Governor Ron DeSantis has signed the Always Ready legislation aimed at addressing Florida’s vulnerability to flooding.
What does it do?
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Creates the Resilient Florida Grant Program which provides grants to counties and municipalities for risk assessments, resilience planning and investments in flood protection.
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Over $100M+ annually will go towards resilience projects proposed by local governments and districts.
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An additional $500 million in federal funding will pay for statewide resilience projects.
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Every 5 years, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must submit a flood risk assessment to the governor and legislature that identifies vulnerable communities and infrastructure. The assessment will also add up the total cost of flood protection for Florida, and what money has yet to be allotted.
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Yes, and: The DEP will set up a plan to prioritize resilience infrastructure projects that can receive state funding for up to 50% of the total cost.
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Funds a Florida flood research hub at the University of South Florida to coordinate research and innovation.
What they’re saying: “We’re really putting our money where our mouth is when it comes to protecting the State of Florida, and particularly our coastal communities, from the risk of flooding,” Governor Ron DeSantis said at a press conference. “It’s a really historic day.”
The big picture: Despite a similarly persistent threat, Florida lagged behind states like Texas and Louisiana in action against flooding. The “robust and bold” legislation signed by Governor DeSantis begins to close that gap.
