FEMA must continue to adopt and enforce more stringent
building codes for construction in areas at risk of
flooding and stricter development and zoning regulations
that steer development away from flood areas, Walker
also said.
He also said the agency should use public funds to
acquire damaged homes or businesses in flood-prone
areas, demolish or relocate the structures, and use
properties for open space, wetlands, or recreational
uses.
Walker testified that FEMA must provide effective
management and oversight of NFIP operations because
the agency relies on others to address those issues.
Greater and sustained national focus and management
attention is needed by FEMA and DHS, as well as
legislative action to help them address the challenges,
similar to flood insurance reform legislation in 1994
and 2004, he said.