FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wisconsin Wetlands Association applauds bipartisan Legislation to streamline Floodplain Restoration
MADISON, WI – May 2, 2024 – the Wisconsin Wetlands association (WWA) today expressed strong support for the introduction of federal legislation aimed at removing barriers to ecological restoration in the nation’s floodplains. the “Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act” seeks to address regulations that have unintentionally hindered beneficial restoration projects.
The legislation focuses on reducing costly permitting fees and reforming policies that have historically incentivized the maintenance of degraded conditions in areas mapped as floodplains by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Wisconsin, with its approximately 84,000 miles of rivers and streams, stands to benefit significantly from the bill’s passage.
floodplain restoration enhances the natural ability to capture and slowly release water, reduces damaging flood flows, and improves water quality, ultimately lowering flood risk, bolstering infrastructure resilience, and improving fish and wildlife habitat.
Wisconsin Congressman Bryan Steil spearheaded the effort, joining Representatives Troy Downing (MT-02), Janelle Bynum (OR-02), and marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) in introducing the bill. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
the legislation has garnered support from a diverse coalition including American Rivers, the Association of State Floodplain Managers, and stakeholders representing conservation, local government, and the insurance industry.
Congressional representatives are currently being asked to sign on as cosponsors. WWA expressed optimism that the bill will advance thru Congress and become law.
Resources:
* congressman steil Press Release: https://steil.house.gov/media/press-releases/steil-introduces-nonpartisan-legislation-to-cut-red-tape-streamline-environmental-projects
* House Introduction Press Release: https://downing.house.gov/media/press-releases/downing-bill-right-sizes-regulation-american-conservation
* Senate Introduction Press Release: https://www.murray.senate.gov/murray-daines-introduce-bill-to-cut-red-tape-create-simplified-pathway-for-ecosystem-restoration-in-regulated-floodplains/
