Counties Applaud Passage of Critical Disaster Relief Funding

National Association of Counties says funding “addresses an urgent need from counties facing the massive task of rebuilding from disasters” 

WASHINGTON – The National Association of Counties (NACo) today applauded Congress on county-specific provisions of the American Relief Act, 2025. In addition to ensuring the federal government remains open through March of 2025, the package includes $110 billion in disaster assistance for relief efforts across the U.S.

“Counties play a massive role in disaster response and recovery – a role they are proud of and prepared for, but one that they cannot take on without the support of federal resources,” said NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase. “This funding addresses an urgent need from counties facing the massive task of rebuilding from disasters, as well as all those counties attuned to the reality that disaster resiliency is more important than ever.”

Among the items covered in the bill, many reflect county priorities outlined in NACo’s advocacy efforts. Twenty-nine billion dollars will go towards FEMA’s response, recovery and mitigation activities related to Presidentially declared major disasters like recent hurricanes Milton and Helene. An additional $12 billion will go to the Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) Disaster Recovery program, and further funds will support agricultural producers impacted by disasters, highway and bridge repairs, local small businesses impacted by disasters and infrastructure improvements – all areas critical to counties.

Last month NACo announced the formation of an Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force. The group is charged with modernizing federal disaster policies, strengthening intergovernmental partnerships and enhancing local disaster mitigation, response and recovery capacities.

“With the number and intensity of disasters increasing, counties appreciate that our federal partners are recognizing the urgency of funding disaster relief,” said Chase. “We look forward to continued intergovernmental partnership around the important work of disaster resilience in the year ahead.”

For more information about the county role in disaster resilience, click here. For information about NACo’s Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force, click here.