flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Petition urges FEMA to update flood maps, set tougher standards for floodplain construction

Codes and Standards

Petition urges FEMA to update flood maps, set tougher standards for floodplain construction

Environmental and planning groups note soaring claims, flood insurance debt.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | January 14, 2021

Courtesy Pixabay

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 | Nov 15, 2017

NBI stretch code a tool for accelerating efficiency standards

It provides a strategy to leapfrog minimum code requirements.

Codes and Standards | Nov 14, 2017

California bill would require purchase of low-carbon construction products

Contractors would have to source products based on greenhouse gas impact, not price, on state projects.

Codes and Standards | Nov 13, 2017

New AIA contract document for facility support services released

Updated form intended to be used with owner-architect agreements.

Codes and Standards | Nov 9, 2017

NIBS, NBI issue guidance document to help communities achieve energy goals

Outcome-based codes compliance path looks at building’s actual performance.

Codes and Standards | Nov 7, 2017

Underwriters Laboratories launches wellness certification

First certification program that verifies products’ compliance with the WELL Building Standard.

Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2017

Registration now open for Canada’s first Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) program

Standard is designed to be applicable across many types of new and existing buildings.

Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2017

AIA releases new architect commissioning document

It will be used with the standard form for owner/consultant contracts.

Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2017

ASHRAE releases new version of Thermal Comfort Standard

Update includes calculations from direct solar radiation.

Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2017

Drone users can now get instant authorization from FAA

Skyward offers app to receive permission for low altitude flights.

Codes and Standards | Oct 31, 2017

Real estate giant launches global tenant health and wellness certification initiative

Tishman Speyer will use Fitwel health certification system to guide building improvements.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021