Graves proposes state FEMA grants to decrease disaster risks

U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) on June 27 sponsored legislation to further empower the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with helping states better reduce their risks of disasters.

“This bill will provide another important tool for our communities, farmers and businesses to prevent future disasters,” said Rep. Graves, ranking member on the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has FEMA oversight. 

Rep. Graves introduced the Resilient Communities Act of 2019, (H.R. 3531), to  amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to allow FEMA’s administrator “to provide capitalization grants to states to establish revolving funds to provide assistance to reduce the harmful impacts to people and property from multiple hazards,” according to the congressional record.

The bill would give local communities more flexibility in choosing from a variety of eligible projects for disaster funding compared to FEMA’s existing programs, according to a summary provided by Rep. Graves’ office.  

If enacted, H.R. 3531 also would permit funding for projects related to nonprofits and businesses if they reduce flood risk, the summary said.

“North Missouri has been devastated by this year’s flooding,” Rep. Graves said. “We’ve got to make sure that our river communities have the ability to recover, as well as prevent future flooding.”

H.R. 3531 is under review by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.