Strengthening Coastal Communities Act of 2018

Floor Speech

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Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 5787, the Strengthening Coastal Communities Act of 2018.

Mr. Speaker, I want to start by thanking Chairman Bishop and Ranking Member Grijalva for working with myself and Congressman Dunn to quickly pass this important piece of legislation.

In my home State of Delaware and in communities all over the country, our beaches and coastlines are critical not only for their contributions to our economy, but also for their natural beauty. For too long, those communities were encroached upon by overly ambitious development. That development was, in part, aided by programs that were put in place by the Federal Government.

In the 1980s, Congress recognized the burden that development was placing on local communities and passed the Coastal Barrier Resources Act. The act ensured that certain coastal areas were removed from the Federal programs that incentivized increased development.

Through the creation of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System, coastal communities across the United States were able to ensure that their cherished natural heritage was protected and preserved for generations to come.

As the years passed, the coastal communities across America evolved. The Coastal Barrier Resources Act should have evolved as well. Unfortunately, that didn't happen, and it has been far too long since the maps designating areas belonging to the Coastal Barrier Resources System were updated. It was through the efforts of the Members of those coastal communities that this problem was identified.

We are the people's House, and the Strengthening Coastal Communities Act of 2018 emanated from the thoughts and concerns of everyday citizens. It was the voice of a Member of my home State of Delaware that brought the issue to my attention, and I would be remiss if I didn't recognize him.

Tom D'Amico, the president of the South Shore Homeowners Association, shared with me just how badly outdated the maps were. Tom and other coastal Delawareans told me that the only way in which the Coastal Barrier Resources Act could truly be effective is if the maps designating the exempt areas were kept up-to-date.

I should also recognize the efforts of my State's senior Senator and ranking member on the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Tom Carper. I know that Senator Carper has been paying very close attention to this issue, as it has impacted our shorelines for many years.

Finally, I recognize my friend and gentleman from Florida (Mr. Dunn). While, initially, Members from many States had introduced legislation updating maps for their individual States, it became clear that one bill that would update all the maps across the country would be the most effective and efficient way to accomplish our goals. When I came to Congress, I made a promise to the people of Delaware to work with other Members not based on the letter that was next to their name, but rather by finding Members with common interests, common challenges, and those who were willing to work to find common solutions. I am proud to have found a partner for this bill in Mr. Dunn.

From the coasts of Delaware to Florida, to Louisiana, to Hawaii, and to the Virgin Islands, we all have a common interest in maintaining the natural beauty of our great country. While development is crucial to the continued economic growth in our country, we recognize that not every place is appropriate for development. We should not only acknowledge the wisdom of the 97th United States Congress in passing the Coastal Barrier Resources Act, but do everything possible to uphold its legacy by ensuring that the maps are updated and modernized, as this bill has done.

Mr. Speaker, I also recognize Congressman Tom Evans, who was an original cosponsor from the State of Delaware.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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