Municipalities in New Hampshire may soon see an increase in disaster relief funding following a recent discussion in the Senate Finance Committee. Representative Judy Aaron introduced House Bill 165, which aims to restore the maximum disaster relief grant amount from $25,000 to $100,000 for municipalities affected by natural disasters.

During the meeting, Aaron highlighted the inadequacy of the current funding level, stating that $25,000 is insufficient for communities to recover from severe flooding or other disasters. She emphasized that the original proposal for $100,000 was significantly reduced during negotiations last year to secure the bill's passage. Aaron argued that the increased funding is essential for municipalities, particularly smaller towns like Acworth, which struggle to maintain infrastructure with limited financial resources.

The bill also seeks to clarify language regarding the disaster relief funding program, ensuring that funds received are distinct from other disaster assistance programs. This change aims to streamline the process and prevent confusion among municipalities.

Senators raised concerns about the potential for one community to deplete the fund if the limit is raised. However, Aaron reassured them that the fiscal committee would retain the authority to approve or deny funding requests based on available resources.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for robust disaster preparedness measures in New Hampshire. With many towns still recovering from recent flooding, the proposed legislation aims to provide timely and effective support to communities in crisis. The next steps for House Bill 165 will involve further deliberation and potential adjustments before it can be enacted into law.