About 25% of all critical infrastructure in the U.S. is at risk of failure due to flooding, according to a new report by the First Street Foundation, a nonprofit research and technology group.
Nearly 2 million miles of road—roughly 23% of US roadways—are at risk of becoming impassable due to flooding, the report also found. Researchers examined five categories of infrastructure in the contiguous U.S., including the District of Columbia: Critical infrastructure; social infrastructure, including museums, government buildings and schools; roads; commercial properties; and residential properties.
Researchers examined estimates of operational flood risk from government agencies to determine the amount of flooding it would take to knock different types of facilities or services offline. They then overlaid the kinds of flood events that can be expected in an area at least once every two years.
Louisiana is home to six of the top 20 most at-risk counties in the country, making it the most vulnerable state. Though many coastal areas in other states are threatened, flood risk is also a threat in inland states. Areas such as McDowell County in West Virginia and Johnson County in Kentucky are among the most at-risk because of the growing threat of heavy rain.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
LEED residential market up 19% since 2017
The U.S. Green Building Council says that the LEED residential market has grown 19% since 2017. Nearly 500,000 single family, multifamily, and affordable housing units have been certified globally.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Slower speed limits in urban areas offer multiple benefits
Improved safety, better adoption of electric scooters and autonomous vehicles are possible if drivers ease off the accelerator.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Renewables creating significant savings for commercial and public facilities
Payback ranges from five to 15 years.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Oregon rescinds tsunami-zone construction ban
Other states have no ban, but have strengthened building codes for tidal wave resilience.
Urban Planning | Aug 27, 2019
Pop-up parks revitalize empty lots
Pop-up parks that provide instant open areas for public use and programming can revitalize under-utilized spaces and add vibrancy to neighborhoods.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
Texas flood prevention initiative would create nation’s most ambitious barrier system
Plan including sand dunes and mechanical barriers would cost as much as $32 billion.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
Multimedia app identifies construction hazards
Researchers say program will reduce injuries, save lives.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
Cities take action to keep cool as climate heats up
Initiatives include cool streets, cool roofs, and broader urban tree canopy.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
5G expected to give a boost to construction technology
Virtual reality, Internet of Things, robotics, and drones will all benefit from enhanced data flows.
Codes and Standards | Aug 15, 2019
New edition of Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete available
American Concrete Institute document includes major technical changes.
