American Rivers Action Fund Applauds Senate Passage of Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act

Contact: Hawk Hammer, Senior Strategist for American Rivers Action Fund, Hhammer@americanrivers.org

October 1, 2026

Washington D.C. – American Rivers Action Fund is today, celebrating the Senate passage of S. 1564., the Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act (FERA). When enacted, the bill would give Tribes, states and local communities more flexibility under FEMA’s “No-Rise” rule to restore natural floodplains in a cost-effective, efficient manner.

Floodplain restoration projects are an investment in community safety and resilience in the face of flooding and drought. Floodplains also provide important habitat for wildlife.

“In the face of extreme weather and increasing pressures on our nation’s rivers, we need to maximize investments in natural infrastructure and streamline projects that strengthen community resilience, protect public health, and keep our rivers healthy,” said Eileen Shader, Senior advisor for American Rivers Action fund and a floodplains expert. “The Floodplain Enhancement and Recovery Act is a smart, common-sense step forward to ensuring the regulatory process is efficient and cost-effective. We commend the bipartisan leadership of Senators Murray and Daines advancing this bill and urge the House to take action to pass the bill before the end of the 119th Congress.”