Environmental and planning groups have petitioned the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to update flood maps, set tougher standards for floodplain construction, and prepare for climate change.
The groups noted that the National Flood Insurance Program, managed by FEMA, has paid more than $69 billion in flood insurance claims since 1973, with half of that total disbursed in the last dozen years. The spike in claims is part of the reason the insurance program is more than $20 billion in debt, the petition says.
Development continues on floodplains, while areas at risk of inundation expand due to sea level rise, the petition says. The problem is particularly in acute in Louisiana, Texas, and in coastal regions of the Northeast.
The group also asks for more help for homeowners seeking to cut flood risks, and for FEMA to require all new or substantially improved buildings in floodplains to be raised above the 100-year flood level.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2019
Portland delays requirement for posted warnings on unreinforced brick and stone buildings
Regulation would mandate signs warning that buildings could be unsafe during earthquakes.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2019
California will allow flame retardant-free building insulation
State also repeals business furniture flammability standard.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2019
Sixty six construction companies cited for wage theft violations in Massachusetts
Penalties total $2.7 million.
Codes and Standards | Mar 5, 2019
Persistent flooding having economic impact on coastal cities
Atlantic City, Annapolis among communities affected.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2019
$1 billion Boston hospital project to include extensive disaster resiliency features
Mass. General expansion will be designed for four days of shelter in place.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2019
U.S. cities have become more dangerous for bicyclists and pedestrians
Reduced speed limits, traffic calming, better education seen as keys to improvement.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2019
High-income renters now the fastest-growing housing market segment
Growth is fastest in mid-sized cities with strong economies.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2019
Katerra launches software platform for ‘entire lifecycle of the building process’
Firm is accepting industry applicants to test the product.
Codes and Standards | Feb 26, 2019
AAMA updates two specifications for test methods related to seismic drift
For evaluating window wall, curtain wall and storefront systems.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2019
California’s carbon reduction goals to be aided by programs to convert heating, hot water systems
Switch from propane to electricity is critical to plan.
