U.S. Sens. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) introduced legislation this week that seeks to protect those living in flood-prone communities.
The Repeatedly Flooded Communities Preparation Act would provide resources for preventative measures to help these communities end the costly cycle of repeated flooding and rebuilding.
“South Carolinians stood strong when parts of our state were devastated by Hurricanes Matthew and Florence,” Scott, ranking member on the Senate Banking Committee, said. “It’s time to ensure the spiritual resilience of our communities is matched by the structural resilience of our homes and infrastructure. This bill will provide key resources to flood-prone communities across America and help them rise above the threat of persistent flooding.”
The bill seeks to compel the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local governments to proactively reduce flood risk rather than simply rebuilding the same properties repeatedly. Further, the bill sets deadlines for FEMA to develop criteria to govern these repeat loss plans and determine any appropriate sanctions for failure to act. It also requires FEMA to report to Congress every two years on implementation progress. Finally, it authorizes FEMA to target special assistance to communities working to address these repeatedly flooded areas.
“Our bill builds on the momentum growing in states and cities to fight the new reality of worsening storms and accelerating sea level rise,” Schatz said. “We need to do all we can to prepare our communities and our economy to weather the storm.”
Several national organizations have voiced their support for the bill, including the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC).
“As mutual insurers, we know the best time to address a loss is before it happens. The proactive approach taken by the Repeatedly Flooded Communities Preparation Act will ensure communities are better protected from flood loss and, as an added bonus, save taxpayer dollars that go towards rebuilding properties highly vulnerable to flooding again and again,” Jimi Grande, senior vice president of federal and political affairs at NAMIC, said.
The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) also backs the legislation.
“Flooding is the most common type of natural disaster loss in our country,” Nat Wienecke, senior vice president at APCIA, said. “This bipartisan legislation includes measures, such as improving risk mitigation and preparedness, that will better protect families and businesses and minimize losses due to flood. These reforms would also put the NFIP on more sound financial footing, which is critical to ensuring continued flood insurance protection for all consumers for years to come. APCIA calls on Congress to take up and pass this legislation to better protect families and businesses and strengthen the financial solvency of the NFIP.”