S. 355 — Introduced in Senate

II 116th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 355 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 6, 2019Mr. Blumenthal (for himself, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Markey, and Ms. Warren) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs A BILL To establish a grant program to provide assistance to prevent and repair damage to structures due to pyrrhotite. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Crumbling Foundations Small Business and Homeowners Assistance Act of 2019. 2. Grant program (a) Definition In this section, the term Administrator means the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (b) Authorization The Administrator shall award grants to States to provide assistance to owners of small businesses, condominium associations, and homeowners located within the State to prevent, mitigate, and repair damage to structures that have sustained or may sustain damage due to concrete foundations that contain pyrrhotite. (c) Application A covered State desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Administrator at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information as the Administrator may require. (d) Use of funds A State receiving a grant under this section shall use grant funds to provide full or partial reimbursement to affected owners of small businesses, condominium associations, and homeowners for the costs of prevention, mitigation and repair of damage described in subsection (b). (e) Grant amount and duration (1) Amount Each grant awarded to a State under this section in a fiscal year shall be in an amount of not more than $20,000,000. (2) Duration A grant awarded under this section— (A) shall be for a period of 5 years; and (B) may be renewed for not more than 3 additional periods. (f) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024.