Messmer Introduces the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN) announced the introduction of the Restoring America's Floodplains Act (H.R. 7264).

This legislation enhances the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) authority to mitigate flooding by using proven, cost-effective conservation tools and local expertise.

"By pairing knowledge at USDA with the experience of local landowners, the Restoring America's Floodplains Act enhances the way we manage flood risk," said Rep. Messmer. "My bill ensures that Hoosier farmers, foresters, and all outdoor nature lovers remain central to the conservation efforts we employ to protect our communities from flood disasters."

BACKGROUND:

The Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program, administered by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), provides technical and financial assistance to help watershed communities both recover from natural disasters and mitigate future threats to life and property.

In addition to implementing infrastructural repairs, vegetative cover, and waterway reconstruction, NRCS may purchase flood-prone properties to protect landowners from economic loss. Current EWP easement regulations focus on emergency protection, but do not explicitly authorize watershed improvement. By clearly authorizing USDA to revitalize watersheds, the Restoring America's Floodplains Act not only protects communities from flood risk but restores habitat, enhances outdoor recreation, and encourages compatible economic use.

"As we saw last year in Ruidoso, too many New Mexicans know the heartbreak of seeing their homes and properties devastated by wildfires, only to then suffer from flooding. This bill will help New Mexico keep pace with our changing climate by cutting red tape and giving communities more resources and flexibility to fix our floodplains before the next disaster hits," said Rep. Gabe Vasquez. "Floodplain easements are critical, voluntary tools for conserving wetland habitat on flood-prone land. DU supports the Restoring America's Floodplains Act because it promotes these easements and enables USDA to improve their hydrologic function. Thank you to Reps. Messmer and Vasquez for leading this important legislation in the House of Representatives," said Steve Hubacher, Indiana Ducks Unlimited State Chair.

"Floodplain easements play a critical role in reducing flood risk for local communities while delivering real benefits for water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat. We thank Reps. Messmer and Vasquez for introducing the Restoring America's Floodplains Act and for ensuring these voluntary easements are supported with the long-term stewardship and management necessary to maintain these benefits for future generations," said Andrew Schmidt, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Director of Government Affairs.

"Using nature-based solutions like floodplain restoration is an opportunity for farmers and landowners to enhance stewardship of vulnerable landscapes. It provides wildlife habitat, flood mitigation and cleaner water. We think this bill, which we support, empowers landowners to restore and maintain high quality habitat on their property," said Carrie Parmenter, The Nature Conservancy in Indiana Lower Wabash River Project Director.

"The Indiana Wildlife Federation is proud to endorse Representative Messmer's Restoring America's Floodplains Act, which provides a critical, common-sense tool for protecting our natural heritage by empowering landowners to restore the vital functions of our floodplains. By prioritizing the long-term health of our watersheds and the recovery of at-risk wildlife, this legislation ensures a more resilient future for the outdoor heritage that all Hoosiers cherish," said Dan Boritt, Indiana Wildlife Federation Executive Director.

"The Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts acknowledges the need for USDA to not only acquire floodplain easements, but also maintain and restore the parcels for ecological benefits, as well as ensure that, when applicable, working lands acquired can continue to deliver economic benefits through common practices such as grazing or hunting. The Restoring America's Floodplains Act addresses this oversight in current statute, and if passed, will enable USDA to steward and protect floodplains for the benefit of all," said Liz Rice, Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts Executive Director.

To read the full text of the bill, click here.

For more information on Rep. Messmer's work for Indiana's 8th Congressional District, click here.

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