Bill > HR8291

This bill, titled the "Reforming Disaster Recovery Act," aims to improve the nation's response to major disasters by establishing a dedicated "Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund" managed by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This fund will be used to provide assistance through a revamped Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, specifically targeting communities most impacted and distressed by catastrophic events. The bill recognizes that existing disaster recovery resources are often insufficient, particularly for lower-income households and communities already facing economic and social hardships, and that these challenges are amplified by disasters. To address this, the bill authorizes HUD to coordinate disaster-related responsibilities, administer recovery programs, and support communities in transitioning from temporary housing to permanent solutions. It also establishes an "Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency" within HUD to oversee and coordinate departmental preparedness and response efforts. The fund will be replenished through appropriations and transfers of unobligated balances from previous disaster relief efforts, and its uses will include grants for disaster relief, long-term recovery, housing and infrastructure restoration, economic revitalization, and mitigation activities, with a significant portion prioritized for low- and moderate-income individuals and communities. The bill also introduces provisions for preliminary funding to expedite immediate recovery, requires grantees to develop comprehensive recovery plans with public input, and mandates performance reviews to ensure accountability. Furthermore, it emphasizes coordination and data sharing with other federal agencies like FEMA and the Small Business Administration to prevent duplication of benefits and ensure efficient delivery of aid to disaster survivors, while also safeguarding privacy.