Webster Joins Bipartisan Transportation Committee Leaders to Introduce the SPEED Recovery Act

Press Release

Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, joined Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) and Bipartisan Committee Leaders on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to introduce bipartisan legislation to help expedite disaster recovery efforts, particularly in small and rural areas. Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Peter DeFazio (D-OR) and Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee Chair Dina Titus (D-NV) are also co-sponsors of the bill.

The Small Project Efficient and Effective Disaster (SPEED) Recovery Act updates the threshold for what qualifies as a "small project" under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (or the Stafford Act). This update will allow more recovery projects to proceed under simplified procedures and in turn streamline the process and paperwork for many projects, reduce administrative burdens, and provide more certainty in the recovery process for communities.

"Florida is no stranger to hurricanes and extreme weather," said Rep. Webster. "Too often disaster recovery assistance for devastated communities is mired behind reams of bureaucracy and administrative paperwork. This bill streamlines the process to provide Floridians, particularly our rural communities with small projects, with speedier disaster recovery assistance."

"By far, most disaster recovery projects in the United States are relatively small, and there's no need to force individuals trying to recover and rebuild to navigate the same procedures as larger, more complex projects." said Rep. Graves. "The SPEED Recovery Act cuts red tape for smaller projects and will speed recovery in many of our communities, especially rural communities, that have been hit by disasters."

"After disaster strikes, local communities need the federal government to act as a partner in helping them recover and rebuild," said Rep. DeFazio. "This bipartisan legislation will help make sure that FEMA isn't a hindrance to these efforts and that states, Tribal, territorial, and local governments can be reimbursed more quickly for projects that will help communities get back on their feet."

The SPEED Recovery Act is also supported by the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM), the National Emergency Management Association (NEMA), and the Big City Emergency Managers (BCEM). In a joint statement of support, the groups said, "This type of modernization to disaster response and recovery programs will allow us as emergency managers to more swiftly move projects for disaster survivors and expedite the road toward recovery. As we work individually and with one another to build resilience nationwide, tools such as the SPEED Recovery Act will simplify and streamline FEMA programs when survivors need them most."