[Federal Register: May 6, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 87)]
[Notices]
[Page 24012-24013]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06my03-88]
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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:
muriel.anderson@fema.gov.
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]
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