Restoring America’s Floodplains Act

The Restoring America’s Floodplains Act would amend the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to expand the federal authority over floodplain easements obtained through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program. Specifically, it authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial and technical help to restore vegetation and the hydrologic functions of wetlands on floodplain easements, and to manage these easements through compatible-use agreements with landowners, government entities, or non-governmental organizations. It also outlines how the government can modify or terminate floodplain easements to accommodate restoration and maintenance efforts. The overall goal is to improve floodplain health, restore ecosystem functions, and support ongoing stewardship of land acquired for flood risk reduction.