Shaping Federal Water Policy to Protect Communities
NAFSMA’s committees develop policy positions and advocate directly with Congress, USACE, FEMA, and EPA. Our work translates into legislation, agency guidance, and federal programs that help member agencies reduce flood risk and manage stormwater.
Policy Wins
NAFSMA's advocacy delivers results. Here are recent legislative and policy achievements secured for our members.
Water Resources Development Act of 2024
NAFSMA actively supported this bipartisan law, which passed the House 399–18 and the Senate 97–1 before being signed on January 4, 2025. The final law includes provisions NAFSMA championed, including a new stormwater Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) for urban flood control and nature-based solutions, expanded non-federal implementation under Section 1043(b) with authorization extended through 2029, a GAO study on unauthorized homeless encampments on Corps lands and flood infrastructure, and strengthened implementation requirements directing USACE to address unimplemented WRDA provisions.
FEMA Reform Advocacy
NAFSMA submitted formal support for legislation to reform FEMA, advancing positions that disasters must be federally supported, state-managed, and locally executed — including establishing FEMA as an independent agency, shifting public assistance from reimbursement to grant-based models, and empowering experienced local jurisdictions to administer programs directly.
Permitting Reform Positions
NAFSMA established formal positions on permitting reform, grounded in the principle that environmental protection and efficient permitting are not mutually exclusive. Our advocacy calls for eliminating unnecessary delays and duplicative reviews while maintaining rigorous environmental standards for critical flood infrastructure.
Section 408 Streamlining Progress
Through sustained engagement with USACE leadership, NAFSMA's advocacy contributed to USACE developing regional categorical permissions for Section 408 in the South Pacific Division — reducing delays for routine maintenance activities on Corps-built flood infrastructure. NAFSMA also advanced dialogue on real estate acquisition challenges, the 35% design requirement, and alternative delivery under Sections 203, 204, and 1043(b).
National Levee Safety Guidelines
NAFSMA submitted detailed comments on the draft National Levee Safety Guidelines, drawing on member expertise to address coordination requirements for threatened and endangered species, the disconnect between permit reviewers and levee operators, and the need for scalable best practices that work for agencies of all sizes.
Shaping WRDA 2026
NAFSMA submitted testimony to the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and is actively building bipartisan Senate support for expanded alternative project delivery, real estate acquisition reform, Section 408 streamlining, concurrent USACE technical reviews, and expanding WIFIA financing eligibility to non-federal flood projects.
Current Advocacy Priorities
NAFSMA is actively engaging Congress and federal agencies on these critical issues in 2025–2026.
WRDA 2026
Expanding alternative delivery under Sections 203, 204, and 1043. Real estate acquisition reform. Section 408 streamlining. Concurrent technical reviews. WIFIA expansion for non-federal flood projects.
FEMA Reform
Independent agency status. Grant-based public assistance. Consolidated hazard mitigation applications. NFIP reauthorization. Local jurisdiction program administration.
Permitting Reform
Eliminating unnecessary delays and duplicative reviews while maintaining environmental standards. Addressing unfunded mandates that delay critical flood infrastructure projects.
NAFSMA Committees
Our committees develop water resource policy positions and priorities. Committee chairs work directly with congressional staff and USACE, EPA, and FEMA administrators.
Flood Infrastructure & Management
Coordinates and resolves member issues related to federal flood control. Offers policy and implementation guidance as an active liaison with the Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies in federal flood control programs, regulations, and funding.
Floodplain Management & Mapping
Tracks and influences federal legislation impacting member floodplains. Focuses on the National Flood Insurance Program, state hazard insurance, and takings legislation as an active liaison with FEMA and the Association of State Floodplain Managers.
Water Quality & Environment
Addresses stormwater issues affecting local governments, including tracking, evaluation, and recommendations on federal legislation and regulation. Coordinates with other national organizations to address stormwater quality and quantity management.
Policy Papers & Advocacy Resources
Position papers, comment letters, testimony, and advocacy guides — organized by topic.