Disaster Assistance Block Grants – Passage

Green, D-Texas, motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended, that would permanently authorize the Housing and Urban Development Department community development block grant disaster recovery program to allow state and local governments to use CDBG funds for disaster assistance activities. It would codify certain HUD practices and establish requirements related to program administration, and it would require HUD to issue a final rule for program implementation within one year of enactment. It would also establish a Treasury Department reserve fund to provide technical assistance and capacity-building to program grantees following a disaster. Among other provisions, the bill would require HUD to coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration to share information on disaster recovery needs to avoid duplication of benefits. It would require grantees to prioritize households with the lowest incomes in allocating assistance; comply with HUD-approved procurement processes; and consult with affected residents and local stakeholders in developing a grant proposal. It would require grantees to use between 7% and 10% of funds awarded for administrative costs and at least 15% of funds awarded for expenses related to disaster mitigation planning.