The introduction of HB 3275 signals an acknowledgment of the escalating risks associated with mudslides exacerbated by wildfires, particularly in vulnerable regions. By providing financial resources for recovery efforts, the bill aims to strengthen community resilience against such natural disasters. The funding authorized amounts to $5 million for each fiscal year from 2024 through 2030, which indicates a long-term commitment to addressing this growing concern. This initiative may help mitigate the impacts of future disasters and enhance local emergency preparedness strategies.
Summary
House Bill 3275, known as the Mudslide Recovery Act, aims to establish a pilot grant program directed at repairing damage caused by mudslides that occur after wildland fires. The bill mandates joint action by the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Homeland Security, specifically through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to create this program within 180 days of its enactment. The provisions of the bill focus on enabling eligible recipients, including states, local governments, and non-profit organizations, to compete for grants designed to implement innovative recovery solutions.
Contention
While HB 3275 has the potential to bring significant benefits to affected areas, there may be discussions surrounding the allocation of funds and the prioritization of eligible recipients. Stakeholders in environmental and land management sectors might express concerns regarding the effectiveness of proposed recovery solutions and whether they adequately address the root causes of increasing mudslide risks. Furthermore, debates may arise over how grants are distributed and whether they reach the communities most in need of assistance.
Western Wildfire Support Act of 2023 This bill establishes activities to address wildfires. The bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of the Interior to establish spatial fire management plans before the end of FY2026. The bill establishes accounts in the Treasury for addressing wildfires, a program to train and certify citizens who wish to be able to volunteer to assist USDA or Interior during a wildland fire incident, a program to award grants to eligible states or units of local government to acquire slip-on tank and pump units for a surge capacity of resources for fire suppression, the Theodore Roosevelt Genius Prize for the management of wildfire-related invasive species, and the Management of Wildfire-Related Invasive Species Technology Advisory Board. The bill also requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to reimburse a state or federal agency for the costs of wildfire suppression as a result of a fire caused by DOD activity, requires the Joint Fire Science Program to work with unmanned aircraft test ranges to carry out research and development of unmanned aircraft system fire applications, requires federal and state disaster preparedness programs to include postdisaster assistance, and authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide funding to a state agency to establish and operate a website to provide information relating to postfire recovery funding and resources to a community or an individual impacted by a wildland fire.
Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)