NACo urges Congress to address Disaster Relief Fund shortfalls
On August 7, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) had become depleted, forcing the agency to transition to Immediate Needs Funding (INF) and halting more than $6.1 billion in recovery activities across the country. The DRF is a critical source of funding for disaster response and recovery efforts. Recent funding gaps have placed undue strain on state and local governments, hindering long-term recovery projects.
By: Brett Mattson, legislative director - justice & public safety for gulf states counties & parishes caucus and Naomi Freel, legislative assistant
National Association of Counties
On August 7, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced that the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) had become depleted, forcing the agency to transition to Immediate Needs Funding (INF) and halting more than $6.1 billion in recovery activities across the country. The DRF is a critical source of funding for disaster response and recovery efforts. Recent funding gaps have placed undue strain on state and local governments, hindering long-term recovery projects.
NACo requests additional funding
On September 11, the National Association of Counties (NACo) submitted a letter to Congress requesting immediate action to address shortfalls in the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF). Specifically, NACo advocates for:
- Replenishing the DRF: NACo urges Congress to address the current shortfall by replenishing the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) through the Continuing Resolution (CR) under negotiation.
- Providing Additional Funding: Congress is requested to include an additional $10 billion in disaster relief to support ongoing recovery efforts and prevent future funding gaps.
- Backfilling INF Projects: The letter calls for Congress to backfill the $6.1 billion in projects halted due to the transition to Immediate Needs Funding (INF) and ensure these funds are available.
- Preventing Future INF Use: NACo asks Congress to include provisions to avoid the need for INF next year, ensuring more stable and predictable funding for disaster recovery.
Read more here.
