HSB 625

Description

Senate File 2188 relates to financial assistance granted by the federal government for hazard mitigation. The Act states that in circumstances where Iowa Code section 29C.6 is not applicable, and federal assistance is granted under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Pub. L. No. 93-288, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 5121 et seq., or the federal National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994, Pub. L. No. 103-325, 42 U.S.C. § 4001 et seq., the State may participate in funding of the financial assistance for up to 10.0% of eligible expenses, with the local government providing a share of the local cost and the applicant providing the balance of any participation amount. State participation in funding financial assistance to a local government is contingent upon the local government having a State-approved, comprehensive emergency plan that meets the standards listed in Iowa Code section 29C.9(8).

Senate File 2188 further specifies that if financial assistance is granted by the federal government under the federal Acts listed above for State-related hazard mitigation, the State may participate in the funding of authorized financial assistance of up to 50.0% of the total expenses.

Background

Iowa Code section 29C.6 currently states that the State may authorize a 10.0% funding match for disaster mitigation assistance after a disaster has occurred and, in certain situations, a Presidential Disaster Declaration has been granted. The federal Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) increased the amount of mitigation funding available to a state prior to a disaster occurring or a Presidential Disaster Declaration being granted. Senate File 2188 amends current Iowa Code section 29C.6 to conform to federal changes under the BRIC Program.

Assumptions

• Local governments that receive a State match will have filed an approved, comprehensive emergency plan meeting the standards of Iowa Code section 29C.9(8).
• Local governments and the State will provide the required matching funds of eligible expenditures totaling 15.0% and 10.0% respectively. The remaining 75.0% of eligible expenses will be provided by federal funds.

Fiscal Impact

The Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management estimates that the State may provide a funding match totaling approximately $3.0 to $5.0 million on an annual basis. These funds will be paid from the Economic Emergency Fund as stipulated by the Performance of Duty requirements listed in Iowa Code section 7D.29 as approved by the Executive Council. As this funding may be received prior to the occurring of a disaster, it may lead to the cost-avoidance of any future disaster. Such future cost savings cannot be estimated at this time.

Sources

• Legislative Services Agency
• Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management