Summary
Creates a faster process for getting money to fisheries after a disaster by setting strict timelines for the government to review and approve spending plans.
What problem does this solve?
Fisheries suffering from disasters often faced long delays in receiving government aid because there were no set deadlines for approving their recovery plans. This law speeds up the process by requiring the government to review plans and provide funds within specific time limits.
Who does this affect?
- Fishing industry
- Coastal communities
- State fishery management agencies
What does this law do?
Sets deadline for providing funds
Requires that money for disaster relief be given to the affected parties no later than 90 days after the government receives a complete spending plan.
Limits budget office's ability to delay funds
Allows the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to review a spending plan but explicitly forbids them from delaying the 90-day timeline for providing the money.
Establishes quick review of spending plans
Requires the Secretary to review a submitted spending plan and decide if it is complete within 10 days.
Requires clear instructions for incomplete plans
If a spending plan is found to be incomplete, the Secretary must provide a detailed description of the missing information that is needed to complete it.
What is the real world impact?
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Provides faster economic relief to the fishing industry
Ensures that when a fishery disaster occurs, the affected businesses and workers get financial help quickly. By setting firm deadlines, it prevents bureaucratic delays from harming local economies that depend on fishing.
When does this start?
This law sets several new deadlines for the fishery disaster relief process, which take effect starting January 4, 2025.
Funding disbursement
Funds must be made available to grantees no later than 90 days after the Secretary gets a complete spend plan.
Spend plan submission
A requestor must submit a spend plan to the Secretary within 120 days of being notified that funds are available.