AG19801110 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Ne0erth~l, ess~' there has been an increasing use of the SMSA definitions for nonsnatistica! purposes. This identifies most of the ma2or uses in Federal programs. These programs, and the use of the SMSA's in their administra- tion, are of course the responsibility of the agencies involved and of the Conc~ress, not of the OFSPS, whose role is one of statistical coordination and planning of the U.S. Federal Statistical System. However, the OFSPS recognizes the importance of the impact of the SMSA changes through their possible effects on other programs. Therefore, OFSPS will recommend through the Statistical Policy Coordination Committee that each of the relevant agencies review with great care the impact that the new criteria will have on each affected program with special attention to the possibility that the proposed changes develooed fo[ statistical Durooses may not be aDorooriare in a program context. In particular, OFSPS will point out that the two-tier approach embodied ~n the ~ecognition for statistical purposes of both consolidated and component metropolitan statistical areas requires a determination .whether a given program should be applied to the component areas or to the consolidated areas. OFSPS will also call to each agency's attention the specific comments it has received that relate to the application of one of that agency's p~ograras' and the locally perceived effects thereon of a change in the metropolitan area deflni- tions. As further comments relating to program Implications are received, OFSPS will forward these to the appropriate agency. It is expected that each a~ency will consider applying hold-harmless rules an~ similar approaches so that the new definitions Will not necessarily come into effect for a g~ven p£ogram immediately upon the implementation of the new criteria for statistical purposes in 1981 or 1982.