President Trump signs Digital Coast Act into law after NACo advocacy

Image of GettyImages-464702640.jpg

Key Takeaways

On December 18, President Donald Trump signed into law the Digital Coast Act (S. 1069). Championed by NACo, the Digital Coast Act officially codifies the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) Digital Coast program. The bipartisan legislation passed the House by voice vote and was unanimously approved by the Senate.

Digital Coast is an online resource that houses data, tools and training to help coastal counties protect county-owned infrastructure, residents and businesses against hurricanes, earthquakes, drought, tsunamis and other disasters. However, without codification, the program was not guaranteed funding to be a permanent resource to counties.

Counties work closely with NOAA, as NACo is part of NOAA’s Digital Coast Partnership. In June 2018, NACo testified before the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard in support of NOAA’s Digital Cost program. Appearing on behalf of NACo, Mr. Paul Barnes, Geographic Information Services Director for Harrison County, Miss., discussed the importance of Digital Coast for county governments in preparing for and responding to natural disasters.

Image of GettyImages-464702640.jpg

Attachments

Related News

Clerk Terry Wilbur testifies, on behalf of NACo, before Congress on May 7, advocating for the reauthorization of the Brownfields Program.
County News

County official urges Congress to boost brownfields cleanup funding

Oswego County, N.Y. Clerk Terry Wilbur told the House Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment that brownfields can present land use challenges and negatively affect property values, but can provide counties with an opportunity to revitalize their economies and communities.

Aerial view of drinking water treatment plants for big city from water management
Advocacy

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announces actions to combat PFAS contamination

On April 28, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new suite of upcoming actions to address contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These measures, outlined by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, aim to strengthen scientific understanding, enhance enforcement and build partnerships with impacted communities, including counties and other local governments.

County Clerk Terry Wilbur Testifying
Advocacy

NACo testifies before Congress on brownfields revitalization

On May 7, Oswego County, N.Y. Clerk Terry Wilbur testifiedon behalf of NACo before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment at a hearing titled “Cleaning Up the Past, Building the Future: The Brownfields Program”.