American Flood Coalition Recognizes Representative Nick LaLota as a Federal Champion

American Flood Coalition

American Flood Coalition Recognizes Representative Nick LaLota as a Federal Champion

As Long Island faces stronger storms and rising sea levels, Rep. LaLota commits to leading on smart, proactive flood solutions.

WASHINGTON, DC — September 12 , 2024 — The American Flood Coalition (AFC) today recognized Representative Nick LaLota (R-NY) as a Federal Champion for his leadership, public service, and commitment to finding solutions to challenges posed by flooding. 

As a lifelong Long Islander, I know firsthand the devastating impact flooding can have on our communities, as we’ve recently seen across Suffolk County… While recovery efforts are underway, there is still a long journey ahead, and I am fully committed to leading the fight in Congress to ensure our neighborhoods are better prepared and protected against future flooding,” said Rep. LaLota. “That’s why I’m proud to have introduced the Increased Cost of Compliance Modernization Act, a bipartisan bill designed to lower costs, expand coverage for homeowners in high-risk flood zones, and strengthen protections against flood damage. I am honored to be named a Federal Champion by the American Flood Coalition and will continue working alongside them to help safeguard communities throughout Suffolk County from the growing threat of flooding.

Rep. LaLota joins 49 bipartisan AFC Federal Champions, those members of Congress dedicated to advancing solutions to stronger storms, more frequent flooding, and higher seas. Rep. LaLota is the fourth Federal Champion from the Empire State, joining Reps. Andrew Garbarino, Marc Molinaro, and Joseph Morelle.

“As a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and through his service in both local and county government, Rep. LaLota has embraced common sense flood solutions that protect people, property, and our military installations from flooding,” said Melissa Roberts, Executive Director of the American Flood Coalition. “We appreciate his leadership on flooding and look forward to continuing to work with him as a Federal Champion.”

Rep. LaLota represents New York’s first congressional district, spanning Suffolk County and eastern Long Island. The region experiences regular impacts from flooding and saw significant flooding and related destruction from Hurricane Sandy, one of the most catastrophic storms in U.S. history. 

In the 118th Congress, Rep. LaLota has led bipartisan efforts to help homeowners more effectively reduce flood risk through reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program.

About the American Flood Coalition

The American Flood Coalition is a nonpartisan group that brings together cities, elected officials, military leaders, businesses, and civic groups to drive adaptation to higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding. The Coalition advances solutions that support flood-affected communities and protect our nation’s residents, economy, and military installations. AFC has over 430 members across 23 states, as well as 50 Federal Champions. For more on the organization’s work or how to become a member, visit floodcoalition.org.

About Federal Champions

The American Flood Coalition is an IRS Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The American Flood Coalition is not a Congressional Member Organization, 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, and Federal Champions have no membership obligations or fiduciary responsibilities with respect to the American Flood Coalition. 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.

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Disaster declaration
A Presidential Disaster Declaration unlocks a suite of federal programs that assist local governments with disaster recovery. This is a good filter for communities included in recent Disaster Declarations related to flooding.
Nature-based solutions
The program has a strong focus on providing assistance to promote a healthy ecosystem as a critical defense against flooding impacts. Eligible activities may include floodplain restoration, environmental stewardship, projects that use natural features to mitigate erosion, and living shorelines.
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Planning
The gathering of data and information regarding the extent and impacts of flooding. Eligible activities may include data acquisition, risk assessment, and environmental analysis.
Design & scoping
Covers pre-construction activities, such as defining project scope, developing technical designs, and securing funding to prepare for implementation.
Construction & implementation
Involves carrying out flood resilience projects, including building infrastructure and deploying solutions to reduce flood risks.

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A monetary award that does not need to be repaid. Many federal grants are reimbursable, meaning recipients must cover project costs upfront and then request reimbursement from the government.
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Small or rural communities
Programs that set aside funding, offer loan forgiveness, or adjust cost share requirements for communities with smaller populations.
Small or low-cost projects
Programs that offer reduced requirements for smaller projects, such as waived cost-sharing or exemptions from benefit-cost analysis.
Regional or watershed focus
Programs that support projects that take a watershed management approach or address flooding at a regional scale, requiring coordination beyond a single town or community.
Tribal communities
Programs that dedicate resources or adjust cost share requirements specifically for tribal governments or organizations.