Key facts
- Reps. Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.) and William Timmons (R-S.C.) introduced the "Ounce of Prevention Act."
- The bill would expand eligible uses of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to include pre-disaster mitigation projects.
- The legislation aims to streamline federal rules that can slow approval of proactive resilience projects.
- Supporters estimate that every $1 spent on mitigation can save roughly $13 in post-disaster costs.
A bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives aims to shift federal disaster funding towards prevention and mitigation efforts. The "Ounce of Prevention Act," sponsored by Representatives Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.) and William Timmons (R-S.C.), would allow local governments to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for pre-disaster projects, such as hardening infrastructure against storms and wildfires.
Currently, CDBG funds are primarily used for community development and post-disaster recovery, with Congress often approving supplemental aid after major disasters. Since 2020, approximately $22 billion has been appropriated for disaster recovery through this program. The proposed legislation seeks to provide greater flexibility to states and local governments, enabling them to invest in resilience before catastrophic events occur.
Supporters of the bill, including the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), the Council of State Community Development Agencies, and the National Association of Counties, argue that proactive investment in mitigation is more cost-effective. They cite estimates that every dollar spent on prevention can save roughly $13 in future recovery costs. The bill also aims to streamline federal processes that can delay the approval of resilience projects. Co-sponsors include Representatives Maria Salazar (R-Fla.) and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii).