GAO study on a federal buyout program for high-risk wildfire areas

(a)

In general

The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study to analyze the feasibility of using Federal grant programs to purchase property from homeowners, voluntarily selling such properties, before and after a catastrophic wildfire disaster.(b)

Existing covered buyouts

In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall compile recommendations on—(1)how to develop a national database on covered buyouts, existing on the date of enactment of this Act, with information on what grant program was used to purchase each respective property under such buyouts, what entity is responsible for maintaining such property, and any development on such property following the covered buyout; and(2)how the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Housing and Urban Development can exchange information about any covered buyout in process as of the date of enactment of this Act.(c)

New wildfire buyout program

In conducting the study under subsection (a) of this Act, the Comptroller General shall—(1)analyze how a program for the buyout of properties endangered or impacted by catastrophic wildfire disasters would compare to covered buyout programs existing on the date of enactment of this Act, including any floodplain disaster buyout programs; (2)provide recommendations on which department, agency, or program should house a program for the buyout of properties endangered or impacted by catastrophic wildfire disasters; and(3)provide land use recommendations for properties after a covered buyout, including—(A)how to ensure specific purchases and future land uses will reduce catastrophic wildfire risk, loss of life, and loss of property during catastrophic wildfires;(B)how land use may be different for rural compared to urban communities and for disadvantaged compared to high-income communities; (C)how to allow flexibility for communities to decide how to use the land following a covered buyout; and(D)with respect to properties in high-risk areas prior to catastrophic wildfire disaster and for properties impacted after a catastrophic wildfire disaster, eligibility requirements, including—(i)recommendations for mapping which areas are at the highest risk for catastrophic wildfire; and(ii)methodology for determining which areas would be most effective for implementing a Federal buyout program, including consideration for where the greatest benefit would be derived as a result of evacuating individuals in efforts to avoid loss of life. (d)

Authority To define terms

In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall develop definitions for the terms development, disadvantaged community, high-income community, and catastrophic wildfire.(e)

Report

Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report identifying findings and conclusions, including—(1)the results of the study conducted pursuant to subsection (a);(2)any recommendations made under subsection (b);(3)recommendations on ways to incentivize participation in the program described in subsection (c);(4)analysis of the economic impacts of the program described in subsection (c) and the cost of the program to the Federal Government; and(5)the definitions developed under subsection (d).(f)

Covered buyout defined

In this Act, a covered buyout means a purchase of property by the Federal Government from a homeowner who voluntarily sold such property because such property was recognized by the Federal Government to be in an area endangered or impacted by a catastrophic natural disaster.