Louisiana officials are revising the master plan for combating flooding and storm surge damage and have abandoned the projection of no net loss of land by 2035.
The new master plan, to be released in 2017, is more pessimistic than the 2012 version. State officials had thought they could stabilize land loss in the next 20 years, and then be able to add land to the coast. They now say it would take much longer to break even, and that goal may be unrealistic.
New research shows that the rates of land loss and sea level rise rise will be far greater during the last 20 years of the 50-year plan than during the first two decades. Thus, the 2017 master plan, and any work done in the next 20 years is extremely urgent.
Officials will soon announce a list of as many as 200 projects that they will include in the 2017 plan. The plan will include initiatives to build wetlands and land, build and raise levee systems across the state, and raise or relocate homes and businesses still threatened by surges and sea level rise.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 19, 2021
Pittsburgh enacts first-in-the-nation “Dark Sky Lighting” law
Applies to all city parks, facilities, and streetlights.
Codes and Standards | Oct 15, 2021
New Calif. law mandates use of lead-free plumbing fixtures
Must meet NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-2020 in 2023.
Codes and Standards | Oct 14, 2021
Building industry leaders urge governments to boost emissions reductions targets
Scores of large AEC firms and organizations sign letter to UN’s COP 26 group.
Codes and Standards | Oct 13, 2021
FEMA’s new flood insurance plan will sharply raise insurance costs for seaside properties
Risk Rating 2.0 will have more accurate assessment of flood risk.
Codes and Standards | Oct 12, 2021
Three new laws expected to spur more affordable housing in California
Trio of measures could aid carbon reduction in built environment.
Codes and Standards | Oct 11, 2021
New program to promote mass timber construction launched in Boston
City’s planning and development agency to award grants for projects in early-stage planning.
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2021
Intl. Code Council publishes EV and building codes resource
Assists communities in setting policies for electric vehicle charging requirements.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2021
Feds award $1 billion to renovate health centers
Funds will modernize existing infrastructure and cover other COVID-19-related capital needs.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2021
Boston City Council approves mandate for major emissions cuts for large buildings
Applies to buildings 20,000 sf or larger—about 4% of city’s buildings.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2021
HPD Collaborative and Green Seal to align standards
Will result in expanded options for manufacturers to enhance sustainability reporting and certifications.
