Flood Mapping Modernization and Homeowner Empowerment Pilot Program Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5]
- Committees
- Financial Services Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 14, 2026
Bottom line
The bill creates a targeted FEMA pilot program to enhance urban flood mapping and data accessibility, focusing on empowering local communities and property owners to mitigate risks.
What it actually does
This bill establishes the 'Flood Mapping Modernization and Homeowner Empowerment Pilot Program' within FEMA. It directs FEMA to provide grants to local governments in urbanized areas to improve urban flood mapping, make this data publicly accessible online, and integrate climate trends into risk assessments. The program aims to help homeowners, businesses, and localities understand and mitigate urban flooding risks by providing detailed, structure-specific flood risk information.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that current flood maps often inadequately address urban flooding, which is distinct from riverine or coastal flooding, leaving many properties and communities unprepared. They contend that providing detailed, structure-specific flood risk data, incorporating climate change projections, and making this information easily accessible will empower homeowners and businesses to take proactive mitigation steps, ultimately reducing property damage and the financial burden of disasters.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent is good, a pilot program with a limited number of participants (12 over its duration) and a relatively small funding authorization may not be sufficient to address the widespread and growing issue of urban flooding across the nation. Some may also express concerns about the potential for increased property insurance costs or decreased property values in areas newly identified as high-risk, even if the data is intended for mitigation.
The bill is concise and well-structured, making it accessible for an informed reader to evaluate within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 2(b)
Establishment of Flood Mapping Modernization and Homeowner Empowerment Pilot Program
This section mandates the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator to create a pilot program. The program's purpose is to offer grants to local governments. These grants are intended to improve the quality of maps related to urban flooding and the property damage it causes, and to make these enhanced maps more accessible to homeowners, businesses, and local government entities. The ultimate goal is to help these groups better understand and reduce the risks associated with urban flooding.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this foundational provision is essential for addressing the often-overlooked problem of urban flooding. By establishing a dedicated pilot program, it creates a mechanism for targeted federal support to communities most in need of advanced mapping and mitigation strategies, which existing programs may not adequately cover.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the establishment of pilot programs for research or data collection, as they are generally seen as beneficial for understanding complex issues. Concerns, if any, might relate to the scope or funding level rather than the establishment itself.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies in balancing the need for a focused pilot program to test new methodologies against the widespread national need for improved flood mapping, which a limited pilot may not fully address.
Section 2(c)
Grant Objectives for Urban Flood Risk Assessment and Data Dissemination
This section outlines the specific activities that grant recipients must undertake. These include developing new methods for assessing urban flood risk using technology-based mapping tools that are easy for the public to understand. Grantees must also provide structure-specific flood frequency projections and risk assessments, design mitigation programs, incorporate climate change data into their assessments, and make all this information publicly available through a web portal to increase transparency for homeowners.
Section 2(f)
Tiered Selection of Grant Recipients
This provision details how FEMA will select grant recipients. Annually, three entities will be chosen, with an aggregate limit of 12 over the program's duration. The selection is divided into three tiers based on population size, ensuring a mix of large, medium, and smaller urbanized areas. Tier 1 (over 800,000 population) includes one pelagic coastal, one non-pelagic coastal, and one non-coastal city. Tier 2 (200,000-800,000) includes three coastal and three non-coastal cities. Tier 3 (50,000-200,000) includes three cities. This structured approach aims for geographic and demographic diversity in the pilot.
Section 2(n)
Authorization of Appropriations for the Pilot Program
This section authorizes specific funding levels for the pilot program. It allocates $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 and $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2028, with the 2028 funds remaining available through fiscal year 2030. This authorization provides the financial resources necessary for FEMA to implement the grant program and for selected local governments to carry out the enhanced flood mapping and data dissemination activities.
This definition specifies that 'urban flooding' includes inundation caused by falling rain on impervious surfaces or rising bodies of water overwhelming drainage systems. It explicitly includes stormwater entering buildings, sewer backups, seepage, water accumulation on property/public rights-of-way, and overflow from rivers/lakes/oceans. Crucially, it excludes flooding in undeveloped or agricultural areas.
Section 2(a)(5)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to define key terms upfront. However, the detailed scope of 'urban flooding' is critical to understanding the program's focus and limitations.
Case for: Supporters argue that a precise definition of 'urban flooding' is essential to ensure the pilot program targets the specific type of flooding it is designed to address, distinguishing it from broader flood categories. The exclusion of undeveloped/agricultural areas focuses resources where built infrastructure and dense populations are most at risk.
Case against: Critics might argue that by explicitly excluding undeveloped or agricultural areas, the bill misses opportunities to address interconnected hydrological systems where rural and urban flooding can influence each other. A narrow definition might limit the holistic understanding of flood dynamics.
Estimated impact: Directs the entire scope and focus of the pilot program, ensuring resources are concentrated on built environments.
This section expresses Congress's view that successful urban flooding mitigation efforts should involve structural-based construction approaches that minimize future damage, educate individuals on flood-resilient property construction, and encourage homeowners to adopt these cost-effective measures during construction or renovation.
Section 2(m)
Why it matters:'Sense of Congress' provisions are often used to express legislative intent or recommendations without creating legally enforceable mandates. It's standard practice but can lead to these statements being overlooked.
Case for: Proponents would argue that this section provides valuable guidance and reinforces the long-term goals of the pilot program, even if non-binding. It highlights best practices for mitigation, encouraging a proactive approach to flood resilience that extends beyond just mapping.
Case against: Critics might argue that a 'Sense of Congress' is insufficient for such critical recommendations. If these mitigation approaches are truly vital, they should be incorporated into the program's objectives or grant requirements as binding provisions, rather than advisory statements.
Estimated impact: Provides non-binding guidance to FEMA and grant recipients on recommended mitigation strategies, potentially influencing program implementation and local actions.