26 October 2021

TODAY: Butte County, CA to Testify on FEMA Assistance for Communities Facing Wildfires

Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Butte County, CA, Casey Hatcher, will testify on the effectiveness of FEMA assistance to communities facing wildfires to the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Butte County, CA, Casey Hatcher, will testify before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on the effectiveness of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance to communities facing wildfires.

“Wildfires throughout the Western US threaten millions of lives, and they are only getting worse,” said Kristi More, The Ferguson Group (TFG) Managing Partner of Strategic Development.  “Butte County, CA is no stranger to the immense challenges local governments face to protect their communities from disastrous wildfires, as well as other natural disasters like drought and flood. We’ve worked with them for years to find solutions at the federal level to respond and mitigate the catastrophic impacts of wildfires. This hearing is an opportunity for Congress to learn from local leaders firsthand how to best implement FEMA programs and protect communities from fires.”

Butte County, CA, has been at the epicenter of dozens of devastating wildfires that have gained national attention, including the 2020 North Complex Fire and the 2018 Camp Fire, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California's history. TFG has worked closely with Butte County, CA for decades to support their disaster response efforts at the federal level.

View more information on the hearing here.

Who:      Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Butte County, CA, Casey Hatcher

What:     “Are FEMA’s Assistance Programs Adequately Designed to Assist Communities Before, During, and After Wildfire” Hearing

When:   Tuesday, October 26th at 10:00 AM Eastern

Where:  U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

Tune in: https://transportation.house.gov/committee-activity/hearings/are-femas-assistance-programs-adequately-designed-to-assist-communities-before-during-and-after-wildfire

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Overview

The Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) serves as the primary vehicle through which Congress authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects and establishes policy frameworks for water resource development nationwide. Enacted on a biennial schedule, WRDAs provide congressional authorization for USACE to conduct feasibility studies, construct flood risk reduction projects, improve navigation infrastructure, restore aquatic ecosystems, and assist with environmental infrastructure development.
Since the enactment of WRDA 1986, Congress has used these omnibus authorization bills to both create new USACE authorities and refine existing programs based on evolving national priorities and lessons learned from program implementation. Recent WRDAs have addressed critical issues including drought resilience, water supply development, infrastructure modernization, and support for economically disadvantaged communities.
The most recent legislation, the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA 2024, P.L. 118-272), continued Congress's bipartisan commitment to strengthening America's water infrastructure by authorizing new construction projects, modifying existing authorities, and establishing updated policy guidance for USACE operations. WRDA 2024 also authorized five new regional environmental infrastructure programs, each incorporating flexible delivery mechanisms that allow federal assistance to be provided through grants or reimbursements to nonfederal sponsors.
Authorization through WRDA is typically a prerequisite for USACE activities to receive federal appropriations through the annual Energy and Water Development appropriations process. This two-step framework—authorization followed by appropriation—ensures congressional oversight of both program scope and funding levels.
Section 219 of WRDA 1992, as amended, represents one of USACE's most geographically expansive environmental infrastructure assistance authorities. Originally enacted to authorize design assistance for 18 specific projects, Section 219 has been amended by subsequent Congresses to authorize both design and construction assistance for water-related environmental infrastructure in hundreds of municipalities, counties, and states across the nation.
The Congressional Research Service has identified over 600 environmental infrastructure assistance authorities with cumulative authorizations of appropriations totaling approximately $18.1 billion. Section 219 authorities constitute the majority of these geographically specific project authorizations, covering at least 46 states, the District of Columbia, and four U.S. territories.
Section 219 projects address critical community needs including wastewater treatment facilities, water supply and distribution systems, stormwater management infrastructure, surface water protection, and environmental restoration. These projects support public health, environmental quality, and economic development in communities that have secured congressional authorization for USACE assistance.
Congress has continued to expand Section 219 in recent legislation. WRDA 2022 added 132 new Section 219 authorities and amended 24 existing authorities. WRDA 2024 authorized an additional 193 new Section 219 authorities and amended 53 existing authorities, providing a combined $5.4 billion increase in authorization of appropriations. WRDA 2024 also established a seven-year pilot program to increase the federal cost share from 75 percent to 90 percent for Section 219 projects benefiting economically disadvantaged communities.
Unlike traditional USACE water resource projects, Section 219 assistance does not require completion of the agency's standard feasibility study process. However, projects receiving Section 219 assistance must comply with applicable federal environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act.
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