Dear Chairman Leahy and Ranking Member Shelby:
We, the undersigned organizations, strongly support full funding of $100 million for FY 2022 appropriations for the Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act of 2020. As representatives of the conservation, environmental, government, open space, and business sectors, we believe that investment in pre-disaster mitigation, climate adaptation, and resilient infrastructure is good public policy that will save taxpayer dollars.
Prioritizing smart, modern, and resilient lifeline critical infrastructure, including energy, health, and water, is critical to a thriving economy and healthy communities. The STORM Act offers states and local governments the needed flexibility to provide low interest loans for projects that reduce risks ahead of the next crises.
Our groups have been encouraging collaboration among state emergency managers, finance experts, and other leaders to support this financing opportunity. Funding this program is an important step towards improving resilience and planning for communities across the United States.
Sincerely,
American Council of Engineering Companies
American Planning Association
American Society of Civil Engineers
American Society of Landscape Architects
Center for Climate and Energy Solutions
City Parks Alliance
Ecological Restoration Business Association
Interstate Council on Water Policy
Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative
National Association of Counties
National League of Cities
National Recreation and Park Association
The Nature Conservancy
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
cc: Members of the Senate Committee on Appropriations
