FR 2021-02752

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking public input on an information collection relating to the State Administrative Plan for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). This plan outlines procedures for how states, territories, or tribal governments administer funds under the HMGP. The document under review aims to inform the public that FEMA will submit this information to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

General Summary

The notice from FEMA is a request for public comments on reinstating an expired information collection without any changes. This process is part of FEMA's efforts to maintain transparency and reduce the administrative burden faced by respondents. The collection provides a procedural guide, essential for states and other entities to access HMGP funding.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One noticeable issue in the document is its reliance on technical jargon and references to specific regulations, such as 44 CFR 206.437, which might not be easily understood by individuals without a legal or bureaucratic background. The document discusses various costs associated with the collection (e.g., $32,704 for respondents) but lacks a detailed breakdown of these figures. Additionally, there is a vague reference to "enhancing the quality, utility, and clarity" of information, which could benefit from more precise explanation.

Moreover, the methodology and assumptions behind the burden estimates are not fully detailed, posing challenges in assessing their accuracy. The document also mentions the option for electronic comment submission but does not provide clear guidance on this process, which could be a barrier for some respondents.

Impact on the Public

Broadly speaking, the document could affect the general public by ensuring that the administrative guidelines for accessing hazard mitigation funds are well-structured and informed by public feedback. By allowing stakeholders to comment, FEMA is encouraging public participation in shaping policies that potentially impact disaster preparedness and response.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For government officials and agencies involved in disaster management, the reinstatement of this information collection is crucial, as it affects the availability of federal funding for hazard mitigation projects. States, territories, and tribal governments must adhere to these guidelines to qualify for financial assistance, directly influencing their ability to plan for and respond to natural disasters.

For the public, particularly those residing in disaster-prone areas, effective use of HMGP funds translates to better-prepared communities, potentially reducing the devastation caused by future disasters. However, the document does not discuss how the estimated costs relate to potential savings from successful hazard mitigation, which could be a missed opportunity to underscore the program's value.

Overall, while the document provides necessary information about FEMA’s next steps concerning hazard mitigation, it could benefit from enhancements to its clarity and accessibility, ensuring that a broader audience can engage meaningfully in the comment process.

In this Federal Register document, there are specific financial references related to the State Administrative Plan for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This commentary examines these financial elements and their connections to identified issues.

Financial Allocations and References

The document contains two notable financial figures:

1. Estimated Total Annual Respondent Cost: $32,704
   This figure represents the annual cost borne by respondents, which include States, Territories, and Tribal governments, in fulfilling their roles in the HMGP process. The financial burden encompasses the time, effort, and resources necessary to respond to the information collection requirements outlined by FEMA.

2. Estimated Total Annual Cost to the Federal Government: $23,930
   This figure estimates how much the federal government spends annually to manage the program discussed. This amount likely covers administrative expenses related to the processing and reviewing of submissions for the HMGP.

Relation to Identified Issues

The financial references tie into several identified issues in the document:

• Lack of Cost Calculation Details: The document mentions the $32,704 and $23,930 costs but does not provide a breakdown of how these amounts were calculated. Without details on the components that make up these estimates, it can be challenging for readers to understand or assess the accuracy of the financial impact on both respondents and the federal agency.

• Explanation of Economic Impact: While the costs are straightforward, the document does not address the broader economic implications of these financial requirements. For instance, it lacks an analysis of how these respondent and government costs might compare to the potential savings achieved through effective hazard mitigation, such as reduced disaster recovery expenses or increased safety for communities.

• Evaluation and Comments: The Federal Register notice invites public comments on whether the data collection is necessary and whether these estimated costs are practical. However, without additional context on how the financial figures are generated, stakeholders may find it difficult to provide informed feedback.

• Clarification and Transparency: The document's language regarding enhancing the quality and utility of collected information is somewhat vague, and it does not specify whether any portion of the costs is allocated to improving these aspects. Greater transparency about financial allocations toward such objectives could help clarify their importance.

In summary, while the document provides specific financial references regarding costs associated with the HMGP, it lacks detailed explanations and contextual analysis. This absence may hinder the public's understanding and evaluation of the financial impacts of the program. More comprehensive information on how these costs are calculated and their economic benefits could enhance public engagement and feedback.