No CRS summary available for this bill.
This section revises the predisaster hazard mitigation program under section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (i.e., provides technical and financial assistance for cost-effective measures to reduce injuries, loss of life, property damage, and critical infrastructure losses prior to disasters). (1) It eliminates direct assistance to local governments, limits assistance to States and Indian tribal governments, and replaces competitive grants with formula-based allocations (33% equally among eligible States, 33% proportional to State population per latest census, and 33% proportional to State vulnerability to natural hazards in critical infrastructure). (2) It requires Governors to recommend projects (instead of at least five local governments), limits State use of funds to recommended projects unless the President approves others under extraordinary circumstances, and bars formula allocations to States whose Governors submit no recommendations. (3) It directs States to suballocate at least 50% of funds to local governments for recommended projects and the remainder to program activities; ensures Indian tribal governments receive at least $75 million; and provides that funding under this program does not affect eligibility for post-disaster hazard mitigation assistance under section 404 (and vice versa). (4) It makes conforming changes to eliminate prior criteria for assistance, State recommendations, and competitive selection.