Reforming Disaster Recovery Act of 2019
Bill Summary: The Reforming Disaster Recovery Act of 2019 would permanently authorize the CDBG-DR program as well as address concerns that have been raised about the administration of the program.27 Among other requirements, the discussion draft would mandate that:
(1) HUD disburse one-third of CDBG-DR funds within 60 days and the other two-thirds within 180 days of a Congressional appropriation;
(2) HUD, FEMA, and the Small Business Administration (SBA) work together to better improve data sharing and to reduce duplication of benefits between agencies; and
(3) any CDBG-DR-funded new construction, repair, or rehabilitation utilize minimum federal standards for flood risk mitigation and storm water protection.
Additionally, the discussion draft would allow cities and counties with well-developed disaster relief resources to become pre-certified to receive funding more quickly.
Research Resource:
United States House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services.
Subject: March 26, 2019, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing entitled The Administration of Disaster Recovery Funds in the Wake of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria