H.R. 4408: Understanding Noncontiguous Infrastructure and Threats Year-round Act

This bill, titled the Understanding Noncontiguous Infrastructure and Threats Year-round Act, aims to improve disaster response and recovery efforts for noncontiguous communities, which are areas not connected to the main part of a state or the mainland. It includes several key components:

1. Study on Disaster Workforce Retention

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will conduct a study aimed at understanding how to better hire, recruit, and retain workers in noncontiguous communities facing disaster challenges. This study will gather feedback from local staff and include:

• Evaluation of current recruitment strategies and efforts to expand the pool of local candidates.
• Prioritization of input from communities experiencing significant staffing shortages.
• Identification of actionable steps to enhance opportunities for staff in these areas.

FEMA will present the results of this study to relevant congressional committees within six months of the bill's enactment and may revise its policies or guidance as needed based on the findings.

2. GAO Review of Disaster Response

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) will conduct a study focusing on the effectiveness of disaster response and recovery practices in noncontiguous communities, especially related to the damages from Super Typhoon Yutu. This review will cover:

• Ongoing recovery efforts following disasters in these areas.
• Coordination among federal departments and agencies involved in disaster response.
• Collaboration with state emergency management offices.
• The efficiency of FEMA's Area offices and Regional Advisory Councils in supporting noncontiguous communities.
• Recommendations for improving disaster response outcomes.

A report detailing the findings will be submitted to relevant congressional committees within 18 months of the bill's passage.

3. Preliminary Damage Assessment Pilot Program

FEMA will also establish a pilot program within a year of the bill's enactment to test new technology for conducting preliminary damage assessments in noncontiguous communities that have been designated as disaster areas. The program will focus on the most geographically remote noncontiguous communities and will require FEMA to provide an update on its implementation within three years. The pilot program is set to end on September 30, 2030.

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