[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 20, 1996)] [Notices] [Page 6382] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 96-3716] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Geological Survey Application Notice Describing the Areas of Interest and Establishing the Closing Date for Receipt of Applications Under the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) for Fiscal Year (FY) 1997 AGENCY: Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Applications are invited for research projects under the NEHRP. The purpose of this program is to support research in earthquake hazards prediction; to provide earth-science data and information essential to determine seismic hazards present in the United States; and information essential to mitigate earthquake damage. Applications may be submitted by educational institutions, private firms, private foundations, individuals, and agencies of state and local governments. The NEHRP supports research related to the following general areas of interest: I. Evaluating National and Regional Hazard and Risk. National and regional hazard and risk maps are critical to effective risk reduction strategies. II. Evaluating Urban Hazard and Risk. The strong ground shaking and resulting catastrophic losses in the 1994 Northridge earthquake reinforced the need for the U.S. Geological Survey to concentrate its efforts where the risks are highest, that is, in the nation's urban areas. III. Understanding Earthquake Processes. The effectiveness of risk- mitigation strategies and disaster response are limited by our meager understanding of the tectonic processes that cause earthquakes and generate the strong shaking and ground failure that devastates the built environment. IV. Providing Real-time Hazard Assessment. Effective earthquake hazard evaluation and response to damaging events depend on timely, accurate information. Short, intermediate, and long-term earthquake forecasts in regions of high earthquake potential can all lead to mitigation activities that reduce the losses in subsequent earthquakes. V. Providing Geologic Hazards Information Services. Computer technology has evolved rapidly in recent years to the point that new powerful tools are accessible both to the providers and the users of geologic hazards information. ADDRESSES: The program announcement is expected to be available on or about March 8, 1996. You may obtain a copy of Announcement No. 00001 by writing Francine Harris, U.S. Geological Survey, Office of Acquisition and Federal Assistance--Mail Stop 205C. 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Virginia 22092, or by fax (703-648-7901). Organizations that applied for an FY 1996 award, and organizations that requested to be retained on the mailing list since the last announcement will be mailed a copy of Announcement No. 00001. DATES: The closing date for receipt of applications will be on or about May 10, 1996. The actual closing date will be specified in Announcement No. 00001. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John Sims, Office of Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Engineering--U.S. Geological Survey, Mail Stop 905, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Virginia 22092. Telephone: (703) 648-6722. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority for this program is contained in the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977, Public Law 95-124 (42 U.S.C. 7701 et seq.). Dated: February 13, 1996. Timothy E. Calkins, Acting Chief, Office of Program Support. [FR Doc. 96-3716 Filed 2-16-96; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-31-M