Direct Property Acquisitions Act
Direct Property Acquisitions Act
Plain Language Summary
# Direct Property Acquisitions Act Summary **What It Does:** This bill would allow local governments to apply directly to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for grants to buy property in disaster-prone areas and demolish or relocate structures, rather than having to go through their state or tribal government first. The bill creates a test program with up to 20 participating local governments (two per FEMA region, one per state) to see if this direct application process works better. FEMA would need to report annually on how the pilot program is performing. **Who It Affects:** Local governments in hazard-prone areas would benefit most, as they could potentially access federal disaster mitigation funding more quickly and directly.
Residents in flood zones or other high-risk areas could see property acquisition and relocation programs implemented in their communities. FEMA would also be affected, as it would need to manage this new application process. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. The pilot program would run for up to 8 years if approved.
CRS Official Summary
Direct Property Acquisitions ActThis bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a pilot program for local governments selected by FEMA to apply directly to FEMA for Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) assistance for property acquisition and structure demolition or relocation projects. FEMA must also submit annual reports.Under current FEMA regulations, local governments are ineligible to apply directly to FEMA for HMGP assistance and must apply indirectly through a state or Indian tribal government. The bill authorizes local governments, if determined eligible and selected by FEMA, to apply directly to FEMA for HMGP assistance for property acquisition. The pilot program must terminate within eight years after FEMA’s initial selection. Local governments may participate for up to 48 months. The bill requires FEMA to select up to two local governments from each of FEMA’s 10 regions (only one per state) to participate. For a local government to be eligible, FEMA must determine it is capable of meeting all applicable federal and state requirements for administering hazard mitigation assistance with limited assistance from the state, and FEMA must receive positive feedback from the state regarding its eligibility. In making this determination, FEMA must consult with the state and provide written justification for its decision based on factors including the local government’s history of implementing hazard mitigation projects and level of risk from severe weather.Additionally, the bill requires FEMA to submit to specified congressional committees an annual report evaluating the pilot program’s effectiveness and future.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.