Bill > S1564

This bill modifies the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 to create new provisions for ecosystem restoration projects in floodplains and flood-prone areas. Specifically, the bill defines an "ecosystem restoration project" as an effort to recover or enhance the natural functions of aquatic resources or floodplains by manipulating their physical, chemical, or biological characteristics. It provides two key exemptions for such projects: first, requesters will not have to pay review or processing fees when seeking flood insurance rate map changes related to ecosystem restoration, and second, communities may permit ecosystem restoration projects within regulatory floodways that would increase base flood elevations under certain conditions. These conditions include having a professional engineer verify that the project will not significantly increase flood elevations, ensuring no insurable structures or critical infrastructure will be adversely impacted, and requiring the community to submit an analysis of the project's impact within 180 days of completion. The bill also requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to issue guidance for implementing these provisions within 180 days of the act's enactment, after consulting with federal and state natural resource agencies.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1564/all-info