[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 140 (Monday, July 22, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43898-43899]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-17446]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

[Docket ID FEMA-2013-0024; OMB No. 1660-0022]


Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; 
Comment Request

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency, 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 revision of a currently approved information 
collection. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 
this notice seeks comments concerning the application for the National 
Flood Insurance Program's Community Rating System program. This program 
allows communities to become eligible for discounts on the cost of 
flood insurance when they undertake activities to mitigate anticipated 
damage due to flooding. The application materials verify and document 
the community mitigation activities performed and provide the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency with the information necessary to determine 
if flood insurance premium discounts are appropriate for participating 
communities. CRS credits have been added in numerous areas that 
contribute to the protection of salmonid habitat.

DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before September 20, 2013.

ADDRESSES: To avoid duplicate submissions to the docket, please use 
only one of the following means to submit comments:
    (1) Online. Submit comments at www.regulations.gov under Docket ID 
FEMA-2013-0024. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    (2) Mail. Submit written comments to Docket Manager, Office of 
Chief Counsel, DHS/FEMA, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472-3100.
    (3) Facsimile. Submit comments to (703) 483-2999.
    All submissions received must include the agency name and Docket 
ID. Regardless of the method used for submitting comments or material, 
all submissions will be posted, without change, to the Federal 
Rulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov, and will include any 
personal information you provide. Therefore, submitting this 
information makes it public. You may wish to read the Privacy Act 
notice that is available via the link in the footer of 
www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bill Lesser, Program Specialist, 
Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, at (202) 646-2807 for 
additional information. You may contact the Records Management Division 
for copies of the proposed collection of information at facsimile 
number (202) 646-3347 or email address: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 541 of the National Flood Insurance 
Reform Act (NFIRA) of 1994, 42 U.S.C. 4022, requires that a community 
rating system be established. This ratings system is a voluntary 
program for communities and it would provide a method by which flood 
mitigation activities engaged in by these communities could be 
measured. The effect of this mitigation activity would reduce the 
exposure of the communities to damages resulting from flooding and in 
turn reduce the losses incurred as a result of this flooding. To 
encourage participation, discounts on flood insurance are offered 
within communities that successfully complete qualified mitigation 
actions, and the community ratings system provides the ability to 
measure these actions and to recertify the communities in successive 
years.
    CRS credits have been added in numerous areas that contribute to 
the protection of salmonid habitat. Credit has been newly provided--or 
increased--for habitat preservation and protection related to salmonids 
in several areas. These include new credits for public outreach related 
to endangered species, open space preservation, higher regulatory 
standards that can include protective practices such as zoning that 
protect salmonid, and developing floodplain management plans. Low 
Impact Development and volume control credits were added to Stormwater 
Management. Incorporating low impact development practices will result 
in cleaner rainwater runoff. It will also delay urban runoff into 
floodplains, resulting in reduced stormwater volume that can otherwise 
have a detrimental scouring impact on a stream's health and its ability 
to support species.
    Open Space credits were added for areas that include habitat for 
threatened and endangered species under Natural Functions Open Space. 
This incentive is designed to motivate local governments to protect 
lands that enhance the habitat of threatened and endangered species. 
Credits have been added under Open Space Preservation, Natural 
Shoreline Protection, to encourage communities to actively manage 
riparian lands to preserve and sustain biologic functions. Flood 
Protection points have been reduced for structural flood control 
features to encourage communities to seek flood risk reduction 
solutions that result in establishing new open space areas rather than 
continuing to support intensively developed floodplains. Dismantling or 
setting back levees in such a way that results in creation of open 
space will earn significantly more CRS points than previously 
available. Levee Credit Activity as well as credit for channel 
maintenance include a requirement for maintenance activities to be 
compliant with environmental and historic preservation laws and 
executive orders, including integration of vegetative management 
practices. A new CRS Class 4 prerequisite has been established 
requiring a CRS Class 4 or better community to have at least 100 points 
for activities that protect natural floodplain functions.

Collection of Information

    Title: Community Rating System (CRS) Program--Application 
Worksheets and Commentary.
    Type of Information Collection: Revision of a currently approved 
information collection.
    FEMA Forms: FEMA Form 086-0-35, Community Rating System Application 
Letter of Interest and Quick Check Instructions; FEMA Form 086-0-35A, 
Community Annual Recertification; and FEMA Form 086-0-35B, 
Environmental and Historic Preservation Certifications.
    Abstract: The CRS Application and Certifications are used by 
communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program's 
(NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) to document the

[[Page 43899]]

activities that communities have undertaken to mitigate against future 
flood losses. The CRS Application and Certifications provide a step-by-
step process for communities to follow in their effort to achieve the 
maximum amount of discount on flood insurance premiums. CRS is a 
voluntary program where flood insurance costs are reduced in 
communities that implement practices, such as building codes and public 
education activities, that are recognized as reducing risks of flooding 
and promoting the purchase of flood insurance.
    Affected Public: State, Local or Tribal Government.
    Number of Respondents: 1,274.
    Number of Responses: 1,274.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 32,908.
    Estimated Cost: There are no estimated operational, maintenance, 
capital or start-up costs associated with this information collection.

Comments

    Comments may be submitted as indicated in the ADDRESSES caption 
above. 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.

    Dated: July 15, 2013.
Charlene D. Myrthil,
Director, Records Management Division, Mission Support Bureau, Federal 
Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security.
[FR Doc. 2013-17446 Filed 7-19-13; 8:45 am]
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