[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 240 (Friday, December 13, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 76726-76727]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-31450]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 120902E]


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Hurricane 
Forecast Economic Valuation Study

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, 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 and/or continuing information collections, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before February 11, 
2003.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at [email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed Dr. Rodney Weiher, U.S. Dept. of Commerce/NOAA/PSP, Room 
6117, 14th and Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC, 20234. (or via 
Internet at [email protected]).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The purpose of this data collection is to provide information on 
the value of current and improved hurricane forecasts to specific 
segments of the U.S. population. The study will measure total economic 
values for current hurricane forecasts and improved hurricane 
forecasts. This effort is designed to provide information on the uses 
and values of hurricane forecasts in order to improve product design 
and delivery systems as well as information for managers on the value 
of undertaking programs to improve hurricane forecasting capabilities.
    This effort will involve development of extensive knowledge about 
how hurricane forecasts are perceived, understanding the implications 
of alternative forecast improvement actions, designing original survey 
instruments, interviewing of a large number of respondents (1200-1500), 
and conducting formal statistical analysis of the data. A regionally-
oriented survey will be conducted using stated-preferences methods. 
Cognitive interviews will be used in survey development to examine 
individuals' understanding of hurricane forecasts and the words and 
meanings they may use to discuss hurricanes. The interviews will be 
used to examine the relative importance of hurricane forecast 
attributes, to assess the presentation of information on hurricane 
forecasts, and developing approaches for eliciting economic values for 
improvements in hurricane forecasting.

II. Method of Collection

    Up to 96 one-on-one cognitive interviews will be conducted. In 
addition, one pretest of the full survey instrument will be tested for 
a response of up to 100 usable observations. The final survey 
instrument will be administered to a sample of up to 1500 people.

III. Data

    OMB Number: None.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,696.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 2 hours for an interview; 45 minutes 
for a pretest; and 45 minutes for a final survey.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,392.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0.

IV. Request for Comments

    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 
(including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; 
(c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the 
collection of information on respondents, including through the use of 
automated collection techniques or other forms of information 
technology.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection;

[[Page 76727]]

they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: December 6, 2002.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 02-31450 Filed 12-12-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-S