Rep. Harris Co-Sponsors Bill that Streamlines Relief for Hurricane Sandy Victims

Press Release

Representative Andy Harris (MD-1) released the following statement about his co-sponsorship and vote in favor of The Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 (H.R. 219) a bipartisan bill which streamlines the relief effort for victims of Hurricane Sandy:

"I am committed to helping all Maryland families and small businesses who were affected by Hurricane Sandy get the relief they deserve. The Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 will make it easier for people to secure their benefits and rebuild their lives. This bill streamlines the review process for individual assistance and gives more flexibility to local governments so the rebuilding process is quicker and more cost effective. It will also ensure that future disasters will be handled in the same manner. Rebuilding the Eastern Shore will take time, but I am dedicated to seeing the process through and making sure it works for all Marylanders."

The Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 includes the following:

Streamlines Environmental Review Procedures

Expedites hazard mitigation projects by streamlining the environmental review and requires the President to establish an expedited review for environmental and historic requirements for rebuilding damage infrastructure

Allows Greater Flexibility to Reduce Rebuilding Time and Lower Costs

Gives local governments greater flexibility to consolidate or rebuild facilities by allowing FEMA to issue fixed price grants on the basis of damage estimates instead of a traditional reimbursement program -- the current FEMA process is mired in regulations that delay rebuilding for years and drive up project costs by 25 percent or more

Reduces Debris Removal Costs

Cuts debris removal costs dramatically by utilizing reforms from a successful 2006 Debris Removal Pilot program that enable operations to be conducted in a more cost‐effective manner and incentivize the completion of projects on‐time and under budget

Provides Flexibility for Less Expensive Housing Options

Allows FEMA to make limited repairs, instead of lease payments, for the purpose of providing housing when less expensive than traditional FEMA trailers -- an expired 2006 pilot program documented dramatic savings over FEMA's traditional trailer program.

Improves Dispute Resolutions to Avoid Cost Overruns

Establishes a limited dispute resolution pilot to resolve disputes over assistance to drive projects to closure and avoid cost overruns.

Reforms Individual Assistance Factors

Requires FEMA to review and update factors for individual assistance disaster declarations to make them less subjective

Ensures Tribal Communities Receive Equitable Treatment

Provides for disaster declarations for tribal communities

Recommendations for Reducing Costs of Future Disasters

Directs FEMA to submit recommendations to Congress for the development of national strategy to reduce future costs, loss of life, and injuries associated with extreme disaster events

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