Legislation recently re-introduced in the U.S. Senate would help flood-prone communities by compelling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local governments to proactively reduce flood risk.
The Repeatedly Flooded Communities Preparation Act would require FEMA to consider when awarding flood risk mitigation grants the extent communities have complied with requirements to develop and implement mitigation strategies for repeatedly flooded areas in considering.
Communities developing mitigation strategies would be encouraged to work with FEMA to better understand and mitigate against risks. Communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program that have been repeatedly flooded would be required to assess the areas damaged by floods for risks, to develop and implement publicly available community-specific plans for mitigating the risks.
The bill also would hold communities that do not comply with the requirements accountable.
U.S. Sens. Tim Scott (R-SC) and Brian Schatz (D-HI) re-introduced the bill.
“We need to do all we can to prepare our communities and our economy to weather the storm, and this bill will help us take proactive steps to address flooding,” Schatz said.
The bill has the endorsement of stakeholders and organizations including the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, the American Public Works Association, Aon, Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, Marsh McLennan, and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies.