The Nature Conservancy in Delaware Celebrates Introduction of Senator Blunt Rochester’s Bill to Support Farmers Faced with Flood Risks
U.S. Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) introduced the bipartisan Farmers Lifeline Options for Overcoming Disasters Act, or the FLOOD Act. This legislation would help farmers place floodplain easements on their property to mitigate flooding before a weather event occurs.
By adding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Emergency Watershed Program to the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), this bill would increase access to resources for landowners seeking to reduce the impact of flooding on their land through the purchase of voluntary easements.
“As the lowest lying state in the nation, Delawareans know the risk of flooding all too well,” said Senator Blunt Rochester. “Our farming communities are key to both our culture and economy. Which is why I’m proud to introduce the FLOOD Act to ensure farmers in the First State and across the country have the resources they need to protect their properties, their crops and their livelihoods.”
Our farming communities are key to both our culture and economy.
“Agriculture is Delaware’s number one industry, and farmers were our first conservationists and land stewards,” said Keith Fisher, deputy executive director of conservation for The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Delaware and Pennsylvania. “TNC appreciates Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester’s leadership on this legislation. Delaware’s agricultural landscapes are increasingly vulnerable to sea-level rise, and this legislation adds another tool to the toolbox for conserving working lands while improving long-term resilience.”
Delaware is experiencing one of the fastest rates of sea-level rise on the Atlantic Coast, while more intense rain events can increase flood risks across the First State.
“This legislation would create a common sense, cost-effective and proactive tool for reducing flood impacts before disaster strikes,” said Jenny Conner, director of legislative affairs for The Nature Conservancy. “Communities across the country face growing flood risks and mounting recovery costs related to floods. The FLOOD Act would benefit American farmers, taxpayers and local communities.”
The FLOOD Act has been endorsed by the following organizations: The Nature Conservancy, American Rivers Action Fund, Delaware Department of Agriculture, Delaware Rural Water Association, University of Delaware, National Association of Conservation Districts, American Floodplain Coalition, National Association of Counties (NACo), Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP), Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, Farm Aid, American Sustainable Business Network, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Iowa Environmental Council, West Virginia Rivers Coalition, Coastal Prairie Conservancy, Center for Rural Affairs, Socially Responsible Agriculture Project, Indiana Conservation Voters, Extreme Weather Survivors, Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, Choose Clean Water Coalition, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more resilient. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 83 countries and territories (39 by direct conservation impact and 44 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. For more news, visit our newsroom or follow The Nature Conservancy on LinkedIn.