Federal Travel Regulation (FTR); Miscellaneous Expense Allowance (MEA), 35110-35111 [2011-14890]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES 35110 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 116 / Thursday, June 16, 2011 / Rules and Regulations (3) The Captain of the Port, Sector Lake Michigan, will publish notices of enforcement and notices of suspension of enforcement in accordance with 33 CFR 165.7(a) and in a manner that provides as much notice to the public as possible. The primary method of notification will be through publication in the Federal Register. The Captain of the Port, Sector Lake Michigan, will also provide notice through other means, such as Broadcast Notice to Mariners, local Notice to Mariners, local news media, distribution in leaflet form, and on-scene oral notice. Additionally, the Captain of the Port, Sector Lake Michigan, may notify representatives from the maritime industry through telephonic and email notifications. (d) Regulations. (1) In accordance with the general regulations in § 165.23 of this part, entry into, transiting, mooring, laying up, or anchoring within any enforced segment of the safety zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Lake Michigan, or his or her designated representative. (2) The ‘‘designated representative’’ of the Captain of the Port, Sector Lake Michigan, is any Coast Guard commissioned, warrant or petty officer who has been designated by the Captain of the Port, Sector Lake Michigan, to act on his or her behalf. The designated representative of the Captain of the Port, Sector Lake Michigan, will be aboard a Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, or other designated vessel or will be on shore and will communicate with vessels via VHF radio, loudhailer, or by phone. The Captain of the Port, Sector Lake Michigan, or his or her designated representative may be contacted via VHF radio Channel 16 or the Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan Command Center at 414–747–7182. (3) To obtain permission to enter or operate within an enforced segment of the safety zone established by this section, Vessel operators must contact the Captain of the Port, Sector Lake Michigan, or his or her designated representative. Vessel operators given permission to operate in an enforced segment of the safety zone must comply with all directions given to them by the Captain of the Port, Sector Lake Michigan, or his or her designated representative. (4) When a segment of the safety zone is being enforced, it will be closed to all vessel traffic, except as may be permitted by the Captain of the Port, Sector Lake Michigan, or his or her designated representative. As soon as operations permit, the Captain of the Port, Sector Lake Michigan, will issue a notice of suspension of enforcement as VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:24 Jun 15, 2011 Jkt 223001 specified in paragraph (c) of this section. (5) All persons entering any enforced segment of the safety zone established in this section are advised that they do so at their own risk. Dated: June 3, 2011. L. Barndt, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan. [FR Doc. 2011–14925 Filed 6–15–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 41 CFR Part 302–16 [FTR Amendment 2011–02; FTR Case 2011– 306; Docket Number 2011–0013, Sequence 1] RIN 3090–AJ17 Federal Travel Regulation (FTR); Miscellaneous Expense Allowance (MEA) Office of Governmentwide Policy, General Services Administration (GSA). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: GSA is amending the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) by increasing the set lump-sum rate amount to be paid for the miscellaneous expenses allowance (MEA), when the employee chooses not to provide documentation of miscellaneous expenses. DATES: Effective date: This final rule is effective on July 18, 2011. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Regulatory Secretariat (MVCB), 1275 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20417, (202) 501–4755, for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of content, contact Rick Miller, Office of Governmentwide Policy, Travel Management Policy, at (202) 501–3822 or e-mail at rodney.miller@gsa.gov. Please cite FTR Amendment 2011–02; FTR case 2011–306. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: A. Background Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5738, the Administrator of General Services is authorized to prescribe regulations necessary to implement laws regarding Federal employees when assigned a temporary change of station or when otherwise officially relocated. The overall implementing authority is the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) (41 CFR Chapters 300–304). Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5724a(f), an employee who is transferred in the PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 interest of the Government is entitled to reimbursement for certain miscellaneous expenses. The purpose of the miscellaneous expense allowance (MEA) is to defray various contingent costs associated with discontinuing a residence at one location and establishing a residence at a new location. The costs covered include items such as fees for disconnecting and connecting appliances, cutting and fitting rugs, draperies, and curtains moved from one residence to another, utility fees or deposits that are not offset by eventual refunds, forfeiture of medical, dental, and other nontransferrable contracts, and the cost of automobile registration and driver’s licenses. The FTR provides that a MEA may be paid in one of two alternative amounts. A transferring employee without an immediate family is automatically entitled to a lump-sum of one week’s basic gross pay, up to $500, and an employee with an immediate family is entitled to a lump-sum of two weeks’ basic gross pay, up to $1000. If additional amounts are justified, with supporting documentation, MEA may be reimbursed up to a maximum of one or two weeks basic pay depending on whether or not the employee has an immediate family, not to exceed the maximum rate payable for a position at GS–13, Step 10, of the General Schedule provided in 5 U.S.C. 5332. Since the establishment of MEA in 1966, the lump-sum has only been increased twice. The last increase was on February 19, 2002. This final rule will revise section 302–16.102 of the FTR by increasing the lump sums from $500 to $650 for employees with no immediate family and from $1000 to $1300, for employees who have an immediate family. These figures are based upon an increase in the Consumer Price Index. This final rule also makes one clerical correction to section 302–16.104. B. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. This is not a significant regulatory action and, therefore, was not subject to review E:\FR\FM\16JNR1.SGM 16JNR1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 116 / Thursday, June 16, 2011 / Rules and Regulations under Section 6(b) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, dated September 30, 1993. This rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804. § 302–16.104 C. Regulatory Flexibility Act [FR Doc. 2011–14890 Filed 6–15–11; 8:45 am] This final rule will not have significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. This final rule is also exempt from Regulatory Flexibility Act per 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2), because it applies to agency management or personnel. However, this final rule is being published to provide transparency in the promulgation of Federal policies. BILLING CODE 6820–14–P The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the changes to the FTR do not impose recordkeeping or information collection requirements, or the collection of information from offerors, contractors, or members of the public that require the approval of the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq. E. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act This final rule is also exempt from congressional review prescribed under 5 U.S.C. 801 since it relates solely to agency management and personnel. List of Subjects in 41 CFR Part 302–16 Government employees, Relocation, Travel, and Transportation expenses. Dated: May 5, 2011. Martha Johnson, Administrator of General Services. For the reasons set forth in the preamble, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5721– 5738, 41 CFR part 302–16 is amended to read as follows: PART 302–16—ALLOWANCE FOR MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES 1. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 302–16 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5738; 20 U.S.C. 905(a); E.O. 11609, 36 FR 13747; 3 CFR 1971–1975 Comp., p. 586. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES [Amended] 2. Amend § 302–16.102 by— a. Removing ‘‘$500’’ in paragraph (a) and adding ‘‘$650’’ in its place. ■ b. Removing ‘‘$1,000’’ in paragraph (b) and adding ‘‘$1,300’’ in its place. ■ ■ VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:24 Jun 15, 2011 Jkt 223001 3. Amend § 302–16.104 by removing ‘‘§ 302–16.101’’ and adding ‘‘§ 302– 16.102’’ in its place. ■ DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency 44 CFR Part 67 [Docket ID FEMA–2011–0002] Final Flood Elevation Determinations D. Paperwork Reduction Act § 302–16.102 [Amended] Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: Base (1% annual-chance) Flood Elevations (BFEs) and modified BFEs are made final for the communities listed below. The BFEs and modified BFEs are the basis for the floodplain management measures that each community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of being already in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). SUMMARY: The date of issuance of the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) showing BFEs and modified BFEs for each community. This date may be obtained by contacting the office where the maps are available for inspection as indicated in the table below. ADDRESSES: The final BFEs for each community are available for inspection at the office of the Chief Executive Officer of each community. The respective addresses are listed in the table below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Luis Rodriguez, Chief, Engineering Management Branch, Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646–4064, or (e-mail) luis.rodriguez1@dhs.gov. DATES: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) makes the final determinations listed below for the modified BFEs for each community listed. These modified elevations have been published in newspapers of local circulation and ninety (90) days have elapsed since that SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 35111 publication. The Deputy Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administrator has resolved any appeals resulting from this notification. This final rule is issued in accordance with section 110 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, 42 U.S.C. 4104, and 44 CFR part 67. FEMA has developed criteria for floodplain management in floodprone areas in accordance with 44 CFR part 60. Interested lessees and owners of real property are encouraged to review the proof Flood Insurance Study and FIRM available at the address cited below for each community. The BFEs and modified BFEs are made final in the communities listed below. Elevations at selected locations in each community are shown. National Environmental Policy Act. This final rule is categorically excluded from the requirements of 44 CFR part 10, Environmental Consideration. An environmental impact assessment has not been prepared. Regulatory Flexibility Act. As flood elevation determinations are not within the scope of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601–612, a regulatory flexibility analysis is not required. Regulatory Classification. This final rule is not a significant regulatory action under the criteria of section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 of September 30, 1993, Regulatory Planning and Review, 58 FR 51735. Executive Order 13132, Federalism. This final rule involves no policies that have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform. This final rule meets the applicable standards of Executive Order 12988. List of Subjects in 44 CFR Part 67 Administrative practice and procedure, Flood insurance, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements. Accordingly, 44 CFR part 67 is amended as follows: PART 67—[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for part 67 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.; Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1978, 3 CFR, 1978 Comp., p. 329; E.O. 12127, 44 FR 19367, 3 CFR, 1979 Comp., p. 376. § 67.11 [Amended] 2. The tables published under the authority of § 67.11 are amended as follows: ■ E:\FR\FM\16JNR1.SGM 16JNR1

Agencies

General Services Administration

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 116 (Thursday, June 16, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35110-35111]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-14890]


=======================================================================
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GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

41 CFR Part 302-16

[FTR Amendment 2011-02; FTR Case 2011-306; Docket Number 2011-0013, 
Sequence 1]
RIN 3090-AJ17


Federal Travel Regulation (FTR); Miscellaneous Expense Allowance 
(MEA)

AGENCY: Office of Governmentwide Policy, General Services 
Administration (GSA).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: GSA is amending the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) by 
increasing the set lump-sum rate amount to be paid for the 
miscellaneous expenses allowance (MEA), when the employee chooses not 
to provide documentation of miscellaneous expenses.

DATES: Effective date: This final rule is effective on July 18, 2011.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Regulatory Secretariat (MVCB), 
1275 First Street, NE., Washington, DC 20417, (202) 501-4755, for 
information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For 
clarification of content, contact Rick Miller, Office of Governmentwide 
Policy, Travel Management Policy, at (202) 501-3822 or e-mail at 
rodney.miller@gsa.gov. Please cite FTR Amendment 2011-02; FTR case 
2011-306.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

    Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5738, the Administrator of General Services is 
authorized to prescribe regulations necessary to implement laws 
regarding Federal employees when assigned a temporary change of station 
or when otherwise officially relocated. The overall implementing 
authority is the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) (41 CFR Chapters 300-
304).
    Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5724a(f), an employee who is transferred in 
the interest of the Government is entitled to reimbursement for certain 
miscellaneous expenses. The purpose of the miscellaneous expense 
allowance (MEA) is to defray various contingent costs associated with 
discontinuing a residence at one location and establishing a residence 
at a new location. The costs covered include items such as fees for 
disconnecting and connecting appliances, cutting and fitting rugs, 
draperies, and curtains moved from one residence to another, utility 
fees or deposits that are not offset by eventual refunds, forfeiture of 
medical, dental, and other non-transferrable contracts, and the cost of 
automobile registration and driver's licenses.
    The FTR provides that a MEA may be paid in one of two alternative 
amounts. A transferring employee without an immediate family is 
automatically entitled to a lump-sum of one week's basic gross pay, up 
to $500, and an employee with an immediate family is entitled to a 
lump-sum of two weeks' basic gross pay, up to $1000. If additional 
amounts are justified, with supporting documentation, MEA may be 
reimbursed up to a maximum of one or two weeks basic pay depending on 
whether or not the employee has an immediate family, not to exceed the 
maximum rate payable for a position at GS-13, Step 10, of the General 
Schedule provided in 5 U.S.C. 5332. Since the establishment of MEA in 
1966, the lump-sum has only been increased twice. The last increase was 
on February 19, 2002.
    This final rule will revise section 302-16.102 of the FTR by 
increasing the lump sums from $500 to $650 for employees with no 
immediate family and from $1000 to $1300, for employees who have an 
immediate family. These figures are based upon an increase in the 
Consumer Price Index.
    This final rule also makes one clerical correction to section 302-
16.104.

B. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). Executive 
Order 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and 
benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting 
flexibility. This is not a significant regulatory action and, 
therefore, was not subject to review

[[Page 35111]]

under Section 6(b) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and 
Review, dated September 30, 1993. This rule is not a major rule under 5 
U.S.C. 804.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This final rule will not have significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. This final rule is 
also exempt from Regulatory Flexibility Act per 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2), 
because it applies to agency management or personnel. However, this 
final rule is being published to provide transparency in the 
promulgation of Federal policies.

D. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the changes to 
the FTR do not impose recordkeeping or information collection 
requirements, or the collection of information from offerors, 
contractors, or members of the public that require the approval of the 
Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.

E. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This final rule is also exempt from congressional review prescribed 
under 5 U.S.C. 801 since it relates solely to agency management and 
personnel.

List of Subjects in 41 CFR Part 302-16

    Government employees, Relocation, Travel, and Transportation 
expenses.

    Dated: May 5, 2011.
Martha Johnson,
Administrator of General Services.
    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
5721-5738, 41 CFR part 302-16 is amended to read as follows:

PART 302-16--ALLOWANCE FOR MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES

0
1. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 302-16 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 5738; 20 U.S.C. 905(a); E.O. 11609, 36 FR 
13747; 3 CFR 1971-1975 Comp., p. 586.


Sec.  302-16.102  [Amended]

0
2. Amend Sec.  302-16.102 by--
0
a. Removing ``$500'' in paragraph (a) and adding ``$650'' in its place.
0
b. Removing ``$1,000'' in paragraph (b) and adding ``$1,300'' in its 
place.


Sec.  302-16.104  [Amended]

0
3. Amend Sec.  302-16.104 by removing ``Sec.  302-16.101'' and adding 
``Sec.  302-16.102'' in its place.

[FR Doc. 2011-14890 Filed 6-15-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-14-P

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