Digital Coast Reauthorization Act of 2025
Term Dictionary
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- NVFC Congressional Terms Glossary - Concise, easy-to-understand definitions
Summary
New bill reauthorizes the Digital Coast program through 2030, providing coastal communities with mapping tools and data to manage flooding, erosion, and climate impacts. The program helps local governments access satellite imagery, elevation maps, and planning resources for coastal zones. Funding continues at current levels to support state and local coastal management decisions.
Overview
- Reauthorizes NOAA's Digital Coast program, which provides geospatial data and tools for coastal management
- Extends program through fiscal year 2030
- Currently on House Union Calendar after committee approval
Who does this affect?
- Main groups: Coastal state and local governments, emergency managers, urban planners, environmental agencies in 35 coastal states and territories
- Who benefits: Communities gain continued access to flood maps, sea level rise projections, and coastal planning tools for infrastructure decisions
- Teen impact score: 4/10 (indirect impact via community resilience and climate adaptation planning)
What This Bill Does
- Authorizes appropriations for Digital Coast program operations through September 30, 2030
- Maintains program focus on providing coastal geospatial data, decision-support tools, and training to state/local governments
- Supports development of coastal flood exposure maps, land cover data, and economic vulnerability assessments
- Enables NOAA partnerships with state coastal management programs and regional planning organizations
Legislative Status
- Introduced June 30, 2025, referred to House Natural Resources Committee
- Placed on Union Calendar October 31, 2025, awaiting House floor consideration
In short
- Extends a federal program that gives coastal communities mapping and data tools through 2030
- Helps local governments plan for flooding, storms, and sea level rise using satellite data and elevation maps
- Supports decision-making for coastal development, emergency response, and environmental protection
- Continues existing program rather than creating new requirements or funding levels
Why should I care?
Coastal flooding affects millions of Americans, and this program helps communities prepare. When hurricanes hit or sea levels rise, local governments use Digital Coast data to decide where to build, how to evacuate, and which areas need protection. The tools help identify flood-prone neighborhoods, plan emergency routes, and protect beaches and wetlands. If you live near an ocean, bay, or Great Lake, your local government likely uses this data for zoning decisions and disaster planning. Reauthorizing the program ensures these resources remain available as climate impacts intensify.