Debris Removal Act of 2005

The Debris Removal Act of 2005 was designed to speed up and expand federal assistance for cleaning up wreckage following major disasters, such as hurricanes. The bill would require FEMA to provide an initial payment of 50% of eligible federal funds to local applicants within 60 days of a claim to ensure recovery efforts are not delayed by lack of cash flow.

For everyday citizens, the bill would allow federal funds to be used for removing debris from private residential property and private access roads if the wreckage poses a threat to health or safety. Additionally, for disasters occurring in late 2005, the bill proposed that the federal government cover 100% of debris removal costs for at least six months, relieving local governments and taxpayers of the immediate financial burden of cleanup.