[Federal Register: February 3, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 23)]
[Notices]
[Page 5306]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr03fe00-37]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Farm Service Agency
National Drought Policy Commission
AGENCY: Farm Service Agency, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of Commission public hearing.
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SUMMARY: The National Drought Policy Commission (Commission) shall
conduct a thorough study and submit a report to the President and
Congress on national drought policy. This notice announces a public
hearing to be held on February 17-18, 2000, in Billings, Montana, and
seeks comments on issues that the Commission should address and
recommendations that the Commission should consider as part of its
report. The hearing is open to the public.
DATES: The Commission will conduct a public hearing on February 17,
2000, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and February 18, 2000, from 9:00 a.m.
to 12:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Center, Auditorium, 415 N 30th Street,
Billings, Montana. All times are Mountain Standard Time.
Anyone wishing to make an oral presentation to the Commission at
the public hearing, must contact the Executive Director, Leona Dittus,
in writing (by letter, fax or internet) no later than COB, February 11,
2000, in order to be included on the agenda. Presenters will be
approved on a first-come, first-served basis. The request should
identify the name and affiliation of the individual who will make the
presentation and an outline of the issues to be addressed. Thirty-five
copies of any written presentation material shall be given to the
Executive Director by all presenters no later than the time of the
presentation for distribution to the Commission and the interested
public. Those wishing to testify, but who are unable to notify the
Commission office by February 11, 2000, will be able to sign up as a
presenter the day of the hearing, February 17, 2000, between 12:00 p.m.
and 2:00 p.m. and February 18, 2000, between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
All times are Mountain Standard Time. These presenters will testify on
a first-come, first-served basis and comments will be limited based on
the time available and the number of presenters. Written statements
will be accepted at the public hearing, or may be mailed or faxed to
the Commission office.
Persons with disabilities who require accommodations to attend or
participate in this public hearing should contact Leona Dittus, on 202-
720-3168, Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339, or Internet:
leona.dittus@usda.gov, by COB February 11, 2000.
COMMENTS: The public is invited to respond and/or to submit additional
comments, concerns, and issues for consideration by the Commission by
March 29, 2000.
ADDRESSES: Comments and statements should be sent to Leona Dittus,
Executive Director, National Drought Policy Commission, U.S. Department
of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 6701-S, STOP 0501,
Washington, D.C. 20250-0501.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leona Dittus (202) 720-3168; FAX
(202) 720-9688; Internet: leona.dittus@usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of the Commission is to provide
advice and recommendations to the President and Congress on the
creation of an integrated, coordinated Federal policy, designed to
prepare for and respond to serious drought emergencies. Tasks for the
Commission include developing recommendations that will (a) better
integrate Federal laws and programs with ongoing State, local, and
tribal programs, (b) improve public awareness of the need for drought
mitigation, prevention, and response and (c) determine whether all
Federal drought preparation and response programs should be
consolidated under one existing Federal agency, and, if so, identify
the agency.
Below is a draft vision statement and set of principles to guide
the Commission. Draft Vision Statement: Our vision is of a well-
informed, involved U. S. citizenry and its governments prepared for and
capable of lessening the impacts of drought--consistently and timely--
in the new millennium.
This vision is based on the following principles:
Consideration of all affected entities and related issues,
including legal, economic, geographic, climate, religious, and cultural
differences; fairness and equity; and environmental concerns;
Comprehensive, long-term strategies that emphasize drought planning
and measures to reduce the impacts of drought;
Federal role focused on appropriate coordination, technical
assistance, education, and incentives while at all times respecting the
rights and responsibilities of
Federal, State, and local governments, and tribal sovereignty;
Self-reliance and self-determination;
Lessons learned from past drought experiences;
Shared drought-related expertise and knowledge across international
borders.
In addition to your own views and thoughts regarding a national
drought policy, as you review the draft vision and guiding principles,
the Commission would be interested in your thoughts regarding the
following questions:
1. What is the best means for informing the public of Federal
assistance for drought planning and mitigation?
2. What type of information do you need for responding to the
drought?
3. What needs do you or your organization presently have with
respect to addressing drought conditions?
4. What do you see as the Federal role with respect to drought
preparedness? Drought response? Should Federal emergency assistance be
contingent on advance preparedness?
5. Are there any ways you feel that the Federal Government could
better coordinate with State, regional, tribal, and local governments
in mitigating or responding to droughts?
6. What lessons have you or your organization learned from past
drought experiences that would be beneficial in the creation of a
national drought policy?
Signed at Washington, D.C., on January 31, 2000.
George Arredondo,
Acting Administrator, Farm Service Agency.
[FR Doc. 00-2445 Filed 1-1-00; 5:03 pm]
BILLING CODE 3410-05-P
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