[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 163 (Wednesday, August 24, 1994)] [Unknown Section] [Page 0] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 94-20731] [[Page Unknown]] [Federal Register: August 24, 1994] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 41 CFR Part 301-8 [FTR Amendment 38] RIN 3090-AF54 Federal Travel Regulation; Reimbursement of Higher Actual Subsistence Expenses in Special or Unusual Circumstances AGENCY: Federal Supply Service, GSA. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This final rule removes the October 1, 1994 expiration date applicable to authority of the Administrator of General Services to establish, at the request of the head of an agency, a higher maximum daily rate for subsistence expenses not to exceed 300 percent of the maximum per diem rate prescribed in the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) (41 CFR chapters 301-304) for official travel to an area within the continental United States (CONUS) where special or unusual circumstances result in an extreme increase in subsistence costs for a temporary period. This action will permit the Administrator of General Services to continue to consider agency requests for a higher actual subsistence expense reimbursement rate for a CONUS location where special or unusual circumstances result in an extreme increase in subsistence costs for a temporary period. EFFECTIVE DATE: This final rule is effective October 1, 1994. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry A. Tucker, Transportation Management Division (FBX), Washington, DC 20406, telephone 703-305- 5745. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The General Services Administration (GSA) issued FTR Amendment 7 (55 FR 2379, Jan. 24, 1990) to accommodate requests from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for establishment of a higher maximum daily rate for reimbursement of actual subsistence expenses in a Presidentially declared disaster area. This change was prompted by the devastation Hurricane Hugo inflicted upon a broad area surrounding Charleston, SC in September 1989, resulting in a severe shortage of affordable lodging for Federal emergency personnel performing temporary duty there. GSA expanded the authority in FTR Amendment 19 (56 FR 37478, Aug. 7, 1991) to accommodate requests from an agency head for establishment of a higher actual subsistence expense reimbursement rate for a location within the continental United States where special or unusual circumstances result in an extreme increase in subsistence costs for a temporary period. GSA has determined that this rule is not a significant regulatory action for the purposes of Executive Order 12866 of September 30, 1993. This final rule is not required to be published in the Federal Register for notice and comment. Therefore, the Regulatory Flexibility Act does not apply. List of Subjects in 41 CFR Part 301-8 Government employees, Travel, Travel allowances, Travel and transportation expenses. For the reasons set out in the preamble, 41 CFR part 301-8 is amended to read as follows: PART 301-8--REIMBURSEMENT OF ACTUAL SUBSISTENCE EXPENSES 1. The authority citation for part 301-8 continues to read as follows: Authority: U.S.C. 5701-5709; E.O. 11609, 36 FR 13747, 3 CFR, 1971-1975 Comp., p. 586. 2. Section 301-8.3 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows: Sec. 301-8.3 Maximum daily rates and reimbursement limitations. * * * * * (c) Travel to an area within CONUS where special or unusual circumstances result in an extreme increase in subsistence costs for a temporary period--(1) Authority to establish a higher actual subsistence expense reimbursement rate. The Administrator of General Services may establish an appropriate maximum daily rate for reimbursement of actual subsistence expenses not to exceed 300 percent of the maximum per diem rate prescribed in Sec. 301-7.3(a) of this chapter when the following conditions are met: (i) Travel is to an area within CONUS where special or unusual circumstances result in an extreme increase in subsistence costs for a temporary period; (ii) The head of an agency submits a request, as specified in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, for establishment of a maximum daily rate above the maximum rate prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section; and (iii) The justification supporting the request warrants establishment of a higher rate. (2) Application and limitations. Such higher established rate shall apply for all official travel to the area, and will be effective for a period not to exceed 30 days. When the Administrator establishes a higher actual subsistence expense rate, the limitation in paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall not apply. (3) Rate requests. A request for a higher actual subsistence expense reimbursement rate, with the exception of a request for travel to a Presidentially declared disaster area, shall be submitted at least 30 days in advance of the beginning of the recommended effective period unless otherwise adequately justified. The request shall be submitted in writing to the Administrator of General Services, Washington, DC 20405, and must contain the following information: (i) A specification of the geographic area encompassed; (ii) If the area is a Presidentially declared disaster area, a copy of the Presidential disaster declaration; (iii) A recommended maximum daily rate not to exceed 300 percent of the maximum per diem rate prescribed for the area under Sec. 301-7.3; (iv) A description of the specific circumstances which justify the establishment of the recommended rate; (v) An estimate of the cost impact of establishing a maximum daily rate for subsistence expenses above the maximum rate prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section; and (vi) A recommended time period for effectiveness of the maximum daily rate requested to be established under this paragraph. (4) Extensions. The Administrator may extend the period of effectiveness in increments of up to 30 days upon the request of the head of the agency originally requesting establishment of the higher rate. * * * * * Dated: August 15, 1994. Julia M. Stasch, Acting Administrator of General Services. [FR Doc. 94-20731 Filed 8-23-94; 8:45am] BILLING CODE 6820-24-F