Congress Passes Disaster Funding

Yesterday, the House passed a $19 billion emergency disaster funding bill to assist areas impacted by hurricanes, wildfires, and flooding. The disaster assistance was passed by the Senate before the Memorial Day recess and awaits the President's signature. Of note, the bill contains $480 million for reforestation in states that were effected by Hurricanes Michael and Florence and wildfires. The money will be distributed through block grants to the states. In addition to reforestation assistance, the bill contains funding for private and state forestry partnerships, mitigation of hazardous fuels and maintenance on federal forests, and forest inventory and analysis of impacted areas.