American Flood Coalition Celebrates Final Passage of the FLOODS and PRECIP Acts
WASHINGTON, DC — December 16 2022 — The American Flood Coalition (AFC) is pleased to celebrate the passage of two of our top priorities, the Providing Research and Estimates of Changes In Precipitation (PRECIP) Act and the Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support (FLOODS) Act. Together, these laws will modernize and enhance federal rainfall data, a key issue for which AFC has been advocating on behalf of its members across the country.
“As we’ve seen from devastating rainfall events in recent months across the U.S., much of our existing infrastructure is not equipped to meet these challenges. Precipitation data are among the most overlooked and highest reward opportunities to ensure our cities and towns are built for a future of more frequent and intense rainfall,” said Melissa Roberts, Executive Director, American Flood Coalition. “With more accurate, forward-looking data, the federal government can support effective, resilient infrastructure that better protects communities — including those among AFC’s 330-plus members across 21 states — on the front lines of flooding.”
AFC commends Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), for their bipartisan leadership that paved the way for these bills’ enactment. We also applaud bipartisan leaders of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for their steadfast support of these important measures.
Specifically, the PRECIP and FLOODS Acts will equip the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) with resources and tools to complete and maintain precipitation studies for all regions of the United States. The laws will support NOAA’s critical work to monitor, forecast, and communicate about floods and hurricanes, and will further the agency’s use of forward-looking, timely data to inform state and local planning.
“By providing better rainfall data, the laws will help communities make smart investments in flood-resilient infrastructure in the face of stronger storms and more frequent flooding,” said Matt Rowland, Policy Director, American Flood Coalition. “We thank the House and Senate for passing these bills and President Biden for signing them into law.”
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About the American Flood Coalition
The American Flood Coalition is a nonpartisan group of cities, elected officials, military leaders, businesses, and civic groups that have come together to drive adaptation to the reality of higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding through national solutions that support flood-affected communities and protect our nation’s residents, economy, and military installations. The Coalition has over 330 members across 21 states, and has recognized 33 Federal Champions from 15 states.
Cities, towns, elected officials, businesses, and local leaders wishing to join the American Flood Coalition or read more about the organization’s work can visit the Coalition’s website (www.floodcoalition.org) to find out more.
The American Flood Coalition is an IRS Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The American Flood Coalition is not a Congressional Membership Organization and nothing on this website shall be read to imply official sponsorship by either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate or any of their respective Members. Federal Champion is an honorary title awarded by the American Flood Coalition to recognize Members of Congress who have come together to drive adaptation to the reality of higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding.
