[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 41 (Friday, February 29, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11135-11136]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-3908]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS.

ACTION: Notice; 60-day notice and request for comments; revision of a 
currently approved collection, OMB No. 1660-0062.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 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 a proposed revised information collection. In accordance 
with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice seeks comments 
concerning State Hazard Mitigation Plan requirements to support State 
administration of FEMA Mitigation grant programs.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On February 26, 2002, FEMA published an 
interim rule at 67 FR 884 implementing section 322 of the Robert T. 
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), 
42 U.S.C. 5165, enacted under section 104 of the Disaster Mitigation 
Act of 2000, 42 U.S.C. 5121 note, to provide new and revitalized 
approaches to mitigation planning. The Stafford Act provides a 
framework for linking pre-and-post-disaster mitigation planning and 
initiatives with public and private interests to ensure an integrated, 
comprehensive approach to disaster loss reduction. Pursuant to 44 CFR 
part 201, the mitigation planning requirements require State, local and 
Indian tribal governments to identify the natural hazards that impact 
them, to identify actions and activities to reduce any losses from 
hazards, and to establish a coordinated process to implement the plan, 
taking advantage of a wide-range of resources.

Collection of Information

    Title: State/Local/Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plans--Section 322 of 
the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.
    Type of Information Collection: Revision of a currently approved 
collection.
    OMB Number: 1660-0062.
    Form Numbers: None.
    Abstract: The purpose of State Hazard Mitigation Plan requirements 
is to support State administration of FEMA Mitigation grant programs, 
and contemplate a significant State commitment to mitigation 
activities, comprehensive State mitigation planning, and strong program 
management. Implementation of plans, pre-identified cost-effective 
mitigation measures will streamline the disaster recovery process. 
Mitigation plans are the demonstration of the goals, priorities to 
reduce risks from natural hazards.
    Affected Public: State, local or tribal governments, and 
Individuals or households.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 768,320.

[[Page 11136]]



                                               Annual Burden Hours
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   Project/activity  (survey,        Number of     Frequency of    Burden hours       Annual       Total annual
   form(s), focus group, etc.)      respondents      responses     per response      responses     burden hours
                                             (A)             (B)             (C)           (AxB)         (AxBxC)
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New Plan Development (Local and               56               5            2080             280         582,400
 Tribal Mitigation Included)....
Mitigation Plan Updates (Local                56              10             320             560         179,200
 and Tribal Included)...........
Mitigation Plans Review by                    56              15               8             840           6,720
 States (Local and Tribal
 Included)......................
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    Total.......................              56  ..............           2,408           1,680         768,320
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    Estimated Cost: The total burden hour costs to respondents using 
the wage rate categories of Urban and Regional Planners for this 
information collection is estimated to be $21,282,464 annually. The 
total annual cost to the Federal Government for staff review and 
approval of State Hazard Mitigation Plans is estimated to be $226,447 
annually.
    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. Comments must be submitted on or before April 
29, 2008.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons should submit written comments to Office 
of Management, Records Management Division, Federal Emergency 
Management Agency, 500 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20472, Mail Drop 
Room 301, 1800 S. Bell Street, Arlington, VA 22202.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact Cecelia Rosenberg, Section 
Chief, Mitigation Directorate, (202) 646-3321 for additional 
information. You may contact the Records Management Branch for copies 
of the proposed collection of information at facsimile number (202) 
646-3347 or e-mail address: [email protected].

    Dated: February 13, 2008.
John A. Sharetts-Sullivan,
Director, Records Management and Privacy, Office of Management 
Directorate, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of 
Homeland Security.
[FR Doc. E8-3908 Filed 2-28-08; 8:45 am]
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