Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; State/Local/Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plans
Agencies
ELI5 AI
FEMA wants people to tell them how to make their homework easier and better when planning for natural disasters like floods or fires. They want to know if this homework is important and helpful, and how much time and money it should take.
Summary AI
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security, is seeking public comments about their revision of a currently approved information collection related to hazard mitigation plans for State, local, and Tribal governments. This effort aims to reduce paperwork and respondent burden while ensuring that these governments have appropriate plans to mitigate natural hazards under Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Comments need to be submitted by June 30, 2025, and should include insights on the necessity, efficiency, and technological aspects of the data collection. FEMA also outlines the estimated response numbers, burden hours, and associated costs for both the respondents and the federal government.
Abstract
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public 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 nature of the information collection, the categories of respondents, the estimated burden (i.e., the time, efforts and resources used by respondents to respond) and cost, and actual data collection instruments FEMA will use regarding the State, local, and Tribal hazard mitigation plan development or update process.
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Sources
AnalysisAI
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), within the Department of Homeland Security, has issued a request for public comment on its efforts to revise an information collection pertaining to hazard mitigation plans for state, local, and Tribal governments. This initiative aims to streamline procedures, reduce unnecessary paperwork, and lessen the burden on respondents, while ensuring that essential plans are in place to address natural hazards as required by federal regulations.
General Summary
This notice from FEMA highlights the need for updated comments from the public regarding the process and requirements involved in the development or alteration of hazard mitigation plans for various government entities. These plans are crucial for disaster preparedness and are a prerequisite for receiving certain types of federal aid. FEMA's proposed revisions intend to facilitate an effective and efficient planning process and to ensure adherence to legal and regulatory standards.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One notable issue is the substantial costs associated with compliance, including over $53 million for operation and maintenance, and nearly $9 million for capital and startup expenses. The document does not provide a detailed breakdown of these costs, which could lead to concerns about the potential for wasteful expenditure.
The projected annual respondent cost of approximately $14.6 million is considerable, and additional transparency regarding the calculation of this figure would be beneficial. Such information could increase confidence in the efficiency and appropriateness of the process.
Another issue lies in the document's complexity, particularly the use of technical terminology and numerous legal references without adequate explanation for the lay reader. Simplifying or clarifying these elements could enhance accessibility and understanding.
Impact on the Public
The proposed revisions could have broad implications for both the general public and specific government entities. Overall, the public stands to benefit from more comprehensive and effective hazard mitigation plans that could potentially minimize the impact of natural disasters. Enhanced plans may lead to quicker recoveries and reduced risks in the face of future hazards.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For state, local, and Tribal governments, these revisions may impose additional administrative and financial burdens. The responsibility to develop and maintain detailed hazard mitigation plans can require significant resources; therefore, understanding requirements and potential costs upfront is crucial for these stakeholders. Conversely, fulfilling these requirements can lead to access to vital federal assistance post-disaster, ultimately benefiting communities reliant on this support during emergencies.
On the positive side, the revised collection could streamline planning processes, reduce unnecessary documentation, and facilitate more straightforward compliance. However, the lack of clarity regarding how these revisions improve upon existing protocols may cloud the perceived benefits.
In conclusion, while FEMA's attempt to enhance the hazard mitigation planning process is commendable, the impacted stakeholders might be best served by greater transparency around costs and process improvements. This would foster a better understanding and ensure consensus on the necessity and value of the proposed revisions.
Financial Assessment
The document provides significant details about the financial implications associated with the proposal for revising the information collection on State, local, and Tribal hazard mitigation plans. Here is a closer look at the financial aspects discussed in the text:
Summary of Financial Allocations
The document outlines several financial estimates relevant to the proposed revision of the hazard mitigation plans:
Estimated Total Annual Respondent Cost: The document mentions an annual cost of $14,670,303 for respondents. This figure likely encompasses the time and resources expended by state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments in meeting FEMA’s requirements for approved hazard mitigation plans. However, the documentation does not break down what specific elements contribute to this sum, leading to issues around transparency.
Estimated Respondents' Operation and Maintenance Costs: The operation and maintenance costs are projected at $53,393,717. This substantial figure suggests ongoing expenses associated with the upkeep and functioning of the hazard mitigation planning efforts. Yet, the document does not provide a detailed breakdown, raising questions about whether these costs could be streamlined or reduced.
Estimated Respondents' Capital and Start-Up Costs: Start-up costs are anticipated to be $8,855,000. This covers expenses potentially related to the initial phases of implementing or updating hazard mitigation plans. There is a lack of detailed information, making it challenging to assess whether these are necessary or could be optimized.
Estimated Total Annual Cost to the Federal Government: The cost to the federal government is estimated at $2,072,906. This cost likely includes federal oversight, support, and administrative efforts. The document does not elaborate on how these funds will be utilized, which could lead to discussions about efficiency in government spending.
Relation to Identified Issues
The financial allocations are closely linked to some of the issues raised within the document:
Lack of Detail on Cost Breakdown: The document highlights significant costs like the operation and maintenance expenses; however, without a detailed breakdown, it is difficult to ascertain if these are justified or if they include potential waste. This lack of detail also connects to concerns about transparency regarding how these figures were calculated.
Substantial Respondent Costs: The projection of $14,670,303 in respondent costs could be concerning without specific information on what this includes. Clarifying whether such expenses entail personnel time, software, or other resources would help in evaluating their appropriateness and the overall burden placed on respondents.
Complexity and Accessibility: The document's technical nature and complex financial references might hinder clarity and accessibility for all audiences. Simplifying or detailing these figures could help educate and inform broader audiences, aligning with the document’s aim to solicit comments from the public.
Overall, while the document provides significant figures, its utility and comprehensibility for a general audience could be improved by including detailed breakdowns of financial costs and justifications for these estimates. This would ensure greater transparency and facilitate more constructive public commentary.
Issues
• The document involves significant costs, such as an estimated respondent operation and maintenance cost of $53,393,717 and capital & start-up costs of $8,855,000. The breakdown of these costs is not detailed in the document, which makes it difficult to assess if these expenses might be wasteful.
• The estimated total annual respondent cost of $14,670,303 is notable, and more information could be provided on what this includes and how these numbers were calculated to ensure transparency and assess appropriateness.
• The title 'Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request; State/Local/Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plans' could be confusing as it includes multiple components. Clarification on the focus of the document may help in understanding its purpose.
• The document refers to 'respondent burden' multiple times but does not clearly define what constitutes the burden or provide examples, which may lead to ambiguity.
• The terminology regarding categories of respondents and their input could be simplified to enhance clarity and understanding for a broader audience.
• While providing the overall annual burden hours and costs, the methodology for calculating such extensive figures like '219,156 total annual burden hours' can be detailed or simplified for better comprehension.
• There is an absence of information on how the proposed revisions were determined to be beneficial or necessary. More context on the revisions could provide clearer understanding for those affected by these data collection requirements.
• The document includes references to legal acts and regulatory parts without providing a succinct summary, which might be complex for readers not familiar with these laws and regulations.