Repeatedly Flooded Communities Preparation Act

Rules for repeatedly flooded communities

This bill would create rules for communities that take part in the federal flood insurance program and have lots of repeat flood damage. A community would be covered if it has at least 50 buildings with repeated claims (each with 2 claims in any 10-year period and more than $1,000 paid), or 5 severe repetitive-loss buildings without required mitigation, or a public or nonprofit facility that got federal disaster repair help for more than one flood in the last 10 years. If a community is covered, FEMA would have to make rules that make the community identify repeatedly damaged areas, get FEMA help to assess risk, write a local mitigation plan, update and implement that plan, and share progress publicly (subject to privacy law). FEMA could give addresses and claim dates on request to help make plans. FEMA would also report to Congress on progress (first report within 6 years, then at least every 2 years). FEMA must write the implementing rules within one year of enactment. If a covered community does not comply or does not make enough progress, FEMA could impose penalties such as probation or suspension from the flood insurance program, but it must give notice and recommendations first. FEMA could also consider a community's compliance when deciding mitigation grants.