Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act

This bill changes federal flood insurance law to address ecosystem restoration projects, which are projects meant to restore or improve natural functions of waterways, wetlands, or floodplains. It would exempt people requesting a change to a flood insurance rate map based on such a project from paying review or processing fees. It would let local communities allow these projects in regulatory floodways even if they raise base flood levels, as long as an engineer finds the rise is no more than 1 foot, no insurable buildings or critical infrastructure would be harmed, and the community sends an analysis to FEMA within 180 days after the project is done. FEMA would have to issue guidance on these rules within 180 days after the law takes effect, after consulting federal and state natural resource agencies.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Troy Downing Republican sponsor
• 8 cosponsors