Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Program- Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 Inflation Factors for Public Housing Agency (PHA) Renewal Funding, 23368-23369 [2014-09543]

Download as PDF 23368 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 81 / Monday, April 28, 2014 / Notices information collection is used to determine the eligibility of prospective program participants and in binding contracts between purchasers of acquired single family assets and HUD through the GNND program. Respondents: 5786. Estimated Number of Respondents: 5786. Frequency of Response: On occasion. Average Hours per Response: 2 minutes. Total Estimated Burdens: 205 hours. B. Solicitation of Public Comment This notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affected parties concerning the collection of information described in Section A on the following: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) The accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond; including through the use of appropriate automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. HUD encourages interested parties to submit comment in response to these questions. Authority: Section 3507 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35. Dated: April 22, 2014. Colette Pollard, Department Reports Management Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. 2014–09564 Filed 4–25–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR–5780–N–01] tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Program—Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 Inflation Factors for Public Housing Agency (PHA) Renewal Funding Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research, HUD. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 requires that SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:06 Apr 25, 2014 Jkt 232001 HUD apply ‘‘an inflation factor as established by the Secretary, by notice published in the Federal Register’’ to adjust FY 2014 renewal funding for the Tenant-based Rental Assistance Program or Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program of each PHA. HUD began using Renewal Funding Inflation Factors in FY 2012. These Renewal Funding Inflation Factors incorporate economic indices to measure the expected change in per unit costs (PUC) for the HCV program. The methodology for FY 2014 is similar to that used in FY 2013. DATES: Effective Date: April 28, 2014. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael S. Dennis, Director, Housing Voucher Programs, Office of Public Housing and Voucher Programs, Office of Public and Indian Housing, telephone number 202–708–1380; or, for technical information regarding the development of the schedules for specific areas or the methods used for calculating the inflation factors, Peter B. Kahn, Director, Economic and Market Analysis Division, Office of Policy Development and Research, telephone number 202– 402–2409, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Washington, DC 20410. Hearing- or speech-impaired persons may contact the Federal Relay Service at 800–877– 8339 (TTY). (Other than the ‘‘800’’ TTY number, the above-listed telephone numbers are not toll free.) SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Tables showing Renewal Funding Inflation Factors will be available electronically from the HUD data information page at: https:// www.huduser.org/portal/datasets/rfif/ FY2014/FY2014_IF_Table.pdf. Division L, Title II, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (Pub. L. 113– 76, approved January 17, 2014) requires that the HUD Secretary, for the calendar year 2014 funding cycle, provide renewal funding for each public housing agency (PHA) based on validated voucher management system (VMS) leasing and cost data for the prior calendar year and by applying an inflation factor as established by the Secretary, by notice published in the Federal Register. This notice provides the FY 2014 inflation factors and describes the methodology for calculating them. II. Methodology The Department has focused on measuring the change in average per unit cost (PUC) as captured in HUD’s administrative data in VMS. In order to predict the likely path of PUC over time, PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 HUD has implemented a model that uses three economic indices that capture key components of the economic climate and assist in explaining the changes in PUC. These economic components are the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate (lagged twelve months), the Consumer Price Index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the ‘‘wages and salaries’’ component of personal income from the National Income and Product Accounts from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This model subsequently forecasts the expected annual change in average PUC from Calendar Year (CY) 2013 to CY 2014 for the voucher program on a national basis by incorporating comparable economic variables from the Administration’s economic assumptions. For reference, these economic assumptions are described in the FY 2015 Budget. The inflation factor for an individual geographic area is based on the change in the area’s Fair Market Rent (FMR) 1 between FY 2013 and FY 2014. These changes in FMR are then scaled such that the voucher-weighted average of all individual area inflation factors is equal to the expected annual change in national PUC from FY 2013 to FY 2014, and also such that no area has a factor less than one. HUD subsequently applies these calculated individual area inflation factors to eligible renewal funding for each PHA based on VMS leasing and cost data for the prior calendar year. For the CY 2014 PHA HCV allocation uses 0.23 percent as the annual change in PUC. This figure was calculated by using VMS data through December of 2013 and actual performance of economic indices through December of 2013. III. The Use of Inflation Factors The inflation factors have been developed to account for relative differences in the PUC of vouchers so that HCV funds can be allocated among PHAs. HUD will continue to update the current model with available data in order to assess the expected annual change in PUC and may update the methodology for future funding estimates, if necessary. HUD is also continuing to review and refine the methodology, especially for area differences in the factors, which will be described in future inflation factor notices. 1 Most FMRs are set at the 40th percentile of the distribution of gross rents in the area. Several FMR areas have their FMRs based on 50th percentile rents as a tool for deconcentrating voucher holders within the FMR area. For consistency, changes in rents from FY 2013 to FY 2014 are measured using 40th percentile rents for all areas. E:\FR\FM\28APN1.SGM 28APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 81 / Monday, April 28, 2014 / Notices IV. Geographic Areas and Area Definitions Inflation factors based on PUC forecasts are produced for all FMR areas. The tables showing the Renewal Funding Inflation Factors available electronically from the HUD data information page list the inflation factors for each FMR area and are created on a state by state basis. The inflation factors use the same OMB metropolitan area definitions, as revised by HUD, that are used in the FY 2014 FMRs. To make certain that they are referencing the correct inflation factors, PHAs should refer to the Area Definitions Table on the following Web page: https://www.huduser.org/portal/ datasets/rfif/FY2014/FY2014_ AreaDef.pdf. The Area Definitions Table lists areas in alphabetical order by state, and the counties associated with each area. In the six New England states, the listings are for counties or parts of counties as defined by towns or cities. V. Environmental Impact This notice involves a statutorily required establishment of a rate or cost determination which does not constitute a development decision affecting the physical condition of specific project areas or building sites. Accordingly, under 24 CFR 50.19(c)(6), this notice is categorically excluded from environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321). Dated: April 21, 2014. Jean Lin Pao, General Deputy Assistant Secretary, for Policy Development and Research. [FR Doc. 2014–09543 Filed 4–25–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P Statement that is associated with the RMP identified and thoroughly analyzed the effects of land use limitations and restrictions, and specified that supplementary rules would be required for resource protection and visitor safety. The BLM has determined that these final supplementary rules are necessary to promote the health and sustainability of the Carrizo Plain National Monument, while reducing the risks to the Monument’s ecosystem that, if left unchecked, could cause undue ecological degradation. Upon publication, these final supplementary rules will supersede the interim supplementary rules that are currently in place and which apply to public lands within the Carrizo Plain National Monument. These final rules do not impose or implement any land use limitations and restrictions other than those included within the Carrizo Plain National Monument RMP, nor do they include modifications to the interim final supplementary rules published on December 21, 2012 (77 FR 75649). DATES: The final supplementary rules are effective on April 28, 2014. ADDRESSES: Bureau of Land Management, Attention: Ryan Cooper, BLM Bakersfield Field Office, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308. The final supplementary rules are available for inspection at the Bakersfield Field Office and on the Bakersfield Field Office Web page (https://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/ bakersfield/Programs/carrizo.html). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ryan Cooper, 3801 Pegasus Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308, 661–391–6048 or mail to: racooper@blm.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Bureau of Land Management I. Background II. Public Comment Procedures and Discussion of Final Supplementary Rules III. Procedural Matters [LLCAC069000–L17110000–AL0000] I. Background DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Notice of Final Supplementary Rules for Public Lands Managed by the Carrizo Plain National Monument in Kern and San Luis Obispo Counties, CA Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Final supplementary rules. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: In accordance with the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Carrizo Plain National Monument Approved Resource Management Plan (RMP), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is establishing final supplementary rules. The Final Environmental Impact SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:06 Apr 25, 2014 Jkt 232001 The BLM is establishing these final supplementary rules under the authority of 43 CFR 8365.1–6, which allows BLM State Directors to establish supplementary rules for the protection of persons, property, and public lands and resources. This provision allows the BLM to issue rules of less than national effect without codifying the rules in the Code of Federal Regulations. These final supplementary rules apply to public lands managed by the Bakersfield Field Office in the Carrizo Plain National Monument. Maps of the management areas and boundaries can be obtained by contacting the Bakersfield Field Office (see ADDRESSES) or by accessing the PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 23369 following Web site: https://blm.gov/ca/ st/en/fo/bakersfield/Programs/ carrizo.html. The final supplementary rules will be available for inspection in the Bakersfield Field Office. Carrizo Plain National Monument Presidential Proclamation (Monument Proclamation) of January 17, 2001 established the Monument in recognition of its exceptional objects of scientific and historic interest. Previously, the BLM had managed the area in accordance with the Carrizo Plain Natural Area Management Plan of 1996. Under the guidance of that plan, the State Director established supplementary rules for the Natural Area at 62 FR 54126 (Oct. 17, 1997). The RMP/ROD for the Monument, signed on April 10, 2010, provides for those supplementary rules to remain in effect. The final supplementary rules put in place by this notice are in addition to rules established in 1997. These final supplementary rules implement provisions for visitor use and resource protection identified in the RMP/ROD at Attachment 7, ‘‘Supplementary Rules for Public Use.’’ They are designed to promote visitor safety, while protecting the sensitive resources and objects of the monument from irreparable destruction or vandalism, and maintain a positive experience while visiting the monument. II. Public Comment and Discussion of Final Supplementary Rules The BLM published interim final supplementary rules on December 21, 2012 (77 FR 75649). The interim final supplementary rules became effective immediately upon publication based on threats to the health and sustainability of grasslands and native endangered, threatened and rare flora and wildlife species, and to world-class archaeological sites. However, the BLM invited public comment for 60 days on those interim final rules. The comment period closed on February 19, 2013. During the comment period, 54 comments were received. One comment supported the supplementary rules, one comment contained no substantive comments, and 52 comments were from letters expressing concern that monument staff would not be able to identify street-legal versus non-streetlegal vehicles and possibly deny access to a street-legal vehicle. As a result, the BLM has not revised the final supplementary rules in response to these comments. The BLM is confident that the definition of ‘‘street-legal vehicle’’ in these rules is straightforward and enables Monument staff to properly and effectively enforce E:\FR\FM\28APN1.SGM 28APN1

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[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 81 (Monday, April 28, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23368-23369]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-09543]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

[Docket No. FR-5780-N-01]


Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments Program--Fiscal Year (FY) 
2014 Inflation Factors for Public Housing Agency (PHA) Renewal Funding

AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and 
Research, HUD.

ACTION: Notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 requires that HUD 
apply ``an inflation factor as established by the Secretary, by notice 
published in the Federal Register'' to adjust FY 2014 renewal funding 
for the Tenant-based Rental Assistance Program or Housing Choice 
Voucher (HCV) Program of each PHA. HUD began using Renewal Funding 
Inflation Factors in FY 2012. These Renewal Funding Inflation Factors 
incorporate economic indices to measure the expected change in per unit 
costs (PUC) for the HCV program. The methodology for FY 2014 is similar 
to that used in FY 2013.

DATES: Effective Date: April 28, 2014.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael S. Dennis, Director, Housing 
Voucher Programs, Office of Public Housing and Voucher Programs, Office 
of Public and Indian Housing, telephone number 202-708-1380; or, for 
technical information regarding the development of the schedules for 
specific areas or the methods used for calculating the inflation 
factors, Peter B. Kahn, Director, Economic and Market Analysis 
Division, Office of Policy Development and Research, telephone number 
202-402-2409, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th 
Street SW., Washington, DC 20410. Hearing- or speech-impaired persons 
may contact the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339 (TTY). (Other 
than the ``800'' TTY number, the above-listed telephone numbers are not 
toll free.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    Tables showing Renewal Funding Inflation Factors will be available 
electronically from the HUD data information page at: https://www.huduser.org/portal/datasets/rfif/FY2014/FY2014_IF_Table.pdf.
    Division L, Title II, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (Pub. 
L. 113-76, approved January 17, 2014) requires that the HUD Secretary, 
for the calendar year 2014 funding cycle, provide renewal funding for 
each public housing agency (PHA) based on validated voucher management 
system (VMS) leasing and cost data for the prior calendar year and by 
applying an inflation factor as established by the Secretary, by notice 
published in the Federal Register. This notice provides the FY 2014 
inflation factors and describes the methodology for calculating them.

II. Methodology

    The Department has focused on measuring the change in average per 
unit cost (PUC) as captured in HUD's administrative data in VMS. In 
order to predict the likely path of PUC over time, HUD has implemented 
a model that uses three economic indices that capture key components of 
the economic climate and assist in explaining the changes in PUC. These 
economic components are the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate 
(lagged twelve months), the Consumer Price Index from the Bureau of 
Labor Statistics, and the ``wages and salaries'' component of personal 
income from the National Income and Product Accounts from the Bureau of 
Economic Analysis. This model subsequently forecasts the expected 
annual change in average PUC from Calendar Year (CY) 2013 to CY 2014 
for the voucher program on a national basis by incorporating comparable 
economic variables from the Administration's economic assumptions. For 
reference, these economic assumptions are described in the FY 2015 
Budget.
    The inflation factor for an individual geographic area is based on 
the change in the area's Fair Market Rent (FMR) \1\ between FY 2013 and 
FY 2014. These changes in FMR are then scaled such that the voucher-
weighted average of all individual area inflation factors is equal to 
the expected annual change in national PUC from FY 2013 to FY 2014, and 
also such that no area has a factor less than one. HUD subsequently 
applies these calculated individual area inflation factors to eligible 
renewal funding for each PHA based on VMS leasing and cost data for the 
prior calendar year. For the CY 2014 PHA HCV allocation uses 0.23 
percent as the annual change in PUC. This figure was calculated by 
using VMS data through December of 2013 and actual performance of 
economic indices through December of 2013.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Most FMRs are set at the 40th percentile of the distribution 
of gross rents in the area. Several FMR areas have their FMRs based 
on 50th percentile rents as a tool for deconcentrating voucher 
holders within the FMR area. For consistency, changes in rents from 
FY 2013 to FY 2014 are measured using 40th percentile rents for all 
areas.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. The Use of Inflation Factors

    The inflation factors have been developed to account for relative 
differences in the PUC of vouchers so that HCV funds can be allocated 
among PHAs. HUD will continue to update the current model with 
available data in order to assess the expected annual change in PUC and 
may update the methodology for future funding estimates, if necessary. 
HUD is also continuing to review and refine the methodology, especially 
for area differences in the factors, which will be described in future 
inflation factor notices.

[[Page 23369]]

IV. Geographic Areas and Area Definitions

    Inflation factors based on PUC forecasts are produced for all FMR 
areas. The tables showing the Renewal Funding Inflation Factors 
available electronically from the HUD data information page list the 
inflation factors for each FMR area and are created on a state by state 
basis. The inflation factors use the same OMB metropolitan area 
definitions, as revised by HUD, that are used in the FY 2014 FMRs. To 
make certain that they are referencing the correct inflation factors, 
PHAs should refer to the Area Definitions Table on the following Web 
page: https://www.huduser.org/portal/datasets/rfif/FY2014/FY2014_AreaDef.pdf. The Area Definitions Table lists areas in alphabetical 
order by state, and the counties associated with each area. In the six 
New England states, the listings are for counties or parts of counties 
as defined by towns or cities.

V. Environmental Impact

    This notice involves a statutorily required establishment of a rate 
or cost determination which does not constitute a development decision 
affecting the physical condition of specific project areas or building 
sites. Accordingly, under 24 CFR 50.19(c)(6), this notice is 
categorically excluded from environmental review under the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321).

    Dated: April 21, 2014.
Jean Lin Pao,
General Deputy Assistant Secretary, for Policy Development and 
Research.
[FR Doc. 2014-09543 Filed 4-25-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210-67-P
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