The bill directs the Director of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to set up a program to study what causes sinkholes and to make maps that show zones at greater risk of sinkhole formation. The study must look at short-term and long-term causes, including extreme storms, prolonged droughts that change water management, aquifer depletion, and other major changes in water use. The bill requires using 3D elevation data defined in the National Landslide Preparedness Act and collected under that Act. The maps must be reviewed at least once every 5 years or more often if needed. The USGS must also create and maintain a public website that displays the maps and other information helpful to community planners and emergency managers.
If the bill becomes law, the USGS would produce publicly available maps showing areas at higher risk for sinkholes and keep them online. Community planners and emergency managers would have access to those maps and related information. The bill does not itself change local land-use rules or require specific actions by homeowners or local governments.
No publicly available information. The bill text does not include funding amounts, appropriations, or an official cost estimate.
Supporters (including the bill sponsors listed in the metadata) seek to have the USGS study sinkhole causes and produce risk maps and an online portal so planners and emergency managers can access that information.
No publicly available information.