Defense Access Roads amendment signed into law
The President signed the National Defense Authorization Act and Defense Access Roads amendment into law today
| This article was originally published under our former name, the Seawall Coalition, which is now the American Flood Coalition. Click here to learn more. |
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 13 August 2018) In the swiftest passage in over 40 years, the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) sailed through Congress with bipartisan support and was signed and officially codified into law.
The FY19 NDAA authorizes a nearly $717 billion national defense budget that strengthens the U.S. military size, readiness, and lethality, encourages strategic alliances and partnerships, and stokes the flames of innovation.
Included in the bill is Section 2865, Representative Scott Taylor’s amendment to the Defense Access Roads (DAR) program that authorizes program funds to be utilized by military installations to conduct construction and maintenance on highways affected by sea level rise and recurrent flooding.
Reports such as the Department of Defense’s Screening Level Vulnerability Assessment Survey (SLVAS, Report) which indicated 931 military installations were impacted by flood and storm surge events, demonstrate a strong need for national solutions. Only by responding to these needs with strong legislation will we create a national framework of resilient and adaptable communities.
“The Coalition applauds the inclusion of this critical piece of legislation. We are encouraged to see the strong support and growing momentum for addressing sea level rise and flooding issues nationally,” said Melissa Roberts, Director of the Seawall Coalition.
“Government’s fundamental function is providing for the common defense of our nation. This bill helps rebuild our military, gives our troops much-needed pay raises, and reduces unneeded Pentagon bureaucracy. I am also honored to have my amendment included in this year’s NDAA because it addresses the growing issue of sea level rise that threatens to disrupt coastal military installations across my district and the country,” said Congressman Scott Taylor.
