The federal government is giving local officials nationwide an ultimatum: Either use eminent domain to force people out of flood-prone homes, or forfeit the chance for federal money to combat climate change.
This move is an effort by the Army Corps of Engineers to protect people from disasters. Officials from the Florida Keys to the New Jersey coast, including Miami, Charleston, S.C., and Selma, Ala., are facing this choice.
Local governments seeking federal money to help people leave flood zones must first agree to oust people who refuse to move. Some local governments have told the Corps they will do so if necessary, while others have yet to decide.
The Corps protects Americans from flooding and coastal storms by building sea walls, levees and other protective structures, and by elevating homes. The Corps typically pays two-thirds of the cost, with local government paying the rest.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 19, 2021
Massive infrastructure bill includes hundreds of millions for building energy efficiency
Funds allotted for updated code implementation, construction technology, K-12 efficiency programs.
Codes and Standards | Aug 18, 2021
Fannie Mae green bonds program could be greenwashing
Analysis shows significant number of green bond properties become less efficient.
Codes and Standards | Aug 17, 2021
Three Texas cities head list of most environmentally vulnerable
Hazard analysis includes natural disasters and government response categories.
Codes and Standards | Aug 16, 2021
Bill would reform New York’s public contracting process
Council on Public Contracting Reform to have contractor representation.
Codes and Standards | Aug 12, 2021
AGC pushes for more environmentally friendly construction
Contractor trade group supports government investment, tax incentives to reduce carbon footprints.
Codes and Standards | Aug 11, 2021
Decentralized approach to codes means emissions reduction responsibility falls on local officials
Efficiency advocates focusing more on local code amendments.
Codes and Standards | Aug 10, 2021
Dept. of Energy issues model energy code determinations for commercial, residential buildings
2021 IECC offers 9.4% site energy savings.
Digital Twin | Aug 9, 2021
Digital Twin Maturity white paper offers guidance on digital twin adoption
Provides lifecycle map and an approach for incorporating digital twins.
Codes and Standards | Aug 5, 2021
Contractors can be liable for building failures many years after project completion
Personal injury suits could be brought decades after substantial completion.
Codes and Standards | Aug 4, 2021
Mass timber is a natural choice for building recycling through deconstruction
Designing wood buildings to optimize recovery of materials for disassembly aids carbon sequestration.
