Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Gary Peters (D-MI) have introduced a new bill aimed at simplifying the requirements for demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of hazard mitigation grants. The legislation, known as the Facilitating Hazard Mitigations Projects Act, seeks to reduce the bureaucratic red tape that often hinders communities from accessing the resources needed to build protections against natural disasters.

Dr. Cassidy highlighted the importance of making it easier for Louisiana communities to apply for grants to fund resiliency projects, stating, "Louisiana communities need less bureaucratic red tape to better access the resources needed to build protections against natural disasters." Senator Peters echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that complex application requirements often limit the ability of underserved communities to access critical hazard mitigation funding.

Currently, states, local governments, Tribes, and territories (SLTTs) that request hazard mitigation funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are required to submit a benefit-cost analysis (BCA) to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of their projects. However, extensive feedback from applicants has revealed that the current BCA process is burdensome and overly complicated, placing underserved communities at a disadvantage when seeking funds.

In response to these challenges, the Facilitating Hazard Mitigations Projects Act proposes that FEMA develop strategies for reducing the complexity of its cost-effectiveness requirements for hazard mitigation grants. FEMA would also be required to provide a report to Congress on the implementation of these potential strategies. The legislation also mandates that FEMA consult with SLTTs and non-profit partners during the evaluation process. It is important to note that FEMA would still be responsible for ensuring that grants are cost-effective and meet all other eligibility requirements.

Support for the bill has come from various organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Counties. Marty Durbin, Senior Vice President for Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, commended Senators Cassidy and Peters for their bipartisan efforts, stating, "The benefit-cost analysis at FEMA has been challenging for communities to navigate, while creating barriers to developing solid predisaster mitigation projects. Congress must act now to streamline the approach." Matthew Chase, Executive Director of the National Association of Counties, expressed gratitude for the introduction of the bill and urged its swift passage, as it would reduce the complexity of the process and ensure that resources reach communities more efficiently.

The Facilitating Hazard Mitigations Projects Act aims to address the challenges faced by communities in accessing hazard mitigation funding. By simplifying the requirements for demonstrating cost-effectiveness, the bill seeks to ensure that communities across the United States, including those in Michigan and Louisiana, have the capacity to apply for critical FEMA funding.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-peters-introduce-bill-to-simplify-requirements-for-hazard-mitigation-grants