Senators Introduce a Bill to Extend Assistance to Counties for Rebuilding After Natural Disasters
Author
Brett Mattson
Grace Thrush
Upcoming Events
Related News
Key Takeaways
On August 6, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) introduced the Reducing Red Tape for Rebuilding Act to extend the time in which counties and local governments can receive federal support for rebuilding after natural disasters. The bill would amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to allow counties to receive Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds for base and overtime wages associated with repairing and replacing damaged infrastructure for up to two years following a disaster – a dramatic increase from the current period of only 180 days.
Additionally, the bill gives counties increased flexibility in invoking that FEMA aid, allowing counties to choose when their two-year clock starts rather than have it begin on the day of the disaster. This provision expands access to FEMA funds for counties, as some disasters take months to clear up before reconstruction can begin.
How Does This Impact Counties?
This bill would provide increased flexibility and support for counties as they lead the front lines of disaster recovery. It allows them to better utilize skilled workers over a longer period of time, so they can rebuild long-lasting and resilient infrastructure for the future. By increasing county collaboration in the disaster relief process, FEMA aid can be better targeted for when it is most needed.
Take Action
NACo supports the Reducing Red Tape for Rebuilding Act and urges county leaders to engage their federal delegations:
- Contact your Senators: Urge your senators to support the Reducing Red Tape for Rebuilding Act and press for committee action and floor consideration.
- Contact your Representatives: Urge your U.S. House member to introduce companion legislation so the House can move in parallel with the Senate
Related News
Landmark housing reform bill becomes law with key county priorities
The latest version reflects several NACo advocacy priorities, including increased safeguards for critical community development funding and an expedited process for allocating disaster recovery funds.
Counties regroup after FEMA’s resiliency grant program resumes
As FEMA resumes and restructures its Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant program, counties are reassessing projects that were put in limbo during its cancellation and creating new hazard mitigation gameplans ahead of its upcoming funding cycle.
Reimbursement policy prolongs disaster recovery for counties
Counties that suffer major damage during natural disasters would benefit dramatically from a FEMA Act proposal to do away with reimbursement and instead offer counties recovery grants up front.
Featured Initiative
Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force
As disasters intensify across the country, county governments play a crucial role on the frontlines of emergency management and recovery. With a commitment to advancing federal policies that foster collaboration between counties, federal agencies and other intergovernmental partners, the Task Force builds on years of county-led efforts to enhance disaster policies and practices, driving improved outcomes nationwide.
