Analysis of federal data by the New York Times found that FEMA’s public assistance program has paid for many rebuild-in-place projects that leave the structures just as defenseless against future storms.
One example is the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center, a new $105 million jail, in Louisiana that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Although the building now hovers 19 feet above a marsh perched atop concrete pillars, it must be evacuated before any major storm because it was rebuilt on flood-prone land that could become essentially an island after a flood.
Rather than relocate damaged structures to higher ground, local officials often choose to replicate the past, ignoring new climate realities, theTimes report says. The federal government has actually taken steps back from requirements that could prompt rebuilding projects to beef up resiliency.
President Trump last year rescinded an executive order signed by President Barack Obama that required consideration of climate science in the design of federally funded projects. That could have forced some buildings to be elevated higher. In March, FEMA released a four-year strategic plan that removed previous mentions of climate change and sea-level rise.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 7, 2020
More energy efficiency programs are encouraging zero-energy projects
At least 20 programs for new construction, major renovations emerge.
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2020
LEED, GBCI rating systems spur resilience-enhancing strategies
Expanded programs, resources address impact of climate change.
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2020
International Code Council to hold inaugural online education event
Week-long ICC Learn Live will include panel conversations, keynotes, and breakout sessions around key topics in building safety.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2020
Guides addressing fenestration anchorage updated
First update to decade-old technical documents released.
Codes and Standards | Oct 1, 2020
Deadline extension for LEED 2009 project certifications
Delivery timeline delays due to COVID-19 pandemic prompt action.
Codes and Standards | Sep 29, 2020
New drinking water standard criteria further restricts lead leaching in plumbing products
Tightened standard applies to endpoint devices that dispense drinking water, and other plumbing components
Codes and Standards | Sep 29, 2020
Groups sue CDC over eviction moratorium
Natl. Apartment Assn. and New Civil Liberties Alliance want hearing by October.
Codes and Standards | Sep 24, 2020
Benefits of building enclosure commissioning include reduced costs
Savings achieved in less rework and fewer and shorter punch lists.
Codes and Standards | Sep 23, 2020
Intl. Code Council aims to stay ahead of new tech, efficiency trends, and resiliency
Passive survivability, social resiliency, and community health among the goals.
Codes and Standards | Sep 22, 2020
Air cleaners, chemical and UV treatments among tools to safeguard indoor air amid pandemic
Strategies augment social distancing, increased air flow to combat COVID-19 spread.