Fischer Legislation to Expedite Producers’ Access to Federal Disaster Relief Passes Agriculture Committee

If signed into law, the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act would reform the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) to offer producers impacted by disasters the option to receive an increased, up-front cost-share. The bill would also adjust eligibility for relief to include any wildfire caused or spread due to natural causes, as well as wildfires caused by the federal government. A provision was added this Congress that would extend the timeframe for eligible participants to use the rehabilitative funds, allowing more time for work to be completed.

"When disaster strikes, the last thing Nebraskans need is more bureaucratic red tape. Unfortunately, that is the case with the ECP's current distribution system. By streamlining the recovery process, my bill will ensure that our ag producers have access to the resources they need. I'm grateful the Senate Agriculture Committee approved this important legislation, and I look forward to getting it to the president's desk to be signed into law," Fischer said.