Calling for a New Approach to Flood Mitigation

The American Planning Association was one of 14 national organizations to sign a letter of support for S.1507, which would partner states and the federal government in providing low-interest loans for stormwater infrastructure projects.

March 28, 2018, 9am PDT | James Brasuell | @CasualBrasuell

Chuck Simmins

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A post on the APA website shares the news:

Last week, APA was one of 14 national organizations on a joint letter to Congress supporting the creation of the State Flood Mitigation Revolving Fund. The legislation, S.1507, led by Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), and Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), would create a new partnership with states to provide low-interest loans for projects that save lives and dollars.

The letter, signed by organizations like The Pew Charitable Trusts, Union of Concerned Scientists, and the National Resources Defense Council, makes the case for the value of flood mitigation.

According to a 2018 report by the National Institute of Building Sciences, for every dollar spent on hazard mitigation, the nation saves $6. In the case of riverine flood, projects involving acquisition or demolition of flood-prone buildings save $7 for every dollar invested.

Despite findings like these, according to the letter, "the federal approach to flood disasters continues to focus on response and recovery while underinvesting in preparation."

Full Story:

APA and Partners Call on Congress to Improve Flood Mitigation Efforts

Published on Monday, March 26, 2018 in American Planning Association