Panel OKs expansion, more funds for 'predisaster' grants
According to FEMA, the program has distributed $500 million in grants for nearly 1,500 projects.
A Senate panel Wednesday passed a bill reauthorizing a predisaster mitigation grant program while amending the measure to allow sharply increased funding and assuring that efforts to prevent damage from floods like those crippling parts of the Midwest can receive program grants.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee easily approved the bill and the two amendments offered by Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., on voice votes.
First included as part of the Stafford Act reauthorization of 2003, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program gives grants to local governments for infrastructure improvements aimed at reducing the impacts of natural disasters.
According to FEMA, the program has distributed $500 million in grants for nearly 1,500 projects. It expires in September without reauthorization. A Congressional Budget Office study concluded the program, which funds state and local efforts like strengthening buildings to better withstand earthquakes, saves $3 in averted repair costs for each dollar spent.
Pryor, who with other members from Arkansas is seeking federal flood relief funds for the state, said FEMA has incorrectly barred flood control efforts like levee repairs and construction from receiving program funds. The committee adopted an amendment offered by the senator that he said clarifies that levee work is eligible for funds. The amendment would let states use up to 25 percent of grants received through the program for flood control.
A second Pryor amendment would boost authorized funding for the program from $150 million this year to $210 million in fiscal 2009, followed by annual $10 million increases through fiscal 2013, when authorized funds would reach $250 million. That differs from a pending House reauthorization bill that would allow funding to reach $250 million in fiscal 2009, Pryor said. The House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee recently boosted funding for the program in fiscal 2009. The Senate committee approved that amendment despite opposition from Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., and concern from Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee ranking member Susan Collins, R-Maine. "I really did think that [Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn.] and I came up with a fiscally responsible bill, but given that we have now amended the bill to include levees ... I will support it," Collins said.
Debate over program's funding is likely as the bill heads to the floor. Coburn signaled he would hold up the measure over funding. Winning a vote could prove "interesting, if you catch my drift," Coburn told Pryor. Committee members said they expect conflict with the House and appropriators over a provision in the bill that restricts earmarking of program grant money. Meanwhile Wednesday, Citizens Against Government Waste released an analysis estimating the House fiscal 2009 Homeland Security Spending bill contains earmarks containing $25 million in predisaster funds for 51 projects in 26 states. Coburn said he hoped Lieberman "can get some super glue" so the provision survives in conference.