Hazard and Flooding Mitigation Funding Assurance Act
Impact
One of the notable amendments proposed in SB485 is the adjustment of federal funding contributions for disaster assistance from a potential 75 percent to a guarantee of 75 percent and allowing for contributions up to 100 percent of the costs directed at mitigation efforts. The impact of such funding assurance aims to relieve financial burdens from state and local governments, enabling them to allocate necessary resources quickly and effectively when disasters strike. This could significantly enhance the capacity of affected areas to implement preventive measures that protect against the devastating impacts of flooding and debris flow following wildfires.
Summary
SB485, known as the Hazard and Flooding Mitigation Funding Assurance Act, amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The primary aim of this bill is to enhance the federal government's ability to provide hazard mitigation assistance, specifically targeting the mitigation of post-wildfire flooding and debris flow situations. With this legislation, the authors intend for the President to have a more robust mechanism for disaster management, ensuring communities can better cope with the aftermath of wildfires and the flooding that often follows. This act signifies a proactive approach toward emergency preparedness and community resilience in the face of environmental hazards.
Contention
While the bill presents an opportunity for enhanced federal support for disaster mitigation, it may also spark debate regarding the balance of responsibility between federal and local governments. Critics may express concern over the extent of federal intervention in disaster management, questioning whether it undermines local efforts and decision-making. Furthermore, as areas burned by wildfires often encompass diverse ecosystems and communities, there may be differing opinions on the appropriateness of specific mitigation strategies prioritized by federal guidelines, which could lead to critiques over the potential one-size-fits-all approach inherent in federal disaster relief policies.
Support Neighborhoods Offset Winter Damage Act of 2025 or the SNOW Act of 2025This bill authorizes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant funding for winter storm hazard mitigation and requires FEMA rulemaking to expand assistance for winter storms. It also increases the federal cost share for various FEMA grants, for any hazard type, in rural or disadvantaged areas.The bill specifically authorizes the use of grant funding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program to reduce the risk of future damage in areas affected by winter storms, such as by acquiring snow removal equipment. Also, under current FEMA policy, in determining eligibility and recommending a presidential major disaster declaration for a snowstorm, FEMA’s considerations include whether data shows record (or near record) snowfall and whether estimated statewide costs meet applicable thresholds. The bill requires FEMA to create regulations waiving these eligibility requirements for a major disaster declaration for a snowstorm in certain circumstances. FEMA must also create regulations to provide certain assistance for winter storms, including for debris removal and specified infrastructure, as well as individual and emergency assistance when the state determines the storm exceeds state and local capacity. In addition, for any hazard type, the bill requires FEMA to increase the federal cost share from 75% to 90% for certain assistance provided in rural or disadvantaged areas. It also authorizes an increased HMGP federal cost share amount from 75% to 90% for assistance in rural or disadvantaged areas.