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A bill to authorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency to waive certain requirements for property acquisition and structure demolition or relocation projects.
2/4/2025, 11:56 AM
Summary of Bill S 378
The bill specifically targets projects that are related to disaster response and recovery efforts. By granting FEMA the ability to waive certain requirements, the agency will have more flexibility in carrying out these projects in a timely and efficient manner.
This legislation is important because it will allow FEMA to better respond to emergencies and disasters by streamlining the process for acquiring and demolishing or relocating properties. This will ultimately help communities recover more quickly and effectively after a disaster strikes. Overall, Bill 119 s 378 is a crucial piece of legislation that will empower FEMA to better serve communities in times of need by providing them with the necessary tools and flexibility to carry out property acquisition and structure demolition or relocation projects.
Congressional Summary of S 378
Expediting Hazard Mitigation Assistance Projects Act
This bill authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to waive or reduce environmental or historic preservation requirements for property acquisition and structure demolition or relocation projects receiving assistance under certain hazard mitigation programs.
Specifically, this authority applies to such projects receiving funding under FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or Flood Mitigation Assistance program. The bill authorizes FEMA to waive or reduce environmental and historic preservation requirements for these projects as FEMA determines appropriate, such as requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 or the National Historic Preservation Act.
Before waiving or reducing such requirements, the bill requires FEMA to consult with state and local officials, for no more than 30 days, on the necessity of the waiver or reduction. Also, before making such a determination, FEMA must consider factors including details of the acquisition and demolition or relocation project, the implications for disaster recovery, and whether the waiver or reduction could cause serious environmental issues.
FEMA must report annually to Congress for five years on topics including FEMA's use of its authority under the bill, the extent to which this authority expedited or enhanced the acquisition process under FEMA's programs, and related recommendations.
