining consumer confidence in the
    safety of the U.S. food supply is a primary goal for producers and
    marketing managers. Recent isolated food safety incidents highlight the
    need for research to identify points in the food chain where food can
    become contaminated by chemical residues, pathogenic bacteria or toxins
    that are capable of causing severe illness, even death in worst case
    situations. These funds provide the resources to examine production
    systems and pre-harvest crop management practices thoroughly,
    especially for leafy vegetables and organic produce. We endorse full
    funding for this work.
        Research to Support the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service,
    APHIS, Citrus Canker and Ralstonia, $850,000.--APHIS needs effective
    diagnostic tools to identify emerging citrus and tree fruits diseases,
    to confirm infections in epidemiological studies, and to carry out
    regulatory programs. This research also strengthens the National Citrus
    Pathogen Collection, which is essential for effective citrus disease
    research. Some of this research may be directed to Ralstonia, a
    bacterial pathogen not known to occur in the United States. Ralstonia
    causes wilt in potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and other crop
    plants. APHIS and ARS need to design survey protocols to detect and
    track plant disease agents and to identify crop pathogen threats.
    Research on diseases of citrus, tree fruits, and other crops is
    extremely under funded. We strongly urge support for strengthening
    plant disease research and for supporting the action mission of the
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
        Emerging Diseases and Animal Health, $1,165,000.--Globalization of
    trade and the growing movement of people and goods around the world
    steadily raise the threat of disease outbreaks in the United States.
    Diseases such as avian influenza, bovine diarrhea, transmissible
    spongiform encephalopathies, and porcine reproductive and respiratory
    disease are among many such disease threats. Effective control
    strategies require a more complete understanding of not only the basic
    biology of pathogens and their mode of transmission but also of the
    animal's immune system for resisting infections. BARC has one of the
    country's premiere groups of scientists engaged in livestock immunology
    research. This funding would strengthen their research effort to more
    fully unravel the complexity of the animal's immune system and protect
    the health of U.S. livestock. This research is vital to advancing our
    understanding of livestock immunology, and for protecting and improving
    animal health. We support full funding for these studies.
        Emerging Diseases of Livestock, $195,000.--This research is vital
    to further understanding genetics and genomics methods to improve
    disease resistance in livestock. We recommend full funding.
        Emerging Diseases in Crops, $500,000.--We confirm and support the
    proposal to develop diagnostics for rapid, practical, and specific
    identification of pathogens. This is an under funded research area, and
    we recommend full support.
        Soybean and Wheat Stem Rust, $300,000.--This goal here is to
    identify and incorporate diverse sources of genetic resistance into new
    grain and soybean varieties and germplasm. We fully support this
    research.
        Plant Introduction Stations and the National Plant Germplasm
    System, $500,000.--These funds are necessary for making germplasm and
    associated information more readily available to research programs and
    user stakeholders. These funds are needed to support the activities of
    the Germplasm Resources Information Network, or GRIN, which provides
    germplasm information about plants, animals, microbes and
    invertebrates. We recommend full funding.
        Specialty Crops Genetic Resources, $250,000.--These funds will
    provide floral and nursery plant research to support the research
    mission of the U.S. National Arboretum. Full funding is recommended.
        Part II. Now we turn to the urgent need to continue support for
    specific research areas that the Congress has mandated at BARC in
    previous fiscal years. These mandates address research that has
    enormous national impact. We list them here with brief descriptions and
    our recommendations for continued funding.
        Dairy Genetics.--For over 75 years, the Animal Improvement Programs
    Laboratory has created statistical genetic predictions to aid the dairy
    industry in identifying the best bulls for dairy breeding. Genetic
    improvement in dairy cattle has steadily increased milk yield per cow
    and feed efficiency (milk produced per pound of feed) over many years.
    The result is lower milk prices for consumers and less animal waste to
    contaminate the environment because fewer cows are needed to produce
    the Nation's milk supply. We confirm that this mission critical
    research should continue.
        Barley Health Food Genefits.--Barley contains soluble fiber
    compounds, called beta-glucans, that are beneficial for health. Beta-
    glucans can lower cholesterol and improve control of insulin and blood
    sugar. These funds support human-volunteer studies designed to help us
    better understand how barley could be used in a healthful diet to
    reduce the incidence of chronic disease. We recommend continued
    support.
        Biomineral Soil Amendments for Control of Nematodes.--Plant
    nematodes are microscopic worms that feed on the roots of plants.
    Nematodes can cause substantial losses in crop yields. This research
    focuses on using such industrial byproducts as environmentally benign
    soil additives for controlling nematodes. We recommend funding for
    these promising approaches.
        Foundry Sand Byproducts Utilization.--Waste sands from the metal-
    casting industry currently are dumped in landfills. This project is
    working with industry on guidelines for beneficial uses of these sands.
    We recommend continuation.
        Poultry Disease (Avian Coccidiosis).--Coccidiosis, a parasitic
    poultry disease, costs the industry $2-3 billion per year. This
    research focuses on understanding the genetics of both the parasite and
    the host chicken to identify targets that will allow better disease
    control. We recommend this funding.
        Biomedical materials in plants: Plants can be used as factories to
    manufacture vaccines and other pharmaceuticals for both animals and
    humans. This research focuses on development of tobacco as a crop with
    this beneficial use. This research should continue.
        National Germplasm Resources Program.--Sources of germplasm for all
    agricultural crops are maintained either as seed or live plant material
    at several locations across the country. Much of this germplasm is the
    result of plant exploration around the world. This group maintains the
    computer database that indexes all crop germplasm in our repositories
    with critical information as to where it was obtained, the specific
    scientific identification, and information on useful traits for plant
    breeding. We strongly support continued funding for this mission-
    critical program.
        Bovine Genetics.--This research focuses on bovine functional
    genomics, especially for dairy cattle. Scientists are identifying
    specific genes for quality traits such as easier calving, higher milk
    production, and resistance to mastitis. We recommend this funding.
        Minor-use Pesticides (IR-4).--``Minor-use'' pesticides are those
    that are used on crops such as fruits and vegetables that are not one
    of the ``big four'' crops like corn, wheat, and soybeans, and cotton.
    Because markets are much smaller than for major crops, chemical
    manufacturers have little incentive to obtain all the safety data
    needed to obtain EPA registration for pesticides used on minor crops.
    Nevertheless, producers of minor crops find certain agrochemicals to be
    essential. This project produces the data needed for EPA registration
    of minor-use pesticides. We recommend continued funding.
        National Nutrition Monitoring System.--Scientists at BARC have the
    unique responsibility of carrying out the national surveys of food
    consumption by individuals. This is now done in collaboration with
    HHS's health surveys. BARC scientists also maintain the National
    Nutrient Database, which includes information on 126 nutrients in
    thousands of foods. This work supports the school lunch program, WIC,
    Food Stamps, senior nutrition programs, food labeling, dietetic
    practices, and even the EPA. We urge continuation of this funding.
        Coffee and Cocoa.--Producers of chocolate candy are the single
    largest users of fluid milk, sugar, peanuts, and almonds in the United
    States. U.S. specialty coffee shop chains also are one of the major
    markets for fluid milk. Events that limit the availability of cocoa or
    coffee can have significant impacts on major U.S. commodity markets.
    Candy producers need a stable supply of cocoa, but smallholders in
    developing countries produce most cocoa. Several devastating diseases
    and insects threaten cocoa. This research is aimed at developing
    environmentally friendly ways to control pests and diseases. Some
    insects that threaten coffee are very similar to those that attack
    cacao, thus work on the two crops benefits from being together. We
    recommend continuation of this funding.
        Johne's Disease.--Johne's disease is a contagious bacterial disease
    of the intestinal tract of ruminants. It occurs most often in dairy
    cattle, causing weight loss and diarrhea. Nearly one-fourth of dairy
    herds are infected. Producers lose $54 million annually from reduced
    milk production. The disease is spread in manure. This research focuses
    on disease control. We recommend continuation of this funding
        Food Safety--Listeria, E.Coli, and Salmonella.--Food-borne illness
    annually costs $3 billion in health-care costs, and annually costs the
    economy up to $40 billion in lost productivity. This research focuses
    on diagnostics for food-borne pathogens, and on ways to control
    pathogens in fruits and vegetables. We recommend continuation of this
    funding
        Weed Management Research.--All farmers must contend with weeds. For
    organic farmers, weeds are the single biggest challenge to crop
    production. This research, in collaboration with the Rodale Institute
    and Pennsylvania State University, focuses on developing systems for
    controlling weeds in organic production systems. Organic crop
    production was valued at $400 million per year in the 2002 Census of
    Agriculture. These research funds will improve non-chemical weed
    control.
        Mr. Chairman, that concludes our statement. We again thank you for
    the opportunity to present our testimony and for your generous support.
                                     ______

    Prepared Statement of the Hardwood Federation, National Association of
        State Departments of Agriculture, National Association of State
      Foresters, The Nature Conservancy, and Society of American Foresters

        Dear Mr. Chairman and Ranking Member, the Hardwood Federation,
    National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, National
    Association of State Foresters, The Nature Conservancy, and Society of
    American Foresters urge the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural
    Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies to
    increase funding substantially for the USDA Animal and Plant Health
    Inspection Service (APHIS) Emerging Plant Pests program. A sharp
    increase in funding is necessary in order to ensure adequate funding
    for eradication and control efforts targeting the emerald ash borer,
    Asian longhorned beetle, sudden oak death pathogen, and Sirex woodwasp.
    All four foreign and invasive species threaten trees in our forests and
    communities and related economic values worth hundreds of billions of
    dollars.
        This coalition represents a widely diverse group of stakeholders
    that are unified in support of the following program areas. This
    statement of common goals supplements individual letters to the
    Subcommittee submitted by several of these organizations. Some of these
    individual letters address additional issues.
        We seek an appropriation of $45 million for fiscal year 2008 to
    contain the emerald ash borer. The emerald ash borer threatens twelve
    species of ash across the continent, especially in the upper Midwest
    and Southeast. At risk are the $25 billion ash timber industry in the
    Northeast, street trees across the Nation valued at $20 to $60 billion,
    and myriad trees found in our neighborhoods and parks. The emerald ash
    borer outbreak is large, but the core of the infestation remains in the
    lower peninsula of Michigan and neighboring portions of Indiana and
    Ohio. It is absolutely crucial that APHIS and its partners carry
    forward detection surveys and regulatory and educational programs aimed
    at preventing movement of infested firewood, nursery stock, and other
    materials that spread the insect. APHIS and its State partners need
    additional funding in fiscal year 2008 to enable affected States to
    eradicate limited and isolated outbreaks found in Illinois, Maryland,
    Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Education, effective
    quarantine, and elimination of isolated infestations are necessary to
    create the potential to contain the core outbreak in and around
    Michigan.
        We seek an appropriation of $30 million for fiscal year 2008 to
    carry forward eradication of the few remaining populations of the Asian
    longhorned beetle. The Asian longhorned beetle poses an alarming threat
    to hardwood forests reaching from New England into Minnesota and in the
    West, and to the hardwood timber, maple syrup, and autumn foliage
    tourism industries dependent on these forests. Also at risk are street
    trees across the Nation valued at more than $600 billion. Eradication
    has been successful in Chicago, proving the efficacy of this approach.
    Beetle populations in New Jersey are well on track for eradication.
    Only the populations in New York persist--and that is because funding
    for the New York effort has been reduced in past years to focus the
    inadequate overall resources on Illinois and New Jersey. It is
    essential to provide sufficient funding now and in coming years to
    complete eradication in New Jersey and New York. The identification of
    another population on an island near Staten Island just this past week
    is an indication of the risk placed on the environment due to chronic
    under-funding of these programs.
        We support a request for $10 million in appropriations for fiscal
    year 2008 to contain a third damaging forest pest, the sudden oak death
    pathogen (also called the phytophthora leaf and stem blight pathogen).
    This disease is a major threat to the nation's nursery industry as it
    readily attacks species such as rhododendron, camellias and a long list
    of other common ornamentals. In addition, if sudden oak death does
    escape confinement, it threatens oaks in forests in Oregon and
    Washington as well as throughout the Appalachians, Ozarks, and even
    into southern New England. Many wildlife species are dependent upon
    oaks for forage--the potential for devastating impacts on forests and
    wildlife is very real.
        The Sirex woodwasp is now found across much of New York State and
    two counties in Pennsylvania, as well as in Ontario, Canada. The
    woodwasp threatens valuable pine timber resources, especially those of
    the Southeast. It is essential that APHIS receive $3.6 million in
    fiscal year 2008 to implement a program including regulatory and
    educational programs aimed at preventing movement of infested wood,
    nursery stock, and other materials that spread the insect.
        In addition to the appropriations needed to support these line
    items in APHIS's Emerging Plant Pest program, the Hardwood Federation,
    National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, National
    Association of State Foresters, The Nature Conservancy, and Society of
    American Foresters also strongly support the Congress' numerous
    statements urging the Administration to release emergency funds from
    the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) sufficient to enable full
    implementation of these management plans. The combination of the
    appropriations and the release of CCC funds is necessary to accomplish
    the needed tasks.
        Action now at the funding level requested would help ensure that
    these forest pests do not reach populations so large as to threaten
    trees in our forests and communities, garden nursery stock, and related
    economic activities worth hundreds of billions of dollars.
                                     ______

                 Prepared Statement of the Heart Rhythm Society

        Dear Mr. Chairman, The Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) thanks the
    Subcommittee for considering our comments regarding the need for
    increased funding of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), in
    particular the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). The
    Heart Rhythm Society recommends that the FDA receive an additional $20
    million in appropriations for medical device oversight, as recommend by
    the Coalition for a Stronger FDA. These dollars would in part go to
    reform and update the current post-market surveillance system, which is
    currently ill-equipped to handle the complex challenges of responding
    to product safety issues and providing timely information to
    physicians, patients and the public.
        The Heart Rhythm Society, founded in 1979, is the international
    leader in science, education and advocacy for cardiac arrhythmia
    professionals and patients, and the primary information resource on
    heart rhythm disorders. Our mission is to improve the care of patients
    by promoting research, education and optimal health care policies and
    standards. We are the preeminent professional group, representing more
    than 4,400 specialists in cardiac pacing and electrophysiology. The
    Heart Rhythm Society serves as an advocate for millions of American
    citizens from all 50 States, since arrhythmias are the leading cause of
    heart-disease related deaths, with Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) taking
    325,000 lives annually. Other, less lethal forms of arrhythmias are
    even more prevalent and account for 14 percent of all hospitalizations
    of Medicare beneficiaries.
    Background
        Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD's) are 99 percent
    effective in stopping life-threatening arrhythmias and are the most
    successful therapy to treat ventricular fibrillation, the major cause
    of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). However, less than 2 years ago, there
    was a crisis in the patient and physician community regarding the
    ability of the current post-market surveillance system to react to
    information on implanted cardiac devices and to communicate the
    essential data to physicians and patients in a timely manner. In 2005,
    recalls and advisories issued by the three largest pacemaker
    defibrillator manufacturers and the untimely death of a patient with a
    device malfunction, led the Heart Rhythm Society to focus attention on
    the post-market system and the critical need for reform. It quickly
    became apparent to the Heart Rhythm Society, that leadership was
    necessary to convene members of our community, industry and patients to
    discuss the inherent issues with the current post-market surveillance
    system and work together to make recommendations for improvement. In
    September 2005, HRS convened a policy conference, co-sponsored with the
    FDA, of 300 experts in industry, the law, FDA, physician community,
    risk communication and patients to explore improvements for post market
    surveillance of pacemakers and ICDs. As a result of that meeting, the
    Society assembled a 15-member task force of leading cardiac care
    providers and experts charged with the development of recommendations
    to address concerns raised at the conference. In September, 2006, the
    Heart Rhythm Society published the Device Performance Recommendations
    to improve the post-market surveillance system for implanted devices.
    The guidelines have been officially endorsed by the American College of
    Cardiology Foundation, American Heart Association and the International
    Coalition of Pacing and Electrophysiology Organizations (COPE).
    Current Limitations of Post Market Surveillance for Implanted Devices
        As described in the Recommendations, changes to the current post-
    market surveillance system are required to improve the timely
    identification of cardiac rhythm management devices that do not perform
    according to design and that may pose a danger to patients. The current
    Manufacturer and User Device Experience (MAUDE) system assists with
    adverse event reporting and information dissemination for medical
    devices of all types. It contains hundreds of thousands of adverse
    event reports. Selected information is publicly searchable via the
    internet. However, because submitted adverse event reports are often
    cryptic or incomplete, it is often difficult to determine if a true
    device malfunction or patient injury has occurred. Poor organization
    and retrieval tools within MAUDE frustrate the users' ability to
    retrieve useful information. It is particularly difficult to
    distinguish multiple reports about the same adverse event from several
    sources (from the manufacturer, physician and patient) and recognize
    updated information. It has been noted by many that MAUDE has other
    inherent problems including the issue of under reporting, out of date
    information, and having inadequate resources to meet the current needs
    for medical device surveillance. Registries have been created by
    physician groups to begin to meet gaps in FDA efforts in medical device
    surveillance. The current MAUDE system also utilizes a one-size-fits-
    all form for all medical devices, making it difficult to collect
    meaningful information.
    Needed Changes
        The Heart Rhythm Society recommends that the FDA design and
    implement a more robust reporting system for observed device
    malfunctions that could overcome many of the MAUDE shortcomings and
    strengthen the voluntary reporting system by:
      --Utilizing a specialized form for cardiac rhythm management devices
            to permit better and more precise reporting of adverse events.
      --Facilitating the reporting of all unexpected device malfunctions
            through the adoption of remote monitoring technologies.
      --Tracking devices that are returned to manufacturers for analysis
            and updating publicly available adverse event reports with root
            cause analyses. The system should allow individuals to track
            devices through the manufacturers' analysis online, analogous
            to tracking an overnight package.
      --Including in the database the adjudication of root cause analysis
            once that has been determined.
      --Facilitating links to data from international sources which may
            permit earlier detection of device malfunction.
      --Employing an internet based reporting system with a user friendly
            format to encourage submission of reports by health care
            providers.
      --Including standardized data elements and definitions for each
            device malfunction such as manufacturer model and serial
            numbers, dates of implant and failure, signs of failure and
            clinical consequences.
      --Including a search engine available for public use.
        Additionally, the FDA should establish standing post-market
    advisory committees that meet on a regular basis to analyze data
    regarding cardiac rhythm management device performance and to advise
    when and what action should be taken to address device malfunctions
    that are identified. The Heart Rhythm Society supports a centralized,
    rather than the current regional, system for communication of device
    advisory notifications to promote a broader and more inclusive
    interpretation of the advisory issues. In addition, the unique and
    specialized nature of cardiac rhythm management device advisories
    requires a centralized, rather than regional, intake mechanism to
    enable accurate interpretation of data on an ongoing basis by key
    knowledgeable FDA staff and by the other parties such as a post-market
    physician advisory panel. The Heart Rhythm Society believes that a
    centralized system will facilitate timely FDA classifications and urges
    the FDA to classify all advisory notifications and include these data
    on the Physician Device Advisory Notification form within 30 days.
    Budget Justification
        To implement the above suggested changes, the FDA will need
    additional resources. The FDA's resources in recent years have
    diminished while Congress has mandated increases in FDA's oversight
    responsibilities. The number of regulated products, imports and adverse
    event reports has grown rapidly in the past 6 years and FDA is asked do
    more with less. Furthermore, public confidence in the agency's
    effectiveness has taken an unfortunate hit. We urge Congress to
    recognize that post-market surveillance, analysis, and reporting of ICD
    and pacemaker performance is a high priority for ensuring patient
    safety. Additionally, we urge you to recognize and address the issue
    that the FDA does not currently have adequate resources to perform this
    function. The enhancements to the surveillance system that HRS
    recommends, particularly those to the Manufacturer and User Facility
    Device Experience (MAUDE) database, will require additional resources.
    By providing such resources, Congress will enable the FDA to achieve
    its mission, enhance the lives of the rapidly growing number of
    Americans with these devices and their families, and may decrease costs
    associated with delayed identification of device malfunction.
        It is for this reason that we are asking for your support to
    increase the FDA's medical device budget by $20 million for fiscal year
    2008 budget. We believe that these additional funds will assist the FDA
    in addressing concerns that have been raised about the safety and
    effectiveness of pacemakers and ICDs and the post-market surveillance
    of these life saving devices. We believe patient and physician
    knowledge, confidence and trust can be enhanced and strengthened
    through greater transparency in post-market surveillance, analysis,
    reporting and communication of this information. Thank you very much
    for your consideration of our request.
        If you have any questions or need additional information, please
    contact Nevena Minor, Coordinator, Health Policy at the Heart Rhythm
    Society (nminor@hrsonline.org or 202-464-3431) or Amy Melnick, Vice
    President, Health Policy (amelnick@hrsonline.org or 202-464-3434).
                                     ______

    Prepared Statement of the Imperial Valley Conservation Research Center
                                   Committee

        My name is John R. Kershaw, President of the Imperial Valley
    Conservation Research Center Committee (IVCRCC). This is a group of
    Imperial Valley agricultural producers who volunteer to provide support
    to the ARS Brawley Research Station in Imperial County, California.
    These farmers provide financial assistance and provide necessary
    equipment to augment the station's annual operating budget. We are a
    501(c)(5) nonprofit organization. This is a unique industry-government
    partnership that has been successfully operating since 1951 when the
    station was founded.
        The many achievements of this research facility rank it with the
    more successful ARS/USDA stations in the United States. For example, it
    is one of the lowest-cost field stations in the entire USDA network of
    agriculture research sites. This is true even though it is situated in
    one of the most challenging areas for farming and ranching due to the
    intense heat and dry conditions. Producers in our area farm land high
    in salinity content that is irrigated by water containing large amounts
    of salt.
        The region where the Brawley station is situated has an incredible
    variety of vectors for insect and crop disease pests. The agriculture
    industry could not exist without strategic research programs dealing
    with soil, water, pest and disease problems that habitually confront
    producers. These programs, which are and have been addressed in
    Brawley, range from salt tolerance studies on food crops to new crop
    management studies using high salinity water, whitefly pest densities,
    virus transmission and ecological genetics of pest populations,
    biological control programs and IPM programs using parasites and
    predators in conjunction with microbial pesticides.
        With the help of crucial federal funding, the Brawley station is
    pioneering projects beneficial not only to agriculture, but, perhaps
    more importantly, to urban interests as well. It is participating with
    the New River Congressional Task Force addressing the quality of the
    New and Alamo Rivers. The focus of the this study is to demonstrate the
    effectiveness of using constructed wetlands to improve water quality in
    the Imperial Valley and inflows to the Salton Sea, whose water
    elevation is maintained by agricultural drainage from the tributaries
    of the Alamo River, New River and Whitewater Rivers.
        Expanding its traditional research in order to assist USDA in its
    desire to establish greater focus on forage research in the West, the
    Brawley Research Station has been conducting tests on a low-cost, high
    yield forage plant with multiple potential uses, including
    phytoremediation. This forage plant's characteristics allow it to be
    used to improve agricultural runoff and tailwater. The plant is called
    Elephant Grass, also known as Napier Grass (Pennisetum Sp) and has a
    trademark name of Promor A. It was discovered in Brazil and brought to
    the United States through the USDA Beltsville Quarantine Station in
    1991. Experimental investigations in the San Joaquin Valley indicated
    that the plant, when irrigated exclusively with dairy lagoon water,
    exhibited significant phytoremediation with respect to high absorption
    of nitrates and phosphates. This unique variety is also regarded as a
    real candidate for biomass, including a specific capability for ethanol
    production.
        A large group of pregnant beef cattle cows and their calves grazed
    the leaves of the grass to the ground in an experiment demonstrating
    its palatability and lack of toxicity. An additional large-field
    phytoremediation trial for irrigation was conducted at a raisin packing
    facility using processed wash water with significant nitrate levels.
    The grass used in this experiment was harvested after 60 days. Forage
    samples and weight measurements indicated a nitrate uptake of almost 55
    pounds per acre per day. The harvested green chop forage was fed to
    dairy calves with no ill effects.
        Additional research at the Brawley station, including a cooperative
    project with the University of California at Meloland, show the
    palatability and acceptability of this grass as use in finishing diets
    for feedlot cattle. Further research being conducted at the Brawley
    station utilizing elephant grass fed to lactating cows under the
    direction of the University of California were also very positive.
        These experiments utilizing Pennisetum SP elephant grass have drawn
    the interest and financial support of the California State Quality
    Control Board. This Board regards the grass as a serious candidate for
    a barrier crop designation to improve water quality. Ongoing research
    with the City of Fresno on its waste water support the finding that
    this grass may have major benefits for city water supplies. Urban use
    of the grass may result as additional cities work to clean up their
    water.
        All of the above projects fall directly under the mandate for
    research designated by the National Program 201 Water Quality
    administered by ARS. This research is part of ARS current policy and
    future focus. To terminate the project prematurely due to lack of
    funding would severely limit the conclusions and potential benefits.
        This research facility is continuing the ongoing research on its
    popular Rhyzomania resistant sugar beet seeds. This research is
    conducted under the supervision and direction of ARS scientist Dr.
    Llewellen from Salinas. The resultant sugar beet seed has doubled sugar
    beet production yields. This research is benefiting sugar beet
    producers nationwide.
        The research station additionally serves as a work site and
    regional office for APHIS/USDA and the California Department of Food &
    Agriculture.
        The research facilities are also utilized by several local
    agricultural entities including cotton committees and the California
    Farm Bureau. We continue as a support laboratory for the unique
    Salinity Assessment Vehicle and also serve as a weather station
    reporting location.
        In addition to the station's diversified agricultural research
    agenda, it is strategically located to provide quick response support
    to biosecurity and agroterrism detection work. It is situated less than
    90 miles from six Mexican border crossings; one of which is only 16
    miles from Brawley, and is the busiest crossing anywhere. The constant
    supply of international traffic puts Imperial Valley on the front line
    of protection of the American food supply from the introduction of
    disease, insects and many invasive species. The station currently
    headquarters research facilities and personnel from USDA and the
    California Department of Food & Agriculture which can quickly implement
    control and eradication programs in coordination with local
    authorities, thereby making use of the best capabilities of local,
    State and Federal agencies.
        As for its research agenda, the station performs many trials
    associated with the arid saline conditions of the region. Specific
    experiments may be conducted on, but not limited to, water management,
    irrigation techniques, soil salinity, crop production, plant breeding,
    agricultural systems, control of aquatic weeds and integrated pest
    management.
        Our salinity trials are conducted in conjunction with the U.S.
    Salinity Lab based in Riverside, California. The salinity work done at
    the Brawley station could not effectively be performed at Riverside
    because smog there negates scientific validity of the findings. The
    Brawley Research Station is geared to be a contributor, if asked, to
    the National Salt Cedar Demonstration Project. The station has been
    monitoring native species that could be used in the revegetation of
    Salt Cedar that will be removed or mitigated.
        There is a date palm repository at the Imperial Valley Research
    Center. This is the largest repository of date palms in the world. It
    contains every known variety of date palm. This repository is used for
    research. Additionally, this repository is used to provide varieties of
    date palms to various countries where the United States is encouraging
    farmers to grow dates.
        The Imperial Valley Conservation Research Center Committee
    specifically requests that $334,514 be appropriated to fund the Water
    Management Research Laboratory in Brawley, CA.
        The funds for this ARS/USDA research facility were deleted from the
    President's proposed budget. As you know, the President's budget
    deleted over $200 million for ARS research facilities nationwide. Loss
    of these research facilities would be a blow to U.S. agriculture
    nationwide. Specifically it would be a blow to California agriculture
    and especially to agriculture in the Imperial Valley.
        The ARS research station in Brawley is in very good condition and
    has been well managed. The research provided by this facility far
    exceeds the value of the funds requested. The farmers in the Imperial
    Valley continue to support this facility with matching funds amounting
    to approximately $100,000.
        We urge you, Mr. Chairman, to support the continued funding for
    this important ARS research station in the fiscal year 2008
    agricultural appropriations bill.
                                     ______

          Prepared Statement of the Multi-Crop Aflatoxin Working Group

        As members of the Multi-Crop Aflatoxin Working Group, the
    undersigned associations appreciate the opportunity to share with you
    our agricultural research priorities for fiscal year 2008.
        As you know, corn, cotton, peanuts and tree nuts are all affected
    by aflatoxin, a toxin caused by the Aspergillus flavus fungus.
    Aflatoxin is the costliest, most pressing mycotoxin problem affecting
    each of these crops. Widespread drought conditions in 2005 resulted in
    aflatoxin contamination levels in excess of earlier levels, and more
    troubling in areas of the country that are not usually prone to the
    problem.
        Aflatoxin also dramatically decreases U.S. global competitiveness
    and farm income. Most of our export customers have more stringent
    aflatoxin tolerances than the U.S., resulting in closed markets.
    Likewise, an aflatoxin level in excess of FDA guidelines significantly
    limits the marketability of the product.
        Despite the dire consequences aflatoxin has on agricultural
    marketing and human safety, Federal research budgets in this area have
    been declining for the past decade. Given recent events and the spread
    of the disease, the Multi-Crop Aflatoxin Working Group recommends $1.25
    million for aflatoxin research through the Pre-Harvest Control of
    Aflatoxin research program. Specifically, this is an increase of
    $500,000 over fiscal year 2007 funding levels. These funds will be
    administered by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and dispersed
    on a competitive basis for aflatoxin research. These grants are awarded
    on both crop specific and aflatoxin-wide research. Some examples of
    current research are conventional crop breeding, use of atoxigenic
    strains, host and fungal genomics, genetic blocks of toxin production
    and transgenic resistances. Although each of these projects have
    different approaches, they all share one common goal, the elimination
    of aflatoxin from the worlds food supply. Following this statement, we
    have provided the Committee with an example of previous work funded by
    ARS.
        Thank you for the support and assistance you have provided to
    agricultural research over the years. Please contact Lisa Kelley with
    the National Corn Growers Association at 202-628-7001 or Howard
    Valentine with the Peanut Foundation at 706-579-1755 if you need any
    additional information.

                                    APPENDIX

        Previous Work Funded By ARS:
        In Dr. Felicia Wu's previous work funded by ARS, ``Total Economic
    Impact of Aflatoxin: Models of Economic Loss and Industry Learning,''
    she developed the conceptual basis for the aflatoxin economic model
    shown in Figure 1 of the Research Approach. She implemented the
    following equations under ``Noncompliance Adjustment Costs'' and
    ``Livestock Health Effects'' for corn, by considering two classes of
    impact: market losses and animal health losses.
        High quality corn can be sold as human-food-grade corn at the
    highest market price. Corn contaminated with aflatoxin levels between
    the highest-permitted levels of food and feed can be sold for animal
    feed at a lower price, and corn with high levels of aflatoxin is either
    sold for non-food-non-feed uses at an even lower price or rejected
    outright. The proportions of the total crop that are rejected at each
    of these levels depend on the national or international standards for
    mycotoxins in food and feed. Thus:
        LossMarket = Mcrop*[dPfoodQfoodRfood+dPfeedQfeedRfeed],
        where
        Mcrop = proportion of total corn production sold
        dPfood = price difference between food-grade and feed-grade corn
        dPfeed = price difference between feed grade and lowest-grade corn
        Qfood, Qfeed, = quantities intended for food and feed, respectively
        Rfood, Rfeed = proportions of corn found to be above aflatoxin
    guidelines for feed and feed
        Animal health as a function of aflatoxin contamination is dependent
    on three factors: the number of animals experiencing mortality or
    morbidity as a result of aflatoxin consumption, the cost of treatment
    for sick animals, and the market value of each animal.
        LossAnimal =<3-ln-grk-S>a [(Amort,a*[Vanimal,a+ Treata] + Amorb,a
    Treata],
        where
        Amort, Amorb = number of animals experiencing mortality or
    morbidity
        Vanimal = market value per animal
        Treata = medical treatment cost per animal
        The subscript a indicates the affected species of animals a =
    (cattle, swine, poultry)
        Data for each of these parameters were gathered from the USDA
    National Agricultural Statistical Service (NASS) and elevant literature
    on aflatoxin's animal effects (Lubulwa and Davis 1994, Keyl 1978, Wyatt
    1991). Annual aflatoxin-related market losses in U.S. corn were
    estimated to be $163 million ($73-332 million; 95 percent CI): $31
    million in food-grade rejections and $132 million in feed-grade
    rejections. Annual livestock losses were estimated at $4 million ($1-9
    million). Sampling and testing costs vary by year, with an average $25
    million cost annually to growers ($10-250 million; the large confidence
    interval reflects the high variability in this area). In addition, the
    following currently ``intangible'' costs were considered: losses
    related to ethanol production (and the resulting concentration of
    aflatoxin in the distillation byproducts), grower disposal of highly
    contaminated corn, sampling errors, and losses on a geographical basis.
    The total annual loss to U.S. corn of measurable aflatoxin-related
    losses was roughly $200 million ($192 million, with uncertainty
    bounds); however, the intangible costs could increase this loss
    significantly.
        Dr. Wu's first year of work with ARS provided her an excellent
    opportunity to meet key representatives from the major commodities that
    are affected by aflatoxin contamination. She is grateful to the
    following commodity experts, who, among others, provided her with
    useful information regarding aflatoxin's specific impacts on each
    commodity: Larry Antilla, Scott Averhoff, Peter Cotty, David Gibson,
    Mike Hurley, Merle Jacobs, Dave Kendra, Bob Klein, Marshall Lamb, Dewey
    Lee, Howard Valentine, and Phillip Wakelyn. The insights and data she
    has gained through these collaborations will provide a basis for her
    economic research in this proposal.
                                     ______

    Prepared Statement of the National Coalition for Food and Agricultural
                                    Research

        Dear Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Bennett and Members of the
    Subcommittee: On behalf of the National Coalition for Food and
    Agricultural Research \1\ (National C-FAR), we are pleased to submit
    comments in strong support of enhanced public investment in food and
    agricultural research, extension and education as a critical component
    of Federal appropriations for fiscal year 2008 and beyond. National C-
    FAR serves as a forum and a unified voice in support of sustaining and
    increasing public investment at the national level in food and
    agricultural research, extension and education. National C-FAR is a
    nonprofit, nonpartisan, consensus-based and customer-led coalition
    established in 2001 that brings food, agriculture, nutrition,
    conservation and natural resource organizations together with the food
    and agriculture research and extension community.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \1\ As part of its mission, National C-FAR seeks to increase
    awareness about the value of food and agricultural research, extension
    and education. For example, National C-FAR is hosting an educational
    series of ``LunchNLearn'' seminars on the hill, featuring leading-
    edge researchers on timely topics to help demonstrate the value of
    public investment in food and agricultural research, extension and
    education. More information about National C-FAR and its programs is
    available at http://www.ncfar.org.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    SUPPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008 FUNDING FOR FOOD & AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH,
                             EXTENSION & EDUCATION

        CSREES.--National C-FAR urges the Subcommittee and Committee to
    support the Administration's fiscal year 2008 request for USDA's
    Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)
    of $1.036 billion, augmented at a minimum by restoring the funding
    equivalent of ``earmark'' funding incorporated into the fiscal year
    2007 CR--and other increases to the extent practicable. The
    Administration's proposal represents a 10 percent decrease as compared
    with fiscal year 2007 funding levels, and National C-FAR believes a
    significant increase is fully warranted.
        The Administration's fiscal year 2008 request does not include
    about $190 million in funding that Congress in the past has invested in
    so-called ``earmarks'' in the CSREES account. In the fiscal year 2007
    CR Congress opted to eliminate the earmarks but included the funding
    equivalent in the CSREES account. National C-FAR strongly urges the
    Subcommittee and Committee to restore this funding to the fiscal year
    2008 budget for CSREES, whether designated for specific projects or for
    distribution by CSREES.
        National C-FAR supports funding the National Research Initiative
    (NRI) at the authorized level of $500 million. The Administration's
    $256.5 million fiscal year 2008 request represents a significant
    increase over the fiscal year 2007 Congressional funding level of $190
    million. However, a portion of the proposed increase ($42 million)
    results from a shift of CSREES Integrated Activities, such as food
    safety, pest management, and water quality, providing a net increase of
    $25 million for NRI.
        The NRI supports research on key problems of national and regional
    importance in biological, environmental, physical, and social sciences
    relevant to agriculture, food, and the environment on a peer-reviewed,
    competitive basis. Additionally, the NRI enables USDA to leverage a
    portion of its funds for food and agricultural research, extension and
    education by fostering the development of new partnerships with other
    federal agencies that advance agricultural science. Examples of
    successful collaborations include USDA's involvement in the Microbial
    Genome Sequencing Program, the Maize Genome Program, the Microbial
    Observatories program, the Plant Feedstock Genomics for Bioenergy
    program, the Metabolic Engineering program, and the Climate Change
    Science Plan.
        ARS.--National C-FAR urges the Subcommittee and Committee to
    support the Administration's fiscal year 2008 request for USDA's
    Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of $1.056 billion, augmented at a
    minimum by restoring the funding equivalent of ``earmark'' funding
    incorporated into the fiscal year 2007 CR--and other increases to the
    extent practicable. National C-FAR is concerned that ARS funding has
    been cut each of the past several years and urges the Subcommittee and
    Committee to sustain and enhance ARS funding. Research conducted by ARS
    helps to ensure high-quality, safe food, and other agricultural
    products, assess the nutritional needs of Americans, sustain a
    competitive agricultural economy and enhance the natural resource base
    and the environment. The steady erosion in ARS funding could jeopardize
    the ability of the agency to carry out its important mission.
        According to the Administration, its fiscal year 2008 request of
    $1.129 billion for ARS does not include about $280 million in so-called
    ``earmark'' funding [divided about equally between research projects
    and facilities] that Congress in the past has invested in. In the
    fiscal year 2007 CR Congress opted to eliminate the earmarks but
    included the funding equivalent in the ARS account. National C-FAR
    strongly urges the Subcommittee and Committee to restore this funding
    to the fiscal year 2008 budget for ARS, whether designated for specific
    projects or for distribution by ARS.
        ERS.--National C-FAR urges the Subcommittee and Committee to
    support the Administration's fiscal year 2008 request of $83 million
    for the USDA, Economic Research Service (ERS), which represents a
    modest increase over the fiscal year 2006 and fiscal year 2007
    appropriated levels and provides additional funding to strengthen the
    market analysis and outlook capabilities and bioenergy economic
    analysis. Many of the research outcomes generated through ERS efforts
    provide value in both policy and business application terms far in
    excess of what the modest size of the ERS budget might suggest.
        FS.--National C-FAR urges the Committee to support the
    Administration's fiscal year 2008 funding request of $263 million for
    forest and rangeland research. National C-FAR is concerned that this
    represents a decrease in funding compared with fiscal year 2007. While
    the Administration may be justified in dropping lower priority
    projects, stagnant and declining funding is inappropriate in light of
    major challenges in forest, range and ecosystem management and
    utilization.
        National C-FAR urges that funding for food and agricultural
    research, extension and education be augmented to the maximum extent
    practicable, as an important next step toward building the funding
    levels needed to meet identified food and agricultural research,
    extension and education needs.
        A Sense of the Congress resolution endorsed by National C-FAR to
    double funding in food and agricultural research, extension and
    education within five years was incorporated into the 2002 Farm Bill
    that was enacted into law. However, the major commitment to expanded
    research has not yet materialized. At the five-year mark, the larger
    reality is the threat of funding cuts. National C-FAR is urging the
    Congress to reaffirm a commitment to doubling funding in food and
    agricultural research, extension and education in the 2007 farm bill.
        As a coalition representing stakeholders in both the research,
    extension and education community and the ``customers'' who need and
    depend upon their outcomes, National C-FAR urges expanded public
    participation in the Administration's research priority setting and
    funding decision process and stands ready to work with the
    Administration and other interested stakeholders toward that end.

      ENHANCED INVESTMENT IN RESEARCH, EXTENSION & EDUCATION ESSENTIAL TO
                                    SUCCESS

        The research, extension & education title of the Farm Bill
    represents the nation's signature Federal investment in the future of
    the food and agricultural sector. Other Farm Bill titles depend heavily
    upon the Research Title for tools to help achieve their stated
    objectives. Public investment in food and agricultural research,
    extension and education today and in the future must simultaneously
    satisfy needs for food quality and quantity, resource preservation,
    producer profitability and social acceptability.
        Tools provided through research, extension & education are needed
    to help achieve safer, more nutritious, convenient and affordable foods
    delivered to sustain a well nourished, healthy population; more
    efficient and environmentally friendly food, fiber and forest
    production; improved water quality, land conservation, wildlife and
    other environmental conditions; less dependence on non-renewable
    sources of energy; expanded global markets and improved balance of
    trade; and more jobs and sustainable rural economic development.
    Societal demands and expectations placed upon the food and agricultural
    system are ever-changing and growing. Examples of current and future
    needs include--strengthened bio-security; food-linked health costs;
    environment and conservation; farm income and rural revitalization;
    biofuels and climate change; the world demand for food and natural
    fiber and improved diets; and biotechnology and genetic resources
    research and public oversight.

              DEMONSTRATED VALUE OF PUBLIC INVESTMENTS IN RESEARCH

        Publicly financed research, extension and education are necessary
    complements to private sector research, focusing in areas where the
    private sector does not have an incentive to invest, when (1) the pay-
    off is over a long term; (2) the potential market is more speculative;
    (3) the effort is during the pre-technology stage; and (4) where the
    benefits are widely diffused. Public research, extension and education
    help provide oversight and measure long-term progress. Public research,
    extension and education also act as a means to detect and resolve
    problems in an early stage, thus saving American taxpayer dollars in
    remedial and corrective actions.
        Public investment in research is a wise investment. An analysis by
    the International Food Policy Research Institute of 292 studies of the
    impacts of ag research and extension published since 1953 (Julian M.
    Austin, et al, A Meta-Analysis of Rates of Return to Agricultural
    Research, 2000) showed an average 81 Percent annual rate of return on
    public investments in ag research & extension!
        Food and agricultural research, extension and education to date
    have helped provide the United States with a food and agricultural
    system that consistently produces high quality, affordable food,
    natural fiber and other products, while at the same time:
      --Creating Jobs and Income.--The food and agricultural sector and
            related industries provide over 20 million jobs, about 17
            percent of U.S. jobs, and account for nearly $1 trillion or 13
            percent of GDP.
      --Helping Reduce the Trade Deficit.--Agricultural exports average
            more than $50 billion annually compared to $38 billion of
            imports, contributing some $12 billion to reducing the $350
            billion trade deficit in the nonagricultural sector.
      --Sustaining Important Strategic Resources.--This Nation's abundant
            food supply bolsters national security and eases world tension
            and turmoil. Science-based improvements in agriculture have
            saved over a billion people from starvation and countless
            millions more from the ravages of disease and malnutrition.
      --Providing Many Valuable Aesthetic and Environmental Amenities to
            the Public.--The proximity to open space enhances the value of
            nearby residential property. Farmland is a natural wastewater
            treatment system. Unpaved land allows the recharge of the
            ground water that urban residents need. Farms are stopovers for
            migratory birds. Farmers are stewards for 65 percent of non-
            Federal lands and provide habitat for 75 percent of wildlife.

                 FUNDING INSUFFICIENT TO ADDRESS PRIORITY NEEDS

        By any measure, Federal funding for food and agricultural research,
    extension and education has failed to keep pace with identified
    priority needs. Public and private investments in U.S. agricultural
    research and practical application of results have paid huge dividends
    to the United States and the world, especially in the latter part of
    the 20th century. However, these dividends are the result of past
    investments in agricultural research. The unparalleled success story in
    the food and agricultural system is a product in large part of past
    investments in food and agricultural research and extension.
        However, Federal funding for food and agricultural research,
    extension and education has been essentially flat for over 20 years,
    while support for other Federal research has increased substantially.
    Public funding of agricultural research in the rest of the world during
    the same time period has outpaced investment in the United States.
        Stagnant public investment in food and agricultural research,
    extension and education may well be a result of a view that the U.S.
    food and agricultural system is doing fine and that funds can be
    redirected to other needs. The U.S. food and agricultural sector has
    been a world leader and has provided unprecedented value to U.S.
    citizens, and indeed the world community. However, societal demands and
    expectations placed upon the food and agricultural system are ever-
    changing and growing.
        National C-FAR believes it is imperative to lay the groundwork now
    to respond to the many challenges and promising opportunities ahead
    through Federal policies and programs needed to promote the long-term
    health and vitality of food and agriculture for the benefit of both
    consumers and producers. Stronger public investment in food and
    agricultural research, extension and education is essential in
    producing research outcomes needed to help deliver beneficial and
    timely solutions. Multiple examples, such as those highlighted below,
    serve to illustrate current and future needs that arguably merit
    enhanced public investment in research, extension and education so that
    the food and agricultural system can respond to these challenges on a
    sustainable basis:
      --Strengthened bio-security is a pressing national priority. There is
            a compelling need for improved bio-security and bio-safety
            tools and policies to protect against bio-terrorism and dreaded
            problems such as foot-and-mouth and ``mad cow'' diseases and
            other exotic plant and animal pests, and protection of range
            lands from invasive species.
      --Food-linked health costs are high. Some $100 billion of annual U.S.
            health costs are linked to poor diets, obesity, food borne
            pathogens and allergens. Opportunities exist to create
            healthier diets through fortification and enrichment.
      --Research, extension and education are key to providing to solutions
            to environmental and conservation challenges related to global
            warming, limited water resources, enhanced wildlife habitat,
            and competing demands for land and other agricultural
            resources. Rural water conservation and development of drought-
            resistant crops have evolved from a good idea to a necessity.
      --It is a highly competitive world for food and agriculture and rural
            America. There was considerable debate during the last Farm
            Bill reauthorization about how expanded food and agricultural
            research, extension and education could enhance farm income and
            rural revitalization by improving competitiveness and value-
            added opportunities.
      --Energy costs are escalating, dependence on petroleum imports is
            growing and concerns about greenhouse gases are rising.
            Research, extension and education can enhance agriculture's
            ability to provide renewable sources of energy and cleaner
            burning fuels, sequester carbon, and provide other
            environmental benefits to help address these challenges, and
            indeed generate value-added income for producers and stimulate
            rural economic development.
      --Population and income growth are expanding the world demand for
            food and natural fiber and improved diets. World food demand is
            projected to double in 25 years. Most of this growth will occur
            in the developing nations where yields are low, land is scarce,
            and diets are inadequate. Without a vigorous response, demand
            will only be met at a great global ecological cost.
      --Regardless of one's views about biotechnology and genetic
            resources, an effective publicly funded research role is needed
            for oversight and to ensure public benefits.
        If these challenges and opportunities are to be met, then the
    nation must commit to a stronger investment that reflects the long-term
    benefits of food and agricultural research, extension and education.

                                   CONCLUSION

        National C-FAR respectfully submits that--
      --The food and agricultural sector merits Federal attention and
            support;
      --Food and agricultural research, extension and education have paid
            huge dividends in the past, not only to farmers, but to the
            entire nation and the world;
      --There is an appropriate and recognized role for Federal support of
            research, extension and education;
      --Recent funding levels for food and agricultural research, extension
            and education have been inadequate to meet pressing needs;
      --Federal investments in food and agricultural research, extension
            and education should be enhanced in fiscal year 2008 and
            beyond; and
      --Actions should be taken to provide for expanded public
            participation, including during review of programs being
            considered for possible reforms or cuts.
        National C-FAR appreciates the opportunity to share its views and
    stands ready to work with the Chair and members of this Committee in
    support of these important funding objectives.
                                     ______

          Prepared Statement of the National Corn Growers Association

        The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) appreciates the
    opportunity to share with you our agriculture appropriations priorities
    for fiscal year 2008. NCGA represents more than 32,000 members in 48
    States, 47 affiliated State organizations and more than 300,000 corn
    farmers who contribute to State checkoff programs for the purpose of
    creating new opportunities and markets for corn growers.
        America's corn producers continue to make a significant and
    important contribution to our nation's economy. Over the last 5 years,
    the Nation's corn crop has averaged 10.3 billion bushels resulting in
    an annual average farm gate value of almost $22 billion. The relatively
    stable production over the past 10 years, made possible by innovation
    in production practices and technological advances, has helped to
    ensure ample supplies of corn for livestock, an expanding ethanol
    industry, new biobased products and a host of other uses in the corn
    industry.
    Aflatoxin Research
        Aflatoxin is a significant problem for corn growers. While the
    disease is most common in the South, northern corn growers also
    experience aflatoxin, especially in times of drought. Aflatoxin costs
    corn growers millions of dollars in lost sales every year.
        Currently, the Agriculture Research Service (ARS) receives about $7
    million per year for its entire aflatoxin research program. Of that,
    ARS awards about $750,000 in competitive grants each year for pre-
    harvest aflatoxin research on corn, cotton, peanuts and tree nuts.
    These figures have been relatively flat for 10 years. NCGA requests an
    additional $500,000 for ARS's aflatoxin cooperative agreement program,
    totaling $1.25 million. We believe the funds should be used to address
    cross-cutting issues of concern to all affected crops and the
    development of nondestructive testing protocols and technologies.
    Genomic Research
        The entire corn industry, including the academic research
    community, grain handlers, growers, industry and seed companies
    strongly believe that research on plant and plant genomes has
    substantial long-term benefits. NCGA supports the plant genome research
    conducted by ARS through its genetic resources, genome sequencing and
    genome bioinformatics programs. Specifically, this research includes
    plant and fungal genomics exploration to determine what drives
    aflatoxin production, what causes susceptibility, and helps us
    understand plant and fungal nutrient and environmental needs.
        NCGA also supports the Cooperative State Research, Education and
    Extension Service's National Research Initiative. Our research policy
    supports competitive grants where appropriate.
    APHIS Biotechnology Regulatory Service
        NCGA supports the President's budget request of $14.141 million for
    the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's Biotechnology
    Regulatory Service as well as the separate funding stream requested in
    the budget from the Office of the Secretary for the same. These
    resources are necessary to ensure the agency properly manages its
    functions associated with this expanding technology to maintain
    consumer and customer confidence in our strong science-based regulatory
    structure.
    FAS SPS Issues Resolution
        NCGA supports the President's budget request of $27.153 million
    that increases funding by $6,196,000 within the Foreign Agricultural
    Service (FAS) for Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) resolution.
    Unnecessarily restrictive regulations to address plant health risks are
    major impediments to U.S. market expansion. As trade barriers have been
    reduced, there has been a dramatic increase in non-tariff trade
    barriers to trade.
    FAS Market Access
        NCGA supports the President's budget request of $200 million for
    the Market Access Program (MAP) within the Foreign Agricultural
    Service. This program has been successful in maintaining and expanding
    U.S. agricultural exports and strengthening farm income. The 2002 farm
    bill authorizes up to $200 million in mandatory spending for MAP; NCGA
    urges that the program be funded at the fully authorized level.
    National Corn to Ethanol Research Center
        In 2006, fuel ethanol production from corn generated 4.8 billion
    gallons of ethanol, displacing 3 percent of petroleum imports. Economic
    forecasting estimates that the United States is capable of producing in
    excess of 14 billion gallons of ethanol by 2015. Such production is
    critical to our national economy, energy security and the environment.
    The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern
    Illinois University--Edwardsville is in a perfect position to: continue
    generation of baseline data, serve as training center for Workforce
    Development and expand as a Lignocellulosic Center of Excellence. To
    fulfill these objectives, NCGA is seeking additional funding on behalf
    of NCERC.
        Updated baseline data is continuously required to be reflective of
    industry changes and their impact on product yields and efficiencies.
    The goal of this objective is to continue generating baseline data
    under typical industry operating conditions reflective of changing
    industry practices and changes in inputs (e.g. fractionization, corn
    hybrids, enzymes, yeast practices). The baseline data generated by the
    NCERC is of significant interest to academic, government, industry and
    trade association ethanol researchers as well as ethanol plant
    operators. The baseline data generated by NCERC is providing a critical
    benchmark for all industry and institutional comparison testing. We
    encourage the committee to provide $400,000 to NCERC for this purpose.
        A key component to the success of the ethanol industry over the
    next decade is to ensure the industry has a ready and available
    workforce. NCERC is well-positioned to train an immediately productive
    workforce as it plays a unique role in serving both the educational
    mission of the university as well as meeting the growing needs of the
    biofuels industry. NCERC provides a year-long, hands-on workforce
    training program to student interns while conducting commercial testing
    trials. Since opening in late 2003, nearly 35 interns have helped with
    the successful operation of the plant and labs. NCGA requests an
    additional $1,000,000 to expand the current internship program to meet
    the growing needs of the industry. Through this endeavor, NCERC will
    develop and implement a National Biofuels Workforce Training Center.
        For cellulose to be a viable feedstock, the process of converting
    cellulose to ethanol must be optimized. The three ``process points'' of
    optimization in the cellulose to ethanol process are: pre-treatment
    method, enzyme functionality and fermentation organisms (yeast). The
    NCERC is a research leader in the conversion of corn to ethanol and its
    co-product. Therefore, the NCERC is able to more cost-effectively stay
    on the cutting edge of technology as we enter a new era of converting
    cellulose to ethanol.
        The NCERC is well-positioned to work directly with USDA/ARS, the
    Department of Energy, and Academic and Industry researchers who are
    conducting scientific discovery research on the conversion of cellulose
    to ethanol. This work will spur unlimited investment by private
    industry as they will make that crucially important decision to enter
    the cellulose to ethanol market. We encourage the committee to consider
    NCERC as Lignocellulosic Center of Excellence.
    Ethanol Coproduct Utilization
        One of the major benefits of using corn as a feedstock for ethanol
    production is the ability to retain the protein, fat, fiber, vitamins
    and minerals for use as an animal feed. The co-product of ethanol
    production, distillers dried grain with solubles (DDGS), results from
    the concentration and drying of the components remaining after the
    starch portion of corn is converted to ethanol. Strong global demand
    for DDGS will be critical in maximizing the potential and profitability
    of fuel ethanol production from corn while ensuring livestock feed
    needs are met.
        While nearly 12 million tons of DDGS was fed domestically or
    exported in 2006, use of this alternative feed ingredient may be
    limited in the future because of real and perceived issues relating to
    DDGS consistency, quality, flowability and feed efficiency. NCGA
    encourages the committee to dedicate the resources necessary to greatly
    expand ARS's efforts in this area, particularly as they relate to DDGS
    flowability, contaminant mitigation, nutritional value, and nutrient
    and mineral management issues.
    Value-Added Grants
        Grants from USDA's Value-Added Product Market Development Grant
    program have been used by corn growers to leverage significant
    investments in rural communities. NCGA supports this grant program as
    authorized by the 2002 farm bill at $40 million per year. Potential
    technologies include processing identity-preserved corn varieties and
    adding value to the non-fermentable components of the corn feedstock.
        Thank you for the support and assistance you have provided to corn
    growers over the years. Please feel free to contact Lisa Kelley at 202-
    628-7001 if you need any additional information.
                                     ______

    Prepared Statement of the National Commodity Supplemental Food Program
                                  Association

        The Honorable Herb Kohl, Mr. Chairman and Subcommittee members, I
    am Frank Kubik, President of the National Commodity Supplemental Food
    Program Association (NCSFPA). Thank you for this opportunity to present
    information regarding the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).
        CSFP was our Nation's first food assistance effort with monthly
    food packages designed to provide protein, calcium, iron, and vitamins
    A and C. It began in 1969 for low-income mothers and children,
    preceding the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women,
    Infants, and Children known as WIC. Pilot programs in 1983 added low-
    income seniors to the list of eligible participants and they now
    comprise 91 percent all participants.
        CSFP is a unique Federal/State and public/private effort. The USDA
    purchases specific nutrient-rich foods at wholesale prices for
    distribution. State agencies such as the departments of health,
    agriculture or education provide administration and oversight. These
    agency's contracts with community and faith based organizations to
    warehouse and distribute food, certify eligibility and educate
    participants. The local organizations build broad collaboration among
    non-profits, health units, and area agencies on aging so that seniors
    and others can quickly qualify to and receive their monthly
    supplemental food package along with nutrition education to improve
    their health and quality of life. This unique public/private
    partnership reaches even homebound seniors in both rural and urban
    settings with vital nutrition.
        The foods provided through CSFP include canned fruits and
    vegetables, juices, meats, fish, peanut butter, cereals and grain
    products, cheese, and other dairy products increase healthy food
    consumption among these low-income populations.
        The CSFP is also an important ``market'' for commodities supported
    under various farm programs, as well as an increasingly important
    instrument in meeting the nutritional and dietary needs of special low-
    income populations.
        In fiscal year 2006, the CSFP provided services through 150 non-
    profit community and faith-based organizations at over 1,800 sites
    located in 32 States, the District of Columbia, and two Indian
    reservations (Red Lake, Minnesota and Oglala Sioux, South Dakota). On
    behalf of those organizations NCSFPA would like to express our concern
    and disappointment regarding the reduction of available CSFP resources
    for fiscal year 2008.
      --The prospect of seniors not receiving needed CSFP food in a year
            when USDA has forecast in excess of $35.4 million in carryover
            inventory at the end of the fiscal year 2006 is disturbing.
            Clearly these inventories could and should be used to serve the
            areas that were affected by the hurricanes of 2005 and who were
            given 6 month CSFP supplemental caseload that has since been
            exhausted.
      --At a time when many Americans must choose between food or medicine,
            utilities, and other basic expenses, the Federal Government
            should not be reducing benefits for our most vulnerable
            citizens.
        CSFP's 38 years of service stands as testimony to the power of
    partnerships among community and faith-based organizations, farmers,
    private industry and government agencies. The CSFP offers a unique
    combination of advantages unparalleled by any other food assistance
    program:
      --The CSFP specifically targets our Nation's most nutritionally
            vulnerable populations: young children and low-income seniors.
      --The CSFP provides a monthly selection of food packages tailored to
            the nutritional needs of the population served. Eligible
            participants are guaranteed [by law] a certain level of
            nutritional assistance every month in addition to nutrition
            education regarding how to prepare and incorporate these foods
            into their diets as prescribed by their health care provider.
      --The CSFP purchases foods at wholesale prices, which directly
            supports the farming community. The average food package for
            fiscal year 2007 is $15.85, and the retail value is
            approximately $50.00.
      --The CSFP involves the entire community in confronting the problem
            of hunger. There are thousands of volunteers as well as many
            private companies who donate money, equipment, and most
            importantly time and effort to deliver food to needy and
            homebound seniors. These volunteers not only bring food but
            companionship and other assistance to seniors who might have no
            other source of support. (See Attachment 1)
        The White House proposed budget for fiscal year 2008 would
    eliminate CSFP completely, and would eliminate all of this effort and
    support of those 38 years. This proposal has shocked the entire CSFP
    community as well as legislators, anti-hunger and senior service
    organizations and the concerned citizens as they have become aware of
    it. America's Second Harvest, AARP, and FRAC have all voiced their
    opposition to the elimination of CSFP. It is unconscionable to
    eliminate benefits for some of our most vulnerable citizens and to
    eliminate hope of those waiting for participation in the program. It is
    the cruelest cut for the greatest generation.
        In a recent CSFP survey, more than half of seniors living alone
    reported an income of less than $750 per month. Of those respondents
    from two-person households, more than half reported an income of less
    than $1,000 per month. Fewer than 25 percent reported being enrolled in
    the Food Stamp Program. Over 50 percent said they ran out of food
    during the month. Also, close to 70 percent senior respondents say they
    use money for medical bills not food.
        The Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee has consistently
    supported CSFP, acknowledging it as a cost-effective way of providing
    nutritious supplemental foods. Last year this subcommittee and all of
    Congress provided funding for CSFP in direct opposition to its proposed
    elimination. This year, your support is again needed to provide
    adequate resources for the 485,416 mothers, children and seniors
    currently receiving benefits, 20,500 low-income participants currently
    waiting in five new States and 100,827 seniors waiting in current
    States for this vital nutrition program.
        There is no discernible plan to address the long-term needs of
    those affected by the elimination of CSFP. The proposed transition plan
    provides that seniors being removed from CSFP will be provided a Food
    Stamp Program (FSP) benefit of $20 per month for up to six months, or
    until the participant actually enrolls in the FSP, whichever comes
    first. Simply transferring seniors to the FSP is an inadequate
    solution. It is essential for seniors to have access to services which
    they feel are offered with dignity and respect. Many will outright
    reject the idea of applying for FSP benefits. According to the ERS
    Evaluation of the USDA Elderly Nutrition Demonstrations: Volume I:
        The Commodity alternative benefit demonstration in North Carolina
    was popular both among new applicants and among existing FSP
    participants. Clients eligible for low FSP benefits were more likely to
    get the commodity packages, which had a retail value substantially
    greater than their FSP benefits''. ``In particular, seniors described
    the anxiety of using FSP benefits in stores, where they felt shoppers
    and store clerks looked down on them''. ``The demonstrations attracted
    a particularly large share of clients eligible for the $10 benefit
    because the retail value of the commodity packages was worth $60-$70.
        Depending on their non-cash assets, seniors may not qualify for a
    FSP benefit level equivalent to the CSFP food package. Seniors
    receiving the minimum benefit would not be eligible for the $20/month
    transitional benefit. The 25 percent of current CSFP participants who
    already enrolled in the FSP will lose the benefits of CSFP and those
    benefits will not be replaced at a time when they are struggling to
    make ends meet. CSFP and FSP are supplemental programs. They work
    together to make up the shortfall that many of our seniors are facing
    each month. Both programs need to continue to be available as part of
    the ``safety net'' for our low-income participants.
        USDA reports that the average benefit paid to senior citizens is
    about $67 per month, but in reality, many senior citizens receive only
    the minimum monthly benefit of $10, which has not been updated since
    1975. USDA figures also report households rather than individual
    participants and include households with disabled family members.
        The proposed transition plan for women, infants and children
    enrolled in the CSFP is to transfer them to WIC. However, due to
    increasing coordination between WIC and CSFP at the State and community
    levels, the number of WIC-eligible mothers and children enrolled in the
    CSFP is steadily declining. In some States, this figure is less than 2
    percent of all enrolled women and children, eradicating supplemental
    food and nutrition benefits for that population as well.
        As referenced earlier, CSFP provides a food package that costs USDA
    about $15 per month. It has a retail value of approximately $50. How
    does someone use $20 to purchase $50 worth of nutritious foods? What
    happens at the end of 6 months?
        The National Commodity Supplemental Food Program Association
    requested the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee take the
    appropriate actions to funding CSFP for fiscal year 2008 at $157.4
    million as illustrated below:
        To continue serving the 485,416 needy seniors (91 percent of
    participants), women, infants and children (9 percent of participants)
    currently enrolled in CSFP--$123 million.
        To serve the 22,577 individuals who received a food package through
    the supplemental caseload provided to hurricane ravaged Gulf States.--
    $4.3 million.
        To meet USDA's commodity procurement expenses--$0.7 million.
        Appropriation required to serve the 507,993 people who have relied
    upon CSFP for supplemental nutrition--$128 million.
        To begin meeting the needs of 20,500 eligible seniors in the 5
    States with USDA approved plans: Arkansas (5,000), Delaware (2,500),
    Oklahoma (5,000), New Jersey (5,000) and Utah (3,000)--$3.9 million.
        To serve an additional 100,827 individuals among of our Nation's
    most vulnerable individuals in the 32 States with existing programs and
    documented additional needs--$25.5 million.
        Appropriation needed to maximize this program's effectiveness in
    serving 629,518 seniors and women and their infants and young children
    challenged by hunger--$157.4 million.
        With the aging of America, CSFP must be an integral part of USDA
    Senior Nutrition Policy as well as comprehensive plans to support the
    productivity, health, independence, and quality of life for America's
    seniors.
        Measures to show the positive outcomes of nutrition assistance to
    seniors must be strengthened. A 1997 report by the National Policy and
    Resource Center on Nutrition and Aging at Florida International
    University, Miami--Elder Insecurities: Poverty, Hunger, and
    Malnutrition indicated that malnourished elderly patients experience 2
    to 20 times more medical complications, have up to 100 percent longer
    hospital stays, and incurs hospital costs $2,000 to $10,000 higher per
    stay. Proper nutrition promotes health, treats chronic disease,
    decreases hospital length of stay and saves health care dollars.
        Rather than eliminating the program, the NCSFPA recommends the
    following initiatives to strengthen CSFP:
      --Develop a formal evaluation process to demonstrate individual and
            program outcomes of CSFP with Federal, State, and local CSFP
            managers included in the study design;
      --Restore financial guidelines for seniors to the original level of
            185 percent of poverty;
      --Set ``greatest need within a project area'' as the priority for
            service or let each State set its priority for service under a
            plan approved by the Secretary of Agriculture;
      --Support and expand the program in those States that have
            demonstrated an interest in the CSFP, including the 5 States
            that already have USDA-approved plans to operate CSFP
            (Arkansas, Delaware, New Jersey, Oklahoma and Utah) or that
            have demonstrated a willingness to continue and expand current
            CSFP services.
        This program continues with committed grassroots operators and
    dedicated volunteers. The mission is to provide quality nutrition
    assistance economically, efficiently, and responsibly always keeping
    the needs and dignity of our participants first. We commend the Food
    and Nutrition Service of the Department of Agriculture and particularly
    the Food Distribution Division for their continued innovations to
    strengthen the quality of the food package and streamline
    administration. We also remain committed to providing quality services
    in collaboration with the community organizations and volunteers that
    contribute nearly 50 percent of the resources used in providing these
    services.

                                                      ATTACHMENT 1.--NATIONAL CSFP ASSOCIATION ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE VALUE SURVEY FISCAL YEAR 2006
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                          Goods &                                                       Extra Goods
                                                                           USDA       Not Reimbursed       CSFP          Services        Volunteer     Annual Total    Percent Paid     donated to
                                Programs                                Reimbursed     by USDA Cash    Expenditures     donated to      Labor Hours    Program Value      by USDA          CSFP
                                                                           Cash                            Cash        agency Value        Value                                       participants
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    New Hampshire...................................................        $416,648         $13,227        $429,875          $6,650        $108,235        $544,760              76          $2,625
    New York........................................................       1,804,443          45,000       1,849,443           1,000         296,307       2,146,750              84          12,755
    Vermont FB......................................................         246,524         300,000         546,524  ..............          90,200         636,724              39           2,000
    Washington DC...................................................         439,098       1,600,000       2,039,098         800,000         172,318       3,011,416              15  ..............
    Pennsylvania....................................................         835,702          53,197         888,899          22,885         186,985       1,098,769              76          92,638
    Kentucky........................................................         898,857         162,681       1,061,538          22,180         704,282       1,788,000              50      714,055.00
    Mississippi.....................................................         400,448  ..............         400,448         160,370         561,766       1,122,584              36  ..............
    North Carolina..................................................          74,583          30,000         104,583  ..............  ..............         104,583              71           5,000
    South Carolina..................................................         212,744  ..............         212,744  ..............          58,883         271,627              78           2,500
    Tennessee \1\...................................................         804,260  ..............         804,260  ..............  ..............         804,260             100  ..............
    Illinois........................................................         885,767           3,000         888,767  ..............         477,447       1,366,214              65  ..............
    Indiana.........................................................         246,603          28,072         274,675          22,000         396,880         693,555              36             443
    Michigan........................................................       4,490,742         601,805       5,092,547         356,773       2,161,385       7,610,705              59         769,301
    Minnesota.......................................................         802,557         103,225         905,782          19,000         173,068       1,097,850              73         199,000
    Red Lake, MN....................................................           5,841  ..............           5,841  ..............  ..............           5,841             100  ..............
    Ohio............................................................         709,662          94,228         803,890          65,000         368,251       1,237,141              57         302,000
    Wisconsin.......................................................         276,228          56,458         332,686           3,150         300,691         636,527              43          41,845
    Louisiana.......................................................       4,505,386         250,000       4,755,386         452,000         825,330       6,032,716              75  ..............
    New Mexico......................................................       1,009,150         272,139       1,281,289          97,987         350,283       1,729,559              58         446,378
    Texas...........................................................         708,521          70,000         778,521          15,000         405,900       1,199,421              59          12,000
    Colorado........................................................       1,193,799         204,168       1,397,967          30,474         612,151       2,040,592              59         878,389
    Iowa............................................................         222,652         520,767         743,419  ..............          29,712         773,131              29  ..............
    Kansas..........................................................         333,423          45,715         379,138          46,200         209,986         635,323              52          51,400
    Missouri........................................................         532,997          29,000         561,997           2,400         398,455         962,852              55       1,010,950
    Montana.........................................................         385,402          35,525         420,927         107,333       2,163,357       2,691,617              14          78,825
    Nebraska........................................................         756,827          87,486         844,313          21,580         308,475       1,174,369              64          89,709
    North Dakota....................................................         160,216           7,800         168,016  ..............         235,729         403,745              40  ..............
    South Dakota....................................................         160,962          33,520         194,482  ..............          32,842         227,324              71  ..............
    Ogala Sioux, SD.................................................          37,341  ..............          37,341  ..............  ..............          37,341             100  ..............
    Alaska..........................................................         130,334          48,038         178,372          10,000          45,100         233,472              56  ..............
    Arizona.........................................................         883,204         450,000       1,333,204           4,516       1,549,401       2,887,121              31         580,460
    California......................................................       3,078,203       1,265,849       4,344,052          68,600       2,492,966       6,905,618              45         772,308
    Nevada..........................................................         352,044          97,629         449,673  ..............          84,788         534,461              66         113,000
    Oregon..........................................................          78,299          48,000         126,299  ..............          75,768         202,067              39  ..............
    Washington......................................................         132,094          25,000         157,094             250          39,544         196,888              67  ..............
                                                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Grand Total...............................................      28,211,561       6,581,529      34,793,090       2,335,348      15,916,481      53,044,919              53      6,177,579
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\ No information provided.

                        fiscal year 2008 budget request
        On behalf of low-income seniors and women and their infants and
    young children in need of the prescribed packages of nutritious food
    made available through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP),
    we request not only the rejection of the proposal to eliminate CSFP,
    but also consideration of increases in program resources.
        At a modest cost of 15.85 per monthly food package, CSFP leverages
    the efforts and energy of thousands of volunteers at churches and
    charities across America to deliver essential nutrition with a retail
    value in excess of 50.00 per month to vulnerable members of ``The
    Greatest Generation'' and to help at-risk members of the next
    generation get a healthy start. The appropriations required and the
    benefits anticipated are as follows:
        To continue serving the 485,416 needy seniors (91 percent of
    participants), women, infants and children (9 percent of participants)
    currently enrolled in CSFP--$123 million.
        To serve the 22,577 individuals who received a food package through
    the supplemental caseload provided to hurricane ravaged Gulf States--
    $4.3 million.
        To meet USDA's commodity procurement expenses--$.7 million.
        Appropriation required to serve the 507,993 people who have relied
    upon CSFP for supplemental nutrition--$128 million.
        To begin meeting the needs of 20,500 eligible seniors in the 5
    States with USDA approved plans Arkansas (5,000), Delaware (2,500),
    Oklahoma (5,000), New Jersey (5,000) and Utah (3,000)--$3.9 million.
        To serve an additional 100,827 individuals among of our Nation's
    most vulnerable individuals in the 32 States with existing programs and
    documented additional needs--$25.5 million.
        Appropriation needed to maximize this program's effectiveness in
    serving 629,518 seniors and women and their infants and young children
    challenged by hunger--$157.4 million.
                                     ______

    Prepared Statement of the National Environmental Services Center (NESC)

        Chairman Kohl, Senator Bennett, and Members of the Subcommittee:
    Thank you for the opportunity to offer testimony to the Subcommittee on
    Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies.\1\ We request
    funding to support the programs of the National Drinking Water
    Clearinghouse in providing information and technical assistance to
    small and rural and underserved communities under the Rural Utilities
    Service programs of the USDA.
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
        \1\ The National Environmental Services Center is located at West
    Virginia University. This statement has been prepared by Richard
    Bajura, Executive Director, with assistance from Pamela Schade and
    Trina Wafle. For more information, see our Web site at http://
    www.nesc.wvu.edu
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Need for Federal Programs
        Clean, safe drinking water and wastewater treatment are critical to
    public and environmental health. For most of us, it's easy to take
    water for granted. However, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, half
    of American homes in 1940 lacked complete plumbing facilities (defined
    as hot and cold piped water, a bathtub or shower, and a flush toilet).
    By 2002, EPA found that the number of homes having complete plumbing
    facilities increased to 91 percent. Much of this improvement can be
    attributed to Federal infrastructure investment. The U.S. Department of
    Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has provided more than $20
    billion for water and wastewater projects since 1947. In spite of these
    improvements, however, 670,000 households (with nearly 2 million
    people) lack access to water, sanitation, or both. Safe, affordable
    water infrastructure is an investment in the economic viability and
    public health of rural America.
    Water and Wastewater Challenges
        Over 50,000 water treatment systems serve the U.S. population, with
    86 percent of these systems being classified as ``small'' systems
    (serving fewer than 3,300 people) and ``very small'' systems (serving
    fewer than 500 customers). Because smaller systems have lower revenues
    and fewer resources, they are more likely to have difficulty in meeting
    regulatory requirements. When the Safe Drinking Water Act was passed in
    1974, 18 contaminants were regulated. By 2004, that number had grown to
    86. Another eight will be added by 2008.
        While significant progress has been made, a number of challenges
    confront communities as they try to safeguard public health. In many
    communities, water distribution systems and wastewater collection
    systems are 40 to 50 years old, with many dating back more than a
    century. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE),
    U.S. drinking water system operators are responsible for maintaining an
    estimated 800,000 miles of water delivery pipelines. In the 2002 report
    titled Clean Water and Drinking Water Infrastructure Gap Analysis, EPA
    estimated that we need to invest $265 billion for drinking water
    systems infrastructure through 2022. Wastewater infrastructure will
    need an estimated $388 billion during the same time period. ASCE puts
    the water infrastructure funding gap at $534 billion over the same time
    period, saying that the EPA estimate doesn't adequately address
    population growth and new construction. In the 2003 update to ASCE's
    Report Card for America's Infrastructure, both water and wastewater
    were given a grade of ``D.'' The report suggests that, without new
    investment, progress made over the last 30 years is threatened.
    Federal Assistance Programs
        As a partial solution to addressing these challenges, the Water and
    Wastewater Technical Assistance and Training [TAT] grants under USDA's
    Rural Community Advancement Program make it possible for small and
    rural communities to maximize their investments in water infrastructure
    through assistance with technology selection, operation and
    maintenance, capacity development, and asset management. The National
    Drinking Water Clearinghouse has been a strong partner with USDA in
    providing services to these communities. We are requesting
    appropriations in fiscal year 2008 to continue our work with USDA by
    providing the kinds of services described below.
    About the National Drinking Water Clearinghouse (NDWC)
        For 17 years, the National Drinking Water Clearinghouse at West
    Virginia University has helped small and rural communities with their
    water infrastructure management. In 2001, the NDWC also undertook
    programs related to utility security issues.
        The NDWC provides a range of assistance for small communities.
    Telephone callers can obtain toll-free technical assistance from our
    staff of engineers and scientists. Our quarterly publication On Tap, a
    magazine about drinking water treatment, financing, and management
    options, helps communities and small water systems operate, manage, and
    maintain their facilities, while keeping them financially viable. A
    comprehensive Web site and databases with thousands of entries provide
    round-the-clock access to contemporary information on small water
    system. Training sessions customized for small and rural areas,
    teleconferences, Web casts, and more than 400 free and low-cost
    educational products give people the instruction and tools they need to
    address their most pressing water issues. These services are well
    received by small community officials and service providers.
        In addition to our knowledge base, technical assistance through
    telephone consultation, and publications which we provide to the
    public, the NDWC wishes to develop new initiatives targeted to reach
    underserved communities found in places such as rural Appalachia, the
    Mississippi Delta, the Colonias in the U.S.-Mexico border region, and
    Native American Tribes.
    Request
        In fiscal year 2008, we want to strengthen our core programs in
    providing information and technical assistance and also develop special
    initiatives to address problems unique to certain underserved
    communities as described above. We seek an appropriation of $1.7
    million to support our work in these two important program areas. Thank
    you for considering our request.
                                     ______

        Prepared Statement of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

        Mr. Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee, I appreciate the
    opportunity to submit testimony regarding the fiscal year 2008 funding
    request for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (Foundation).
    Since 2000, the Foundation has received $3 million annually from the
    U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service
    (NRCS). We have worked with NRCS to focus on agency wildlife priorities
    in the past and look forward to continuing to do so. With a Farm Bill
    pending, we have a number of outside organizations willing to match
    federally provided dollars to assist in agricultural wildlife
    conservation projects.
      --The Foundation respectfully requests that this Subcommittee fund
            the Foundation at $4 million through the NRCS Appropriation.
        These dollars will be focused on mutually agreed upon projects
    across the country. Furthermore, the appropriated $4 million will be
    turned into a minimum of $8 million, according to the Foundation's
    Congressional Charter which requires a minimum of a one-to-one match.
    We have been operating on a three-to-one match historically, which
    means that the $4 million has the potential to turn into $16 million or
    more for on-the-ground conservation. One other note of special interest
    is that according to the Foundation's Charter, all directly
    appropriated funds have to be obligated to grants as they are not
    available to the Foundation for any direct or indirect expenses.
        Since 2000 when the grants partnership began, the Foundation has
    received $21 million in NRCS Federal funds ($3 million per fiscal
    year), which it has dedicated to a matching grant program focused on
    private land conservation. The Foundation has supported over 470
    projects in 49 States, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands, by
    leveraging the $21 million in NRCS funds into more than $85 million in
    on-the-ground conservation. These projects have led to the direct
    restoration of more than 1,232,000 acres of farmland and rangeland and
    1,041 miles of streams and rivers. In fiscal year 2006, the Foundation
    received $3 million in NRCS Federal funds, which it leveraged into more
    than $14 million in on-the-ground conservation.
        Working Landscapes.--Through our partnership, the Foundation works
    with NRCS to identify and fund projects that have strong support in
    affected agricultural and rural communities. We place our highest
    priority on projects integrating conservation practices on ongoing
    agricultural, ranching, and forestry operations, with the goal of
    improving the ecological health of working lands. We fund partners and
    provide expertise by engaging watershed experts, ranchers, foresters,
    farmers, local governments, and non-profits to undertake on-the-ground
    private land activities with willing landowners. Through these efforts,
    the Foundation has helped to reduce agricultural runoff, remove
    invasive species, and restore native ecosystems.
        Conserving Fish, Wildlife, and Plants.--With our NRCS dollars, the
    Foundation funds projects that directly benefit diverse fish and
    wildlife species, including salmon in the West, migratory birds in the
    Midwest, and grassland birds in the South. Habitat for native fish has
    been restored on private lands throughout the United States, by way of
    vegetative planting, streambank stabilization, livestock fencing, and
    nutrient reduction efforts. In addition to improving water quality,
    efforts have been undertaken by our grantees to reduce water loss
    caused by invasive species or from outdated irrigation systems. By
    reducing the water taken from rivers, there is less chance that drought
    will negatively impact aquatic life.
      --Pulling Together Initiative (PTI).--In fiscal year 2006, NRCS
            joined the Foundation's Pulling Together Initiative, a grant
            program that supports the creation of local cooperative Weed
            Management Area partnerships. These partnerships bring together
            local landowners, citizens groups, and weed experts to develop
            and implement strategies for managing weed infestations on
            public lands, natural areas, and private working lands. Through
            this collaborative program, NRCS staff is able to join invasive
            species experts from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS),
            USDA-Forest Service (FS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM),
            Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and the Department
            of Defense to review and jointly select the most innovative
            weed management projects.
      --Due to the successful experience with the PTI program, NRCS has
            expressed an interest in participating in the Foundation's
            Bring Back the Natives (BBN) grant program in fiscal year 2007
            (depending on appropriations). The BBN program is a public-
            private partnership, including FS, BLM, FWS, Trout Unlimited
            and the Foundation; it is focused on restoring native
            populations of sensitive or listed aquatic species. Priority is
            provided to aquatic joint ventures and to those projects that
            directly implement the recommendations of the National Fish
            Habitat Action Plan.
        The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation continues to be one of,
    if not the most, cost-effective conservation program funded in part by
    the Federal Government. Congress established the Foundation 23 years
    ago, and since that time the Foundation's vision for more healthy and
    abundant populations of fish, wildlife, and plants has flourished
    through the creation of numerous valuable partnerships. The breadth of
    our partnerships is highlighted through our active agreements with 14
    Federal agencies, as well as various corporations, foundations and
    individual grantees. Through these unique arrangements, we are able to
    leverage Federal funds, bring agencies and industry together, as well
    as produce tangible, measurable results. Our history of collaboration
    has given way to programs and initiatives such as the North American
    Waterfowl Management Plan, the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation
    Program, the Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants Program, and the
    Pulling Together Initiative. With the support of the Committee in
    fiscal year 2008, we can continue to uphold our mission of enriching
    fish, wildlife, and the habitat on which they depend.
        Federal dollars appropriated by this Committee allow the Foundation
    to be highly successful in assisting the NRCS in accomplishing its
    mission to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural
    resources and environment. Whether it involves farm, range or grassland
    conservation, species management or conservation education, the
    Foundation strategically invests the Federal funds entrusted to us in
    sound projects. This request would allow the Foundation to expand its
    highly successful grant program to better assist NRCS in maximizing
    private land conservation.
        The Foundation's achievements are based on a competitive grant
    process where Federal funds are matched by the grantee with non-Federal
    funds and in-kind services. Grantees include Resource Conservation and
    Development Areas, conservation districts, universities, and non-profit
    organizations who partner with farmers and ranchers to support
    conservation efforts on private land. The Foundation also works to
    further maximize Federal funds by providing private funds through the
    generosity of our growing number of corporate and foundation partners.
    These funds are in addition to the non-Federal funds that are provided
    by the Foundation's grantees. In the Foundation's partnership with
    NRCS, Federal funds have been supplemented with funding from Shell Oil
    Company, FMC Corporation, Doris Duke Foundation, the Kellogg
    Foundation, Wal-Mart, Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., Southern Company,
    Summer T. McKnight Foundation, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, William
    Penn Foundation, and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.
        We also measure our success in part by preventing the listing of
    species under the Endangered Species Act, as well as by stabilizing and
    hopefully moving others off the list. Some species that have received
    support through our NRCS grant program include salmonids, golden-
    cheeked warblers, black-capped vireos, Southwestern willow flycatchers,
    whooping cranes, sage grouse, lesser prairie chickens, aplomado
    falcons, black-tailed prairie dogs, Louisiana black bears, bog turtles,
    tiger salamanders and Karner blue butterflies. We invest in common
    sense and innovative cooperative approaches to endangered species,
    building bridges between the government and the private sector.
        New Strategic Plan.--During 2006, the Foundation underwent a
    detailed self-evaluation, which resulted in the development of a new
    strategic plan for the organization. The strategic planning process
    revealed that the Foundation maximizes conservation benefits when it
    targets a series of grants towards a specific geographic region,
    habitat type, or conservation challenge. To ensure that future grants
    achieve a sustainable and measurable conservation impact, the
    Foundation is establishing targeted Keystone Initiatives around the
    core conservation investment areas in which the Foundation has
    historically specialized. The Keystone Initiatives represent the new
    core portfolio of the Foundation's grant making with clearly defined
    long-term goals, well-articulated strategies, and defined budgets to
    reach desired outcomes.
        The four initial Keystone Initiatives, launched by the Foundation
    in 2007, include Birds; Wildlife and Landscape Scale Habitats;
    Freshwater Fish and Habitats; and Marine and Coastal Life and Habitats.
    Additional Keystone Initiatives being developed include Wildlife and
    Agriculture, Wildlife and Energy Development, Invasive Species, and
    Future Conservation Leaders. Each grant approved under a Keystone
    Initiative will be designed to provide a measurable outcome that brings
    us one step closer to the final long-term conservation goal of the
    Initiative. Where appropriate, the strategies and outcomes of the
    Foundation's Special Grant Programs, such as the Great Lakes
    Restoration Fund, Bring Back the Natives, and the Coral Reef
    Conservation Fund, will be designed to directly contribute to the long-
    term Keystone Initiative goal. Through our targeted grants, the
    Foundation seeks to achieve measurable success in ``moving the needle''
    on these critical conservation objectives over the next 5 to 10 year
    period.
        Accountability and Grantsmanship.--During the strategic planning
    process, Foundation staff spent time listening to feedback from our
    agency partners and grantees. Choke points in our grant making process
    were identified, and the Foundation is in the process of revising
    portions of our grant review and contracting process to ensure we
    maximize efficiency while maintaining strict financial and evaluation-
    based requirements. The Foundation has also launched a new website that
    is more user-friendly and content rich than the previous version. This
    new interactive tool will allow the Foundation to improve communication
    with our stakeholders and will help streamline our grant making
    process.
        To ensure that only those grants with the greatest likelihood of
    obtaining conservation outcomes directly related to a Keystone
    Initiative are funded, the Foundation has implemented a thorough review
    process. Applicants are required to submit a pre-proposal which allows
    staff to proactively work with applicants to refine and improve their
    application before submitting a full proposal. All full proposals are
    then submitted to a peer review process which involves five external
    reviews representing State agencies, Federal agencies, affected
    industry, environmental non-profits, and academics. Grants are also
    reviewed by the Foundation's Keystone Initiative staff, as well as
    evaluation staff, before being recommended to the Board of Directors
    for approval. In addition, the Foundation provides a 30-day
    notification to the Members of Congress for the congressional district
    and State in which a grant will be funded, prior to making a funding
    decision, according to our Congressional Charter.
        Basic Facts About the Foundation.--The Foundation is governed by a
    25-member Board of Directors, appointed by the Secretary of Interior
    and in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce. At the direction of
    Congress, the Board operates on a nonpartisan basis. Directors do not
    receive any financial compensation for service on the Board; in fact,
    most all of our directors make financial contributions to the
    Foundation. It is a diverse Board, and includes the Director of the
    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Administrator of the National
    Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as well as corporate and
    philanthropic leaders with a tenacious commitment to fish and wildlife
    conservation.
        None of our federally appropriated funds are used for lobbying,
    litigation, or the Foundation's administrative expenses. By
    implementing strategic real-world solutions with the private sector,
    while avoiding regulatory or advocacy activities, we serve as a model
    for developing cooperative solutions to environmental issues. We are
    confident that the money you appropriate to the Foundation is making a
    positive difference.
                                     ______

               Prepared Statement of the National Potato Council

    Legislative/Government Affairs
        My name is Ed Schneider. I am a potato farmer from Pasco,
    Washington and current Vice President, Legislative/Government Affairs
    for the National Potato Council (NPC). On behalf of the NPC, we thank
    you for your attention to the needs of our potato growers.
        The NPC is the only trade association representing commercial
    growers in 50 States. Our growers produce both seed potatoes and
    potatoes for consumption in a variety of forms. Annual production is
    estimated at 437,888,000 cwt. with a farm value of $3.2 billion. Total
    value is substantially increased through processing. The potato crop
    clearly has a positive impact on the U.S. economy.
        The potato is the most popular of all vegetables grown and consumed
    in the United States and one of the most popular in the world. Annual
    per capita consumption was 136.5 pounds in 2003, up from 104 pounds in
    1962 and is increasing due to the advent of new products and heightened
    public awareness of the potato's excellent nutritional value. Potatoes
    are considered a nutritious consumer commodity and an integral,
    delicious component of the American diet.
        The NPC's fiscal year 2008 appropriations priorities are as
    follows:
    Potato Research
                Cooperative State Research Education and Extension Service
                        (CSREES)
        The NPC urges the Congress not to support the President's fiscal
    year 2008 budget request to eliminate the CSREES Special Grant
    Programs. This program supports and fine tunes important university
    research work that helps our growers remain competitive in today's
    domestic and world marketplace.
        The NPC supports an appropriation of $1,800,000 for the Special
    Potato Grant program for fiscal year 2008. The Congress appropriated
    $1,482,000 in fiscal year 2006 and recommended the same amount in
    fiscal year 2007. This has been a highly successful program and the
    number of funding requests from various potato-producing regions is
    increasing.
      --The NPC also urges that the Congress include Committee report
            language as follows: ``Potato research.--The Committee expects
            the Department to ensure that funds provided to CSREES for
            potato research are utilized for varietal development testing.
            Further, these funds are to be awarded after review by the
            Potato Industry Working Group.''
    Agricultural Research Service (ARS)
        The NPC urges that the Congress not support the Administration's
    fiscal year 2008 budget request to rescind Congressional increases for
    research projects.
        The Congress provided funds for a number of important ARS projects
    and, due to previous direction by the Congress, the ARS continues to
    work with the NPC on how overall research funds can best be utilized
    for grower priorities.
    Foreign Market Development
                Market Access Program (MAP)
        The NPC also urges that the Congress maintain the spending level
    for the Market Access Program (MAP) at its authorized level of $200
    million for fiscal year 2008 as requested by the Administration.
                Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS)
        The NPC supports the President's fiscal year 2008 budget request of
    $268 million for the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS). This level
    is necessary for the agency given the multitude of trade negotiations
    and discussions currently underway. The Agency has had to absorb pay
    cost increases as well as higher operating costs for its overseas
    offices such as increased payments to the Department of State for
    services provided at overseas posts. Recent declines in the value of
    the dollar, coupled with overseas inflation and rising wage rates, have
    led to sharply higher operating costs that must be accommodated if FAS
    is to maintain its overseas presence.
    Food Aid Programs
                McGovern-Dole
        The NPC supports the Administration's fiscal year 2008 budget
    request of $100 million for the McGovern-Dole International Food Aid
    Program. PVO's have been including potato products in their
    applications for this program.
    Pest and Disease Management
                Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
        Golden Nematode Quarantine.--The NPC supports an appropriation of
    $1,266,000 for this quarantine which is what is believed to be
    necessary for USDA and the State of New York to assure official control
    of this pest. Failure to do so could adversely impact potato exports.
        Given the transfer of Agriculture Quarantine Inspection (AQI)
    personnel at U.S. ports to the Department of Homeland Security, it is
    important that certain USDA-APHIS programs be adequately funded to
    ensure progress on export petitions and protection of the U.S. potato
    growers from invasive and harmful pests and diseases. Even though DHS
    staffing has increased, agriculture priorities have not been adequately
    addressed.
        Pest Detection.--The NPC supports $45 million in fiscal year 2008,
    which is the Administration's budget request. This increase is
    essential for the Plant Protection and Quarantine Service's (PPQ)
    efforts against potato pests and diseases such as Ralstonia and the
    potato cyst nematode.
        Emerging Plant Pests.--$93 million was appropriated in fiscal year
    2007. The President requests $124 million in fiscal year 2008 which the
    NPC supports. This budget request includes an increase of $4.5 million
    for potato cyst nematode regulatory, control and survey activity.
        The NPC supports having the Congress once again include language to
    prohibit the issuance of a final rule that shifts the costs of pest and
    disease eradication and control to the States and cooperators.
        Trade Issues Resolution Management.--$12,457,000 appropriated in
    fiscal year 2007and the President requests $15 million in fiscal year
    2008. The NPC supports this increase ONLY if it is specifically
    earmarked for plant protection and quarantine activities. These
    activities are of increased importance, yet none of these funds are
    used directly for plant protection activities. As new trade agreements
    are negotiated, the agency must have the necessary staff and technology
    to work on plant related import/export issues. The NPC also relies
    heavily on APHIS-PPQ resources to resolve phytosanitary trade barriers
    in a timely manner.
    Agricultural Statistics
                National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
        The NPC supports sufficient funds and guiding language to assure
    that the potato objective yield and grade and size surveys are
    continued, as well as for vegetable pesticide use surveys, which
    provides valuable data to the EPA for use in registration and re
    registration decisions for key chemical tools.
    Rural Development Grants
        Since potato growers do not receive direct payments, the 2002 Farm
    Bill provided for, among other things, grants to allow our growers to
    expand their business opportunities. One program that has been used by
    our growers is the value-added grant program. The NPC would urge that
    the Farm Bill funding level for this program be maintained. In
    addition, maintaining adequate farm labor is also important to our
    growers. The NPC urges that farm labor housing grants be maintained and
    not reduced.
                                     ______

          Prepared Statement of the National Rural Telecom Association

                         SUMMARY OF TESTIMONY REQUESTS

    Project Involved
        Telecommunications lending programs administered by the Rural
    Utilities Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
    Actions Proposed
        Supporting loan levels for fiscal year 2008 in the amounts
    requested in the President's budget for 5 percent direct ($145 million)
    and cost-of-money ($250 million) and the associated subsidy, as
    required, to fund those programs at the requested levels.
        Supporting Sec. 306 guaranteed loans in the amount ($295 million)
    requested in the budget.
        Opposing the budget request that would cut direct loans for
    broadband facilities and Internet service access by 40 percent from the
    fiscal year 2006 enacted level of $500 million to $300 million.
        Supporting renewal of the pilot broadband grant program at enhanced
    levels and an allocation of a portion of the authorized levels for
    broadband loans at reduced interest rates to accelerate deployment of
    this technology in rural areas.
        Seeking language strengthening and improving the operation of the
    broadband loan program in the Committee Report accompanying the bill.
        Supporting continued funding, as requested in the President's
    budget, in the amount of $25 million in grant authority designated for
    distance learning and medical link purposes.
        Mr. Chairman, Members of the Committee, my name is John F. O'Neal.
    I am General Counsel of the National Rural Telecom Association.
        NRTA is comprised of commercial telephone companies that borrow
    their capital needs from the Rural Utilities Service of the U.S.
    Department of Agriculture (RUS) to furnish and improve telephone
    service in rural areas. Over 700 of the Nation's local, rural telephone
    systems borrow from RUS. About three-fourths of these are commercial
    telephone companies. RUS borrowers serve almost 6 million subscribers
    in 46 States and employ over 22,000 people. In accepting loan funds,
    borrowers assume an obligation under the act to serve the widest
    practical number of rural users within their service area.
    Program Background
        Rural telephone systems have an ongoing need for long-term, fixed
    rate capital at affordable interest rates. Since 1949, that capital has
    been provided through telecommunications lending programs administered
    by the Rural Utilities Service and its predecessor, the Rural
    Electrification Agency (REA).
        RUS loans are made exclusively for capital improvements and loan
    funds are segregated from borrower operating revenues. Loans are not
    made to fund operating revenues or profits of the borrower system.
    There is a proscription in the Act against loans duplicating existing
    facilities that provide adequate service and State authority to
    regulate telephone service is expressly preserved under the Rural
    Electrification Act.
        Rural telephone systems operate at a severe geographical handicap
    when compared with other telephone companies. While almost 6 million
    rural telephone subscribers receive telephone service from RUS borrower
    systems, they account for only 4 percent of total U.S. subscribers. On
    the other hand, borrower service territories total almost 40 percent of
    the land area--nearly 12 million squares miles. RUS borrowers average
    about six subscribers per mile of telephone line and have an average of
    more than 1,000 route miles of lines in their systems.
        Because of low-density and the inherent high cost of serving these
    areas, Congress made long-term, fixed rate loans available at
    reasonable rates of interest to assure that rural telephone
    subscribers, the ultimate beneficiaries of these programs, have
    comparable telephone service with their urban counterparts at
    affordable subscriber rates. This principle is especially valid today
    as this administration endeavors to deploy broadband technology and as
    customers and regulators constantly demand improved and enhanced
    services. At the same time, the underlying statutory authority
    governing the current program has undergone significant change. In
    1993, telecommunications lending was refocused toward facilities
    modernization. Much of the subsidy cost has been eliminated from the
    program. The subsidy that remains has been targeted to the highest
    cost, lowest density systems in accordance with this administration's
    stated objectives.
        We are proud to state once again for the record that there has
    never been a loan default by a rural telephone system. All of these
    loans have been repaid in accordance with their terms: almost $13
    billion in principal and interest at the end of the last fiscal year.
    Need for RUS Telecommunications Lending Continues
        The need for rural telecommunications lending is great today,
    possibly even greater than in the past. Technological advances make it
    imperative that rural telephone companies upgrade their systems to keep
    pace with improvements and provide the latest available technology to
    their subscribers. And 5 years ago, Congress established a national
    policy initiative mandating access to broadband for rural areas. But
    rapid technological changes and the inherently higher costs to serve
    rural areas have not abated, and targeted support remains essential.
        Competition among telephone systems and other technological
    platforms have increased pressures to shift more costs onto rural
    ratepayers. These led to increases in both interstate subscriber line
    charges and universal service surcharges on end users to recover the
    costs of interstate providers' assessments to fund the Federal
    mechanisms. Pressures to recover more of the higher costs of rural
    service from rural customers to compete in urban markets continue to
    burden rural consumers. There is a growing funding crisis for the
    statutory safeguards adopted in 1996 to ensure that rates, services and
    network development in rural America will be reasonably comparable to
    urban telecommunications opportunities.
    Ongoing Congressional Mandates for Rural Telecommunications
        Considerable loan demand is being generated because of the mandates
    for enhanced rural telecommunications standards contained in the
    authorizing legislation. We are, therefore, recommending the following
    loan levels for fiscal year 2008 and the appropriation of the
    associated subsidy costs, as required, to support these levels:

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    5 percent Direct Loans..................................    $145,000,000
    Cost-of-Money Loans.....................................     250,000,000
    Guaranteed Loans........................................     295,000,000
    Broadband Loans.........................................     500,000,000
                                                             ---------------
          Total.............................................   1,190,000,000
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

        These are the same levels for 5 percent direct, cost-of-money loans
    and guaranteed loans, as requested in the President's budget for fiscal
    year 2008 and the enacted amount for broadband loans in the fiscal year
    2006 appropriations act. The authorized levels of loans in each of
    these programs were substantially obligated in fiscal year 2006 and
    current estimates are that authorized program levels will be met in
    fiscal year 2007.
        We believe that the needs of this program balanced with the minimal
    cost to the taxpayer make the case for its continuation at the stated
    levels.
    The Broadband Loan Program
        The broadband loan program was funded in fiscal year 2006 at $500
    million. Very little subsidy cost is associated with this program since
    most of the loans are made at the government's cost-of-money. Despite
    that, the President's budget recommends reducing the loan levels for
    fiscal year 2008 by 40 percent to $300 million. We are opposed to that
    reduced level and recommend to the committee that the fiscal year 2008
    appropriations bill continue to fund the program at enacted levels. The
    demand for this program is still quite strong and if the Congress'
    stated objective of deploying this technology to all rural areas of
    this country is to be met, the $500 million funding level should be
    maintained.
    Renewal of Pilot Broadband Grants and Allocating Funds for Reduced
            Interest Rate Loans
        Many of these un-served areas are in high cost, sparsely populated
    regions of the country making the feasibility of loans problematic. To
    facilitate the deployment of this technology to those areas, the
    Committee should consider reinstating the Pilot Broadband Grant program
    initiated by Congress in previous appropriations acts. We believe that
    supplementing loan funds with grant funds would make many of the
    projects feasible where they would not be otherwise. In fact, the
    government's security interest in the loan would be enhanced. If the
    Committee concurs in reinstating the pilot grant program as a national
    priority, we believe it should be at enhanced levels to achieve the
    Committee's goals consistent with budgetary constraints.
        We also believe that if a portion of the loan funds provided by
    Congress for fiscal year 2008 were made available at reduced interest
    rates many additional areas could be served as well. Currently, all
    broadband loans are made at the government's cost-of-money. However,
    both the 2002 Farm bill that authorized the broadband loan program as
    well as the President's fiscal year 2006 Budget envisioned reduced rate
    loans to accelerate deployment of this technology. Reduced rate loans
    could be made concurrently with cost-of-money loans producing a blended
    interest rate to achieve the desired loan feasibility. The agency has
    successfully accomplished this in the past.
        Discretion could be left with the agency to allocate loan and grant
    funds according to program needs and the feasibility of specific
    applications.
    Improving Program Implementation Through Committee Report Language
        Distinct improvements can be made to the broadband loan program by
    providing the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) broader access to the legal
    expertise of the Department's Office of General Counsel (OGC). Over the
    years, due to cost and other considerations, the agency's access to
    counsel has been severely curtailed. This has resulted in an uneven
    application of the act's requirements in the loan approval process
    permitting unbridled agency discretion in administering the program.
    For example, in administering the broadband loan program enacted as
    Title VI of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as an amendment
    thereto, the agency has largely ignored the fundamental requirements
    and prohibitions of Title II of the act that originally authorized the
    telephone loan program as if they simply do not apply to the broadband
    loan program. First and foremost of the prohibitions is the principle
    contained in Title II that loans should not be made in areas that would
    result in a duplication of facilities.
        Another example is that the agency is amending loan contract terms
    and publishing written policy standards without meeting the
    requirements of Title II that prohibits RUS from denying loans or
    taking adverse actions against applicants or borrowers for any reason
    not based upon a rule adopted in an informal rulemaking proceeding.
    Neither can applicants be required to increase their ratio of net
    income or margins before interest to obtain a loan nor can loans be
    rescinded without the consent of the borrower. In administering the
    broadband program the agency has not established a consistent
    definition of ``broadband''. The agency employs one standard for
    approving a loan and another for determining whether an area is
    ``underserved''. There should be a consistent definition for both to
    avoid duplicative service.
        Better access to the advice and counsel of OGC could eliminate many
    of these issues and assure Congress and the public that the program is
    being administered in accordance with the act's requirements. This
    could be accomplished through language in the Committee Report
    requiring that OGC make available additional legal resources to the
    agency.
    Grants for Medical Link and Distance Learning Purposes
        We support the continuation in fiscal year 2008 of the $25 million
    in grant authority provided in the President's budget for medical link
    and distance learning purposes and the decision to not request
    additional loan funds for these programs. The purpose of these grants
    is to accelerate deployment of medical link and distance learning
    technologies in rural areas through the use of telecommunications,
    computer networks, and related advanced technologies by students,
    teachers, medical professionals, and rural residents. We agree with the
    conclusion in the budget that these projects are more feasible when
    provided through grants to eligible recipients rather than loans.
    Conclusion
        Thank you for the opportunity to present the association's views
    concerning this vital program. The telecommunications lending programs
    of RUS continue to work effectively and accomplish the objectives
    established by Congress at a minimal cost to the taxpayer. They serve
    to assure that America's rural inhabitants will never become second-
    class citizens in this modern information age of telecommunications
    technology.
                                     ______

         Prepared Statement of the National Turfgrass Federation, Inc.

        Mr. Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee, on behalf of the
    National Turfgrass Federation (NTF), I appreciate the opportunity to
    present to you the turfgrass industry's need and justification for
    continuation of the $490,000 appropriated in the fiscal year 2007
    budget for turfgrass research within the Agricultural Research Service
    (ARS) at Beltsville, MD. Secondly, we ask that the committee support
    the $1,880,000 request for Drought Mitigation, either by supporting the
    President's budget request (we are unsure at this time if this funding
    was included in fiscal year 2008) or via a Congressional earmark. This
    funding will be used by ARS to conduct turfgrass water conservation and
    salinity research at Phoenix, AZ and Riverside, CA. Thirdly, we ask for
    your support of $450,000 in separate continuing funding for ongoing
    research programs in Beaver, WV, and $450,000 for Logan, UT. Finally,
    we request water quality research scientists at ARS stations in
    University Park, PA, ($450,000) and Madison, WI ($450,000). All funding
    provided by the Committee is requested to go directly to USDA-ARS, not
    the industry per se.
    Restoration of Funding for the Existing ARS Scientist Position and
            Related Support Activities at Beltsville, MD ($490,000)
        NTF and the turfgrass industry are requesting the Subcommittee's
    support for $490,000 to continue funding for the full-time scientist
    staff position within the USDA, ARS at Beltsville, MD, focusing on
    turfgrass research, that was provided by the Committee in the fiscal
    year 2007 budget, and in the five previous budget cycles. We consider
    this funding our Congressional `baseline', i.e. that funding which is
    central to and critical for the mission of the National Turfgrass
    Research Initiative. We are very grateful for this support and hope the
    Committee will continue this funding.
        Turfgrass is a 50,000,000 acre, $40 billion per year industry in
    the United States, that is growing exponentially each year. Turfgrass
    provides multiple benefits to society including child safety on
    athletic fields, environmental protection of groundwater, reduction of
    silt and other contaminants in runoff, and green space in home lawns,
    parks and golf courses. Therefore, by cooperating with NTF, USDA has a
    unique opportunity to take positive action in support of the turfgrass
    industry. While the vast majority of the USDA's funds have been and
    will continue to be directed toward traditional ``food and fiber''
    segments of U.S. agriculture, it is important to note that turfgrasses
    (e.g., sod production) are defined as agriculture in the Farm Bill and
    by many other departments and agencies. It should also be noted that
    the turfgrass industry is the fastest growing segment of U.S.
    agriculture, while it receives essentially no federal support. There
    are no subsidy programs for turfgrass, nor are any desired.
        For the past 70 years, the USDA's support for the turfgrass
    industry has been modest at best. The turfgrass industry's rapid
    growth, importance to our urban environments, and impact on our daily
    lives warrant more commitment and support from USDA.
        A new turfgrass research scientist position within USDA/ARS was
    created by Congress in the fiscal year 2001 budget. Additional funding
    was added in fiscal year 2002 with the total at $490,000. A research
    scientist was hired, and is now working at the ARS, Beltsville, MD
    center. A research plan was developed and approved by ARS. This
    scientist has used the funding for a full-time technician, equipment
    and supplies to initiate the research plan and for collaborative
    research with universities. We have an excellent scientist in place,
    and he is making good progress in establishing a solid program. At this
    point, losing the funding for the position would be devastating to the
    turf industry, as significant research has begun.
    Support the President's Budget Request for Drought Mitigation/Request a
            Congressional Earmark ($1,880,000)
        The turfgrass industry is excited that for the first time, the
    President's fiscal year 2007 budget contained funding for turfgrass
    research within ARS. Because the fiscal year 2007 was not passed before
    the President submitted his fiscal year 2008 request, we are unsure if
    this funding in the fiscal year 2008 President's budget. Therefore, if
    included in the fiscal year 2008 President's budget, we request support
    of this important drought mitigation research. If not included in the
    President's fiscal year 2008 budget, we request that this funding be
    supported and included by Congress as new projects. This funding will
    be used to hire scientists in two very important locations, Riverside,
    CA and Maricopa, AZ, focusing on water conservation, wastewater reuse
    and salinity research. These issues are the most critical research
    needs for the survival of the turf industry. Following is a brief
    description of the research that ARS will conduct with this funding:
        ARS will:
        Develop Technology and Management Systems to Use Non-Potable Water
    to Reduce Agriculture's Vulnerability to Drought ($1,880,000 total). In
    the process, ARS will develop systems to safely reuse wastewater and
    low-quality water as a means of irrigating agricultural, horticultural
    and turf-based enterprises in an environmentally and economically
    sustainable manner.
        As noted in USDA's Explanatory Notes accompanying the fiscal year
    2007 budget request, this funding will be directed to the following two
    critical locations:
        Maricopa, AZ, ($940,000).--The U.S. Water Conservation Lab in
    Maricopa will determine the on-site impacts and movement in the air,
    soil, plant, and ground water of biological and chemical substances
    contained in treated and untreated waste water used for irrigation of
    turfgrass. They will also develop irrigation technologies and
    management systems to mitigate the impact of elevated levels of these
    compounds and nutrients when wastewater is used in the production of
    turf and specialty crops.
        Riverside, CA, ($940,000).--This research will be conducted at the
    world-renowned U.S. Salinity Lab. The Riverside lab will focus on the
    development of new irrigation technologies and systems to either
    mitigate or manage the effect of saline irrigation on the production of
    turf and specialty crops.
    Request Funding of Ongoing Programs and two ARS Scientist Positions at
            two ARS Installations @ $450,000 Each (Total: $900,000)
        The turfgrass industry also requests that the Subcommittee
    appropriate an additional $900,000 for funding first allocated in
    fiscal year 2005, and continued in fiscal year 2006 and fiscal year
    2007 bills. As a part of the National Turfgrass Research Initiative,
    the research conducted at Logan, UT and Beaver, WV is vital to the turf
    industry. We are asking for $450,000 at each location. Following is a
    brief description of the research that ARS will conduct with this
    funding:
        Beaver, WV, ($450,000).--The lab at Beaver has significant
    expertise in soils and by-products research. They have excellent staff
    and facilities already in place. For the turfgrass industry, they are
    working on improving soil conditions and management systems to make
    athletic fields softer and with improved turf cover, thereby increasing
    safety. They also are considering the use of local by-products to
    develop improved soil systems for parks, lawns, athletic fields and
    golf courses. Besides being vital to the turf industry, this research
    is very important to the regional economy and many industrial concerns.
        Logan, UT, ($450,000).--Logan, UT is an ideal location for research
    on drought tolerant grasses and how they function. The Logan lab is
    world renowned for its efforts in collecting and improving grasses and
    other native plants for forage and range purposes. With the funding
    that was initiated in fiscal year 2005, they have directed additional
    efforts research on breeding and genetics of turfgrass, with emphasis
    on identifying plant material with superior drought and salt tolerance.
    Reducing water use, through more drought tolerant plant material, is
    the number one priority of the turfgrass industry. This research needs
    to be continued and expanded because of the excellent ongoing research
    as well as the potential for the future.
    Request new Funding of new Research on Water Quality Improvement at two
            ARS Installations @ $450,000 Each (Total: $900,000)
        Finally, the turfgrass industry requests funding for water quality
    improvement research at University Park, PA and Madison, WI; $450,000
    for each location. Water quality improvement is very important to the
    turf industry. There is much speculation that fertilizers and
    pesticides applied to turf areas contribute to the contamination of
    streams, waterways and groundwater. Very little research has been
    conducted to date that proves or disproves this phenomenon. Therefore,
    answers are needed to make good production, management and regulatory
    decisions. In addition, the turf industry is concerned about our
    natural environment and wants to protect it. Therefore, research data
    is needed to understand the scope of the problem, as well as to develop
    practical solutions. To address the areas with the most critical needs,
    we propose funding for research at the following two locations:
        University Park, PA, ($450,000).--According to the EPA, runoff and
    groundwater contamination in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed is one of the
    critical contributors to the decline of Bay water quality. Although
    many industries have been implicated, fertilizer applications to lawns
    and golf courses are routinely mentioned as significant factors in this
    decline. Research to address this issue is virtually non-existent, yet
    is critical to the success of the turf industry in the Mid-Atlantic, as
    well as New England. The ARS lab at University Park is already
    researching these issues relating to pasture and forage. Therefore,
    they are uniquely positioned and they have expertise and facilities in
    place. We request that funding be allocated to hire a scientist
    dedicated to turf research.
        Madison, WI, ($450,000).--The other area of the United States with
    significant water quality concerns is the Upper Midwest. Phosphorus
    contamination in the region is the most pressing problem, with other
    nutrients also of concern. Several states, including Minnesota and
    Wisconsin, have either already instituted turf fertilizer regulations
    or are considering them. ARS has facilities at Madison and Marshfield,
    WI, which have initiated research on dairy manure contamination and
    disposal. This is an excellent location to address the turf-related
    water quality issues in that region, issues that demand solutions to
    ensure the survival of the turf industry.

                   THE NATIONAL TURFGRASS RESEARCH INITIATIVE

        This Initiative has been developed by USDA/ARS in partnership with
    the turfgrass industry. The USDA needs to initiate and maintain ongoing
    research on turfgrass development and improvement for the following
    reasons:
      --The value of the turfgrass industry in the United States is $40
            billion annually. There are an estimated 50,000,000 acres of
            turfgrass in the U.S. Turfgrass is the number one or two
            agricultural crop in value and acreage in many states (e.g.,
            MD, PA, FL, NJ, NC).
      --As our society becomes more urbanized, the acreage of turfgrass
            will increase significantly. In addition, state and local
            municipalities are requiring the reduction of water, pesticides
            and fertilizers on turfgrass. However, demand on recreational
            facilities will increase while these facilities will still be
            required to provide safe turfgrass surfaces.
      --Currently, the industry itself spends about $10 million annually on
            applied and proprietary turfgrass research. However, private
            and university research programs do not have the time nor the
            resources to conduct basic research and to identify completely
            new sources of beneficial genes for stress tolerance. ARS
            turfgrass scientists will enhance the ongoing research
            currently underway in the public and private sectors. Because
            of its mission to conduct the nation's research for
            agricultural commodities, ARS is the proper delivery system for
            this research.
      --Water management is a key component of healthy turf and has direct
            impact on nutrient and pesticide losses into the environment.
            Increasing demands and competition for potable water make it
            necessary to use water more efficiently. Also, drought
            situations in many regions have limited the water available
            and, therefore, have severely impacted the turf industry as
            well as homeowners and young athletes. Therefore, new and
            improved technologies are needed to monitor turf stresses and
            to schedule irrigation to achieve the desired quality.
            Technologies are also needed to more efficiently and uniformly
            irrigate turfgrasses. Drought tolerant grasses need to be
            developed. In addition, to increase water available for
            irrigation, waste water (treated and untreated) must be
            utilized. Some of these waste waters contain contaminants such
            as pathogens, heavy metals, and organic compounds. The movement
            and accumulation of these contaminants in the environment must
            be determined.
      --USDA conducted significant turfgrass research from 1920-1988.
            However, since 1988, no full-time scientist has been employed
            by USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to conduct
            turfgrass research specifically, until the recently
            appropriated funds became available.
        ARS and the turfgrass industry enjoy a special, collaborative
            relationship, and have even entered into a cooperative
            Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The turfgrass industry has
            met on numerous occasions with USDA/ARS officials to discuss
            the new turfgrass scientist positions, necessary facilities,
            and future research opportunities. In January 2002, ARS held a
            customer workshop to gain valuable input from turfgrass
            researchers, golf course superintendents, sod producers, lawn
            care operators, athletic field managers and others on the
            research needs of the turfgrass industry. As a result of the
            workshop, ARS and the turfgrass industry have developed the
            National Turfgrass Research Initiative. The highlights of this
            strategy are as follows:
        ARS, as the lead agency at USDA for this initiative, has graciously
                devoted a significant amount of time to the effort. Like
                the industry, ARS is in this research endeavor for the
                long-term. To ARS' credit, the agency has committed staff,
                planning and technical resources to this effort. Last year
                was the first time ARS has been able to include some
                funding in the President's budget for the Turfgrass
                Research Initiative. However, there are so many issues and
                needs, that the industry is desperate for answers. Thus, to
                address the critical research needs, the industry is left
                with no alternative but to come directly to Congress for
                assistance through the appropriations process.
        The role and leadership of the federal government and USDA in this
                research are justifiable and grounded in solid public
                policy rationale. ARS is poised and prepared to work with
                the turfgrass industry in this major research initiative.
                However, ARS needs additional resources to undertake this
                mission.
        The turfgrass industry is very excited about this new proposal and
                wholeheartedly supports the efforts of ARS. Since the
                customers at the workshop identified turfgrass genetics/
                germplasm and water quality/use as their top priority areas
                for ARS research, for fiscal year 2008, the turfgrass
                industry requests that the six positions above be
                established within USDA/ARS.
        For this research we propose an ARS-University partnership, with
    funding allocated to ARS for in-house research as well as in
    cooperation with university partners. For each of the individual
    scientist positions, we are requesting $300,000 for each ARS scientist
    position with an additional $150,000 attached to each position to be
    distributed to university partners, for a total of $450,000 per
    position. We are also asking that the funding be directed to ARS and
    then distributed by ARS to those university partners selected by ARS
    and industry representatives.
        In addition, the Committee should be receiving Senators' requests
    for funding of each of the positions described above. We appreciate
    your strong consideration of each individual member request for the
    turfgrass research position in his or her respective state.
        In conclusion, on behalf of the National Turfgrass Federation and
    the turfgrass industry across America, I respectfully request that the
    Subcommittee continue in fiscal year 2008 the funding appropriated in
    fiscal year 2007 for Beltsville, MD, ($490,000) within the Agricultural
    Research Service. I also request that the committee support the
    President's budget request (or new funding) of $1,880,000 for Drought
    Mitigation. Third, I request the Subcommittee's support of ongoing
    research programs at Beaver, WV and Logan, UT @ $450,000 each. Finally,
    I request that the Subcommittee appropriate an additional $900,000 for
    two new water quality research positions, at University Park, PA and
    Madison, WI, with $450,000 provided for each location.
                                     ______

       Prepared Statement of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission

                                    SUMMARY

        This Statement is submitted in support of appropriations for the
    U.S. Department of Agriculture's Environmental Quality Incentives
    Program (EQIP) and the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program.
    Prior to the enactment of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act
    (FSRIA) in 2002, the salinity control program had not been funded at
    the level necessary to control salinity with respect to water quality
    standards since the enactment of the Federal Agriculture Improvement
    and Reform Act (FAIRA) of 1996. Inadequate funding of the salinity
    control program also negatively impacts the quality of water delivered
    to Mexico pursuant to Minute 242 of the International Boundary and
    Water Commission. Adequate funding for EQIP, from which the U.S.
    Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds the salinity program, is needed
    to implement salinity control measures. The President's budget for
    fiscal year 2008 requests an appropriation of $1 billion for EQIP. I
    urge the Subcommittee to support an appropriation of at least $1
    billion to be appropriated for EQIP. I request that the Subcommittee
    designate 2.5 percent, but no less than $20 million, of the EQIP
    appropriation for the Colorado River Basin salinity control program. I
    request that adequate funds be appropriated for technical assistance
    and education activities directed to salinity control program
    participants.

                                   STATEMENT

        The seven Colorado River Basin States, in response to the salinity
    issues addressed by Clean Water Act of 1972, formed the Colorado River
    Basin Salinity Control Forum (Forum). Comprised of gubernatorial
    appointees from the seven Basin States, the Forum was created to
    provide for interstate cooperation in response to the Clean Water Act,
    and to provide the States with information to comply with Sections
    303(a) and (b) of the Act. The Forum has become the primary means for
    the seven Basin States to coordinate with federal agencies and Congress
    to support the implementation of the Salinity control program.
        Congress authorized the Colorado River Basin salinity control
    program in the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act of 1974.
    Congress amended the Act in 1984 to give new responsibilities to the
    USDA. While retaining the Department of the Interior as the lead
    coordinator for the salinity control program, the amended Act
    recognized the importance of the USDA operating under its authorities
    to meet the objectives of the salinity control program. Many of the
    most cost-effective projects undertaken by the salinity control program
    to date have occurred since implementation of the USDA's authorization
    for the program.
        Bureau of Reclamation studies show that quantified damages from the
    Colorado River to United States water users are about $330,000,000 per
    year. Unquantified damages are significantly greater. Damages are
    estimated at $75,000,000 per year for every additional increase of 30
    milligrams per liter in salinity of the Colorado River. It is essential
    to the cost-effectiveness of the salinity control program that USDA
    salinity control projects be funded for timely implementation to
    protect the quality of Colorado River Basin water delivered to the
    Lower Basin States and Mexico.
        Congress concluded, with the enactment FAIRA in 1996, that the
    salinity control program could be most effectively implemented as a
    component of EQIP. However, until 2004, the salinity control program
    since the enactment of FAIRA was not funded at an adequate level to
    protect the Basin State-adopted and Environmental Protection Agency
    approved water quality standards for salinity in the Colorado River.
    Appropriations for EQIP prior to 2004 were insufficient to adequately
    control salinity impacts from water delivered to the downstream States,
    and hampered the required quality of water delivered to Mexico pursuant
    to Minute No. 242 of the International Boundary and Water Commission,
    United States and Mexico.
        EQIP subsumed the salinity control program without giving adequate
    recognition to the responsibilities of the USDA to implement salinity
    control measures per Section 202(c) of the Colorado River Basin
    Salinity Control Act. The EQIP evaluation and project ranking criteria
    target small watershed improvements which do not recognize that water
    users hundreds of miles downstream are significant beneficiaries of the
    salinity control program. Proposals for EQIP funding are ranked in the
    States of Utah, Wyoming and Colorado under the direction of the
    respective State Conservationists without consideration of those
    downstream, particularly out-of-State, benefits.
        Following recommendations of the Basin States to address the
    funding problem, the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service
    (NRCS) designated the Colorado River Basin an ``area of special
    interest'' including earmarked funds for the salinity control program.
    The NRCS concluded that the salinity control program is different from
    the small watershed approach of EQIP. The watershed for the salinity
    control program stretches almost 1,200 miles from the headwaters of the
    river through the salt-laden soils of the Upper Basin to the river's
    termination at the Gulf of California in Mexico. NRCS is to be
    commended for its efforts to comply with the USDA's responsibilities
    under the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Act, as amended.
    Irrigated agriculture in the Upper Basin realizes significant local
    benefits of improved irrigation practices, and agricultural producers
    have succeeded in submitting cost-effective proposals to NRCS.
        Years of inadequate Federal funding for EQIP since the 1996
    enactment of FAIRA and prior to 2004 resulted in the Forum finding that
    the salinity control program needs acceleration to maintain the water
    quality criteria of the Colorado River Water Quality Standards for
    Salinity. Since the enactment of FSRIA in 2002, an opportunity to
    adequately fund the salinity control program now exists. The
    President's budget request of $1 billion accomplishes the needed
    acceleration of the NRCS salinity control program if the USDA continues
    its practice of designating 2.5 percent of the EQIP funds appropriated.
    The requested funding of 2.5 percent, but no less than $20 million, of
    the EQIP funding will continue to be needed each year for at least the
    next few fiscal years.
        State and local cost-sharing is triggered by and indexed to the
    federal appropriation. Federal funding for the NRCS salinity control
    program of about $19.5 million for fiscal year 2007 has generated about
    $15.8 million in cost-sharing from the Colorado River Basin States and
    agricultural producers, or about an 80 percent match of the federal
    funds appropriated for the fiscal year.
        USDA salinity control projects have proven to be a most cost-
    effective component of the salinity control program. USDA has indicated
    that a more adequately funded EQIP program would result in more funds
    being allocated to the salinity program. The Basin States have cost-
    sharing dollars available to participate in on-farm salinity control
    efforts. The agricultural producers in the Upper Basin are willing to
    cost-share their portion and are awaiting funding for their
    applications to be considered.
        The Basin States expend 40 percent of the State funds allocated for
    the program for essential NRCS technical assistance and education
    activities. Previously, the Federal part of the salinity control
    program funded through EQIP failed to adequately fund NRCS for these
    activities, which has been shown to be a severe impediment to
    accomplishing successful implementation of the salinity control
    program. Recent acknowledgement by the Administration that technical
    assistance and education activities must be better funded has
    encouraged the Basin States and local producers that cost-share with
    the EQIP funding for implementation of the essential salinity control
    work. I request that adequate funds be appropriated to NRCS technical
    assistance and education activities directed to the salinity control
    program participants (producers).
        I urge the Congress to appropriate at least $1 billion in fiscal
    year 2008 for EQIP. Also, I request that Congress designate 2.5
    percent, but no less than $20 million, of the EQIP appropriation for
    the Colorado River Basin salinity control program.
                                     ______

         Prepared Statement of the Organization for the Promotion and
               Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies

                               SUMMARY OF REQUEST

        The Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small
    Telecommunications Companies (OPASTCO) seeks the Subcommittee's support
    for fiscal year 2008 loan levels for the telecommunications loans
    program administered by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) in the
    following amounts:

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    5 percent hardship loans................................    $145 million
    Treasury rate loans.....................................     250 million
    Guaranteed loans........................................     300 million
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

        In addition, OPASTCO requests that the distance learning,
    telemedicine, and broadband program be funded at sufficient levels.
        OPASTCO is a national trade association of approximately 550 small
    telecommunications carriers serving primarily rural areas of the United
    States. Its members, which include both commercial companies and
    cooperatives, together serve over 3.5 million customers in 47 States.
        Perhaps at no time since the inception of the RUS (formerly the
    REA) has the telecommunications loans program been so vital to the
    future of rural America. The telecommunications industry is at a
    crossroads, both in terms of technology and public policy. Rapid
    advances in telecommunications technology in recent years are
    delivering on the promise of a new ``information age.'' Both Federal
    and state policymakers have made ubiquitous availability of advanced
    communications services a top priority. However, without continued
    support of RUS's telecommunications loans program, rural
    telecommunications companies will be hard pressed to continue deploying
    the infrastructure necessary to achieve policymakers' objectives.
        Contrary to the belief of some critics, RUS's job is not finished.
    Actually, in a sense, it has just begun. We have entered a time when
    advanced services and technology--such as fiber-to-the-home, high-speed
    packet and digital switching equipment, and digital subscriber line
    technology--are expected by customers in all areas of the country, both
    urban and rural. Moreover, the ability of consumers to use increasingly
    popular Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services requires that they
    first have a broadband connection from a facilities-based carrier.
    Unfortunately, the inherently higher costs of upgrading the rural
    wireline network, both for voice and data communications, has not
    abated.
        Rural telecommunications continues to be more capital intensive and
    involves fewer paying customers per square mile than its urban
    counterpart. In the Federal Communication Commission's September 2004
    report on the deployment of advanced telecommunications capability, the
    Commission correctly noted that ``[r]ural areas are typically
    characterized by sparse and disperse populations, great distances
    between the customer and the service provider, and difficult terrain.
    These factors present a unique set of difficulties for providers
    attempting to deploy broadband services.'' More recently, the FCC's
    January 2007 release of statistics on high-speed connections in the
    United States illustrated that low population density has an inverse
    association with reports that high-speed subscribers are present in an
    area. Thus, in order for rural telecommunications companies to continue
    modernizing their networks and providing consumers with advanced
    services at reasonable rates, they must have access to reliable low-
    cost financing.
        The relative isolation of rural areas increases the value of
    telecommunications for these citizens. Telecommunications enables
    applications such as high-speed Internet connectivity, distance
    learning, and telemedicine that can alleviate or eliminate some rural
    disadvantages. A modern telecommunications infrastructure can also make
    rural areas attractive for some businesses which results in
    revitalization of the rural economy. For example, businesses such as
    telemarketing and tourism can thrive in rural areas, and telecommuting
    can become a realistic employment option. Certainly, telecommunications
    plays a major role in any rural community's economic development
    strategy, with the existence of modern and advanced telecommunications
    infrastructure being a major enabling factor in the development of
    small business and manufacturing enterprises in rural areas.
        While it has been said many times before, it bears repeating that
    RUS's telecommunications loans program is not a grant program. The
    funds loaned by RUS are used to leverage substantial private capital,
    creating public/private partnerships. For a very small cost, the
    government is encouraging tremendous amounts of private investment in
    rural telecommunications infrastructure. Most importantly, the program
    is tremendously successful. Borrowers actually build the infrastructure
    and the government is reimbursed with interest.
        In addition to RUS's telecommunications loans program, OPASTCO
    supports adequate funding of the distance learning, telemedicine, and
    broadband program. Through distance learning, rural students gain
    access to advanced classes which will help them prepare for college and
    jobs of the future. Telemedicine provides rural residents with access
    to quality health care services without traveling great distances to
    urban hospitals. Furthermore, funding that is targeted to finance the
    installation of broadband transmission capacity will allow more rural
    communities to gain high-speed access to the Internet and receive other
    advanced services. In light of the Telecommunications Act's purpose of
    encouraging deployment of advanced technologies and services to all
    Americans--including schools and health care providers--sufficient
    targeted funding for these purposes is essential in fiscal year 2008.

                                   CONCLUSION

        The transformation of the nationwide telecommunications network
    into an information superhighway, as envisioned by policymakers, will
    help rural America survive and prosper in any market--whether local,
    regional, national, or global. However, without the availability of
    low-cost RUS funds, building the information superhighway in
    communities that are isolated and thinly populated will be untenable.
    By supporting the RUS telecommunications programs at the requested
    levels, the Subcommittee will be making a significant contribution to
    the future of rural America.
                                     ______

            Prepared Statement of Pickle Packers International, Inc.

        The pickled vegetable industry strongly supports and encourages
    your committee in its work of maintaining and guiding the Agricultural
    Research Service. To accomplish the goal of improved health and quality
    of life for the American people, the health action agencies of this
    country continue to encourage increased consumption of fruits and
    vegetables in our diets. Accumulating evidence from the epidemiology
    and biochemistry of heart disease, cancer and diabetes supports this
    policy. Vitamins (particularly A, C, and folic acid) and a variety of
    antioxidant phytochemicals in plant foods are thought to be the basis
    for correlation's between high fruit and vegetable consumption and
    reduced incidence of these debilitating and deadly diseases. The
    problem is that many Americans choose not to consume the variety and
    quantities of fruits and vegetables that are needed for better health.
        As an association representing processors that produce over 85
    percent of the tonnage of pickled vegetables in North America, it is
    our goal to produce new products that increase the competitiveness of
    U.S. agriculture as well as meet the demands of an increasingly diverse
    U.S. population. The profit margins of growers continue to be narrowed
    by foreign competition. Likewise, the people of this country represent
    an ever-broadening array of expectations, tastes and preferences
    derived from many cultural backgrounds. Everyone, however, faces the
    common dilemma that food costs should remain stable and preparation
    time continues to be squeezed by the other demands of life. This
    industry can grow by meeting these expectations and demands with
    reasonably priced products of good texture and flavor that are high in
    nutritional value, low in negative environmental impacts, and produced
    with assured safety from pathogenic microorganisms and from those who
    would use food as a vehicle for terror. With strong research to back us
    up, we believe our industry can make a greater contribution toward
    reducing product costs and improving human diets and health.
        Many small to medium sized growers and processing operations are
    involved in the pickled vegetable industry. We grow and process a group
    of vegetable crops, including cucumbers, peppers, carrots, onions,
    garlic, cauliflower, cabbage (Sauerkraut) and Brussels sprouts, which
    are referred to as `minor' crops. None of these crops is in any
    ``commodity program'' and as such, do not rely upon taxpayer subsidies.
    However, current farm value for just cucumbers, onions and garlic is
    $2.3 billion with an estimated processed value of $5.8 billion. These
    crops represent important sources of income to farmers, and the
    processing operations are important employers in rural communities
    around the United States. Growers, processing plant employees and
    employees of suppliers to this industry reside in all 50 States. To
    realize its potential in the rapidly changing American economy, this
    industry will rely upon a growing stream of appropriately directed
    basic and applied research from four important research programs within
    the Agricultural Research Service.

            VEGETABLE CROPS RESEARCH LABORATORY, MADISON, WISCONSIN

        The USDA/ARS Vegetable Crops Research Lab at the University of
    Wisconsin is the only USDA research unit dedicated to the genetic
    improvement of cucumbers, carrots, onions and garlic. Three scientists
    in this unit account for approximately half of the total U.S. public
    breeding and genetics research on these crops. Their past efforts have
    yielded cucumber, carrot and onion cultivars and breeding stocks that
    are widely used by the U.S. vegetable industry (i.e., growers,
    processors, and seed companies). These varieties account for over half
    of the farm yield produced by these crops today. All U.S. seed
    companies rely upon this program for developing new varieties, because
    ARS programs seek to introduce economically important traits (e.g.,
    virus and nematode resistance) not available in commercial varieties
    using long-term high risk research efforts. The U.S. vegetable seed
    industry develops new varieties of cucumbers, carrots, onions, and
    garlic and over twenty other vegetables used by thousands of vegetable
    growers. The U.S. vegetable seed, grower, and processing industry,
    relies upon the USDA/ARS Vegetable Crops Research Lab for unique
    genetic stocks to improve varieties in the same way the U.S. health
    care and pharmaceutical industries depend on fundamental research from
    the National Institutes of Health. Their innovations meet long-term
    needs and bring innovations in these crops for the United States and
    export markets, for which the United States has successfully competed.
    Past accomplishments by this USDA group have been cornerstones for the
    U.S. vegetable industry that have resulted in increased profitability,
    and improved product nutrition and quality.
        Both consumers and the vegetable production and processing industry
    would like to see fewer pesticides applied to food and into the
    environment in a cost-effective manner. Scientists in this unit have
    developed a genetic resistance for many major vegetable diseases that
    are perhaps the most important threat to sustained production of a
    marketable crop for all vegetables. Genetic resistance assures
    sustainable crop production for growers and reduces pesticide residues
    in our food and environment. Value of this genetic resistance developed
    by the vegetable crops unit is estimated at $670 million per year in
    increased crop production, not to mention environmental benefits due to
    reduction in pesticide use. New research in Madison has resulted in
    cucumbers with improved disease resistance, pickling quality and
    suitability for machine harvesting. New sources of genetic resistance
    to viral and fungal diseases, environmental stress resistance like heat
    and cold, and higher yield have recently been mapped on cucumber
    chromosomes to provide a ready tool for our seed industry to
    significantly accelerate the development of resistant cultivars for
    U.S. growers. Nematodes in the soil deform carrot roots to reduce yield
    from 10 percent to over 70 percent in major production areas. A new
    genetic resistance to nematode attack was found to almost completely
    protect the carrot crop from one major nematode. This group improved
    both consumer quality and processing quality of vegetables with a
    resulting increase in production efficiency and consumer appeal. This
    product was founded on carrot germplasm developed in Madison,
    Wisconsin. Carrots provide approximately 30 percent of the U.S. dietary
    vitamin A. New carrots have been developed with tripled nutritional
    value, and nutrient-rich cucumbers have been developed with increased
    levels of provitamin A. Using new biotechnological methods, a system
    for rapidly and simply identifying seed production ability in onions
    has been developed that reduces the breeding process up to 6 years! A
    genetic map of onion flavor and nutrition will be used to develop
    onions that are more appealing and healthy for consumers.
        There are still serious vegetable production problems which need
    attention. For example, losses of cucumbers, onions, and carrots in the
    field due to attack by pathogens and pests remains high, nutritional
    quality needs to be significantly improved and U.S. production value
    and export markets could certainly be enhanced. Genetic improvement of
    all the attributes of these valuable crops are at hand through the
    unique USDA lines and populations (i.e., germplasm) that are available
    and the new biotechnological methodologies that are being developed by
    the group. The achievement of these goals will involve the utilization
    of a wide range of biological diversity available in the germplasm
    collections for these crops. Classical plant breeding methods combined
    with bio-technological tools such as DNA marker-assisted selection and
    genome maps of cucumber, carrot and onion will be the methods to
    implement these genetic improvements. With this, new high-value
    vegetable products based upon genetic improvements developed by our
    USDA laboratories can offer vegetable processors and growers expanded
    economic opportunities for United States and export markets.

           U.S. FOOD FERMENTATION LABORATORY, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA

        The USDA/ARS Food Fermentation Laboratory in Raleigh, NC is the
    major public laboratory that this industry looks to as a source for new
    scientific information on the safety of our products and development of
    new processing technologies related to fermented and acidified
    vegetables. Over the years this laboratory has been a source for
    innovations, which have helped this industry remain competitive in the
    current global trade environment. We expect the research done in this
    laboratory to lead to new processing and product ideas that will
    increase the economic value of this industry and provide consumers with
    safe, high quality, healthful vegetable products.
        To maintain the current level of research we request that Congress
    restore the funding increases provided in the fiscal year 2004
    ($270,000) and fiscal year 2005 ($100,000) budgets. It is very
    important that Congress restore the full $370,000 in the fiscal year
    2008 budget, since the funds were not included in the budget sent to
    the Congress.
        We seek additional funding to support two new research initiatives
    for this laboratory that have substantial economic potential for our
    industry and health benefits for the American public. These are: (1)
    Preservation of a variety of high nutrient/high antioxidant vegetables
    using fermentation or acidification techniques so as to maintain the
    natural levels of beneficial phyotochemicals in convenient to use
    value-added products; (2) development of techniques to deliver living
    pro-biotic microorganisms to consumers in fermented or acidified
    vegetable products.
        Certain vitamins (Vitamin C, folic acid) and beneficial
    phytochemicals in vegetables are stabilized by the low pH in acidified
    and fermented foods. In addition, low pH makes it possible to preserve
    vegetables with low heat or, ideally, no heat, which typically
    minimizes nutrient loss. While many high nutrient/high antioxidant
    vegetables are pickled to a very limited extent, traditional processes
    include steps, such as preserving in very high salt or acid followed by
    washing out the excess salt or acid, that result in loss many of the
    health-promoting components that diet authorities emphasize when they
    urge people to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables. The
    objective will be develop new low acid/low salt preservation techniques
    for broccoli, Brussel sprouts, sweet potato, cauliflower, and peppers
    that will provide high levels of vitamin C, folic acid, carotenoids,
    glucosinolates, and phenolic compounds to maximize the health benefits
    of these vegetables in products that are convenient and attractive to
    consumers.
        Most of what we hear about bacteria in foods concerns the pathogens
    that cause disease. However, lactic acid bacteria are intentionally
    grown in fermented foods because they are needed to give foods like
    sauerkraut, yoghurt, cheeses, and fermented salami the characteristic
    flavors and textures that we desire. There is a growing body of
    research to indicate that certain living lactic acid bacteria are `pro-
    biotic' and can improve human health by remaining in the intestinal
    tract after they are consumed. Fermented or acidified vegetables may be
    a good way to deliver such pro-biotic bacteria to consumers. The
    objective will be to identify pro-biotic lactic acid bacteria that can
    survive in high numbers in selected vegetable products and investigate
    the potential for using vegetables as healthful delivery vehicles for
    pro-biotic organisms.

           SUGAR BEET AND BEAN RESEARCH UNIT, EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN

        The USDA/ARS East Lansing, Michigan location has the only federally
    funded research program that is devoted to developing new and/or
    improved engineering technologies and systems for assessing, retaining,
    and assuring postharvest quality, marketability, and wholesomeness of
    pickling cucumbers and other vegetable products. The vegetable
    postharvest engineering research is one component of the postharvest
    engineering research program within the Sugar Beet and Bean Research
    Unit in East Lansing, Michigan. The postharvest engineering research
    program currently has a full-time research agricultural engineer whose
    research is primarily focused on tree fruits. Over the past few years,
    the location has developed a number of innovative engineering
    technologies for rapid, nondestructive measurement and inspection of
    postharvest quality of tree fruits and vegetables. One is a novel
    laser-based multi-spectral scattering technology for assessing the
    texture and flavor of fruits. The technology may be used for inspecting
    a variety of vegetable crops including cucumbers. The location did the
    pioneering work in applying hyperspectral imaging technology for
    quality assessment of fruits and vegetable. It recently developed an
    advanced hyperspectral imaging system for automated detection of
    quality/defect of pickling cucumbers.
        Currently the location's cucumber postharvest engineering research
    is grossly under funded, and it has not been carried out at the full
    scope it would have been expected. Additional Federal funding for the
    location would enable the hiring of a full-time research agricultural
    engineer to focus on development of new and/or improved engineering
    technologies and equipment for postharvest handling of pickling
    vegetable products. Today, consumers have increasing choices of foods
    and they become more conscious of food quality and nutrition. An
    effective quality control and assurance system throughout the handling
    steps between harvest and retail is critical for providing consistent,
    superior products to the marketplace. Methods currently available for
    measuring and grading quality of cucumbers and other vegetables are
    either ineffective or time consuming. New and/or improved technologies
    are needed to assess, inspect and grade fresh cucumbers rapidly and
    accurately for various internal and external quality characteristics so
    that raw products can be directed to, or removed from, appropriate
    processing or marketing avenues. This will minimize postharvest losses
    of food that has already been produced and ensure high quality,
    consistent final product and end-user satisfaction. Research at East
    Lansing will lead to new inspection and grading technology that will
    help the pickling industry in delivering high-quality safe products to
    the marketplace.

             U.S. VEGETABLE LABORATORY, CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

        The research program at the USDA/ARS Vegetable Laboratory in
    Charleston, South Carolina, addresses national problems in vegetable
    crop production and protection with emphasis on the southeastern United
    States. This research program is internationally recognized for its
    accomplishments, which have resulted in development of over 150 new
    vegetable varieties and lines along with the development of many new
    and improved disease and pest management practices. This laboratory's
    program currently addresses 14 vegetable crops including those in the
    cabbage, cucumber, and pepper families, which are of major importance
    to the pickling industry. The mission of the laboratory is to (a)
    develop disease and pest resistant vegetable crops and (b) develop new,
    reliable, environmentally sound disease and pest management programs
    that do not rely on conventional pesticides.
        Continued expansion of the Charleston program is crucial. Vegetable
    growers depend heavily on synthetic pesticides to control diseases and
    pests. Cancellation and/or restrictions on the use of many effective
    pesticide compounds are having a considerable influence on the future
    of vegetable crop production. Without the use of certain pesticides,
    growers will experience crop failures unless other effective, non-
    pesticide control methods are found quickly. The research on improved,
    more efficient and environmentally compatible vegetable production
    practices and genetically resistant varieties at the U.S. Vegetable
    Laboratory continues to be absolutely essential. This gives U.S.
    growers the competitive edge they must have to sustain and keep this
    important industry and allow it to expand in the face of increasing
    foreign competition. Current cucumber varieties are highly susceptible
    to a new strain of the downy mildew pathogen; this new strain has
    caused considerable damage to commercial cucumber production in some
    South Atlantic and Midwestern states in 2005 and 2006, and a new plant
    pathologist position needs to be established to address this critical
    situation.

                          FUNDING NEEDS FOR THE FUTURE

        It remains critical that funding continues the forward momentum in
    pickled vegetable research that the United States now enjoys and to
    increase funding levels as warranted by planned expansion of research
    projects to maintain U.S. competitiveness. We also understand that
    discretionary funds are now used to meet the rising fixed costs
    associated with each location. Additional funding is needed at the
    Wisconsin and South Carolina programs for genetic improvement of crops
    essential to the pickled vegetable industry, and at North Carolina and
    Michigan for development of environmentally-sensitive technologies for
    improved safety and value to the consumer of our products. The
    fermented and acidified vegetable industry is receptive to capital
    investment in order to remain competitive, but only if that investment
    is economically justified. The research needed to justify such capital
    investment involves both short term (6-24 months) and long term (2-10
    years or longer) commitments. The diverse array of companies making up
    our industry assumes responsibility for short-term research, but the
    expense and risk are too great for individual companies to commit to
    the long-term research needed to insure future competitiveness. The
    pickled vegetable industry currently supports research efforts at
    Wisconsin and North Carolina and anticipates funding work at South
    Carolina and Michigan as scientists are put in place. Donations of
    supplies and processing equipment from processors and affiliated
    industries have continued for many years.
    U.S. Vegetable Laboratory, Charleston, South Carolina
        The newly constructed laboratory-office building at the U.S.
    Vegetable Laboratory was occupied in April 2003. Design of the
    accompanying greenhouse and head house using the funds appropriated for
    this purpose in fiscal year 2003 was completed in July 2004. In fiscal
    year 2004, construction of the head house component of this project was
    funded. The head house component of the project is now under
    construction with an expected completion in late spring 2006. In fiscal
    year 2005, $2.976 million was appropriated for construction of
    greenhouses. In fiscal year 2006, an additional $1.980 million was
    appropriated for construction of greenhouses, but $7.794 million is
    still needed for the planned $12.750 million greenhouse complex. This
    new facility replaces and consolidates outmoded laboratory areas that
    were housed in 1930s-era buildings and trailers. Completion of the
    total research complex will provide for the effective continuation and
    expansion of the excellent vegetable crops research program that has
    been conducted by the Agricultural Research Service at Charleston for
    over 70 years. It is most critical to the mission of the U.S. Vegetable
    Laboratory that the fiscal year 2002, fiscal year 2003, and fiscal year
    2004 appropriated funds for expansion of the Charleston research staff
    is maintained in fiscal year 2008. In addition, new funds are needed to
    establish a plant pathology position to address cucumber diseases,
    especially the disease caused by a new strain of the downy mildew
    pathogen that has caused extensive damage to cucumber production in
    some South Atlantic and Midwestern states during the past 2 years. The
    plant pathologist is needed to characterize pathogen strains using
    molecular methodologies and to develop new management approaches and
    resistant cucumber lines. This new plant pathologist position will
    greatly contribute to the accomplishment of research that will provide
    for the effective protection of cucumbers from disease without the use
    of conventional pesticides. This position will require a funding level
    of $450,000 for its establishment.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Gross funds
            Appropriations to restore           Fiscal year      impacted
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Minor Use Pesticides (IR-4).............            2002          $5,398
    U.S. Vegetable Laboratory...............            2003         489,868
    U.S. Vegetable Laboratory...............            2004         266,260
                                             -------------------------------
          Total Funds to Restore............  ..............         761,526
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   New funds
         New scientific staff needed           Current status        needed
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Plant Pathologist (cucumber disease)  Needed.................   $450,000
                                                                  ----------
          New funds needed..............  .......................    450,000
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Food Fermentation Laboratory, Raleigh, North Carolina
        The current funding for the laboratory is $1,274,000. This includes
    the new funds provided in fiscal year 2004 ($270,000) and in fiscal
    year 2005 ($100,000) that are not in the fiscal year 2008 budget
    proposal that was sent to the Congress. We request that the additional
    funding provided by the Congress in fiscal year 2004 and fiscal year
    2005 be restored in the fiscal year 2008 budget.
        To carry out the new research initiatives to maximize retention of
    beneficial components in high nutrient/high antioxidant vegetables and
    to develop systems to deliver pro-biotic lactic acid bacteria in
    acidified and fermented vegetable products, we request additional
    support for the Food Fermentation Laboratory of $200,000 in fiscal year
    2008. This will provide support for Post-Doctoral or Pre-Doctoral
    research associates along with necessary equipment and supplies to
    develop these new areas of research.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Funds
              Scientific staff                 Current status        needed
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Microbiologist......................  Active.................   $318,500
    Chemist.............................  Active.................    318,500
    Food Technologist/Biochemist........  Active.................    318,500
    Microbial Physiologist..............  Active.................    318,500
    Fiscal year 2008 Post-doctoral or     Needed.................    200,000
     Predoctoral Research Associates.
                                                                  ----------
          Total funding required........  .......................  1,474,000
                                                                  ==========
    Presidential Budget (fiscal year      .......................    912,195
     2008).
                                                                  ==========
    Appropriations to restore...........  .......................    361,805
    New funds needed....................  .......................    200,000
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Vegetable Crops Research Laboratory Unit, Madison, Wisconsin
        Current base funding for three scientists is $849,172, of which
    $200,000 was added in fiscal year 2002. An additional $50,828 is needed
    to fully fund the scientists and support staff, including graduate
    students and post-doctorates.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Funds
          Scientific staff in place            Current status        needed
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Geneticist..........................  Active.................   $300,000
    Horticulturist......................  Active.................    300,000
    Geneticist..........................  Active.................    300,000
                                                                  ----------
          Total funding required........  .......................    900,000
                                                                  ==========
    Presidential Budget (fiscal year      .......................    798,222
     2008).
                                                                  ==========
    Appropriations to restore...........  .......................     50,950
    New funds needed....................  .......................     50,828
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

        A temporary addition of $200,000 was provided to enhance the
    research effort of this program in fiscal year 2002, and we greatly
    appreciate that additional support, but that addition is being proposed
    for reduction in fiscal year 2008. Thus, the restoration of the funds
    proposed for reduction, is urgently requested. We request a $101,778
    permanent addition this year to sustain the long-term research of this
    group.
    Sugar Beet and Bean Research Unit, East Lansing, Michigan
        The location urgently needs to hire a full-time research engineer
    to develop a comprehensive research program on nondestructive
    inspection, sorting and grading of pickling cucumbers and other
    vegetable crops to assure the processing and keeping quality of pickled
    products. The current base funding for the cucumber engineering
    research is $200,000. An increase of $150,000 in the current base
    funding level would be needed to fund the research engineer position.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                     Funds
          Scientific staff in place            Current status        needed
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Postdoctoral Research Associate.....  Active.................   $200,000
    Research Engineer...................  Needed.................    150,000
                                                                  ----------
          Total funding required........  .......................    350,000
                                         ===================================
    Current Funding.....................  .......................    200,000
    New funds needed....................  .......................    150,000
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

        Thank you for your consideration and expression of support for the
    USDA/ARS.
                                     ______

             Prepared Statement of the Red River Valley Association

        Mr. Chairman and members of the Committee, I am Wayne Dowd, and I
    am pleased to represent the Red River Valley Association as its
    President. Our organization was founded in 1925 with the express
    purpose of uniting the citizens of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and
    Texas to develop the land and water resources of the Red River Basin.
    (Enclosure 1)
        The Resolutions contained herein were adopted by the Association
    during its 82nd Annual Meeting in Shreveport, Louisiana on February 22,
    2007, and represent the combined concerns of the citizens of the Red
    River Basin Area as they pertain to the goals of the Association.
    (Enclosure 2)
        As an organization that knows the value of our precious water
    resources we support the most beneficial water and land conservation
    programs administered through the Natural Resources Conservation
    Service (NRCS). We understand that attention and resources must be
    given to our national security and the war in Iraq; however, we cannot
    sacrifice what has been accomplished on our Nation's lands. NRCS
    programs are a model of how conservation programs should be
    administered and our testimony will address the needs of the Nation as
    well as our region.
        The President's fiscal year 2008 budget for NRCS indicates a
    decrease of $131,740,000 (16 percent decrease) from what Congress
    appropriated in fiscal year 2007, $841,340,000. In addition, the
    Administration eliminated two crucial watershed programs: Watershed &
    Flood Prevention Operations and Watershed Survey & Planning. Along with
    drastic reductions in the other programs, NRCS manpower for fiscal year
    2008 would have to decrease by over 1,500 staff years, if the
    President's budget is implemented. This is unacceptable.
        This means that NRCS assistance to landowners will not be
    adequately funded, to the detriment of the Nation and our natural
    resources. We would like to address several of the programs
    administered by NRCS. Failure to adequately fund these initiatives
    would reduce assistance to those who want it and the resources that
    need protection.
        Conservation Operations.--This account has been in steady decline,
    in real dollars, over the past several years. The President's budget
    included $689 million, which is a decrease of $70 million from what
    Congress appropriated in fiscal year 2007. Mandated increases in pay
    and benefits, continuing increases in the cost of doing business' and
    budget reductions greatly reduces the effective work that can be
    accomplished in this account. Allocations should be increased not
    decreased.
        We request a total of $930 million be appropriated for Conservation
    Operations for NRCS to meet the demands it faces today.
        Conservation Technical Assistance is the foundation of technical
    support and a sound, scientific delivery system for voluntary
    conservation to the private users and owners of lands in the United
    States. It is imperative that we provide assistance to all ``working
    lands'' not just those fortunate few who are able to enroll in a
    Federal program. Working lands are not just crops and pasture
    (commodity staples) but includes forests, wildlife habitat and coastal
    marshes. The problem is that NRCS personnel funded from ``mandatory
    programs'' can only provide technical assistance to those enrolled in
    these programs, leaving the majority of the agricultural community
    without technical assistance. We recommend that adequate funding be
    placed in ``Conservation Technical Assistance'', and allow NRCS to
    provide assistance to all who are in need of assistance.
        It is our understanding that the Technical Service Providers (TSP)
    program has not lived up to its expectations. Experience indicates
    landowners are hesitant to use the program. This program funds projects
    at a level estimated if NRCS conducted the work. Usually the TSP cost
    exceeds this estimate and the landowner is responsible for the
    difference, effectively making the landowner cost share. We believe
    that TSPs should be used only after NRCS staffing is brought up to
    levels commensurate with the increase in workload caused by the Farm
    Bill, not to replace NRCS staffing.
        Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (Public Law 566 & 534).--
    We are greatly disappointed that the President's Budget provided no
    funding for watershed operations in the last two fiscal years. There is
    no doubt that this is a Federal responsibility, in conjunction with a
    local sponsor. This program addresses all watershed needs to include:
    flood protection, water quality, water supply and the ecosystem. There
    is no Corps of Engineer, Bureau of Reclamation or FEMA program to
    address small watershed needs, before disaster strikes. We recommend
    that Congress continue to hold oversight hearings to understand the
    importance and hear how popular this program is to our communities.
        Over the past 50 years these projects have developed a $15 billion
    infrastructure that is providing $1.5 billion in annual benefits to
    over 47 million people. It is not a Federal program, but a federally
    assisted program. This partnership between local communities, State
    agencies and NRCS has been successful for over 50 years. It would take
    $1.6 billion to fund the existing Federal commitment to local project
    sponsors. This cost only increases every year if adequate funding is
    not provided.
        All ongoing contracts will be terminated, if you allow this program
    to end. This will ultimately lead to lawsuits and tort claims filed by
    both sponsors and contractors, due to the Federal Government not
    fulfilling its contractual obligation.
        We are very appreciative for the funding level of $75 million
    enacted in fiscal year 2006, but that was the last year funding was
    provided. No funding was provided in fiscal year 2007. For every $1
    spent, the Nation realizes $2 in benefits. Congress must take back
    responsibility for this program.
        There are many new projects, which are awaiting funds for
    construction under this program. We strongly recommend that a funding
    level of $190 million be appropriated for Watershed Operations
    Programs, Public Law 534 ($20 million) and Public Law 566 ($170
    million).
        The Red River has proven, through studies and existing irrigation,
    to be a great water source for ``supplemental'' irrigation. The two
    projects mentioned below, will use existing, natural bayous to deliver
    water for landowners to draw from. The majority of expense will be for
    the pump system to take water from the Red River to the bayous. These
    projects will provide the ability to move from ground water dependency
    to surface water, an effort encouraged throughout the Nation. Both will
    enhance the environmental quality and economic vitality of the small
    communities adjacent to the projects.
      --Walnut Bayou Irrigation Project, AR.--Plans and specifications have
            been completed and it is ready to proceed into the construction
            phase. An irrigation district has been formed and they are
            prepared to take on the responsibility to generate the income
            for the O&M required to support this project. We request that
            $4,000,000 be appropriated for these projects in fiscal year
            2008.
      --Red Bayou Irrigation Project, LA.--The plans and specifications
            have been completed, making this project ready for construction
            in fiscal year 2007. An irrigation district has been formed and
            is prepared to collect funds to support the O&M for this
            proposed system.
        We request that $2,500,000 be specifically appropriated to begin
    construction in fiscal year 2008.
        Watershed Rehabilitation.--More than 10,400 individual watershed
    structures have been installed nationally, with approximately one-third
    in the Red River Valley. They have contributed greatly to conservation,
    environmental protection and enhancement, economic development and the
    social well being of our communities. More than half of these
    structures are over 30 years old and several hundred are approaching
    their 50-year life expectancy. Today you hear a lot about the watershed
    approach to resource management. They protect more people and
    communities from flooding now than when they were first constructed.
    The benefit to cost ratio for this program has been evaluated to be
    2.2:1. What other Federal program can claim such success?
        In the next 5 years over 900 watershed structures will require over
    $570 million for rehabilitation. Each year this number increases as
    more dams reach their 50-year life. There is no questioning the value
    of this program. The cost of losing this infrastructure exceeds the
    cost to reinvest in our existing watersheds. Without repairing and
    upgrading the safety of existing structures, we miss the opportunity to
    keep our communities alive and prosperous. It would be irresponsible to
    dismantle a program that has demonstrated such great return and is
    supported by our citizens. We cannot wait for a catastrophe to occur,
    where life is lost, to decide to take on this important work.
        The President's budget neglects the safety and well being of our
    community needs and only recommends $6 million for this program. This
    is drastically lower than the levels authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill,
    which authorized $600 million for rehabilitation for 2003-2007.
        We request that $75 million be appropriated to provide financial
    and technical assistance to those watershed projects where sponsors are
    prepared (35 percent cost share) to commence rehabilitation.
        Watershed Survey and Planning.--In fiscal year 2006, $6.1 million
    was appropriated to support this extremely important community program.
    Again, no funding was provided in fiscal year 2007. NRCS has become a
    facilitator for the different community interest groups, State and
    Federal agencies. In our States such studies are helping identify
    resource needs and solutions where populations are encroaching into
    rural areas. The Administration decided to eliminate this program. We
    disagree with this and ask Congress to fund this program at the
    appropriate level.
        Proper planning and cooperative efforts can prevent problems and
    insure that water resource issues are addressed. Zeroing out the
    planning process assumes the economy will not grow and there is no need
    for future projects. We do not believe anyone supports or believes
    this. Another serious outcome is that NRCS will lose its planning
    expertise, which is invaluable.
        We request this program be funded at a level of $35 million.
        We request that the following two studies be specifically
    identified and funded in the fiscal year 2008 appropriation bill.
      --Maniece Bayou Irrigation Project, AR.--This is a project in its
            initial stage of planning. An irrigation district is being
            formed to be the local sponsor. This project transfers water
            from the Red River into Maniece Bayou where landowners would
            draw water for supplemental irrigation. We request that
            $200,000 be appropriated to initiate the plans and
            specifications.
      --Lower Cane River Irrigation Project, LA.--The transfer of water
            from the Red River to the Lower Cane River will provide
            opportunities for irrigation and economic development. Funds
            are needed to initiate a Cooperative River Basin Study. We
            request that $250,000 be appropriated for this study.
        Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D).--This has
    traditionally been a well-received program by the Administration, not
    this year. Their budget proposal only had $14.6 million, far short of
    national needs. This program leverages its resources at 4 to 1, with
    communities, local sponsors and non-government organizations. The
    benefits are realized at over 14 to 1, average per project. This
    drastic cut is proposed by eliminating 325 of 375 coordinator
    positions. The remaining 50 positions are supposed to serve all
    councils in all the 50 States.
        We request that $56 million be appropriated for this program, at
    the same level as in fiscal year 2006.
        Mandatory Accounts (CCC) Technical Assistance (TA).--Request for
    assistance through the CCC programs has been overwhelming. Requests far
    exceed the available funds and place an additional workload on NRCS's
    delivery system. Adequate funding for TA must be provided at the full
    cost for program delivery. This includes program administration,
    conservation planning and contracting with each applicant. Congress, in
    the 2002 Farm Bill, wisely increased conservation programs each year.
    This increased investment, will increase the NRCS workload. It is
    imperative that NRCS receive the TA funding levels required to
    administer these programs. If they do not receive full funding these
    programs will not realize their full capability.
        It has been mandated that a set percent of TA, from the CCC
    Program, must be used for TSPs, approximately $40 million. This is
    equivalent to losing 600 staff years from NRCS manpower. This is
    another unacceptable policy, which will reduce the effectiveness of
    NRCS. This mandate must be eliminated.
        Over 70 percent of our land is privately owned. This is important
    in order to understand the need for NRCS programs and technical
    assistance. Their presence is vital to ensuring sound technical
    standards are met in conservation. These programs not only address
    agricultural production, but sound natural resource management. Without
    these programs and NRCS properly staffed to implement them, many
    private landowners will not be served adequately to apply conservation
    measures needed to sustain our natural resources for future
    generations. Technical Assistance cannot be contracted out to private
    companies.
        We are all aware of the issue with TMDL levels in our waterways. If
    our Nation is to seriously address this we must look at the impacts
    from our farmlands. Assistance for land treatment plans and plan
    implementation is exactly what the NRCS Watershed programs are intended
    to address. Watershed programs should be receiving an increase in
    funds, not zeroed out!
        With these new clean water initiatives why do we ignore the agency
    that has a proven record for implementing watershed conservation
    programs? Congress must decide; will NRCS continue to provide the
    leadership within our communities to build upon the partnerships
    already established? It is up to Congress to insure NRCS is properly
    funded and staffed to provide the needed assistance to our taxpayers
    for conservation programs.
        These NRCS studies and watershed projects are an example of true
    ``cooperative conservation'' initiatives. There is an interface with
    communities and local sponsors at each step of the process and local
    sponsors do cost share at the levels expected of them.
        All these programs apply to the citizens in the Red River Valley
    and their future is our concern. The RRVA is dedicated to work toward
    the programs that will benefit our citizens and provide for high
    quality of life standards. We therefore request that you appropriate
    the requested funding within these individual programs, to insure our
    Nation's conservation needs are met.
        I thank you for the opportunity to present this testimony on behalf
    of the members of the Red River Valley Association and we pledge our
    support to assist you in the appropriation process. Please direct your
    comments and questions to our Executive Director, Richard Brontoli,
    P.O. Box 709, Shreveport, LA 71162, (318) 221-5233, E-mail:
    redriverva@hotmail.com.
        Grant Disclosure.--The Red River Valley Association has not
    received any Federal grant, sub-grant or contract during the current
    fiscal year or either of the 2 previous fiscal years.

                   ENCLOSURE 1.--RED RIVER VALLEY ASSOCIATION

        The Red River Valley Association is a voluntary group of citizens
    bonded together to advance the economic development and future well
    being of the citizens of the four State Red River Basin area in
    Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.
        For the past 80 years, the Association has done notable work in the
    support and advancement of programs to develop the land and water
    resources of the Valley to the beneficial use of all the people. To
    this end, the Red River Valley Association offers its full support and
    assistance to the various Port Authorities, Chambers of Commerce,
    Economic Development Districts, Municipalities and other local
    governmental entities in developing the area along the Red River.
        The Resolutions contained herein were adopted by the Association
    during its 82nd Annual Meeting in Shreveport, Louisiana on February 22,
    2007, and represent the combined concerns of the citizens of the Red
    River Basin area as they pertain to the goals of the Association,
    specifically:
      --Economic and Community Development
      --Environmental Restoration
      --Flood Control
      --Irrigation
      --Bank Stabilization
      --A Clean Water Supply for Municipal, Industrial and Agricultural
            Uses
      --Hydroelectric Power Generation
      --Recreation
      --Navigation
        The Red River Valley Association is aware of the constraints on the
    Federal budget, and has kept those constraints in mind as these
    Resolutions were adopted. Therefore, and because of the far-reaching
    regional and national benefits addressed by the various projects
    covered in the Resolutions, we urge the members of Congress to review
    the materials contained herein and give serious consideration to
    funding the projects at the levels requested. We can be contacted at
    (318) 221-5233 or redriverva@hotmail.com.
                                  enclosure 2

       RED RIVER VALLEY ASSOCIATION FISCAL YEAR 2008 APPROPRIATIONS--NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS)
                                                [In thousands of dollars]
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Fiscal year     Fiscal year     Pres. 2008       RRVA 2008
                 Discretionary Accounts                 2006 Approp     2007 Approp       Budget          Request
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Conservation Operations.........................         839,519         759,124         689,000         930,000
    Watershed & Flood Prevention Operations.........          75,000  ..............  ..............         190,000
        Walnut Bayou Irrigation Project, AR.........  ..............  ..............  ..............           4,000
        Red Bayou Irrigation Project, LA............  ..............  ..............  ..............           1,600
    Watershed Rehabilitation........................          31,516          31,516           6,000          75,000
    Watershed Survey & Planning.....................           6,083  ..............  ..............          35,000
        Maniece Bayou Irrigation Project, AR........  ..............  ..............  ..............             200
        North Wallace Lake Watershed, LA............  ..............  ..............  ..............     250
    Resource Conservation & Development(RC&D).......          51,300          50,700          14,600          56,000
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    NOTE: The President's fiscal year 2008 budget is 16 percent less than Congress appropriated in fiscal year 2007.

                                     ______

      Prepared Statement of the Society for Animal Protective Legislation

    $1.8 Million Line Item for the Animal Welfare Information Center at the
            National Agricultural Library
        The Animal Welfare Information Center (AWIC) was established by the
    Improved Standards for Laboratory Animals Act (the 1985 amendment to
    the Animal Welfare Act) to serve as a clearing-house, training center,
    and educational resource for institutions using animals in research,
    testing and teaching. The Center is the single most important resource
    for helping personnel at more than 1,200, U.S. research facilities meet
    their responsibilities under the AWA. Supported by a modest funding
    level, its services are available to all individuals at these
    institutions, including cage washers, animal technicians, research
    investigators, attending veterinarians, IACUC representatives and the
    Institutional Official.
        AWIC provides data on alleviating or reducing pain and distress in
    experimental animals (including anesthetic and analgesic procedures),
    reducing the number of animals used for research where possible,
    identifying alternatives to the use of animals for specific research
    projects, and preventing the unintended duplication of animal
    experiments. The Center collects, updates, and disseminates material on
    humane housing and husbandry, the functions and responsibilities of
    Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs), animal behavior,
    improved methodologies, psychological well-being of primates, and
    exercise for dogs.
        There is general consensus between the biomedical research industry
    (including the National Association for Biomedical Research) and the
    animal welfare community about the need for increased funding. A number
    of individuals representing these disparate interests have endorsed the
    request for $1.8 million in funding for AWIC. The AWIC helps to improve
    the conduct of research, including the care provided to the animals who
    are used, thereby ensuring a reduction in variables that might skew the
    research. Better science is the end result.
        The AWIC website (http:www.nal.usda.gov/awic) is one of the most
    accessed sites at the NAL, receiving millions of hits each year. It
    provides valuable information on issues of importance not only to the
    science community but also to the agriculture and public health
    communities, including BSE and avian influenza, two of the top areas of
    inquiry for visitors to its website. In fiscal year 2006, nearly 440
    million kbytes of information were distributed via the web, and more
    than 77,000 hard copies were distributed as well. AWIC staff provided
    over 3,000 personal reference services. Exhibitions and/or
    presentations have been conducted at such venues as the American
    Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) annual meeting,
    Society of Neuroscience, New Jersey Association for Biomedical
    Research, American Veterinary Medical Association, International
    Conference on Environmental Enrichment, American Association for the
    Advancement of Science and the 5th World Congress on the Use of Animals
    in the Life Sciences, Scientists Center for Animal Welfare meetings,
    and the Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research annual meeting.
        We greatly appreciate Congress' past support for AWIC to carry out
    its programs. Given its indispensability not only in assisting with
    compliance with the AWA but also in providing up-to-date information on
    a range of issues, from BSE to primate enrichment, that are critical to
    the scientific and agricultural communities, we recommend that AWIC be
    listed as a separate line item. We urge Congress to resist any effort
    by ARS to eliminate AWIC; rather, it is essential to maintain a minimum
    base of $1.15 million. Moreover, we respectfully request an additional
    $650,000 in fiscal year 2008 for desperately needed expansion to meet
    growing demand for AWIC's expertise on two fronts.
        First, as evidenced by the findings of an Office of Inspector
    General (OIG) audit, ``APHIS Animal Care Program Inspection and
    Enforcement Activities,'' there has been an increase in apparent
    violations of the AWA by research facilities over the past few years.
    There appears to be a significant problem with the oversight of IACUCs
    and the audit recommends training for IACUC members. In response to
    this need, we are requesting funds to allow AWIC to do the following:
      --Continue to conduct workshops at locations around the country
            rather than being limited to conducting them only from the
            Center's base in Maryland.
      --Hold a symposium on AWA requirements for IACUC nonaffilated members
            (i.e., members from the community charged with representing the
            communities' concerns for the animals).
      --Work with Animal Care more closely to identify and assist those
            licensees and registrants that are cited for AWA violations
            most frequently.
        Second, increased funding is also necessitated by the expansion of
    AWIC's mandate to include the broader industry regulated under the
    Animal Welfare Act: animal dealers, carriers and handlers, zoos and
    other exhibitors. Other topics covered by the Center include animal
    diseases, animal models, animal training, and environmental enrichment
    for all species. Animal Care's veterinary medical officers and animal
    care inspectors are able to utilize the full range of services provided
    by the AWIC to better fulfill their responsibilities. The AWIC also
    works closely with both Animal Care and with Emergency Veterinary
    Services on emerging crises such as the highly pathogenic Avian
    Influenza. The Center is focused on transmissible spongiform
    encephalopathy, exotic Avian Newcastle disease, tuberculosis, West Nile
    Virus and microbacterial diseases.
        The $1.8 million would be used as follows: Staff salary and
    benefits ($1,273,000), including the addition of two much-needed
    positions: a Technical Information Specialist and an Information
    Technology Specialist, whose jobs would be to expand the content of the
    Center's database and make it more user-friendly and searchable;
    exhibitions at major scientific conferences, including underserved
    areas of the country ($61,400); workshops, in conjunction with Animal
    Care, to assist licensees and registrants frequently cited for AWA
    violations ($36,000); informational workshops at research institutions
    across the country ($28,000) and locally at the Center ($4,100);
    printing and reproduction of paper and electronic material ($29,200);
    training for the NAL staff ($13,900); acquisition of, including
    electronic access to, data ($38,000); internet services ($20,400);
    office supplies, including hardware and software ($26,000); and the
    overhead that must be provided to the Agricultural Research Service and
    the National Agricultural Library (at least $270,000).
    $750,000, Plus a One-Time Infusion of $1 Million, for APHIS/Animal
            Care's Enforcement of the Horse Protection Act
        More than 30 years ago Congress adopted the Horse Protection Act,
    yet soring of Tennessee Walking Horses continues to be a widespread
    problem. Soring is defined by APHIS as ``the application of any
    chemical or mechanical agent used on any limb of a horse or any
    practice inflicted upon the horse that can be expected to cause it
    physical pain or distress when moving.'' Horses are sored to produce an
    exaggerated gait. (http://www.saplonline.org/pdf/EquusSoring.pdf)
        The most effective method to reduce the showing of sored horses is
    to have Animal Care (AC) inspectors present at the shows. Oftentimes,
    as soon as an AC inspector arrives at a show, there is a rush to put
    horses back into trailers and haul them away. If the likelihood that an
    AC inspector will show up increases significantly, this will have a
    huge deterrent effect on those who routinely sore their horses.
        AC was able to attend only 32 events in fiscal year 2004 out of a
    total of approximately 865 shows. Funding of $750,000 ($500,000 plus a
    $250,000 add-on) is needed to enable AC to attend even a modest number
    of events.
        Unfortunately, the amount of penalties assessed for violations of
    the law has dropped to a negligible amount. In addition to increasing
    the presence of inspectors, USDA must increase the penalties that it
    assesses or the industry will continue to defy the law with impunity.
    Congress should direct USDA to take this step.
        Lack of financial support has made it necessary for Animal Care to
    rely heavily on the industry to assume responsibility for enforcement
    of the law. This is the same industry that has turned a blind eye to
    compliance with the law since 1970! ``Designated Qualified Persons''
    (DQPs) are the ``inspectors'' from industry who are supposed to assist
    AC in identifying sore horses and pursuing action against the
    individuals who are responsible. The history of the DQPs reveals their
    failure to achieve the level of enforcement of the unbiased, well-
    trained, professional inspectors who work for AC, as illustrated by
    radically different enforcement rates: In 2004 and 2005, the rate of
    violations cited at a variety of horse shows was as much as 23 times
    higher under USDA inspections versus HIO inspections. Oftentimes,
    owners withdraw their horses completely from a show rather than risk an
    inspection by USDA.
        We have few current figures on enforcement; however, we recently
    learned from USDA that in 2005, of the samples taken by a gas
    chromatography machine (used to test for use of illegal substances to
    sore horses) at the Kentucky Celebration horse show, 100 percent
    indicated the presence of diesel fuel or another similar fuel plus
    numbing agents. Clearly the law is not being taken seriously by the
    industry. In September 2006, having ignored repeated warnings from USDA
    that too many horses were showing signs of soring, organizers canceled
    the Shelbyville (TN) Celebration, the prestige event in the walking
    horse industry, after USDA inspectors disqualified most of the horses
    because of soring. This was an unprecedented action on the part of the
    industry and is a testament to USDA's commitment to vigorous
    enforcement of the HPA, even in the face of threats to its inspectors.
        An appropriation of at least $750,000 is essential to permit AC to
    maintain a modest level of compliance with the Horse Protection Act by
    trained AC professionals. USDA also needs a one-time allocation of $1
    million to purchase additional equipment, such as digital radiography
    machines to take radiographs of the hoof to detect changes indicative
    of pressure-shoeing; and algometers, which apply consistent pressure
    during the examination process. Adding these machines to the
    inspectors' tools for verifying the use of soring techniques further
    enhances the objectivity and consistency of the evidence obtained.
    $21.126 Million for APHIS/Animal Care's Enforcement of the Animal
            Welfare Act
        The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) is the chief Federal law for the
    protection of animals. The USDA seeks compliance with its minimum
    standards for the care and treatment of animals during transportation
    and at the nearly 13,000 sites of dealers, research, testing and
    teaching facilities, zoos, aquariums, circuses, carriers (airlines,
    motor freight lines and other shipping businesses) and handlers (ground
    freight handlers). There are a mere 101 Veterinary Medical Officers
    (VMOs) and Animal Care Inspectors (ACIs) conducting searches,
    prelicensing inspections and enforcement inspections across the
    country.
        In fiscal year 2005, IES resolved 169 cases involving violations of
    the AWA; in fiscal year 2006, 191 cases were resolved through
    stipulations or ALJ decisions. These enforcement actions help ensure
    the protection of both animals and people as evidenced by the OIG
    Audit.
        We support the President's request for $21.126 million for
    enforcement of the AWA. We hope the additional funds will permit USDA
    to hire additional inspectors and to conduct a national meeting, with
    all inspectors in attendance. A national meeting is indispensable to
    providing proper training of inspectors and ensuring that field
    inspectors nationwide apply a high and equal standard of enforcement.
    The cost for a national meeting is expected to be $150,000.
        We also support the President's budget request for funds under the
    emergency management systems line item, which will enable Animal Care
    to execute its new responsibilities for pet evacuation during
    disasters. However, an additional $1 million is needed (for a total of
    $2 million) to ensure that AC does not have to meet these new
    obligations at the expense of ongoing services.
    Strengthened Enforcement of Humane Slaughter Act by FSIS
        When President Eisenhower signed the Humane Methods of Slaughter
    Act (HMSA) into law, he noted that if he went by his mail he would
    think Americans were interested in no other issue. That concern is as
    strong today as it was then. Over the past few years, Congress has
    generously provided additional appropriations to the Food Safety and
    Inspection Service (FSIS) to improve enforcement of the HMSA;
    nonetheless, problems persist. A big part of the problem is that the
    vast majority of animals currently slaughtered at the approximately 900
    federally inspected plants are already dead by the time FSIS observes
    them.
        In addition, FSIS inspectors are discouraged from enforcing the
    law. Inspectors are supposed to be able to stop the slaughter line if
    violations are seen. However, stopping the line will markedly reduce
    the plant's profits, so there is intense pressure for the inspector not
    to take action. The situation at plants appears to be cozy for people;
    meanwhile, animals are suffering. For example, the Office of the
    Inspector General conducted an investigation of a large plant in Iowa,
    issuing a report on April 25, 2005, that concluded that--employees of
    AGRI had engaged in acts of inhumane slaughter. It was also determined
    that FSIS employees observed the acts of inhumane slaughter and did
    nothing to stop the practice. Additionally, the investigation revealed
    that FSIS inspectors accepted meat products from AGRI employees and
    that FSIS employees engaged in other acts of misconduct.''
        FSIS has attempted a variety of machinations in an effort to dupe
    Congress into believing that enforcement efforts have increased
    dramatically. This is mere window dressing, and inspectors in the
    plants have confirmed that little has changed--and abuses are rife. The
    situation at AGRI, described above is but one example (http://
    awionline.org/pubs/Quarterly/05_54_1/541p7a.htm). We vehemently oppose
    increased resources for FSIS because the agency hasn't demonstrated
    resolve to strongly enforce the law.
        Bill language should direct FSIS to fill the many current vacancies
    in its inspector force and to re-assign and/or hire no fewer than 50
    individual inspectors (as opposed to FTE's or staff years) to serve as
    full-time, permanent fixtures in each of the largest slaughter plants
    to observe the handling, stunning and slaughter of animals for
    compliance with the law. When inspectors are not present, line speeds
    are increased and the operations are conducted in a completely
    different (and horrific) manner. A full-time presence is the only way
    to ensure compliance. Congress' previous effort to achieve this goal
    has resulted in the hiring of more upper-level personnel who are
    involved in many supervisory tasks and are not present on a full-time
    basis in the these slaughter plants. FSIS should report the results of
    this effort to the Committee and evaluate the effectiveness of having
    full-time (not full time equivalent) enforcement of the humane
    slaughter requirements following a year of diligence.
        All inspectors who engage in HSA enforcement must receive adequate
    training about the law and, more importantly, must receive a strict
    mandate from the Secretary of Agriculture to take strong, immediate
    action against any violators of the HSA. This would be a modest step
    toward protecting the millions of animals who are killed for food from
    unnecessary suffering. While the Humane Activities Tracking system was
    intended to promote accountability regarding enforcement of the Humane
    Slaughter Act, and to provide data to guide the risk-based inspection
    system, it has failed to meet these goals. Instead it yields skewed
    data that actually result in needed attention being diverted from
    problem plants. We suggest that real progress in ensuring compliance
    with the HMSA rests with redirecting HAT funds towards securing the
    many needed inspectors and improving training in HMSA enforcement.
    Congress Needs to Provide Increased Oversight of Wildlife Services
            Operations and Research
        Wildlife Services (WS) needs to ensure that the variety of tools it
    uses for management of wildlife under its purview are both effective
    and publicly acceptable. As improved tools are developed through
    research, operations must make use of this data and shift methods
    accordingly.
        WS needs to phase out use of steel jaw leghold traps. WS' own
    research demonstrates the archaic nature of certain leghold traps;
    these should be prohibited immediately. Leghold traps slam shut with
    bone-crushing force on the limbs of their victims, tearing ligaments
    and tendons, severing toes and causing excruciating pain. These traps,
    opposed by the vast majority of Americans, have been condemned as
    ``inhumane'' by the American Veterinary Medical Association, American
    Animal Hospital Association, World Veterinary Association and National
    Animal Control Association.
        WS should pursue no further testing of leghold traps as this would
    be an extremely wasteful and cruel use of taxpayer money. Previously,
    funds designated for trap research were merely passed through to a
    nongovernmental organization to utilize as it saw fit, without
    involvement from WS. If funds are allocated for trap testing, WS should
    conduct the research (on the myriad devices other than steel jaw traps)
    since the agency has the appropriate technical expertise.
        Further, WS should adopt a policy of checking all restraining traps
    within a 24-hour period. WS has developed a device that can be attached
    to a trap, and the device emits a signal when the trap is triggered;
    this wonderful new technology permits trappers to focus their energies
    on prompt checking of those traps that have actually been triggered. A
    wealth of scientific studies documents the fact that the longer an
    animal is in a restraining trap, the greater the injury. For this
    reason, the majority of States have a daily trap check requirement.
    Animals should not be subjected to long-drawn out pain because of a
    failure to assume the responsibility of carefully checking traps every
    day. This policy will help reduce the trauma experienced by non-target
    animals, too, ensuring that more of these animals will be able to be
    released alive.
        Thank you very much for the opportunity to submit testimony. We
    would be happy to provide any additional information that might be of
    interest.
                                     ______

                    Prepared Statement of The Humane Society

        As the largest animal protection organization in the country, we
    appreciate the opportunity to provide testimony to the Agriculture,
    Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
    Subcommittee on fiscal year 2008 funding items of great importance to
    The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and its nearly 10
    million supporters nationwide.

                       ENFORCEMENT OF ANIMAL WELFARE LAWS

        We thank you for your outstanding support during recent years for
    improved enforcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) of
    key animal welfare laws and we urge you to sustain this effort in
    fiscal year 2008. Your leadership is making a great difference in
    helping to protect the welfare of millions of animals across the
    country. As you know, better enforcement will also benefit people by
    helping to prevent: (1) orchestrated dogfights and cockfights that
    often involve illegal gambling, drug trafficking, and human violence,
    and can contribute to the spread of costly illnesses such as Exotic
    Newcastle Disease and bird flu; (2) injuries to slaughterhouse workers
    from animals that are still conscious; (3) the sale of unhealthy pets
    by commercial breeders, commonly referred to as ``puppy mills''; (4)
    laboratory conditions that may impair the scientific integrity of
    animal based research; (5) risks of disease transmission from, and
    dangerous encounters with, wild animals in or during public exhibition;
    and (6) injuries and deaths of pets on commercial airline flights due
    to mishandling and exposure to adverse environmental conditions. In
    order to continue the important work made possible by the Committee's
    prior support, we request the following for fiscal year 2008:

                   APHIS/ANIMAL WELFARE ACT (AWA) ENFORCEMENT

        We request that you support the President's request of $21,126,000
    for AWA enforcement under APHIS. We commend the Committee for
    responding in recent years to the urgent need for increased funding for
    the Animal Care division to improve its inspections of more than 13,000
    sites, including commercial breeding facilities, laboratories, zoos,
    circuses, and airlines, to ensure compliance with AWA standards. Animal
    Care now has 100 inspectors (with eight vacancies that the agency is in
    the process of filling), compared to 64 inspectors at the end of the
    1990s. We are pleased that the President's budget recommends an
    increase of $3,340,000 (plus allowance for pay costs) to cover hiring
    21 new staff to further improve AWA enforcement in fiscal year 2008.
    This increase will enable the agency to handle additional
    responsibilities as the number of licensed/registered facilities has
    grown by 13 percent from fiscal year 2005 to fiscal year 2006.

                 APHIS /INVESTIGATIVE AND ENFORCEMENT SERVICES

        We request that you support the President's request of $12,728,000
    for APHIS Investigative and Enforcement Services. We appreciate the
    Committee's consistent support for this division, which handles many
    important responsibilities including animal welfare. The President's
    budget recommends an increase of $2,143,000 (plus allowance for pay
    costs) and 18 staff years for IES in fiscal year 2008, of which
    $291,000 and 3 staff years will be used to improve enforcement of
    Federal animal welfare laws. In fiscal year 2006, IES resolved 191
    cases through either civil penalty stipulations or Administrative Law
    Judge decisions (compared to 169 cases resolved during fiscal year
    2005).

            OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL/ANIMAL FIGHTING ENFORCEMENT

        We request sustained funding of $800,000 for the Office of
    Inspector General to focus on enforcement of animal fighting laws (this
    amount is incorporated in the President's request for OIG base
    funding). We appreciate the inclusion of $800,000 in recent years for
    USDA's Office of Inspector General to focus on animal fighting cases.
    Congress first prohibited most interstate and foreign commerce of
    animals for fighting in 1976 and tightened loopholes in the law in
    2002. Dogfighting and cockfighting are barbaric practices in which
    animals are drugged to heighten their aggression and forced to keep
    fighting even after they've suffered grievous injuries. Animal fighting
    is almost always associated with illegal gambling, and also often
    involves illegal drug trafficking and violence toward people. Dogs bred
    and trained to fight endanger public safety, and some dogfighters steal
    pets to use as bait for training their dogs. Cockfighting was linked to
    an outbreak of Exotic Newcastle Disease in 2002-2003 that cost
    taxpayers more than $200 million to contain. It's also been linked to
    the death of at least nine people in Asia reportedly exposed through
    cockfighting activity to bird flu. Given the potential for further
    costly disease transmission, as well as the animal cruelty involved, we
    believe it would be a sound investment for the Federal Government to
    continue its efforts to combat illegal animal fighting activity. We
    also hope language can be included directing the agency to report back
    to the Committee on specific Federal animal fighting enforcement
    efforts undertaken during fiscal year 2008.

      FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE/HUMANE METHODS OF SLAUGHTER ACT
                               (HMSA) ENFORCEMENT

        We request sustained funding of no less than $5,000,000 and no
    fewer than 63 staff years for HMSA enforcement (this amount is
    incorporated in the President's request for FSIS base funding) and
    continued funding of $3,000,000 as provided in fiscal year 2007 to
    maintain the new Humane Animal Tracking system. We are grateful that
    Congress provided $5 million in fiscal year 2007 to sustain at least 63
    full time equivalent positions dedicated solely to inspections and
    enforcement related to the HMSA, plus $4 million in fiscal year 2006
    and $3 million in fiscal year 2007 to incorporate a new tracking system
    to ensure compliance with this law. The HMSA is designed to ensure that
    livestock are treated humanely and rendered unconscious before they are
    killed. The effort to target funds for this purpose was undertaken
    following reports of lax enforcement of the HMSA and animals being
    skinned, dismembered, and scalded while still alive and conscious.

    COOPERATIVE STATE RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND EXTENSION SERVICE/VETERINARY
                            STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS

        We request $1,000,000 to begin to fully implement the National
    Veterinary Medical Service Act (Public Law 108-161), specifically
    authorized in 2003, that received initial funding of $500,000 in fiscal
    year 2006 and an additional $500,000 in fiscal year 2007. We appreciate
    that Congress has begun to address the critical shortage of
    veterinarians practicing in rural and inner-city areas, as well as in
    government positions such as at FSIS and APHIS. Having adequate
    veterinary care is a core animal welfare concern. A study released in
    June 2006 demonstrated the acute and worsening shortage of
    veterinarians working in rural farm animal practice, while domestic
    pets in both rural and urban areas are often left without necessary
    medical care. Veterinarians support our Nation's defense against
    bioterrorism (the Centers for Disease Control estimate that 80 percent
    of potential bioterrorism agents are zoonotic--transmitted from animals
    to human). They are also on the front lines addressing public health
    problems associated with pet overpopulation, parasites, rabies, chronic
    wasting disease, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (``mad cow''
    disease), and a host of other concerns. Veterinary school graduates
    face a debt burden of over $100,000 on average, and the lowest pay of
    any of the medical professions, with an average starting salary of
    $43,000. For those who choose employment in underserved rural or inner-
    city areas or public health practice, the National Veterinary Medical
    Service Act authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to forgive student
    debt. It also authorizes financial assistance for those who provide
    services during Federal emergency situations such as disease outbreaks
    or disasters. We hope you will build on the initial funding provided
    last year to expand this needed program under CSREES or such other
    account as the Committee deems appropriate.

        APHIS/EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS/DISASTER PLANNING FOR ANIMALS

        We request that you support the President's request of $1 million
    for Animal Care under APHIS' Emergency Management Systems line item.
    Hurricanes Katrina and Rita demonstrated that many people refuse to
    evacuate if they are forced to leave their pets behind. The Animal Care
    division has been asked to develop an infrastructure to help prepare
    for and respond to animal issues in a disaster and incorporate lessons
    learned from previous disasters. These funds will be used for staff
    time and resources to support State and local governments' and humane
    organizations' efforts to plan for protection of people with animals.
    The additional resources will enable the agency to participate, in
    partnership with FEMA, in the newly revised National Response Plan
    without jeopardizing other Animal Care programs.

                     APHIS/HORSE PROTECTION ACT ENFORCEMENT

        We hope you will provide $750,000 (an add-on of $254,000 above the
    amount requested by the President for fiscal year 2008) plus a one-time
    appropriation of $1 million for specialized equipment, and we urge the
    Committee to oppose any effort to restrict USDA from enforcing this law
    to the maximum extent possible. Congress enacted the Horse Protection
    Act in 1970 to end the obvious cruelty of physically soring the feet
    and legs of show horses. In an effort to exaggerate the high-stepping
    gate of Tennessee Walking Horses, unscrupulous trainers use a variety
    of methods to inflict pain on sensitive areas of the feet and legs for
    the effect of the leg-jerk reaction that is popular among many in the
    show-horse industry. This cruel practice continues unabated by the
    well-intentioned but seriously understaffed APHIS inspection program.
    The most effective way to meet the goal of the Horse Protection Act--to
    reduce the showing of sored horses--is to have Animal Care inspectors
    present at the shows. Owners who sore their horses go to great lengths
    to avoid detection, including leaving a show when USDA inspectors show
    up. The greater the likelihood of a USDA inspection, the greater the
    deterrent effect on those who routinely sore their horses.
    Unfortunately, Animal Care is able to attend fewer than 10 of the 500-
    plus shows held annually. Funding of $750,000 is needed to maintain a
    modest level of compliance with the Horse Protection Act by trained
    Animal Care professionals. Moreover, a one-time infusion of $1 million
    is needed to enable Animal Care to buy specialized equipment, such as
    digital radiography machines, that would enhance the ability of USDA
    inspectors to detect evidence of soring.

                             DOWNED ANIMALS AND BSE

        We are pleased that the Bush Administration proposed an interim
    final rule in January 2004 to ban the use of downed cattle for human
    food, in the wake of the discovery of a cow in Washington State that
    was infected with Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). We hope the
    Committee will codify this ban--and extend it to other livestock
    besides cattle. While transmission of BSE from infected cows to people
    is most well understood, there is some science indicating that pigs may
    also harbor a form of this disease and downer pigs and other downer
    livestock are at a significantly higher risk of transmitting other
    serious and sometimes fatal illnesses through their meat, such as E.
    coli and Salmonella. Moreover, these animals suffer just as downed
    cattle do when they are moved en route to slaughter.
        As the Committee is aware, some segments of industry and members of
    Congress have recommended weakening the USDA downed cattle ban. They
    claim that animals unable to walk because of injury pose no health
    risk. But injury and illness are often interrelated--an animal may
    stumble and break a leg because of disease that causes weakness and
    disorientation. And USDA inspectors would have a difficult--if not
    impossible--task trying to sort out the reason an animal became non-
    ambulatory. Major consumer groups including Consumers Union and
    Consumer Federation of America, support groups for victims of food-
    borne illness such as Safe Tables Our Priority (S.T.O.P.), Creutzfeldt-
    Jakob Disease Foundation, and CJD Voice, food safety organizations,
    companies such as McDonald's and Wendy's, and many others have all
    pointed out how reckless such a system would be. Of the BSE cases
    identified in Canada and the United States to date, 10 out of 11 have
    involved downers, and at least 3 of these were identified as downed due
    to injuries, including the Washington State case (``calving injuries'')
    and a January 2005 case in Canada (``slipped on ice/broken leg''). The
    sole BSE-positive animal not identified as a downer was a Canadian cow
    exhibiting ``abnormal locomotion and posture'' who was euthanized in
    January 2006.
        From an animal welfare perspective, a comprehensive ban is needed
    because a downed animal with a broken leg would suffer just as much as
    a sick one if it's dragged through a slaughterplant--maybe even more. A
    ban on use of all downers for human food also provides an incentive for
    producers to treat animals humanely and prevent livestock from going
    down. Even before the administrative ban, USDA estimated that only 0.4
    percent to 0.8 percent of all cows processed annually were non-
    ambulatory. The downer ban encourages producers and transporters to
    engage in responsible husbandry and handling practices, so that this
    percentage may be reduced to levels approaching zero. Temple Grandin--
    advisor to the American Meat Institute and others in the meat
    industry--has noted that as many as ninety percent of all downers are
    preventable. Cases that involve broken bones and other injuries are
    perhaps the most preventable with improved husbandry.
        Most Americans had no idea that animals too sick or injured to walk
    were being dragged with chains or hauled by bulldozer en route to the
    food supply. When that fact came to light in December 2003, USDA's
    prompt decision to ban all downer cattle from human food calmed
    consumers. Unraveling the ban would undermine consumer confidence. More
    than 99 percent of the 22,000+ public comments USDA received on its
    downer ban called on the agency to maintain and strengthen its downer
    ban, with most asking that other species be included. For a report on
    the comments received by the agency, please go to: http://
    files.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/2004_06_16_rept_USDA_comments.pdf.
        USDA testimony before various congressional committees has made
    clear that the agency need not rely on slaughterplant testing of
    downers for BSE surveillance purposes. Surveillance of downers can and
    should be conducted at rendering plants and on farms.
        In addition to the downer issue, we urge the Committee to provide
    adequate funding to ensure meaningful enforcement by the Food and Drug
    Administration of its ``feed ban,'' designed to prevent BSE-
    contaminated animal products from being fed to other animals. We are
    concerned that inspectors visit facilities infrequently and rely on
    self-reporting by those facilities and paperwork checking rather than
    first-hand evaluation of feed content and dedicated production lines.
    We are also concerned that FDA relies a great deal on State agencies to
    conduct this oversight, when most States face severe budget constraints
    that may compromise their ability to handle this job. Preventing the
    spread of BSE is vital to the Nation as a whole, for public health, the
    agricultural industry, and animal welfare. Vigorous enforcement of the
    feed ban is an essential component of this effort. We hope adequate
    Federal funds will be provided in fiscal year 2008 to meet this
    challenge.

                    ANIMAL WELFARE INFORMATION CENTER (AWIC)

        AWIC was established by the 1985 amendment to the Animal Welfare
    Act (the Improved Standards for Laboratory Animals Act) to serve as a
    clearinghouse, training center, and educational resource for
    institutions using animals in research, testing and teaching. This
    Center is the single most important resource for helping personnel at
    more than 1,200 U.S. research facilities meet their responsibilities
    under the AWA. Supported by a modest funding level, its services are
    available to all individuals at these institutions, from cage washers
    to Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) representatives
    and the Institutional Official. Given its indispensability not only in
    assisting with compliance with the AWA but also in providing up-to-date
    information on issues ranging from BSE to primate enrichment that are
    critical to the scientific and agricultural communities, we recommend
    that AWIC be listed as a separate line item. We urge Congress to resist
    any effort by ARS to eliminate AWIC; rather, it is essential to
    maintain a minimum base of $1.15 million. Moreover, we respectfully
    request an additional $650,000 (for a total of $1.8 million) in fiscal
    year 2008 for critically needed expansion and other improvements to
    meet growing demand for AWIC's expertise.
        Again, we appreciate the opportunity to share our views and
    priorities for the Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related
    Agencies Appropriation Act of Fiscal Year 2008. We appreciate the
    Committee's past support, and hope you will be able to accommodate
    these modest requests to address some very pressing problems affecting
    millions of animals in the United States. Thank you for your
    consideration.
                                     ______

                   Prepared Statement of The Wildlife Society

        The Wildlife Society appreciates the opportunity to submit
    testimony concerning the fiscal year 2008 budgets for the Natural
    Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Animal Plant Health Inspection
    Service (APHIS), and Cooperative State Research, Education and
    Extension Services (CSREES). The Wildlife Society represents over 7,500
    professional wildlife biologists and managers dedicated to sound
    wildlife stewardship through science and education. The Wildlife
    Society is committed to strengthening all Federal programs that benefit
    wildlife and their habitats on agricultural and other private land.
    Natural Resources Conservation Service
        The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary
    program that provides technical and financial support to farmers and
    ranchers to create high quality wildlife habitat. Since 1998, nearly
    $150 million has been dedicated to the program and over 2.8 million
    acres involving over 18,000 contracts have been enrolled. The Wildlife
    Society recommends funding WHIP at $100 million in fiscal year 2008 so
    that the program can continue to provide for fish and wildlife
    benefits.
        The Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) is a valuable program designed to
    assist farmers and ranchers in protecting and restoring wetland
    habitat. The Wildlife Society supports the President's enrollment
    target of 250,000 acres in fiscal year 2008. Full WRP enrollment is
    needed if the Administration intends to achieve the President's stated
    goal of no-net-loss of wetlands.
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
        Wildlife Services (WS), a unit of APHIS, is responsible for
    controlling wildlife damage to agriculture, aquaculture, forest, range,
    and other natural resources, for controlling wildlife-borne diseases,
    and for controlling wildlife at airports. Its activities are based on
    the principles of wildlife management and integrated damage management,
    and are carried out cooperatively with State fish and wildlife
    agencies. The Wildlife Society is concerned by the Administration's
    proposal to decrease funding in key activity areas for WS. The
    President's fiscal year 2008 proposed budget includes increases for
    wildlife monitoring and surveillance ($5.016 million) and the oral
    rabies vaccination program ($2 million), but proposes an overall
    decrease of $1.684 million in the WS Operations line item, requiring a
    redirection of $8.7 million. While we are pleased that these activities
    have gained presidential support, the net decrease to the WS
    operational budget will effectively result in an overall reduction in
    key activity areas. The Wildlife Society strongly recommends that
    Congress restore the proposed decrease of $1.684 million.
        We understand the importance of safeguarding our Nation against
    highly pathogenic avian influenza and applaud the added fiscal
    resources to address this critical issue. The President's fiscal year
    2008 budget proposal redirects $3.2 million for avian influenza
    research. The Wildlife Society recommends that Congress provide
    additional money to adequately fund this and other important and
    associated research. Redirection of funds for this program would have
    serious and, in many cases, terminal effects on important existing
    projects, including the Jack Berryman Institute for Wildlife Damage
    Management at Utah and Mississippi State Universities; the Logan, Utah
    Predator Research Station; the newly-established Texas A&M University-
    Kingsville Research Field Station; and the Starkville, Mississippi
    Research Field Station.
        The Wildlife Society is very concerned about the proposed $1.39
    million reduction in the Brucellosis Program budget. Because of its
    presence in wild elk and bison, brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone
    Area will be especially difficult to eliminate and will require more,
    not less, fiscal resources to accomplish. We recommend Congress restore
    brucellosis funding to $11 million in fiscal year 2008 and that USDA-
    APHIS-Veterinary Services continue to utilize the authorities and
    expertise of the Greater Yellowstone Interagency Brucellosis Committee
    to address domestic livestock interactions with wild elk and bison in
    the region.
        The Wildlife Society commends APHIS-Veterinary Services for
    providing funding to State wildlife management agencies for Chronic
    Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance and management in free-ranging deer
    and elk. Additionally, The Wildlife Society strongly supports APHIS'
    efforts to eliminate CWD from captive cervids in order to eliminate the
    risk of spread of the disease from these animals to free-ranging deer
    and elk. The surveillance and monitoring efforts conducted by all 50
    States during 2004 and 2005 would not have been possible without this
    cooperative funding. Additionally, knowledge of the presence and
    prevalence of CWD has been enhanced by this program. Without continued
    funding, States will be unable to maintain the level of CWD
    surveillance necessary to track the disease. The Wildlife Society
    recommends restoring the $6.3 million decrease to return funding to
    fiscal year 2007 levels.
    Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
        The Renewable Resources Extension Act (RREA) provides an expanded,
    comprehensive extension program for forest and rangeland renewable
    resources. The RREA funds, which are apportioned to State Extension
    Services, effectively leverage cooperative partnerships at an average
    of four to one, with a focus on private landowners. The need for RREA
    educational programs is greater today than ever because of continuing
    fragmentation of ownership, urbanization, the diversity of landowners
    needing assistance and increasing societal concerns about land use and
    the impact on natural resources including soil, water, air, wildlife
    and other environmental factors. The Wildlife Society recommends that
    the Renewable Resources Extension Act be funded at $30 million, as
    authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill.
        The proposed budget for fiscal year 2008 reflects a slight decrease
    for the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry program. The proposal
    would modify the McIntire-Stennis formula program by creating a multi-
    State research program supported by about 62 percent of the total
    funding. All McIntire-Stennis multi-State funds will be distributed
    through competitively awarded grants in 2008. This represents a
    significant departure from prior years. These funds are essential to
    the future of resource management on non-industrial private
    forestlands, as forest products are produced while conserving natural
    resources, including fish and wildlife. As demand for forest products
    grow, private-land forests will increasingly be needed to supplement
    supplies, but trees suitable for harvest take decades to produce
    (versus the single year in which crops such as corn and soybeans can be
    harvested). In the absence of long-term and on-going research, such as
    provided through McIntire-Stennis, the Nation could easily become ill-
    suited to meet future forest-product needs. Replacement of McIntire-
    Stennis funding with competitive grants will leave long-term and stable
    forest research to chance. The Wildlife Society strongly believes that
    the reasons for continuing the McIntire-Stennis Cooperative Forestry
    program into the future are compelling and urges Congress to increase
    the fiscal year 2008 budget to $25 million, an amount more consistent
    with historic levels.
        National Research Initiative (NRI) Competitive Grants are open to
    academic institutions, Federal agencies, and private organizations to
    fund research on improving agricultural practices, particularly
    production systems that are sustainable both environmentally and
    economically, and to develop methods for protecting natural resources
    and wildlife. Innovative grant programs such as NRI help broaden
    approaches to land management, such as integrating timber and wildlife
    management on private lands. The Wildlife Society supports the
    Administration's request of $256.5 million for National Research
    Initiative Competitive Grants. Included within that total, however, is
    approximately $36 million for programs authorized under Section 406 of
    the Research, Extension and Education Act of 1998 and previously funded
    under the ``Integrated Activities'' line in the CSREES budget. While
    The Wildlife Society does not oppose this consolidation, Congress
    should ensure that sufficient funding is available to support all of
    these efforts at no less than their fiscal year 2007 levels.
        Thank you for considering the views of wildlife professionals. We
    look forward to working with you and your staff to ensure adequate
    funding for wildlife conservation.
                                     ______

          Prepared Statement of the United States Telecom Association

                               SUMMARY OF REQUEST

    Project Involved
        Telecommunications Loan and Grant Programs Administered by the
    Rural Utilities Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
    Actions Proposed
        Supporting RUS loan levels and the associated funding subsidy, as
    required, for the 5 percent direct loan program ($145 million) and cost
    of money program ($250 million) in fiscal year 2008 in the amounts
    requested in the President's budget.
        Supporting Section 306 guaranteed loans in the amount ($295
    million) requested in the President's budget.
        Opposing the budget request that would cut direct loans for
    broadband facilities and internet service access by 40 percent from the
    fiscal year 2006 enacted level of $500 million.
        Supporting renewal of the pilot broadband grant program and an
    allocation of a portion of the authorized levels for broadband loans at
    reduced interest rates to accelerate deployment of this technology in
    rural areas.
        Continuation of the general provision contained in previous
    appropriations acts that would prohibit RUS from drafting or
    implementing any regulation or rule requiring recertification of rural
    status for telephone borrowers.
        Supporting the continued elimination of the 7 percent cap on cost
    of money loans
        Supporting continued funding, as requested in the President's
    budget, in the amount of $25 million for telemedicine and distance
    learning grants in rural areas.
        Seeking language strengthening and improving the operation of the
    broadband loan program in the Committee Report accompanying the bill.
        Supporting provision of sufficient funds for staff, including legal
    staff, to properly administer the telecommunications and broadband
    programs.
        I am Walter B. McCormick, Jr., President and CEO of the United
    States Telecom Association (USTelecom). I submit this testimony in the
    interests of the members of USTelecom and the customers they serve.
    USTelecom represents innovative companies ranging from the smallest
    rural telecoms in the Nation to some of the largest corporations in the
    U.S. economy. Our member companies offer a wide range of services
    across the communications landscape, including voice, video and data
    over local exchange, long distance, Internet and cable networks.
        USTelecom members firmly believe that the targeted assistance
    offered by a strong RUS telecommunications loan and grant program
    remains essential to a healthy and growing rural telecommunications
    industry that contributes to the provision of universal telecom
    service. We appreciate the strong support this Committee has provided
    for the RUS telecom program since its inception in 1949 and look
    forward to a vigorous program for the future.
    Rural Areas Need Access to Broadband Service
        Access to a reliable source of capital such as the RUS loan
    programs is key to the system upgrades which will enable rural areas to
    experience the economic growth and job creation that a freely
    competitive market with ready access to fairly priced capital can
    provide.
        It is critically important that rural areas be included in the
    nationwide drive for greater bandwidth capacity. In order to provide
    higher speed data services, such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or
    even fiber optic connections to the Internet, outside plant must be
    modernized and switching must be migrated to new platforms. These
    investments may not be justified by market conditions in low density
    high cost rural areas, so the RUS program provides important financial
    incentives for additional investment which encourages rural
    telecommunications companies to build facilities which allow advanced
    services, including distance learning and telemedicine, to be provided.
    The externalities measured in terms of economic development and human
    development more than justify this investment in the future by the
    federal government.
        Greater bandwidth and packet switching capabilities are crucial
    infrastructure elements which will allow rural businesses, schools and
    health care facilities to take advantage of the other programs
    available to them as end users. The money spent on having the most
    modern and sophisticated equipment available at the premises of
    businesses, schools or clinics is wasted if the local
    telecommunications company cannot afford to build facilities that
    quickly transport and switch the large amounts of voice, video and data
    that these entities generate. RUS funding enhances the synergies among
    the FCC and RUS programs targeted at improving rural education and
    health care through telecommunications.
        RUS endures because it is a brilliantly conceived public-private
    partnership in which the borrowers are the conduits for the federal
    government benefits that flow to rural telephone customers, the true
    beneficiaries of the RUS program. The government's contribution is
    leveraged by the equity, technical expertise and dedication of local
    telecom companies. The small amount of government capital involved is
    more than paid back through a historically perfect repayment record by
    telecom borrowers, as well as the additional tax revenues generated by
    the jobs and economic development resulting from the provision and
    upgrading of telecommunications infrastructure. RUS is the ideal
    government program--it provides incentives where the market does not
    for private companies to invest in infrastructure promoting needed
    rural economic development, it allows citizens to have access to
    services which can mean the difference between life and death, and it
    has never lost a nickel of taxpayer money because of a telecom carrier
    default.
    Recommendations
        For fiscal year 2008, this Committee should set the loan levels and
    necessary associated subsidy amounts for the 5 percent direct loan
    program and cost of money loan programs consistent with the levels
    recommended in the President's budget. The guaranteed
    telecommunications loan program should also be funded at the level
    requested in the budget.
        Congress and the President have recognized the tremendous potential
    of broadband technology to enhance human and economic development in
    rural areas by establishing as a priority loans for the deployment of
    such technology in rural areas. USTelecom urges the provision of
    funding for these loans sufficient to support $500,000,000, the same
    amount adopted in the 2006 appropriations act. The capital intensive
    nature of the telecommunications industry, particularly with respect to
    implementation of broadband, requires a stable and predictable source
    of funds. Congress should be lauded for its recognition of the
    importance of broadband deployment to our Nation's economy and
    particularly for the recognition, through support of the RUS program,
    of the tremendous impact broadband telecommunications can have on
    economic growth and development in rural America. The pilot broadband
    grant program, initiated by Congress in previous appropriations acts,
    should be renewed at a higher level and increased funding should be
    provided so that a portion of the authorized levels for broadband loans
    can be allocated to reduced interest rate loans.
    Improving the Effectiveness of the RUS Broadband Program
        Redirecting Broadband Program Funding to Unserved Areas.--Since the
    inception of the broadband program, RUS has used a substantial portion
    of the available funds to make loans to areas that already have
    broadband service. RUS justifies these loans for duplicative facilities
    with the contention that service in these areas is inadequate and so
    the areas are ``underserved'', thereby permitting such duplication. For
    purposes of making broadband loans, RUS defines broadband service as
    200 kbps. Yet when determining whether an area is underserved, RUS will
    make a loan to any entity which promises a faster speed than is
    provided by the incumbent, even if the incumbent is providing service
    far in excess of the 200kbps standard RUS has set for new loans. RUS
    should be directed to use the same standard for new broadband loans as
    for the determination that an area is ``underserved''.
        RUS also has determined that an area is underserved if the
    applicant seeking to provide duplicative service will offer a
    substantial price differential relative to the incumbent. RUS has no
    objective standard for determining what constitutes a ``substantial
    price differential''. RUS should be directed to establish an objective
    standard through report language.
        The RUS broadband program should exclusively focus on extending the
    reach of broadband in rural America with a goal of ubiquitous
    deployment. Making loans for duplicative facilities and service, when
    other citizens in rural America reside in areas with no service at all,
    is a waste of scarce government resources. To properly redirect
    government funds to areas unserved by broadband, Congress should
    clarify that loans funds not be used for duplicative facilities, and
    should reaffirm that the non-duplication requirements of Title II of
    the Rural Electrification Act are equally applicable to the Title VI
    broadband program. The Undersecretary for Rural Development should be
    required to make a legal finding that any loan for broadband will not
    result in a duplication of facilities. To assist the Undersecretary in
    making this finding, RUS broadband applications should include the
    identity, list of services and charges as well as the service areas of
    the incumbent provider. Also, to the extent that they do not conflict,
    Congress should reaffirm that all the provisions of Title II, such as
    those relating to area coverage and loan feasibility, are equally
    applicable to the Title VI broadband program.
        Congress Should Amend the Farm Bill to Improve the Efficiency of
    the Broadband Program.--The statutory exclusion of companies with more
    than 2 percent of that Nation's access lines from the broadband program
    is an unfortunate policy decision that limits the effectiveness of RUS
    in targeting funds to unserved areas. The RUS telephone program
    contains no such exclusion. Rural customers, the true beneficiaries of
    the RUS program, should not be denied its benefits because of the
    identity of the carrier from which they receive service. Similarly, the
    statutory requirement that the term of broadband loans cannot exceed
    the expected useful life of the facilities being financed increases the
    size of periodic loan repayments and diminishes loan feasibility. Since
    RUS has a lien on all the property of the borrower, not just the new
    facilities, in most instances there is more than sufficient security
    for the loan for the broadband equipment. As long as the security of
    the government's loan is sufficient, the term of the loan in relation
    to the life of the facilities financed is irrelevant.
        Congress Should Take Action to Improve the Feasibility of Loans in
    Unserved Areas by Renewing the Pilot Broadband Grant Program at a
    Higher Level and Increasing Funding to Permit Reduced Interest Rate
    Loans.--The RUS program is a public/private partnership. The government
    provides funds to fulfill a social goal and the borrowers use those
    funds to implement that goal in a way that makes sense for their
    business. Both goals are met when the revenues from the financed
    facilities generate sufficient revenue to repay the loan according to
    its terms. Providing broadband service in rural and remote areas
    currently unserved is a financially challenging proposition. While cost
    of money loans may provide a cost savings sufficient to make a project
    financially doable in some areas, other areas may need below cost loans
    or a combination of loans and grants in order to ensure feasibility.
    The pilot broadband grant program should be renewed at a higher level
    and increased funding should be provided so that a portion of the
    authorized levels for broadband loans can be allocated at reduced
    interest rates to accelerate deployment of broadband facilities in
    rural areas.
    Elimination of the Seven Percent cap on the Interest Rate for the
            ``Cost of Money'' Program
        For a number of years, through the appropriations process, Congress
    has eliminated the seven percent ``cap'' placed on the insured cost-of-
    money loan program. The elimination of the cap should continue. If long
    term Treasury interest rates exceeded the 7 percent ceiling contained
    in the authorizing act, the subsidy would not be adequate to support
    the program at the authorized level. This would be extremely disruptive
    and hinder the program from accomplishing its statutory goals.
    Accordingly, USTelecom supports continuation of the elimination of the
    seven percent cap on cost-of-money insured loans in fiscal year 2008.
    Recommended Loan Levels
        USTelecom recommends that the telephone program loan levels for
    fiscal year 2008 be set as follows:

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Insured 5 percent Direct Loans..........................    $145,000,000
    Insured Cost-of-Money Loans.............................     250,000,000
    Loan Guarantees.........................................     295,000,000
    Broadband Telecommunications Loans......................     500,000,000
                                                             ---------------
          Total.............................................   1,190,000,000
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Loans and Grants for Telemedicine and Distance Learning
        USTelecom supports the continuation of $25 million in grants for
    distance learning and telemedicine, as provided in the President's
    budget. As we move into the Information Age with the tremendous
    potential of the Internet to increase productivity, economic
    development, education and medicine, such funds can help continue the
    historic mission of RUS to support the extension of vital new services
    to rural America.
    Recertification of Rural Status Would Be Disruptive and Chill Rural
            Telecom Investment
        The Administration's budget notes that USDA will propose rule
    changes to require recertification of rural status for each electric
    and telecommunications borrower on the first loan request received in
    or after 2008 and on the first loan request received after each
    subsequent Census. Telecom construction and investment is a long term
    continuous process, not a project by project proposition. The
    uncertainty created by the possibility of decertifying a borrower as
    rural after it has established a relationship with RUS and begun
    borrowing funds for expansion and upgrading according to a long term
    plan would be disruptive and discourage borrowers from participating in
    the RUS program, thereby denying its benefits to subscribers. The
    ``once rural always rural'' practice of RUS has been extraordinarily
    successful at providing needed long term capital, at a careful and
    measured pace, to telecom carriers intent on expanding and upgrading
    service to promote rural economic development. Congress should deny
    funding in fiscal year 2008 for such a rule change.
    Conclusion
        Our members take pleasure and pride in reminding the Committee that
    the RUS telecommunications program continues its perfect record of no
    defaults by telecommunications carriers in over a half century of
    existence. RUS telecom borrowers take seriously their obligations to
    their government, their Nation and their subscribers. They will
    continue to invest in our rural communities, use government loan funds
    carefully and judiciously, and do their best to assure the continued
    affordability of telecommunications services in rural America. Our
    members have confidence that the Committee will continue to recognize
    the importance of assuring a strong and effective RUS
    Telecommunications and Broadband Program through authorization of
    sufficient funding and loan levels.
                                     ______

     Prepared Statement of the University of Southern Mississippi and the
                         Mississippi Polymer Institute

        Mr. Chairman, distinguished Members of the Subcommittee, I thank
    you for this opportunity to provide testimony describing ongoing
    research and commercializing efforts of The University of Southern
    Mississippi (USM) and the Mississippi Polymer Institute. I am very
    grateful to the Subcommittee for its leadership and the continued
    support of the Institute and its work. This testimony will include an
    update on the progress of the Institute since my testimony of
    approximately one year ago. During the past year, our efforts have
    focused principally on two research and commercialization areas. One
    effort involves our novel, agricultural-based inventions in emulsion
    polymerizations, and the other is to produce a commercial quality,
    formaldehyde-free, soybean based adhesive for composite board
    materials, specifically, particleboard. During the past year, we have
    advanced emulsion polymerization technology, and continued to refine
    the soy adhesive while preparing lab scale particleboards that now
    exceed all levels of commercial specifications for particleboard. It is
    my strong belief that additional research can expand the commercial use
    of the products and technology produced in these projects. However,
    more work must be accomplished to capitalize upon the variety of
    current and potential uses for these novel agricultural derived
    technology developments. I will discuss the progress for each of these
    research and development thrusts to provide maximum clarity.
        Seven patents, patent applications, and memorandums of invention
    were generated in 2006. Additionally in 2006, seven manuscripts were
    published, seven presentations to technical societies were given, and
    students who have performed laboratory research have won three awards.
    We remain energized, active, and successful at utilizing funding to
    increase the value of agricultural products and co-products, and
    discovering viable methods for utilizing agricultural-based products as
    alternatives or supplements to petroleum-derived materials. The success
    of our technology depends upon the use of agricultural materials as the
    primary building blocks for emulsion-derived polymers, and thus clearly
    offers opportunities for using ag-derived materials as a basic
    feedstock in the polymer industry. The same is true for the use of
    soybeans as an alternative to formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
        The 2006-2007 research and development year was quite successful
    resulting in several pilot plant trials and planned commercial scale
    production for vegetable oil-based monomers and polymers. Vegetable oil
    macromonomers (VOMMs) have proved valuable in the synthesis of zero
    volatile organic content (VOC) architectural latexes, associative
    thickeners in coatings, as well as serving as the polymer
    infrastructure for Navy Haze Gray paint. The DOD is desirable of a
    replacement technology that excludes flammable organic solvents,
    contains zero VOCs, and matches or exceeds current performance
    requirements. We are happy to report that these requirements have been
    realized by use of unique agricultural-derived monomer technology
    invented in these laboratories. Vegetable oil-based monomers and
    latexes derived from this technology are being evaluated for use in
    adhesives, foams, wood composites, and several different coatings
    applications. Our VOMM synthesis techniques have been optimized to
    achieve greater than 90 percent conversion, producing only glycerol as
    a byproduct. The revised and now accepted synthetic procedure affords a
    useful, polymerizable VOMM without extraordinary methods or processes,
    thus reducing the cost of manufacture. During 2005 and 2006, our
    successful and novel synthetic techniques have allowed the synthesis of
    new emulsion polymers whose composition contains up to 70 percent VOMM
    by weight (based upon polymer solids). Moreover, this technology
    provides chemically and physically stable polymers suitable for a
    variety of end uses, particularly in coatings formulations. A
    significant advancement this year is attributed to our new level of
    control and understanding between monomer design and partitioning
    during the emulsion polymerization process. The novel derivatives
    provide VOMMs that are more readily copolymerizable with common
    commercial monomers.
        As an example of the potential impact of monomers and polymers
    derived from this technology, the following statistics are cited. In
    2004, sales of low gloss water thinned paints (including tinting bases)
    were 181 million gallons, with a value of $1,551 million
    (www.census.gov.mcd). A 1 percent share of this market within two years
    would amount to 1.81 million gallons of low gloss paint. A typical flat
    latex paint contains 1,200 g of latex per gallon. With latexes
    containing 20 percent soybean oil derivatives, this market share would
    consume 950,000 lbs of soybean oil or 89,540 bushels (up to 70 percent
    soy oil derivatives have already been achieved in 2005-2006). It would
    not be unrealistic to expect that in five years, a market share of 5
    percent resulting in the annual consumption of 447,700 bushels of
    soybeans for high value-added monomers and high performance decorative
    and protective coatings. The environmental impact has potential to
    reduce volatile organic emissions by 3.6 million lbs per year at only 1
    percent market share (data 250 g/L VOC 3.78L/gal, 1.81 million gallons
    and 1 percent market share).
        Vernonia oil, a naturally occurring epoxidized oil, was reacted
    with supercritical carbon dioxide to yield carbonated vernonia oil.
    This derivative has much lower viscosity than its synthetic analogs and
    can serve as a precursor for synthesizing isocyanate-free
    polyurethanes. The synthesis is an attractive option for reducing
    global levels of carbon dioxide while utilizing mainly natural
    products. Additionally, vernonia oil was modified to yield a novel
    polyol that resulted in lower viscosity than commercial, petrochemical-
    based polyol at the same hydroxyl value. This polyol was the key
    component in the synthesis of rigid foams that meet or exceed the
    mechanical performance of commercial foams based on petrochemical
    derivatives.
        A soybean oil-based VOMM was employed in the synthesis of
    associative thickeners for use with commercial latexes. The biobased
    thickener provided improved thickening efficiency when compared to
    commercial petrochemical-based thickeners at equal concentrations. The
    soybean oil-based VOMM was also used in the synthesis of a biobased
    ultraviolet absorber (UVA). The UVA displayed good gloss retention
    properties and its synthesis is being optimized to improve its effect
    on color retention.
        Commercial nail polishes contain very high amounts of organic
    solvents which constitute volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and
    negatively impact the environment. VOMM-based latexes, without the
    organic solvents, were formulated into environmentally-responsible,
    glossy nail polishes with acceptable dry times and water resistance
    properties.
        In summary, commercialization efforts have continued over the past
    year with waterborne architectural coatings, new technology to meet DOD
    needs for Navy Haze Gray waterborne paint, environmentally-responsible
    nail polish formulations, associative thickeners, and UV absorbers.
    Patents have been approved; new patent applications have been
    submitted; high performance monomers have been created and scaled-up
    for manufacture at toll production levels; new higher performing
    coatings have been designed, manufactured, formulated, and tested; and
    formulation efforts have been directed toward the generation of high
    performance, low odor, and low VOC coatings. We are optimistic that
    commercialization and sales of one or more of these ag-derived products
    will be realized in the year ahead.
        In yet another of our novel ag-based technologies, we have
    developed formaldehyde-free adhesives for use in particleboard
    composites. The developmental adhesive is composed of soy protein
    isolate (SPI), and lab produced particleboards made with this
    formaldehyde-free adhesive meet or exceed industry performance
    requirements as defined by ANSI standards for M1, M2, M3, and M-S grade
    boards. Processing and board production are compatible with current
    equipment and methodologies. Sustained research efforts have resulted
    in higher adhesive solids resulting in faster line speeds. Plant trials
    conducted with this novel soy-derived adhesive at a commercial
    particleboard manufacturing plant generated boards that were consistent
    with boards made in our laboratories under similar processing
    conditions. Particleboards typically employ wood chips as the
    discontinuous phase. Alternate sources of wood furnish are of interest
    in expanding the utility of soybean protein adhesive in composite
    applications. We have developed biobased composites using our soybean
    protein-based adhesive in conjunction with alternative materials such
    as cork, vermiculite, kenaf, and recycled paper, while
    polycaprolactone, defatted soy flour, lignin, and cellulose were
    evaluated as additives.
        In 1983, the Mississippi Legislature authorized the Mississippi
    Polymer Institute at USM to work closely with emerging industries and
    other existing polymer-related industries to assist with research,
    problem solving, commercializing efforts, and workforce development.
    The Institute has maintained that thrust during the past year with much
    success. In fact, while manufacturing jobs alone in Mississippi have
    declined over the past 10 years, manufacturing jobs in the plastics
    sector have continued to increase (45 percent growth in 2004). The
    Institute provides industry and government with applied or focused
    research, development support, commercializing assistance, and
    workforce development. This effort complements existing strong ties
    with industry and government involving exchange of information and
    improved employment opportunities for USM graduates. Most importantly,
    through basic and applied research coupled with developmental and
    commercializing efforts of the Institute, the School of Polymers and
    High Performance Materials continues to address national needs of high
    priority.
        Our research remains focused on the study and development of
    technology platforms that facilitate further commercialization of
    alternative agricultural crops for use in the polymer industry. The
    polymer industry maintains its position as the single largest consumer
    of petroleum chemical intermediates in the world. The finite supply of
    petroleum resources has resulted in extreme price pressures as
    worldwide demand continues to increase. Unfortunately, this feedstock
    normally generates non-biodegradable raw materials that are not carbon
    neutral, and therefore do not represent a sustainable alternative for
    economic development in the polymer industry. The theme of our work is
    to develop high performance, and environmentally responsible technology
    utilizing agricultural intermediates. In this way, we as a Nation can
    improve our environment, reduce our dependence on imported petroleum,
    and keep America's farmlands in production. As farm products meet the
    industrial needs of the American society, rural America is the
    benefactor. Heretofore, these successful efforts to utilize alternative
    agricultural products as an industrial feedstock continue to receive
    more and more attention but drastically less than these high tech
    innovations and opportunities warrant. Your decisions are crucial to
    the accomplishment of these goals as funding from this Subcommittee has
    enabled us to implement and maintain an active group of university-
    based polymer scientists whose energies are devoted to commercializing
    alternative crops. We are most grateful to you for this support, and
    ask for your continued commitment.
        Polymers, which include fibers, plastics, composites, coatings,
    adhesives, inks, and elastomers, play a key role in the materials
    industry. They are used in a wide range of industries including
    textiles, aerospace, automotive, packaging, construction, medical
    prosthesis, and health care. In the aerospace and automotive
    applications, reduced weight and high strength make them increasingly
    important as fuel savers. Their non-metallic character and almost
    unlimited design potential support their use for many national defense
    purposes. Moreover, select polymers are possible substitutes for so-
    called strategic materials, some of which come from potentially
    unreliable sources.
        As a polymer scientist, I am intrigued by the vast opportunities
    offered by American agriculture. As a professor, however, I continue to
    be disappointed that few of our science and business students receive
    training in the polymer-agricultural discipline despite its enormous
    potential. At USM, we are attempting to make a difference by showing
    others what can be accomplished if appropriate time, energy, and
    resources are devoted to the understanding of ag-based products. For
    more than 40 years, I have watched the evolution of polymers where
    almost each new product offered the opportunity for many more. Although
    polymer science as a discipline has experienced expansion and a degree
    of public acceptance, alternative agricultural materials in the polymer
    industry continue to be an underutilized national treasure. Now is the
    ideal time for agricultural materials to make significant inroads as
    environmentally-responsible, biodegradable, and renewable raw
    materials.
        U.S. agriculture has made the transition from the farm fields to
    the kitchen tables, but America's industrial community continues to be
    frightfully slow in adopting ag-based industrial materials. The prior
    sentence was included in my last four testimonies but continues to ring
    true, even as I write this report. We are making progress and we must
    persist. We must aggressively pursue this opportunity and in doing so:
      --Intensify United States efforts to commercialize alternative crops
            and dramatically reduce atmospheric VOC emissions and odor for
            a much cleaner and less noxious air for all Americans.
      --Reduce United States reliance on imported petroleum.
      --Maintain a healthy and prosperous farm economy.
      --Foster new cooperative opportunities between American farmers and
            American industry.
      --Create advanced polymer technology-based manufacturing jobs that
            cannot be easily exported to other countries.
      --Maintain our innovative and developmental competitive edge over
            other less environmentally-responsible countries and less
            competitive economies.
        Mr. Chairman, your leadership and support are deeply appreciated by
    the entire University of Southern Mississippi community. While I can
    greatly appreciate the financial restraints facing your Subcommittee, I
    feel confident that further support of the Mississippi Polymer
    Institute will continue to pay dividends by way of increasing
    commercialization opportunities for agricultural materials in the
    American industry. Advances in polymer research are crucial to food,
    transportation, housing, and defense industries. Our work has clearly
    established the value of ag products as industrial raw materials, and
    we must move it from the laboratories to the industrial manufacturing
    sector. Only then can the United States enjoy the cleaner and safer
    environment that these technologies offer, as well as new jobs, and
    expanded opportunities for the U.S. farmer. We are most grateful for
    the support provided by you in the past. The funding you provided has
    facilitated laboratory work to be conducted, manufacturing scale-up to
    be accomplished, and ensured sales (although limited) of products based
    on this technology. However, additional funds are needed to make these
    technologies cost effective while maintaining the high performance
    standards to which we are accustomed. Pilot scale processes are
    necessary to move this technology into the market place, and will be
    the principal focus of our upcoming work. Of course, while working to
    achieve commercialization, we are committed to continue technology
    advancement, as will basic research on those topic areas where
    knowledge is required.
        Since our testimony last year, our research and development efforts
    have effectively shown that sustained research has expanded the
    viability of agricultural derivatives. Indeed, the technology is
    maturing, which must be followed by marketing and sales to realize full
    potential. Thus, we are asking for your support to advance these
    technologies to the market place, and to continue our development of
    other useful ag-derived technologies. We therefore respectfully request
    $1.5 million in Federal funding to more fully exploit the potential of
    commercializing the technologies described herein. We have shown that
    we can be successful, yet we need additional resources to optimize the
    potential of the knowledge creation described herein. Our efforts will
    be recognized as instrumental in developing a ``process'' for the
    commercialization of new ag-based products. We have proven that we are
    successful in developing technologies from the ``idea'' stage to scale-
    up for commercialization in several market areas. Thank you, Mr.
    Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee, for your support and
    consideration.
                                     ______

      Prepared Statement of the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association

        The Upper Mississippi River Basin Association (UMRBA) is the
    organization created in 1981 by the Governors of Illinois, Iowa,
    Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin to serve as a forum for coordinating
    the five States' river-related programs and policies and for
    collaborating with Federal agencies on regional water resource issues.
    As such, the UMRBA has an interest in the budget for the U.S.
    Department of Agriculture's conservation programs and technical
    assistance.
        Of particular importance to the UMRBA is funding for the
    Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP),
    Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and Conservation
    Security Program (CSP). Taken together, these four programs provide an
    invaluable means for the USDA to work with landowners, local
    conservation districts, and the States to maintain agricultural
    productivity while protecting the nation's soil and water resources.
    CRP, WRP, EQIP, and CSP are key non-regulatory elements in the States'
    efforts to address agricultural sources of water quality impairment
    through the Total Maximum Daily Load program and can help address the
    national concern with hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico.
    Conservation Reserve Program
        The UMRBA supports President Bush's fiscal year 2008 budget request
    of $2 billion for the Conservation Reserve Program, a slight increase
    over fiscal year 2007. Through CRP, farmers and ranchers can
    voluntarily establish long term conservation practices, such as filter
    strips and riparian buffers, on highly erodible and environmentally
    sensitive cropland.
        In the UMRBA States (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and
    Wisconsin), total CRP enrollment is currently 7.1 million acres, or
    approximately 19 percent of the national CRP acreage. Yet the five
    States' CRP enrollment represents 41 percent of the total number of CRP
    contracts, 40 percent of the total number of farms enrolled nationwide
    in the CRP, and 32 percent of the total annual CRP rental payments. CRP
    contracts expiring in 2007 cover 2 million acres in the five UMRBA
    States. Preliminary data indicate that 77 percent of those expiring
    acres will be re-enrolled or extended.
        All five UMRBA States also have active Conservation Reserve
    Enhancement Programs (CREP) tailored to meet their priority
    conservation needs. Current CREP enrollment in the five States is over
    261,000 acres, or 28 percent of the national total. These rates of
    participation clearly demonstrate the importance of the CRP and CREP in
    the nation's agricultural heartland and reflect the compatibility of
    these programs with agricultural productivity.
    Wetlands Reserve Program
        The President's fiscal year 2008 budget proposes $455 million for
    the Wetlands Reserve Program, an increase of 72 percent over fiscal
    year 2007 spending estimates. UMRBA applauds this substantial increase
    and the Administration's goal of enrolling 250,000 acres, bringing the
    total acres to WRP's authorized program cap.
        WRP easements have proven to be important tools for restoring and
    protecting wetlands in agricultural areas. This is clearly evident from
    the overwhelming landowner response and the resulting improvements to
    water quality and habitat. From fiscal year 1992 through fiscal year
    2006, NRCS has enrolled 2,680 contracts in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota,
    Missouri, and Wisconsin totaling more than 352,000 acres, or 19 percent
    of the national total. In fiscal year 2006, $56.3 million of WRP
    funding was allocated to the five Upper Mississippi River States,
    representing a quarter of all WRP investment that year. Yet the future
    viability of WRP is in question as a result of the 2006 change in the
    way USDA appraises property for WRP easements. The new ``Yellow Book''
    appraisal system has resulted in lower price-per-acre offers, making
    enrollment in WRP less attractive for many landowners and potentially
    leading to enrollment of less environmentally valuable lands. UMRBA is
    concerned that WRP target the most ecologically valuable wetland areas
    and thus urges Congress and USDA to evaluate the impacts of the new WRP
    appraisal system and take action to maintain the program's future
    effectiveness.
    Environmental Quality Incentives Program
        In contrast to conservation programs that protect land and water
    resources by curtailing production on sensitive lands, the
    Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) supports conservation
    on working lands. Promoting agricultural production and environmental
    quality as compatible goals is particularly important in the Midwest
    agricultural heartland.
        The President is proposing to fund EQIP at $1.0 billion in fiscal
    year 2008, essentially unchanged from the fiscal year 2007 funding
    level. The UMRBA supports this investment, noting that EQIP is a
    tremendously popular conservation program in the 5 States of the Upper
    Mississippi River Basin. In fiscal year 2006, $75.7 million was paid
    for conservation practices completed in UMR States under 1997-2006 EQIP
    contracts. In addition, 5700 new EQIP contracts were approved in fiscal
    year 2006 in the UMR States, obligating $97 million in future financial
    assistance. Yet that same year, an additional 6700 applications,
    totaling $125 million, were left unfunded.
    Conservation Security Program
        The President's fiscal year 2008 budget request of $316 million for
    the Conservation Security Program (CSP) reflects a 22 percent increase
    over fiscal year 2007 for this popular voluntary program, which
    provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers
    who implement conservation measures on working lands. However, the
    President's proposed funding level will only be sufficient to continue
    to support CSP contracts signed in prior years. No new enrollments
    would be offered in 2008. Given the popularity and effectiveness of the
    CSP, the UMRBA urges Congress to consider increasing CSP funding beyond
    what the Administration has proposed to enable additional eligible
    acreages to benefit.
        In the first 3 years of CSP (2004-2006), 28 of the 280 eligible
    watersheds in the nation were in the 5 States of the Upper Mississippi
    River Basin. Within those 28 watersheds, there are 6,139 approved CSP
    contracts, which constitute nearly one-third of all CSP contracts, and
    total $56 million in approved payments.
        In fiscal year 2007, there are 51 additional watersheds eligible
    for CSP nationwide, including one in each of the 5 UMRBA States.
    Conservation Technical Assistance
        Through the Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) program, NRCS
    provides the technical capability that helps people plan and apply
    conservation on the land. NRCS works through and in partnership with
    conservation districts to assist individuals and groups in assessing
    conservation needs and planning, designing, and installing conservation
    practices. In addition, the CTA program assists in preparing landowners
    to participate in USDA conservation financial assistance and easement
    programs, provides emergency disaster technical assistance, and enables
    NRCS to coordinate with other programs such as U.S. EPA's nonpoint
    source management program and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Partners
    for Wildlife. Approximately $91 million in CTA funding was allocated to
    the five UMRBA States (Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and
    Wisconsin) in fiscal year 2006.
        Given that CTA is the foundation for much of the nation's private
    lands conservation assistance, UMRBA supports the President's fiscal
    year 2008 funding request of $679 million for CTA, a 3 percent increase
    over the fiscal year 2007 estimated spending level.
    Watershed Programs
        The UMRBA is concerned that the President is proposing deep cuts to
    NRCS's watershed programs, including total elimination of the Watershed
    and Flood Prevention Operations program, which funds Public Law 566 and
    Public Law 534 projects. Funding for Watershed Operations has declined
    substantially over the past 20 years, from an historical high of $199
    million in fiscal year 1994 to only $74 million in fiscal year 2006.
    And yet this program provides significant local, regional, and national
    benefits, by addressing watershed protection, flood prevention, erosion
    and sediment control, water supply, water quality, water conservation,
    agricultural drought problems, rural development, municipal and
    industrial water needs, upstream flood damages, fish and wildlife
    habitat enhancement, and wetland creation and restoration. In September
    2005 there were $1.85 billion of unfunded Federal commitments to Public
    Law 566 and Public Law 534 projects nationwide, with $208 million of
    that in the States of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri. Despite
    the fact that Public Law 566 and Public Law 534 projects in these 4
    States were allocated 31 percent of the total national funding in
    fiscal year 2006, that amount ($21.7 million) was far less than the
    $208 million backlog. In fiscal year 2006, although there was only $69
    million allocated for watershed protection and flood prevention
    operations nationwide, there were funding requests totaling over $174
    million, $44 million of which were in the five UMRBA States. Rather
    than eliminating this important program, UMRBA urges that it be funded
    at least equal to the fiscal year 2006 level.
        The rehabilitation of aging flood control dams must also be
    addressed. Of the 11,000 Public Law 534 and Public Law 566 dams
    nationwide, more than 3,000 will reach the end of their design life by
    2013. Recognizing this fact, Congress authorized the Watershed
    Rehabilitation Program in 2000 and authorized significant new funding
    for the program in the 2002 Farm Bill. However, that authorization
    expires at the end of fiscal year 2007. Nevertheless, the President has
    proposed $6 million for the Watershed Rehabilitation program in fiscal
    year 2008, targeting it exclusively on technical assistance. That
    amount is well below the recent funding levels of $30 million and only
    a small fraction of the $150 million authorized for fiscal year 2007.
    Repair, upgrade, or removal of aging dams, which could become a threat
    to public health and safety, is extremely important and UMRBA thus
    urges Congress to reauthorize and increase funding for the Watershed
    Rehabilitation Program.
                                     ______

                 Prepared Statement of the USA Rice Federation

        This is to convey the rice industry's request for fiscal year 2008
    funding for selected programs under the jurisdiction of your respective
    subcommittees. The USA Rice Federation appreciates your assistance in
    making this letter a part of the hearing record.
        The USA Rice Federation is the national advocate for all segments
    of the rice industry, conducting activities to influence government
    programs, developing and initiating programs to increase worldwide
    demand for U.S. rice, and providing other services to increase
    profitability for all industry segments. USA Rice members are active in
    all major rice-producing states: Arkansas, California, Florida,
    Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Texas. The USA Rice Producers'
    Group, the USA Rice Council, the USA Rice Millers' Association, and the
    USA Rice Merchants' Association are members of the USA Rice Federation.
        USA Rice understands the budget constraints the subcommittees face
    when developing the fiscal year 2008 appropriations bill. We appreciate
    your past support for initiatives that are critical to the rice
    industry and look forward to working with you to meet the continued
    needs of research, food aid and market development in the future.
        A healthy U.S. rice industry is also dependent on the program
    benefits offered by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002.
    Therefore, we oppose any attempts to modify the support levels provided
    by this vital legislation through more restrictive payment limitations
    or other means and encourage the subcommittees and committees to resist
    such efforts during the appropriations process, in particular with the
    2002 farm bill up for reauthorization this year.
        A list of the programs the USA Rice Federation supports for
    appropriations in fiscal year 2008 are as follows:
                               funding priorities
    Research and APHIS
        The Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center should receive
    continued funding at the fiscal year 2007 approved level, which was
    approximately $3.9 million, and appropriate additional funding to
    reflect any increased administrative and operations costs. This center
    conducts research to help keep the U.S. rice industry competitive in
    the global marketplace by assuring high yields, superior grain quality,
    pest resistance, and stress tolerance. We urge you to provide full
    funding to the Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center.
        In addition, we have attached information outlining the top
    priority research request from the USA Rice Federation: funding for
    aromatic rice variety research at the Dale Bumpers Center. The request
    is for $250,000 for fiscal year 2008 for research to develop high-
    yielding, high-quality domestic aromatic rice varieties for the U.S.
    rice industry. Further details and specifics of this request are
    attached in a separate document.
        For the Western Regional Research Center, in Albany, California, we
    support the Administration's budget proposal for the Renewable Energy
    Resources within the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) account. The
    total budget request for the Renewable Energy Resources project is
    $10,954,000, of which, we understand, approximately $5,399,000 is to be
    directed to the Albany, CA facility for research on modification of
    plant cell walls in energy crops and crop residues for efficient
    conversion to biofuels.
        This research will play a key role in the ability to utilize rice
    straw and other rice crop residues for the production of biofuels. Rice
    straw represents a current and ready-made feedstock that could meet a
    substantial portion of the demand for biofuels production in the
    regions of the country where rice is produced, including the Sacramento
    Valley of California. We urge you to fully fund this request as our
    researchers work to develop the technologies necessary to meet the
    ambitious goals for biofuels production set before us.
        For APHIS-Wildlife Services, we encourage the subcommittees to fund
    the Louisiana blackbird control project at $150,000. This program
    annually saves rice farmers in Southwest Louisiana over $4,000 per
    farm, or $2.9 million total.
    Market Access
        Exports are critical to the U.S. rice industry. Historically, 40-50
    percent of annual U.S. rice production has been shipped overseas. Thus,
    building healthy export demand for U.S. rice is a high priority.
        The Foreign Market Development Program (FMD) allows USA Rice to
    focus on importer, foodservice, and other non-retail promotion
    activities around the world. For fiscal year 2008, FMD should be fully
    funded at no less than $34.5 million.
        The Market Access Program (MAP) allows USA Rice to concentrate on
    consumer promotion and other activities for market expansion around the
    world. For fiscal year 2008, MAP should be funded at no less than $200
    million.
        In addition, the Foreign Agricultural Service should be funded to
    the fullest degree possible to ensure adequate support for trade policy
    initiatives and oversight of export programs. These programs are
    critical for the economic health of the U.S. rice industry.
    Food Aid
        We urge the subcommittees to fund Public Law 480 Title I. No Title
    I funding was provided in fiscal year 2007. At a minimum, fiscal year
    2008 funding should be the same as 2006, the last year in which the
    program was funded. Public Law 480 Title I is our top food-aid priority
    and we support continued funding in order to meet international demand.
    Food-aid sales historically account for an important portion of U.S.
    rice exports.
        For Public Law 480 Title II, we support funding for fiscal year
    2008 at $1.632 billion, which is its fiscal year 2006 level. We
    encourage the subcommittees to fund Title II at a level to ensure
    consistent tonnage amounts for the rice industry. We oppose any
    shifting of funds, as all Title II funds have traditionally been
    contained within USDA's budget. We believe all food-aid funds should
    continue to be used for food-aid purchases of rice and other
    commodities from only U.S. origin.
        USA Rice supports continued funding at fiscal year 2006 levels, at
    a minimum, for the Food for Progress Program's Public Law 480 Title I-
    sourced funding and at fiscal year 2007 levels, at a minimum, for the
    program's Commodity Credit Corporation funding component. Funding for
    this program is important to improve food security for food-deficit
    nations.
        The McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child
    Nutrition Program is a proven success and it is important to provide
    steady, reliable funding for multi-year programming. USA Rice supports
    funding at the $140 million level for this education initiative because
    it efficiently delivers food to its targeted group, children, while
    also encouraging education, a primary stepping-stone for populations to
    improve economic conditions.
    Other
        Farm Service Agency.--We encourage the subcommittees to provide
    adequate funding so the agency can deliver essential programs and
    services. The Agency has been hard hit by staff reductions and our
    members fear a reduction in service if sufficient funds are not
    allocated.
        Please feel free to contact us if you would like further
    information about the programs we have listed. Additional background
    information is available for all of the programs we have referenced;
    however, we understand the volume of requests the subcommittees receive
    and have restricted our comments accordingly.
        Thank you for your consideration of our recommendations.
                                     ______

      Prepared Statement of the Western Coalition of Arid States (WESTCAS)

        The Western Coalition of Arid States (WESTCAS) is submitting this
    testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture
    regarding their hearing on the fiscal year 2008 U.S. Department of
    Agriculture budget, with specific reference to the 2007 Farm Bill
    proposals. My name is Charlie Nylander, and I represent the interests
    of WESTCAS and serve on the Board of Directors (representing the State
    of New Mexico) and as Treasurer.
        WESTCAS is a coalition of approximately 125 water and wastewater
    districts, municipalities, and professional organizations focused on
    water quality and quantity issues in eight western States, including:
    Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and
    Texas. WESTCAS advocates wise use of water resources by promoting
    scientifically-sound laws, regulations, appropriations, and policies
    that protect public health and the environment in the arid West. My
    testimony today focuses on those aspects of the fiscal year 2008 USDA
    budget and the 2007 Farm Bill proposals that impact water quality and
    quantity in the arid West.
        This WESTCAS testimony will focus on two areas of importance to our
    membership, i.e. the conservation programs and the rural development
    programs. First, the Administration proposes to provide approximately
    547,000 rural households with new and improved water and wastewater
    disposal facilities. The proposed $1.5 billion funding level includes
    $1.2 billion in loans and $349 million in grants. This combination of
    funding represents a higher loan to grant ratio than exists in 2007,
    according to the budget proposal. However, USDA is proposing to reduce
    the interest rate on loans, and state that most rural communities would
    have lower repayment costs as a result of the combination of these
    changes. Although WESTCAS would like to see a significant increase in
    the proposed funding for this program, given the current national
    budget demands, we support the proposed funding level and the approach
    taken with respect to loans and grants.
        The water and wastewater disposal program provides financing for
    rural communities to establish, expand or modernize water treatment and
    waste disposal facilities. Eligibility if limited to communities of
    10,000 or less in population which are unable to obtain credit
    elsewhere. In addition, they are available only to those communities
    with low median household income levels. The eight WESTCAS member
    western states contain hundreds of communities that meet these
    criteria. Moreover, due to the evolving demographics of the western
    United States, many of our rural communities are either seeing an
    influx of new residents who are moving to the area in their retirement,
    or are seeing a reduction in population due to a weakened economic
    picture and the lack of reasonable employment opportunities. In either
    case, the physical and financial impact on existing, aged, or needed
    water and wastewater infrastructure is demonstrable. These rural
    communities cannot cope with the maintenance or new development of
    adequate water and wastewater infrastructure without programs such as
    proposed in this fiscal year 2008 USDA budget request.
        I would like to provide an example in my own State of New Mexico. I
    currently facilitate the Espanola Basin Regional Planning Issues Forum
    (EBRPIF). This forum represents a government-to-government ad hoc group
    of 14 members representing city, county, and tribal jurisdictions in
    Northern New Mexico. For the past three years, this forum has met
    monthly to candidly discuss planning issues of regional concern, with a
    focus on water and wastewater. The three county governments represented
    among the 14 members contain rural communities that have populations of
    less than 10,000 people. Many of those communities are increasingly
    financially-burdened by water and wastewater infrastructure needs that
    result from: aged, existing infrastructure; population growth that
    demands new utility services; local groundwater contamination issues
    resulting from the existing use of on-site individual liquid waste
    systems and historic use of cesspools (that are now illegal);
    inadequate operation and maintenance; declining groundwater levels in
    over-drafted aquifers; the effects of a 7+ year drought; naturally-
    occurring groundwater contaminants that exceed new, and increasingly
    stringent drinking water standards, e.g. the U.S. Environmental
    Protection Agency's standard for arsenic; and challenging new concerns
    for utility safeguards and security measures. All of these very typical
    factors exacerbate the financial, planning, maintenance, and
    development demands affecting these small, rural communities, who
    without the availability of government program support, like the USDA
    Rural Development Program, would have no place to turn.
        According to the Administrations proposal, these grants are limited
    to a maximum of 75 percent of project costs, but have typically
    averaged 35 to 45 percent of project costs. Program regulations
    stipulate that the grant amount should only be as much as necessary to
    bring the user rates down to a reasonable level for the area. Water and
    wastewater grant and loan funds are usually combined, based on the
    income levels of users and user costs. Throughout the WESTCAS western
    states, when it comes to financing water and wastewater infrastructure,
    all of the rural communities are increasing user rates, while still
    needing to augment funding through federal and state financing
    programs. Thus, WESTCAS strongly supports the continuation the USDA
    Rural Development Program.
        The second area of concern to WESTCAS, funding and technical
    assistance to support the Farm Bill conservation programs is vital to
    the management of water resources in the arid West. The
    Administration's proposal includes about $4 billion for these programs,
    an increase of $242 million over the 2007 level. This includes funding
    for the Conservation Security Program at a level of $316 million, and
    increase of $57 million over 2007, in order to support prior year
    contracts. The budget also includes $455 million to enroll up to
    250,000 acres in the Wetlands Reserve Program in 2008 to reach the
    program cap of 2,275,000 acres. In addition, the proposed budget
    includes $1 billion for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program
    (EQIP), enabling nearly 39,700 producers to participate in the program,
    covering nearly 21 million acres of land. The EQIP program will
    continue to emphasize land management practices.
        WESTCAS strongly supports the proposed conservation programs,
    however we have the following comments.
      --The Conservation Security Program pays farmers for improving soil
            and water quality or enhancing wildlife habitat. Some voices in
            Congress have recently advocated also using these funds to
            promote the planting of energy crops. WESTCAS supports this
            program because it has a fundamental connection to water
            quality and quantity. By wisely managing the land, this USDA
            program has a very positive affect on non-point sources of
            water pollution. Sediment and nutrients are less likely to
            runoff and end up in the surface waters where they contribute
            to water pollution. In addition, this program can enhance the
            ability of soils to hold moisture and reduce the demands for
            irrigation water from surface or groundwater sources. Enhancing
            wildlife habitat is also a vital benefit, especially in those
            areas of the country, like the western states, where growth and
            development are increasingly marginalizing wildlife habitat.
            Additionally, if one examines other federal agency budgets,
            (like the Fish and Wildlife Service's fiscal year 2008 proposed
            budget where grants are being eliminated that help landowners
            restore habitat for species on their land), there are proposed
            cuts in funding for wildlife habitat. Thus, the USDA program
            funding is of vital importance.
          WESTCAS supports increased appropriations for the Conservation
            Security Program, but does not want it be closed to new
            subscribers, as Secretary Johanns has recently proposed. Across
            the western states, many new opportunities exist to improve
            soil and water quality and enhance wildlife habitat. Rather
            than cap the program to allow funding to present subscribers,
            WESTCAS believes that it should be expanded, and that USDA
            should implement a monitoring and reporting program to
            quantify, to the best of their ability, the benefits derived
            from the program's implementation. A comprehensive monitoring
            program could be networked with other agencies such as the U.S.
            Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, and Environmental
            Protection Agency, so as to more efficiently collect and
            quantify the data. Such monitoring and reporting would greatly
            impact the continuation and expansion of this important
            program, and help assess the positive benefits being derived
            for water quality.
          Regarding the proposal to use these funds for the planting of
            energy crops, WESTCAS offers one caution. That caution concerns
            the impact of extensive new energy crop plantings on both water
            quantity and quality. By promoting the planting of energy
            crops, the USDA (or Congress) may be exacerbating the problems
            associated with nutrient-caused eutrophication of water
            resources due to seepage and/or runoff of applied crop
            nutrients that affect water quality. But more importantly,
            promotion of such planting may negatively impact the increasing
            strain on scarce water resources in the arid western states
            through the promotion of irrigated agriculture to produce
            energy. By promoting planting of energy crops, there is a
            promotion of irrigation which may have deleterious affects on
            both surface and groundwater resources in the arid West.
            Historically, USDA price supports for cotton, resulted in
            increased planting that resulted in excessive water level
            declines in important aquifers, such as the Ogalalla aquifer.
            Thus, prudent caution should be given when including such
            proposals in the program due to inadvertent consequences.
      --The Wetlands Reserve Program proposal for increased funding and
            maximizing the subscription acreage is heartily supported by
            WESTCAS. Although the arid West has minimal acres of wetlands,
            as a water quality organization WESTCAS recognizes the natural
            benefits of increased wetlands promoting water quality and
            wildlife. Wetlands are natural systems that greatly contribute
            to the promotion of water quality, and aid in providing buffer
            zones for riparian vegetation that mitigate the affects of
            runoff events and flood flows. In the arid West, the use of
            artificial wetlands is utilized more and more in the treatment
            and reclamation of wastewater effluent. The natural
            purification processes that take place in a wetland environment
            greatly benefit water quality, and this USDA program is of
            great national import regarding the protection of water quality
            and provision of wildlife habitat.
      --WESTCAS strongly supports the Environmental Quality Incentive
            Program (EQIP). This program is very important in providing
            assistance to landowners that face serious natural resource
            challenges that impact soil, water, and related natural
            resources. As was mentioned above regarding the Conservation
            Security Program, EQIP provides resources for those stewards of
            the land that are in need so as to enhance the natural
            resources. The EQIP financial resources improve water quality
            and quantity through the subscriber application of sound
            remedial projects that improve both land and water.
      --Lastly, WESTCAS supports the premise of the Healthy Forest
            Initiative in reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires. It
            is very important that the USDA continue to implement this
            initiative, and reduce the risk of wildfire. Through hazardous
            fuel treatment, provision of adequate fire preparedness, and
            providing technical assistance, the USDA is assisting the arid
            West in safeguarding our vulnerable forested watersheds that
            provide the source of water for our cities, towns, industries,
            ranches and farms. During the past 7 years of sustained drought
            conditions, the arid West has felt the impact of catastrophic
            wildfire from California, across Arizona, through New Mexico
            and Colorado. Wildfires can destroy the vital watersheds upon
            which our populations depend for their annual and long-term
            supply of water. WESTCAS urges your support for the proposed
            budget for this important program.
        On behalf of WESTCAS, thank you for this opportunity to provide
    this testimony.
                                     ______

     Prepared Statement of the Society for Women's Health Research and the
                       Women's Health Research Coalition

        On the behalf of the Society for Women's Health Research and the
    Women's Health Research Coalition, we are pleased to submit testimony
    in support of increased funding for the Food and Drug Administration,
    and more specifically for the Office of Women's Health, a critical
    focal point within the Agency on women's health.
        The Society is the only national non-profit women's health
    organization whose mission is to improve the health of women through
    research, education, and advocacy. Founded in 1990, the Society brought
    to national attention the need for the appropriate inclusion of women
    in major medical research studies and the need for more information
    about conditions affecting women disproportionately, predominately, or
    differently than men.
        The Coalition was created by the Society in 1999 to give a voice to
    scientists and researchers from across the country that are concerned
    and committed to improving women's health research. The Coalition now
    has more than 650 members, including leaders within the scientific
    community and medical researchers from many of the country's leading
    universities and medical centers, directors from various Centers of
    Excellence on Women's Health as well as leading voluntary health
    associations, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
        The Society and the Coalition are committed to advancing the health
    status of women through the discovery of new and useful scientific
    knowledge. We strongly believe that appropriate funding of the FDA by
    Congress is absolutely critical for the Agency to be able to maintain
    basic functions and to assure the American public of the safety of our
    food and drugs. More specifically, we recommend that Congress not only
    sustain but should increase funding for the Office of Women's Health
    and its women's health research programs. These programs, often
    conducted with the Agency centers, are necessary if we are to maintain
    any focus on women's health within the Agency Furthermore, these
    programs are critical to improve care and increase awareness of disease
    specific impacts to women such as those associated with differences in
    the efficacy of drugs, devices and diagnostics, as a function of sex.
    Therefore, we strongly urge Congress to support a robust increase for
    fiscal year 2008 budget for the FDA, and within that budget to provide
    the Office of Women's Health funding of $5 million such that it may
    meet and exceed its program goals.

                            OFFICE OF WOMEN'S HEALTH

        The Office of Women's Health (OWH) at the FDA, established in 1994,
    plays a critical role in women's health, both within and outside the
    Agency, supporting sex- and gender-based research, areas in which the
    Society has long been a proponent. OWH aims to provide scientific and
    policy expertise on sex and gender sensitive regulatory and oversight
    issues; to correct gender disparities in the areas for which the FDA is
    responsible--drugs, devices, and biologics; and to monitor women's
    health priorities, providing both leadership and an integrated approach
    across the agency. Despite inadequate funding, OWH provides all women
    with invaluable tools for their health.
        With little difficulty, OWH exhausts its tiny budget each year. For
    the past five years, OWH has been provided a flat budget of $4 million,
    which is, in essence, a decrease due to required Federal cost of living
    adjustments, benefit cost increases and other related issues. Despite
    this squeeze, the office has managed to advance its mission both within
    the Agency and externally through it research grants, drug and disease
    pamphlets and outreach programs. OWH's pamphlets are the most requested
    of any documents at the government printing facility in New Mexico.
    (More than 3.5 million pieces are distributed to women across the
    Nation including target populations such as Hispanic communities,
    seniors and low income citizens.) Yet despite these successes, the OWH
    was targeted to have its fiscal year 2007 programs budget raided by
    $1.2 million, virtually shutting down the ability of this office to
    function for the rest of the year. Thankfully, this decision was
    reversed at the very last minute.
        Despite clear funding intentions within the Administration's
    proposal for fiscal year 2008 for OWH to receive $4million, the FDA has
    indicated that it will be cutting the budget of OWH by $350,000 from
    the OMB designated amount of $4 million. These two actions (fiscal year
    2007 and fiscal year 2008) taken together cause us great concern and
    set a precedent that leads us to believe the office's functionality is
    in serious jeopardy.

       IT IS ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL FOR CONGRESS TO TAKE ACTION NOW TO HELP
                      PRESERVE THE VITAL FUNCTIONS OF OWH

        Since its beginning, OWH has funded high quality scientific
    research to serve as the foundation for Agency activities that improve
    women's health. To date, OWH has funded over 100 research projects with
    approximately $15.2 million. Intramural grants support projects within
    the FDA that address knowledge gaps or set new directions for sex and
    gender research. Extramural contracts leverage a wealth of expertise
    and other resources outside the Agency to provide insight on regulatory
    questions pertinent to women' health. All contracts and grants are
    awarded through a competitive process. A large number of these studies
    are published, many of which appear in peer reviewed journals.
        OWH has recently funded research to more fully understand heart
    disease in women. Despite being the number one cause of death, women
    with heart disease face misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, under-
    treatment, and mistreatment due to their under-representation in heart-
    related research studies. Extramural research funded by OWH is looking
    into the use of coronary stents in women and problems associated with
    breast interference in interpretation of heart catherization studies.
        As part of its educational outreach efforts to consumers, OWH
    continues to work closely with women's advocacy and health professional
    organizations to provide clarity on the results of the Women's Health
    Initiative. Due to OWH efforts, an informational fact sheet about
    menopause and hormones and a purse-sized questionnaire to review with
    the doctor were distributed to national and local print, radio, and
    Internet advertisements. OWH's website received over three million hits
    to download campaign materials. This website provides free,
    downloadable fact sheets on over 40 different illnesses, diseases, and
    health related issues.
        In addition, OWH has recently completed medication chart brochures
    on seven chronic diseases. These are unique within the Agency. These
    charts list, in one place, all the medications that are prescribed and
    available for each disease. Again, the information is available on the
    website and is ideal for women to use in talking to their doctors,
    pharmacists or nurses about their treatment options.
        As a result of FDA information system aging, combined with the
    inability to keep pace with information technology needs due to budget
    constraints, the OWH has been unable to conduct much needed data
    analysis on women's health and sex-related differences. This effort
    originally started in 2001, when the Society submitted testimony on
    behalf of the OWH in support of a centralized FDA database to
    coordinate clinical trial oversight, monitor the inclusion of women in
    clinical trials, oversee the parameters of informed consent, and
    identify health provider training needs. As a result of Society efforts
    and this Committee's commitment, in 2002 Congress provided the OWH with
    funds to develop an agency-wide database focused on women's health
    activities to include demographic data on clinical trials. OWH did
    begin developing this database, now known as the ``Demographic
    Information and Data Repository'', to review clinical studies, enhance
    product labeling, identify knowledge gaps, and coordinate data
    collection. However, without the ability to match this capability to
    the rest of the Agency efforts developing this important Repository
    have been halted at the present time.
        While progress has been made, the database is far from up and
    running due to the aging and outdated information technology systems of
    the Agency. Currently, the FDA receives large volumes of information in
    applications from drug manufacturers for review and evaluation. The FDA
    reviewers must manually comb through the submitted drug trial reports
    and digital data in as many as twelve formats to evaluate a new drug's
    safety and effectiveness. With no uniform system or database, reviewers
    must handpick sex, age, and ethnicity information manually from stacks
    of paper reports and craft their own data comparisons. This is time
    consuming, makes the review process less efficient, is error-prone and
    delays access to important information. Scientific and medical advances
    are occurring rapidly and the public needs and deserves access to the
    most recent and accurate information regarding their health. Therefore,
    in order to fully capitalize on the potential of the data warehouse and
    the resulting wealth of information, we urge Congress to commit $1
    million to OWH for the Demographic Information and Data Repository. It
    is time for us all to recognize that the Agency must utilize up to date
    information technology and sorely needs the resources to maintain them.
        Scientists have long known of the anatomical differences between
    men and women, but only within the past decade have they begun to
    uncover significant biological and physiological differences. Sex
    differences have been found everywhere from the composition of bone
    matter and the experience of pain, to the metabolism of certain drugs
    and the rate of neurotransmitter synthesis in the brain. Sex-based
    biology, the study of biological and physiological differences between
    men and women, has revolutionized the way that the scientific community
    views the sexes, with even more information forthcoming as a result of
    the sequencing of the X chromosome. The evidence is overwhelming, and
    as researchers continue to find more and complex biological
    differences, they are gaining a greater understanding of the biological
    and physiological composition of both sexes.
        Much of what is known about sex differences is the result of
    observational studies, or is descriptive evidence from studies that
    were not designed to obtain a careful comparison between females and
    males. The Society has long recognized that the inclusion of women in
    study populations by itself was insufficient to address the inequities
    in our knowledge of human biology and medicine, and that only by the
    careful study of sex differences at all levels, from genes to behavior,
    would science achieve the goal of optimal health care for both men and
    women. Many sex differences are already present at birth, whereas
    others develop later in life. These differences play an important role
    in disease susceptibility, prevalence, time of onset and severity and
    are evident in cancer, obesity, coronary heart disease, immune
    dysfunction, mental health disorders, and other illnesses.
    Physiological and hormonal fluctuations may also play a role in the
    rate of drug metabolism and effectiveness of response in females and
    males. This research must be supported and encouraged.
        Building upon sex differences research, the Society encourages the
    establishment of drug-labeling requirements that ensure labels include
    language about differences experienced by women and men. Further, we
    advocate for research on the comparative effectiveness of drugs with
    specific emphasis on data analysis by sex. When available, this
    information should be on labels.
        Our country's drug development process has succeeded in developing
    new and better medications to ensure the health of both women and men.
    However, there is no requirement that the data acquired during research
    of a new drug's safety and effectiveness be analyzed as a function of
    sex or that information about the ways drugs may differ in various
    populations (e.g., women requiring a lower dosage because of different
    rates of absorption or chemical breakdown) be included in prescription
    drug labels and other patient educational and instructional materials.
        Proper drug labeling is not always the complete solution. If the
    drug is not one newly approved or if the sex-specific information is
    detected only in post-marketing studies, the drug label will not
    reflect sex specific information discovered to the prescribing
    physician, and it may be difficult to get new information incorporated
    into physicians' prescribing habits.
        The Society believes the opportunity is now before us to
    communicate sex differences data discovered from clinical trials to the
    medical community and to consumers through drug labeling and packaging
    inserts and other forms of alerts. As part of advancing the need to
    analyze and report sex differences, the Society encourages the FDA to
    continue adequately addressing the need for accurate drug labeling to
    identify important sex and gender differences, as well as to ensure
    that appropriate data analysis of post-market surveillance reporting
    for these differences is placed in the hands of physicians and
    ultimately the patient.
        In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, we thank you and this Committee for
    its strong record of support for women's health and your commitment to
    OWH. We encourage you to provide it with funding of $5 million for
    fiscal year 2008 and to provide the FDA with a significant increase
    over the fiscal year 2007 budget to address its urgent needs and
    chronic shortfalls. We look forward to continuing to work with you to
    build a healthier future for all Americans.

           LIST OF WITNESSES, COMMUNICATIONS, AND PREPARED STATEMENTS

                                  ----------
                                                                       Page
    Ad Hoc Coalition, Prepared Statement of..........................   721
    Advanced Medical Technology Association, Prepared Statement of...   724
    American:
        Forest & Paper Association, Prepared Statement of............   726
        Honey Producers Association, Inc., Prepared Statement of.....   727
        Sheep Industry Association, Prepared Statement of............   733
        Society for Microbiology, Prepared Statements of...........738, 741
    Animal:
        Health Institute, Prepared Statement of......................   745
        Welfare Institute, Prepared Statement of.....................   745

    Bennett, Senator Robert F., U.S. Senator From Utah:
        Questions Submitted by.....................................136, 708
        Statement of.................................................     2
    Bond, Senator Christopher S., U.S. Senator From Missouri,
      Questions Submitted by.........................................   156
    Brownback, Senator Sam, U.S. Senator From Kansas, Questions
      Submitted by...................................................   476
    Byrd, Senator Robert C., U.S. Senator From West Virginia,
      Questions Submitted by.........................................   153

    California Industry and Government Central California Ozone Study
      Coalition, Prepared Statement of...............................   746
    Christopherson, Charles R., Jr., Chief Financial Officer, Office
      of the Chief Financial Officer, Department of Agriculture,
      Prepared Statement of..........................................    24
    Coalition on Funding Agricultural Research Missions, Prepared
      Statement of...................................................   747
    Cochran, Senator Thad, U.S. Senator From Mississippi, Prepared
      Statement of...................................................     6
    Colorado River:
        Basin Salinity Control Forum, Prepared Statement of..........   749
        Board of California, Prepared Statement of...................   752
    Collins, Dr. Keith, Chief Economist, Office of the Secretary,
      Department of Agriculture......................................     1
        Prepared Statement of........................................    31
    Combs, David M., Chief Information Officer, Department of
      Agriculture, Prepared Statement of.............................    20
    Conner, Charles, Deputy Secretary, Office of the Secretary,
      Department of Agriculture......................................     1

    Dorgan, Senator Byron L., U.S. Senator From North Dakota:
        Questions Submitted by.....................................123, 701
        Statement of.................................................     3
    Durbin, Senator Richard J., U.S. Senator From Illinois, Questions
      Submitted by.................................................123, 705
    Dyer, John, Deputy Commissioner for Operations, Food and Drug
      Administration, Department of Health and Human Services........   479

    Feinstein, Senator Dianne, U.S. Senator From California,
      Statement of...................................................     5
    Florida State University, Prepared Statement of..................   753
    Fong, Phyllis K., Inspector General, Office of the Inspector
      General, Department of Agriculture, Prepared Statement of......    45
    Food and Water Watch, Prepared Statement of......................   754
    Friends of Agricultural Research--Beltsville, Prepared Statement
      of.............................................................   757

    Hardwood Federation, Prepared Statement of.......................   760
    Harkin, Senator Tom, U.S. Senator From Iowa, Questions Submitted
      by.............................................................   694
    Heart Rhythm Society, Prepared Statement of......................   761

    Imperial Valley Conservation Research Center Committee, Prepared
      Statement of...................................................   763

    Johanns, Hon. Mike, Secretary, Office of the Secretary,
      Department of Agriculture......................................     1
        Prepared Statement of........................................    10
        Statement of.................................................     7

    Kohl, Senator Herb, U.S. Senator From Wisconsin:
        Opening Statement of.........................................     1
        Questions Submitted by......................................84, 492

    McKay, Margo M., Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of
      the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Department of
      Agriculture, Prepared Statement of.............................    28
    Multi-Crop Aflatoxin Working Group, Prepared Statement of........   765

    National:
        Association of State:
            Departments of Agriculture, Prepared Statement of........   760
            Foresters, Prepared Statement of.........................   760
        Coalition for Food and Agricultural Research, Prepared
          Statement of...............................................   766
        Commodity Supplemental Food Program Association, Prepared
          Statement of...............................................   772
        Corn Growers Association, Prepared Statement of..............   770
        Environmental Services Center (NESC), Prepared Statement of..   778
        Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Prepared Statement of..........   779
        Potato Council, Prepared Statement of........................   782
        Rural Telecom Association, Prepared Statement of.............   784
        Turfgrass Federation, Inc., Prepared Statement of............   786
    Nelson, Senator Ben, U.S. Senator From Tennessee:
        Questions Submitted by.......................................   126
        Statement of.................................................     5
    New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, Prepared Statement of...   790

    Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small
      Telecommunications Companies, Prepared Statement of............   792

    Pellett, Nancy C., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Farm
      Credit Administration, Prepared Statement of...................    59
    Pickle Packers International, Inc., Prepared Statement of........   793

    Red River Valley Association, Prepared Statement of..............   798
    Reed, Senator Jack, U.S. Senator From Rhode Island:
        Questions Submitted by.....................................135, 707
        Statement of.................................................     5
    Rutherford, Boyd K., Assistant Secretary for Administration,
      Department of Administration, Department of Agriculture,
      Prepared Statement of..........................................    18

    Society:
        For:
            Animal Protective Legislation, Prepared Statement of.....   802
            Women's Health Research and the Women's Health Research
              Coalition, Prepared Statement of.......................   824
        Of American Foresters, Prepared Statement of.................   760
    Specter, Senator Arlen, U.S. Senator From Pennsylvania, Questions
      Submitted by.................................................154, 718
    Steele, W. Scott, Budget Officer, Office of the Secretary,
      Department of Agriculture......................................     1

    Teuber, Terri, Director, Office of Communications, Department of
      Agriculture, Prepared Statement of.............................    30
    The Humane Society, Prepared Statement of........................   806
    The Nature Conservancy, Prepared Statement of....................   760
    The Wildlife Society, Prepared Statement of......................   810
    Turman, Richard, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget, Food and
      Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services...   479

    United States Telecom Association, Prepared Statement of.........   811
    University of Southern Mississippi and the Mississippi Polymer
      Institute, Prepared Statement of...............................   815
    Upper Mississippi River Basin Association, Prepared Statement of.   818
    USA Rice Federation, Prepared Statement of.......................   820

    Western Coalition of Arid States (WESTCAS), Prepared Statement of   822

    von Eschenbach, Hon. Andrew, Commissioner, Food and Drug
      Administration, Department of Health and Human Services........   479
        Prepared Statement of........................................   481

                                 SUBJECT INDEX

                                  ----------

                           DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

                                                                       Page
    Additional Committee Questions...................................    83
    Administrative:
        Costs for Earmarks...........................................    73
        Expenses for Earmarks........................................    71
    Afghanistan/Iraq Provincial Reconstruction Activities............    85
    Agricultural:
        Credit Insurance Fund........................................   475
        Disaster Assistance..........................................   138
        Marketing Service..........................................105, 120
        Quarantine Inspection:
            Fees.....................................................    77
            Positions Transferred to DHS.............................    77
        Reconstruction Activities....................................   103
        Research.....................................................    87
        Service, Buildings and Facilities............................   149
    Agriculture:
        Buildings and Facilities and Rental Payments.................    19
        Quarantine and Inspection....................................   121
    APHIS:
        Cooperative Agreements.......................................   107
        Program Cost Share...........................................   147
    Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas..................   122
    ARS Research Funding.............................................   123
    Avian Flu........................................................63, 88
    Broadband and Distance Learning and Telemedicine Funding.........   124
    BSE Surveillance.................................................   126
    Capital Security Cost Sharing Program............................   102
    Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion........................   110
    Chronic Wasting Disease/State Match..............................    90
    Commodity Supplemental Food Program.................. 79, 109, 129, 154
        Elimination..................................................   144
    Common Computing Environment.....................................   108
        And Information Technology...................................    86
    Community Facilities Grants......................................    96
    Conservation:
        Contingency Funding..........................................    82
        Operations...................................................   104
        Program......................................................   125
        Security Program.............................................   122
    Corporate Activities.............................................    61
    Country of Origin Labeling.......................................69, 93
    Crop:
        Insurance....................................................   122
            Gap Coverage.............................................    82
    Cross-Cutting Trade Negotiations and Biotechnology Resources.....   148
    DA Direct........................................................    19
    DHS:
        Agricultural Inspections at U.S. Borders.....................    75
        AQI Inspectors...............................................    81
    Disaster:
        Aid..........................................................    67
        Assistance...................................................   126
    E. Coli in Specialty Crops.......................................    78
    Electronic Government............................................    23
    Emerald Ash Borer................................................    64
    Emerging Pests..................................................88, 106
    Enterprise Architecture (EA) and IT Management Programs..........    23
    Eradication Versus Management....................................    89
    Examination Programs for FCS Banks and Associations..............    60
    Farm Program Staffing............................................   475
    Farm Service Agency (FSA)........................................   154
        Computer System..............................................    65
        Field Staff and Office Structure.............................   102
    Financial Management System....................................102, 141
    Financing New Electric Generation Facilities.....................    99
    Fiscal Year 2008:
        Budget Request...........................................29, 31, 36
        Key Outcomes.................................................    29
        Objectives...................................................18, 29
        Request......................................................    19
    Food:
        Aid..........................................................    81
        Stamp Program Legislative Proposals..........................   110
    Food Safety and Inspection Service...............................   111
        Food Inspectors..............................................   116
        Funding......................................................   142
            Level....................................................    62
        IT Infrastructure............................................   155
        Research.....................................................   152
        Risk Based Inspection........................................   113
    Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program in Schools.....................   123
    Genetically Modified Materials in Commercial Crops..............93, 120
    Global Warming...................................................    94
    Greenbook Charges................................................   140
    Hazardous Materials Management...................................    20
    Information:
        Security.....................................................    22
        Technology (IT) Issues.......................................   101
    International Trade..............................................    66
    Invasive Species................................................89, 119
    Johne's Disease..................................................    90
    Loan Program Delinquency Rates...................................   156
    Locally Produced Food to Schools.................................    74
    Multi-Family Housing:
        Revitalization...............................................    98
        Vouchers.....................................................    98
    Mutual and Self-Help Housing.....................................    97
    National:
        Animal:
            Health Laboratory Network Funding........................   123
            Identification System...........................67, 91, 118 143
        Information Technology Data Center (NITC) Hosting............    22
        Organic Certification Cost Share Program.....................   106
        Veterinarian Medical Service Act...................70, 87, 122, 476
    Natural Resources Conservation Service...........................   153
        Technical Assistance Funding.................................   126
    Number of AQI Inspectors.........................................    77
    Office:
        Consolidations...............................................    96
        Of the Secretary, Provincial Reconstruction Teams............   149
    OIG's Fiscal Year 2008 Budget Request............................    58
    Organic Farming..................................................    80
    Progress Implementing Local Food Purchase Provision..............   135
    Proposed Limit on WIC Administrative Funding.....................   109
    Protecting and Improving the Integrity of USDA Programs..........    49
    Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs)...........................    73
    Public Law 480 Titles I and II and Food for Progress.............   103
    Regulatory Activity..............................................    61
    Renewable Energy--Commodity Prices...............................   138
    Rental Assistance................................................   136
    Research, Education, and Economics Reorganization................   146
    Resource Conservation and Development............................   105
    Risk:
        Based Inspection.............................................   142
        Management Agency...........................................94, 118
            Crop Insurance User Fee..................................   137
    Rural:
        Business Development Grants..................................    99
        Development..................................................   154
            Direct Loans.............................................   137
            Guaranteed Lending.......................................   128
            Housing Programs.........................................   125
        Rental Housing...............................................    97
    Safety, Security, and Public Health..............................    45
    Service Center Modernization Initiative--(SCMI)..................    21
    Single Family Housing Loan Programs..............................    95
    Small Farm/Organics/AMS Seed Mislabeling.........................    91
    Telecommunications...............................................    22
    The Management of USDA's Public Resources........................    55
    2008 Budget Request for Public Law 480 Title II Donations........    82
    U.S.:
        Agricultural Trade...........................................   130
        Foreign Food Assistance......................................   121
    USDA:
        Fiscal Year 2008 Information Technology Investment Summary...    20
        Loan Guarantee Authority.....................................    69
        Overseas Activities..........................................   150
        Renewable Energy and Biofuels Investment.....................   127
    User Fee Proposals...............................................   140
    Value-Added Grants..............................................95, 120
    Veal.............................................................    84
    Water and Waste Program..........................................   100
    WIC:
        Food Package.................................................   146
        Legislative Proposals........................................   144
        Management Information System Funding........................   145
        $200 Million Contingency Fund................................   145

                    DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

                          Food and Drug Administration

    Additional Committee Questions...................................   492
    Adverse Event Reporting on Dietary Supplements...................   694
    Advisory Committees..............................................   706
    AERS II..........................................................   497
    Biologic License Application Approvals...........................   717
    Carbon Monoxide..................................................   692
    Color Certification Fees.........................................   694
    Counterfeit Drugs................................................   708
    Department of Health and Human Services..........................   492
    Dietary Supplements..............................................   705
    Direct to Consumer Advertising.................................691, 701
    Drug Importation.................................................   702
    FDA:
        Alliance Request for FDA Funding.............................   710
        Pay Costs....................................................   709
    Follow-on Biologics..............................................   718
    Food Safety....................................................493, 706
        Inspections................................................485, 696
    Generic Drugs....................................................   494
        Review Fiscal 2007 Funding...................................   710
    Good Manufacturing Practices of Dietary Supplements..............   695
    Import Inspection................................................   495
    Medical Device User Fee and Modernization Act (MDUFMA)...........   713
    Office of:
        Cosmetics and Colors.........................................   693
        The Commissioner.............................................   693
        Women's Health...............................................   689
    ORA Consolidation................................................   718
    Overall Funding..................................................   492
    Pandemic Flu...................................................486, 711
    Pay Costs........................................................   687
    Pending Approval of Cefquinome...................................   703
    Probiotics in Yogurt.............................................   692
    Proposed:
        Generic Drug User Fee........................................   710
        Re-Inspection User Fee.......................................   710
        User Fees....................................................   686
    Pseudoephedrine..................................................   694
    Rent.............................................................   687
    Research Reduction.............................................688, 713
    Salt.............................................................   698
    Sunscreen Monographs...........................................489, 707
    Tobacco..........................................................   489
    Trans Fat........................................................   700
    User Fees........................................................   490
        Reauthorization..............................................   711
    White Oak........................................................   688
    Women's Health.................................................487, 488