[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 11, 2000)] [Notices] [Pages 1585-1586] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 00-551] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Food and Nutrition Service Food Stamp Program: Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Disaster Food Stamp Assistance AGENCY: Food and Nutrition Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice invites the general public and other public agencies to comment on proposed information collections. This information collection is based on the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and Section 5(h) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended, which provide the Secretary of Agriculture with the authority to develop an emergency food stamp program to address the needs of families temporarily in need of food assistance after a disaster. The information collection under this notice is required for the establishment and operation of emergency food stamp assistance programs. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before March 13, 2000. ADDRESSES: Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who respond, including through the use of appropriate [[Page 1586]] automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments may be sent to Margaret Batko, Assistant Branch Chief, Certification Policy Branch, Program Development Division, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, VA 22302. Comments may also be faxed to the attention of Ms. Batko at (703) 305-2486. The internet address is: [email protected]. All written comments will be open for public inspection at the office of the Food and Nutrition Service during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) at 3101 Park Center Drive, Alexandria, Virginia 22302, Room 720. All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the request for OMB approval. All comments will be a matter of public record. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information should be directed to Ms. Batko at (703) 305-2516. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Emergency Food Stamp Assistance for Victims of Disasters. OMB Number: 0584-0336. Form Number: Not a form. Expiration Date: 1/31/2000. Type of Request: Extension of a currently approved information collection. Abstract: Pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and Section 5(h) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended, the Secretary of Agriculture has the authority to develop an emergency food stamp program to address the temporary food needs of families following a disaster. The information collection under this notice is required to be provided by households in order to determine eligibility for emergency food stamp benefits as the result of a disaster. The number of disasters that occur annually and the average number of households affected by disasters cannot be accurately predicted. In reviewing the number of disasters for the last four fiscal years, we found that although the number of disasters remained relatively constant, most disasters covered small geographic areas and affected small populations resulting in a decreased reporting burden. In 1996, there were six disasters with the number of disaster-affected households ranging from 143 to 186,488. In 1997 there were six disasters and the number of disaster-affected households ranged from 108 to 2,361. In 1998, there were eight disasters and the number of disaster-affected households ranged from 15 to 4,254. In 1999, there were three disasters, and the number of disaster-affected households ranged from 495 to 2,610. Based on this data we calculated an estimated burden of 26,401 hours. We wish to emphasize that although this estimate of burden hours represents a significant decline from our prior estimate of 48,114 hours, the number and magnitude of disasters cannot be accurately estimated, and that although the annual number of affected households (respondents) averaged 63,362 per year over the last four years, in 1992 and 1994, there were single disasters with 206,735 and 242,834 applicant households, respectively. We anticipate that disasters of this magnitude will occur in the future. Affected Public: Food Stamp recipients; State and local governments. Estimated Number of Respondents: 63,362. Estimated Time per Response: 25 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden: 26,401 hours. Dated: November 23, 1999. George A. Braley, Acting Administrator, Food and Nutrition Service. [FR Doc. 00-551 Filed 1-10-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410-30-U