The Flood Level Observation, Operations, and Decision Support (FLOODS) Act would enact comprehensive solutions to improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s ability to monitor, forecast, and communicate about flood and hurricane events to state and local governments and the public. The bill would establish a National Integrated Flood Information System to provide states and localities with timely flood data for planning and designing flood-resilient infrastructure. The FLOODS Act would also improve flood watches and warnings, and establish a committee to promote coordination among federal entities with joint or overlapping water management responsibilities.
WHY WE LIKE IT
The FLOODS Act recognizes the important role of federal flood data in shaping state and local government decision making and related public action. In addition to ensuring accurate information is made available in a timely and accessible manner, the legislation would unlock resources at NOAA to better inform and provide for effective decision making to reduce flood-related impacts and costs, including by providing communities with localized technical support for NOAA products and services.
