FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has announced the third round of Swift Current funding, releasing $300 million through the recent Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This initiative is aimed at helping National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders across the United States enhance their resilience to flooding. The total funding for the Flood Mitigation Assistance program’s Swift Current opportunity now stands at $660 million, bolstered by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

President Biden has secured over $50 billion for climate resilience and adaptation through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. These funds are part of a broader National Climate Resilience Framework, which promotes locally tailored, community-driven climate resilience strategies. FEMA’s Swift Current initiative, though only two years old, has already had a significant impact on flood-affected communities nationwide.

“Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re able to offer another $300 million to improve resilience in recently flooded communities,” said Administrator Criswell. She encouraged states, tribes, territories, and localities to take flood threats seriously and to consider utilizing Swift Current funding to better prepare for future flooding events.

Swift Current’s Objective

Swift Current aims to expedite the allocation of Flood Mitigation Assistance funding to states, territories, the District of Columbia, and federally recognized tribal governments. This program seeks to break the cycle of damage and repair by addressing repetitively or substantially flood-damaged properties. Unlike the annual Flood Mitigation Assistance grant cycle, Swift Current provides resiliency funds following a major disaster declaration due to a flood-related event, with the goal of reducing future flood risks.

Eligible projects for this funding include property acquisition and demolition, elevation, and relocation. To qualify, buildings must be insured through the NFIP and have a history of repetitive or substantial flood damage. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law allocates $3.5 billion for Flood Mitigation Assistance grants over five years, extending through fiscal year 2026. This funding is designed to help communities mitigate flood damage and comply with local requirements.

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