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092969 1 (1971-05-18)

handle is hein.gao/gaobacwvm0001 and id is 1 raw text is: UNITED STATES GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE WASHINGTON, D.C. 20548 CIVIL DIVISION MAY 181971 LM092969 Dear Dr. Irving: We have recently completed our review of selected activities of the Plant Protection Division (PPD) of the Agricultural Research Service, Department of Agriculture. Our review--made pursuant to the Budget and Accounting Act, 1921 (31 U.S.C. 53), and the Accounting and Auditing Act of 1950 (31 U.S.C. 67)--was directed primarily toward evaluating the policies and procedures followedby PPD's Southern Regional Office in enforcing plant quarantines, overseeing the pink bollworm control program, and seeking financial assistance from States for the witchweed eradica- tion program in North and South Carolina. We also reviewed the policies and procedures followed by the Management Services Division for Regula- tory and Control Programs in contracting for aerial application of pesticides over pest infested areas. Our review indicated a need for corrective action relative to (1) the financing of the witchweed eradication program and (2) contracting for aerial spray services. Officials of PPD indicated that corrective action will be taken on both of these matters. FINANCING OF THE WITCHWEED ERADICATION PROGRAM Most PPD plant pest programs are carried out in cooperation with affected States and are jointly planned, financed, and executed under memorandums of understanding with the States. Although there is no legal requirement for cooperative financing, PPD has a long established policy of requiring State and local cooperators to match Federal resources to the greatest extent possible in plant pest programs. In the witchweed eradication program, however, the cooperating States have made only minimal contributions. PPD has expended about $29 million for the witchweed eradication program in the States of North and South Carolina since the inception of the program in fiscal year 1957 through fiscal year 1970, while the two States have spent only about $.7 million. PPD estimated that it would spend $2 million in fiscal year 1971, and the States would spend only $54,000. In March 1970, the PPD Southern,Regional Supervisor met with representatives of the States of North and South Carolina and requested increased contributions from the two States for the witchweed program. 50TH ANNIVERSARY 1921-1971 .