Separate Parts In This Issue Part VI Commerce Department, Economic Development Administration,

[Federal Register: April 9, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 68)]

[Notices]

[Page 17519-17528]

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

[DOCID:fr09ap03-113]

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Part VI

Department of Commerce

Economic Development Administration

Economic Development Assistance Programs--Availability of Funds Under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as Amended and the Trade Act of 1974, as Amended; Notice

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Economic Development Administration

[Docket No. 991215339-3057-05]

RIN 0610-ZA14

Economic Development Assistance Programs--Availability of Funds Under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as Amended and the Trade Act of 1974, as Amended

AGENCY: Economic Development Administration (EDA), Department of Commerce (DOC).

ACTION: Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).

SUMMARY: The role of government is to create conditions in which jobs are created, and in which people can find work. The Economic Development Administration (EDA) announces general policies and application procedures for investments that will help our partners across the nation (States, regions and communities) create wealth and minimize poverty by promoting a favorable business environment to attract private capital investment and higher-skill, higher-wage jobs through world-class capacity building, planning, infrastructure, research grants, business assistance, and strategic initiatives. EDA will fulfill this mission by promoting progressive domestic business policies and growth, and by assisting states, local governments, and community-based organizations in achieving their highest economic potential.

DATES: Unless otherwise noted below, proposals are accepted on a continuing basis and applications are invited and processed as received. Normally, two months are required for a final decision after the receipt of a completed application invited by EDA that meets all requirements.

ADDRESSES: Addresses for EDA's six regional offices and Washington, DC, office are provided in part XVI. Addresses for Economic Development Representatives (EDRs) are listed under each regional office.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For national technical assistance, research, and trade adjustment assistance investments, please contact the appropriate program office as shown in parts X, XII, and XIII, respectively. For community and regional economic development investments, contact EDA's regional office or the EDR for your area as shown in part XVI.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Funding Availability

   Funding appropriated under Pub. L. 108-07 is available for economic development assistance programs authorized by the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (Pub. L. 89-136, 42 U.S.C. 3121, et seq. and as further amended by Pub. L. 105-393), and for trade adjustment assistance authorized under title II, chapters 3 and 5 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2341-2355; 2391) (Trade Act), and as further amended by Pub. L. 107-210. Funds in the amount of $288,115,000 have been appropriated for FY 2003 and shall remain available until expended.

   EDA receives and processes requests for funding on an ongoing basis, and has begun processing requests under the FY 2003 appropriation. New requests submitted that require approval during this fiscal year will face substantial competition. EDA will focus on outcomes such as value-added employment and private sector investment.

2. Authority

   The authority for programs listed below in parts VIII through XII is the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (Pub. L. 89-136, 42 U.S.C. 3121, et seq.), and as further amended by Pub. L. 105-393. The authority for the program listed in part XIII is title II, chapters 3 and 5 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended by Pub. L. 93-618, 98-120, 98-369, 99-272, 99-514, 100-418, 103-66, 105-277, and 107-210 (19 U.S.C. 2341-2391) (Trade Act).

3. Eligibility

   Eligible recipients of EDA financial assistance are defined at 13 CFR 300.2 and eligible applicants are specified at 13 CFR 301.1. An ``area'' is an eligible recipient and is defined at 13 CFR 301.2. One category of the areas eligible for financial assistance are those areas meeting the ``special needs'' criteria. The special needs criteria are published each year by this notice and are provided at part XV.

4. Proposal Format

   Preapplication proposals must be submitted on EDA's Preapplication for Federal Assistance, Form ED-900P. This form contains both questions and a narrative statement. The narrative statement need not exceed four pages. The narrative statement must address the following topics in the order listed:

   1. Project Area.

   2. Project Description.

   3. Proponent's Capability.

   4. Problem.

   5. Project Impact.

   6. Project Beneficiaries.

   7. Civil Rights Issues.

   8. Funding.

   9. Identity of Sources of Non-EDA Funding.

   10. Title/Ownership/Operation and Maintenance (Construction Projects).

   11. Environmental Issues.

   Proposals for Public Works and Economic Development Facilities assistance and Economic Adjustment assistance must also include Form ED-900P, Exhibit A, Area Eligibility for Grants under 13 CFR parts 305 (Public Works) and 308 (Economic Adjustment) and the necessary documentation and narrative statement.

   Proposals for University Center funding must also include the additional information set forth in part X.

   Proposals for projects on which EDA is requested to fund more than 50 percent of project costs may be required to include Form ED-900P, Exhibit B, EDA Grant Rate Determination, and the necessary documentation and narrative statement.

   An original and two copies must be submitted to the appropriate Economic Development Representative or regional office.

   Unless otherwise provided herein, eligibility, program objectives, application procedures, selection process, evaluation criteria, and other requirements for all programs are set forth in EDA regulations at 13 CFR chapter III, and applicants must address those requirements. The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the Federal Register notice of October 1, 2001 (66 FR 49917), as amended by the Federal Register notice published on October 30, 2002 (67 FR 66109), is incorporated by reference into this notice and is available on EDA's Web site (www.eda.doc.gov).

   For Public Works (13 CFR part 305) and Economic Adjustment Investments (13 CFR part 308) (CFDA No. 11.300 and 11.307 respectively), EDA reviews area eligibility at the time an application is invited and again at the time an application is received. This review is based on the most recent Federal data available for the area where the project will be located or where the substantial direct benefits will be received. If no Federal data is available to determine eligibility, an applicant must submit to EDA the most recent data available for the area through the government of the State in which the area is located, i.e., conducted by or at the direction of the State government. Other data may be

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   submitted, as appropriate, to substantiate eligibility based on ``special need'' (see part XV of this notice). Project areas must be eligible on the date of receipt of the application. In the case of any application received by EDA more than six months prior to the time of award, EDA will reevaluate the project to determine that the area remains eligible for EDA assistance before making the award. EDA will reject any documentation of eligibility that it determines is inaccurate and the application may be rejected.

5. General Policies

   EDA encourages only those investment proposals that will significantly benefit areas experiencing or threatened with substantial economic distress. Distress may exist in a variety of forms, including, but not limited to: high levels of unemployment, low income levels, large concentrations of low-income families, significant declines in per capita income, substantial loss of population because of the lack of employment opportunities, large numbers (or high rates) of business failures, sudden major layoffs or plant closures, military base closures, natural or other major disasters, depletion of natural resources, or reduced tax bases.

   Communities affected by the 1988, 1991, 1993, or 1995 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) actions, and which qualify for either regular Public Works or regular Economic Adjustment funding, may apply for investments under one or both of those programs. EDA anticipates that construction proposals will seek funding from the regular Public Works program while credit enhancement or other innovative financing proposals will compete under the regular Economic Adjustment authority.

   Potential applicants are responsible for demonstrating to EDA, by providing statistics and other appropriate information, the nature and level of the distress their project efforts are intended to alleviate. EDA provides funding for eligible investment activities through direct grants and cooperative agreements. In funding cooperative agreements, a common example of substantial involvement is collaboration between EDA program staff and the recipient of a conference planning award to select a conference site, develop the agenda, and choose presenters, or to review a research project's methodology at critical stages and the draft written report.

   EDA is not authorized to provide grants directly to individuals or to other for-profit entities seeking to start or expand a business. Such requests may be referred to state or local agencies, or to non- profit economic development organizations serving the project area.

6. Evaluation and Selection Process

   To apply for an award under this notice, an eligible recipient must submit a pre-application proposal to the appropriate Economic Development Representative for the area or regional office. Each pre- application proposal is circulated by a project officer to the appropriate regional office staff for review, comments, and recommendations. When the necessary input and information are obtained, the pre-application proposal is considered by the regional office Investment Review Committee (IRC) made up of regional office staff. The IRC discusses the proposal and all pertinent documentation and evaluates it using the general evaluation criteria set forth at 13 CFR 304.1 and 304.2 as further defined by the Supplemental Evaluation Criteria set forth in this notice below, and the program specific criteria provided under 13 CFR 305.2 for Public Works, 13 CFR 306.2 for Planning Assistance, 13 CFR 307.2 for Technical Assistance, 13 CFR 307.6 for University Centers, 13 CFR 307.10 for National Technical Assistance, Training, Research, and Evaluation, and 13 CFR 308.2 and 308.4 for Economic Adjustment. University Center funding proposals will be evaluated using the Special Evaluation Criteria set forth in part X in lieu of the Supplemental Evaluation Criteria set forth below. In addition, each proposal is evaluated for consistency with the Funding Priorities set forth below. After completing its evaluation, the IRC recommends whether or not an application should be invited, documenting its recommendation in the meeting minutes or in the Investment Proposal Summary and Evaluation Form. The IRC action is reviewed at headquarters for quality assurance. After receiving quality control clearance, the Selecting Official (depending on the program, either the Regional Director or the Assistant Secretary) selects the applications to be invited. In the case of a continuation grant, no pre-application proposal is required. Proposals received after the date of this notice will be processed in accordance with the requirements set forth herein until the next annual NOFA is published.

   Supplemental Evaluation Criteria

   EDA will invest in applicants who are entrepreneurial in spirit and in action. Potential investments will be analyzed using the following seven supplemental evaluation criteria of approximate equal weight, which further define the criteria provided at 13 CFR 304.2:

   1. Extent that proposed investments are market-based.

   2. Extent that proposed investments are pro-active in nature and scope.

   3. Extent that proposed investments look beyond the immediate economic horizon, anticipate economic changes, and diversify the local and regional economy.

   4. Likelihood that proposed investments maximize the attraction of private sector investment and would not otherwise come to fruition absent EDA's investment.

   5. Likelihood that proposed investments have a high probability of success.

   6. Likelihood that proposed investments result in an environment where higher-skill, higher-wage jobs are created.

   7. Likelihood that proposed investments maximize Return on Taxpayer Investment.

      Funding Priorities

      The Selecting Official considers the evaluations provided by the IRC and the degree to which one or more of the following funding priorities are included (or packaged together) in making his/her decisions as to which preapplication proposals should be invited. Highly rated preapplication proposals may or may not be invited to submit full applications based on the following funding priorities. Generally, all proposals should enhance regional competitiveness and support long-term development of the regional economy. Further priority will be given to proposals that:

   1. Encourage innovation and regional competitiveness:

      1. Reflect coordination of strong regional leadership committed to regional cluster development;

      2. Encourage a formal organization structure and process for working on cluster development and maintaining consensus;

      3. Encourage a common vision and collaboration among firms, universities, and training centers to implement a cluster strategy;

      4. Establish research and industrial parks that encourage innovation-based competition;

      5. Implement cluster-focused and innovation-focused business development efforts; and

      6. Develop or implement coordinated economic and workforce development strategies.

   2. Upgrade core business infrastructure such as:

      1. Transportation infrastructure;

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      2. Communications infrastructure; and

      3. Specialized training program infrastructure.

   3. Help communities plan and implement economic adjustment strategies in response to sudden and severe economic dislocations (e.g., major layoffs, plant closures, trade impacts, defense restructuring, or disasters).

   4. Support technology-led economic development, for example, proposals that:

      1. Reflect the important role of research and development capacity of universities in regional development; and

      2. Create and support technology transfers.

   5. Advance community and faith-based social entrepreneurship in redevelopment strategies for areas of chronic economic distress.

7. Process for Invited Applications and Awards

   If the Selecting Official declines to invite a full application, he/she provides written notice to the applicant. If an application has been invited by the Selecting Official, it is reviewed by EDA program officials to determine whether it contains any deficiencies under EDA regulations at 13 CFR chapter III and the requirements of this notice. If deficiencies are noted, the applicant is provided a written request to amend the application to resolve any deficiencies. If deficiencies are not resolved 30 days after receipt of the written notice, the application may be rejected. If the full application is accepted, the recipient and EDR are notified and it is forwarded for final reviews and processing in accordance with EDA and DOC procedures.

8. Program: Public Works and Economic Development Facilities Assistance--(Pub. L. 89-136, as amended by Pub. L. 105-393, 42 U.S.C. 3141)

   (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.300 Grants for Public Works and Economic Development Facilities)

   Funds in the amount of $203,667,500 have been appropriated for this program. The average funding level for an investment in FY 2002 was $1,240,000. This amount is not intended to restrict the size of future awards.

   EDA will provide Public Works investments to support the construction or rehabilitation of essential public infrastructure and development facilities necessary to generate private sector jobs and investment, including investments that support technology-led development, redevelopment of brownfield sites, and eco-industrial development.

9. Program: Planning--Planning Assistance for Economic Development Districts, Indian Tribes, States, and Other Planning Organizations-- (Pub. L. 89-136, as Amended by Pub. L. 105-393, 42 U.S.C. 3143)

   (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.302 Economic Development--Support for Planning Organizations)

   Funds in the amount of $23,844,000 have been appropriated for the Planning Program. In FY 2002, the average Economic Development District planning investment was $59,000; the average Indian planning investment was $46,000; and the average state and other planning organization investment was $64,000. These amounts are not intended to restrict the size of future awards. EDA expects the majority of planning funds will be used for support to existing Economic Development District and Indian tribe grantees. Continuation grants are not competed. Any new planning grants shall be solicited and evaluated in compliance with this notice.

10. Program: Technical Assistance--Local Technical Assistance; National Technical Assistance; and University Centers--(Pub. L. 89-136, as amended by Pub. L. 105-393, 42 U.S.C. 3147)

    (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.303 Economic Development--Technical Assistance)

    Funds in the amount of $9,040,850 have been appropriated for the Technical Assistance programs of which approximately $1,490,250 is available for the Local Technical Assistance program; $1,093,843 for the National Technical Assistance program; and $6,456,757 for the University Center program. The average funding level in FY 2002 for Local Technical Assistance investments was $53,000; for National Technical Assistance investments, $134,000; and for University Center investments, the typical range was $75,000 to $110,000. These amounts are not intended to restrict the size of future awards.

    Multi-year funding may be available for this program. Funding for each year's activities is contingent upon continued satisfactory performance during the preceding period, the availability of program funds, and will be at EDA's sole discretion.

    A separate Federal Register notice(s) will set forth the specific funding priorities, application process, and time frames for certain National Technical Assistance projects.

    Background Information on EDA's University Center Program

    EDA's University Center program helps to make the wealth of resources--faculty, staff, students, computer facilities, laboratories, etc.--at institutions of higher education available for assisting in local and regional economic development activities. This announcement provides notice of several program and policy changes. EDA intends to make additional changes in subsequent years.

    EDA will provide assistance under this program only to University Centers engaged in economic development. Activities such as community development or social service type activities are not consistent with EDA's mission and will not be considered for funding. Programs focused on activities other than economic development are encouraged to seek other sources of financial support. In addition, beginning in FY 2003, EDA will not fund any University Center that operates in isolation from other resources at its sponsoring institution and lacks the support of its sponsoring institution's leadership.

    Funds to establish new University Centers will be available only if an existing University Center withdraws or is dropped from the program. A. Additional Information Required

    In addition to the information described in part IV, proposals in or after FY 2003 for University Center funding must include the additional information described in this section.

    The Scope of Work for University Center proposals must be structured to address the University Center's contribution to the following elements: (a) Providing technical assistance, (b) conducting applied research, and (c) disseminating results of the activities of the University Center. Applicants are expected to submit a Scope of Work commensurate with the funding requested and consistent with EDA's mission. B. Evaluation Criteria for University Centers

    University Center funding proposals will be analyzed using the Evaluation Criteria set forth below. The ``Supplemental Evaluation Criteria'' set forth in part VI will not apply to University Center applications. EDA will invest in University Centers that are focused on economic development and are proactive and innovative in spirit and in action. Potential University Center proposals will be analyzed using the following six special evaluation

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    criteria, each of approximate equal weight.

    1. Extent that the proposed University Center investment addresses the economic development needs, issues and opportunities of the proposed service area.

    2. Extent that the service and value of the proposed University Center investment is unique, or fills a void not offered by other organizations in the proposed service area that provide potentially complementary or duplicate services.

    3. Extent that the proposed University Center investment will maximize coordination with those other entities in ``2'' and will minimize the duplication of the services provided by those entities.

    4. Likelihood that the proposed University Center investment will benefit economically distressed areas as defined in part III.

    5. Extent that the proposed University Center investment will access, take advantage of, and be supported by the other resources of the sponsoring institutions.

    6. Degree of evidence demonstrating the support and commitment (both financial and nonfinancial) of the proposed University Center investment from the leadership of the sponsoring institution for the University Center and its activities. C. Support for Existing University Center Network

    Funds to establish new University Centers will be available only if an existing University Center withdraws or is dropped from the program.

11. Program: Economic Adjustment Assistance--(Pub. L. 89-136, as Amended by Pub. L. 105-393, 42 U.S.C. 3149)

    (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.307 Economic Adjustment Assistance)

    Funds in the amount of $40,634,150 have been appropriated for funding under the Economic Adjustment Assistance program. Of this amount, $16,900,000 is available for economic adjustment projects located in regions impacted by coal industry downsizing, timber industry issues and Alaska fishing-dependent communities. The average funding level for an Economic Adjustment investment in FY 2002 was $508,600. This amount is not intended to restrict the size of future awards.

12. Program: Research and Evaluation--(Pub. L. 89-136, as amended by Pub. L. 105-393, 42 U.S.C. 3147)

    (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.312 Economic Development--Research and Evaluation Program)

    Funds in the amount of $496,750 have been appropriated for this program. The average funding level for an investment in FY 2002 was $105,000. This amount is not intended to restrict the size of future awards.

    Multi-year funding may be available for this program. Funding for each year's activities is contingent upon continued satisfactory performance during the preceding period, the availability of program funds, and will be at EDA's sole discretion.

    A separate Federal Register notice(s) will set forth the application process, specific funding priorities, and time frames for certain research and evaluation investments. For further information, contact: John J. McNamee, Director, Research and National Technical Assistance Division, Economic Development Administration, Room 7019, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230, Telephone: (202) 482-2309.

13. Program: Trade Adjustment Assistance--Title II Chapters 3 and 5 of the Trade Act of 1974, as Amended by Pub. L. 93-618, 98-120, 98-369, 99-272, 99-514, 100-418, 103-66, 105-277, 107-210; 19 U.S.C. 2341-2391

    (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: 11.313 Economic Development--Trade Adjustment Assistance)

    Funds in the amount of $10,431,750 have been appropriated for this program. EDA expects these funds will be used to support the existing network of Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAACs). The average funding level for a TAAC in FY 2002 was $875,000. This amount is not intended to restrict the size of future awards. Continuation grants will not be competed. No new TAACs are expected this fiscal year. For further information on this program contact: Anthony J. Meyer, Coordinator, Trade Adjustment and Technical Assistance, Planning and Development Assistance Division, Economic Development Administration, Room 7317, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230, Telephone: (202) 482-2127.

14. Other Information and Requirements

    EDA regulations at 13 CFR chapter III are available on the EDA Web site http://www.doc.gov/eda. The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the Federal Register notice of October 1, 2001 (66 FR 49917), as amended by the Federal Register notice published on October 30, 2002 (67 FR 66109), are applicable to this solicitation and can be found on EDA's Web site http://www.doc.gov/eda. Certain Departmental and other requirements are noted below:

    1. Projects are expected to be completed in a timely manner consistent with the nature of the project. For Public Works and most Economic Adjustment implementation investments, the maximum period for which assistance will be made available is generally not more than five years from the date of award.

    2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) unless that collection of information displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. This notice involves a collection of information requirement subject to the provisions of the PRA and has been approved by OMB under Control Number 0610-0094. The EDA preapplication (ED-900P) and application (ED-900A), which incorporates the SF-424, are the forms in the EDA application kit, approved under the aforementioned OMB control number.

    3. The implementing regulations of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) require EDA to provide public notice of the availability of project specific environmental documents such as environmental impact statements, environmental assessments, findings of no significant impact, records of decision etc., to the affected public as specified in 40 CFR 1506.6(b).

       Depending on the project location, environmental information concerning specific projects can be obtained from the Regional Environmental Officer (REO) in the appropriate EDA regional office listed in part XVI.

    4. If an application is selected for funding, EDA has no obligation to provide any additional future funding in connection with an award. Renewal of an award to increase funding or extend the period of performance is at the sole discretion of EDA.

    5. EDA will notify unsuccessful applicants in writing and unsuccessful applications will be maintained in the

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       regional office files for not more than three years from the date of receipt.

    6. EDA is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in the administration of all its programs.

    7. EDA applications proposed for funding are subject to the requirements of Executive Order 12372, ``Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,'' as referenced in EDA's regulations at 13 CFR chapter III.

    8. This notice has been determined to be ``not significant'' for purposes of Executive Order 12866.

1. It has been determined that this notice does not contain policies with federalism implications as that term is defined in Executive Order 13132.

   10. Because notice and comment are not required under 5 U.S.C. 553, or any other law, for this notice relating to public property, loans, grants benefits or contracts (5 U.S.C. 553(a)), a Regulatory Flexibility Analysis is not required and has not been prepared for this notice, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.

15. Special Need Criteria

    These criteria are published in accordance with 13 CFR 301.2(h) and define what constitutes a special need sufficient to make an area eligible for Public Works and Economic Development Facilities assistance and Economic Adjustment assistance as described in part III above. An area is eligible pursuant to ``Special Need'' (13 CFR 301.2(b)(3)), if the area meets one of the criteria described below:

    1. Closure or restructuring of industrial firms essential to area economies. An area has experienced either: (1) An actual closure or restructuring of a firm(s), within the past twelve months, resulting in sudden job losses and meeting the following dislocation criteria; or (2) a threat that results from a public announcement of an impending closure or restructuring of a firm(s), expected to occur within two years of preapplication, and result in sudden job losses meeting the following dislocation criteria:

       1. For areas over 100,000 population, the actual or threatened dislocation is 500 jobs, or 1 percent of the civilian labor force (CLF), whichever is less.

       2. For areas up to 100,000 population, the actual or threatened dislocation is 200 jobs, or 1 percent of the CLF, whichever is less.

    2. Substantial out-migration or population loss. Applicants seeking eligibility under this criterion will be asked to present appropriate and compelling economic or demographic data to demonstrate the special need.

    3. Underemployment, that is, employment of workers at less than full time or at less skilled tasks than their training or abilities permit. Applicants seeking eligibility under this criterion will be asked to present appropriate and compelling economic and demographic data to demonstrate the special need.

    4. Military base closures or realignments, defense contractor reductions-in-force, or Department of Energy defense-related funding reductions.

       1. A military base closure refers to a military base that was closed or is scheduled for closure or realignment pursuant to a Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC) process or other Department of Defense (DoD) process. Unless further extended by the Assistant Secretary for Economic Development, the area is eligible from the date of Defense Department recommendation for closure until five years after the actual date of closing of the installation.

       2. A defense contractor reduction-in-force refers to a defense contractor(s) experiencing defense contract cancellations or reductions resulting from official DoD announcements and having aggregate value of at least $10 million per year. Actual dislocations must have occurred within one year of application to EDA and threatened dislocations must be anticipated to occur within two years of application to EDA. Defense contracts that expire in the normal course of business will not be considered in meeting this criterion.

       3. A Department of Energy defense-related funding reduction refers to a Department of Energy facility that has experienced or will experience a reduction of employment resulting from its defense mission change. The area is eligible from the date of the Department of Energy announcement of reductions until five years after the actual date of reduced operations at the installation.

    5. Natural or other major disasters or emergencies, including terrorists attacks. Unless further extended by the Assistant Secretary, an area that has received one of the following disaster declarations is eligible to apply for EDA assistance for a period of 18 months after the date of declaration.

       1. A Presidential Disaster Declaration pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended (Pub. L. 93-288), 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq), or

       2. A Federally-Declared Disaster pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, (Pub. L. 94-265) as amended by the Sustainable Fisheries Act (Pub. L. 104-297), or

       3. A Federal Declaration pursuant to the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended (Pub. L. 92-419, 96-438, 97-35, 98- 258, 99-198, 100-233, 100-387, and 101-624), or

       4. A Federally-Declared Disaster pursuant to the Small Business Act, as amended (Pub. L. 85-536).

    6. Extraordinary depletion of natural resources. EDA presently recognizes the following conditions of extraordinary natural resource depletion:

       1. Fisheries.

       2. Coal.

       3. Timber.

       Modifications to the above listing of conditions of extraordinary natural resource depletion, as they may occur, will be announced in subsequent public notices.

    7. Communities undergoing transition of their economic base as a result of changing trade patterns. An area certified as eligible by the North American Development Bank (NADBank) Program or the Community Adjustment and Investment Program (CAIP).

    8. Other special need. The area is experiencing other special and/ or extraordinary economic adjustment needs as determined by the Assistant Secretary.

       The applicant will be asked to present appropriate economic or demographic statistics to demonstrate a special need.

16. EDA Regional Offices and Economic Development Representatives

    EDA regional offices and the Economic Development Representatives and the areas served are listed below:

    William J. Day, Jr., Regional Director, Atlanta Regional Office, 401 West Peachtree Street, NW., Suite 1820, Atlanta, Georgia 30308- 3510, Telephone: (404) 730-3002, Fax: (404) 730-3025, Internet Address: wday1@eda.doc.gov

    Economic development representatives or regional office contacts

    States covered

    PATTERSON, Gilbert........................................ Mississippi.

    401 West Peachtree Street, NW.

    Suite 1820

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    Atlanta, GA 30308-3510

    Telephone: (404) 730-3000

    Internet Address: gpatterson@eda.doc.gov SMITH, Lola B............................................. Georgia.

    401 West Peachtree Street, NW.

    Suite 1820

    Atlanta, GA 30308-3510

    Telephone: (404) 730-3013

    Internet Address: lsmith2@eda.doc.gov HUNTER, Bobby D........................................... Kentucky.

    771 Corporate Drive, Suite 200

    North Carolina (Western).

    Lexington, KY 40503-5477

    Telephone: (859) 224-7426

    Internet Address: bhunter@eda.doc.gov DIXON, Patricia M......................................... South Carolina.

    U.S. Department of Commerce--EDA

    North Carolina (Easter).

    P.O. Box 1707

    Lugoff, SC 29078

    Telephone: (803) 408-2513

    Internet Address: pdixon@eda.doc.gov DENNIS, Bobby............................................. Alabama.

    401 West Peachtree Street, NW.

    Suite 1820

    Atlanta, GA 30308-3510

    Telephone: (404) 730-3020

    Internet Address: bdennis@eda.doc.gov TAYLOR, Willie C.......................................... Florida.

    401 West Peachtree Street, NW.

    Suite 1820

    Atlanta, GA 30308-3510

    Telephone: (404) 730-3032

    Internet Address: wtaylor5@eda.doc.gov REED, Tonia............................................... Tennessee.

    401 West Peachtree Street, NW.

    Suite 1820

    Atlanta, Georgia 30308-3510

    Telephone: (404) 730-3026

    Internet Address: treed@eda.doc.gov

    Pedro R. Garza, Regional Director, Austin Regional Office, 327 Congress Avenue, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78701-4037, Telephone: (512) 381-8144, Fax: (512) 381-8177, Internet Address: pgarza@eda.doc.gov

    Area directors

    States covered

    CULBERTSON, David W....................................... Arkansas.

    Austin Regional Office

    New Mexico.

    327 Congress Avenue, Suite 200

    Oklahoma.

    Austin, Texas 78701-4037

    Texas (North).

    Telephone: (512) 381-8160

    Internet Address: dculbertson@eda.doc.gov FRERKING, Sharon T........................................ Louisiana.

    Austin Regional Office

    Texas (South).

    327 Congress Avenue, Suite 200

    Austin, Texas 78701-4037

    Telephone: (512) 381-8176

    Internet Address: sfrerking@eda.doc.gov

    Economic development representative

    States covered

    DAVIDSON-EHLERS, Pamela................................... Louisiana.

    501 Magazine Street, Room 1025

    Texas (South).

    New Orleans, LA 70130

    Telephone: (504) 589-4179

    Internet Address: pdavidson@eda.doc.gov

    3. Robert Sawyer, Regional Director, Chicago Regional Office, 111 North Canal Street, Suite 855, Chicago, IL 60606, Telephone: (312) 353-7706, Fax: (312) 353-8575, Internet Address: rsawyer@eda.doc.gov

       Economic development representatives

       States covered

       ARNOLD, John B. III....................................... Illinois.

       104 Federal Building

       Minnesota.

       515 West First Street

       [[Page 17526]]

       Duluth, MN 55802

       Telephone: (888) 865-5719 (Illinois), (218) 720-5326 (Minnesota)

       Internet Address: jarnold1@eda.doc.gov HICKEY, Robert F.......................................... Ohio.

       Federal Building, Room 740

       Indiana.

       200 North High Street

       Columbus, Ohio 43215

       Telephone: (800) 686-2603 (Indiana), (614) 469-7314 (Ohio)

       Internet Address: rhickey@eda.doc.gov PECK, John E.............................................. Michigan.

       P.O. Box 517

       Wisconsin.

       Acme, Michigan 49610-0517

       Telephone: (231) 938-1712

       Internet Address: jpeck@eda.doc.gov

       Anthony J. Preite, Regional Director, Denver Regional Office, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Room 670, Denver, Colorado 80204, Telephone: (303) 844-4715, Fax: (303) 844-3968, Internet Address: apreite@eda.doc.gov

       Economic development representatives

       States covered

       ZENDER, John P............................................ Colorado.

       1244 Speer Boulevard, Room 632

       Utah.

       Denver, CO 80204

       Telephone: (303) 844-4902

       Internet Address: jzender@eda.doc.gov CECIL, Robert............................................. Iowa.

       Federal Building, Room 823

       Nebraska.

       2l0 Walnut Street

       Des Moines, IA 50309

       Telephone: (515) 284-4746

       Internet Address: bcecil@eda.doc.gov HILDEBRANDT, Paul......................................... Missouri.

       Federal Building, Room B-2

       Kansas.

       608 East Cherry Street

       Columbia, MO 65201

       Telephone: (573) 442-8084

       Internet Address: phildebrandt@eda.doc.gov ROGERS, John C............................................ Montana.

       P.O. Box 578 Wyoming

       Helena, MT 59624

       Telephone: (406) 449-5380

       Internet Address: jrogers6@eda.doc.gov JUNGBERG, Cip............................................. South Dakota.

       Post Office/Courthouse

       North Dakota.

       102 4th Avenue, SE., Room 216

       P.O. Box 190

       Aberdeen, South Dakota 57401

       Telephone: (605) 226-7315

       Internet Address: cjungberg@eda.doc.gov

       Paul M. Raetsch, Regional Director, Philadelphia Regional Office, Curtis Center, 601 Walnut Street, Suite 140 South, Philadelphia, PA 19106, Telephone: (215) 597-4603, Fax: (215) 597-1063, Internet Address: PRaetsch@eda.doc.gov

       Economic development representatives or regional office contacts

       States covered

       BEACH, Tyrone............................................. Maine.

       Philadelphia Regional Office

       Rhode Island.

       The Curtis Center-Suite 140 South

       601 Walnut Street

       Philadelphia, PA 19106

       Telephone: (215) 597-7883

       Internet Address: tbeachl@eda.doc.gov POTTER, Rita V............................................ New Hampshire.

       143 North Main Street, Suite 209

       Massachusetts.

       Concord, NH 03301-5089

       Telephone: (603) 225-1624

       Internet Address: rpotter@eda.doc.gov HUMMEL, Edward L.......................................... New Jersey.

       Philadelphia Regional Office

       New York City/Long Island.

       The Curtis Center-Suite 140 South

       601 Walnut Street

       Philadelphia, PA 19106

       Telephone: (215) 597-6767

       [[Page 17527]]

       Internet Address: ehummel@eda.doc.gov MARSHALL, Harold J........................................ New York.

       620 Erie Boulevard West, Suite 104

       Vermont.

       Syracuse, NY 13204-2442

       Telephone: (315) 448-0938

       Internet Address: hmarshal@eda.doc.gov PECONE, Anthony M......................................... Pennsylvania.

       523 North Broad Street

       Connecticut.

       West Hazleton, PA 18202-1107

       Telephone: (570) 459-6861

       Internet Address: apecone@eda.doc.gov MCGINLEY, Marguerite...................................... Puerto Rico.

       Philadelphia Regional Office

       Virgin Islands.

       The Curtis Center-Suite 140 South

       601 Walnut Street

       Philadelphia, PA 19106

       Telephone: (215) 597-8822

       Internet Address: mmcginle@eda.doc.gov NOYES, Neal E............................................. Virginia.

       Federal Building,

       Delaware.

       Room 474

       District of Columbia.

       400 North 8th Street

       P.O. Box 10229

       Maryland.

       Richmond, VA 23240-1001

       Telephone: (804) 771-2061

       Internet Address: nnoyes@eda.doc.gov DAVIS, R. Byron........................................... West Virginia.

       405 Capital Street, Room 411

       Charleston, WV 25301-1727

       Telephone: (304) 347-5252

       Internet Address: bdavis3@eda.doc.gov

    1. Leonard Smith, Regional Director, Seattle Regional Office, Jackson Federal Building, Room 1890, 915 Second Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98174, Telephone: (206) 220-7660, Fax: (206) 220-7669, Internet Address: LSmith7@eda.doc.gov.

       Economic development representatives or regional office contacts

       States covered

       RICHERT, Bernhard E. Jr................................... Alaska.

       550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1780

       Anchorage, AK 99501-7594

       Telephone: (907) 271-2272

       Internet Address: brichert@eda.doc.gov SOSSON, Deena R........................................... California (Central).

       801 I Street, Suite 411

       Sacramento, CA 95814

       Telephone: (916) 498-5285

       Internet Address: dsosson@eda.doc.gov CHURCH, Dianne V.......................................... California (Central Coastal).

       280 South First Street, 135-B

       San Jose, CA 95113

       Telephone: (408) 535-5550

       Internet Address: dchurch@eda.doc.gov FUJITA, Gail S............................................ Hawaii, Guam,

       Federal Building, Room 5180

       American Samoa,

       300 Ala Moana Boulevard

       Marshall Islands,

       P.O. Box 50264

       Micronesia,

       Honolulu, HI 96850

       Northern Marianas

       Telephone: (808) 541-3391

       Republic of Palau.

       Internet Address: gfugita@eda.doc.gov NAYLOR, Thomas (Acting)................................... Idaho.

       Seattle Regional Office

       Jackson Federal Building

       915 Second Avenue, Room 1890

       Seattle, WA 98174

       Telephone: (206) 220-7688

       (888) 693-1370

       Internet Address: tnaylor@eda.doc.gov BERBLINGER, Anne S........................................ Oregon.

       One World Trade Center

       California (Northern).

       121 S.W. Salmon Street, Suite 244

       Portland, OR 97204

       Telephone: (503) 326-3078

       Internet Address: aberblin@eda.doc.gov MARSHALL, Wilfred......................................... California (Southern).

       [[Page 17528]]

       5777 West Century Boulevard

       Suite 1675

       Los Angeles, CA 90045

       Telephone: (310) 348-5386

       Internet Address: wmarshall@eda.doc.gov KIRRY, Lloyd P............................................ Washington.

       Seattle Regional Office

       Jackson Federal Building

       915 Second Avenue, Room 1890

       Seattle, WA 98174

       Telephone: (206) 220-7682

       Internet Address: lkirry@eda.doc.gov MACIAS, Jacob (Acting for Nevada)......................... Arizona.

       Seattle Regional Office

       Nevada.

       Jackson Federal Building

       915 Second Avenue, Room 1890

       Seattle, WA 98174

       Telephone: (206) 220-7666

       Internet Address: jmacias@eda.doc.gov

       For general information on EDA contact the appropriate Regional Office listed above or EDA's Office of Congressional Liaison, Program Research and Evaluation: Economic Development Administration, Room 7814A, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230, Telephone: (202) 482-2309, EDA Web site http://www.doc.gov/eda.

       Dated: April 3, 2003. David A. Sampson, Assistant Secretary for Economic Development.

       [FR Doc. 03-8612 Filed 4-8-03; 8:45 am]

       BILLING CODE 3510-24-P