[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            INTRODUCTION OF THE FLOOD PREVENTION ACT OF 2016

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2016

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the Flood Prevention Act 
of 2016. The bill would amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 
(CZMA) to include the District of Columbia in the definition of 
``coastal state.'' Our bill would correct what appears to be an 
oversight, in the omission of the District of Columbia, making the 
District eligible to receive federal funding and giving the District 
oversight for federally issued permits/facilities/and actions that 
affect the coastal waters of the District.
  In an effort to reduce coastal flood risk, Congress has authorized a 
number of programs to help states and territories respond to floods and 
mitigate risk through resiliency projects. Among these programs, the 
CZMA provides planning and technical services to assist states in 
protecting, restoring, and developing coastal communities and 
resources. Once the federal government approves a state's coastal 
management plan, the state becomes eligible for grants. Federal actions 
must be consistent with the state plans.
  Even though the District of Columbia has substantial coastal flood 
risks, D.C. is omitted from the list of eligible states and territories 
in the CZMA. The CZMA was passed in 1972--before the District achieved 
home rule. Under Section 304 of the CZMA, ``coastal state[s]'' include 
the states and the U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, 
Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Trust 
Territories of the Pacific Islands, and American Samoa). Absent from 
this definition is the District of Columbia, even though the District 
of Columbia is under threat from rising sea levels. Because the 
territories are included in the definition of ``coastal states,'' it 
appears that D.C.'s omission is a mistake that only Congress can 
correct.
  Scientists have predicted that the tides on the Atlantic Coast could 
rise two to four feet by the year 2100, causing as much as $7 billion 
worth of property in the District to be routinely under threat by 
floodwaters. This damage not only includes private homes and 
businesses, but the National Mall, federal buildings, and three 
military bases located in the District. The Anacostia and Potomac 
rivers are both tidally influenced, showing tangible salt water effects 
(and fish) and are part of an ``intertidal-zone'' existing between high 
and low maritime tides. In addition, the Maryland and Virginia coastal 
zones each include the tidal Potomac River, with Maryland's zone ending 
at the District line. Because of these factors, the District of 
Columbia should be eligible for CZMA grants just like the states and 
territories.
  I urge support for this bill.

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