FEMA funding crisis threatens disaster recovery efforts
September 25, 2024 | Transportation and Infrastructure: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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FEMA Faces Funding Crisis as Disaster Season Approaches
In a recent government meeting, officials expressed urgent concerns regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) funding situation, which has left over 2,687 recovery and mitigation projects on hold, including five in one representative's district. This marks the second consecutive year that FEMA is operating under immediate needs funding, significantly slowing recovery efforts for communities grappling with the impacts of natural disasters.
The representative highlighted the critical timing of this funding pause, noting that it coincides with the peak of disaster season. Last fall, the administration submitted a $9 billion disaster supplemental request to Congress, but the current continuing resolution under consideration does not include this essential funding. Without it, FEMA's disaster relief fund is at risk of running out before the next fiscal year, leaving communities without the resources they urgently require.
The meeting also focused on the importance of disaster mitigation, emphasizing the need for the adoption and enforcement of hazard-resistant building codes. Since 1980, the U.S. has incurred over $2.7 trillion in losses due to natural disasters, and experts assert that modern building codes could save taxpayers $11 for every $1 invested. FEMA estimates that nationwide adoption of these codes could lead to $600 billion in savings from disaster impacts by 2060.
Despite the clear benefits, FEMA reports that 65% of U.S. counties, cities, and towns have yet to adopt modern building codes. Officials stressed the necessity of providing communities with the resources to implement these codes, particularly through funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law aimed at pre-disaster mitigation programs.
Last year, FEMA allocated additional funding for building code improvements, and there are hopes that similar support will be included in future funding opportunities. As the meeting concluded, the call for Congress to approve the president's supplemental disaster assistance request before the end of the session was reiterated, underscoring the urgent need for action to support communities in their time of need.
In a recent government meeting, officials expressed urgent concerns regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) funding situation, which has left over 2,687 recovery and mitigation projects on hold, including five in one representative's district. This marks the second consecutive year that FEMA is operating under immediate needs funding, significantly slowing recovery efforts for communities grappling with the impacts of natural disasters.
The representative highlighted the critical timing of this funding pause, noting that it coincides with the peak of disaster season. Last fall, the administration submitted a $9 billion disaster supplemental request to Congress, but the current continuing resolution under consideration does not include this essential funding. Without it, FEMA's disaster relief fund is at risk of running out before the next fiscal year, leaving communities without the resources they urgently require.
The meeting also focused on the importance of disaster mitigation, emphasizing the need for the adoption and enforcement of hazard-resistant building codes. Since 1980, the U.S. has incurred over $2.7 trillion in losses due to natural disasters, and experts assert that modern building codes could save taxpayers $11 for every $1 invested. FEMA estimates that nationwide adoption of these codes could lead to $600 billion in savings from disaster impacts by 2060.
Despite the clear benefits, FEMA reports that 65% of U.S. counties, cities, and towns have yet to adopt modern building codes. Officials stressed the necessity of providing communities with the resources to implement these codes, particularly through funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law aimed at pre-disaster mitigation programs.
Last year, FEMA allocated additional funding for building code improvements, and there are hopes that similar support will be included in future funding opportunities. As the meeting concluded, the call for Congress to approve the president's supplemental disaster assistance request before the end of the session was reiterated, underscoring the urgent need for action to support communities in their time of need.
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