Bill Overview
Title: Repeatedly Flooded Communities Planning Assistance Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program to develop a plan for mitigating flood risks to repeatedly damaged areas. The Federal Emergency Management Agency may provide assistance to these communities in the form of information sharing, financial assistance, and technical assistance.
Sponsors: Rep. Blumenauer, Earl [D-OR-3]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals living in flood-prone communities worldwide
Estimated Size: 25000000
- The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) provides insurance to communities that are prone to flooding, so the bill will impact communities already participating in NFIP.
- To participate in NFIP, communities must meet specific floodplain management requirements, which often apply to areas with considerable flood risk.
- Globally, floods are a common natural disaster, affecting hundreds of millions of people annually; however, NFIP is specific to the United States.
- The FEMA assistance component is targeted at facilitating local communities in the United States, pointing to the domestic scope.
Reasoning
- The policy targets communities that are repeatedly flooded and already part of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). These communities have been identified through historical flood damage data and floodplain management requirements.
- The budget constraints indicate that not all flood-prone areas can be assisted at once, meaning that some communities will see immediate benefits while others may take more time to see an impact.
- The wellbeing scores will likely improve in communities that receive immediate assistance, as reduction in flood risk leads to less property damage and improved living conditions.
- The impact on individuals will vary depending on their occupation, property ownership status, and historical exposure to flood risk.
- Because the policy involves planning and assistance, long-term benefits are expected through community resilience and preparedness, albeit with a delayed onset in some areas.
Simulated Interviews
Electrical Engineer (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am hopeful this policy will bring some relief to our community.
- Flooding has been a persistent issue causing repeated renovations and financial strain.
- Technical assistance could be the biggest help as it would improve local planning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Retired School Teacher (Miami, FL)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I doubt the policy will significantly alter my situation.
- I've faced multiple insurance claims; financial assistance might help, but it takes time to trickle down.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
Community Organizer (Houston, TX)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm invested in using this policy to rally community action.
- I see potential in strengthening community ties through required planning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Software Developer (Sacramento, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the policy as a solid preparatory step, but it doesn't affect me directly.
- It's important for business as my firm might be contracted for technical assistance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Restaurant Owner (Charleston, SC)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this policy reduces flooding in my area, it's invaluable for my business.
- I expect insurance premiums might finally stabilize.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Construction Worker (Biloxi, MS)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a double-edged sword; less rebuilding means less work for me personally.
- Though, stability might allow me to upskill and shift career focus.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Research Scientist (Boston, MA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy's effectiveness depends on rigorous implementation and local government cooperation.
- It's a crucial step towards sustainable urban planning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
High School Teacher (Galveston, TX)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy encourages students and the community to actively participate in mitigation strategies.
- Education is crucial for long-term change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Bed and Breakfast Owner (Cape Cod, MA)
Age: 59 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am cautiously optimistic; minimizing flood threats can help sustain my business year-round.
- Financial assistance could relieve some personal stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Retired Fisherman (Mobile, AL)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Financial aid isn’t always the answer. The real benefit comes from reducing flood risks overall.
- This policy seems like it’s a start of long-needed change.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $60000000 (Low: $50000000, High: $70000000)
Year 2: $55000000 (Low: $45000000, High: $65000000)
Year 3: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 5: $45000000 (Low: $35000000, High: $55000000)
Year 10: $40000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $50000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Estimation of the cost is highly contingent on the number of communities requiring assistance and the extent of support needed.
- Potential cost-sharing or additional contributions from states and local governments could adjust the federal cost burden.
- Evaluation of the actual flood risk and effectiveness of the mitigation plans will significantly influence savings and success.