Federal Register: October 11, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 196)
DOCID: FR Doc E6-16734
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Farm Service Agency
NOTICE: NOTICES
ACTION: Environmental statements; availability, etc.:
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Finding of No Significant Impact
DATES: This action is effective November 13, 2006.
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is issuing a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 with respect to the implementation of the following Disaster Assistance Programs: (1) Hurricane Indemnity Program, (2) Feed Indemnity Program, (3) Livestock Indemnity Program, (4) Tree Indemnity Program, and (5) Aquaculture Grant Program as well as (6) the 2006 Livestock Assistance Grant Program.
SUMMARY:
Disaster Assistance Programs implementation,
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
FSA prepared a Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment for disaster assistance programs supporting production loss and damage caused by damaging weather that occurred between 2005 and 2006. Consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.) (NEPA), the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 15001508), and FSA's policy and procedures (7 CFR part 799), FSA is issuing a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) with respect to the implementation of the Proposed Action under consideration here. These actions involve 2005 2006 disaster assistance programs that solely transfer funds to offset production and disaster related losses with no sitespecific or ground disturbing actions occurring as an immediate result of implementing these programs. These programs include the following Disaster Assistance Programs: (1) Hurricane Indemnity Program, (2) Feed Indemnity Program, (3) Livestock Indemnity Program, (4) Tree Indemnity Program, (5) Aquaculture Grant Program, and (6) the 2006 Livestock Assistance Grant Program. Because normal agricultural related production was hindered by the widespread and significant destruction caused by the 2005 hurricanes and the severe droughts occurring from March 7, 2006, to August 31, 2006, the Secretary is responding by utilizing the equivalent of 30 percent of annual customs revenues available under Section 32 to restore purchasing power to affected eligible producers.
Current disaster programs operated by USDA and other Federal and State agencies do not fully cover the types of loss and destruction experienced by a majority of producers within the States affected by these hurricanes and drought. Without the immediate financial assistance provided by these programs, producers would face delays and experience additional financial hardships in their efforts to return their farming or livestock operations to predisaster or predrought levels.
Under the Proposed Action Alternative, FSA would disburse up to $300 million either through direct payments to eligible producers or through grants administered by State agencies for the grant programs. In making direct payments, FSA does not require that payments be used for specific purposes. These programs solely provide payments to eligible producers for weatherrelated losses. The directpayment programs are based on the producers documenting the type and amount of the weatherrelated loss.
Determination: In consideration of the analysis documented in the
Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment and the reasons outlined in
this FONSI, the preferred alternative would not constitute a major
State or Federal action that would significantly affect the human
environment. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act
regulations at 40 CFR part 1502.4, ``Major Federal actions requiring
the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements,'' and 7 CFR Part
799, ``Environmental Quality and Related Environmental Concerns
Compliance with NEPA implementing the regulations of the Council on
Environmental Quality,'' and 40 CFR parts 15001508, I find that
neither the proposed action nor any of the alternatives analyzed
constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality
of the human environment. Therefore, no environmental impact statement will be prepared.
Signed in Washington DC on October 2, 2006.
Glen L. Keppy,
Acting Administrator, Farm Service Agency.
[FR Doc. E616734 Filed 101006; 8:45 am]
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