Several factors are contributing to increased vulnerability to flooding in urban areas, according to The Growing Threat of Urban Flooding: A National Challenge, a new report by the University of Maryland and Texas A&M University.
As the nation experiences more intense rainfall events, many cities have inadequate infrastructure to cope, the report says. Adding to the problem has been rapid suburban and urban land development that has increased the amount of stormwater runoff.
With multiple government agencies at all levels having some responsibility for these issues, there is lack of collaboration and coordination needed to address technical and political challenges. For example, information on how property owners can reduce their flood risk is not accessible or well-articulated.
In addition, a significant number of areas vulnerable to urban flooding are not identified by FEMA National Flood Insurance Program maps. The reports’ authors made a series of recommendations including that Congress assign one federal agency to provide interim oversight of federal support of urban flood mitigation activities.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 29, 2018
Contractors have paid $5.2 million for failing local resident employee mandate on Detroit arena
Companies were only able to meet half of the 51% local worker requirement over course of the project.
Codes and Standards | Mar 28, 2018
Washington State moving to promote mass timber construction with legislation
Bill would require all 12-story or less public buildings to be built with mass timber.
Codes and Standards | Mar 27, 2018
Los Angeles appoints its first chief design officer
Responsibility for enhancing civic architecture and urban design.
Codes and Standards | Mar 26, 2018
National Roofing Contractors Assn., releases updates to its Roof Wind Designer app
Significant changes to online wind-load calculator.
Codes and Standards | Mar 22, 2018
Global construction waste to almost double by 2025
Concerns in Houston, Minnesota over environmental impacts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 21, 2018
Cape Town, South Africa’s dire water supply crisis raises concerns in the U.S.
Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and Miami among cities at risk for water shortages.
Codes and Standards | Mar 20, 2018
Report shows how LEED certification supports net zero energy
Whole-building energy simulation, ASHRAE compliance requirement are key factors.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2018
Energy efficiency measures contributing to flat demand for power
Utilities having difficulty adjusting to new business environment.
Codes and Standards | Mar 14, 2018
New parking lighting technology is paying off, Energy Dept. says
Newer products can cut energy costs by as much as 70%.
Codes and Standards | Mar 13, 2018
OSHA delays enforcement of beryllium exposure rule
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) voted to delay new beryllium exposure rules until May 11.
