Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen and Support Coastal Communities

Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) introduced the Coastal Resilience Investment Act along with Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14). This legislation supports coastal communities and resources by creating the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Coastal State Fund, which the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) will establish and manage. This fund will provide $50 million per year from Fiscal Years (FY) 2028 to 2032 for grants to coastal states to support and promote coastal resources, infrastructure, and ecosystems.

"Along the Texas Gulf Coast, we have seen the devastating impact of coastal flooding and disasters, and understand the importance of investing in our coastal communities," said Congresswoman Fletcher. "The investment provided in the Coastal Resilience Investment Act will help us understand and utilize Texas' vital coastal resources, natural infrastructure, and ecosystem. I am glad to partner with Congressman Weber in introducing this legislation."

"On the Texas Gulf Coast, we know what a storm can do to a community, and we know recovery is a lot harder than preparation," said Congressman Weber. "The Coastal Resilience Investment Act puts resources in the hands of coastal states to prepare their communities before disaster strikes. I'm glad to partner with Congresswoman Fletcher on this bipartisan bill to protect Southeast Texas and keep America moving."

The Coastal Resilience Investment Act allocates funding to coastal states as follows:

• 70 percent is divided equally to coastal states;
• 15 percent is dispersed according to the ratio of tidal shoreline of each of the coastal states; and
• 15 percent is dispersed according to the population density in coastal areas to that of other coastal states.

Additionally, under the legislation no coastal state may receive more than five percent of the total funding per fiscal year, and any additional funding a state would receive based on the criteria listed will be divided equally among the other coastal states.