[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 16, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 3537]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-1226]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Farm Service Agency


Interim National Drought Council

AGENCY: Farm Service Agency, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Interim National Drought Council meeting.

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SUMMARY: The Interim National Drought Council (Interim Council) was 
established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). It's purpose 
is to coordinate activities between and among Federal Agencies, States, 
local governments, tribes and others. The first meeting of the Interim 
Council was held November 9, 2000. All meetings are open to the public; 
however, seating is limited and available on a first-come basis.

DATES: The Interim Council will meet on January 25, 2001, in Room 233 
of the Hall of the States building located at 444 North Capitol Street, 
NW. in Washington, DC from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and then from 12:30 
p.m. to 3:00 p.m.. All times noted are Eastern Standard Time. This 
meeting will be devoted to revising the work plan and other Interim 
Council business.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leona Dittus, Executive Director, 
Interim National Drought Council, United States Department of 
Agriculture (USDA), 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 6701-S, STOP 
0501, Washington, D.C., 20250-0501 or telephone (202) 720-3168; FAX 
(202) 720-9688; internet [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of the MOU is to establish a 
more comprehensive, integrated, coordinated approach toward reducing 
the impacts of drought through better preparedness, monitoring and 
prediction, risk management, and response to drought emergencies in the 
United States. The Interim Council will encourage cooperation and 
coordination between and among Federal, State, local, and tribal 
governments and others, relative to preparation for and response to 
serious drought emergencies. Activities of the Interim Council include 
providing coordination to: (a) Resolve drought related issues, (b) 
exchange information about lessons learned, and (c) improve public 
awareness of the need for drought planning and mitigation measures. The 
Interim Council is co-chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture or his 
designee, and a non-federal co-chair, selected from among the members 
who are not Federal officers or employees. Ms. Ane D. Deister, 
Executive Assistant to the General Manager, Metropolitan Water District 
of Southern California, representing urban water interests, was 
selected as the non-federal co-chair at the Interim Council's 
organizational meeting. Administrative staff support essential to the 
execution of the Interim Council's responsibilities shall be provided 
by USDA. The Interim Council will continue in effect for 5 years or 
until Congress establishes a permanent National Drought Council.
    If special accommodations are required, please contact Leona 
Dittus, at the address specified above, by COB January 22, 2001.

    Signed at Washington, D.C., on January 10, 2001.
George Arredondo,
Administrator, Farm Service Agency.
[FR Doc. 01-1226 Filed 1-12-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-05-P