Special programs: Hurricane disaster programs,

[Federal Register: May 10, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 90)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 27188-27199]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr10my06-2]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Farm Service Agency

7 CFR Part 760

RIN 0560-AH45

2005 Section 32 Hurricane Disaster Programs

AGENCY: Farm Service Agency, USDA.

ACTION: Interim final rule with request for comment.

SUMMARY: The Farm Service Agency (FSA) issues this interim final rule in response to emergency agricultural situations caused by the 2005 Hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, Ophelia, Rita, and Wilma in certain counties in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas. The named hurricanes severely limited the purchasing power of farmers engaged in the production of agricultural commodities. This rule provides for the establishment of four hurricane disaster programs and one grant program using an estimated $250 million in funds available under section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935, to be administered by FSA in order to provide funds to eligible producers who suffered eligible losses, thus reestablishing these producers' purchasing power. The grants will be provided to the respective States to enable them to assist aquaculture producers having losses related to the aforementioned 2005 hurricanes.

DATES: This interim final rule is effective May 9, 2006. Written comments via letter, facsimile, or Internet must be received on or before June 9, 2006 in order to be assured consideration.

ADDRESSES: FSA invites interested persons to submit comments on this interim final rule. Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:

E-mail: Send comments to Diane.Sharp@wdc.usda.gov.

Fax: Submit comments by facsimile transmission to: (202) 690-2130.

Mail: Send comments to: Diane Sharp, Director, Production, Emergencies, and Compliance Division; Farm Service Agency; United States Department of Agriculture, STOP 0517, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0517.

Hand Delivery or Courier: Deliver comments to: Diane Sharp, Director, Production, Emergencies, and Compliance Division; Farm Service Agency; United States Department of Agriculture, Rm. 4754-S, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0517

Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting

comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane Sharp, Director, Production, Emergencies, and Compliance Division; Farm Service Agency; United States Department of Agriculture, STOP 0517, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-0517; telephone (202) 720-7641; e-mail Diane.Sharp@wdc.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

2005 Section 32 Hurricane Disaster Programs

Section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935, as amended (section 32) provides, in part, discretionary authority for the Secretary of Agriculture (the Secretary) to use section 32 funds to reestablish farmers' purchasing power by making payments to them in connection with the normal production of agricultural commodities produced for domestic consumption. This authority has been used in the past to provide assistance to producers in response to unusual market conditions that adversely affected them. Therefore, the Secretary is using funds available under section 32 in order to restore purchasing power to farmers affected by the significant and widespread destruction caused by the 2005 Hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, Ophelia, Rita, and Wilma in applicable counties in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas. The hurricanes destroyed and damaged trees, killed livestock, destroyed feed, and adversely impacted crop production, including aquaculture. This interim final rule addresses the hurricane destruction in those counties receiving a Presidential or Secretarial Designation as a primary county. Accordingly, the Secretary has determined that assistance is appropriate under this authority in these counties by providing the following programs:

The Hurricane Indemnity Program (HIP) will provide payments to eligible producers who receive either a Federal Crop Insurance Corporation crop insurance indemnity payment or a crop loss payment under FSA's Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for crop losses that are primarily attributable to one of the five listed hurricanes in an eligible county. HIP payments will be equal to 30 percent of the Risk Management Agency crop insurance indemnity or 30 percent of the NAP payment, subject to the limitations of this rule. Producers suffering crop losses due to an eligible hurricane may have been impacted by other causes of loss, not related to such a hurricane, prior to the hurricane occurrence. As a result, if a crop insurance indemnity or NAP payment was received for multiple causes of loss, including hurricane and related conditions, the entire crop insurance indemnity or NAP payment will be used to determine the HIP benefit. Since losses under both programs are not finalized until after harvest is completed or crop is abandoned RMA and FSA are unable to specifically prorate crop insurance indemnities or NAP payments strictly due to hurricane. If FSA determines that the cause of loss was not due to a hurricane or related condition, no payment will be made.

The Feed Indemnity Program (FIP) will provide payments for feed losses or increased feed costs to eligible owners, or cash lessees, of eligible livestock in eligible counties due to 2005 hurricanes. Payments will be based on per-day feed needs for each type of eligible livestock.

The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) will provide payments to eligible livestock owners and contract growers who suffered eligible livestock deaths that occurred in an eligible county due to 2005 hurricanes. Payments will be based on 75 percent of an average market value of the eligible livestock for non-contract growers and 75 percent of

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a determined loss of income from eligible livestock for contract growers. Compensation received from the contractor for loss of income from the dead livestock will be deducted from the contract grower's payment.

The Tree Indemnity Program (TIP) will provide payments to eligible owners of commercially grown fruit trees, nut trees, bushes, and vines that produce an annual crop and were lost or damaged due to 2005 hurricanes in eligible counties. Payment rates will be established based on the severity of damage caused by the hurricanes from least to most severe as reflected by established tiers. Maps showing the tiers are available at http://disaster.fsa/usda.gov and at applicable FSA

service centers. The severity of damage is referenced using four tiers. These tiers were established using the maximum sustained wind speeds as recorded by the U.S. Weather Service stations located throughout the impacted areas. The first tier represents those areas where the maximum sustained wind speeds were between 90 and 110 mile per hour (MPH); the second tier represents those areas where the maximum sustained wind speeds were between 70 and 89 mph; the third tier represents those areas where the maximum sustained wind speeds were between 50 and 69 mph; and the fourth tier represents those areas where the maximum sustained wind speeds were between 30 and 49 mph.

Aquaculture grants will be made available to the State governments of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas. Aquaculture producers who raise aquaculture species in a controlled environment in eligible counties and who have not received assistance under other disaster programs for the same aquaculture losses may be eligible. The amount of each grant will be based on the value of aquaculture sales from each eligible county uniformly prorated to insure that available funding is not exceeded.

Due to the limited amount of funding for HIP, FIP, LIP and TIP and in order to maintain equitable treatment of producers under all disaster programs of FSA and the Commodity Credit Corporation, the amount of payments per program that a `person' may receive cannot exceed $80,000; adjusted gross income rules apply, which provide that payments will not be available for persons whose adjusted gross income is $2.5 million or higher, unless 75 percent or more of their income is derived from farming, ranching, and/or forestry; and the rules for conservation compliance, and controlled substances apply.

Summary of Cost-Benefit Analysis

As a result of extensive crop damage from these five hurricanes, 261 counties in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas were designated as Presidential and Secretarial primary disaster counties. Production losses for the three most devastating of storms, Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, are estimated to total $2.1 billion. A wide variety of crops were damaged because of the diversity of production in the affected areas. Damaged crops include feed grains, soybeans, upland cotton, rice, sugarcane, nursery plants, fruits, vegetables, pecans, pasture, livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. The numbers of designated counties listed by states are as follows:

Alabama--40 counties suffered under Dennis and/or Katrina.

Florida--36 counties suffered under Dennis, Katrina, and/ or Wilma.

Louisiana--64 counties suffered under Katrina and Rita.

Mississippi--82 counties suffered under Katrina.

North Carolina--10 counties under Ophelia.

Texas--29 counties under Rita.

HIP payments will provide additional crop loss assistance to restore purchasing power to producers affected by the named hurricanes. According to the Risk Management Agency (RMA) crop loss indemnities were approximately $291 million. Based on the participation rates in the hurricane-impacted States, it is estimated that approximately $16.6 million will be issued under NAP. Thus, HIP payments are estimated to total a maximum of $60 million.

The value of expected claims under the 2005 FIP is $30 million. To the extent program payments are ultimately spent on forage or grain or affect the total supply of available livestock, the impacts of the FIP on any sector of the economy, including livestock feed prices, livestock prices, and consumer prices, are not expected to be measurable. The effect on aggregate social welfare of any slight redistribution of wealth and income resulting from the expected $30 million in 2005 FIP payment claims is expected to be so slight as to be immeasurable. However, for those producers who have suffered losses due to the 2005 hurricanes, and qualify for payments under the FIP, their farm income losses will be somewhat offset or reduced by these payments, and they and their local communities will benefit accordingly.

The value of expected claims under the 2006 LIP is $16.9 million, but could be higher by an unknown but likely small magnitude as actual applications for aid are submitted, or smaller to the extent that payments are bound by the $80,000 maximum payment or the $2.5 gross income limit for applicants. To the extent program payments are ultimately spent on forage or grain or affect the total supply of available livestock, the impacts of the LIP on any sector of the economy, including livestock feed prices, livestock prices, and consumer prices, are not expected to be measurable. The effect on aggregate social welfare of any slight redistribution of wealth and income resulting from the expected $16.9 million in 2006 LIP payment claims is also expected to be so slight as to be immeasurable. However, for those producers who have suffered losses due to the 2005 hurricanes, and qualify for payments under the LIP, their farm income losses will be somewhat offset or reduced by these payments, and they and their local communities will benefit accordingly.

Cost of the TIP is expected to be between $32.3 million and $64.6 million with a point estimate of $37.7 million. Over 90 percent the program funds will go to the Florida citrus industry.

Funding of $25 million is being provided for assistance to aquaculture producers. Aquaculture grants will be made available to State governments as follows: Alabama, $5,037,500; Florida, $3,662,500; Louisiana, $4,512,500; Mississippi, $10,762,500; North Carolina, $312,500; and Texas, $712,500. It is likely that a preponderance of the assistance will be provided to crawfish operations, with most of the balance going to catfish producers. The total amount of funding is expected to be expended.

Notice and Comment

In general, the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), as codified at 5 U.S.C. 553, requires that notice of proposed rulemaking shall be published in the Federal Register and interested persons must be given an opportunity to participate in the rulemaking through submission of written data, views, or arguments with or without opportunity for oral presentation. This applies except to the extent there is involved a military or foreign affairs function of the United States or a matter relating to agency management or personnel or to public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts. Such notice is not required under the APA, however, when an agency publishes interpretative rules, general statements of policy, or rules of agency organization, procedure, or

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practice. Further, such notice is not required when the agency for good cause finds that notice and public procedure thereon are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest. However, the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture effective July 24, 1971, 36 FR 13804 (July 24, 1971) (Statement), notes that the advantages of such APA requirements of permitting greater public participation in the formulation of rules generally outweighs any disadvantages such as increased costs or delays, when publishing rules related to public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts. As such, the Statement recommends notice of proposed rulemaking when formulating such rules. Nevertheless, like the APA, under this Statement, exemptions from such requirements are permitted where an agency, for good cause, finds that compliance would be impracticable, unnecessary or contrary to the public interest, and only when there is a substantial basis.

For the programs referenced in this regulation, FSA finds that a substantial basis exists for publishing this rule as interim final. It would be impracticable and contrary to public interest to delay implementation of this rule because it would significantly delay assistance under these section 32 programs to the many people who suffered losses and were affected by the 2005 Hurricanes. Such delay in implementation could possibly cause irreparable and additional damage to those who have already suffered losses as a result of the 2005 Hurricanes. This interim rule is thus effective immediately. However, public comments are still invited and will be considered to the extent practicable in the promulgation of the final rule.

Executive Order 12866

This rule has been determined to be economically significant under Executive Order 12866 and has been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget. A Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) was completed and is available from the contact person cited above.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

This rule is not subject to the Regulatory Flexibility Act since the Farm Service Agency is not required by 5 U.S.C. 553 or any other law to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking for this rule.

Environmental Review

The environmental impacts of this rule have been considered consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., the regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR parts 1500 1508), and regulations of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) of the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for compliance with NEPA, 7 CFR part 799. An Environmental Evaluation was completed and it was determined that this action does not have the potential to significantly impact the quality of the human environment and, therefore, the rule is categorically excluded from further review under NEPA. A copy of the environmental evaluation is on file and available to the public in the Administrative Record at the address specified in the ADDRESSES section of this rule.

Executive Order 12372

This program is not subject to the provisions of Executive Order 12372, which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and local officials. See the Notice related to 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V, published at 48 FR 29115 (June 24, 1983).

Executive Order 12612

This rule does not have Federalism implications that warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. This rule will not have a substantial direct effect on States or their political subdivisions, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.

Executive Order 12988

This rule has been reviewed in accordance with Executive Order 12988. This interim rule is not retroactive and it does not preempt State law. Before any judicial action may be brought regarding the provisions of this rule the administrative appeal provisions of 7 CFR parts 11 and 780 must be exhausted.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

This rule contains no Federal mandates under the regulatory provisions of Title II of the UMRA for State, local, and tribal government or the private sector. Therefore, this rule is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA.

Paperwork Reduction Act

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection required to support this program and assigned it OMB Control number 0560-0257. Copies of the information collection may be obtained from Debbie O'Donoghue, phone: (202) 720-6605; e-mail: Debbie.Odonoghue@wdc.usda.gov.

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996

This rule has been determined to be Major under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, (Pub. L. 104-121) (SBREFA). SBREFA normally requires that an agency delay the effective date of a major rule for 60 days from the date of publication to allow for Congressional review. Section 808 of SBREFA allows an agency to make a major regulation effective immediately if the agency finds there is good cause to do so. Accordingly, FSA finds that it would be contrary to the public interest to delay implementation of this rule because it would significantly delay assistance to the many people affected by the hurricane disasters addressed by this rule. This rule is thus effective immediately.

Government Paperwork Elimination Act

FSA is committed to compliance with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA) and the Freedom to E-File Act, which require Government agencies in general and FSA in particular to provide the public the option of submitting information or transacting business electronically to the maximum extent possible. The regulation is available at http://www.fsa.usda.gov under the heading `Other

Partners.' Applications may be submitted at the FSA county offices, by mail or by FAX.

List of Subjects for 7 CFR Part 760

Disaster assistance, Hurricanes, Indemnity payments.

0 For the reasons set forth above, 7 CFR part 760 is amended as follows:

PART 760--INDEMNITY PAYMENT PROGRAMS

0 1. The authority citation for part 760 is revised to read as follows:

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 612c; Pub. L. 106-387, 114 Stat. 1549; Pub. L. 107-76, 115 Stat. 704.

Subpart [Amended]

0 2. The subpart entitled ``Dairy Indemnity Program'' is designated as subpart A and the subpart entitled ``Bee Keeper Indemnity Program (1978-80) [Reserved]'' is removed. 0 3. In Sec. 760.2, revise paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) to read as follows:

Sec. 760.2 Definitions.

* * * * *

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(c) Deputy Administrator means the Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs, FSA.

(d) State committee means the FSA State committee.

(e) County committee means the FSA county committee. * * * * * 0 4. Subparts B through G are added to read as follows: Subpart B--General Provisions for the 2005 Section 32 Hurricane Disaster Programs Sec. 760.101 Eligible counties, hurricanes and disaster periods. 760.102 Applicability. 760.103 Administration of HIP, FIP, LIP, and TIP. 760.104 Definitions. 760.105 Application for payment. 760.106 Limitations on payments and other benefits. 760.107 Appeals. 760.108 Offsets, assignments, and debt settlement. 760.109 Records and inspection thereof. 760.110 Refunds; joint and several liability. 760.111 Paperwork Reduction Act assigned number. Subpart C--Hurricane Indemnity Program 760.201 Applicability. 760.202 Producer eligibility. 760.203 Payment calculation. Subpart D--Feed Indemnity Program 760.301 Applicability. 760.302 Definitions. 760.303 Eligible livestock and producers. 760.304 Application process. 760.305 Payment calculation. Subpart E--Livestock Indemnity Program 760.401 Applicability. 760.402 Definitions. 760.403 Eligible owners, contract growers and livestock. 760.404 Application process. 760.405 Payment calculation. Subpart F--Tree Indemnity Program 760.501 Applicability. 760.502 Eligible producers and stands. 760.503 Application process. 760.504 Payment calculation. Subpart G--Aquaculture Program 760.601 Funds availability.

Subpart B--General Provisions for the 2005 Section 32 Hurricane Disaster Programs

Sec. 760.101 Eligible counties, hurricanes and disaster periods.

Producers who have suffered certain losses due to 2005 Hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, Ophelia, Rita, and Wilma in the following counties (eligible counties) are eligible to enroll in the programs made available under subparts B through F of this part. The 'Disaster Period' is the time period in which losses occurred that would be considered eligible for the programs under subparts B through F of this part. Funds for the programs in subparts B through G are made available under section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935, as amended (section 32).

Disaster period State

County

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dennis

Katrina

Ophelia

Rita

Wilma

Alabama........................................ Autauga..........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Baldwin..........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Bibb............................. .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Butler...........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Chambers.........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Choctaw..........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Clarke...........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Clay.............................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Cleburne.........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Coffee...........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Colbert.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Conecuh..........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Covington........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Crenshaw.........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Cullman.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Dallas...........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Escambia.........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Geneva...........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Greene...........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Hale.............................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Henry............................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Houston..........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Jefferson........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Lamar............................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Lauderdale....................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Lowndes..........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Macon............................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Marengo..........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Marion........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Mobile...........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Monroe...........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Perry............................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Pickens.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Pike.............................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Randolph.........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Sumter...........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Tuscaloosa.......................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Washington.......................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Wilcox...........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Alabama........................................ Winston.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Florida........................................ Bay..............................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/24/05-10/23/05 .................... .................... .................... Florida........................................ Brevard.......................... .................... .................... .................... .................... 10/23/05-12/22/05 Florida........................................ Broward.......................... .................... 8/24/05-10/23/05 .................... .................... 10/23/05-12/22/05 Florida........................................ Calhoun..........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Florida........................................ Charlotte........................ .................... .................... .................... .................... 10/23/05-12/22/05 Florida........................................ Collier.......................... .................... 8/24/05-10/23/05 .................... .................... 10/23/05-12/22/05 Florida........................................ Dixie............................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Florida........................................ Escambia.........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/24/05-10/23/05 .................... .................... .................... Florida........................................ Franklin.........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/24/05-10/23/05 .................... .................... .................... Florida........................................ Gadsden..........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... ....................

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Florida........................................ Glades........................... .................... .................... .................... .................... 10/23/05-12/22/05 Florida........................................ Gulf.............................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/24/05-10/23/05 .................... .................... .................... Florida........................................ Hardee........................... .................... .................... .................... .................... 10/23/05-12/22/05 Florida........................................ Hendry........................... .................... .................... .................... .................... 10/23/05-12/22/05 Florida........................................ Highlands........................ .................... .................... .................... .................... 10/23/05-12/22/05 Florida........................................ Holmes...........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Florida........................................ Indian River..................... .................... .................... .................... .................... 10/23/05-12/22/05 Florida........................................ Jackson..........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Florida........................................ Jefferson........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Florida........................................ Lee.............................. .................... .................... .................... .................... 10/23/05-12/22/05 Florida........................................ Leon.............................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Florida........................................ Levy.............................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Florida........................................ Liberty..........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Florida........................................ Martin........................... .................... .................... .................... .................... 10/23/05-12/22/05 Florida........................................ Miami-Dade....................... .................... 8/24/05-10/23/05 .................... .................... 10/23/05-12/22/05 Florida........................................ Monroe...........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/24/05-10/23/05 .................... .................... 10/23/05-12/22/05 Florida........................................ Okaloosa.........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/24/05-10/23/05 .................... .................... .................... Florida........................................ Okeechobee....................... .................... .................... .................... .................... 10/23/05-12/22/05 Florida........................................ Palm Beach....................... .................... .................... .................... .................... 10/23/05-12/22/05 Florida........................................ St. Lucie........................ .................... .................... .................... .................... 10/23/05-12/22/05 Florida........................................ Santa Rosa.......................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/24/05-10/23/05 .................... .................... .................... Florida........................................ Sarasota......................... .................... .................... .................... .................... 10/23/05-12/22/05 Florida........................................ Taylor...........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Florida........................................ Wakulla..........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Florida........................................ Walton...........................

7/10/05-9/8/05 8/24/05-10/23/05 .................... .................... .................... Florida........................................ Washington.......................

7/10/05-9/8/05 .................... .................... .................... .................... Louisiana...................................... Acadia........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Allen............................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Ascension........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Assumption....................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Louisiana...................................... Avoyelles........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Beauregard....................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Bienville........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Bossier.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Caddo............................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Calcasieu........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Caldwell......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Cameron.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Catahoula........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Claiborne........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Concordia........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... De Soto.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... East Baton Rouge................. .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Louisiana...................................... East Carroll..................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... East Feliciana................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Louisiana...................................... Evangeline....................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Franklin......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Grant............................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Iberia........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Iberville........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Louisiana...................................... Jackson.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Jefferson........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Jefferson Davis.................. .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Lafayette........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Lafourche........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Louisiana...................................... La Salle......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Lincoln.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Livingston....................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Madison.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Morehouse........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Natchitoches..................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Orleans.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Louisiana...................................... Ouachita......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Plaquemines...................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Pointe Coupee.................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Louisiana...................................... Rapides.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Red River........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Richland......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Sabine........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... St. Bernard...................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Louisiana...................................... St. Charles...................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Louisiana...................................... St. Helena....................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Louisiana...................................... St. James........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Louisiana...................................... St. John the Baptist............. .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Louisiana...................................... St. Landry....................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... St. Martin....................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... St. Mary......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... St. Tammany...................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Tangipahoa....................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Louisiana...................................... Tensas........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Terrebonne....................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Union............................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 ....................

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Louisiana...................................... Vermilion........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Vernon........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... Washington....................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Louisiana...................................... Webster.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... West Baton Rouge................. .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... West Carroll..................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Louisiana...................................... West Feliciana................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Louisiana...................................... Winn............................. .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Adams............................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Alcorn........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Amite............................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Attala........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Benton........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Bolivar.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Calhoun.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Carroll.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Chickasaw........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Choctaw.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Claiborne........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Clarke........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Clay............................. .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Coahoma.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Copiah........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Covington........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... De Soto.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Forrest.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Franklin......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... George........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Greene........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Grenada.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Hancock.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Harrison......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Hinds............................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Holmes........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Humphreys........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Issaquena........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Itawamba......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Jackson.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Jasper........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Jefferson........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Jefferson Davis.................. .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Jones............................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Kemper........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Lafayette........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Lamar............................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Lauderdale....................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Lawrence......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Leake............................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Lee.............................. .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Leflore.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Lincoln.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Lowndes.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Madison.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Marion........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Marshall......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Monroe........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Montgomery....................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Neshoba.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Newton........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Noxubee.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Oktibbeha........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Panola........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Pearl River...................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Perry............................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Pike............................. .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Pontotoc......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Mississippi.................................... Prentiss......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Quitman.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Rankin........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Scott............................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Sharkey.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Simpson.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Smith............................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Stone............................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Sunflower........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Tallahatchie..................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Tate............................. .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Tippah........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Tishomingo....................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Tunica........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Union............................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... .................... .................... Mississippi.................................... Walthall......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 ....................

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Mississippi.................................... Warren........................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Washington....................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Wayne............................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Webster.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Wilkinson........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Winston.......................... .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Yalobusha........................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Mississippi.................................... Yazoo............................ .................... 8/29/05-10/28/05 .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... North Carolina................................. Brunswick........................ .................... .................... 9/11/05-11/10/05 .................... .................... North Carolina................................. Carteret......................... .................... .................... 9/11/05-11/10/05 .................... .................... North Carolina................................. Craven........................... .................... .................... 9/11/05-11/10/05 .................... .................... North Carolina................................. Dare............................. .................... .................... 9/11/05-11/10/05 .................... .................... North Carolina................................. Hyde............................. .................... .................... 9/11/05-11/10/05 .................... .................... North Carolina................................. Jones............................ .................... .................... 9/11/05-11/10/05 .................... .................... North Carolina................................. New Hanover...................... .................... .................... 9/11/05-11/10/05 .................... .................... North Carolina................................. Onslow........................... .................... .................... 9/11/05-11/10/05 .................... .................... North Carolina................................. Pamlico.......................... .................... .................... 9/11/05-11/10/05 .................... .................... North Carolina................................. Pender........................... .................... .................... 9/11/05-11/10/05 .................... .................... Texas.......................................... Angelina......................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Brazoria......................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Chambers......................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Cherokee......................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Fort Bend........................ .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Galveston........................ .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Gregg............................ .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Hardin........................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Harris........................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Harrison......................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Houston.......................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Jasper........................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Jefferson........................ .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Liberty.......................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Marion........................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Montgomery....................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Nacogdoches...................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Newton........................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Orange........................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Panola........................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Polk............................. .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Rusk............................. .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Sabine........................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... San Augustine.................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... San Jacinto...................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Shelby........................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Trinity.......................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Tyler............................ .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 .................... Texas.......................................... Walker........................... .................... .................... .................... 9/23/05-11/22/05 ....................

Sec. 760.102 Applicability.

(a) This part establishes the terms and conditions under which the following programs will be administered for 2005 hurricanes in eligible counties:

(1) Hurricane Indemnity Program (HIP);

(2) Feed Indemnity Program (FIP);

(3) Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP);

(4) Tree Indemnity Program (TIP); and

(5) Aquaculture grants to States.

(b) The amount that may be expended for payments under subparts B through G of this part shall not exceed the amount of Section 32 funds made available by the Secretary for the administration of these programs.

(c) To be eligible for payments under these programs, producers must comply with all applicable provisions under subparts B through G of this part and with any other conditions imposed by FSA or, in the case of State grants, by the State.

Sec. 760.103 Administration of HIP, FIP, LIP, and TIP.

(a) These programs are administered under the general supervision of the Administrator, FSA.

(b) FSA representatives do not have authority to modify or waive any of the provisions of the regulations of subparts B through F of this part.

(c) The State FSA committee shall take any action required by the regulations of subparts B through F of this part that the county FSA committee has not taken. The State committee shall also:

(1) Correct, or require a county committee to correct, any action taken by such county committee that is not in accordance with the regulations of subparts B through F of this part; or

(2) Require a county committee to withhold taking any action that is not in accordance with subparts B through F of this part.

(d) No provision or delegation to a State or county FSA committee shall preclude the Administrator, FSA, Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs, FSA or a designee or other such person, from determining any question arising under the program or from reversing or modifying any determination made by a State or county FSA committee.

Sec. 760.104 Definitions.

The following definitions in this section apply to the programs in subparts B through G of this part. The terms defined in part 718 of this chapter and parts 1400 and 1437 of this title shall also be applicable, except where they conflict with the definitions set forth in this section.

Application means the `2005 Hurricane Disaster Programs Application' form.

Application period means the date established by the Deputy Administrator

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for producers to apply for program benefits.

Bush means a thick densely branched woody shrub grown for the production of an annual crop for commercial market for human consumption.

Commercial use means used in the operation of a business activity engaged in as a means of livelihood for profit by the eligible producer.

Crop insurance means an insurance policy reinsured by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation under the provisions of the Federal Crop Insurance Act, as amended.

Farming operation means a business enterprise engaged in the production of agricultural products.

Fruit tree means a woody perennial plant having a single main trunk, commonly exceeding 10 feet in height and usually devoid of branches below, but bearing a head of branches and foliage or crown of leaves at the summit that is grown for the production of an annual crop, including nuts, for commercial market for human consumption.

Owner means one who had legal ownership of the trees, bushes, vines, or livestock for which benefits are being requested under subparts B through F, on the day such plant or livestock perished or suffered losses due to an eligible hurricane as set forth Sec. 760.101.

Stand means a contiguous acreage of the same crop of trees, bushes, or vines, and excludes container-grown crops.

Tier means the geographic bands of damage generally correlating to the severity of damage caused by the maximum sustained winds of the applicable hurricanes.

Vine means a plant from which an annual fruit crop is produced for commercial market for human consumption, such as grape, kiwi, or passion fruit, that has a flexible stem supported by climbing, twining, or creeping along a surface.

Sec. 760.105 Application for payment.

(a) A producer who applies for any program under subparts B through F shall file an application and any required supporting documentation in the county FSA office serving the county where the eligible loss occurred; or in the case of FIP, where the eligible livestock were physically located on the applicable date.

(b) The application must be filed during the application period announced by FSA.

(c) Payments may be made for eligible losses suffered by an eligible producer who is now deceased or is a dissolved entity if a representative who currently has authority to enter into a contract for the producer signs the application for payment. Proof of authority to sign for the deceased producer or dissolved entity must be provided. If a producer is now a dissolved general partnership or joint venture, all members of the general partnership or joint venture at the time of dissolution or their duly authorized representatives must sign the application for payment.

(d) Data furnished by the applicant will be used to determine eligibility for program benefits. Furnishing the data is voluntary; however, without all required data program benefits will not be approved or provided.

(e) A minor child shall be eligible to apply for program benefits so long as all eligibility requirements are met and one of the following conditions exist:

(1) The right of majority has been conferred upon the minor by court proceedings or statute;

(2) A guardian has been appointed to manage the minor's property, and the applicable program documents are executed by the guardian; or

(3) A bond is furnished under which a surety guarantees any loss incurred for which the minor would be liable had the minor been an adult.

Sec. 760.106 Limitations on payments and other benefits.

(a) Separate payment limitations apply to HIP, FIP, LIP, and TIP. No `person' as determined under part 1400 of this title shall receive more than $80,000 under each of these programs.

(b) An individual or entity whose adjusted gross income is in excess of $2.5 million, as determined under part 1400 of this title, shall not be eligible to receive benefits under this part for HIP, FIP, LIP, and TIP.

(c) As a condition to receive benefits under subparts B through F, a producer must have been in compliance with the provisions of parts 12 and 718 of this title for the 2005 crop year and must not otherwise be barred from receiving benefits under any law.

(d) An individual or entity determined to be a foreign person under part 1400 of this title shall not be eligible to receive benefits under subparts B through F of this part.

Sec. 760.107 Appeals.

The appeal regulations set forth at parts 11 and 780 of this title apply to determinations made pursuant to subparts B through F of this part.

Sec. 760.108 Offsets, assignments, and debt settlement.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, any payment or portion thereof to any producer shall be made without regard to questions of title under State law and without regard to any claim or lien against the commodity, and or proceeds thereof, in favor of the owner or any other creditor except agencies of the U.S. Government. The regulations governing offsets and withholdings found at part 792 of this chapter apply to payments made under subparts B through F of this part.

(b) Any producer entitled to any payment may assign any payments in accordance with regulations governing the assignment of payments found at part 1404 of this title.

Sec. 760.109 Records and inspection thereof.

Producers receiving payments under the programs in subparts B through F or any other person who furnishes information for the purposes of enabling such producer to receive a payment under subparts B through F of this part shall maintain any books, records, and accounts supporting any information so furnished for 3 years following the end of the year during which the application for payment was filed. Producers receiving payments or any other person who furnishes such information to FSA shall permit authorized representatives of USDA and the General Accounting Office during regular business hours to inspect, examine, and to allow such persons to make copies of such books, records, and to enter upon, inspect and verify all applicable livestock and acreage in which the applicant has an interest for the purpose of confirming the accuracy of the information provided by the applicant.

Sec. 760.110 Refunds; joint and several liability.

In the event there is a failure to comply with any term, requirement, or condition for payment or assistance arising under subparts B through F of this part, and if any refund of a payment to FSA shall otherwise become due in connection with this part, all payments made in regard to such matter shall be refunded to FSA together with interest and late-payment charges as provided for in part 792 of this chapter.

Sec. 760.111 Paperwork Reduction Act assigned number.

The information collection required to support the regulations of subparts B through F of this part has been approved by OMB and assigned OMB control number 0560-0257.

Subpart C--Hurricane Indemnity Program

Sec. 760.201 Applicability.

This subpart sets forth the terms and conditions applicable to the Hurricane

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Indemnity Program (HIP). Benefits will be provided under this subpart to producers who have received a crop insurance indemnity from the Risk Management Agency (RMA) based on the associated loss criteria set forth in Sec. 760.202(a)(1) as provided to FSA by RMA; and to producers who have received Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) payments under part 1437 of this title based on the provisions of Sec. 760.202(a)(1). HIP benefits will be provided under this subpart to eligible producers who suffered losses due to hurricanes as set forth in Sec. 760.101.

Sec. 760.202 Producer eligibility.

A producer who applies for benefits under this subpart will be eligible to receive a payment if both of the following apply:

(a) The producer received a crop insurance indemnity from RMA or a NAP payment under part 1437 of this title for crop losses:

(1) In an eligible county;

(2) Recorded by RMA or FSA as being due to an eligible hurricane and the loss occurred during a disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101; and

(3) Were due to any of the following causes of loss:

(i) Excessive moisture, precipitation, and/or rain;

(ii) Flood;

(iii) Excessive wind;

(iv) Cyclone;

(v) Tornado;

(vi) Hurricane or tropical depression;

(vii) Storm surge; and/or(viii) Salinity due to salt water intrusion.

(b) An application is filed in accordance with Sec. 760.105.

Sec. 760.203 Payment calculation.

The disaster benefits under this subpart will be equal to the smaller of:

(a) 30 percent of the RMA crop insurance indemnity or 30 percent of the NAP payment for eligible crop losses according to Sec. 760.202(a)(1), and adding the crop insurance premium for the indemnity as outlined in Sec. 760.202(a)(1); or

(b) 95 percent of the expected value of the crop in the absence of a disaster, as determined by RMA for insured crops, using information from the crop policy; and by FSA for NAP crops, using the producer's price and yield, minus the following:

(1) The value of the production as counted by RMA for insured crops to establish the indemnity and by FSA for NAP crops to establish the NAP payment,

(2) The crop's eligible indemnity or NAP payment for eligible crop losses determined in accordance with Sec. 760.202(a)(1),

(3) And adding the crop insurance premium for the indemnity as outlined in Sec. 760.202(a)(1).

Subpart D--Feed Indemnity Program

Sec. 760.301 Applicability.

This subpart sets forth the terms and conditions applicable to the Feed Indemnity Program (FIP). FIP benefits will be provided under this subpart to eligible owners and cash lessees, but not both, for the same livestock, for feed losses or increased feed costs that occurred in eligible counties during the disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101.

Sec. 760.302 Definitions.

The following definitions are applicable for all purposes of administering FIP.

Adult beef bulls means male bovine animals that were at least 2 years old and used for breeding purposes on the beginning date of the applicable disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101.

Adult beef cows means female bovine animals that had delivered one or more offspring before the beginning date of the applicable disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101. A first-time bred beef heifer shall also be considered an adult beef cow if it was pregnant on the beginning date of the applicable disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101.

Adult buffalo and beefalo bulls means male animals of those breeds that were at least 2 years old and used for breeding purposes on the beginning date of the applicable disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101.

Adult buffalo and beefalo cows means female animals of those breeds that had delivered one or more offspring before the beginning date of the applicable disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101. A first- time bred buffalo or beefalo heifer shall also be considered to be an adult buffalo or beefalo cow if it was pregnant on the beginning date of the applicable disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101.

Adult dairy bulls means male bovine animals of a breed used for producing milk for human consumption that were at least 2 years old and used for breeding dairy cows on the beginning date of the applicable disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101.

Adult dairy cows means female bovine animals used for the purpose of providing milk for human consumption, that had delivered one or more offspring before the beginning date of the applicable disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101. A first-time bred dairy heifer shall also be considered an adult dairy cow if it was pregnant on the beginning date of the applicable disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101.

Deer means domesticated ruminant mammals of the genus Cervus having two large and two small hooves on each foot.

Goats means domesticated, ruminant mammals of the genus Capra, including Angora goats.

Horses means domesticated horses, and does not include donkeys, mules or other large solid-hoofed herbivorous mammals.

Non-adult beef cattle means male, female or neutered male bovine animals that weighed 500 pounds or more on the beginning date of the applicable disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101, but do not meet the definition of adult beef cows or bulls.

Non-adult buffalo/beefalo means male, female or neutered male animals of those breeds that weighed 500 pounds or more on the beginning date of the applicable disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101, but do not meet the definition of an adult buffalo or beefalo cow or bull.

Non-adult dairy cattle means male, female or neutered male bovine livestock, of a breed used for the purpose of providing milk for human consumption, that weighed 500 pounds or more on the beginning date of the applicable disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101, but do not meet the definition adult dairy cows or bulls.

Sheep means domesticated, ruminant mammals of the genus Ovis.

Sec. 760.303 Eligible livestock and producers.

(a) To be considered eligible, livestock must meet all the following conditions:

(1) Be adult or non-adult dairy cattle, beef cattle, buffalo, beefalo, horses, sheep, goats or deer as defined in Sec. 760.302;

(2) Been physically located in an eligible county on the beginning date of the applicable disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101;

(3) Been maintained for commercial use as part of a farming operation on the beginning date of the applicable disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101;

(4) Not have been produced and maintained for reasons other than commercial use as part of a farming operation. Such excluded uses include, but are not limited to wild free roaming animals or animals used for recreational purposes, such as pleasure, hunting, pets, or for show.

(b) To be considered an eligible livestock producer, both of the following conditions must be met:

(1) Owned or cash-leased, but not both for the same livestock, eligible

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livestock on the beginning date of the applicable disaster period as provided in Sec. 760.101; and

(2) Suffered a feed loss or an increased feed cost during the applicable disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101. The feed must have been for the eligible livestock.

Sec. 760.304 Application process.

(a) Applicants must submit a completed application certifying to the feed loss or increased feed cost, current physical location of livestock in inventory, physical location of claimed livestock on the beginning date of the applicable disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101, and any other supporting documentation for FSA to determine the eligibility of the applicant.

(b) Supporting evidence may include quantity and kind of livestock for which benefits are being requested, including but not limited to, purchase records, veterinarian records, bank or other loan papers, rendering truck receipts, Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Guard records, written contracts, production records, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) records, property tax records, private insurance documents, and any other verifiable documents available to confirm the existence of the claimed livestock.

Sec. 760.305 Payment calculation.

(a) FIP payments are calculated by multiplying the national payment rate for each of the following livestock categories by the number of eligible livestock in each category. The payment rate represents the cost of the amount of corn needed to maintain 1 animal unit for a specified period of time.

(b) The eligible livestock categories are:

(1) Adult beef cows or bulls;

(2) Non-adult beef cattle;

(3) Adult buffalo or beefalo cows or bulls;

(4) Non-adult buffalo or beefalo;

(5) Adult dairy cows or bulls;

(6) Non-adult dairy cattle;

(7) Goats;

(8) Sheep;

(9) Horses; and

(10) Deer.

Subpart E--Livestock Indemnity Program

Sec. 760.401 Applicability.

(a) This subpart sets forth the terms and conditions applicable to the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). Benefits will be provided under this subpart to eligible livestock owners and contract growers, but not both for the same livestock loss, for certain livestock deaths that occurred in eligible counties during the disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101.

(b) Eligible livestock owners and contract growers will be compensated in accordance with Sec. 760.405 for eligible livestock deaths that occurred in eligible counties during the disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101.

Sec. 760.402 Definitions.

The following definitions are applicable for all purposes of administering LIP.

Adult beef bull means a male bovine animal that was at least 2 years old and used for breeding purposes before it died.

Adult beef cow means a female bovine animal that had delivered one or more offspring before dying. A first-time bred beef heifer shall also be considered an adult beef cow if it was pregnant at the time it died.

Adult buffalo and beefalo bull means a male animal of those breeds that were at least 2 years old and used for breeding purposes before it died.

Adult buffalo and beefalo cow means a female animal of those breeds that had delivered one or more offspring before dying. A first-time bred buffalo or beefalo heifer shall also be considered an adult buffalo or beefalo cow if it was pregnant at the time it died.

Adult dairy bull means a male bovine animal of a breed used for producing milk for human consumption that was at least 2 years old and used for breeding dairy cows before it died.

Adult dairy cow means a female bovine animal used for the purpose of providing milk for human consumption that had delivered one or more offspring before dying. A first-time bred dairy heifer shall also be considered an adult dairy cow if it was pregnant at the time it died.

Buck means a male goat.

Contract means, with respect to contracts for the handling of livestock, a written agreement between a livestock owner and another individual or entity setting the specific terms, conditions and obligations of the parties involved regarding the production of livestock or livestock products.

Deer means a domesticated ruminant mammal of the genus Cervus having two large and two small hooves on each foot.

Doe means a female goat.

Equine animal means a domesticated horse, mule or donkey.

Ewe means a female sheep.

Goat means a domesticated, ruminant mammal of the genus Capra, including Angora goats. Goats will be further delineated by sex (bucks and does) and age (kids).

Kid means a goat less than 1 year old.

Lamb means a sheep less than 1 year old.

Non-adult beef cattle means male, female or neutered male bovines that do not meet the definition of adult beef cows or bulls. Non-adult beef cattle is further delineated by weight categories of less than 400 pounds, and 400 pounds or more at the time they died.

Non-adult buffalo or beefalo means a male, female or neutered male animal of those breeds that do not meet the definition of adult buffalo/beefalo cow or bull. Non-adult buffalo or beefalo is further delineated by weight categories of less than 400 pounds, and 400 pounds or more at the time of death.

Non-adult dairy cattle means male, female or neutered male bovine livestock, of a breed used for the purpose of providing milk for human consumption, that do not meet the definition of adult dairy cows or bulls. Non-adult dairy cattle is further delineated by weight categories of less than 400 pounds, and 400 pounds or more at the time they died.

Poultry means domesticated chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese. Poultry will be further delineated by sex, age and purpose of production, as determined by FSA.

Ram means a male sheep.

Sheep means domesticated, ruminant mammals of the genus Ovis. Sheep will be further delineated by sex (rams and ewes) and age (lambs).

Swine means domesticated omnivorous pigs, hogs, and boars. Swine will be further delineated by sex and weight as determined by FSA.

Sec. 760.403 Eligible owners, contract growers and livestock.

(a) To be considered eligible, a livestock owner must have had legal ownership of the eligible livestock on the day the livestock died.

(b) To be considered eligible, a contract grower on the day the livestock died must have had:

(1) A written agreement with the owner of eligible livestock setting the specific terms, conditions and obligations of the parties involved regarding the production of livestock; and

(2) Control of the livestock that died.

(c) To be considered eligible, livestock must meet all the following:

(1) Be adult or non-adult dairy cattle, beef cattle, buffalo, beefalo, equine, sheep, goats, swine, poultry or deer.

(2) Perished as a direct result of an applicable disaster, in an eligible county and during the applicable disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101;

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(3) Been maintained for commercial use as part of a farming operation on the day they died; and before dying;

(4) Not have been produced or maintained for reasons other than commercial use as part of a farming operation, including but not limited to wild free roaming animals or animals used for recreational purposes, such as pleasure, hunting, pets, or for show.

Sec. 760.404 Application process.

(a) Applicants must submit a completed application, documentary evidence of loss, current physical location of livestock in inventory, physical location of claimed livestock at the time of death, and any other supporting documentation necessary for FSA to determine eligibility.

(b) Applicants must provide adequate proof that the death of the eligible livestock occurred during the applicable disaster period, and the death was a direct result of the applicable disaster, as set forth in Sec. 760.101.

(c) The quantity and kind of livestock that died as a direct result of the applicable disaster may be documented by purchase records, veterinarian records, bank or other loan papers, rendering truck receipts, Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Guard records, written contracts, production records, IRS records, property tax records, private insurance documents, and any other verifiable documents available to confirm the presence and subsequent death of the livestock.

(d) Certifications of livestock deaths by third parties may be accepted only if both the following conditions are met:

(1) The livestock owner or livestock contract grower, as applicable, certifies in writing:

(i) That there is no other documentation of death available; and

(ii) The number of livestock, by category as determined by the Deputy Administrator, in inventory at the time the applicable disaster occurred; and

(2) The third party certifying to the claimed deaths by the livestock owner or contract grower must provide their telephone number and address, and certify in writing to all the following:

(i) Specific details about their knowledge of the livestock deaths;

(ii) Their affiliation to the livestock owner or contract grower;

(iii) The accuracy of the deaths claimed by the livestock owner or contract grower; and

(iv) Other details necessary for FSA to determine the certification acceptable.

Sec. 760.405 Payment calculation.

(a) Under LIP, separate payment rates are established for eligible livestock owners and eligible contract growers in accordance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section. LIP payments are calculated by multiplying the national payment rate, as determined in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, by the number of eligible livestock in each category, as provided in paragraph (d) of this section. The payment calculated for an eligible contract grower for an eligible livestock category shall be reduced by the amount of any compensation received from the contractor for the loss of income from the dead livestock.

(b) The LIP payment rate for eligible livestock owners is based on 75 percent of the average fair market value of the livestock.

(c) The LIP payment rates for eligible contract growers is based on 75 percent of the average income loss sustained by the contract grower with respect to the dead livestock.

(d) The categories of eligible livestock are as follows:

(1) Adult beef cows;

(2) Adult beef bulls;

(3) Non-adult beef cattle;

(4) Adult buffalo or beefalo cows;

(5) Adult buffalo or beefalo bulls;

(6) Non-adult buffalo/beefalo;

(7) Adult dairy cows;

(8) Adult dairy bulls;

(9) Non-adult dairy cattle;

(10) Swine, sows, boars, barrows, gilts over 150 pounds;

(11) Swine, sows, boars, barrows, gilts 50 to 150 pounds;

(12) Swine, feeder pigs under 50 pounds;

(13) Goats, bucks;

(14) Goats, does;

(15) Goats, kids;

(16) Sheep, rams;

(17) Sheep, ewes;

(18) Sheep, lambs;

(19) Deer;

(20) Chickens, layers, roasters;

(21) Chickens, broilers, pullets;

(22) Chickens, chicks;

(23) Turkeys, toms, fryers, roasters;

(24) Turkeys, poults;

(25) Ducks;

(26) Ducks, ducklings;

(27) Geese, goose;

(28) Geese, gosling; and

(29) Equine.

Subpart F--Tree Indemnity Program

Sec. 760.501 Applicability.

(a) This subpart sets forth the terms and conditions applicable to the Tree Indemnity Program (TIP). Benefits will be provided under this subpart for eligible fruit trees, bushes, and vines that were lost or damaged during the disaster period as set forth in Sec. 760.101.

(b) Compensation will be based on expenses incurred for replanting, rehabilitation, cleanup, and debris removal.

(c) No benefits shall be provided when the loss:

(1) Occurred in any county other than an eligible county, or

(2) Was not the result of an eligible disaster as set forth in Sec. 760.101.

Sec. 760.502 Eligible producers and stands.

(a) An eligible fruit tree, bush, and/or vine producer is one who bears financial responsibility and who has incurred costs of at least $90 per acre for replanting, rehabilitation, cleanup, or debris removal, excluding crop production.

(b) An eligible stand must:

(1) Be physically located in an eligible county;

(2) Have been impacted during an eligible disaster as set forth in Sec. 760.101; and

(3) Be grown for commercial use.

Sec. 760.503 Application process.

(a) Applicants must submit a completed application and report of acreage identifying the geographic location and number of acres in the disaster-affected stand of claimed fruit trees, bushes, and vines according to part 718 of this chapter, and any other supporting documentation for FSA to determine the eligibility of the applicant.

(b) Applicants must certify and provide adequate proof that the expenses incurred to eligible fruit trees, bushes, or vines occurred during the applicable disaster period and that the loss or damage was a direct result of the applicable disaster, as set forth in Sec. 760.101.

(c) The quantity and kind of fruit trees, bushes, or vines that died or were damaged as a result of the applicable disaster may be documented by purchase records, bank or other loan papers, Federal Emergency Management Agency and National Guard records, IRS records, property tax records, private insurance documents, and any other verifiable documents available to confirm the presence and subsequent loss or expenses incurred of said fruit trees, bushes, or vines.

Sec. 760.504 Payment calculation.

(a) TIP payments shall be calculated by multiplying the following national payment rate for the applicable tier by the number of eligible acres, excluding but not limited to such things as drainage ditches and canals, in a stand of fruit trees, bushes, or vines by the producer's share in such crop:

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(1) Tier I--$750;

(2) Tier II--$300;

(3) Tier III--$200; and

(4) Tier IV--$90.

(b) If the actual expenses incurred for damage are greater than the value associated with the tier based on the location of the stand, the applicant may submit documentation to FSA to request the stand be placed in the next lower-numbered tier which represents a greater level of loss and a higher payment rate. Regardless of the expenses incurred the stand can only be placed in the next lower-numbered tier.

Subpart G--Aquaculture Program

Sec. 760.601 Funds availability.

FSA will provide block grants to the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas where aquaculture was adversely affected by the hurricanes as set forth in Sec. 760.201 for those States. Producers in eligible counties in those states who raise aquaculture species in a controlled environment as part of a farming operation and who have not received assistance under other disaster programs for the same aquaculture losses may be eligible for these funds. Funds provided by a State to a farming operation under such a grant shall not exceed $80,000.

Signed in Washington, DC, May 2, 2006. Thomas B. Hofeller, Acting Administrator, Farm Service Agency.

[FR Doc. 06-4278 Filed 5-9-06; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410-05-P