Pew Joins Organizations in Supporting Bill to Boost Flood Preparedness

The statement was updated to reflect additional organizations that have signed in support of creation of a state revolving loan fund program for flood mitigation. See the most recent version of the letter here.

The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Association of State Floodplain Managers, and other groups sent a letter to congressional leaders Oct. 8 supporting bipartisan legislation to create a flexible funding stream to support flood preparedness efforts. The bill, introduced by U.S. Representatives Charlie Crist (D-FL) and Roger Williams (R-TX), would create a revolving loan fund program in partnership with states to finance projects such as elevating homes above projected flood levels, buying out properties at high risk of flooding, and improving stormwater management .

The letter notes that the program could help many communities break the costly cycle of repetitive flood emergencies. The federal government currently offers financial support for flood mitigation projects to states, communities, and individuals, but most of that funding is released only after disasters occur. The new program would help bring flood mitigation resources to states and communities before disaster strikes. The Crist-Williams bill is a companion to a similar Senate version, which has received broad support. It was introduced in June 2017 by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), John Kennedy (R-LA), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ).