Bill 118 s 3147, also known as the Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act of 2023, aims to address the increasing threat of flooding and improve the resilience of infrastructure in the United States. The bill focuses on several key areas: 1. Funding for flood protection projects: The bill allocates funding for the construction and maintenance of flood protection infrastructure, such as levees, dams, and flood walls. This funding is intended to help communities better prepare for and respond to flooding events. 2. Resilience planning: The bill requires state and local governments to develop and implement resilience plans to address the impacts of flooding on infrastructure. These plans will help communities identify vulnerabilities and prioritize investments in infrastructure improvements. 3. Research and development: The bill includes provisions for research and development to improve flood forecasting and early warning systems. This will help communities better prepare for and respond to flooding events, reducing the risk of damage and loss of life. 4. Coordination with federal agencies: The bill encourages coordination between federal agencies, state and local governments, and other stakeholders to improve flood protection and infrastructure resilience efforts. This collaboration will help ensure that resources are used effectively and efficiently. Overall, the Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act of 2023 aims to enhance the nation's ability to mitigate the impacts of flooding and improve the resilience of critical infrastructure. By investing in flood protection projects, promoting resilience planning, supporting research and development, and fostering collaboration between stakeholders, the bill seeks to better prepare the United States for future flooding events.
Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act of 2023
This bill modifies Department of Agriculture (USDA) watershed programs.
The bill modifies the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program to allow U...
Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act of 2023
This bill modifies Department of Agriculture (USDA) watershed programs.
The bill modifies the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program to allow USDA to undertake certain measures that go beyond addressing the immediate impairment of the watershed. Specifically, USDA may undertake measures that increase the level of protection of the watershed if USDA determines that the restoration is in the best interest of the long-term health and the protection of the watershed from repetitive impairments. (The EWP Program assists sponsors, landowners, and operators in implementing emergency recovery measures for runoff retardation and erosion prevention to relieve imminent hazards to life and property created by natural disasters.)Â
In addition, for Watershed Rehabilitation Program (REHAB) projects that serve a limited resource area, the bill increases the federal cost-share to up to 90% of the total rehabilitation costs. Currently, the federal cost-share for all projects is 65% of the total rehabilitation costs. (REHAB assists project sponsors in rehabilitating aging watershed dams that are reaching the end of their design life or no longer meet certain federal or state standards.)
Further, the purpose of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is amended to include the prevention and mitigation of the effects of flooding and drought and the improvement or expansion of flood resiliency. (Under the RCPP, USDA enters into agreements with eligible partners to deliver conservation projects in specific geographical areas. Within an RCPP project, producers enter into contracts and agreements with USDA to carry out eligible conservation activities.)
Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act of 2023
This bill modifies Department of Agriculture (USDA) watershed programs.
The bill modifies the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program to allow U...
Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act of 2023
This bill modifies Department of Agriculture (USDA) watershed programs.
The bill modifies the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program to allow USDA to undertake certain measures that go beyond addressing the immediate impairment of the watershed. Specifically, USDA may undertake measures that increase the level of protection of the watershed if USDA determines that the restoration is in the best interest of the long-term health and the protection of the watershed from repetitive impairments. (The EWP Program assists sponsors, landowners, and operators in implementing emergency recovery measures for runoff retardation and erosion prevention to relieve imminent hazards to life and property created by natural disasters.)Â
In addition, for Watershed Rehabilitation Program (REHAB) projects that serve a limited resource area, the bill increases the federal cost-share to up to 90% of the total rehabilitation costs. Currently, the federal cost-share for all projects is 65% of the total rehabilitation costs. (REHAB assists project sponsors in rehabilitating aging watershed dams that are reaching the end of their design life or no longer meet certain federal or state standards.)
Further, the purpose of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is amended to include the prevention and mitigation of the effects of flooding and drought and the improvement or expansion of flood resiliency. (Under the RCPP, USDA enters into agreements with eligible partners to deliver conservation projects in specific geographical areas. Within an RCPP project, producers enter into contracts and agreements with USDA to carry out eligible conservation activities.)
Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act of 2023
This bill modifies Department of Agriculture (USDA) watershed programs.
The bill modifies the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program to allow U...
Flood Protection and Infrastructure Resilience Act of 2023
This bill modifies Department of Agriculture (USDA) watershed programs.
The bill modifies the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program to allow USDA to undertake certain measures that go beyond addressing the immediate impairment of the watershed. Specifically, USDA may undertake measures that increase the level of protection of the watershed if USDA determines that the restoration is in the best interest of the long-term health and the protection of the watershed from repetitive impairments. (The EWP Program assists sponsors, landowners, and operators in implementing emergency recovery measures for runoff retardation and erosion prevention to relieve imminent hazards to life and property created by natural disasters.)Â
In addition, for Watershed Rehabilitation Program (REHAB) projects that serve a limited resource area, the bill increases the federal cost-share to up to 90% of the total rehabilitation costs. Currently, the federal cost-share for all projects is 65% of the total rehabilitation costs. (REHAB assists project sponsors in rehabilitating aging watershed dams that are reaching the end of their design life or no longer meet certain federal or state standards.)
Further, the purpose of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is amended to include the prevention and mitigation of the effects of flooding and drought and the improvement or expansion of flood resiliency. (Under the RCPP, USDA enters into agreements with eligible partners to deliver conservation projects in specific geographical areas. Within an RCPP project, producers enter into contracts and agreements with USDA to carry out eligible conservation activities.)