Jeff Denham: “The Disaster Recovery Reform Act builds on important emergency management reforms that the Transportation and…”

“The Disaster Recovery Reform Act builds on important emergency management reforms that the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee produced in the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act. Representing a neighboring district to the California wildfires last year, I have seen firsthand how these reforms streamline disaster assistance to survivors. California was able to utilize those reforms like alternative procedures for debris removal, updated individual assistance, declaration factors, changes to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, and many others. But there is still work to be done, and Congress recognized that by passing legislation that I authored in the SMART Rebuilding Act, to provide Federal cost share incentives to States. These measures encourage mitigation by establishing a National Public Infrastructure Pre-Disaster Mitigation Fund, and allow implementation of design codes as an eligible cost for FEMA's Public Assistance Program. I want to clarify that the nationally recognizable design codes in this legislation are intended to include State and local participation and recognize the unique threats that our diverse country faces. Another area which can be improved in California is the issue of inverse condemnation. This is a dangerous precedent which is threatening the ability of public and private utilities to survive in California. Every dollar invested in mitigation results in $4 in cost savings. I support H.R. 4 and urge its passage. Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr.…”