The bill would allow states to repurpose unused program funding to pay for warning sirens, sensors, and any IT software needed to run those programs.
TEXAS, USA — In response to the deadly Fourth of July flooding in the Texas Hill Country last year, a new bill hopes to unlock federal funding to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Senator John Cornyn introduced the new bill, nicknaming it the Siren Act.
The bill would allow states to repurpose unused program funding to pay for warning sirens, sensors, and any IT software needed to run those programs.
Senator Cornyn, who is up for re-election this midterm, says the money would come from unused broadband equity, access and deployment program funding
It would work with the new Texas state law that provides state funding for the siren systems in disaster areas.
These warning systems could be used for wind, flood, fire, earthquake, or any other sensor technologies that are required to protect communities and strengthen natural disaster response.
In a statement, Cornyn wrote:
“As Texas continues to mourn and recover from the devastating floods in Central Texas last year, it’s critical that regions vulnerable to natural disasters are able to strengthen their emergency readiness and response infrastructure.”