
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 41 (Friday, March 1, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13844-13853]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-04794]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Federal Emergency Management Agency

44 CFR Part 201

[Docket ID: FEMA-2012-0001]
RIN 1660-AA77


Change in Submission Requirements for State Mitigation Plans

AGENCY: Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: This proposed rule revises the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency (FEMA) Mitigation Planning regulations in order to reduce the 
frequency of Standard State and Enhanced State Mitigation Plan updates 
by extending the update requirement from 3 to 5 years.

DATES: Comment on the proposed rule, including the Paperwork Reduction 
Act information collection, is due on or before April 30, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by Docket ID: FEMA-2012-
0001, by one of the following methods:
    Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments.
    Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier: Regulatory Affairs Division, Office of 
Chief Counsel, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20472-3100.
    To avoid duplication, please use only one of these methods. All 
comments received will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. For

[[Page 13845]]

instructions on submitting comments, see the Public Participation 
portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Frederick Sharrocks, Branch Chief, 
Assessment and Planning Branch, Risk Analysis Division, Federal 
Insurance and Mitigation Administration, DHS/FEMA, 1800 South Bell 
Street, Arlington, VA 20598-3030. Phone: (202) 646-2796. Facsimile: 
(202) 646-2787. Email: Frederick.Sharrocks@fema.dhs.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DMA 2000 Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000
DHS Department of Homeland Security
EA Environmental Assessment
EIS Environmental Impact Statement
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FMA Flood Mitigation Assistance
FOIA Freedom of Information Act
HMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance
HMGP Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
IFR Interim Final Rule
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
NFIP National Flood Insurance Program
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
OMB Office of Management and Budget
PDM Pre-Disaster Mitigation
PRA Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
RFC Repetitive Flood Claims
RIN Regulatory Identifier Number
Stafford Act Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act, as amended
SRL Severe Repetitive Loss

Table of Contents

I. Public Participation
    A. Privacy Act
    B. Submission of Sensitive Information
    C. Public Meeting
    D. Public Input
II. Background
    A. Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000
    B. Hazard Mitigation Assistance
    C. Regulatory History
    D. Discussion of the NPRM
    E. Stakeholder Involvement
    F. Proposed Revisions
    G. Implementation
III. Regulatory Analyses
    A. Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review and 
Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review
    B. Regulatory Flexibility Act
    C. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
    D. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995
    E. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969
    F. Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With 
Indian Tribal Governments
    G. Executive Order 13132, Federalism
    H. Executive Order 12630, Taking of Private Property
    I. Executive Order 12898, Environmental Justice
    J. Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform
    K. Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children From 
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks
    L. Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management

I. Public Participation

    Interested persons are invited to participate in this rulemaking by 
submitting written data, views, or arguments on all aspects of this 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Comments that will provide the 
most assistance to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 
developing this rule will refer to a specific provision of the NPRM, 
explain the reason for any comments, and include other information or 
authority that supports such comments. All comments received will be 
posted, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov and will include 
any personal information you have provided. If you submit a comment, 
please include the Docket ID for this rulemaking, FEMA-2012-0001, 
indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment 
applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation.

A. Privacy Act

    Please be aware that anyone is able to search the electronic form 
of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the 
individual who submitted the comment (or signed the comment, if 
submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may want to review the Federal Docket Management System system of 
records notice published in the Federal Register on March 24, 2005 (70 
FR 15086).

B. Submission of Sensitive Information

    Do not submit comments that include trade secrets, confidential 
commercial or financial information to the public regulatory docket. 
Please submit such comments separately from other comments on the rule. 
Comments containing this type of information should be appropriately 
marked as containing such information and submitted by mail to the 
address specified in the ADDRESSES section of this NPRM. If FEMA 
receives a request to examine or copy this information, FEMA will treat 
it as any other request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 
U.S.C. 552, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)'s FOIA 
regulation found in 6 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 5 and 
FEMA's regulations found in 44 CFR part 5.

C. Public Meeting

    FEMA does not plan to hold a public meeting on this NPRM, but you 
may submit a request for one at the address specified in the ADDRESSES 
section of this NPRM explaining why one would be beneficial. If FEMA 
determines that a public meeting would aid this rulemaking, FEMA will 
hold one at a time and place announced by a notice in the Federal 
Register.

D. Public Input

    FEMA welcomes comments on all aspects of the regulatory analysis; 
particularly comments regarding the cost and benefit estimates of this 
rulemaking, as well as the assumptions used to derive those estimates. 
Comments that would be most useful are those that include supporting 
data and/or provide suggestions that decrease cost or increase 
benefits, while still obtaining State Mitigation Planning objectives.

II. Background

    Hazard mitigation is any sustained action taken to reduce or 
eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards 
and their effects. The purpose of hazard mitigation planning is to 
identify policies and actions that can be implemented over the long-
term to reduce risk and future losses. Mitigation plans form the 
foundation for a community's long-term strategy to reduce disaster 
losses and break the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction, and 
repeated damage. The planning process is as important as the plan 
itself. It creates a framework for risk-based decision making to reduce 
damage to lives, property, and the economy from future disasters. 
State, Tribal, and local governments benefit from mitigation planning 
by identifying publicly-accepted cost-effective actions for risk 
reduction, focusing resources on the greatest risks and 
vulnerabilities, and building partnerships by involving people, 
organizations, and businesses. The planning process, and mitigation 
plans, foster education and awareness of hazards and risk, communicate 
priorities to state and Federal officials, and align risk reduction 
with other community objectives, such as community development. State, 
Tribal, and local governments are required to develop a hazard 
mitigation plan as a condition for receiving certain types of Federal 
non-emergency disaster assistance.

[[Page 13846]]

A. Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000

    The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000), Public Law 106-390, 
114 Stat. 1552, amended the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) and provided an opportunity for 
States, Tribes, and local governments to take a new and revitalized 
approach to mitigation planning. Section 104 of DMA 2000 continued the 
requirement for a State mitigation plan as a condition of non-emergency 
disaster assistance, and created incentives for increased coordination 
and integration of mitigation activities at the State level. DMA 2000 
repealed Section 409 of the Stafford Act, which required mitigation 
plans and the use of minimum standards, and replaced it with two 
separate sections of the law: Mitigation planning in section 322 
(codified at 42 U.S.C. 5165), and minimum codes and standards in 
section 323 (codified at 42 U.S.C. 5165a). FEMA previously implemented 
section 409 through 44 CFR part 206, Subpart M. The DMA 2000 planning 
requirements were placed in 44 CFR part 201 to reflect the broader 
relevance of planning to all FEMA mitigation programs, while the 
minimum standards remained in 44 CFR part 206, Subpart M.
    Section 104 of DMA 2000 and FEMA's implementing regulations 
emphasize the need for State, Tribal, and local entities to closely 
coordinate mitigation planning and implementation efforts. The planning 
process provides a link between State, Tribal and local mitigation 
programs. Both State level and local plans should incorporate 
mitigation implementation strategies and sustainable recovery actions. 
FEMA also recognizes that governments are involved in a range of 
planning activities and that mitigation plans may be linked to or 
reference hazardous materials and other non-natural hazard plans. 
Improved mitigation planning will result in a better understanding of 
risks and vulnerabilities, as well as expedite implementation of 
measures and activities to reduce those risks, both pre- and post-
disaster.
    DMA 2000 included a provision for increased Federal funding for 
hazard mitigation measures for States with approved mitigation plans. 
42 U.S.C. 5165(e). FEMA implemented this provision through development 
of a new two-tiered State mitigation plan process: Standard State 
Mitigation Plans, which allow a State to receive Hazard Mitigation 
Grant Program (HMGP) funding ranging from 7.5 to 15 percent of disaster 
grants awarded by FEMA, depending on the total estimated eligible 
Stafford Act disaster assistance, and Enhanced State Mitigation Plans, 
which allow a State to receive HMGP funds based on 20 percent of the 
total estimated eligible Stafford Act disaster assistance. 44 CFR 
201.5. Enhanced State Mitigation Plans must meet the requirements for 
Standard State Mitigation Plans at 44 CFR 201.4 and must also 
demonstrate that the State has developed a comprehensive mitigation 
program, that it effectively uses available mitigation funding, and 
that it is capable of managing the increased funding.

B. Hazard Mitigation Assistance

    FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) grant programs provide 
funding for eligible mitigation activities that reduce disaster losses 
and protect life and property from future disaster damages. Currently, 
FEMA administers the following HMA grant programs:
     Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) assists in 
implementing long-term hazard mitigation measures following 
Presidential disaster declarations. Funding is available to implement 
projects in accordance with State, Tribal, and local priorities. HMGP 
grants may fund the updating of mitigation plans.
     Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) provides funds on an annual 
basis for hazard mitigation planning and the implementation of 
mitigation projects prior to a disaster. The goal of the PDM program is 
to reduce overall risk to the population and structures, while at the 
same time reducing reliance on Federal funding from actual disaster 
declarations. PDM grants may fund the updating of mitigation plans.
     Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) provides funds on an 
annual basis so that measures can be taken to reduce or eliminate risk 
of flood damage to buildings insured under the National Flood Insurance 
Program (NFIP). FMA grants may fund the updating of mitigation plans.
     Repetitive Flood Claims (RFC) provides funds on an annual 
basis to reduce the risk of flood damage to individual properties 
insured under the NFIP that have had one or more claim payments for 
flood damages.
     Severe Repetitive Loss (SRL) provides funds on an annual 
basis to reduce the risk of flood damage to residential structures 
insured under the NFIP that are qualified as SRL structures.

FEMA's HMA grants are provided to eligible applicants (States/Tribes/
Territories) that, in turn, provide subgrants to local governments and 
other eligible entities. Subgrantees may be a State agency, local 
government, private nonprofit organization (for HMGP only), or Indian 
Tribal government. Indian Tribal governments acting as a subgrantee are 
accountable to the State grantee. The applicant selects and prioritizes 
subapplications developed and submitted to them by subapplicants. These 
subapplications are submitted to FEMA for consideration of funding.
    Under FEMA's mitigation grant programs there is a standard cost 
share formula in which the Federal government provides 75 percent of 
the project cost and the State or subgrantee provides 25 percent. In 
general, hazard mitigation assistance is restricted to a percentage of 
total Federal contributions for a major disaster, which currently 
ranges from 7.5 to 15 percent depending on the estimated aggregate 
amount of Federal grants for that disaster. 42 U.S.C. 5170c(a). Indian 
Tribal governments that meet the requirments for Enhanced State 
Mitigation Plans may also be considered for increased HMGP funding. 44 
CFR 201.3(e)(3).

C. Regulatory History

    FEMA's February 26, 2002 Interim Final Rule (IFR), entitled 
``Hazard Mitigation Planning and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program,'' 67 
FR 8844, implemented section 322 of the Stafford Act by adding a new 
part 201 to 44 CFR. The IFR discontinued the requirement under former 
section 409 of the Stafford Act that States revise their mitigation 
plan after every disaster declaration, but included the requirement 
that Standard State Mitigation Plans had to be updated by November 1, 
2003 \1\ and resubmitted to the appropriate Regional Director for 
approval every 3 years from the date of the approval of the previous 
plan in order to continue program eligibility. Additionally, the IFR 
provided criteria for Enhanced State Mitigation Plans and required that 
for States to be eligible for the 20 percent HMGP funding, the Enhanced 
State Mitigation Plan must be approved by FEMA within the 3 years prior 
to the current major disaster declaration, and resubmitted for approval 
every three years. On October 31, 2007, FEMA published a Final Rule 
adopting, without substantive changes, the requirements for hazard 
mitigation

[[Page 13847]]

planning pursuant to section 322 of the Stafford Act.
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    \1\ An October 1, 2002 revision changed the date by which the 
Standard State Mitigation Plans had to be updated from November 1, 
2003 to November 1, 2004. 67 FR 61512. A subsequent revision on 
September 13, 2004 provided for a 6 month extension, up to May 1, 
2005, at the request of the Governor or Indian Tribal leader. 69 FR 
55094.
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    Table 1 displays the regulatory history for the mitigation planning 
requirements listed in Sec. Sec.  201.3-201.5 for the Standard and 
Enhanced State Mitigation Plan reporting requirements. Currently, these 
Plans have to be updated every 3 years.

                                                                         Table 1
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                                                                                Federal Register      Effect on Sec.  Sec.   Changes to state mitigation
                RIN                          Action               Date              citation          201.3, 201.4, & 201.5       plan  requirements
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3067-AD22..........................  IFR...................         2/26/02  67 FR 8844............  Added Sec.  Sec.        States must have approved
                                                                                                      201.3, 201.4, & 201.5.  Standard State Mitigation
                                                                                                                              Plan by November 1, 2003
                                                                                                                              and every 3 years from the
                                                                                                                              date of the approval of
                                                                                                                              the previous plan.
                                                                                                                              Enhanced State Mitigation
                                                                                                                              Plans resubmitted to the
                                                                                                                              appropriate Regional
                                                                                                                              Director every 3 years.
                                                                                                                              For State to be eligible
                                                                                                                              for 20 percent HMGP
                                                                                                                              funding, the Enhanced
                                                                                                                              State Mitigation plan must
                                                                                                                              be approved by FEMA within
                                                                                                                              the 3 years prior to
                                                                                                                              current major disaster
                                                                                                                              declaration.
3067-AD22..........................  IFR...................         10/1/02  67 FR 61512...........  Revised Sec.  Sec.      Changed the requirement to
                                                                                                      201.3 and 201.4.        update the Standard State
                                                                                                                              Mitigation Plan to
                                                                                                                              November 1, 2004.
1660-AA17 \2\......................  IFR...................         9/13/04  69 FR 55094...........  Added Sec.              Allowed a 6 month extension
                                                                                                      201.3(c)(7) & Revised   to the deadline for the
                                                                                                      Sec.   201.4.           Standard State Mitigation
                                                                                                                              Plan, up to May 1, 2005.
1660-AA17..........................  Final Rule............        10/31/07  72 FR 61552...........  Finalized Part 201....  Corrected a typographical
                                                                                                                              error in Sec.
                                                                                                                              201.4(c)(2)(ii).
1660-AA36..........................  IFR...................        10/31/07  72 FR 61720...........  Revised Sec.   201.3..  Removed references to
                                                                                                                              November 1, 2004 deadline
                                                                                                                              and made technical
                                                                                                                              corrections.
1660-AA36..........................  Final Rule............         9/16/09  74 FR 47471...........  Finalized Sec.   201.3  No changes.
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    \2\ The RIN changed from 3067-AD22 to 1660-AA17 as a result of 
FEMA becoming a component of the Department of Homeland Security.
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D. Discussion of the NPRM

    Currently, under the mitigation planning regulations found at 44 
CFR Part 201, State Mitigation Plans (Standard and Enhanced) are 
required to be updated every 3 years as a condition of receiving non-
emergency Stafford Act assistance and FEMA mitigation grants. This 
proposed rule would reduce the frequency of Standard State and Enhanced 
State Mitigation Plan updates by extending the update requirement from 
3 to 5 years.
    The purpose of mitigation planning is to develop and maintain a 
continuous process leading to implementation of actions that reduce the 
Nation's losses from future natural disasters and promote more 
resilient communities, thus reducing disaster response and recovery 
costs. Mitigation planning may differ from other types of planning in 
that this inclusive process is designed to encourage coordination with 
other agencies, stakeholders, programs, and initiatives. Further, in 
order to be effective, plans must be relevant. Therefore, Sec.  
201.4(d) requires that mitigation plans be reviewed and revised to 
reflect changes in development, progress in statewide mitigation 
efforts, and changes in priorities.
    Mitigation planning is a continuous process of engaging 
stakeholders, identifying hazards as conditions may change, assessing 
risk and vulnerabilities as development patterns may change, and 
developing a strategy that can be implemented using available 
resources, programs, and initiatives based on current priorities. The 
outcome of the mitigation planning process is implementation of 
mitigation actions that reduce vulnerabilities identified in the risk 
assessment.
    As stated in the planning regulations at Sec.  201.4(a), the 
mitigation plan is the demonstration of the State's commitment to 
reduce risks from natural hazards and serves as a guide for State 
decision makers as they commit resources to reducing the effects of 
natural hazards. In addition, per Sec.  201.4(c)(4)(i), States have the 
responsibility to support, through funding and technical assistance, 
the development of Local Mitigation Plans. Through mitigation planning, 
States build partnerships as well as capacity to increase resilience 
and reduce the Nation's risk to natural hazards.
    As mitigation planning is a performance-based approach rather than 
prescriptive, there is a wide range in the level of effort invested to 
meet the minimum requirements for FEMA approval. This performance-based 
approach allows State, local, and Tribal governments the ability to 
tailor mitigation strategies and actions to meet specific risks and 
vulnerabilities identified through risk assessments. In many instances, 
mitigation plan updates provide opportunities for State, local, and 
Tribal governments not only to verify that the plans are still 
relevant, but also to strengthen and improve mitigation strategies and 
specific actions to reduce risk and improve resilience.
    FEMA proposes the change in the frequency of the update requirement 
for several reasons. First, the proposed reduction in update frequency 
will reduce the regulatory burden on States and those Indian Tribal 
governments that may choose to develop Enhanced Plans, as well as on 
FEMA. Second, aligning the update frequency with local and Tribal 
update requirements may foster closer coordination of mitigation 
planning and implementation efforts. Third, by relieving the regulatory 
burden imposed from the frequency of State plan updates, States and 
FEMA may be able to shift resources from the update and review cycle to 
other mitigation planning activities, such as increased delivery of 
training and technical assistance to support Local

[[Page 13848]]

and Tribal Mitigation Planning, and to implementing additional 
mitigation actions identified through the planning process.

E. Stakeholder Involvement

    Since 2008, stakeholders, such as the National Emergency Management 
Association (NEMA), have voiced concerns to FEMA about the frequency of 
the update requirement for State Mitigation Plans. For example, the 
NEMA Mitigation Committee prepared a position paper, dated September 8, 
2008, stating that the

disparity between update cycles of [S]tate and local-[T]ribal plans 
creates an undue hardship on a number of [S]tates with limited 
staffing or that have experienced multiple disasters within a plan 
lifecycle. These [S]tates feel compelled to begin the plan review 
and update process immediately after their plan was reapproved.

This position paper included a recommendation to support

a revision to 44 CFR Part 201 to extend State Hazard Mitigation 
Plans revision and revision requirements, and FEMA review of [S]tate 
mitigation activities, from [3] years to [5] years to match the 
review cycles for local and [T]ribal hazard mitigation plans.

    In 2011, DHS received public comments on the mitigation planning 
regulations in response to a Federal Register notice published as part 
of a retrospective review of its regulations. According to the final 
report titled ``Final Plan for the Retrospective Review of Existing 
Regulations'' dated August 22, 2011 (See page 16),

DHS received a comment (the top-voted comment mentioned above) 
recommending that DHS change the current FEMA State Standard and 
Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan update requirement from every [3] 
years to every [5] years so that it is consistent with current Local 
Hazard Mitigation Plan update requirements. Commenters asserted that 
[5] years would be an appropriate timeframe for [S]tate mitigation 
plan updates for both efficiency and resource-limitation reasons.

    As part of the review, DHS determined that FEMA will consider 
possible changes to the mitigation planning regulations as part of a 
long-term retrospective review over the next 3 years. The ``Final Plan 
for the Retrospective Review of Existing Regulations'' is available at 
the following link: https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/dhs-ogc-final-retrospective-review-plan-8-22-11-final.pdf.
    On November 8, 2011, 23 Members of Congress sent a letter to FEMA 
Administrator Fugate requesting that FEMA

alter its regulations under 44 CFR Part 201 and extend to [5] years 
the cycle by which State Hazard Mitigation Plans must be submitted. 
The existing [3]-year time frame for FEMA to review and approve new 
mitigation plans has become increasingly burdensome for many [S]tate 
planning offices.

The letter further stated that

[t]he shorter cycle creates an undue hardship on [S]tates with 
limited staffing or those that have experienced multiple disasters 
within a plan lifecycle. In order to prevent a disqualifying lapse, 
these [S]tates are compelled to restart the process immediately 
following the approval of the previous plan.

Finally, the letter closed by stating

[m]aintaining high quality up-to-date mitigation plans is a critical 
component of our national disaster response plan. Extending the 
update cycle to [5] years would ensure that our [S]tate planning 
offices can complete this vital task, along with their other duties, 
while maximizing available resources.

    The 23 Members of Congress asked FEMA to amend 44 CFR Part 201 to 
accommodate this change.

F. Proposed Revisions

    FEMA proposes to amend Sec. Sec.  201.3-201.5, based on the reasons 
listed earlier in this preamble and to address the comments it has 
received from stakeholders. Every reference to FEMA Standard State and 
Enhanced State Mitigation Plan update requirements would be changed 
from 3 years to 5 years, so that it is consistent with current Local 
and Tribal Mitigation Plan update requirements. Based on stakeholder 
input received to date, FEMA is proposing that 5 years would be an 
appropriate timeframe for Standard State and Enhanced State Mitigation 
Plan updates.

G. Implementation

    If the proposed revisions are adopted, the Standard State 
Mitigation Plan and the Enhanced State Mitigation Plan updates would be 
due 5 years from the date of the approval of the previous plan.

III. Regulatory Analyses

A. Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive 
Order 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review

    FEMA has prepared and reviewed this rule under the provisions of 
Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' (58 FR 51735, 
Oct. 4, 1993) as supplemented by Executive Order 13563, ``Improving 
Regulation and Regulatory Review'' (76 FR 3821, Jan. 21, 2011). This 
proposed rule is not a significant regulatory action, and therefore has 
not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
    This portion of the preamble summarizes FEMA's analysis of the 
economic impacts of this proposed rule. However, readers seeking 
greater detail are encouraged to read the full regulatory evaluation, a 
copy of which FEMA has placed in the docket for this rulemaking.
    In conducting the aforementioned analyses, FEMA has determined that 
the proposed rule: (1) Has benefits that justify its costs; (2) is not 
an economically ``significant regulatory action'' as defined in section 
3(f) of Executive Order 12866; (3) would not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; and (4) 
would not impose an unfunded mandate on State, local, or Tribal 
governments, or on the private sector by exceeding $100 million or more 
annually (adjusted for inflation with a base year of 1995). These 
analyses are summarized below.
Who Is Potentially Affected by This Rule
    The proposed rule would affect States \3\ that choose to submit 
updated Standard State Mitigation Plans or Enhanced State Mitigation 
Plans to FEMA for approval, and Indian Tribal governments that choose 
to meet the requirements for Enhanced State Mitigation Plans in order 
to qualify for increased HMGP funding.
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    \3\ As defined by section 102 of the Stafford Act, ``State'' 
means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, 
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the 
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. 42 U.S.C. 5122 (2011).
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Savings to Society of This Rule
    The cost to update a State's Mitigation Plan is unique to that 
respective State. However, for the purposes of this analysis, FEMA 
estimates an average Standarad State Mitigation Plan update unit cost 
of $205,000 and an Enhanced State Mitigation Plan update unit cost of 
$524,000. FEMA also assumes that 46 States would submit Standard State 
Mitigation Plans and 10 States would submit Enhanced State Mitigation 
Plans.
    FEMA would also incur costs to review State Mitigation Plans. FEMA 
estimates that a General Schedule 13, Step 1, Federal employee, at a 
fully loaded wage of $48.08 ($34.34 * 1.4 = $48.076) would spend 120 
hours reviewing a Standard or Enhanced State Mitigation Plan. The 
resulting FEMA review cost per plan is $5,770 (120 hours * $48.08 per 
hour = $5,769.60).
    Therefore, the cost of State Mitigation Plan updates in a given 
year, where all

[[Page 13849]]

updates are submitted, is approximately $15 million (($205,000 + 
$5,770) * 46 + ($524,000 + $5,770) * 10 = $14,993,120). The extension 
of the State Mitigation Plan update frequency from 3 to 5 years would 
reduce the number of State Mitigation Plan updates submitted by 2 over 
15 years. The resulting undiscounted total cost savings is 
approximately $30 million over 15 years ($14,993,120 * 2 = 
$29,986,240); or, $18.8 million total cost savings over 15 years if 
discounted at 7 percent. The annual impact of this proposed rule is 
approximately $2 million undiscounted ($29,986,240 / 15 = $1,999,083).
Benefits of This Rule
    The proposed rule would provide a number of unquantified benefits 
including aligning the State Mitigation Plan update cycle with the 
Local and Tribal Mitigation Plan update cycle and providing greater 
flexibility for States to submit their State Mitigation Plan updates. 
The proposed rule would also provide an opportunity for States to apply 
cost savings from the reduction in State Mitigation Plan update 
frequency to other means of increasing resilience and reducing the 
Nation's risk to natural hazards.
Significance Determination
    Under Executive Order 12866, a significant regulatory action is 
subject to the OMB review and the requirements of the Executive Order. 
The Executive Order defines ``significant regulatory action'' as one 
that is likely to result in a rule that may:
    (1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or 
adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the 
economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
health or safety, or State, local, or Tribal governments or 
communities;
    (2) Create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an 
action taken or planned by another agency;
    (3) Materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, 
user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients 
thereof; or
    (4) Raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal 
mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles set forth in 
the Executive Order.
    The rule is estimated to have a net quantified undiscounted savings 
to society of approximately $30 million over 15 years. The annual 
impact of this rule is an estimated net quantified savings to society 
of approximately $2 million undiscounted ($1,999,083). As such, this 
rule is not an economically significant regulatory action and has not 
been reviewed by OMB.
Retrospective Review
    To facilitate the periodic review of existing significant 
regulations, Executive Order 13563 requires agencies to consider how 
best to promote retrospective analysis of rules that may be outmoded, 
ineffective, insufficient, or excessively burdensome, and to modify, 
streamline, expand, or repeal them in accordance with what has been 
learned. The Executive Order requires agencies to issue a retrospective 
review plan, consistent with law and the agency's resources and 
regulatory priorities, under which the agency will periodically review 
its existing significant regulations to determine whether any such 
regulations should be modified, streamlined, expanded, or repealed so 
as to make the agency's regulatory program more effective or less 
burdensome in achieving the regulatory objectives.
    The Department of Homeland Security issued its ``Final Plan for the 
Retrospective Review of Existing Regulations'' (Plan) on August 22, 
2011. The Plan can be viewed at http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/dhs-ogc-final-retrospective-review-plan-8-22-11-final.pdf. This rule was 
included in the Plan as a long-term retrospective review candidate, 
meaning the agency would undertake retrospective review of the 
regulation within 3 years of the date of the Plan. The Plan stated that 
FEMA would consider whether it would be more efficient to extend the 
review period to 5 years for each of the plans as requested by public 
commenters. Review of FEMA's existing Mitigation Plan regulations 
revealed the potential for State cost savings, approximately $30 
million over 15 years, as well as other benefits. Therefore, FEMA is 
proposing to extend the State Mitigation Plan minimum update frequency 
from 3 to 5 years.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), FEMA 
evaluated and considered whether this rule would have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The term 
``small entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit 
organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not 
dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with 
populations of less than 50,000.
    As the proposed rule would not result in additional costs, FEMA 
does not anticipate that the rule would have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. However, FEMA invites 
comments on this initial determination.

C. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, Public Law 104-4, 109 
Stat. 48 (Mar. 22, 1995) (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.), requires Federal 
agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary regulatory 
actions that may result in the expenditure by a State, local, or Tribal 
government, in the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 
or more in any one year. As the proposed rule would not have an impact 
greater than $100,000,000 or more in any one year, it is not an 
unfunded Federal mandate.

D. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995

    As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Public 
Law 104-13, 109 Stat. 163, (May 22, 1995) (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), an 
agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to 
respond to, a collection of information unless the collection of 
information displays a valid control number.
    In this NPRM, FEMA is seeking a revision to the already existing 
collection of information identified as OMB Control Number 1660-0062, 
and withdraws the previous Federal Register notice regarding this 
information collection which published on February 24, 2012 (77 FR 
11142). This revision reflects the reduction in the annual cost burden 
to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the proposed rule, as 
well as refinements to current estimates in 1660-0062 based on changes 
to the way cost burden is reported under the PRA. Annual cost burden 
was previously derived from multiplying total annual burden hours, 
based on subject matter expert average hour estimates per mitigation 
plan, by the associated wage rates. However, FEMA has refined how it 
calculates annual costs and now uses cost estimates based on historical 
mitigation plan grant data, which includes contract support and other 
associated costs. This NPRM serves as the 60-day comment period for 
this proposed change pursuant to 5 CFR 1320.12. FEMA invites the 
general public to comment on the proposed collection of information.
Collection of Information
    Title: State/Local/Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plans.
    Type of information collection: Revision of a currently approved 
collection.
    OMB Number: 1660-0062.

[[Page 13850]]

    Form Titles and Numbers: None.
    Abstract: The purpose of State, Local, and Tribal Hazard Mitigation 
Plan requirements is to support the administration of FEMA Mitigation 
grant programs, and a significant State, local, and Tribal commitment 
to mitigation activities, comprehensive mitigation planning, and strong 
program management. Implementation of planned, pre-identified cost-
effective mitigation measures will streamline the disaster recovery 
process. Mitigation plans are the demonstration of the goals and 
prioritization to reduce risks from natural hazards. This proposed rule 
revises FEMA Mitigation Planning regulations in order to reduce the 
frequency of Standard State and Enhanced State Mitigation Plan updates 
by extending the update requirement from 3 to 5 years. This reduction 
in frequency will result in a reduction of 8,899 hours in the burden 
hours on the public and a $1,350,580 reduction in the annual cost 
burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of 
information. Due to the change in reporting methods described above, 
the base line numbers have changed, resulting in an overall increase in 
the estimated total annual cost. This impact is separate from the 
effect of the proposed rule.
    Affected Public: State, local, or Tribal Government.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 56 States submit State Mitigation 
Plan updates to FEMA. In addition, those 56 States also review and 
submit Local and Tribal Mitigation Plans and plan updates to FEMA.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 227,366 hours.
    The previously approved Total Annual Burden Hours was 768,320 
hours. Based on adjustments to how this burden was estimated (see 
Information Collection Request for details) and the proposed rule's 
reduction in burden, the new estimated Total Annual Burden Hours is 
227,366 hours. This is a decrease of 540,954 hours, of which 
approximately 8,899 hours are attributed to the change in State 
Mitigation Plan update frequency. However, some of the burden hours 
previously accounted for likely reflected some of the costs, including 
contract support, now included in the separately-reported categories 
under total annual cost burden.
    Table 3 provides estimates of annualized cost to respondents for 
the hour burdens for the collection of information.

                                                                         Table 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             Number of
                                                                             responses      Total      Avg burden     Total      Avg hourly     Total
         Type of respondent            Form name/form number   Number of        per       number of       per         annual     wage rate      annual
                                                              respondents   respondent    responses     response      burden        \3\       respondent
                                                                                \1\          \2\        (hours)      (hours)                   cost \4\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Local or Tribal Government..........  New Local and Tribal             56           5            280          289       80,920       $45.33   $3,668,104
                                       Plans.
Local or Tribal Government..........  Local and Tribal Plan            56           9            504          249      125,496        45.33    5,688,734
                                       Updates.
State Government....................  State Review of Local            56          14            784            8        6,272        45.33      284,310
                                       and Tribal Plans.
State Government....................  Standard State Plan              46           0.2            9        1,040        9,360        45.33      424,289
                                       Updates.
State Government....................  Enhanced State Plan              10           0.2            2        2,659        5,318        45.33      241,065
                                       Updates.
                                                             -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total...........................  ......................           56  ............        1,579  ...........      227,366  ...........   10,306,502
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Standard State Plan Updates and Enhanced State Plan Updates Number of Responses per Respondent represents an annual average over 5 years (1 plan
  update/5 years = 0.2).
\2\ Standard State Plan Updates Total Number of Responses is rounded to the nearest plan.
\3\ The ``Avg. Hourly Wage Rate'' for each respondent includes a 1.4 multiplier to reflect a loaded wage rate and rounded to the nearest cent.
\4\ Rounded to the nearest dollar.

    Estimated Total Annual Cost: $33,532,730.
    The previously approved Total Annual Cost was $33,452,652. Based on 
adjustments to how this cost was estimated (see Information Collection 
Request for details) and the proposed rule's reduction in cost, the new 
estimated Total Annual Cost is $33,532,730. This is an increase of 
$80,078. This includes a $1,350,580 reduction in cost attributed to the 
change in State Mitigation Plan update frequency.
    Table 4 provides estimates of total annual cost burden to 
respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of 
information.

                                                     Table 4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 *Annual
                                           *Annual capital   operations and   Annual non-labor
                                            start-up cost   maintenance cost        cost
                                           (investments in       (such as     (expenditures on    Total annual
   Data collection activity/instrument        overhead,      recordkeeping,   training, travel       cost to
                                            equipment and      technical/         and other        respondents
                                           other one-time     professional       resources)
                                            expenditures)    services, etc.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Development of New Local and Tribal            $12,289,200  ................  ................       $12,289,200
 Plans..................................
Local and Tribal Plan Updates...........  ................       $16,299,360        $2,716,560        19,015,920
State Review of Local and Tribal Plans..  ................  ................  ................                 0
Standard State Mitigation Plan Updates..  ................         1,217,700           202,950         1,420,650
Enhanced State Mitigation Plan Updates..  ................           691,680           115,280           806,960
                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total...............................        12,289,200        18,208,740         3,034,790        33,532,730
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 13851]]

    Overall Estimated Total Cost: $43,839,232.
    The overall estimated cost of this collection is $43,839,232 
($10,306,502 + $33,532,730). This is an increase of $10,386,580 
($33,452,652-$43,839,232) from the currently approved OMB inventory.
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.

E. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969

    Section 102 of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(NEPA), Public Law 91-190, 83 Stat. 852 (Jan. 1, 1970) (42 U.S.C. 4321 
et seq.) requires agencies to consider the impacts in their decision-
making on the quality of the human environment. The Council on 
Environmental Quality's procedures for implementing NEPA, 40 CFR 1500 
through 1508, require Federal agencies to prepare Environmental Impact 
Statements (EIS) for major federal actions significantly affecting the 
quality of the human environment. Each agency can develop categorical 
exclusions to cover actions that typically do not trigger significant 
impacts to the human environment individually or cumulatively. Agencies 
develop environmental assessments (EA) to evaluate those actions that 
do not fit an agency's categorical exclusion and for which the need for 
an EIS is not readily apparent. At the end of the EA process the agency 
will determine whether to make a Finding of No Significant Impact or 
whether to initiate the EIS process.
    Rulemaking is a major federal action subject to NEPA. The List of 
exclusion categories at 44 CFR 10.8(d)(2)(ii) excludes the preparation, 
revision, and adoption of regulations from the preparation of an EA or 
EIS, where the rule relates to actions that qualify for categorical 
exclusions. The development of plans under 44 CFR Part 201 is 
categorically excluded under 44 CFR 10.8(d)(2)(iii) and (xviii)(E). No 
extraordinary circumstances exist that would trigger the need to 
develop an EA or EIS. See 44 CFR 10.8(d)(3). An EA will not be prepared 
because a categorical exclusion applies to this rulemaking action and 
no extraordinary circumstances exist.

F. Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination With Indian 
Tribal Governments

    Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination with Indian 
Tribal Governments,'' 65 FR 67249, November 9, 2000, applies to agency 
regulations that have Tribal implications, that is, regulations that 
have substantial direct effects on one or more Indian tribes, on the 
relationship between the Federal Government and Indian Tribes, or on 
the distribution of power and responsibilities between the Federal 
Government and Indian Tribes. Under this Executive Order, to the extent 
practicable and permitted by law, no agency shall promulgate any 
regulation that has Tribal implications, that imposes substantial 
direct compliance costs on Indian Tribal governments, and that is not 
required by statute, unless funds necessary to pay the direct costs 
incurred by the Indian Tribal government or the Tribe in complying with 
the regulation are provided by the Federal Government, or the agency 
consults with Tribal officials.
    This proposed rule would revise FEMA's Mitigation Planning 
regulations in order to reduce the frequency of Standard State and 
Enhanced State Mitigation Plan updates from 3 to 5 years. Tribal 
Mitigation Plan updates are already required every 5 years; however, in 
accordance with 44 CFR 201.3(e)(3), Indian Tribal governments are 
potentially eligible to act as grantee and qualify for increased HMGP 
funding by submitting an Enhanced Mitigation Plan. Under the current 
regulations, Indian Tribal governments that wish to submit an Enhanced 
Mitigation plan are required to update that plan every 3 years; the 
proposed rule would reduce that frequency to every 5 years. For these 
reasons, this rule may have ``tribal implications'' as defined in the 
Executive Order. Submission of the plan, however, is voluntary, and 
changing the frequency of the plan from 3 to 5 years will not impose 
direct compliance costs on Indian tribal governments. Therefore, FEMA 
finds that this proposed rule complies with Executive Order 13175.

G. Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
``Federalism'' (64 FR 43255, Aug. 10, 1999), if it has a substantial 
direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. FEMA has 
analyzed this NPRM under the Executive Order and determined that it 
does not have implications for federalism.
    This proposed rule would revise FEMA's Mitigation Planning 
regulations in order to reduce the frequency of Standard State and 
Enhanced State Mitigation Plan updates, extending the update 
requirement from 3 to 5 years. As stated under the Stakeholder 
Involvement heading, FEMA has received substantial input requesting 
that FEMA change its Mitigation Planning regulations to reduce the 
frequency of Standard State and Enhanced State Mitigation Plan updates. 
Some of those requests have come from State officials.
    The Standard State and Enhanced State Mitigation Plan updates are 
voluntarily submitted by States. Per DMA 2000, Mitigation Plans are a 
condition of receipt of increased Federal funding for hazard mitigation 
measures. If a State chooses not to comply with the regulations in 44 
CFR Part 201, it still would be eligible for limited emergency 
assistance under the Stafford Act. (See 42 U.S.C. 5170a, 5170b, 5173, 
5174, 5177, 5179, 5180, 5182, 5183, 5184, and 5192).

H. Executive Order 12630, Taking of Private Property

    This rule will not effect a taking of private property or otherwise 
have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, ``Governmental 
Actions and Interference With Constitutionally Protected Property 
Rights'' (53 FR 8859, Mar. 18, 1988).

I. Executive Order 12898, Environmental Justice

    Under Executive Order 12898, as amended, ``Federal Actions To 
Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income 
Populations'' (59 FR 7629, Feb. 16, 1994), FEMA incorporates 
environmental justice into its policies and programs. Executive Order 
12898 requires each Federal agency to conduct its programs, policies, 
and activities that substantially affect human health or the

[[Page 13852]]

environment, in a manner that ensures that those programs, policies, 
and activities do not have the effect of excluding persons from 
participation in, denying persons the benefit of, or subjecting persons 
to discrimination because of their race, color, or national origin or 
income level.
    This rule relates to the implementation of section 322 of the 
Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. 5165). Section 322 focuses specifically on 
mitigation planning to identify the natural hazards, risks, and 
vulnerabilities of areas in States, localities, and Tribal areas; 
development of Local Mitigation Plans; technical assistance to local 
and Tribal governments for mitigation planning; and identifying and 
prioritizing mitigation actions that the State will support as 
resources become available. The proposed reduction in burden from the 
update frequency may allow States to focus on implementing additional 
mitigation actions identified through the planning process as a means 
to increase resilience and reduce the Nation's risk to natural hazards; 
thereby also protecting human lives and the environment. No action that 
FEMA can anticipate under this rule will have a disproportionately high 
and adverse human health or environmental effect on any segment of the 
population.

J. Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform

    This NPRM meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) 
of Executive Order 12988, ``Civil Justice Reform'' (61 FR 4729, Feb. 7, 
1996), to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

K. Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children From Environmental 
Health Risks and Safety Risks

    This NPRM will not create environmental health risks or safety 
risks for children under Executive Order 13045, ``Protection of 
Children From Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks'' (62 FR 
19885, Apr. 23, 1997).

L. Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management

    FEMA has prepared and reviewed this rule under the provisions of 
Executive Order 11988, as amended, ``Floodplain Management'' (42 FR 
26951, May 25, 1977). The regulations at 44 CFR Part 9 set forth FEMA's 
policy, procedures, and responsibilities in implementing this Executive 
Order. In summary, these are, to the greatest possible degree: To avoid 
long and short term adverse impacts associated with the occupancy and 
modification of floodplains; avoid direct and indirect support of 
floodplain development whenever there is a practical alternative; 
reduce the risk of flood loss; promote the use of nonstructural flood 
protection methods to reduce the risk of flood loss; minimize the 
impacts of floods on human health, safety and welfare; restore and 
preserve the natural and beneficial values served by floodplains; and 
adhere to the objectives of the Unified National Program for Floodplain 
Management.
    As stated in the preamble, the planning process provides a link 
between State, Tribal and and local mitigation programs. Both State 
level and local plans should address strategies for incorporating post-
disaster early mitigation implementation strategies and sustainable 
recovery actions. FEMA also recognizes that governments are involved in 
a range of planning activities and that mitigation plans may be linked 
to or reference comprehensive plans, land use plans, master plans, and 
other non-natural hazard plans. Improved mitigation planning will 
result in a better understanding of risks and vulnerabilities, as well 
as expediting implementation of measures and activities to reduce those 
risks, both pre- and post-disaster. This proposed rule revises FEMA's 
Mitigation Planning regulations in order to reduce the frequency of 
Standard State and Enhanced State Mitigation Plan updates, extending 
the update requirement from 3 to 5 years. The proposed change aligns 
the State update requirements with Local and Tribal Mitigation Plan 
update requirements, which does not conflict with the intent of the 
Executive Order.

List of Subjects in 44 CFR Part 201

    Administrative practice and procedure, Disaster assistance, Grant 
programs, and Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, FEMA proposes to amend 
44 CFR part 201, as follows:

PART 201--MITIGATION PLANNING

0
1. The authority citation for Part 201 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121 through 5207; Reorganization Plan No. 
3 of 1978, 43 FR 41943, 3 CFR, 1978 Comp., p. 329; Homeland Security 
Act of 2002, 6 U.S.C. 101; E.O. 12127, 44 FR 19367, 3 CFR, 1979 
Comp., p. 376; E.O. 12148, 44 FR 43239, 3 CFR, 1979 Comp., p. 412; 
E.O. 13286, 68 FR 10619, 3 CFR, 2003 Comp., p. 166.

0
2. In Sec.  201.3, revise paragraphs (b)(5), (c)(2), and (c)(3), and 
the second sentence of paragraph (e)(3) to read as follows:


Sec.  201.3  Responsibilities.

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (5) Conduct reviews, at least once every 5 years, of State 
mitigation activities, plans, and programs to ensure that mitigation 
commitments are fulfilled, and when necessary, take action, including 
recovery of funds or denial of future funds, if mitigation commitments 
are not fulfilled.
    (c) * * *
    (2) In order to be considered for the 20 percent HMGP funding, 
prepare and submit an Enhanced State Mitigation Plan in accordance with 
Sec.  201.5, which must be reviewed and updated, if necessary, every 5 
years from the date of the approval of the previous plan.
    (3) At a minimum, review and update the Standard State Mitigation 
Plan every 5 years from the date of the approval of the previous plan 
in order to continue program eligibility.
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (3) * * * The plan must be reviewed and updated at least every 5 
years from the date of approval of the previous plan.
0
3. In Sec.  201.4, revise the first sentence of paragraph (d) to read 
as follows:


Sec.  201.4  Standard State Mitigation Plans.

* * * * *
    (d) * * * Plan must be reviewed and revised to reflect changes in 
development, progress in statewide mitigation efforts, and changes in 
priorities and resubmitted for approval to the appropriate Regional 
Administrator every 5 years. * * *
0
4. In Sec.  201.5, revise the third sentence of paragraph (a), revise 
the first sentence of paragraph (c)(1), and revise paragraph (c)(2) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  201.5  Enhanced State Mitigation Plans.

    (a) * * * In order for the State to be eligible for the 20 percent 
HMGP funding, FEMA must have approved the plan within 5 years prior to 
the disaster declaration.
* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (1) A State must review and revise its plan to reflect changes in 
development, progress in statewide mitigation efforts, and changes in 
priorities, and resubmit it for approval to the appropriate Regional 
Administrator every 5 years. * * *
    (2) In order for a State to be eligible for the 20 percent HMGP 
funding, the Enhanced State Mitigation plan must be approved by FEMA 
within the 5 years

[[Page 13853]]

prior to the current major disaster declaration.

    Dated: February 22, 2013.
W. Craig Fugate,
Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency.
[FR Doc. 2013-04794 Filed 2-28-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-66-P


