Restoring Access to Mountain Homes Act
Restoring Access to Mountain Homes Act
Plain Language Summary
# Restoring Access to Mountain Homes Act – Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would expand federal disaster relief funding to help repair private roads and bridges damaged by Tropical Storm Helene in North Carolina. Normally, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) only reimburses government entities for fixing publicly-owned infrastructure. This bill would allow FEMA to reimburse state, tribal, and local governments for costs they incur repairing or replacing private roads and bridges that were significantly damaged by the storm. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily benefit North Carolina communities in areas affected by Tropical Storm Helene, particularly mountain regions that rely on private roads to access homes and property.
Local and state governments would be reimbursed for repair work they undertake on these private roads and bridges, indirectly helping residents who depend on these routes for access to their homes and services. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House. It was introduced by Representative Chuck Edwards (R-NC) in the 119th Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Restoring Access to Mountain Homes ActThis bill authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide Public Assistance (PA) grant funding, under certain conditions, to reimburse government entities covered under the major disaster declaration for North Carolina relating to Tropical Storm Helene for the costs of repairing, replacing, or restoring private roads and bridges damaged by Helene.Under current law, the PA program provides grants for repairing disaster damage to infrastructure owned or legally maintained by government entities (or certain nonprofits). The bill authorizes PA funding for permanent repair work on privately owned and maintained roads and bridges significantly damaged by Helene in North Carolina, as costs incurred by state, tribal, or local governments for such work are eligible for reimbursement. Also, under current law, the costs of repairing damage that existed before the disaster are generally ineligible for PA. The bill makes the repair, replacement, or restoration costs eligible for reimbursement under PA regardless of pre-existing condition.Additionally, the bill contains criteria and conditions for reimbursement, including that to be eligible a road or bridge must be used as the sole means of accessing primary residences or essential community services. Reimbursement is under PA’s alternative procedures, and the bill requires FEMA to determine eligible costs based on estimates prepared by engineers.Recipients of funds from FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) before the bill’s enactment may use IHP funds for repairs eligible under the bill without those costs counting against their maximum amount of IHP assistance.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.