[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 172 (Tuesday, September 7, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48638-48639]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-23183]


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FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency, as part of its 
continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites 
the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity 
to comment on proposed revised information collections. In accordance 
with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)), 
this notice seeks comments concerning the proposed revision of existing 
information from applicants seeking grant funding through the Hazard 
Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). The type of information to be 
collected is the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program 409 Plans.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HGMP) 
was created with the passage of the Stafford Act in November of 1988. 
The Program, authorized by Section 404 of the Act, provides States and 
local governments financial assistance to implement measures that will 
permanently reduce or eliminate future damages and losses from natural 
hazards.
    In December 1993 the President signed the Hazard Mitigation and 
Relocation Assistance Act that amended Section 404. This amendment 
increased the cost share of the HMGP to a maximum of 75 percent Federal 
and increased the amount of funding available for the Program to 15 
percent of all other disaster grants. The amendment also imposed new 
implementing requirements on acquisition and relocation projects funded 
under the Program. FEMA published an interim rule in the Federal 
Register on May 11, 1994, amending the original program regulations 
published in May 1989, to implement the changes.
    The statutory changes combined with the Administration's National 
Performance Review initiative provided an opportunity for FEMA to 
evaluate the overall program and make improvements. The 1993 increase 
in program funding significantly heightened public interest in the 
Program and has served to underscore the need to clarify Program 
eligibility, simplify program administration, and expedite grant award 
and implementation.
    The changes are only a first step in the ongoing process to enhance 
the program. FEMA is working with its customers to improve training and 
guidance. Successful implementation of the changes requires clear 
guidance for both FEMA staff and State grantees.

Collection of Information

    Title: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program 409 Plan.
    Type of Information Collection: Reinstatement of a previously 
approved collection.
    OMB Number: 3067-0212.
    Abstract: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program 409 Plans. The State must 
have an approved State Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) 409 Plan 
to be eligible to receive funds under HMGP.
    Section 409 of the Stafford Act requires that State and local 
governments that are recipients of Federal disaster assistance must 
take steps to evaluate hazards within the disaster area and take 
appropriate action to mitigate these hazards. FEMA has interpreted this 
requirement through regulation to mean that State and local governments 
shall prepare and implement hazard mitigation plans following a 
declaration for Federal disaster assistance. Regulations have been 
implemented to streamline, clarify, and simplify this planning 
requirement. Hazard mitigation plans are updated or expanded at the 
time a new disaster declaration occurs.
    Affected Public: State, Local or Tribal government, and not for 
profit institutions.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 4,600.

[[Page 48639]]



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                                                      No. of                                       Annual burden
                   FEMA forms                       respondents    Frequency of      Hours per    hours (A x B x
                                                        (A)        response  (B)   response  (C)        C)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HMGP 409 Plan...................................              25          \1\ 46               4           4,600
                                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Total.......................................              25              46               4          4,600
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Average number of declared disasters per year.

Comments

    Written comments are solicited to:
    (a) Evaluate whether the proposed data collections and reporting 
requirements are necessary for the proper performance of FEMA's 
functions and program activities, including whether the data have 
practical utility;
    (b) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of 
the proposed data collections and reporting requirements;
    (c) Determine the estimated cost of the proposed data collections 
and reporting requirements to the respondents;
    (d) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and,
    (e) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic 
submission of responses. Comments should be received within 60 days of 
the date of this notice.

    ADDRESSES: Interested persons should submit written comments to 
Muriel B. Anderson, FEMA Information Collections Officer, Federal 
Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street, SW, Room 316, Washington, DC 
20472. Telephone number (202) 646-2625, FAX number (202) 646-3524, or 
email address: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Catherine Young, Mitigation 
Directorate at (202) 646-4541 for additional information. Contact Ms. 
Anderson at (202) 646-2625 for copies of the proposed collection of 
information.

    Dated: August 25, 1999.
Reginald Trujillo,
Director, Program Services Division, Operations Support Directorate.
[FR Doc. 99-23183 Filed 9-3-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6718-01-P