S.374 - Direct Property Acquisitions Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.374, the Direct Property Acquisitions Act, aims to establish a pilot program allowing certain local governments ('covered communities') to directly apply to FEMA for hazard mitigation assistance related to property acquisition and structure demolition or relocation. The bill prioritizes communities that can meet federal and state requirements with limited state assistance and have received positive feedback from their respective states. The program is designed to expedite the process of acquiring properties in hazard-prone areas and mitigating risks associated with inclement weather.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would likely result in a more streamlined process for property acquisition in areas vulnerable to natural disasters. This could lead to quicker relocation of residents from high-risk zones and reduced damage from future events. The pilot program's results will inform whether the direct application process should be made permanent, ended, or extended.
Potential Benefits
- Expedited property acquisition process in hazard-prone areas.
- Reduced bureaucracy for local governments meeting specific criteria.
- Improved hazard mitigation and community resilience.
- Potential for cost savings through more efficient project management.
- Data collection and evaluation to inform future policy decisions.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for inconsistent application of criteria across different FEMA regions.
- Risk of overlooking communities in need that don't meet the specific requirements.
- Increased burden on FEMA to manage direct applications from local governments.
- Possible strain on federal resources if the program is expanded without adequate funding.
- Limited participation, with only a few local governments selected from each FEMA region.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). It enables the government to provide for the safety and well-being of its citizens by mitigating the risks associated with natural disasters. The establishment of a pilot program and the allocation of funds are within the powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8, which allows Congress to collect taxes and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).