42 USC CHAPTER 68, SUBCHAPTER II: DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND MITIGATION ASSISTANCE
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42 USC CHAPTER 68, SUBCHAPTER II: DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND MITIGATION ASSISTANCE
From Title 42—THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARECHAPTER 68—DISASTER RELIEF

SUBCHAPTER II—DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND MITIGATION ASSISTANCE

§5131. Federal and State disaster preparedness programs

(a) Utilization of services of other agencies

The President is authorized to establish a program of disaster preparedness that utilizes services of all appropriate agencies and includes—

(1) preparation of disaster preparedness plans for mitigation, warning, emergency operations, rehabilitation, and recovery;

(2) training and exercises;

(3) postdisaster critiques and evaluations;

(4) annual review of programs;

(5) coordination of Federal, State, and local preparedness programs;

(6) application of science and technology;

(7) research.

(b) Technical assistance for the development of plans and programs

The President shall provide technical assistance to the States in developing comprehensive plans and practicable programs for preparation against disasters, including hazard reduction, avoidance, and mitigation; for assistance to individuals, businesses, and State and local governments following such disasters; and for recovery of damaged or destroyed public and private facilities.

(c) Grants to States for development of plans and programs

Upon application by a State, the President is authorized to make grants, not to exceed in the aggregate to such State $250,000, for the development of plans, programs, and capabilities for disaster preparedness and prevention. Such grants shall be applied for within one year from May 22, 1974. Any State desiring financial assistance under this section shall designate or create an agency to plan and administer such a disaster preparedness program, and shall, through such agency, submit a State plan to the President, which shall—

(1) set forth a comprehensive and detailed State program for preparation against and assistance following, emergencies and major disasters, including provisions for assistance to individuals, businesses, and local governments; and

(2) include provisions for appointment and training of appropriate staffs, formulation of necessary regulations and procedures and conduct of required exercises.

(d) Grants for improvement, maintenance, and updating of State plans

The President is authorized to make grants not to exceed 50 per centum of the cost of improving, maintaining and updating State disaster assistance plans, including evaluations of natural hazards and development of the programs and actions required to mitigate such hazards; except that no such grant shall exceed $50,000 per annum to any State.

(Pub. L. 93–288, title II, §201, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 145; Pub. L. 100–707, title I, §104, Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4690.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–707, §104(b)(1), struck out "(including the Defense Civil Preparedness Agency)" after "agencies".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–707, §104(a), (b)(2), inserted "including evaluations of natural hazards and development of the programs and actions required to mitigate such hazards;" after "plans," and substituted "$50,000" for "$25,000".


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Red Flag Warnings and Predisaster Actions; Definitions

Pub. L. 117–251, §§2, 4, Dec. 20, 2022, 136 Stat. 2354, 2356, provided that:

"SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

"In this Act [see Short Title of 2022 Amendment note set out under section 5121 of this title]—

"(1) the term 'Administrator' means the Administrator of the Agency;

"(2) the term 'Agency' means the Federal Emergency Management Agency;

"(3) the term 'appropriate committees of Congress' means—

"(A) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and

"(B) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives;

"(4) the term 'emergency' means an emergency declared or determined to exist by the President under section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5191);

"(5) the terms 'Indian tribal government', 'local government', and 'State' have the meanings given such terms in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122); and

"(6) the term 'major disaster' means a major disaster declared by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170).

"SEC. 4. RED FLAG WARNINGS AND PREDISASTER ACTIONS.

"Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2022], the Administrator, in coordination with the National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall—

"(1) conduct a study of, develop recommendations for, and initiate a process for the use of forecasts and data, including information that supports the Red Flag Warnings of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and similar weather alert and notification methods, to establish—

"(A) plans and actions, consistent with law, that can be implemented prior to a wildfire event, including pre-impact disaster declarations and surge operations, that can limit the impact, duration, or severity of the fire; and

"(B) mechanisms to increase interagency collaboration to expedite the delivery of disaster assistance; and

"(2) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a comprehensive report regarding the study described in paragraph (1), including any recommendations of the Administrator, and the activities of the Administrator to carry out paragraph (1)."

§5132. Disaster warnings

(a) Readiness of Federal agencies to issue warnings to State and local officials

The President shall insure that all appropriate Federal agencies are prepared to issue warnings of disasters to State and local officials.

(b) Technical assistance to State and local governments for effective warnings

The President shall direct appropriate Federal agencies to provide technical assistance to State and local governments to insure that timely and effective disaster warning is provided.

(c) Warnings to governmental authorities and public endangered by disaster

The President is authorized to utilize or to make available to Federal, State, and local agencies the facilities of the civil defense communications system established and maintained pursuant to section 5196(c) of this title or any other Federal communications system for the purpose of providing warning to governmental authorities and the civilian population in areas endangered by disasters.

(d) Agreements with commercial communications systems for use of facilities

The President is authorized to enter into agreements with the officers or agents of any private or commercial communications systems who volunteer the use of their systems on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis for the purpose of providing warning to governmental authorities and the civilian population endangered by disasters.

(Pub. L. 93–288, title II, §202, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 145; Pub. L. 103–337, div. C, title XXXIV, §3412(b)(1), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3111.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "section 5196(c) of this title" for "section 2281(c) of title 50, Appendix,".

§5133. Predisaster hazard mitigation

(a) Definition of small impoverished community

In this section, the term "small impoverished community" means a community of 3,000 or fewer individuals that is economically disadvantaged, as determined by the State in which the community is located and based on criteria established by the President.

(b) Establishment of program

The President may establish a program to provide technical and financial assistance to States and local governments to assist in the implementation of predisaster hazard mitigation measures that are cost-effective and are designed to reduce injuries, loss of life, and damage and destruction of property, including damage to critical services and facilities under the jurisdiction of the States or local governments.

(c) Approval by President

If the President determines that a State or local government has identified natural disaster hazards in areas under its jurisdiction and has demonstrated the ability to form effective public-private natural disaster hazard mitigation partnerships, the President, using amounts in the National Public Infrastructure Predisaster Mitigation Fund established under subsection (i) (referred to in this section as the "Fund"), may provide technical and financial assistance to the State or local government to be used in accordance with subsection (e).

(d) State recommendations

(1) In general

(A) Recommendations

The Governor of each State may recommend to the President not fewer than five local governments to receive assistance under this section.

(B) Deadline for submission

The recommendations under subparagraph (A) shall be submitted to the President not later than October 1, 2001, and each October 1st thereafter or such later date in the year as the President may establish.

(C) Criteria

In making recommendations under subparagraph (A), a Governor shall consider the criteria specified in subsection (g).

(2) Use

(A) In general

Except as provided in subparagraph (B), in providing assistance to local governments under this section, the President shall select from local governments recommended by the Governors under this subsection.

(B) Extraordinary circumstances

In providing assistance to local governments under this section, the President may select a local government that has not been recommended by a Governor under this subsection if the President determines that extraordinary circumstances justify the selection and that making the selection will further the purpose of this section.

(3) Effect of failure to nominate

If a Governor of a State fails to submit recommendations under this subsection in a timely manner, the President may select, subject to the criteria specified in subsection (g), any local governments of the State to receive assistance under this section.

(e) Uses of technical and financial assistance

(1) In general

Technical and financial assistance provided under this section—

(A) shall be used by States and local governments principally to implement predisaster hazard mitigation measures that are cost-effective and are described in proposals approved by the President under this section; and

(B) may be used—

(i) to support effective public-private natural disaster hazard mitigation partnerships;

(ii) to improve the assessment of a community's vulnerability to natural hazards;

(iii) to establish hazard mitigation priorities, and an appropriate hazard mitigation plan, for a community; or

(iv) to establish and carry out enforcement activities and implement the latest published editions of relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards that incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs and establish minimum acceptable criteria for the design, construction, and maintenance of residential structures and facilities that may be eligible for assistance under this chapter for the purpose of protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of the buildings' users against disasters.

(2) Dissemination

A State or local government may use not more than 10 percent of the financial assistance received by the State or local government under this section for a fiscal year to fund activities to disseminate information regarding cost-effective mitigation technologies.

(f) Allocation of funds

(1) In general

The President shall award financial assistance under this section on a competitive basis for mitigation activities that are cost effective and in accordance with the criteria in subsection (g).

(2) Minimum and maximum amounts

In providing financial assistance under this section, the President shall ensure that the amount of financial assistance made available to a State (including amounts made available to local governments of the State) for a fiscal year—

(A) is not less than the lesser of—

(i) $575,000; or

(ii) the amount that is equal to 1 percent of the total funds appropriated to carry out this section for the fiscal year; and


(B) does not exceed the amount that is equal to 15 percent of the total funds appropriated to carry out this section for the fiscal year.

(3) Redistribution of unobligated amounts

The President may—

(A) withdraw amounts of financial assistance made available to a State (including amounts made available to local governments of a State) under this subsection that remain unobligated by the end of the third fiscal year after the fiscal year for which the amounts were allocated; and

(B) in the fiscal year following a fiscal year in which amounts were withdrawn under subparagraph (A), add the amounts to any other amounts available to be awarded on a competitive basis pursuant to paragraph (1).

(g) Criteria for assistance awards

In determining whether to provide technical and financial assistance to a State or local government under this section, the President shall provide financial assistance only in States that have received a major disaster declaration in the previous 7 years, or to any Indian tribal government located partially or entirely within the boundaries of such States, and take into account—

(1) the extent and nature of the hazards to be mitigated;

(2) the degree of commitment of the State or local government to reduce damages from future natural disasters;

(3) the degree of commitment by the State or local government to support ongoing non-Federal support for the hazard mitigation measures to be carried out using the technical and financial assistance;

(4) the extent to which the hazard mitigation measures to be carried out using the technical and financial assistance contribute to the mitigation goals and priorities established by the State;

(5) the extent to which the technical and financial assistance is consistent with other assistance provided under this chapter;

(6) the extent to which prioritized, cost-effective mitigation activities that produce meaningful and definable outcomes are clearly identified;

(7) if the State or local government has submitted a mitigation plan under section 5165 of this title, the extent to which the activities identified under paragraph (6) are consistent with the mitigation plan;

(8) the opportunity to fund activities that maximize net benefits to society;

(9) the extent to which assistance will fund mitigation activities in small impoverished communities;

(10) the extent to which the State, local, Indian tribal, or territorial government has facilitated the adoption and enforcement of the latest published editions of relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards, including amendments made by State, local, Indian tribal, or territorial governments during the adoption process that incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs and establish criteria for the design, construction, and maintenance of residential structures and facilities that may be eligible for assistance under this chapter for the purpose of protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of the buildings' users against disasters;

(11) the extent to which the assistance will fund activities that increase the level of resiliency; and

(12) such other criteria as the President establishes in consultation with State and local governments.

(h) Federal share

(1) In general

Financial assistance provided under this section may contribute up to 75 percent of the total cost of mitigation activities approved by the President.

(2) Small impoverished communities

Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the President may contribute up to 90 percent of the total cost of a mitigation activity carried out in a small impoverished community.

(i) National public infrastructure predisaster mitigation assistance

(1) In general

The President may set aside from the Disaster Relief Fund, with respect to each major disaster, an amount equal to 6 percent of the estimated aggregate amount of the grants to be made pursuant to sections 5170b, 5172, 5173, 5174, 5177, 5183, and 5189f of this title for the major disaster in order to provide technical and financial assistance under this section and such set aside shall be deemed to be related to activities carried out pursuant to major disasters under this chapter.

(2) Estimated aggregate amount

Not later than 180 days after each major disaster declaration pursuant to this chapter, the estimated aggregate amount of grants for purposes of paragraph (1) shall be determined by the President and such estimated amount need not be reduced, increased, or changed due to variations in estimates.

(3) No reduction in amounts

The amount set aside pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not reduce the amounts otherwise made available for sections 5170b, 5170c, 5172, 5173, 5174, 5177, 5183, and 5189f of this title under this chapter.

(j) Multihazard advisory maps

(1) Definition of multihazard advisory map

In this subsection, the term "multihazard advisory map" means a map on which hazard data concerning each type of natural disaster is identified simultaneously for the purpose of showing areas of hazard overlap.

(2) Development of maps

In consultation with States, local governments, and appropriate Federal agencies, the President shall develop multihazard advisory maps for areas, in not fewer than five States, that are subject to commonly recurring natural hazards (including flooding, hurricanes and severe winds, and seismic events).

(3) Use of technology

In developing multihazard advisory maps under this subsection, the President shall use, to the maximum extent practicable, the most cost-effective and efficient technology available.

(4) Use of maps

(A) Advisory nature

The multihazard advisory maps shall be considered to be advisory and shall not require the development of any new policy by, or impose any new policy on, any government or private entity.

(B) Availability of maps

The multihazard advisory maps shall be made available to the appropriate State and local governments for the purposes of—

(i) informing the general public about the risks of natural hazards in the areas described in paragraph (2);

(ii) supporting the activities described in subsection (e); and

(iii) other public uses.

(k) Report on Federal and State administration

Not later than 18 months after October 30, 2000, the President, in consultation with State and local governments, shall submit to Congress a report evaluating efforts to implement this section and recommending a process for transferring greater authority and responsibility for administering the assistance program established under this section to capable States.

(l) Prohibition on earmarks

(1) Definition

In this subsection, the term "congressionally directed spending" means a statutory provision or report language included primarily at the request of a Senator or a Member, Delegate or Resident Commissioner of the House of Representatives providing, authorizing, or recommending a specific amount of discretionary budget authority, credit authority, or other spending authority for a contract, loan, loan guarantee, grant, loan authority, or other expenditure with or to an entity, or targeted to a specific State, locality, or Congressional district, other than through a statutory or administrative formula-driven or competitive award process.

(2) Prohibition

None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available to carry out this section may be used for congressionally directed spending.

(3) Certification to Congress

The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall submit to Congress a certification regarding whether all financial assistance under this section was awarded in accordance with this section.

(Pub. L. 93–288, title II, §203, as added Pub. L. 106–390, title I, §102(a), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1553; amended Pub. L. 108–199, div. H, §135, Jan. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 441; Pub. L. 108–447, div. J, title I, §105, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3343; Pub. L. 109–139, §2, Dec. 22, 2005, 119 Stat. 2649; Pub. L. 110–329, div. D, title V, §553, Sept. 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 3690; Pub. L. 111–83, title V, §543, Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2176; Pub. L. 111–351, §§3(a), (b), 4, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3864; Pub. L. 115–254, div. D, §1234(a), (d), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3461, 3463.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (e)(1)(B)(iv), (g)(5), (10), and (i), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–288, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 143. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 5121 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–254, §1234(a)(1), inserted "Public Infrastructure" after "National".

Subsec. (e)(1)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 115–254, §1234(a)(2), added cl. (iv).

Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 115–254, §1234(a)(3)(A), inserted "for mitigation activities that are cost effective" after "competitive basis".

Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 115–254, §1234(a)(3)(B), added par. (3).

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 115–254, §1234(a)(4)(A), in introductory provisions, inserted "provide financial assistance only in States that have received a major disaster declaration in the previous 7 years, or to any Indian tribal government located partially or entirely within the boundaries of such States, and" after "the President shall".

Subsec. (g)(10) to (12). Pub. L. 115–254, §1234(a)(4)(B)–(D), added pars. (10) and (11) and redesignated former par. (10) as (12).

Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 115–254, §1234(a)(5), added subsec. (i) and struck out former subsec. (i) which related to National Predisaster Mitigation Fund.

Subsecs. (j) to (l). Pub. L. 115–254, §1234(a)(6), (7), redesignated subsecs. (k), (l), and (n) as (j), (k), and (l), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (j) which related to limitation on total amount of financial assistance.

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 115–254, §1234(d), struck out subsec. (m) which defined the term "latest published editions" for subsecs. (e)(1)(B)(iv) and (g)(10).

Pub. L. 115–254, §1234(a)(6), (8), added subsec. (m) and struck out former subsec. (m) which related to authorization of appropriations.

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 115–254, §1234(a)(7), redesignated subsec. (n) as (l).

2011—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 111–351, §3(a), amended subsec. (f) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (f) related to a different allocation of funds.

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 111–351, §3(b), amended subsec. (m) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (m) related to the termination of this section on Sept. 30, 2010.

Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 111–351, §4, added subsec. (n).

2009—Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 111–83 substituted "September 30, 2010" for "September 30, 2009".

2008—Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 110–329 substituted "September 30, 2009" for "September 30, 2008".

2005—Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 109–139 substituted "September 30, 2008" for "December 31, 2005".

2004—Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 108–447 substituted "2005" for "2004".

Pub. L. 108–199 substituted "2004" for "2003".


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–254 applicable to each major disaster and emergency declared by the President on or after Aug. 1, 2017, and authorities provided under div. D of Pub. L. 115–254 applicable to each major disaster and emergency declared by the President on or after Jan. 1, 2016, except as otherwise provided, see section 1202 of Pub. L. 115–254, set out as a note under section 5121 of this title.

Pub. L. 115–254, div. D, §1234(b), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3462, provided that: "The amendments made to section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133) by paragraphs (3) and (5) of subsection (a) shall apply to funds appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018]."

Pub. L. 115–254, div. D, §1234(d), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3463, provided that the amendment made by section 1234(d) is effective on the date that is 5 years after Oct. 5, 2018.

Findings

Pub. L. 111–351, §2, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3863, provided that: "Congress finds the following:

"(1) The predisaster hazard mitigation program has been successful and cost-effective. Funding from the predisaster hazard mitigation program has successfully reduced loss of life, personal injuries, damage to and destruction of property, and disruption of communities from disasters.

"(2) The predisaster hazard mitigation program has saved Federal taxpayers from spending significant sums on disaster recovery and relief that would have been otherwise incurred had communities not successfully applied mitigation techniques.

"(3) A 2007 Congressional Budget Office report found that the predisaster hazard mitigation program reduced losses by roughly $3 (measured in 2007 dollars) for each dollar invested in mitigation efforts funded under the predisaster hazard mitigation program. Moreover, the Congressional Budget Office found that projects funded under the predisaster hazard mitigation program could lower the need for post-disaster assistance from the Federal Government so that the predisaster hazard mitigation investment by the Federal Government would actually save taxpayer funds.

"(4) A 2005 report by the Multihazard Mitigation Council showed substantial benefits and cost savings from the hazard mitigation programs of the Federal Emergency Management Agency generally. Looking at a range of hazard mitigation programs of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the study found that, on average, $1 invested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in hazard mitigation provided the Nation with roughly $4 in benefits. Moreover, the report projected that the mitigation grants awarded between 1993 and 2003 would save more than 220 lives and prevent nearly 4,700 injuries over approximately 50 years.

"(5) Given the substantial savings generated from the predisaster hazard mitigation program in the years following the provision of assistance under the program, increasing funds appropriated for the program would be a wise investment."

Findings and Purpose

Pub. L. 106–390, title I, §101, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1552, provided that:

"(a) Findings.—Congress finds that—

"(1) natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires, pose great danger to human life and to property throughout the United States;

"(2) greater emphasis needs to be placed on—

"(A) identifying and assessing the risks to States and local governments (including Indian tribes) from natural disasters;

"(B) implementing adequate measures to reduce losses from natural disasters; and

"(C) ensuring that the critical services and facilities of communities will continue to function after a natural disaster;

"(3) expenditures for postdisaster assistance are increasing without commensurate reductions in the likelihood of future losses from natural disasters;

"(4) in the expenditure of Federal funds under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.), high priority should be given to mitigation of hazards at the local level; and

"(5) with a unified effort of economic incentives, awareness and education, technical assistance, and demonstrated Federal support, States and local governments (including Indian tribes) will be able to—

"(A) form effective community-based partnerships for hazard mitigation purposes;

"(B) implement effective hazard mitigation measures that reduce the potential damage from natural disasters;

"(C) ensure continued functionality of critical services;

"(D) leverage additional non-Federal resources in meeting natural disaster resistance goals; and

"(E) make commitments to long-term hazard mitigation efforts to be applied to new and existing structures.

"(b) Purpose.—The purpose of this title [enacting this section and sections 5134, 5165 and 5165a of this title, amending section 5170c of this title, and repealing section 5176 of this title] is to establish a national disaster hazard mitigation program—

"(1) to reduce the loss of life and property, human suffering, economic disruption, and disaster assistance costs resulting from natural disasters; and

"(2) to provide a source of predisaster hazard mitigation funding that will assist States and local governments (including Indian tribes) in implementing effective hazard mitigation measures that are designed to ensure the continued functionality of critical services and facilities after a natural disaster."

Definitions; Red Flag Warnings and Predisaster Actions

Pub. L. 117–251, §§2, 4, Dec. 20, 2022, 136 Stat. 2354, 2356, provided that:

"SEC. 2. Definitions.—In this Act [see section 1 of Pub. L. 117–251, set out as a Short Title of 2022 Amendment note under section 5121 of this title]—

"(1) the term 'Administrator' means the Administrator of the Agency;

"(2) the term 'Agency' means the Federal Emergency Management Agency;

"(3) the term 'appropriate committees of Congress' means—

"(A) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and

"(B) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives;

"(4) the term 'emergency' means an emergency declared or determined to exist by the President under section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5191);

"(5) the terms 'Indian tribal government', 'local government', and 'State' have the meanings given such terms in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122); and

"(6) the term 'major disaster' means a major disaster declared by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170).

"SEC. 4. Red Flag Warnings and Predisaster Actions.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2022], the Administrator, in coordination with the National Weather Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall—

"(1) conduct a study of, develop recommendations for, and initiate a process for the use of forecasts and data, including information that supports the Red Flag Warnings of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and similar weather alert and notification methods, to establish—

"(A) plans and actions, consistent with law, that can be implemented prior to a wildfire event, including pre-impact disaster declarations and surge operations, that can limit the impact, duration, or severity of the fire; and

"(B) mechanisms to increase interagency collaboration to expedite the delivery of disaster assistance; and

"(2) submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a comprehensive report regarding the study described in paragraph (1), including any recommendations of the Administrator, and the activities of the Administrator to carry out paragraph (1)."

§5134. Interagency task force

(a) In general

The President shall establish a Federal interagency task force for the purpose of coordinating the implementation of predisaster hazard mitigation programs administered by the Federal Government.

(b) Chairperson

The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall serve as the chairperson of the task force.

(c) Membership

The membership of the task force shall include representatives of—

(1) relevant Federal agencies;

(2) State and local government organizations (including Indian tribes); and

(3) the American Red Cross.

(Pub. L. 93–288, title II, §204, as added Pub. L. 106–390, title I, §103, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1557; amended Pub. L. 111–351, §3(c)(2), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3864.)


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2011—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 111–351 substituted "Administrator" for "Director".


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of all functions, personnel, assets, components, authorities, grant programs, and liabilities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including the functions of the Under Secretary for Federal Emergency Management relating thereto, to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, see section 315(a)(1) of Title 6, Domestic Security.

For transfer of functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including the functions of the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency relating thereto, to the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see former section 313(1) and sections 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

§5135. Grants to entities for establishment of hazard mitigation revolving loan funds

(a) General authority

(1) In general

The Administrator may enter into agreements with eligible entities to make capitalization grants to such entities for the establishment of hazard mitigation revolving loan funds (referred to in this section as "entity loan funds") for providing funding assistance to local governments to carry out eligible projects under this section to reduce disaster risks for homeowners, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and communities in order to decrease—

(A) the loss of life and property;

(B) the cost of insurance; and

(C) Federal disaster payments.

(2) Agreements

Any agreement entered into under this section shall require the participating entity to—

(A) comply with the requirements of this section; and

(B) use accounting, audit, and fiscal procedures conforming to generally accepted accounting standards.

(b) Application

(1) In general

To be eligible to receive a capitalization grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Administrator an application that includes the following:

(A) Project proposals comprised of local government hazard mitigation projects, on the condition that the entity provides public notice not less than 6 weeks prior to the submission of an application.

(B) An assessment of recurring major disaster vulnerabilities impacting the entity that demonstrates a risk to life and property.

(C) A description of how the hazard mitigation plan of the entity has or has not taken the vulnerabilities described in subparagraph (B) into account.

(D) A description about how the projects described in subparagraph (A) could conform with the hazard mitigation plan of the entity and of the unit of local government.

(E) A proposal of the systematic and regional approach to achieve resilience in a vulnerable area, including impacts to river basins, river corridors, watersheds, estuaries, bays, coastal regions, micro-basins, micro-watersheds, ecosystems, and areas at risk of earthquakes, tsunamis, droughts, severe storms, and wildfires, including the wildland-urban interface.

(2) Technical assistance

The Administrator shall provide technical assistance to eligible entities for applications under this section.

(c) Entity loan fund

(1) Establishment of fund

An entity that receives a capitalization grant under this section shall establish an entity loan fund that complies with the requirements of this subsection.

(2) Fund management

Except as provided in paragraph (3), entity loan funds shall—

(A) be administered by the agency responsible for emergency management; and

(B) include only—

(i) funds provided by a capitalization grant under this section;

(ii) repayments of loans under this section to the entity loan fund; and

(iii) interest earned on amounts in the entity loan fund.

(3) Administration

A participating entity may combine the financial administration of the entity loan fund of such entity with the financial administration of any other revolving fund established by such entity if the Administrator determines that—

(A) the capitalization grant, entity share, repayments of loans, and interest earned on amounts in the entity loan fund are accounted for separately from other amounts in the revolving fund; and

(B) the authority to establish assistance priorities and carry out oversight activities remains in the control of the entity agency responsible for emergency management.

(4) Entity share of funds

(A) In general

On or before the date on which a participating entity receives a capitalization grant under this section, the entity shall deposit into the entity loan fund of such entity, an amount equal to not less than 10 percent of the amount of the capitalization grant.

(B) Reduced grant

If, with respect to a capitalization grant under this section, a participating entity deposits in the entity loan fund of the entity an amount that is less than 10 percent of the total amount of the capitalization grant that the participating entity would otherwise receive, the Administrator shall reduce the amount of the capitalization grant received by the entity to the amount that is 10 times the amount so deposited.

(d) Apportionment

(1) In general

Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, the Administrator shall apportion funds made available to carry out this section to entities that have entered into an agreement under subsection (a)(2) in amounts as determined by the Administrator.

(2) Reservation of funds

The Administrator shall reserve not more than 2.5 percent of the amount made available to carry out this section for the Federal Emergency Management Agency for—

(A) administrative costs incurred in carrying out this section; and

(B) providing technical assistance to participating entities under subsection (b)(2).

(3) Priority

In the apportionment of capitalization grants under this subsection, the Administrator shall give priority to entity applications under subsection (b) that—

(A) propose projects increasing resilience and reducing risk of harm to natural and built infrastructure;

(B) involve a partnership between two or more eligible entities to carry out a project or similar projects;

(C) take into account regional impacts of hazards on river basins, river corridors, micro-watersheds, macro-watersheds, estuaries, lakes, bays, and coastal regions and areas at risk of earthquakes, tsunamis, droughts, severe storms, and wildfires, including the wildland-urban interface; or

(D) propose projects for the resilience of major economic sectors or critical national infrastructure, including ports, global commodity supply chain assets (located within an entity or within the jurisdiction of local governments and Tribal governments), power and water production and distribution centers, and bridges and waterways essential to interstate commerce.

(e) Environmental review of revolving loan fund projects

The Administrator may delegate to a participating entity all of the responsibilities for environmental review, decision making, and action pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and other applicable Federal environmental laws including the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.) that would apply to the Administrator were the Administrator to undertake projects under this section as Federal projects so long as the participating entity carries out such responsibilities in the same manner and subject to the same requirements as if the Administrator carried out such responsibilities.

(f) Use of funds

(1) Types of assistance

Amounts deposited in an entity loan fund, including loan repayments and interest earned on such amounts, may be used—

(A) to make loans, on the condition that—

(i) such loans are made at an interest rate of not more than 1 percent;

(ii) annual principal and interest payments will commence not later than 1 year after completion of any project and all loans made under this subparagraph will be fully amortized—

(I) not later than 20 years after the date on which the project is completed; or

(II) for projects in a low-income geographic area, not later than 30 years after the date on which the project is completed and not longer than the expected design life of the project;


(iii) the loan recipient of a loan under this subparagraph establishes a dedicated source of revenue for repayment of the loan;

(iv) the loan recipient of a loan under this subparagraph has a hazard mitigation plan that has been approved by the Administrator; and

(v) the entity loan fund will be credited with all payments of principal and interest on all loans made under this subparagraph;


(B) for mitigation efforts, in addition to mitigation planning under section 5165 of this title not to exceed 10 percent of the capitalization grants made to the participating entity in a fiscal year;

(C) for the reasonable costs of administering the fund and conducting activities under this section, except that such amounts shall not exceed $100,000 per year, 2 percent of the capitalization grants made to the participating entity in a fiscal year, or 1 percent of the value of the entity loan fund, whichever amount is greatest, plus the amount of any fees collected by the entity for such purpose regardless of the source; and

(D) to earn interest on the entity loan fund.

(2) Prohibition on determination that loan is a duplication

In carrying out this section, the Administrator may not determine that a loan is a duplication of assistance or programs under this chapter.

(3) Projects and activities eligible for assistance

Except as provided in this subsection, a participating entity may use funds in the entity loan fund to provide financial assistance for projects or activities that mitigate the impacts of natural hazards including—

(A) drought and prolonged episodes of intense heat;

(B) severe storms, including hurricanes, tornados, wind storms, cyclones, and severe winter storms;

(C) wildfires;

(D) earthquakes;

(E) flooding, including the construction, repair, or replacement of a non-Federal levee or other flood control structure, provided that the Administrator, in consultation with the Army Corps of Engineers (if appropriate), requires an eligible entity to determine that such levee or structure is designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with sound engineering practices and standards equivalent to the purpose for which such levee or structure is intended;

(F) shoreline erosion;

(G) high water levels; and

(H) storm surges.

(4) Zoning and land use planning changes

A participating entity may use not more than 10 percent of a capitalization grant under this section to enable units of local government to implement zoning and land use planning changes focused on—

(A) the development and improvement of zoning and land use codes that incentivize and encourage low-impact development, resilient wildland-urban interface land management and development, natural infrastructure, green stormwater management, conservation areas adjacent to floodplains, implementation of watershed or greenway master plans, and reconnection of floodplains;

(B) the study and creation of agricultural risk compensation districts where there is a desire to remove or set-back levees protecting highly developed agricultural land to mitigate for flooding, allowing agricultural producers to receive compensation for assuming greater flood risk that would alleviate flood exposure to population centers and areas with critical national infrastructure;

(C) the study and creation of land use incentives that reward developers for greater reliance on low impact development stormwater best management practices, exchange density increases for increased open space and improvement of neighborhood catch basins to mitigate urban flooding, reward developers for including and augmenting natural infrastructure adjacent to and around building projects without reliance on increased sprawl, and reward developers for addressing wildfire ignition; and

(D) the study and creation of an erosion response plan that accommodates river, lake, forest, plains, and ocean shoreline retreating or bluff stabilization due to increased flooding and disaster impacts.

(5) Establishing and carrying out building code enforcement

A participating entity may use capitalization grants under this section to enable units of local government to establish and carry out the latest published editions of relevant building codes, specifications, and standards for the purpose of protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of the building's users against disasters and natural hazards.

(6) Administrative and technical costs

For each fiscal year, a participating entity may use the amount described in paragraph (1)(C) to—

(A) pay the reasonable costs of administering the programs under this section, including the cost of establishing an entity loan fund; and

(B) provide technical assistance to recipients of financial assistance from the entity loan fund, on the condition that such technical assistance does not exceed 5 percent of the capitalization grant made to such entity.

(7) Limitation for single projects

A participating entity may not provide an amount equal to or more than $5,000,000 to a single hazard mitigation project.

(8) Requirements

For fiscal year 2022 and each fiscal year thereafter, the requirements of subchapter IV of chapter 31 of title 40 shall apply to the construction of projects carried out in whole or in part with assistance made available by an entity loan fund authorized by this section.

(g) Intended use plans

(1) In general

After providing for public comment and review, and consultation with appropriate government agencies of the State or Indian tribal government, Federal agencies, and interest groups, each participating entity shall annually prepare and submit to the Administrator a plan identifying the intended uses of the entity loan fund.

(2) Contents of plan

An entity intended use plan prepared under paragraph (1) shall include—

(A) the integration of entity planning efforts, including entity hazard mitigation plans and other programs and initiatives relating to mitigation of major disasters carried out by such entity;

(B) an explanation of the mitigation and resiliency benefits the entity intends to achieve by—

(i) reducing future damage and loss associated with hazards;

(ii) reducing the number of severe repetitive loss structures and repetitive loss structures in the entity;

(iii) decreasing the number of insurance claims in the entity from injuries resulting from major disasters or other natural hazards; and

(iv) increasing the rating under the community rating system under section 4022(b) of this title for communities in the entity;


(C) information on the availability of, and application process for, financial assistance from the entity loan fund of such entity;

(D) the criteria and methods established for the distribution of funds;

(E) the amount of financial assistance that the entity anticipates apportioning;

(F) the expected terms of the assistance provided from the entity loan fund; and

(G) a description of the financial status of the entity loan fund, including short-term and long-term goals for the fund.

(h) Audits, reports, publications, and oversight

(1) Biennial entity audit and report

Beginning not later than the last day of the second fiscal year after the receipt of payments under this section, and biennially thereafter, any participating entity shall—

(A) conduct an audit of the entity loan fund established under subsection (c); and

(B) provide to the Administrator a report including—

(i) the result of any such audit; and

(ii) a review of the effectiveness of the entity loan fund of the entity with respect to meeting the goals and intended benefits described in the intended use plan submitted by the entity under subsection (g).

(2) Publication

A participating entity shall publish and periodically update information about all projects receiving funding from the entity loan fund of such entity, including—

(A) the location of the project;

(B) the type and amount of assistance provided from the entity loan fund;

(C) the expected funding schedule; and

(D) the anticipated date of completion of the project.

(3) Oversight

(A) In general

The Administrator shall, at least every 4 years, conduct reviews and audits as may be determined necessary or appropriate by the Administrator to carry out the objectives of this section and determine the effectiveness of the fund in reducing natural hazard risk.

(B) GAO requirements

A participating entity shall conduct audits under paragraph (1) in accordance with the auditing procedures of the Government Accountability Office, including generally accepted government auditing standards.

(C) Recommendations by Administrator

The Administrator may at any time make recommendations for or require specific changes to an entity loan fund in order to improve the effectiveness of the fund.

(i) Regulations or guidance

The Administrator shall issue such regulations or guidance as are necessary to—

(1) ensure that each participating entity uses funds as efficiently as possible;

(2) reduce waste, fraud, and abuse to the maximum extent possible; and

(3) require any party that receives funds directly or indirectly under this section, including a participating entity and a recipient of amounts from an entity loan fund, to use procedures with respect to the management of the funds that conform to generally accepted accounting standards.

(j) Waiver authority

Until such time as the Administrator issues final regulations to implement this section, the Administrator may—

(1) waive notice and comment rulemaking, if the Administrator determines the waiver is necessary to expeditiously implement this section; and

(2) provide capitalization grants under this section as a pilot program.

(k) Liability protections

The Agency shall not be liable for any claim based on the exercise or performance of, or the failure to exercise or perform, a discretionary function or duty by the Agency, or an employee of the Agency in carrying out this section.

(l) GAO report

Not later than 1 year after the date on which the first entity loan fund is established under subsection (c), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that examines—

(1) the appropriateness of regulations and guidance issued by the Administrator for the program, including any oversight of the program;

(2) a description of the number of the entity loan funds established, the projects funded from such entity loan funds, and the extent to which projects funded by the loan funds adhere to any applicable hazard mitigation plans;

(3) the effectiveness of the entity loan funds to lower disaster related costs; and

(4) recommendations for improving the administration of entity loan funds.

(m) Definitions

In this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) Administrator

The term "Administrator" means the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(2) Agency

The term "Agency" means the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(3) Eligible entity

The term "eligible entity" means a State or an Indian tribal government that has received a major disaster declaration pursuant to section 5170 of this title.

(4) Hazard mitigation plan

The term "hazard mitigation plan" means a mitigation plan submitted under section 5165 of this title.

(5) Low-income geographic area

The term "low-income geographic area" means an area described in paragraph (1) or (2) of section 3161(a) of this title.

(6) Participating entity

The term "participating entity" means an eligible entity that has entered into an agreement under this section.

(7) Repetitive loss structure

The term "repetitive loss structure" has the meaning given the term in section 4121 of this title.

(8) Severe repetitive loss structure

The term "severe repetitive loss structure" has the meaning given the term in section 4104c(h) of this title.

(9) Wildland-urban interface

The term "wildland-urban interface" has the meaning given the term in section 6511 of title 16.

(n) Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2023 to carry out this section.

(Pub. L. 93–288, title II, §205, as added Pub. L. 116–284, §2, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4869; amended Pub. L. 117–328, div. F, title V, §540, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 4756.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, referred to in subsec. (e), is Pub. L. 91–190, Jan. 1, 1970, 83 Stat. 852, which is classified generally to chapter 55 (§4321 et seq.) of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 4321 of this title and Tables.

The Endangered Species Act of 1973, referred to in subsec. (e), is Pub. L. 93–205, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 884, which is classified principally to chapter 35 (§1531 et seq.) of Title 16, Conservation. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1531 of Title 16 and Tables.

The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, referred to in subsec. (e), probably means the National Historic Preservation Act, Pub. L. 89–665, Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 915, which was classified generally to subchapter II (§470 et seq.) of chapter 1A of Title 16, Conservation, was substantially repealed and replaced in division A (§300101 et seq.) of subtitle III of Title 54, National Park Service and Related Programs, by Pub. L. 113–287, §§3, 7, 128 Stat. 3187, 3272. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1966 Act note set out under section 100101 of Title 54, and Tables. For disposition of former sections of Title 16, see Disposition Table preceding section 100101 of Title 54.

This chapter, referred to in subsec. (f)(2), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–288, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 143. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 5121 of this title and Tables.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (d)(2)(C). Pub. L. 117–328, §540(1)(A), struck out subpar. (C) which read as follows: "capitalization grants to insular areas under paragraph (4)."

Subsec. (d)(3)(D). Pub. L. 117–328, §540(1)(B), substituted "local governments and Tribal governments" for "local governments, insular areas, and Indian tribal governments".

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 117–328, §540(1)(C), struck out par. (4), which related to insular areas.

Subsec. (m)(3). Pub. L. 117–328, §540(2)(A), added par. (3) and struck out former par. (3), which defined "eligible entity".

Subsec. (m)(5) to (11). Pub. L. 117–328, §540(2)(B)–(D), redesignated pars. (6) to (9) as (5) to (8), respectively, and par. (11) as (9), and struck out former pars. (5) and (10), which defined "insular area" and "State", respectively.

§5136. Natural hazard risk assessment

(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Community disaster resilience zone

The term "community disaster resilience zone" means a census tract designated by the President under subsection (d)(1).

(2) Eligible entity

The term "eligible entity" means—

(A) a State;

(B) an Indian tribal government; or

(C) a local government.

(b) Products

The President shall continue to maintain a natural hazard assessment program that develops and maintains products that—

(1) are available to the public; and

(2) define natural hazard risk across the United States.

(c) Features

The products maintained under subsection (b) shall, for lands within States and areas under the jurisdiction of Indian tribal governments—

(1) show the risk of natural hazards; and

(2) include ratings and data for—

(A) loss exposure, including population equivalence, buildings, and agriculture;

(B) social vulnerability;

(C) community resilience; and

(D) any other element determined by the President.

(d) Community disaster resilience zones designation

(1) In general

Not later than 30 days after the date on which the President makes the update and enhancement required under subsection (e)(4), and not less frequently than every 5 years thereafter, the President shall identify and designate community disaster resilience zones, which shall be—

(A) the 50 census tracts assigned the highest individual hazard risk ratings; and

(B) subject to paragraph (3), in each State, not less than 1 percent of census tracts that are assigned high individual risk ratings.

(2) Risk ratings

In carrying out paragraph (1), the President shall use census tract risk ratings derived from a product maintained under subsection (b) that—

(A) reflect—

(i) high levels of individual hazard risk ratings based on an assessment of the intersection of—

(I) loss to population equivalence;

(II) building value; and

(III) agriculture value;


(ii) high social vulnerability ratings and low community resilience ratings; and

(iii) any other elements determined by the President; and


(B) reflect the principal natural hazard risks identified for the respective census tracts.

(3) Geographic balance

In identifying and designating the community disaster resilience zones described in paragraph (1)(B)—

(A) for the purpose of achieving geographic balance, when applicable, the President shall consider making designations in coastal, inland, urban, suburban, and rural areas; and

(B) the President shall include census tracts on Tribal lands located within a State.

(4) Duration

The designation of a community disaster resilience zone under paragraph (1) shall be effective for a period of not less than 5 years.

(e) Review and update

Not later than 180 days after December 20, 2022, and not less frequently than every 5 years thereafter, the President shall—

(1) with respect to any product that is a natural hazard risk assessment—

(A) review the underlying methodology of the product; and

(B) receive public input on the methodology and data used for the product;


(2) consider including additional data in any product that is a natural hazard risk assessment, such as—

(A) the most recent census tract data;

(B) data from the American Community Survey of the Bureau of the Census, a successor survey, a similar survey, or another data source, including data by census tract on housing characteristics and income;

(C) information relating to development, improvements, and hazard mitigation measures;

(D) data that assesses past and future loss exposure, including analysis on the effects of a changing climate on future loss exposure;

(E) data from the Resilience Analysis and Planning Tool of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and

(F) other information relevant to prioritizing areas that have—

(i) high risk levels of—

(I) natural hazard loss exposure, including population equivalence, buildings, infrastructure, and agriculture; and

(II) social vulnerability; and


(ii) low levels of community resilience;


(3) make publicly available any changes in methodology or data used to inform an update to a product maintained under subsection (b); and

(4) update and enhance the products maintained under subsection (b), as necessary.

(f) Natural hazard risk assessment insights

In determining additional data to include in products that are natural hazard risk assessments under subsection (e)(2), the President shall consult with, at a minimum—

(1) the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency;

(2) the Secretary of Agriculture and the Chief of the Forest Service;

(3) the Secretary of Commerce, the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Director of the Bureau of the Census, and the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology;

(4) the Secretary of Defense and the Commanding Officer of the United States Army Corps of Engineers;

(5) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency;

(6) the Secretary of the Interior and the Director of the United States Geological Survey;

(7) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; and

(8) the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

(g) Community disaster resilience zone

With respect to financial assistance provided under section 5133(i) of this title to perform a resilience or mitigation project within, or that primarily benefits, a community disaster resilience zone, the President may increase the amount of the Federal share described under section 5133(h) of this title to not more than 90 percent of the total cost of the resilience or mitigation project.

(h) Resilience or mitigation project planning assistance

(1) In general

The President may provide financial, technical, or other assistance under this subchapter to an eligible entity that plans to perform a resilience or mitigation project within, or that primarily benefits, a community disaster resilience zone.

(2) Purpose

The purpose of assistance provided under paragraph (1) shall be to carry out activities in preparation for a resilience or mitigation project or seek an evaluation and certification under subsection (i)(2) for a resilience or mitigation project before the date on which permanent work of the resilience or mitigation project begins.

(3) Application

If required by the President, an eligible entity seeking assistance under paragraph (1) shall submit an application in accordance with subsection (i)(1).

(4) Funding

In providing assistance under paragraph (1), the President may use amounts set aside under section 5133(i) of this title.

(i) Community disaster resilience zone project applications

(1) In general

If required by the President or other Federal law, an eligible entity shall submit to the President an application at such time, in such manner, and containing or accompanied by such information as the President may reasonably require.

(2) Evaluation and certification

(A) In general

Not later than 120 days after the date on which an eligible entity submits an application under paragraph (1), the President shall evaluate the application to determine whether the resilience or mitigation project that the entity plans to perform within, or that primarily benefits, a community disaster resilience zone—

(i) is designed to reduce injuries, loss of life, and damage and destruction of property, such as damage to critical services and facilities; and

(ii) substantially reduces the risk of, or increases resilience to, future damage, hardship, loss, or suffering.

(B) Certification

If the President determines that an application submitted under paragraph (1) meets the criteria described in subparagraph (A), the President shall certify the proposed resilience or mitigation project.

(C) Effect of certification

The certification of a proposed resilience or mitigation project under subparagraph (B) shall not be construed to exempt the resilience or mitigation project from the requirements of any other law.

(3) Projects causing displacement

With respect to a resilience or mitigation project certified under paragraph (2)(B) that involves the displacement of a resident from any occupied housing unit, the entity performing the resilience or mitigation project shall—

(A) provide, at the option of the resident, a suitable and habitable housing unit that is, with respect to the housing unit from which the resident is displaced—

(i) of a comparable size;

(ii) located in the same local community or a community with reduced hazard risk; and

(iii) offered under similar costs, conditions, and terms;


(B) ensure that property acquisitions resulting from the displacement and made in connection with the resilience or mitigation project—

(i) are deed restricted in perpetuity to preclude future property uses not relating to mitigation or resilience; and

(ii) are the result of a voluntary decision by the resident; and


(C) plan for robust public participation in the resilience or mitigation project.

(Pub. L. 93–288, title II, §206, as added Pub. L. 117–255, §3(a), Dec. 20, 2022, 136 Stat. 2363.)


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 117–255, §3(c), Dec. 20, 2022, 136 Stat. 2367, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [enacting this section and amending section 5121 of this title] shall only apply with respect to amounts appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2022]."

National Risk Index Funding

Pub. L. 117–255, §3(b), Dec. 20, 2022, 136 Stat. 2367, provided that: "Nothing in section 206 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act [42 U.S.C. 5136], as added by subsection (a) of this section, shall be construed to prohibit the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency from using amounts available to maintain and update the National Risk Index until the earlier of—

"(1) the date on which those amounts are transferred to another source; and

"(2) 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2022]."

§5136a. Assistance and training for communities with technological hazards and related emerging threats

(a) In general

The Administrator shall maintain the capacity to provide States, local, and Indian Tribal governments with technological hazards and related emerging threats technical assistance, training, and other preparedness programming to build community resilience to technological hazards and related emerging threats.

(b) Authorities

The Administrator shall carry out subsection (a) in accordance with—

(1) the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.);

(2) section 5196g of this title; and

(3) the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (Public Law 109–295; 120 Stat. 1394).

(c) Assessment and notification

In carrying out subsection (a), the Administrator shall—

(1) use any available and appropriate multi-hazard risk assessment and mapping tools and capabilities to identify the communities that have the highest risk of and vulnerability to a technological hazard in each State; and

(2) ensure each State and Indian Tribal government is aware of—

(A) the communities identified under paragraph (1); and

(B) the availability of programming under this section for—

(i) technological hazards and related emerging threats preparedness; and

(ii) building community capability.

(d) Report

Not later than 1 year after December 23, 2022, and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report relating to—

(1) actions taken to implement this section; and

(2) technological hazards and related emerging threats preparedness programming provided under this section during the 1-year period preceding the date of submission of the report.

(e) Consultation

The Secretary of Homeland Security may seek continuing input relating to technological hazards and related emerging threats preparedness needs by consulting State, Tribal, territorial, and local emergency services organizations and private sector stakeholders.

(f) Coordination

The Secretary of Homeland Security shall coordinate with the Secretary of Energy relating to technological hazard preparedness and training for a hazard that could result from activities or facilities authorized or licensed by the Department of Energy.

(g) Non-duplication of effort

In carrying out activities under subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure that such activities do not unnecessarily duplicate efforts of other Federal departments or agencies, including programs within the Department of Health and Human Services.

(Pub. L. 117–263, div. G, title LXXIII, §7313, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3689.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(1), is Pub. L. 93–288, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 143, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 5121 of this title and Tables.

The Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), is title VI of Pub. L. 109–295, Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1394. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 701 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and Tables.

Codification

Section was enacted as part of the Technological Hazards Preparedness and Training Act of 2022 and as part of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, and not as part of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act which comprises this chapter.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Savings Provision

Pub. L. 117–263, div. G, title LXXIII, §7315, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3691, provided that: "Nothing in this subtitle [subtitle B (§§7311–7315) of title LXXIII of div. G of Pub. L. 117–263, see Short Title of 2022 Amendment note set out under section 5121 of this title] shall diminish or divert resources from—

"(1) the full completion of federally-led chemical surety material storage missions or chemical demilitarization missions that are underway as of the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022]; or

"(2) any transitional activities or other community assistance incidental to the completion of the missions described in paragraph (1)."

Definitions

Pub. L. 117–263, div. G, title LXXIII, §7312, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3689, provided that: "In this subtitle [subtitle B (§§7311–7315) of title LXXIII of div. G of Pub. L. 117–263, see Short Title of 2022 Amendment note set out under section 5121 of this title]:

"(1) Administrator.—The term 'Administrator' means the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

"(2) Indian tribal government.—The term 'Indian Tribal government' has the meaning given the term 'Indian tribal government' in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122).

"(3) Local government; state.—The terms 'local government' and 'State' have the meanings given such terms in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122).

"(4) Technological hazard and related emerging threat.—The term 'technological hazard and related emerging threat'—

"(A) means a hazard that involves materials created by humans that pose a unique hazard to the general public and environment and which may result from—

"(i) an accident;

"(ii) an emergency caused by another hazard; or

"(iii) intentional use of the hazardous materials; and

"(B) includes a chemical, radiological, biological, and nuclear hazard."