U.S. policymakers used to believe that relocating entire flood-prone communities away from vulnerable areas was too extreme a measure. That view is changing.
There is a growing acceptance that rebuilding over and over after successive floods makes little sense. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently detailed a new program that will be funded in the billions of dollars to pay for large-scale relocation nationwide.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development has started a similar program, which followed a decision by the Army Corps of Engineers to prompt local officials to force people out of their at-risk homes or forfeit federal funds for flood-protection projects.
State governments are making similar moves. New Jersey has bought and torn down 700 flood-prone homes and made offers on hundreds more. California has told local governments to begin planning for relocation of homes away from the coast. North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas have said they want to use federal money to fund the purchasing and demolishing of homes exposed to storms.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 30, 2018
Best solution to prevent California wildfire disasters: Stop building in places likely to burn
Approach would be unpopular as people attracted to stunning wooded landscapes.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2018
USGBC and BRE form partnership
Two green standards groups will collaborate on standards, platforms, and research.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2018
Parking garages in N.Y. State will have to be inspected every three years
Professional engineer must assess conditions.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2018
To build water-efficient cities, water managers and urban planners must coordinate better
Lack of time and resources, and practitioners not in habit of working together hamper efforts.
Codes and Standards | Nov 27, 2018
AAMA updates specification for roller assemblies in sliding doors, and lift and slide doors
Last update was in 2015.
Codes and Standards | Nov 26, 2018
All LEED-certified buildings eligible for LEED recertification
Projects must submit 12 months of data demonstrating continued or improved performance.
Codes and Standards | Nov 20, 2018
OSHA publishes updates to crane operator certification requirements
Long-delayed rules accept certifications by type or type and capacity.
Codes and Standards | Nov 19, 2018
Guide offers understanding of elements that create successful multi-floor communal spaces
CTBUH technical document analyzes how to approach tall urban habitat.
Codes and Standards | Nov 16, 2018
2018 International Green Construction Code released
Updated version helps governments streamline code development and adoption.
Codes and Standards | Nov 15, 2018
New versions of DOE’s EnergyPlus engine and the OpenStudio software development kit released
New offerings resolve over 70 bugs and offer new features.