[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 71 (Friday, April 13, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18622-18623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-6993]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Farm Service Agency


Notice of Availability of the Draft Programmatic Environmental 
Assessment for the 2005 Hurricane Tree Assistance Program

AGENCY: Farm Service Agency, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of the Draft 
Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for the implementation of 
the 2005 Hurricane Tree Assistance Program (TAP), authorized by the 
Emergency Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act. The draft PEA assesses 
the potential environmental impacts of alternatives to be considered in 
the administration of this hurricane program. The draft PEA also 
provides a means for the public to voice any concerns they may have 
about the program, and any ideas for improving it. This Notice of 
Availability informs the public of the availability of the applicable 
draft PEA and solicits public comment.

DATES: FSA invites comments on the draft PEA. Comments should be 
submitted by close of business on April 30, 2007, to ensure 
consideration. Comments submitted after this date will be considered to 
the extent possible.

ADDRESSES: Comments on and requests for copies of the draft PEA should 
be submitted to Matthew T. Ponish, National Environmental Compliance

[[Page 18623]]

Manager, United States Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, 
1400 Independence Ave., SW., Mail Stop 0513, Washington DC 20250-0513, 
or by e-mail at [email protected]. The Draft PEA can be 
reviewed online at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=ecrc&topic=nep-cd.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Ponish, USDA/FSA/CEPD/Stop 
0513, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20250-0513, (202) 
720-6853, or e-mail at: [email protected]. Persons with 
disabilities who require alternative means for communication (Braille, 
large print, audio tape, etc.) should contact the USDA Target Center at 
(202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Farm Service Agency announces the 
availability of the draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) 
for the 2005 Hurricane TAP, authorized by the Emergency Agricultural 
Disaster Assistance Act (Pub. L. 109-234, section 3021), the goal of 
which is to reimburse eligible producers of eligible tree crops for 
certain costs associated with reestablishing crops lost because of the 
hurricanes of 2005. TAP will be implemented in counties declared 
disasters as a result of the 2005 hurricanes in the following states: 
Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Mississippi, 
South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. In consideration of the analysis 
documented in the PEA, the program would not constitute a major State 
or Federal action that would significantly affect the human 
environment. Therefore, an Environmental Impact Statement will not be 
prepared.
    The regulations promulgating the 2005 Hurricane TAP were published 
in the Federal Register on February 12, 2007 (72 FR 6435), along with 
the provision that no benefit shall be paid under the program until FSA 
has completed the PEA and issued a decision document. The draft PEA 
assesses the potential environmental impacts of alternatives to be 
considered in the administration of the 2005 TAP. The draft PEA also 
provides a means for the public to voice any concerns they may have 
about the program and any ideas for improving it. This Notice of 
Availability informs the public of the availability of the draft PEA 
and solicits public comment.

    Signed in Washington DC on April 4, 2007.
Thomas B. Hofeller,
Acting Administrator, Farm Service Agency.
[FR Doc. E7-6993 Filed 4-12-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-05-P