# Understanding the Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2023

This bill asks the U.S. Geological Survey—the government agency that studies Earth and natural hazards—to create detailed maps showing which areas are most likely to develop sinkholes. A sinkhole is basically a hole that suddenly opens up in the ground when the soil or rock underneath collapses, usually because of water movement or changes in underground water levels. These can be dangerous, damaging homes, roads, and infrastructure without warning.

The bill directs the Geological Survey to study what causes sinkholes to form, including things like extreme storms, droughts, overuse of groundwater, and changes in how water is managed in different regions. Using this research, they'll create maps that show which zones face the highest risk. The agency will review and update these maps at least every five years to keep the information current as conditions change. They'll also put all this information on a public website so that city planners, emergency managers, and the public can access it and use it to prepare for potential sinkhole risks in their areas.

The bill sets aside $40 million per year for five years to fund this mapping program. This money would pay for the research, data collection, map creation, and website maintenance. The practical benefit is that communities in sinkhole-prone areas—particularly in states like Florida where sinkholes are common—would have better information to help them plan development, prepare emergency responses, and potentially warn residents about risks in their neighborhoods. Homeowners and businesses in vulnerable areas could use this information to make more informed decisions about property purchases or improvements.

Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2023

Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2023 This bill directs the United States Geological Survey (USGS)&nbsp;to establish a program to <ul> <li>study the short-term and long-term mechanisms that cause sinkholes, including extreme storm events, prolonged droughts causing shifts in water management practices, aquifer depletion, and other major changes in water use; and </li> <li>develop maps depicting the zones that are at greater risk of forming sinkholes. </li></ul> The USGS&nbsp;must establish a public website that displays such maps and other relevant information critical for use by community planners and emergency managers.