This bill would provide the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with authority to help local governments cover portions of flood mitigation projects, including those that address the risk of flooding associated with rising sea levels. The bill would also direct the VA to submit a report to Congress on the threat flooding poses to its facilities, and what resources are needed to address these threats.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Access to life-saving healthcare and emergency services should never be cut off due to flooding. Unfortunately, existing VA authority is vague in whether the agency can support flood mitigation projects that reduce the likelihood of washed out roads or other flooded infrastructure impeding access to VA facilities. This common sense proposal would empower the VA to work directly with local governments on flood mitigation projects that secure safe and reliable access to critical care facilities 24/7, 365 days a year — no matter the conditions.

Read H.R.7297 online