H.R. 2855 — Introduced in House

I 118th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2855 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 25, 2023Mr. Soto (for himself and Mr. Bilirakis) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources A BILL To direct the Director of the United States Geological Survey to establish a program to map zones that are at greater risk of sinkhole formation, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2023. 2. Sinkhole hazard identification (a) In general The Director of the United States Geological Survey shall establish a program to— (1) study the short-term and long-term mechanisms that cause sinkholes, including extreme storm events, prolonged droughts causing shifts in water management practices, aquifer depletion, and other major changes in water use; and (2) develop maps that depict zones that are at greater risk of sinkhole formation. (b) Review of maps Once during each 5-year period, or more often as the Director of the United States Geological Survey determines is necessary, the Director shall assess the need to revise and update the maps developed under this section. (c) Website The Director of the United States Geological Survey shall establish and maintain a public website that displays the maps developed under this section and other relevant information critical for use by community planners and emergency managers. (d) Authorization of appropriations There are hereby authorized $40,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to be appropriated to the Director of the United States Geological Survey for purposes of carrying out this section.