Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated 483 census tracts as Community Disaster Resilience Zones (CDRZs).
Trump Team Plans Deep Cuts at Office That Funds Recovery From Big Disasters
Summary
The Trump administration plans to reduce staff at the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) disaster recovery office by 84%, cutting the workforce from 936 to 150. The office manages Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Recovery, which help rebuild homes and infrastructure after major disasters like hurricanes and wildfires. Critics argue the cuts will slow aid distribution, increase waste and fraud risks, and weaken the federal response to climate-related catastrophes. FEMA provides initial relief, but HUD funding often fills critical gaps, such as rebuilding uninsured homes. The administration claims the restructuring aims to reduce government inefficiency without impacting disaster recovery efforts. However, experts warn that reducing oversight could jeopardize billions in federal aid. The move aligns with broader efforts to downsize federal agencies, raising concerns about the country’s ability to respond effectively to increasing climate disasters.
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