[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 87 (Tuesday, May 6, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24012-24013]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-11107]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency


Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB 
Review; Comment Request

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Preparedness and 
Response Directorate, Department of Homeland Security.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is submitting a 
request for review and approval of a collection of information under 
the emergency processing procedures in Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) regulation 5 CFR 1320.13. FEMA is requesting that this 
information collection be approved by May 12, 2003. The approval will 
authorize FEMA to use the collection through November 30, 2003. FEMA 
plans to follow this emergency request with a request for a 3-year 
approval. The request will be processed under OMB's normal clearance 
procedures in accordance with the provisions of OMB regulation 5 CFR 
1320.10. To help us with the timely processing of the emergency and 
normal clearance submissions to OMB, FEMA invites the general public to 
comment on the proposed collection of information.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FEMA published an interim final rule 
implementing the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program in Vol. 62, 
No. 54 of the Federal Register, dated March 20, 1997. The FMA program 
is designed to award grants to States, and NFIP-participating 
communities and Indian tribal governments, so that measures are taken 
to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flood damage to buildings, 
manufactured homes, and other structures insurable under the National 
Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Collection of Information

    Title: Flood Mitigation Assistance (eGrants) and Grant Supplemental 
Information.
    Abstract: Information sought with this submission will comprise 
Phase I of the electronic, web-based application for Flood Mitigation 
Assistance (FMA) program grants through FEMA's eGrants system. The 
eGrants system is being developed to meet the intent of the eGovernment 
initiative, authorized by Pub. L. 106-107 passed on November 20, 1999. 
This initiative requires that all government agencies both streamline 
grant application processes and provide for the means to electronically 
create, review, and submit a grant application via the Internet.
    The FMA eGrants application will not replace the FMA grants program 
paper-based collection currently under OMB control number 1660-0025. It 
is provided as an alternative method for grantees and subgrantees to 
use.
    The FMA eGrants application includes the information necessary for 
FEMA to assess the financial needs of the applicants as well as the 
projected benefits to be obtained from the use of the grant funds. FEMA 
will also use the information to determine eligibility and whether the 
proposed use of such funds meets the requirements and intent of the 
NFIRA. FEMA will use the information to evaluate applications and make 
award decisions, monitor ongoing performance and manage the flow of 
federal funds, and to appropriately close out the grant award when all 
work is completed.
    The State will use the subgrantee application for grant assistance 
to recommend to FEMA the use of limited grant funds. Subgrantees will 
be accountable to the grantee for any collection of information 
required under the laws and procedures established by that State or 
Indian tribal government, and will be responsible for providing 
proprietary information to the grantee on subgrants funded through the 
State or tribal government. A Tribe may apply as either a grantee or 
subgrantee, and will be required to meet the grant application, 
reporting and planning requirements of a State or local government 
depending on their applicant status.
    Type of Information Collection: New collection.
    Affected Public: State, local and Tribal governments.
    Number of Respondents: 280--56 States and Territories x 4 subgrants 
per State = 224 + 56 States to review, coordinate and forward FMA grant 
applications to FEMA for approval.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 4,088.
    Estimated Cost: The cost to States, Territories, Indian Tribal 
governments and local governments for the information collection is 
$97,621 ($23.88 hourly rate x 4,088 burden hours).

Comments

    Written comments are solicited to (a) evaluate whether the proposed 
data collection is necessary for the proper performance of the agency, 
including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) 
evaluate 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) enhance the quality, utility, and 
clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) 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. Submit 
comments to OMB within 30 days of the date of this notice. To ensure 
that FEMA is fully aware of any comments or concerns that you share 
with OMB, please provide us with a copy of your comments. FEMA will 
continue to accept comments for 60 days from the date of this notice.

OMB Addressee

    Interested persons should submit written comments to the Office of 
Management and Budget, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs 
(Attention: Desk Officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 
Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate, Department of Homeland 
Security) 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503.

[[Page 24013]]

FEMA Addressee

    Interested persons should submit written comments to Muriel B. 
Anderson, Chief, Records Management Branch, Information Resources 
Management Division, Information Technology Services Directorate, 
Federal Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Preparedness and 
Response Directorate, Department of Homeland Security, 500 C Street, 
SW., Room 316, Washington, DC 20472.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Ms. Anderson for copies of the 
proposed collection of information at telephone number (202) 646-2625, 
facsimile number (202) 646-3347, or e-mail address: 
[email protected].

    Dated: April 30, 2003.
Edward W. Kernan,
Director, Information Resources Management Division, Information 
Technology Services Directorate.
[FR Doc. 03-11107 Filed 5-5-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6718-01-P