McEachin Cosponsors the BUILD Resilience Act

WASHINGTON – Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) is a proud cosponsor of H.R. 2583, the BUILD Resilience Act, which would provide federal funding to help communities damaged by natural disasters rebuild and prepare for any future natural disasters.

“As hurricane season is now upon us, we need to refocus on the importance of providing adequate funding for the rebuilding of damaged homes and infrastructure. The BUILD Resilience Act will not only help communities rebuild, but it will also help promote preparedness programs to lessen the impacts of future emergencies,” said Congressman McEachin.

Under the BUILD Resilience Act, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would authorize $1 billion to help communities invest in resilience efforts for housing and infrastructure. We can reduce the cost to areas damaged by recurrent flooding, hurricanes, and other natural disasters by 80 percent when we create more resilient housing and infrastructure.

Although the National Disaster Resilience Competition (NRDC) already exists to provide federal resilience funds to damaged areas, it is incredibly competitive and is therefore unable to provide sufficient funding to six out seven applicants. Additionally, the proposed BUILD Resilience Act would create a National Research Center for Resilience within HUD, which would determine the most effective resilience practices.

“This act is incredibly important to me given the 4th Congressional District’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, which is widely considered one of the most vulnerable regions in the United States. This act will help ensure the health, safety, and prosperity of all Virginias,” added Congressman McEachin.

The congressman joins fellow Virginia Representatives Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Donald S. Beyer Jr. (VA-08) and Gerry Connolly (VA-11) on the BUILD Resilience Act.

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Click here for full bill text of H.R. 2583

Contact: Jamitress Bowden
(202) 225-6365